741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339-1551

(860) 464-3203

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Town Council

council@ledyardct.org

Meeting Minutes

Chairman S. Naomi

Rodriguez

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

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:

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CALL TO ORDER

IC.hairman Rodriguez called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers,

Town Hall Annex Building.

Chairman Rodriguez welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. She 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.

Councilor April Brunelle

Councilor Jessica Buhle

Councilor Kevin Dombrowski

Councilor Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Chairman S. Naomi Rodriguez

Councilor Tim Ryan

Present:

Councilor Tony Saccone

Councilor Gary St. Vil

Councilor Gary Paul

Excused:

IV.

PRESENTATIONS

None.

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

MINUTES

Mr. Earl Tyson (Ty) Lamb, 95 Lambtown Road, Ledyard, Historic District Commission

Chairman, thanked the Town Council for making

number of

appointments/reappointments to the Commission at their February 28, 2024 meeting. He

stated that they have a very active Commission noting that they were working on a

number of initiatives which included the following: (1) Nathan Lester House

Improvement Project; (2) Cub Scouts will be at the Nathan Lester House this weekend,

(3) Easter Egg Hunt Planned; (4) Up-Down Sawmill Improvement Projects; (5)

Commission will be visiting the Weston Massachusetts Historic Education Center; (6)

Historic Pollinator Project; (7) Spicer Homestead Historical Designation; (8) Community

Involvement to bring in additional volunteers to help with projects; (9) Working with

Groton Open Space Association (GOSA); (10) Working with the Garden Club; (11)

Working with the Ledyard Historical Society; (12) Old School House - Students will be

visiting the historic School House in Ledyard Center.

Mr. Lamb, Board of Education Member, noted during their March 12, 2024 meeting the

Board of Education discussed a letter from a resident; along with the Board of

Education’s response regarding the Roof Replacement and Solar Panel Projects at the

Gales Ferry School and Juliet W. Long School which also included a Heating Ventilation

and Air Conditioning System (HVAC). He noted in the Board of Education’s response to

the resident they stated that it was their opinion that the Projects would not be done this

year. He stated the townspeople voted on these Projects at two Referendums: the first

Referendum was held on February 22, 2022 which approved $6,725,000; and the second

Referendum was held on October 17, 2023 to increase the Bond Authorization by

1,825,000 for a new amount of $8,550,000. He addressed the town’s oversight of

construction projects, and he suggested the Town Council provide the Permanent

Municipal Building Committee (PMBC) with some additional support such as a

professional consultant. He expressed concern that if the town does not get these projects

moving that they may lose the Grant Funding from the State.

Chairman Rodriguez thanked Mr. Lamb for his comments.

Mayor Allyn, III, stated late this afternoon he received the contract for the Juliet W. Long

School Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System (HVAC) for his signature. He

stated although the Permanent Municipal Building Committee (PMBC) selected an

architect for the roof projects they have not yet solicited bids for the installation work for

the roofs. He stated based on contractor’s schedules he did not foresee the roof projects

being done this summer. He stated there was a Policy that stated no overhead work could

be done while the kids were in school. Therefore, he stated the roof replacement work

would need to be done when the school gets out for summer vacation in mid-June, and

needed to be completed before the kids return to school in late-August. He noted the

Town Council Liaison to the PMBC may be able to provide more information regarding

the status of the Roof Replacement Projects and the HVAC Project.

Chairman Rodriguez thanked Mayor Allyn for his input regarding the School Roof

Replacement Projects and the HVAC Project.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

None.

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

Councilor Brunelle announced that Lucille’s Restaurant in Ledyard Center would be

hosting its Second Poetry Slam on Monday, March 25, 2024 in recognition of Women’s

History Month.

Councilor Saccone noted Mr. Lamb’s comments earlier this evening (see (V. Residents and

Property Owners), stating that he agreed that volunteers were important to Ledyard. He

stated it was nice to see people step-up to serve their community.

Councilor Ryan noted that the Finance Committee has been holding their Fiscal Year

2024/2025 Budget Work Sessions with each of the General Government’s Department

Heads. He stated the Budget Work Sessions were informative, noting that a lot of questions

were being asked, and that it was apparent that the Department Heads spent a significant

amount of time to prepare lean and responsible budgets. He stated the proposed budget was

encouraging and that he appreciated the Department Heads time in attending the Budget

Work Sessions to brief the Finance Committee.

Chairman Rodriguez stated in recognition of Pi Day, that tomorrow (3/14/2024) the

following local restaurants would be donating 20% of all sales to the Ledyard Education

Advancement Foundation (LEAF): Valentinos Restaurant in Ledyard Center, Fireside Brick

Oven Restaurant on Route 12, and Ledyard Pizza on Gallup Hill Road. She stated tomorrow

the Finance Committee would be holding their last Budget Work Session and that they

would be ordering lunch from Valentinos. She encouraged residents who may be picking up

lunch or dinner tomorrow to consider patronizing one of these local restaurants.

Councilor Buhle announced that Ledyard High School would be putting on their production

of the Musical Clue on March 21, 22, & 23, 2024. She stated last night (3/12/2024) she

attended a Pasta Dinner fundraiser for the musical production that was held at Sunnyside

Restaurant on Route 12, Gales Ferry. She stated all the production’s characters were at the

fundraiser in costume, noting that the show was going to be amazing!

Councilor St. Vil stated the deadline for students to submit their entries for the 2024 Black

History Poster and Essay Contest was February 22, 2024, noting that they received a great

response. He stated the Judges would be reviewing the entries later this week, noting that the

Essay Contest Winners would be awarded their prizes at the Town Council’s March 27,

2024 meeting.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry addressed the following: (1) Roadside Trash - Councilor

Garcia-Irizarry stated although some people do throw trash out of their car windows, that the

automated trash collection trucks seem to also be contributing to the issue. She stated that

she and others have observed that when the automated trash trucks lift the trash carts that

some trash flies out everywhere and ends up being left on the roads. She questioned whether

the collection trucks could try to lift the trash carts slower so that the tops do not fly open,

and the trash does not fall out; (2) Ledyard Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF) was

currently working to set-up an Endowment to ensure the long-term funding of the LEAF

Program.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 28, 2024

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications List - March 13, 2024

REFERALS

XI.

COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS

Administration Committee

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the Administration Committee met earlier this evening, and she

noted that they had a few items on tonight’s Agenda.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee

Councilor Brunelle stated the Community Relations Committee has not met since the last

Town Council meeting. However, she stated the Black History Month Activities/Contest

was going well. She noted the Committee would be meeting on March 20, 2024 at 6:30

p.m. and continue their work on future projects.

RESULT:

Finance Committee

Councilor Saccone stated the Finance Committee held its regular meeting on March 6,

2024. He stated in addition to the items on tonight’s Agenda the Committee spent a

significant amount of time discussing the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Project List relative to the reallocation of surplus funds from completed ARPA Projects. He

stated that the Committee forwarded a recommendation that the Town Council would be

acting on later this evening to increase ARPA funding for the Route 12 Corridor Study; and

to allocate ARPA Funding for the replacement of Guiderails on Sandy Hollow Road.

Councilor Saccone continued to note as Councilor Ryan mentioned earlier this evening, the

Finance Committee has been holding their Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget Work Sessions

with the Department Heads (March 7, 11, 14). He stated in serving as the Gales Ferry Fire

Chief for sixteen years that he has been involved in the Budget Work Sessions for many

years. However, he stated this was his first time sitting on the other side of the table. He

stated the Department Heads have prepared lean, but progressive budgets. He stated the

Town has been doing a good job in holding the line in light of salary increases while also

continuing to fund and execute capital initiatives. He commended Mayor Allyn, III, and the

Department Heads for being mindful and watching their taxpayers’ dollars.

RESULT:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

Councilor St. Vil stated the LUPPW Committee has not met since the last Town Council

meeting. He stated their next meeting was scheduled for April 1, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

RESULT:

Liaison Reports

Permanent Municipal Building Committee

Councilor Brunelle stated the PMBC met on March 4, 2024; however, she stated she was not

able to attend. She reported that the PMBC approved all of the Schools Roof Projects, noting in

reviewing the Bid Proposals received the PMBC selected the most economic proposal.

However, she stated that some concerns have been expressed regarding the selection of the bid

because it appears that in the long run the project was going to cost more than the proposal

submitted. She noted that Councilor Garcia-Irizarry would be able to provide more information

regarding the School Roof projects for the Gales Ferry School and the Juliet W. Long School

along with the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System (HVAC).

Youth and Social Services Board

Councilor Brunelle stated the Youth Services Board’s next meeting was scheduled for April 16,

2024.

Public Safety Report

Councilor Saccone stated they were continuing to work to transition the town’s emergency

communications radio system over to the State-wide frequency system. He stated this project

was funded by a $284,000 Grant.

Ledyard Center Fire Department

Councilor Saccone stated the Ledyard Fire Department would be going to South Dakota the first

or second week of April, 2024 to inspect the new Tanker. He noted the importance to take the

time to visit and inspect the Fire Apparatus to make sure that the vehicle was built to the

specifications requested. He noted as an example, that a Fire Department recently took delivery

of a vehicle and found that the pump was not working properly because four wires has been

installed backwards.

Gales Ferry Fire Department

Councilor Saccone stated after sixteen years the Gales Ferry Fire Department would be voting to

select a new Fire Chief to run their business.

Economic Development Commission

Councilor Buhle stated the EDC met on March 5, 2024 and discussed the following: (1) New

Marketing Video was now available on the town’s website. Councilor Buhle stated EDC

Member Peter Hary did a great job on the video; (2) Business Directory Update - Councilor

Buhle stated that the EDC has been working to update the Business Directory that was on the

town’s website. She stated each of the EDC Members have taken on a certain number of

businesses to track and to verify on a monthly basis.

Chairman Rodriguez stated the Marketing Video and Business Directory looked great, noting the

video did not cost the town any money.

Inland Wetland and Water Courses Commission

Councilor St. Vil stated the IWWC cancelled their March 5, 2024 Meeting.

Planning & Zoning Commission

Councilor St. Vil stated the Planning & Zoning Commission cancelled their March 14, 2024

meeting.

Agricultural Commission

Councilor Dombrowski stated the Agricultural Commission would be holding their Annual Joint

Discussion with the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Inland Wetland & Water Courses

Commission to ensure all the Land Use Commissions were working in concert with each other.

Chairman Rodriguez added that the Beautification Committee was also sent an invitation

because they were interested in attending.

Library Commission

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the Library Commission would be meeting on March 18, 2024.

Board of Education

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the Board of Education met on March 12, 2024 and discussed

the following: (1) Middle School Buses - Superintendent Hartling was able to make some

adjustments with the Bus Company to address the overcrowded Middle School buses; (2) High

School Elevator was at the end of its useful and needed to be replaced; (3) Pickleball Courts -

Superintendent Hartling and Mayor Allyn discussed working with Parks & Recreation to

consider building the Pickleball Courts at the High School; (4) Roof Replacement Projects for

the Gales Ferry School and Juliet W. Long School and Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning

System (HVAC) - Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that the Board of Education discussed the

Projects noting that due to a number of mis-steps by the Permanent Municipal Building

Committee (PMBC) that the Roof Projects would most likely not be done this summer. She

stated it would take 6-8 months to get all the parts for the HVAC System which also included

replacing the Switch Gear (electrical system). She noted as Mr. Lamb mentioned earlier this

evening (see above: V. Residents and Property Owners Comments); the townspeople voted on

these Projects at two Referendums: February 22, 2022 which approved $6,725,000; and October

17, 2023 to increase the Bond Authorization by 1,825,000 for a new amount of $8,550,000. She

noted that she talked to members of the PMBC and that she also reviewed the PMBC minutes

from the past two-years to try to understand and to follow the process; however, she stated that it

was frustrating. She noted the following issues: (a) State requirement to increase the set bid rate

for the Gales Ferry School and Juliet W. Long School roofing projects to $50.00 per square foot

to account for inflation (Town Council Meetings 9/28/2022 & 11/9/2022); (b) Owner

Representative Services for BOE Capital Projects - PMBC selected the low bidder STV; (c)

Need to redesign HVAC upgrades at Juliet W. Long School (Finance Cmt Meeting s

8/16/2023); (d) Increase the Bond Authorization by $1,825,000 for a new total of $6,725,000 to

provide funding for the increased cost of the Juliet W. Long Redesigned HVAC System (Town

Council Meeting: 9/13/2023); (e) Hired Silver Petrucelli as the Owner Architect for the Roof

Projects, however, this contract did not include the Juliet W. Long School HVAC System (Town

Council Minutes 11/8/2023); (f) Inaccuracies in some of the paperwork regarding the age of the

Gales Ferry school, explaining that because the Board of Education did not file paperwork with

the State when the construction project was completed and the school was open in a timely

fashion, that the State’s records show that the School was not 20-years old. Therefore, the grant

reimbursement for the Gales Ferry School Roof Replacement would be reduced. Councilor

Garcia-Irizarry explained that because of errors in bid proposals that were received, along with

other issues, the State did not accept some of the documentation the PMBC submitted for the

School Roof Projects. Therefore, she stated the PMBC may have to rebid the projects, which

could mean that the projects would most likely come in at a higher cost and probably could not

be done this summer (2024). She suggested after these School Projects have been completed that

a “Lessons Learned” exercise be done, to avoid this type of situation occurring again.

Councilor Dombrowski stated if the School Roof Projects for the Gales Ferry School and Juliet

W. Long School; including the Solar Panels and the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning

System (HVAC-JWL) come in higher than the $8,550,000 that was approved by the

townspeople at the October 17, 2023 Referendum, that the town would need to go back to a third

Referendum.

Mayor Allyn, III, explained that the Town Council could consider amending Ordinance

#100-015 “An Ordinance Establishing a Permanent Municipal Building Committee for the Town

of Ledyard” to set a Project dollar threshold that would fall under the Permanent Municipal

Building Committee’s (PMBC) purview. He stated the Town Council could then also set a

Project dollar amount that would exceed the PMBC’s threshold; requiring those Projects to be

handled by Professional Companies, who would be responsible for the Projects. He explained

that some of the Town’s Municipal Projects were very large and intense construction projects,

noting that based on the work/time commitment and expertise required that the town may be

asking a lot from their volunteers. He stated that he was not saying this with any disrespect to the

residents who have volunteered to serve on the PMBC. However, he noted that they were

dealing with major construction projects and millions of dollars, noting that the School Projects

cost $65,835,000 (Middle School & Gallup Hill School Projects) and the School Roof Projects

were costing $8 million (Gales Ferry School, Juliet W. Long School). He stated for large major

construction projects that the town could include the cost to hire professionals to manage these

types of projects as part of the project costs.

Councilor Dombrowski stated the Permanent Municipal Building Committee (PMBC) were

volunteers, noting that they have done a good job in managing some projects in years past. He

noted the many stipulations that the PMBC had to follow, stating that the volunteers believed

that what they were doing was right for the town, noting in some cases the PMBC could have

made a different decision that may have changed things for the town. He stated in some cases

the selection of professionals and their oversight staff have caused the town problems. However,

he stated the School Roof Projects, and the HVAC Project (Gales Ferry School, Juliet W. Long

School) have been fraught with errors from the beginning. He noted that the town has already

gone to two Referendums for these School Roof Projects/HVAC Project. He explained the

second Referendum was required because there were some late changes regarding the design of

the HVAC System that were issued by the State due to COVID. He stated Councilor

Garcia-Irizarry noted that there were inaccuracies in some of the paperwork regarding the age of

the Gales Ferry School, explaining because the paperwork was not filed with the State when the

school opened, therefore, the State’s records show that the School was not 20-years old;

therefore, the grant reimbursement would be reduced. He stated the Building Official issued a

Certificate of Occupancy on August 22, 2001, noting that this documentation would validate that

the Gallup Hill School Roof was twenty-years old. He continued by explaining that when the

townspeople approved a project at Referendum, that the town was liable for the full dollar

amount of the project; regardless of what they thought the State Grant funding was going to be.

He stated that he agreed with Mayor Allyn’s suggestion, that it may be time to look at amending

Ordinance # 100-015 “An Ordinance Establishing a Permanent Municipal Building Committee

for the Town of Ledyard” to discuss what would be the right way to move forward.

Councilor Buhle noted in reviewing the Board of Education’s Capital Improvement Plan that the

Board of Education Director of Facilities and Grounds Wayne Donaldson was the staff person

who prepared all of the narratives for the projects and noted the type of funding that each of the

projects were eligible to receive. Therefore, she questioned whether the town would look to hire

someone else to handle the large school construction/improvement projects or whether the

management and oversight of the projects were responsibilities that could fall into Mr.

Donaldson’s role. She also questioned with the growing list of school facilities capital projects

whether the town would be better off hiring someone who could consistently be the expert for all

of the projects, or whether they should hire some for each project, as the town continued to

apply for grants in working toward improving their schools.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted Mr. Donaldson’s workload relative to his role as the Board of

Education Director of Facilities and Grounds, stating with the amount of time, and details that

needed to be addressed for the construction projects that she thought that they would be asking

too much of Mr. Donaldson. She stated with regard to the School Roof Projects that it appeared

that the Owner Representative has not been following through on the work what they were hired

to do.

Chairman Rodriguez stated the questions Councilor Buhle raised were things that they would

need to discuss in considering the best way forward for the town. Mayor Allyn stated that he

agreed that these were all good points that were worth discussing.

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

Mayor Allyn, III, reported on the following: (1) Trash Collection - Mayor Allyn noted Councilor

Garcia-Irizarry’s comments regarding the trash falling out of the trash carts when the automated

trucks picked the carts up. He stated this was a good opportunity for an Awareness Campaign,

noting that the town needed to again ask residents to put their household trash in tied bags before

putting it into the trash carts. He stated with the recent 50-mile per hour wind they experienced

this week that the lose trash flies out of the trash carts when the carts were picked up; (2)

Pickleball Courts - Mayor Allyn stated Superintendent of Schools Jason Hartling telephoned him

to discuss putting the Pickleball Courts next to the High School’s Tennis Courts. He stated having

the Pickleball Courts at the High School would: (a) Be good for a future High School sport; and

(b) Be nice for community engagement to have some courts on the Ledyard side of town, noting

that there was already a Pickleball Court in Gales Ferry. Mayor Allyn noted Mr. Andy Parad

spoke about the construction of Pickleball Courts at the Town Council’s February 28, 2024

meeting. He noted that he has contacted Mr. Parad to get him involved with the project noting

that Mr. Parad was knowledgeable about Pickleball Courts. He stated that he hoped that the

construction of the Pickleball Courts would be a Parks & Recreation-Board of Education joint

venture; (3) Read Across America - Mayor Allyn stated he read books to three classes at the

Juliet W. Long School and the Gales Ferry School; (4) Connecticut Council of Municipalities

(CCM) Legislative Committee March 7, 2024 Meeting -- Mayor Allyn noted that because of the

number of Proposed Bills that have been submitted that he would wait to see which Bills come

out of Committee as Joint Favorable before he reported on how they may impact Ledyard either

positively or negatively; (5) Southeastern Connecticut Housing Alliance (SCHA) March 8, 2024

meeting - Mayor Allyn explained the SCHA Board of Directors was a collective group in New

London County that were working on the Housing crisis, specifically Affordable Housing. He

stated SCHA was planning a Bus Tour in April or May to visit 4 - 5 Different Affordable

Housing Projects in Southeastern Connecticut. He stated the Bus Tour was open to Town Leaders

as well as Councilor Members to see what Affordable Housing looked like. He stated he would

let the Town Council know the date as soon as it becomes available should anyone like to attend,

noting that it would be an RSVP Event. He stated that Tenants and/or Owners of the Affordable

Housing Units would be present to speak to the Tour Group about how the Affordable Housing

has changed their lives; (6) 2024 High Risk Rural Road (HRRR) Speed Enforcement Grant -

Mayor Allyn noted at their January 24, 2024 meeting the Town Council authorized the town to

apply for $60,000 grant that was being funded through the Federal Highway Safety

Administration (FHWA) ) to reduce the amount of speed related fatalities and injuries on

Connecticut's High Risk Rural Roads. He stated that Ledyard received the Grant Funding noting

that motorists would be seeing Police Officers out conducting Speed Enforcement. He stated they

have been very

busy, in a very good way; (7) Winter Operations 2024 Budget - Mayor Allyn stated currently they

were on-track for the Winter Operations expenditures to come in $75,000 under the amount

budgeted due to the very mild winter they had this year; (8) Colonel Ledyard Multi-Use Pathway

- Mayor Allyn Mayor Allyn stated the work to construct the Multi-Use (pedestrian and

non-motorized bicycles) Pathway from the Bill Library to the High School began last week with

the clearing, grubbing, and removing rocks and tree stumps from the shoulder of the road. He

stated that they were waiting for the delivery of materials to build a retaining wall. The work

would include realigning how Gallup Hill Road comes into Colonel Ledyard Highway. He stated

instead of a “Y” configured intersection, it would now be a “T” intersection; (9) Southeastern

Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer) March 12, 2024 Meeting - Mayor Allyn stated the Group

had a good discussion regarding town needs, and

RESULT:

XII. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XII. NEW BUSINESS

CONSENT CALENDAR

MOTION to approve six tax refunds in the combined total amount of $22,426.00 with each

*1.

exceeding $2,400.00 in accordance with tax collector departmental procedures.

Allen, Lisa &/or John

Arthur, Barbara

Esposito, Charles &/or Mary

Kineo Properties LLC

Nerurkar, Sheela

$2,811.11

$3,256.25

$4,197.31

$3,602.19

$4,254.17

Opalenik, Matthew &/or Holly

$4,304.97

TOTAL:

$22,426.00

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

MOTION to approve the following two tax refunds in the combined total amount of $5,874.55

with each exceeding $2,400.00 in accordance with tax collector departmental procedures.

*2.

Helming, John C.

MPTN Finance Department

$3,033.20

$2,841.35

TOTAL:

$5,874.55

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor St. Vil

V8 O- 0TAEp: proved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Gary St. Vil

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan, Saccone,

and St. Vil

AYE:

Paul

EXCUSED:

Administration Committee

MOTION to adopt a proposed “An Ordinance Establishing a Farmers Market for the Town of

Ledyard” as presented in the draft dated January 17, 2024.

DRAFT: 1/17/2024

Ordinance # 100-020

AN ORDINANCE

ESTABLISHING A FARMERS MAREKT COMMITTEE

FOR THE TOWN OF LEDYARD

Be it Ordained by the Town Council of the Town of Ledyard the Ledyard Farmers’ Market

Committee is hereby established.

Section 1. Authority

Pursuant to Chapter IV, Section 5 of the Town Charter, there is hereby established a Farmers

Market Committee for the Town of Ledyard.

Section 2. Purpose

The purpose of this Ordinance “An Ordinance Establishing a Farmers Market for the Town

of Ledyard” is to is to codify, update and facilitate the “Resolution Establishing a Farmers

Market Committee” adopted by the Town Council on May 9, 2018 and amended and adopted on

October 10, 2019.

Section: 3. Objective

The Farmers’ Market is to create, promote, and operate a CT Grown (www.ctgrown.gov

<http://www.ctgrown.gov>) Farmers’ Market in the Town of Ledyard that will provide residents

access to fresh, nutritious food, encourage community activity in Ledyard, and stimulate public

interest and awareness in local farm products, thereby supporting local agricultural producers

and rural life in Ledyard, Connecticut.

The Farmers Market Committee may function with the support of the Parks and

Recreation Commission.

Section 4. Membership

The Farmers Market Committee shall consist of five (5) regular members and four (4)

alternate members who shall be electors of the town and appointed by the Town Council; and to

the extent possible be representative of a broad cross section of the community which it serves,

including but not limited to:

• CT Grown producer(s)

• Community Artisan(s)

• Community-at-Large

Quorum: A quorum shall consist of a majority of voting members.

Section 5. Terms of Appointment

Members shall be appointed by the Town Council for a term of three (3) years and shall

commence to serve their terms immediately upon appointment and shall serve until they have

been reappointed, their successor has qualified; or are removed by the Town Council.

Thereafter, vacancies shall be filled for a three (3) year term.

Any vacancy on the Committee, other than by expiration of term, shall be filled for the

unexpired portion of the term by the Town Council with priority given to maintain the structure

above.

The Town Council may remove members for cause and fill the vacancy per Chapter IV,

Section 6 of the Town Charter. Cause for removal shall include, but is not limited to, unexcused

absence from three (3) consecutive regular meetings and any intervening duly called special

meeting.

Any member of the Committee who is absent from three (3) consecutive regular

meetings and any intervening duly called special meetings shall be considered to have resigned

from the Commission and the vacancy shall be filled as hereinbefore provided, except that the

Commission may vote to waive the requirements of the section in each case where illness or

other extenuating circumstances make it impossible for a member to meet the attendance

requirements of this action.

It shall be the responsibility of the Chairman of the Committee to notify the Town Council

when a member has not properly performed his duties.

The regular members of the Farmers Market Committee shall elect a Chairman, Vice

Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. Any vacancy in any such office shall be filled from its

membership.

Section 6. Implementation

With the adoption of this Ordinance current members of the Farmers’ Market Committee

shall be reappointed to designate regular members, alternate members and to adjust terms to

provide continuity and eliminate all terms ending on the same date.

Two Regular Members shall be appointed for three (3) years

Two Regular Member shall be appointed for two (2) years

One Regular Member shall be appointed for one (1) year

Two Alternate Members shall be appointed for two (2) years

Two Alternate Member shall be appointed for one (1) year

Thereafter, vacancies shall be filled for a three (3) year term.

Section 7. Powers and Duties

•

Oversee the operation of the market, and set policy for the Committee, including but not

limited to:

o Establish Market Rules and Guidelines;

o Establish, review, and approve/disapprove applications for Vendor(s) and Community

Organization(s) interested in participating in the Farmers’ Market;

o Establish and collect Market Fees;

o Handle immediate situations concerning the market, including resolving conflicts among

members/vendors, and resolving consumer complaints;

o Ensure the market area stays clean and vendors abide by market rules;

o Assist vendors in compliance with all State and Federal rules and regulations;

o Establish and adopt Committee Rules of Procedure.

•

Arrange all meetings of the general membership;

Administer the Committee’s activities;

Create working group assignments (e.g., market theme days, children’s activities,

fundraising, advertising, etc.) and designate leads as necessary;

•

Investigate any suspicion of questionable practices or violation of market rules employed by

any seller. If verified, the Committee is authorized to immediately enforce corrective action

as necessary, up to and including revoking vendor’s authorization to participate in the

Farmers’ Market without refund of Market Fees.

Section 8. Revenue, Funding, and Monetary Gifts

The Ledyard Farmers’ Market Committee is authorized to accept Market Fees, gifts, or other

monetary donations to further the mission of the Farmers’ Market.

Monies received by the Town of Ledyard, from whatever source and by whatever means

(e.g., Market Fees, gifts, donation, etc.) shall be deposited into a Farmers Market Fund

020810201-54201-24201. These funds shall be in the custody of the Town Treasurer.

Annually, the Town Treasurer annually shall submit to the Farmers’ Market Committee and the

Legislative Body of the Town a complete and detailed report of the Farmers’ Market Fund.

Upon the Farmers’ Market Committee’s authorization, money that has been received

may be expended directly from this fund for the operation, development, promotion, and

marketing of the Farmers’ Market within the community.

Funds that were designated for a specific purpose when received must be expended for

that specific purpose.

The market may also keep a small cash reserve on hand to make change for donations,

make change for vendors, issue payouts for small expenses such as water, ice, etc.

Other than In-Kind services provided by the town, the Farmers Market Committee shall

not receive an operating budget supported by town funds.

Section. 9.

Severability

If any section, or part of a section, of this Ordinance shall be held by a court of

competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such holding shall not be deemed to invalidate the

remaining provisions hereof.

Section 10.

Effective Date

In accordance with the Town Charter this ordinance shall become effective on the

twenty-first (21st) day after such publication following its final passage.

Adopted by the Ledyard Town Council on: ____________

______________________________

S. Naomi Rodriguez, Chairman

Approve/Disapprove on: ____________

______________________________

Fred B. Allyn, III, Mayor

Published on:

Effective Date:

______________________________

Patricia A. Riley, Town Clerk

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

Revisions: Initially established under the Resolution Establishing a Farmers Market Committee

for the Town of Ledyard” on May 9, 2018; Amended on October 9, 2019 to increase

membership from seven members to nine members.

History:

“Resolution Establishing a Farmers Market Committee for the Town of Ledyard” was replaced

by Ordinance # 100-020.

3/13/2023:

When the Ledyard Farmers Market Committee was originally established in 2018 it was done

using a Resolution.

The Farmers Market Committee has been very successful and it was time to convert the

authorizing document into an Ordinance.

Resolutions are used to establish short-term Committee for specific Projects, and therefore,

terms all end at the same time, which was when the project was completed.

Ordinances are used for long-term ongoing Committees, which would be more appropriate for

the Farmers Market Committee.

The proposed Ordinance mirrors the “Resolution Establishing the Farmers’ Market Committee”

dated October 9, 2019 with the following updates:

Members - Restructure the members from the current nine members to five Regular

Members and four Alternate Members.

The following language has been added to Section 6:

“The market may also keep a small cash reserve on hand to make change for donations,

make change for vendors, issue payouts for small expenses such as water, ice, etc.

Other than In-Kind services provided by the town, the Farmers Market Committee shall

not receive an operating budget supported by town funds”.

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski

Discussion: Chairman Rodriguez stated a Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. She

noted the Farmers’ Market Committee has been patient as they worked through the process to

transition the original governing document from a Resolution (2018) into an Ordinance.

VOTE:

8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan, Saccone,

AYE:

and St. Vil

Paul

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appoint the following to the Farmers Market Committee in accordance with

adoption of proposed “An Ordinance Establishing a Farmers Market for the Town of Ledyard”:

Regular Members:

Pamela Ball (D) 674 Shewville Road, Ledyard, for a term ending March 13, 2027

Ethan Foltz (D) 894 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, for a term ending March 13, 2025

Ellin Grenger (D) 15 Bittersweet Drive, Gales Ferry, for a term ending March 13, 2027

Sarah Martic (R) 59R Long Cove Road, Ledyard for a term ending March 13, 2026

Allison Troy (D) 548 Pumpkin Hill Road Ledyard, for a term ending March 13, 2026

Alternate Members

William Thorne (R) 3 Adios Lane, Ledyard, for a term ending March 13, 2026.

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski

Discussion: None.

VOTE:

8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan, Saccone,

AYE:

and St. Vil

Paul

EXCUSED:

Finance Committee

MOTION to authorize a bid waiver for W. R. Allen & Co., Inc. of Uncasville, CT, in the amount

of $28,250 for Bid No. 2024-02 (Food Pantry Siding Improvements) due to lack of three bids, in

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

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Saccone

Discussion: Councilor Saccone explained that the town solicited bids to re-side the Linda C.

Davis Food Pantry. However, he noted only two bids were received as follows: (1) W. R. Allen

& Co., Inc. $28,250; and (2) Turner Home Improvement $38,160; therefore, he stated that a bid

waiver was in order. He stated recently only one or two contractors have been submitting bid

proposals for these types of municipal projects.

Mayor Allyn, III, stated the re-siding of the Linda C. Davis Food Pantry was one of the four

remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Projects that has not been started. He noted with

tonight’s action the Food Pantry siding would be as another ARPA Project that would come off

the List.

VOTE:

8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tony Saccone

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan, Saccone,

and St. Vil

AYE:

Paul

EXCUSED:

MOTION to authorize a bid waiver for Guaranteed Roofing of Canterbury, CT, in the amount of

$38,477 for Bid No. 2024-01 (Senior Center Re-shingling) due to lack of three bids, in

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

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Councilor Buhle noted as Councilor Saccone mentioned during Item #5 (see above)

that there have only been one or two contractors bidding on these types of municipal projects.

She stated for the project to re-shingle the Senior Citizens Center roof located at 12 Van Tassel

Drive, Gales Ferry, that only one bid was received; noting that a bid waiver has been requested

in accordance with the town’s procedures.

Councilor Ryan stated the bid that the town received came-in on lower end of the quotes they

had initially received, which ranged between $37,000 - $75,000. Therefore, he stated the bid

proposal from Guaranteed Roofing at $38,477 was good price.

Mayor Allyn, III, stated the project would include stripping the Senior Citizens Center Roof, and

putting the water and ice barrier on the entire roof, not just in the valleys and drip edges. He

stated that he was also disappointed that the town only received one bid.

VOTE:

8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tim Ryan

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan, Saccone,

AYE:

and St. Vil

Paul

EXCUSED:

MOTION to update the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Projects List and allocations as

follows:

(1).

Add the $300,000 Sandy Hollow Road Guardrail Replacement Project.

(2).Transfer $35,000 from the Gales Ferry Sidewalk Project (remove spreadsheet line 45) to the

Gales Ferry Corridor Study (spreadsheet line 25) for an updated total allocation of $50,000.

Moved by Councilor Saccone, seconded by Councilor Buhle

Discussion: Councilor Saccone explained in working to prioritize projects to use the

Uncommitted ARPA Balance and to reallocate surplus funds from completed projects the

Finance Committee agreed that the replacement of the Guiderails on Sandy Hollow Road was an

important safety project, and therefore, a good use of the Funds. He stated the $335,857 project

would replace the guiderails on the west side of the road with Oxidizing Weathering Steel

Guiderails, noting that the galvanized guiderails would remain on east side of the road.

Councilor Saccone continued by explaining although the current Uncommitted ARPA Balance

was in the amount of $225,962.49 and would not be enough funding to pay for the full $335,857

cost of the Sandy Hollow Road Guiderail Replacement Project that Public Works Director/Town

Engineer Steve Masalin indicated if the Town Council approved the use of $300,000 from the

ARPA Funding that he could use some funding from the Town Aid Road Grant (TAR), as well

as funding from other Public Works Accounts such as road maintenance, etc. to provide the

$35,875.50 balance needed for the project. He also noted that there would be some savings in

the cost of the project with the Public Works Department assisting with the removal of old

guiderails, providing safety/traffic control, and with recycling/selling of the old steel cable

(approximately $1,500).

Councilor Saccone stated the replacement of the Sandy Hollow Guiderails was 35-years

overdue, noting that Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin has included the

project on his Capital Improvement Projects Budget Request for over a decade; however. due to

competing needs that the project has not been funded. He stated by having ARPA Funding

available that it was time to address this safety issue.

Councilor Buhle addressed the Route 12 Corridor Study explaining that because of the data

needed, the cost to conduct the Study was going to cost $50,000. Therefore, she stated the

Finance Committee agreed that the $35,000 ARPA funding that was included on the Projects

List for the sidewalks in Gales Ferry would be better used by reallocating those funds for the

Gales Ferry Route 12 Corridor Study. She stated without the Route 12 Corridor Study they

would not know where the sidewalks should be located. Therefore, she stated adding the

$35,000 to the $15,000 that was already assigned for the Route 12 Corridor Study they would

have the $50,000 needed to produce the type of Study needed. She went on to explain to apply

for and receive additional grants for Route 12 Improvements, that the Town needed to have a

more up-to-date Study, noting that the last study was done over well over two decades ago and

was not relevant.

Councilor Ryan addressed the Sandy Hollow Road Guiderail Replacement Project, noting that

he wanted to clarify that they would be allocating $300,000 of ARPA Funding for the Project.

He explained the $300,000 ARPA Funding would not pay for the full cost of the $335,857

project. He stated the remaining $35,857 would be coming out of Town Aid Road (TAR) Grant

funding. Mayor Allyn stated that Councilor Ryan was correct, noting that Public Works

Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin had some TAR funding remaining in the current year’s

budget that he would be using toward the Guiderail Replacement Project.

Councilor Ryan continued by explaining by allocating $300,000 of ARPA Funding for the Sandy

Hollow Road Guiderail Replacement Project, that the ARPA funds would be over committed by

$74,038, because the balance sheet was showing an ARPA Uncommitted Balance of $225,962.49.

However, he explained that the Finance Committee believed there would be some additional

surplus funds remaining from other completed projects to make up the $74,038 difference for the

replacement of the Sandy Hollow Guiderails.

Councilor Dombrowski stated that he would echo Councilor Saccone’s comments regarding the

project to replace the Sandy Hollow Road Guiderails, noting that it was long overdue.

Councilor Dombrowski stated that he was also pleased to see that the Town was going to pursue a

comprehensive Route 12 Corridor Study, to replace the Study that was well over 25-years old. He

noted the importance of having an up-to-date Study to move forward with seeking grant funding to

make improvements to the Route 12 Corridor.

Mayor Allyn explained by not having an up to date Route 12 Corridor Study that it has prevented

Ledyard from being able to qualify for Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP)

Grants to make improvements to Route 12.

VOTE:

8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Tony Saccone

RESULT:

MOVER:

Jessica Buhle

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan, Saccone,

AYE:

and St. Vil

Paul

EXCUSED:

General Business

MOTION to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Attorney Robert Avena of the Law Firm

Suisman-Shapiro, New London, for Land Use matters, in accordance with Chapter VI; Section 1

of the Town Charter.

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Buhle

Discussion: Mayor Allyn, III, stated the Attorney Carl Landolina, from Fahey & Landolina in

South Windsor has been Ledyard’s Land Use Attorney for many, many years. He stated that

Attorney Landolina notified the Town that he would be retiring. He stated in soliciting new

options that Attorney Robert Avena was a well-thought-of local Land Use Attorney. He stated

the town received a favorable rate from Suisman-Shapiro, and that the Land Use Department

was pleased with the choice of Attorney Avena.

Chairman Rodriguez stated many years ago she served on the Planning & Zoning Commission,

for ten-years, noting that Attorney Landolina provided legal services to the town at that time.

She stated Attorney Landolina was a very nice man; noting that she was moved when she saw

his letter of resignation. She stated it was polite of Attorney Landolina to let the town know

about his retirement plans so far in advance. She thanked Attorney Landolina for his service to

Ledyard, noting that he would be missed. Mayor Allyn noted that Attorney Landolina was a First

Class Guy!

VOTE:

8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Jessica Buhle

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan, Saccone,

AYE:

and St. Vil

Paul

EXCUSED:

XIV. ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Allyn, III, thanked Gales Ferry Fire Chief Tony Saccone for his sixteen years of

service. He stated Chief Saccone was a consummate professional, noting that he had a

steady hand and that he did an amazing job. He stated although Councilor Saccone would

be stepping down as Fire Chief, that he knew that he would not be stepping away from

serving as a Volunteer Emergency First Responder. He thanked Chief Saccone for what he

has done for the town, and for what he continues to do, noting that it was much appreciated.

Councilor Buhle moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Saccone

VOTE:

8- 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

_______________________________

Transcribed by Roxanne M. Maher

Administrative Assistant to the Town Council

I, S. Naomi Rodriguez, 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 March 13, 2024.

___________________________

S. Naomi Rodriguez, Chairman

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.