741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339-1551

(860) 464-3203

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Town Council

council@ledyardct.org

Meeting Minutes

Chairman Kevin J.

Dombrowski

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

7:00 PM

Town Hall Council Chambers

In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex

Remote: Information noted below:

Join Zoom Meeting from your Computer, Smart Phone or Tablet:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86112422048?

pwd=anowMDNOTCswbVNzNzBRMEJQT2hvQT09

Or by Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 861 1242 2048; Passcode:

882460

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Dombrowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers, Town Hall

Annex Building.

Chairman Dombrowski welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. He stated for the members of

the Town Council and the Public who were participating via video conference that the

remote meeting information was available on the Agenda that was posted on the Town’s

Website - Granicus-Legistar Meeting Portal.

II.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

III.

Chairman Kevin Dombrowski

Councilor Bill Saums

Present:

Councilor Andra Ingalls

Councilor Gary Paul

Councilor John Marshall

Councilor Mary K. McGrattan

Councilor S. Naomi Rodriguez

Councilor Whit Irwin

Councilor Tim Ryan

Excused:

IV.

PRESENTATIONS

First Responders - Abandoned Well Rescue - November 3, 2022

Chairman Dombrowski presented the following Town of Ledyard Proclamation

TOWN OF LEDYARD

PROCLAMATION

Ledyard Town Council

Recognizes

Ledyard Emergency 911 Dispatch Communications

Ledyard Center Fire Company District #1

Gales Ferry Fire Company District #2

United States Submarine Base Fire Department

American Ambulance

On November 3, 2022 at 1856 hours, the Ledyard and Gales Ferry Fire Departments

were dispatched to

28 Arrowhead Drive, Ledyard, for the report of a male, who had fallen down a

30-foot abandon well.

Ledyard Center Fire Chief Jon Mann established command, confirmed that a male

was 30-feet down an abandoned well and was submerged in waist deep water. At

that time he requested the United States Submarine Base Fire Department Rope

Rescue/Confined Space Team assist, and they arrived on scene at 1928 hours.

While establishing a Safety Plan for all who were on-site, and not to disturb the well

area, and to prevent falls down an embankment, Ledyard’s crews established verbal

communications with the patient, lowered a light, blanket, ladder safety belt, hard

helmet, and rope to keep the gentlemen secure if he were to become unconscious.

American Ambulance Crew began developing their plan for treatment of the patient

who was showing signs of hyperthermia.

The Submarine Base Rescue Team immediately assembled a rope rescue pulley

and a hauling system used to conduct low angle rescues. From the time of initial

Emergency 9-1-1Call to having a rescuer ready to be lowered into the well was about

one hour.

Sub-Base Rescue Firefighter Tyler Zani was lower into the well with equipment to

tie the patient off to himself. In less than four minutes both the patient and the

rescuer were safely pulled from the abandon well without any additional injuries.

American Ambulance Crew immediately began administering patient care and

treatment for hypothermia.

The Total Time from the initial Emergency 9-1-1Call to the patient being safely

rescued from the well was just over an hour.

All Emergency Personnel that were on scene are commended for their heroic actions

that night, and for the safe rescue of one of our town residents.

The Townspeople of this Community are extremely grateful to our dedicated

neighbors who choose to serve as our Emergency First Responders, often times

giving up time with their family to save members of our families. And for that we

Thank You!

Chairman Dombrowski also presented the following individuals with Proclamations

for their involvement in the November 3, 2022 Abandoned Well Rescue

Emergency 9-1-1 Communication Dispatchers:

Steve Whaley and Margaret Allen

Ledyard Center Fire Company District #1:

Chief Jon Mann, Captain Max Medas, Lieutenant Kevin DiFilippo, Chief Engineer

Chad Johnson and Firefighters Carl Willis, Mitch Pavao, Aiden Greeley, Dan Suitor,

Edwards Ives, Jr. Kyle Fitzsimons, Chris Gately, and Cadet Bryce Johnson.

Gales Ferry Fire Company District #2

Chief Tony Saccone, Lieutenant Stephen Weiss, Firefighters Terry Ault, Lisa

Hirschfeld, Lavon Johnson, Anthony Gervasi, Scott Blais, Jeff Post, Anthony

Mancini.

Fire Police

Captain Elliot Gray, Van Pavo, Sandy Gray

United States Submarine Base Fire Department:

Captain John Dwire, Firefighters Kyle Chapman, Nick Brown, Clarke Johnson, Tyler

Zani (Rescuer who went into the abandoned well).

American Ambulance Crew:

Paramedic Timothy Meredith, Emergency Medical Technician Lucas Wrobel

Ledyard Police Department:

Sergeant William Beeler and Officer First Class Kyle Long

State Senator Cathy Osten presented the First Responders noted above a General Assembly

Citation that she along with Representative Mike France, and Representative Christine Conly,

introduced as follows:

Your actions during the rescue of a man from a well on November 3, 2022 kindly intervention by

yourself and other area first responders, contributed to ensuring this story had a happy ending.

Your time and dedication to keeping our community safe do you credit.

Thank you for your service.

Senator Osten noted the General Assembly Citation was signed by the Senate President Martin

Looney, Speaker of the House Matt Ridder, and Secretary of the State Mark Kohler.

Mayor Allyn, III, thanked everyone who responded to the November 3, 2022 call on Arrowhead

Drive and for the work they did to rescue the man who had fallen into a 30-foot abandoned well.

He stated he receives all of the 911 Emergency Calls, and he stated when you see an incident

such as this one that it was horrifying, because all you know was that a man has fallen down a

well and you do not know the status of him at that time. He stated prior to tonight’s meeting he

was attending an event at the United States Subbase. He stated when he explained to Captain

Curtain that he had to leave early to attend the Recognition of the First Responders who rescued

the man who had fallen into an abandoned well they discussed how critical it was that when an

incident occurred, it did not matter where it was, the people from the Emergency Services come

out, and rank does not matter. All that mattered was “let’s get the situation under control”,

whether it was the big fire in downtown Mystic, or whether it was to rescue the gentleman that

fell into the abandoned well. He commended all of their first responders, the time that they give

up and how they come together as a team. Mayor Allyn concluded his remarks by sincerely

thanking all of the Emergency First Responders.

RESIDENT & PROPERTY OWNERS (COMMENTS LIMITED TO THREE (3)

MINUTES

Mr. Dave Holdridge, 29 Churchill Road, Ledyard, Conservation Commission Member,

stated he was present this evening to speak in-favor of an item on tonight’s agenda, which

was to send a letter to the Groton Utilities Commission reiterating the Town’s position to

support the access to public trails on the Groton Reservoir property.

Mr. Holdridge addressed the following two questions:

(1) Why now?

Mr. Holdridge stated in 2012 the Town Council and other Ledyard Public Officials sent

a letter to Mayor Galbraith to support public access and the construction of a

recreational trail through the Groton Reservoir property. However, he stated to date

there has not been much reaction from Groton Utilities.

Mr. Holdridge explained that there has been some turnover in the Groton Utilities

Commission; and due to some retirements a change in staff. He stated the Groton

Utilities Commission has stated that would reconsider public trails on the Groton

Reservoir property, noting they have asked a consultant to provide a Report regarding

the pros and cons. He stated the Report would be delivered to the Groton Utilities

Commission next week and the Commission would be considering the mater at their

first meeting in January, 2023. Therefore, he stated this may be a good opportunity for

Ledyard to restate their position supporting public access to the reservoir property

allowing for the completion of the construction of the trail that would run through the

reservoir.

Mr. Holdridge stated Ledyard has a huge, beautiful piece of open space in the middle of

town which had pristine lakes and forest that the public cannot access. He stated the

reason public trails and access was not allowed was because Groton Utilities have said

that they wanted to protect clean water; which he believed to be a myth.

Mr. Holdridge continued by addressing concerns that the former the Utilities

Commission members raised regarding the safety of the public water supply. He stated

recently the Tri-Town Trail Association held a Panel Discussion noting that one of the

Panelists was a person who worked for the State Health Department and has been

conducting water tests of all the reservoirs and water supplies throughout the State of

Connecticut. He stated during the discussion a person from the audience asked the

Panelist how many times she has found a connection between recreational activity and

contaminated water. He stated the Panelist stated that during the 20-years she has been

conducting water tests that she has never found the water to be contaminated by the

recreational use of reservoir properties, and she explained that the filtration systems

were good.

(2) Why would the Town Council write the letter, rather than individuals?

Mr. Holdridge stated as the elected officials the Town Council represented the people

of the Ledyard. He stated although the Tri-Trail Association attends the Groton

Utilities Commission meetings that they were viewed as a Special Interest Group.

Therefore, he stated a letter from the Town Council restating their long-standing

position to support public access to recreational trails thru the Groton Reservoir would

be more powerful, than just hearing from the Tri-Town Trail Association or from

individuals.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

None.

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

Councilor Marshall stated he attended the Ledyard High School Honor Society Ceremony

and he noted that he was moved when the Students stood-up and recognized the Educators

that inspired them; and commented on what a great gift that was both given and received at

that moment. He also commented on the High School Choir noting that they were fantastic.

Councilor Marshall continued by addressing the November 8, 2022 Mid-Term Election at

which time Ledyard’s voters approved the sale of recreational marijuana in town. He stated

the town was divided on this issue, noting that the question passed by a very slim margin as

follows: In-Favor: 2,965; Opposed: 2,688. He stated the Social Equity Council was a group

that decided who and where recreational marijuana could be sold. He stated the Social Equity

Council provided a map of the areas that were disproportionately affected by crime,

marijuana, and drugs which included Taftville, Norwich, New London, and parts of Groton,

noting that Ledyard was not affected by the use of marijuana. He stated Ledyard was not in

the target area for a marijuana dispensary, noting that Montville was currently selling

medical grade marijuana and would begin selling recreational marijuana in January, 2023.

He stated the initial investment for a business to obtain a license and inventory to sell

recreational marijuana was about $6 million. He stated he did not foresee a recreational

marijuana business opening in Ledyard when there would be stores only a few miles away in

a neighboring town. Therefore, he stated he thought Ledyard would be safe for a while.

Councilor Ingalls made a personal comment of gratitude to her fellow Town Councilors

Mayor Allyn, III, and Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher for their support over the

past month with the deaths in her family. She thanked Councilors Irwin and McGrattan for

stepping-in and taking on the work of the Administration Committee; and Councilors Saums

and Ryan for their work on the Finance Committee. She stated she received condolences

from both the group and from each one personally and that their messages meant a lot to her.

She suggested to residents that they leave a Will, and that they do it for their family. She

urged former military residents to include their Military Separation Papers (EDU-214) in

their Estate papers. She stated her brother did not leave a Will and he did not have a hard

copy of his Military Separation Papers, which complicated things for the family. She asked

that everyone do their loved ones a favor and get these documents in-order.

Councilor Saums stated the Ledyard High School Choir would be performing on December

16 & 17, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. He stated Saturday night they would be celebrating Ledyard’s

Fifty Years of Carolers. He stated tickets can be purchased on-line at Ledyard Music.

Councilor Saums continued by recognizing the passing of Mary Marsh Littman. He noted

Ms. Littman was a lifelong resident, stating that she was a selfless person, working her entire

life as a volunteer serving others. He stated a service will be held for Ms. Littman at the

Ledyard Congregational Church on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. noting that

she was a wonderful soul.

Councilor Rodriguez recognized one of Ledyard’s longest tenured public servants Registrar

Mrs. Hazel Gorman, who will be retiring at the end of December, 2022 after four decades of

service to our town. She stated in Connecticut each town elects one Democratic and one

Republican Registrar, who both work together to make sure the town’s elections run

smoothly and that anyone who needed election assistance received it. She stated Mrs.

Gorman’s tireless and steady work over the decades made her a fixture in Town Hall. Her

experience, wisdom and exemplary customer service helped Ledyard’s elections run

smoothly. Mrs. Gorman has been a model public servant and her devotion to democracy at

the local level was one that we should all aspire to follow. Councilor Rodriguez stated that

Mrs. Gorman would be sorely missed and that she wished her a very happy and well earned

retirement. Thank you, Hazel!

Councilor Paul stated that as we enter into the holiday season that the wanted to remind

everyone that 988 was the new Suicide Prevention Crisis Center. He also stated if residents

or someone they know needed assistance with heating fuel, food, or other services that they

should contact Social Services Coordinator Kristen Chapman at the Town Hall (860)

464-3222; or the Ledyard Clothing Exchange located at the Gales Ferry Baptist Church,

noting there were a lot of people and resources available to help.

Chairman Dombrowski whished everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season and he

reminded residents not to drink and drive.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the following Town Council Minutes:

Special Meeting Minutes of November 9, 2022

Public Hearing Minutes of November 9, 2022

Regular Meeting Minutes of November 9, 2022

Special Meeting Minutes of November 16, 2022

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Rodriguez

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

S. Naomi Rodriguez

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez,

and Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

COMMUNICATIONS LISTING FOR DECEMBER 14, 2022

Chairman Dombrowski stated a Communications List has been provided and he noted the

referrals listed.

REFERALS

XI.

COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS

Administration Committee

Councilor Ingalls stated the Administration Committee met earlier this evening and had a

number of items on tonight’s Agenda. She stated the Committee also addressed a proposal to

merge the Parks & Recreation Commission with the Senior Citizens Commission. She stated as

the Committee works on an Ordinance to combine the two entities and that they would be

soliciting comments from the Senior Citizens Commission.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee

Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee met on November 16, 2022 and

received a presentation from Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin regarding the

many things the Public Works Department does. He stated Mr. Masalin’s presentation was

awesome noting it covered everything from mailboxes, snow plowing, tree trimming, road

maintenance and paving, etc. He stated the only regret was that the hybrid meeting was not well

attended by the residents, noting that it was advertised with posters in Town Hall and around

town, it was posted on the town’s meeting portal and social media site as well as on Town

Councilors facebook pages. He stated the video was available on the town’s home page under

the Public Works Department tab and also on the meeting portal at:

<http://ledyardct.granicus.com/player/clip/192?

view_id=1&redirect=true&h=bd23ab972a0e24b535507656ebf47292>

Councilor Paul went on to state the Community Relations Committee also discussed the

following: (1) Land Use Process - Councilor Paul stated the Committee would be working with

the Land Use Departments to assist them facilitate a presentation to help residents understand the

complexities of the Land Use processes relative to the approval of applications, the regulatory

process and the Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD), etc. He stated the Committee

planned to schedule a Land Use Process presentation after the first of the year; (2) Black History

Month Program - Councilor Paul stated the Black History Month Program would be similar to last

year noting that there would be an Essay Contest for the Middle School and High School Students

and a Poster Contest for the Elementary School Students. He went on to note that the Committee was

also exploring a short ceremony in town as well.

RESULT:

Finance Committee

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee met on December 7, 2022 and he noted in

addition to the items on tonight’s Agenda the Committee also discussed the following: (1)

Annual Audit Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2022 - The Finance Director Matthew Bonin

reported the Annual Audit was complete and ended the year with a $43,375 Budget Overrun.

Councilor Saums stated the budget overrun was the first in recent memory and was due to

$862,000 short-fall in anticipated retired Board of Education Employees that was not caught

when the Healthcare expenses were budgeted during the budget preparation. Steps were

being taken to prevent this oversight from reoccurring. He stated to end the year with only a

$43,375 despite the $862,000 shortfall in healthcare costs, was attributed to the incredible

work of all the Departments. Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee agreed to

receive the Final Annual Report from CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP at their January 18, 2023

meeting. He stated everyone interested in the Annual Report should attend the meeting, if

possible; (2) Year-End Budget Transfers - Councilor Saums explained the town previously

transferred funds from underspent to overspent accounts at the end of each fiscal year to

make all the accounts whole. However, he stated based on Finance Director Matthew

Bonin’s recommendation the Finance Committee agreed for the General Government to stop

making year-end budget transfers. He stated that Mr. Bonin explained that by not making the

year-end transfers that Department Heads and the Finance Department would have a clearer

picture on the actual expenses; (3) Projected Healthcare Costs - Councilor Saums stated the

Healthcare Costs for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2023/2024 were currently estimated to

increase between 9 % - 12% which would equate to more than $500,000 annually. Therefore,

he stated Staff and the Finance Committee would be carefully looking at healthcare costs and

other healthcare options.

Councilor Ingalls noted that Finance Director Matthew Bonin has been working with the

Bank to move some town funds that were in savings accounts to accounts of higher rates of

return. She stated in doing so that Ledyard’s interest earnings for the month of October was

$32,000; noting the town’s interest earnings for total prior year were $43,000. Councilor

Saums stated by moving the funds to a higher interest earning account the town would earn

nearly $300,000 of additional interest earnings as a result of Mr. Bonin’s efforts. He

explained that the reason the town did not move these funds earlier was because the interest

rates were nearly zero. However, he stated recently the Fed’s have been raising the interest

rates and that Mr. Bonin was able to have the Bank agree to move the town’s funds to the

higher interest earning accounts.

RESULT:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

Councilor Paul stated the LUPPW Committee met on December 5, 2022 and he noted the

Committee had a couple of items on tonight’s agenda.

RESULT:

Water Pollution Control Authority

Councilor Saums stated although he was not able to attend the WPCA’s November 22, 2022 that

he wanted to note, as he previously reported at the Town Council’s October 26, 2022 meeting,

that because Local Transportation Capital Improvement Projects (LOTCIP) Grant Funding was

being used to construct the Multi-Model Pathway the State Historic Preservation Office was

requiring an Archeological Study along the route of the Ledyard Center Sewer Line Extension to

the High School be conducted.

FORWARDED WITHOUT RECOMMENDATION

RESULT:

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

XII.

Mayor Allyn, III, reported on the following: (1) Higher Interest Earnings - Mayor Allyn noted as

Councilors Saums and Ingalls mentioned earlier this evening, Finance Director Matthew Bonin

asked Dime Bank to match the interest rate of the Short-Term State Investment Fund (STIF). He

stated Dime Bank agreed to match the STIF Interest Rate, and he explained because it was tied

to a short-term interest rate, and the Feds’ just increased the interest rate another .50 points that

the interest rate would again go up. He stated the interest income on the Town’s Capital

Improvement Funds Account would now substantially grow. He stated previously, the interest

rates were negligible; and therefore, it did not change anything at that time. However, he stated

had Mr. Bonin not worked with Dime Bank at this time, the funds would only be earning 0.02%

of interest on the Capital Funds: (2) Olde Mystic Fire - Mayor Allyn thanked the Ledyard and

Gales Ferry Fire Departments for their mutual support at the massive fire that occurred during

the Thanksgiving weekend in Olde Mystic. He stated more than one-hundred firefighters

responded to the fire. He stated had the wind changed direction and come off the water the fire

would have burned Mystic all the way to the Flagpole. He stated the Gales Ferry Pumper-Tanker

pumped 250,000 gallons of water out of the Mystic River that night, not to mention the water

and resources that came from all the other Fire Departments. He noted with one-hundred

firefighters you could imagine the amount of equipment and assets that were on site and working

to put the fire out. He stated two buildings were lost during the fire and he stated emergency

services once again came together; noting they could have lost a block or more of structures that

night; (3) GovDeals Sales - Mayor Allyn stated as a result of the most recent GovDeals.com

on-line auction site the town sold the following surplus equipment: Catch Basin Cleaner for

$48,500; and a Small Public Works Truck for $7,000. He stated since the town began using

GovDeals they have had a few international sales noting with this round of auctions the

Catch Basin cleaner was purchased by Chihuahua, Mexico, noting that they sent a person up

to drive the piece of equipment back to Mexico; (4) Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget

Preparation - Mayor Allyn stated on December 8, 2022 ClearGov was opened for

Department Heads to begin in-putting their proposed budgets for the upcoming year. He

stated in accordance with the Town Charter the budget was due to the Town Council on the

first Monday in March; which would be March 6, 2023; (5) Vo-Agri Science Showcase

-December 6, 2022 - Mayor Allyn stated he attended the event noting it was an incredible

experience. He stated the students were devoted to their projects that ranged from goats,

sheep, and beef cows which were sponsored by the Ledyard Rotary to provide beef for the

Linda C. Davis Food Pantry. He also noted the Vo-Agri Science Program included

Pre-Veterinarian, Hydroponics, Vertical Gardening, and Aquaculture, etc. He stated the

Ledyard Vo-Agri Science Program was doing tremendous things; (6) Advanced CT - DECD

Workshop on Economic Development - December 7, 2022 - Mayor Allyn stated the

workshop was focused on helping municipalities throughout the State garner the interest of

large corporations to come to their town. He stated Advanced CT and DECD stated that they

would serve as partners with the municipalities to provide support; (7) Healthcare Costs -

Mayor Allyn stated as Councilor Saums noted during his Finance Committee Report earlier

this evening, healthcare costs have been projected to significantly increase. He stated

currently Ledyard was in the State of Connecticut 2.0 Partnership and he explained that last

year the State used the Federal CARES Act Funding to help carry the healthcare plan. He

went on to explain during this past year about ten lower risk municipalities left the State 2.0

Partnership Healthcare Plan because the rates were increasing too much. He stated for the

upcoming year the Healthcare Consultants were predicting that another 6 - 10 lower risk

municipalities would leave the pool. He stated that he and Finance Director Matthew Bonin

met with Healthcare Consultant Joe Spurgeon to discuss options for Ledyard which included

whether they should stay with the State 2.0 Partnership, go back to being self-funded, or

shop the market. He explained the potential increase in State 2.0 Partnership Premium was at

least if not more than the cost for the town to again set-up a Self-Funded Healthcare Plan; (8)

Ledyard Interfaith Church Emergency Fund (LICEF) December 8, 2022 Meeting - Mayor

Allyn stated at their meeting LICEF approved a grant for a family in town that was in need of

beds, noting that they were sleeping on the floor. He stated LICEF was a wonderful

non-profit organization for anyone who was looking to make a charitable donation; (9)

Connecticut Conference Municipality (CCM) Legislative Committee Meeting - December

13, 2022 - Mayor Allyn stated the Committee met with Legislators from throughout the State

to move forward the CCM Legislative Agenda for the upcoming session scheduled to begin

on January 5, 2023 and would run through the first week of June, noting that it was also a

budget session. He stated the Legislative Committee would also meet with Southeastern

Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) tomorrow to do the same thing. He stated

following the SCCOG Meeting that he would be meeting with Ledyard’s Legislators at 2:00

p.m. to do the same thing on our local level. He asked Councilors to e-mail him any items

that they would like to advance to their Legislators, noting that he would present them during

their meeting tomorrow; (10) Civics in Action - Mayor Allyn stated he along with Councilor

Rodriguez and Councilor Saums attended Ledyard High Schools Civics in Action Program

earlier today. He stated each year they hear different things from the students. He stated

today the students were interested in recycling, composting to get food scraps out of the

waste stream; over fishing, and passive recreation on open space. He stated the students were

very engaging and he commended the High School for continuing the Civics in Action

Program; (12) Holiday Gift and Food Basket Program - Mayor Allyn stated there were 80

families on the recipient list this year, which was the highest number he has seen since he

took office in 2017, noting they typically have 55 - 60 families on the list. He stated

Executive Assistant/Social Services Coordinator Kristen Chapman would be working on the

distribution on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at the Gales Ferry Fire Department; (13)

American Rescue Plan Act Funded Projects Update - (a) Police Radio Interoperability

Project was moving along. Mayor Allyn stated the radios in all of the Police Cruisers have

been upgraded. He stated the hardwired radios in the base stations still need to be done; (b)

Lower Town Green and Pole Barn Concrete Floor - Mayor Allyn stated the concrete floor

has been completed. He stated the handicap accessibility parking areas were paved, crushed

stone was installed along the side the Pole Barn, and the area was graded with topsoil and

would be reseeded. He stated additional pressure treated guiderails were installed to prevent

cars from driving into the building from the side. He stated it looked great and he encouraged

folks to stop by an take a look before the snow begins to fall this winter; (14) Home Heating

Assistance Program - Mayor Allyn stated last year heating assistance programs thru Thames

Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) and other programs was capped at $5,000,

noting fuel costs were rather manageable. However, he stated this year the program was

capped at $1,900, noting with the current increase costs in oil the $1,900 would not get a

family thru the winter. He stated Executive Assistant/Social Services Coordinator Kristen

Chapman was actively working with people to provide referrals. He stated Ledyard Town

Hall was a TVCCA Heating Assistance In-Take location, noting the limited funding this

year; (15) Navy Holiday Social at the USS Nautilus Museum - Mayor Allyn stated he

attended the Holiday Social earlier this evening, noting it was well attended. He wished

everyone a Merry Christmas, and he stated he appreciated all the work everyone was doing

and he thanked them.

Questions to the Mayor - None.

RESULT:

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

CONSENT CALENDAR

Chairman Dombrowski introduced the Consent Calendar and he asked if anyone had any changes to

the three items listed.

Councilor Ingalls asked that Ms. Cynthia McLane be removed from item #3 noting that she resigned

from the Senior Citizens Commission yesterday.

Chairman Dombrowski called for a Motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended.

MOTION to reappoint Mr. Gary St. Vil (D) 2 Thomas Street, Ledyard as an Alternate Member

to the Planning & Zoning Commission to complete a three (3) year term ending, December 31,

2025.

*1.

*2.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

John Marshall

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

MOTION reappoint the following members to Parks & Recreation Commission to complete a

three (3) year term ending, December 29, 2025.

Ms. Loretta Kent (D) 1363 Baldwin Hill Road, Gales Ferry

Mr. Kenneth J. DiRico, (U) 8 Melanie Lane, Gales Ferry

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

John Marshall

Andra Ingalls

MOVER:

SECONDER:

MOTION to reappoint the following members to Senior Citizens Commission to complete a

two (2) year term ending, December 9, 2024.

*3.

Ms. Marjorie Winslow (D) 3 Wolf Ridge Gap, Ledyard

Mr. John W. Thomas (R) 23 Bittersweet Drive, Gales Ferry

Ms. Cynthia McLane (R) 20 Norman Drive, Gales Ferry

Ms. Margaret Anne Harding (R) 50 Pheasant Run Drive, Gales Ferry

Ms. Katherine Milde (D) 185 Spicer Hill Road, Ledyard

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

John Marshall

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

Administration Committee

MOTION to approve a proposed updated Mechanic job description as contained in the draft

dated September 26, 2022.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated the Mechanic job description was updated to reflect the

current duties of the position.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to approve a proposed updated Maintenance Foreman job description as contained in

the draft dated July 7, 2022.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated the Maintenance Foreman job description was updated to

reflect the current duties of the position.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Whit Irwin

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to approve a proposed “Resolution Authorizing Term Adjustments For The Ledyard

Beautification Committee” as contained in the draft dated October 19, 2022”.

DRAFT: 10/19/2022

Res. 003-2022_____

RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING TERM ADJUSTMENTS

FOR THE

LEDYARD BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE

WHEREAS: The Ledyard Pride and Beautification Committee was initially established under the

Resolution Establishing a Pride and Beautification Committee for the Town of Ledyard on

August 10, 2016.

WHEREAS: With the committees success and its volunteers’ willingness and desire for the

committee to become a long-term, on-going committee, the resolution was replaced with

Ordinance #148 “An Ordinance Establishing a Beautification Committee” and the current Pride

and Beautification Committee members were requested to continue to serve with the April 25,

2018 adoption of the Ordinance;

WHEREAS: Under the Town Council’s 2017 - 2019 Ordinance Update Initiative; Ordinance

#147 was renumbered to Ordinance #100-008 “An Ordinance Establishing a Beautification

Committee for the Town of Ledyard;

WHEREAS: The Town Council recognizes the hardship caused by all of the members terms

expiring on the same date;

BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town Council is hereby authorized to approve a one-time

Administrative Adjustment to the terms of newly appointed members of the Ledyard

Beautification Committee to provide continuity and eliminate all terms ending on the same date;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the adjusted terms of the nine-member Committee shall be

as follows:

· The terms of the current three (3) Committee Members, reappointed on September 28, 2022,

shall expire on October 26, 2025;

· Three (3) newly appointed members terms shall expire on October 26, 2024; and

· Three (3) newly appointed members terms shall expire on October 26, 2023.

Thereafter, vacancies shall be filled for a three (3) year term in accordance with Ordinance

#100-008 “An Ordinance Establishing a Beautification Committee for the Town of Ledyard”.

Adopted by the Ledyard Town Council on: _____________

____________________________

Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman

************************************************************************

History:

2022: With the terms of the Beautification Committee all ending on October 26, 2022 six of the

nine member Committee decided not to seek reappointment, leaving the Committee in a position

of not having a quorum.

To resolve this issue, and to provide continuity of historical background on the Committee the

Administration Committee proposed a one-time Administrative Adjustment to the terms of newly

appointed members of the Ledyard Beautification Committee.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated the proposed Resolution Authorizing Term Adjustments for

the Ledyard Beautification Committee” was to provide a one-time term adjustment. She

explained when the Beautification Committee was established all the members started their term

and ended their terms at the same time. She stated when the terms came due for reappointment a

number of members were not interested in continuing to serve on the Committee, which left the

Committee at-risk of not having a quorum. Therefore, she stated the proposed Resolution was a

one-time adjustment to stagger the end dates of the members terms to eliminate the issue of all the

Committee Member’s terms ending at the same time going forward.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appoint Ms. Jennifer Holdsworth (D) 3 Spruce Street, Ledyard, to the Ledyard

Beautification Committee to complete a term ending October 26, 2024 filling a vacancy left by

Ms. Vincent.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated Ledyard was fortunate in that they had a number of

qualified residents who were interested and willing to volunteer their time to serve the town. She

stated in many cases the Applicants are endorsed by their political party or a letter has been

submitted to support their appointment.

Councilor Ingalls stated they had a number of new appointments and reappointments on tonight’s

agenda, noting that she was grateful for people who want to volunteer their time to serve on the

Town’s Committees/Commissions/Boards.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Andra Ingalls

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

AYE:

Irwin

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appoint Ms. Kathrine Kohrs (D) 19 Winthrop Road, Gales Ferry, to the Ledyard

Beautification Committee to complete a term ending October 26, 2024 filling a vacancy left by

Ms. Buhle.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: None. (See above item #7).

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION appoint Ms. Jennifer Eastbourne (U) 4 Glenwoods Court, Gales Ferry, to the Ledyard

Beautification Committee to complete a term ending October 26, 2024 filling a vacancy left by

Ms. Robinson.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: None.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appoint Mr. Charles Gallagher (R) 12 Sherwood Trace, Gales Ferry, to the Parks

and Recreation Commission to complete a three-year (3) term ending December 29, 2023 filling

a vacancy left by Mr. Maloney.

10.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: None.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Andra Ingalls

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

AYE:

Irwin

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appoint Mr. Deondre Bransford (U) 8 Lynn Drive, Ledyard, to the Parks and

Recreation Commission complete a three-year (3) term ending December 29, 2025 filling a

vacancy left by Ms. Robinson.

11.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: Councilor Saums noted this was the last appointment on tonight’s agenda noting that

thirteen people have committed to volunteer to serve the town for the next two to three years. He

stated the Town Council appreciated all of these residents who have stepped forward to help the

town.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

Finance Committee

MOTION to authorize the Registrar of Voters to over expend the following accounts for election

and referendum related expenses:

12.

Account #10110303 51720 (Stipends) by up to $2,500.00

Account#10110303 56900 (Other Supplies) by up to $3,000.00.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Irwin

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated the Registrar of Voters have requested authorization to over

expend these accounts because of the additional expenses related to having a two primary

election this year, which included hiring additional poll workers; the purchase/printing of ballots

for 100% of the those on registered voter list to comply with the Secretary of the State (SOTS)

mandate, as well as additional supplies and time needed for the early voting, etc. He stated these

expenses would be covered by grant funding from the state. Approved and so declared

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Whit Irwin

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to accept and appropriate $20,000 to Account #20250101-50000-G0015 (Library

Grants) received from The American Library Association - Libraries Transforming

Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities Grant to be used to purchase books,

programming, and building improvements designed to serve individuals with disabilities.

13.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated the Ledyard Public Libraries were seeking approval to apply

for the Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant

that was offered by the American Library Association to communities with a population of less

than 25,000. He stated the purpose of the grant was:

· First Goal was to “Increase the accessibility of library facilities, services, and programs for

people with disabilities.”

· Second Goal was to “support community engagement efforts by providing resources to help

them work with impacted populations to guide improvement of library services.”

Councilor Saums went on to explain that this was new Grant Program provided by an

anonymous funding source. He noted there were two grant levels: $20,000 and $10,000; and the

Library would apply for both grant levels. He stated if the Library does not received the $20,000

grant that they would then be considered for the $10,000 grant amount. However, he stated that

they could not receive both levels of funding. He noted Library Director Jennifer Smith was

present this evening to answer questions.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to approve appropriations from the receipt of sales of vehicles and equipment through

GovDeals in the total amount of $55,500 as follows:

14.

• $48,500 to the Public Works Heavy Equipment CNR Account #21040101-57311; and

• $7,000 to the Public Works Small Truck CNR Account 21040101-57313.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated as the Mayor mentioned during his report earlier this

evening, the town has been using the on-line auction site GovDeals.com to sell surplus

equipment. He stated the revenues received from the sale would be appropriated to the

respective capital reserve fund to supplement/offset direct budgetary appropriations in meeting

lifecycle replacement costs. He stated the following items were auctioned:

· 2006 F350 Flatbed - $7,000

· 2000 Mobil Athey Sweeper - $15,000

· 2002 Sterling/Aquatech Catch Basin Cleaner - $33,500

Total: $55,000

Councilor Saums stated Public Works Director Steve Masalin spoke to the Mayor and the Finance

Committee to obtain permission to sell these pieces of equipment. He explained the town has been

working toward a having a fleet of vehicles that served multiple purposes rather than have

vehicles in the fleet that only served one specific purpose; such as the Street Sweeper and Catch

Basin Cleaner that were being used on a very limited basis because the town was no longer using

sand on the roads as a treatment during winter operations.

Mayor Allyn, III, stated the new Street Sweeper unit included a Catch Basin Cleaner mechanism.

He stated when the town was using sand on the roads that the catch basins had to be cleaned on

an annual basis. He stated since the town has changed to a salt product for winter operations road

treatments they were now only cleaning about a quarter to a third of the catch basins each year

and that they rotated the cleaning schedule. He concluded by stating that the town would now

have one vehicle that could perform both functions as needed.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to grant a Bid Waiver to Kent & Frost of Mystic CT in the amount of up to $112,000

for the next phase of the Tri-Town Trail project, due to the lack of receiving the required three

bids in accordance with Ordinance #200-001 (rev 1) “An Ordinance for Purchasing.

15.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated the town received a State of Connecticut DEEP

Recreational Trails Program Grant in the amount of $112,000 for the design and engineering

work for the next 2-mile phase of the Tri-Town Trail, which would extend the existing trail from

the Northern Section in Preston/Ledyard to Bluff Point in Groton and would include the

construction of two parking lots. He stated in response to the Request for Proposals (RFP

#2023-05) that only one bid was received from Kent + Frost, who was the Landscape Engineers

who did the prior work on the trail.

Councilor Saums went on to state that this work would include identifying multiple potential

trail routes that would be evaluated by the Town and the Tri-Town Trail Association to

determine the greatest suitability. He stated this DEEP Grant could be used for the engineering

and design work to continue the trail; or for the maintenance of the existing trail. Therefore, he

stated the Town does not want the Tri-Town Trail Association to spend this grant funding on

engineering and designing the trail over property where it clearly could not go, and/or where

property owners did not want the trail to pass over their property. He stated that this would be a

challenge, and he noted as an example Mr. Holdridge’s comments earlier this evening regarding

public access through the Groton Reservoir. However, he stated that they had new hope that

there may be a way to get the trail through to Route 214.

Councilor Saums continued by explaining that some local funding would be required, and that

in-kind services could be used as the town’s local contribution. He stated the two gravel parking

lots (one across from the Preston Plains Park and one by the Clark Farm) that Eversource would

be constructing would qualify as the town’s local contribution to obtain the $112,000 grant

funding. He went on to note in exchange for closing the Tri-Town Trail until Spring 2023, for

Eversouce to work on the High-Tension Transmission Line, that Eversource would be

constructing the two parking lots. He stated because Eversource would be operating large

excavators and other equipment on-site that it was in the best interest and safety of the residents

to close the Tri-Town Trail during the transmission line work.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

Discussion regarding potential uses for the funding received from the National Opioid

Settlement Payments.

16.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums explained the Opioid Settlement Payments were a result of the

lawsuit involving the Sackler family who were the owners of Purdue Pharma and were found to

be accountable in the US opioid epidemic. He stated the National Prescription Opiate Litigation

Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee confirmed that the $26 billion in the global opioid settlement

was finalized with the “Big Three” drug distributors - AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and

McKesson and opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson for the participation of litigating local

governments nationwide.

Councilor Saums went on to explain that Ledyard would be receiving payments from the Global

Opioid Settlement Fund and that the funds could only be used for certain purposes.

Mayor Allyn, III, provided some background regarding the process for Connecticut to be

included in the Opioid Settlement, noting that the process was a little different for them because

Connecticut did not operate under a County Government structure. He explained that the

Attorneys structured the Opioid Settlement in a way that required all 169 towns in Connecticut

to participate in the claim for the State to receive 100% of the proceeds that would be

appropriated to the State of Connecticut. He stated the settlement payments to the State would be

reduced based on the number of towns that participated, noting that the reduction in the

settlement payment was on a very steep decline in terms of the number of towns that were taking

part. He stated Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) worked to assist the

municipalities with the Settlement Application process. He stated with the help of CCM that all

169 municipalities took part in the Opioid Settlement Application; resulting in the State of

Connecticut receiving 100% of the of the proceeds that would have been allocated to the State;

and that the State would then appropriate the funds to each municipality based on their per

capita.

Mayor Allyn went on to state the Town has begun to receive the payments from the National

Opioid Settlement and was expected to receive payments from multiple sources. The payments

received to date have come from the Distributor Settlement; and that the town would also be

receiving payments from the Janssen Settlement. He noted as Councilor Saums mentioned

earlier, these funds could only be used exclusively for opioid abatement purposes, including, but

not limited to, expanding access to opioid use disorder prevention, intervention, treatment,

recovery options the DARE Program, etc. He stated as the settlement payments were received

from the State that the funds would be appropriated to Account #20810201-58206-24206

(National Opioid Settlement) which was a “non-sweeping” account; explaining that the money

would continue to go into this account year after year and that there was no date that the funds

had to be used by. He stated that they would be reviewing the 170-page Settlement document to

develop a list of the allowable uses of the funds, noting that there were multiple options and that

the Town Council would determine how Ledyard wanted to spend the funds. He explained that

the town could use their funding to support programs provided by organizations such as Ledge

Light Health District Prevention Coalition or Southern Regional Action Council (SERAC) as

subrecipients; in a similar way as they did with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

Councilor Irwin questioned whether the Opioid Settlement payments that Ledyard would be

receiving would be a standard level payment and the duration of the payments. Mayor Allyn

stated they expect Ledyard to receive two payments like this one per year for a four-year period.

However, he stated that there would be other entities that would be paying into the settlement,

noting that recently CVS Pharmacy and Walmart were also paying for part of the opioid claims.

He stated it should amount to a substantial amount of money.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to approve the Town Council Department Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget in the

amount of $190,846.

17.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums explained as part of the Annual Fiscal Year Budget Preparation

process the Town Council was required to approve a proposed Town Council Department

Budget to be included in the Mayor’s proposed budget. He stated this budget would come back

to the Finance Committee / Town Council as part of the budget deliberation process.

Councilor Saums went on to state the Town Council Department proposed Fiscal Year

2023/2024 included salaries for employees, funds for the annual audit along with legal fees and

other operating expenses. He stated the proposed budget was reasonable noting there were no

major changes to the expenses.

Chairman Dombrowski provided clarification, stating that the Town Council budget does not

include funding for salaries for members of the Town Council, noting that they do not receive

any stipend.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to approve the Town Council Department Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Capital

Improvement Budget in the total amount of $1,500.

18.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated as part of the Annual Fiscal Year Budget Preparation

process the Town Council was required to approve a Capital Plan for Town Council Department.

He stated the Town Council has been budgeting $1,500 to provide members of the Council a

laptop to conduct town business. He stated depending on the balance in this Capital Account

they may choose to remove these funds during the budget preparation process.

Councilor Saums went on to state that most Town Councilors use their own personal laptops.

However, he stated town issued laptops were provided to members of the Town Council when a

laptop is needed, or when a new Councilor may come on board mid-term, or when a Councilor’s

personal laptop was not functioning. He stated without a laptop Councilors could not participate

in meetings to conduct town business.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

MOTION to extend Archery Hunting on Certain Town Owned Lands and Certain Open Space

Properties for one-year in accordance with provisions in Ordinance#100-018 (rev. 1) "An

Ordinance Providing Archery Hunting on Certain Town Owned Lands and Certain Open Space

Properties".

19.

Moved by Councilor Paul, seconded by Councilor Marshall

Discussion: Councilor Paul provided some background explaining in 2018 the Town Council adopted

Ordinance #100-018 “An Ordinance Providing for Archery Hunting on Certain Town Owned Lands”. He

stated the two properties that would be used for archery hunting were: (1) Clark Farm located on Route

117 on the north end of town; and (2) Founders Preserve (Paint Mill) Property located between Colonel

Ledyard Highway and Pumpkin Hill Road on the south end of town (both properties were about 100

acres). He stated this was a Lottery System program in which six people would win a lottery for each

property to bow hunt.

Councilor Paul went on to note in accordance with Section 4. “Annual Expiration” the Ordinance would

expire annually at the end of the calendar year, unless a vote of the Town Council was taken to approve

to extend it for one year. Therefore, he stated that this was an Administrative action.

Councilor Ingalls stated for certain purposes the Town Council included sunset clauses in an Ordinance

to force them to look at the provisions provided. She questioned the reason they were looking at this

Ordinance on an annual basis. Councilor Saums stated the reason the Town Council included the sunset

clause in Ordinance#100-018 (rev. 1) "An Ordinance Providing Archery Hunting on Certain

Town Owned Lands and Certain Open Space Properties". was to serve as a fail-safe. He stated

should there be problems or archery hunting became controversial that they would allow the

program to sunset. He stated that Ledyard has been allowing archery hunting on these properties

in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance for a number of years and that it has worked

well with no problems.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Gary Paul

RESULT:

MOVER:

John Marshall

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to issue a letter, as contained in the draft dated December 6, 2022, to Groton Utilities

Commission and Groton Town Council, to endorse and encourage public access to the Groton

Reservoir to continue the development of the 14-mile Tri-Town Trail as defined on Master Plan,

to traverse through the Groton Reservoir for passive recreation. the Groton Reservoir, to provide

public access for passive recreation.

20.

Moved by Councilor Paul, seconded by Councilor Rodriguez

Discussion: Councilor Paul stated he supported public access and recreational trails thru the Groton

Reservoir. He noted as Mr. Holdridge mentioned during his comments earlier this evening the Town

Council and other Ledyard Officials issued a letter of support in 2012. He stated the Tri-Town Trail

imitative began in 2008 to create a passive recreational trail that would run from Bluff Point to

Preston Plains Park. He stated as Mr. Holdridge explained there has been some turnover in both staff

and commission members in Groton, and that there may be a renewed effort to reconsider allowing

recreational trails thru the Groton Reservoir.

Councilor Saums stated allowing passive recreation on reservoir property actually protected the

water shed and protects the land because the people who use these types of resources will pick- up

liter if they see it.

Chairman Dombrowski also noted that if people see a problem on reservoir properties that they

would report it.

Councilor Paul stated as a former member of the Conservation Commission that they encourage

people to walk the many recreational trails that were available. He stated the myth of the water

becoming contaminated because of the recreational activity was just a myth. He stated having

people access the property would help protect it.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Gary Paul

RESULT:

MOVER:

S. Naomi Rodriguez

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez,

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

General Business

MOTION to cancel the Town Council Regular meeting scheduled for December 28, 2022 for the

Holidays.

21.

Moved by Councilor Rodriguez, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: None.

VOTE: 7-1 0 Approved and so declared (Irwin not in favor)

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

S. Naomi Rodriguez

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

Discuss Work Session Items as time permits.

None

22.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

On behalf of the Town Council, Chairman Dombrowski presented Administrative Assistant

Roxanne Maher with a gift of appreciation for her support throughout the year; and they all

wished her a Merry Christmas.

Ms. Maher thanked the Town Council for their acknowledgement, noting that she sincerely

appreciated their thoughtfulness and that it was pleasure to work with each one of them.

Councilor Rodriguez congratulated Councilor Irwin, Councilor Paul and herself for

completing their first year on the Town Council.

The Town Council also wished Mayor Allyn, III, a Happy Birthday!

Mayor Allyn stated it was nice to spend his Birthday with the Town Council.

Councilor Rodriguez moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Marshall

VOTE: 8- 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.

_______________________________

Transcribed by Roxanne M. Maher

Administrative Assistant to the Town Council

I, Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman of the Ledyard Town Council,

hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and

correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Town Council

Meeting held on December 14, 2022.

DISCLAIMER:

Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the Town.

The Town Council's Official Agenda and final Minutes will be on file in the Town Clerk's

Office.