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, September 28, 2022

7:00 PM

Town Hall Council Chambers -

Hybrid Format

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/89025253035?

pwd=N1NSRUlHUG5VcWl0MlV4dVdWdXNNUT09

Or by Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 890 2525 3035; Passcode:

626183

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 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 Andra Ingalls

Present:

Councilor Andra Ingalls

Councilor Whit Irwin

Councilor Mary K. McGrattan

Councilor S. Naomi Rodriguez

Councilor Bill Saums

Councilor John Marshall

Councilor Gary Paul

Councilor Tim Ryan

Excused:

IV.

PRESENTATIONS

None.

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

MINUTES

None.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

None.

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

Councilor Rodriguez announced the following events (1) Friday, September 30, 2022 - Ice

Cream Social - The Ledyard Police Department would be hosting an Ice Cream Social at the

Ledyard Senior Center on Van Tassel Drive, Gales Ferry for the community and families

with autistic individuals. This was a pre-event for the Mock Traffic Stop Program for

individuals with Autism, Deaf -Hearing Impaired or New Drivers; (2) Saturday, October 1,

2022 Mock Traffic Stop Presentation - The Groton Police Department, Ledyard Police

Department and the Waterford Police Department would be hosting a Mock Traffic Stop

Presentation at Fitch High School from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon for individuals with Autism,

Deaf -Hearing Impaired or New Drivers.

Chairman Dombrowski stated he attended the Practice Nuclear Regulatory - Millstone Drill

on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. He noted Ledyard performed well, noting the Controller

provided a couple of minor suggestions regarding the briefing on dosimetry with regard to

informing all those in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when actions were being

taken, such as sounding the alarm so that everyone would be aware of what was going on. He

went on to state that the Drill itself did not go that well, noting that Millstone had some

issues with their personnel relative to disseminating information in a timely fashion. He also

noted that FEMA was not happy with someone on the municipal call who played the music

from the Looney Tunes cartoon when their town was called.

Councilor Irwin recognized that Councilor Ryan was in Florida with his family weathering

Hurricane Ian. He stated for those who have family or friends in Florida that he wished all

those being impacted the storm that they will come thru without injury or damage to their

property. He stated their hearts and thoughts go out to all those in Florida at this time.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2022

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

S. Naomi Rodriguez

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Ingalls, Irwin, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and Saums

Marshall, Paul, and Ryan

AYE:

EXCUSED:

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications List - Town Council Meeting - September 28, 2022

REFERALS

XI.

COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS

Administration Committee

Councilor Ingalls stated the Administration Committee met earlier this evening and voted to

forward the following items to the Town Council: (1) Appointments - The Committee address a

number of both new and reappointments; (2) Proposed “An Ordinance Regulating Parking of

Commercial Vehicles on Public Streets in Residential Zones and/or In Front of Residentially

Used Properties” and setting a Public Hearing to receive comments on the Public Hearing.

She noted these items would be on the Town Council’s October 12, 2022 agenda.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee

Councilor Saums stated the Community Relations met on September 21, 2022 and addressed the

following: (1) 2023 Black History Month Activity; (2) First Responders Fish Fry Community

Event has been scheduled for Sunday October 9, 2022 from 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. - Councilor

Saums noted that the focus of the First Responders Fish Fry Community Event (previously

referred to as the National Faith and Blue Weekend), would be sponsored by the Ledyard

Police Department and hosted by the Ledyard Congregational Church. An Invitation was

posted on the Ledyard Police Department’s Facebook Page for the event, which would be a

Clam Chowder-Fish Fry Dinner. He stated all were invited noting that although the meal was

free, that tickets were required and could be obtained by registering in advance on Eventbrite.

Further details and the Eventbrite Registration was available on the Ledyard Police

Department’s Facebook Page. The Community Relations Committee discussed providing

assistance by providing the sound system and music for the event; (3) Approved the

Community Relations Committee Mission Statement as follows:

“The Community Relations committee is tasked with being both an

advocate and a resource for the community by listening, communicating,

and engaging with the community, educating ourselves, and standing up to

discrimination and racism in all forms. We do this by encouraging

dialogue, promoting unity and understanding, and learning from one

another as we continue to build a strong community together, making sure

no-one is left behind.”

Councilor Saums continued the Community Relations Report noting: (4) Hosting Public

Information Forums - The Committee planned to invite Public Works Director/Town Engineer

Mr. Masalin to the Community Relations Committee November 16, 2022 meeting, to provide

information regarding winter storm operations and also discussed other topics for informal

conversations with the public; (5) Rescheduling an informal gathering the Mashantucket

Pequot Tribal Council; (6) Park on East Drive (Christy Hill Park) - The Committee continues

to monitor progress and improvements by the Parks & Recreation Department, which most

recently included installing lighting for the area at night; (7) October was “Depression and

Mental Health Month” and “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” - The Committee would be

asking the Town Council to bring awareness to Depression and Mental Health in October. He

noted more details would be forthcoming.

RESULT:

Finance Committee

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee held their hybrid meeting on September 21,

2022. He stated in addition to the items on tonight’s agenda the Committee discussed the

following: (1) Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2022 Unaudited Budget Report - Councilor Saums

stated Finance Director Matthew Bonin provided the following year-end overview noting the

revenue received exceeded the revenue budgeted by $816,000. However, the General

Government operating expenditures were over budget by $156,000 because the Board of

Education healthcare expenses, which were recorded on the General Government side of the

ledger, was under-forecasted by $861,000. The Board of Education’s operating budget ended

the year with a $205,000 surplus. In accordance with the “Resolution Creating a Funding

Mechanism for Making Annual Appropriations to a Capital Reserve Fund for the Board of

Education” adopted on September 28, 1988, the Board of Education’s annual budget surplus

was required to be transferred to their Capital Account at the end of each year. In addition, the

net of revenue surplus and expenditure overages resulted in a $505,000 surplus for the year.

Additional appropriations from the Undesignated Fund Balance were originally budgeted at

$907,000; however, he explained that the $505,000 surplus would reduce the level of funds

that would need to be drawn from the Undesignated Fund resulting in a $402,085 reduction

in the Undesignated Fund Balance. The projected Unaudited Fund Balance in the amount of

$4,612,497 for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2022; was 7.5% of the expenditure budget; (2)

Transfer Station Improvements - Special Fund - Councilor Saums stated Public Works

Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin discussed with the Finance Committee a request to

set up a reserve fund for the purpose to appropriate the revenues received from the Transfer

Station Fees and other Recycling Revenues to be used for Transfer Station capital needs such

as lifecycle and compliance requirements. Councilor Saums explained that currently these

revenues were going into the Capital Undesignated Fund and that the Public Works

Department has been requesting appropriations throughout the year to pay for these types of

improvements, noting an example of such an expenditure was on tonight’s Agenda. He

stated the Committee felt that the expenditures for Transfer Station Improvements for

lifecycle and compliance requirements could be better handled by setting up the reserve fund

as described this evening. He went on to state that to spend the funds from the new reserve

account that the Public Works Director would need to prepare a Plan, as he currently does for

the Building Improvement Needs, to be presented during the Annual Budget approval

process.

RESULT:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

Councilor Rodriguez stated at their September 19, 2022 meeting the LUPPW Committee

discussed the following: (1) Proposed Ledyard Garden - The LUPPW Committee was joined

by Mr. Sean Moriarty to discuss his Ledyard Garden proposal dated July 13, 2022. Mr.

Moriarty’s idea included possibly growing food on town-owned property, that would be sold

to residents. His vision was to create a sustainable food source in Ledyard that would benefit

the town and could possibly be shared or donated to the Linda C. Davis Food Pantry. Mr.

Moriarty’s original idea was to use a lower field at the Nathan Lester House, however the

LUPPW Committee had concerns with the use of the historic property, and provided ideas

and support on how his proposal might work by finding other suitable town-owned property;

or perhaps private property. The LUPPW Committee also recommended Mr. Moriarty

contact the Agricultural Commission and the Conservation Commission to network and to

come up with a workable solution to his vision. Although no action was taken the LUPPW

Committee was intrigued by Mr. Moriarty’s Garden proposal; (2) Park on East Drive

(Christy Hill Park) - The Parks & Recreation Commission had planned to hold their

September 20, 2022 meeting at the Park. However, the Commission decided to hold their

September Meeting at the Parks & Recreation/Senior Center on Van Tassel Drive in Gales

Ferry because Eversouce had not turned on the electricity to the newly installed lights on at

Park. The lights have since been connected to the electricity and the Parks & Recreation

Commission was hopeful that they would hold their October 18, 2022 meeting at the East

Drive Park (Christy Hill Park). Also a pole has been driven into the ground to better lock and

secure the gate to the Park.

Councilor Saums questioned whether there was any discussion regarding the railroad ties

that were delivered to the East Drive Park (Christy Hill Park). Councilor Rodriguez stated

the railroad ties were not discussed during the LUPPW Committee’s meeting.

RESULT:

Other Liaison Reports

Youth and Social Services Board

Councilor McGrattan noted the Youth & Social Services Board met on September 20, 2022 and

discussed the following: (1) Clinical Therapist Draft Job Description was approved. During the

appropriation of funding received from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) $190,000 was allocated

to hire for a part-time Clinician for a two-three year period; (2) Staffing - Youth Services has three

Interns; (3) Counseling Caseload - Youth Services currently had 50 active cases.

Ledyard Beautification Committee

Councilor Ingalls stated in soliciting the Ledyard Beautification Committee Members’ interest to

continue to serve when their terms end on October 26, 2022 that a number of them have decided not

to renew. Therefore, she announced that the Beautification Committee would have six vacancies,

noting that they would be looking for residents to serve on this Committee.

Senior Citizens Commission

Councilor Rodriguez stated the Senior Citizens Commission met on September 28, 2022. She stated

Ms. Michelle Gagon- Smith has been hired as their new Clerical Office Assistant, noting that Ms.

Dusty Lockany resigned to take a position at Electric Boat-General Dynamics.

Water Pollution Control Authority

Councilor Saums stated the WPCA met on September 27, 2022 and addressed the following: (1)

Tetrahedrane (THM) Levels - Routine flushing (twice per week) of specific fire hydrants and

blow-offs resulted in the THM Levels dropping just below the .080 milligrams per liter in both

water systems in July. Customers were notified that levels have returned to compliance, thru their

Billing Statement. However, the Department of Public Health (DPH) required that a second notice

be sent to customers to let them know that the system was previously out of compliance; (2)

Water Treatment Plant - Groton Utilities has changed the way they draw their water into the

treatment plant to reduce naturally occurring organic compounds in Smith Lake and their well

source; (3) Chidley Way Dry Main Connection Costs - The WPCA communicated the water

connection cost to the Chidley Way Residents as follows: $500,000 for an 8-inch main or $618,000

for a 12-inch main. The Chidley Way residents determined they do not wish to pursue having the

Town install a water main to connect with the dry main on their street. The WPCA planned to

ask the Ledyard Fire Company if they would be willing to flush and fill the dry main with water;

(4) Ledyard Center Water Tank Painting (Route 117) - A single bidder has agreed to provide an

estimate for painting the Route 117 Tank. The painting would most likely not be completed until

spring, if the painter was hired; (5) Ledyard Center Sewer Line Extension Project - Multi-Model

Pathway Project - The Engineering Plans for the Ledyard Center Sewer Line Extension Project -

Multi-Model Pathway Project were still being revised before the package would be sent out for

competitive bids. There were several conflicts between the Plan for the Trail, drainage, the sewer

line, and existing water and power utilities. Details that had been provided by Groton Utilities to

the Engineering Firm were not displayed in previous drawings. The Engineering Firm Weston &

Sampson did not request “As-Built” drawings from Groton Utilities prior to developing their

design and has reportedly submitted a $6,850 Invoice to the WPCA for engineering redesign,

including a retaining wall. The motion to pay the invoice was tabled until further information

was provided. Groton Utilities reported that normally when a project such as this one was being

designed that they ask for the “As Built” first and then they do the design. The WPCA felt that

that being charged for a “Redesign” was odd, because they did not ask for the “As Built”.

Councilor Saums stated these Projects were not being managed by the Permanent Municipal

Building Committee (PMBC) and that he believed that they should be. He stated the New Police

Headquarters Facility and the School(s) Consolidation- Improvement Project(s) Middle School

& Gallup Hill School) were designed under the PMBC. He stated in talking with Public Works

Director Steve Masalin earlier today that he agreed that a meeting of all the participants should

be held. Councilor Saums suggested the Town Council assign these projects to the PMC sooner

rather than later; 6) Wastewater Treatment Plant agitator problem may have been resolved; (8)

Wastewater Pump - The installation of the Smith and Loveless Pump was completed in mid-August,

2022 and was under budget. However, the delivery of the Smith & Loveless pump has been delayed

to October, 2022; (9) Demolition of Abandoned WPCA Facilities - The WPCA has been working

to obtain estimates to demolish the Gallup Hill, Sablewoods water pump stations, and the Loftus

well site in the near future because CIRMA has been inquiring about these last abandoned

WPCA Facilities.

XII. REPORT OF THE MAYOR

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

Mayor Allyn, III, was out of town. - No Report.

Questions to the Mayor - None.

RESULT:

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Finance Committee

MOTION to authorize the Permanent Municipal Building Committee (PMBC) to set the bid rate

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

to account for inflation.

In addition, the Permanent Municipal Building Committee may, with Town Council approval,

modify the scope of the “Various School Improvement Projects” to include the replacement of

the roofs at the Central Office, Gales Ferry School, and Juliet W. Long School; installation of

solar equipment at Gales Ferry School and Juliet W. Long School; upgrades to the building

management systems at Gales Ferry School; and electrical and HVAC upgrades at Juliet W.

Long School) to stay within the authorized amount $6,725,000, as approved by the townspeople

at the February 22, 2022 town-wide referendum.

Also, the Town Council acknowledges that the Town of Ledyard is aware that the State of

Connecticut notified the Board of Education that the State would only provide a reimbursement

rate of 75% for the cost of the Gales Ferry School roof. This reduction in State grant

reimbursement was based the State’s record that the Board of Education accepted the school in

2006, although the Gales Ferry School project was completed in 2001; therefore, the State

believed that school did not meet the State’s the 20-year criteria for full reimbursement.

Councilor Saums stated he and Finance Director Matthew Bonin have been trying to obtain

written confirmation from the State regarding their requests for the Town Council to take these

actions. He noted the Finance Committee forwarded this item to the Town Council with the

caveat that if the requested information from the State was not received before tonight’s meeting

that they would ask the Town Council not to act on the item. Therefore, he stated because they

have not received the requested information from the State, that he would like to have the

Finance Committee revisit this item at their October 5, 2022 with the hope that they would

receive the requested information from the State by next week.

NO ACTION

RESULT:

MOTION to approve an additional appropriation of $4,477.79 to Account #10110311-56135

(Town Clerk - Recording/Licensing Supplies); upon receipt of the Secretary of the State Grant

Funding.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated because a high number of absentee ballots were expected to

be returned for the upcoming 2022 Mid-Term General Election, the Secretary of State has

provided grant funding to municipalities to help offset these costs, via funding provided by the

federal government. The amount of grant funding allocated to the Town of Ledyard for this

purpose was $4,477.79 and he that the funds have already been received. He stated this was a

100% pass thru.

VOTE: 6 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Ingalls, Irwin, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and Saums

Marshall, Paul, and Ryan

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appropriate $3,000 to Account 21040113-56315 (Transfer Station Improvements)

from Account 21090305-58915 (Undesignated) to fund the purchase of a weather-tight container

for oversized televisions and other electronics at the Transfer Station.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums explained the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

(DEEP) guidelines required covering electronics staged for disposal at transfer stations. He

provided some background noting initially they used cardboard boxes for disposal of televisions

and other electronics at the Transfer Station; and that they were now using a large tent style tarp

to cover the electronics. He stated although the tarp style tent worked better than the cardboard

boxes the average lifecycle of the tarp has been no more than two-years, noting that they get

destroyed by the sun and wind, etc. He stated rather than replace the electronic protection staging

area with the same type of material (tarp) that they would like to purchase a weather-tight export

type of container which would last much longer and would be a savings long-term because they

would not have to replace the tarp every two-years.

Councilor Saums went on to state the Mayor had suggested looking for something cheaper

on-line. He stated in looking for possible savings by purchasing a used export box from various

sources Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin told him today the Supplier found

a 2021 model for $600.00 less than the original cost quoted for a 2022 model. Therefore, he

stated they would not spend the full $3,000. He concluded by stating this was an example of the

kind of Public Works spending that he mentioned during his Finance Committee Report earlier

this evening. He stated because the town received Recycling and Transfer Fee Revenues, which

were used for these types of expenses, that being able to plan better would be helpful.

Councilor McGrattan questioned whether the town received any money for the disposal of the

televisions and other electronics. Councilor Saums stated he did not believe the town received

much money from the electronics, noting that the most important issue was to get the materials

out of the waste stream.

Councilor Ingalls noted during the September 21, 2022 Finance Committee meeting she

questioned the reason the State required electronics, that were being discarded, to be stored in a

weather tight container. She stated it was mentioned that the Department of Energy and

Environmental Protection (DEEP) most likely required storing the electronics in a weather tight

container was because of corrosion and potential seepage of chemicals and other toxic materials

that were in the electronics.

VOTE: 6 - - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Ingalls, Irwin, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and Saums

Marshall, Paul, and Ryan

AYE:

EXCUSED:

General Business

Discuss Work Session Items as time permits.

None.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Rodriguez moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

VOTE: 6 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 7:21 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 September 28, 2022.

___________________________________________

Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman

DISCLAIMER: