Review of Trail/Sewer line bids continued.
2.
Chairman Lynch explained that the trail has a strict protocol that needs to be followed since it is
DOT funded. The protocol is expensive to follow. The bid was approximately $200,000 over the
trail budget, however the DOT states that if the Town is over budget because the Town is
following it's protocols then it will provide more funding. The Mayor told Chairman Lynch that
he wants the AARPA money either spent or committed by the end of 2024 otherwise the money
will be lost. The Mayor provided a list of priorities. Chairman Lynch thought it would be a top
priority to get W&S to start designing Phase III (the five-inch line). Chairman Lynch feels the
bid came in too low and wanted W&S to review it. The only issue that came from up the bid was
the kind of pipe being used, it should be an HDP pipe, which is more expensive. The contractor
said he could get and install HDP pipe. Chairman Lynch called a few suppliers to see if the pipe
was available and it is.
Ms. Wadecki asked where the sewer line will start. Chairman Lynch answered at the access road
near the Bill Library. Mr. Ball looked at the plans and confirmed that it would go on the west
side of the Ledyard Congregational Church parking lot driveway. Ms. Wadecki asked if a
right-of-way is needed. Mr. Ball answered no, because it is not on the Church's property line.
Chairman Lynch explained that the line was intended for commercial and/or high-density
housing. The WPCA is providing the line but not pump stations, the developer would have that
responsibility. Ms. Wadecki agreed that the Phase III design should be started ASAP although
she questioned why all of the Mayor's suggestions are for housing when the intention was for
commercial. Mr. Saums said part of the economic development for Ledyard Center includes
increasing the population density in Ledyard Center so that there is more businesses. In other
words, more consumers to support the local businesses which in turn attracts more businesses.
Without more people living in Ledyard Center the less businesses will want to move there. Mr.
Saums said not only is it important to attract new businesses but it's also important to keep
businesses already in the Center so they don't leave Ledyard, increasing the population density
will help both of these goals.
Motion to APPROVE allowing Chairman Lynch to contact Weston & Samson to obtain a quote for
design of the Ledyard Center Trail and Sewer Line Project Phase III.
Note -this motion is only to ask W&S for the Phase III design. The acceptance of the design will
be voted on at a later date.
Mr. Saums said this still leaves the issue of what to do if the sewer bids are lower than expected.
The Town has 1.2 million appropriated and if the cost of the project comes in lower the money
will have to be given back to the State because these funds must be spent on the sewer plan. The
funds need to be committed by the end of 2024. One solution is to add more to Phase I. Once the
bids are received the WPCA will discuss further.
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED
Edmond Lynch
RESULT:
MOVER:
Sharon Wadecki
SECONDER:
5
2
Tewfik Wadecki Juber Lynch Norris
Jones Capon
AYE
EXCUSED
Motion to APPROVE change of previously approved meeting date from January 21, 2025, to
January 28, 2025.
3.
