Legislation & Administration Standing Committee of the RTM

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD PHONE 860-442-0553
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
www. waterfordct.org
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Legislation & Administration Committee of the RTM fap) pay as
Meeting Agenda 3 by oe
February 9, 2026 | 6:00PM aN ~ B23
Appleby Room, Waterford Town Hall IN U om
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1. Confirmation of Quorum and Call to Order
2. Public Comment
3. Consideration and Action on Minutes of the January 21, 2026 Committee Meeting
4. Review of Matters Currently Referred to the Committee (tems a-
possible action; remaining items to be reviewed as time allows)
a. Review of Chptr. 3.08 to reflect Public Act 25-92 (RTC 10/6/25)
b. Police Commission expansion to seven members (RTC 10/2/23)
c. Public Act 22-3, AAC Remote Meetings Under FOI Act (RTC 2/6/23)
d. Review of a “Public Comment Ordinance” (RTC 2/6/23)
e. Review of YFSB/Senior Citizens ordinances (RTC 8/5/24)
f.
g.
d anticipated for discussion and
Review how RTM considers recommendations for comrmittee assignments (RTC 6/6/22)
Review of Ethics Ordinance 2.50 (RTC 10/7/24)
5. New Business
6. Next Meeting Schedule
7. Adjournment
Encl: Legislation&A dministration_Meeting Minutes_01212026
Backup re: item 4a: Letter from Kim Allen re: Ordinance 3.08 (Purchasing) Revision Request,
Waterford Town Ordinance Chapter 3.08, Public Act 25-92
Backup re: item 4d: Letter from Paul Goldstein re: Public Comment

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE.860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
Pa ~ w
Legislation & Administration Meeting Minutes AOS fnunggebs, 2026
Members Present: Erica Casper, Mary Childs, Emmy Franklin, Paul Goldstein, Danielled wardicelinee
Members Abseit: None 3 ees al BS
Also Present: Suc Driscoll; RTM moderator BN Pr eel
y oD
1. Confirmation of Quorum and Call to Order B * 3
L&A Chair Erica Casper called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. e co e
2. Public Comment
Aconmitteé member noted that.an item previously tefeiited to the committee was not listed on the
agenda; The Chair clarified that items not on the agenda snay be discussed but not voted on. By
consensus, the agenda was amended to include discussion of the Ethics Ordinance, which will be
reflected in the minutes.
3. Consideration and Action.on Minutes of the February 13, 2025 Special Committee Meetin
Motion by Mary Childs, seconded by Emmy Franklin fo approve the minutes. Voice vote: Unanimous in
favor.
4. Committee Orientation and Role Overview
Casper gave a brief overview of the committee’s purpose, how the committee handles referrals, and steps
involved should an ordinance change be recommended.
5. Review of Matters Currently Referred to the Committee (Information Only)
a. Review of YFSB/Senior Citizens ordinances (RTC 8/5/24)
Committee discission resulted in consensts that this item should be given discussion tinic.at a.future
meeting arid that Dani Gorman, human services ddiinistrator, the Senior Citizens Commission, and
the first selectman should be invited to that meeting to participate in the discussion. Scheduling will
be.attempted to accommodate conmittée mensbers and invited participants,
b, Review how RIM considers recommendations for committee assignments (RTC.6/6/22)
The discussion initially referred to a May 9, 2022 letter from Quaker Hill resident Helen
Kwasniewski regarding committee appointinents, The committee agreed that the issue relates to
commission assignments and whether amendments to current policy may be warranted. Further
discussion is planned for a futute meeting.
ce. Public Act 22-3, AAC Remote Meetings Under FOI Act (RTC 2/6/23)
Casper provided background that Public Act 22-3 makes petmanent rules allowing public agencies to
hold virtual or hybrid meetings, Committee members gerierally agreed that this item could likely be
referred out of committee with no action at a future meeting, as no current issues with virtual vs. in-
person meetings were identified,

ad. Review ofa “Public Comment Ordinance” (RTC 2/6/23)
Limited background was available for this referral. Following discussion, the commiltee agreed that
the intent of the referral was to ensure the public has a chance to comment on decisions or
recommendations that committees, commissions, boards, etc. are considering. Committee generally
agreed the matter could be referred, but drafting a letter encouraging all committees to offer public
comment with basic guidelines was warranted. Franklin agreed to draft that letter for discussion at a
future meeting.
e. Police Commission expansion to seven members (RTC 10/2/23)
No background was identified for the proposed expansion. Committee members generally agreed that
the item could likely be referred back to the RTM with no action. The chair will reach out fo current
commissioners to see if they wish to participate in the next L&A meeting.
Sf Review of Chpt: 3.08 to reflect Public Act 25-92 (RTC 10/6/25)
Public Act 25-92 raises the threshold for sealed bidding on certain municipal contracts from $25,000
to $35,000. Committee will invite Kim Allen, finance director, and Shea Davy, purchasing agent, to
speak to this item during a future meeting.
g. Review of Ethics Ordinance 2.50 (RTC 10/7/24)
Note: This item was not inclided on the original agenda. :
Comunittee agreed that this item will likely involve a lengthy discussion and noted potential timing
considerations related to the budget cycle. This item will remain on fature agendas and will be
discussed as time allows,
6. Prioritization of Committee Work
As items ¢, d, and e are not expected to involve lengthy discussions and can hopefully be resolved
quickly, these will be prioritized for discussion at the next meeting, Jtem Lis also expected to be
addressed, and the committee plans to take action on it at the next meeting provided invited staff can
attend, Items a, b, and g are anticipated to involve more lengthy discussions, and will be considered as
time allows.
7. Future Meeting Schedule
Next ineeting is tentatively scheduled for February 9, 2026.
8. Adjournment
Motion by Franklin, seconded by Goldstein to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote: unanimous in favor.
Meeting adjoumed at 7:41pm.
Submitted by:
Erica Casper
Chair, Legislation & Administration Committee

TO:
FROM:
COPY:
RE:
DATE:
FIFTEEN ROPE PERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0583
wowwaterfordelorg
Paul Goldstein
Moderator, RTM
Kira Allen, Director of Finance
Rob Brule, First Selectman
Ordinance 3,08 (Purchasing) Revision Request
September 25, 2025
Effective October 4, 2025, the State of Connecticut has revised Statute 7-148v which raised the
bidding threshold to $35,000 through Public Act 25-92.
| respectfully request that the RTM consider revising Waterford Ordinance 3.08 (Purchasing) to
reflect and align with this change in the state statute.
Respectfully,
Kimberly Allen
Kimberly Allen

st
Substitute Senate Bill No. 1184
Public Act No. 25-92
AN ACT INCREASING THE THRESHOLD FOR SEALED BIDDING
ON CERTAIN MUNICIPAL CONTRACTS.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
Assembly convened:
Section 1. Subsection (a) of section 7-148v of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2025):
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any municipal charter or any
special act to the contrary, any municipality may, by ordinance,
establish requirements for competitive bidding for the award of any
contract or the purchase of any real or personal property by the
municipality. Such ordinance may provide that, except as otherwise
required by any provision of the general statutes, sealed bidding shall
not be required for contracts or purchases having a value less than or
equal to an amount established in the ordinance, which amount shall
not be greater than [twenty-five] thirty-five thousand dollars. Nothing
in this section shall be deemed to invalidate any ordinance enacted by a
municipality prior to October 1, 1989. Nothing in this section and no
ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall be construed to limit
the ability of a municipality to enter into a contract pursuant to section
4a-53a.

Substitute Senate Bill No. 1184
Governor's Action:
Approved July 1, 2025
Public Act No. 25-92 20f 2

Title 3 - REVENUE AND FINANCE
Chapter 3,08 PURCHASING
Chapter 3.08 PURCHASING
Sections:
3.08.010 Applicability—-Cooperative purchasing.
A.
This chapter shall be applicable to all purchases of materials, equipment and contracts for services other
than those encompassed in collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts with non-union
personnel, made on behalf of the town by any town agency, board or commission except the board of
education.
This chapter is not applicable to contracts for the construction or alteration of real property when outside
consultants are specifically authorized to perform the purchasing function; however, the agency, board or
commission hiring such consultant shall require that purchasing under such contract be performed to
standards at least equal to those contained in this chapter and that records and documents of such
purchasing be filed with the purchasing agent of the town immediately upon their execution.
When it is in the best interest of the town, the purchasing agent may make arrangements for purchasing in
conjunction with other units of state and local government and other entities. Reports of such instances shall
be accompanied by substantial backup verifying the sources utilized to secure the price, and this report shall
be made available to each board or commission that must vote to authorize the proposal before the
purchase fs made.
{Amend. of 12-18-18(1); Amend. of 10-7-13; Amend. of 6-1-15(4); R.T.M, 10-6-97 (part): R.T.M. 12-5-94 (part):
R.T.M. 4-4-88: prior code § 2-37)
3.08.020 Establishment, rules and duties of purchasing function.
A
The office of town purchasing agent is established in the department of finance to coordinate the purchasing
function of the town. The director of finance shall recommend a candidate for the position to be appointed
by the first selectman.
A uniform purchasing system and operating rules, consistent with state and federal laws, shall be established
for the town which shall be devised by the purchasing agent, recommended by the board of selectmen,
approved by the R.T.M, and administered in the department of finance. All purchasing transactions shall be
processed and recorded within legal constraints as stated in this chapter and in Chapter 2.112, Disposition of
Town Property.
The duties of the purchasing agent are as follows:
1. To promote the most effective and efficient procurement and disposition of town assets and services;
2. To provide, upon request, information to support all purchasing operations and management analyses
for decision-making purposes;
3. To provide technical services for the review and recommendation of specifications and purchase
orders;
4. To implement the bidding/request for proposal process through advertising and posting notices of
solicitation;
5. To secure and record quotations/bids/proposals for purchases when multiple vendors are available;
Waterford, Connecticut, Code of Ordinances Created: 2024-12-18 12:03:56 [EST]
(Supp. No. 29)
Page 1 of 3

6. To make purchases according to the requisitions and specifications of the user agency, board or
commission;
7. Tosubmit an annual report to the director of finance relative to the cost effectiveness and
performance of purchasing operations in the town.
(Amend. of 4-5-21; Amend. of 12-18-18(1); Amend. of 10-7-13; Amend. of 6-1-15(1); R.T.M. 10-6-97 (part): R.T.M.
412-5-94 (part): R.T.M. 6-6-88: R.T.M. 4-4-88: prior code § 2-38)
3.08.030 Purchase categories—Bids/proposals required—Specifications authorized.
A. Public competitive bidding and purchases of material and equipment and services will be established and
administered, pursuant to CGS § 7-148v(a}, at the following level:
1. For purchases exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars, a formal bid process is required as authorized in
subsection B of Section 3.08.020 and Section 3.08.040.
2. Under twenty-five thousand dollars, the town purchasing agent's operating rules shall govern all other
purchasing transactions, and may allow for jocal vendor preferences as established under the
operating rules.
(Amend. of 4-5-21; Amend. of 12-18-18(4); Amend. of 10-7-13; Amend. of 6-1-15(1); R.T.M. 10-6-97 (part): R.T.M.
12-5-94 (part): R.T.M. 6-6-88: R.T.M. 4-4-88: prior code § 2-39)
3.08.040 Bid process—Opening of bids/proposals—Rejecting bids/proposals—Awards of
contract.
A. No purchases or contracts which require a formal bid or proposal process shall be made or entered into until
the purchasing agent has placed a public advertisement in a newspaper, having a daily circulation in the
town, and placed on the town web site. Said advertisement shall appear not less than fourteen days prior to
the receipt of bids/proposals, shall contain information as to the time that sealed bids/proposals will be
received and opened, and the place prospective vendors may obtain information about the specifications
with respect to the materials, equipment or services required.
B. Each bid/proposal shall be opened publicly at the time stated in its advertisement. A public record shall
identify all present at the opening and all vendors and the amounts of their bids/proposals.
C. Contracts shall generally be awarded to the qualified vendor with the lowest price. Compliance with
specifications, ability of the contractor to perform the contract, prior performance, and the ability to
complete the contract terms in a timely manner are all criteria to be used in the evaluation process. With
respect to materials and equipment, contracts shall be awarded to the vendor with the lowest price whose
product has met quality requirements. The purchasing agent shall recommend a bid/proposal award to the
user agency, board or commission.
D. Contracts shall be reviewed by the user agency, board or commission, the purchasing agent and the town
attorney to ensure all quality, fairness and legal parameters are met before said contracts are considered
final and approved and may be executed.
E. The board of selectmen is authorized to make an award, or reject any and all bids/proposals, or any part of
any bids/proposals, when it is in the best interest of the town. All bids/proposals, will be awarded by the
board of selectmen regardless of funding source, with the sole exception of bids/proposals funded by use of
funds from the sewer enterprise fund, the sewer development/maintenance fund and the water fund,
accounts under the sole discretion of the utility commission. The purchasing agent shail be notified of the
decision and the reason for any rejection by either body.
Created: 2024-12-16 12:03:56 [£5T}
(Supp. No. 29}
Page 2 of 3

(Amend. of 12-18-18(1); Amend. of 10-7-13; Amend. of 6-1-15{1); R.T.M. 10-6-97 (part): R.T.M, 12-5-94 (part):
R.T.M. 4-4-88: prior code § 2-40)
3.08.050 Waiver of bid/proposal process.
A. — Incase of emergency, the head of any town agency, board or commission may purchase directly any item(s)
or service(s) essential to prevent public harm or delays in work. An authorization document, a copy of the
invoice, and a report of the circumstances shall be sent to both the board of selectmen and the purchasing
agent.
B. After conferring with the purchasing agent and, other than as excepted below, upon a unanimous vote of all
members of the board of selectmen present at any regular or special meeting, a bid/proposal process may
be waived under Sections 3.08.030 and 3.08.040 when deemed to be in the best interest of the town. No
board, commission or agency is authorized to enter into a contract without compliance with said process
except bids/proposals using funds under the sole discretion of the utility commission. When such funds are
involved, after conferring with the purchasing agent, the utility commission, by unanimous vote of all
members present at a regular or special meeting, is authorized to waive the bid/proposal process when
deemed to be in the best interest of the town. Whenever any bid waiver is approved pursuant to this
chapter, a copy of the minutes that state the reason why it is in the best interest of the town to waive the
formal bid/proposal process shall be forwarded to the purchasing agent along with a copy of the contract
award. Such contracts shall be reviewed by the user agency, board or commission, the purchasing agent and
the town attorney to ensure all quality, fairness and legal parameters are met before such contracts are
considered final and approved and may be executed.
(Amend. of 12-18-18(1); Amend. of 10-7-13; Amend. of 6-1-15(1); R.T.M. 10-6-97 (part): R.T.M. 12-5-94 (part):
R.T.M. 4-4-88: prior code § 2-44)
Created: 2024-12-10 12:03:56 [EST]
(Supp. No. 29)
Page 3 of 3

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
Date; 1/5/23
To: All Waterford Boards & Commissions,
At the RTM Regular Meeting on October 3,:2022 discussion took place regarding the need to
provide public comment at public meetings for all Waterford Boards and Commissions. Further
discussion and deliberations took place at the December 5, 2022 Regular RTM Meeting. The
consensus of the RTM was that Public Comment is vital to an inclusive and transparent
government and should be part of Public Meetings. The RTM strongly recommends moving
forward that all Waterford Boards and Commissions make Public Comment an agenda item as
part of their meetings. The RTM recognizes that the timing and scope of such public comment is
best left to the judgement of each Board or: Commission.
Sincerely,
Co da
Paul Goldstein, Moderator RTM
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