Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - Minutes - 12/04/2023

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Board/CommissionRepresentative Town Meeting (RTM)
Meeting DateDecember 04, 2023
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FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
|
MINUTES ; 3
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING o ls,
Regular Meeting 3) 3
December 4, 2023 ~ own
ey - oor
First Selectman Robert Brule, Acting Moderator, called the December 4, 2023 Annual Meeting of the ©
Representative Town Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Kyrah Augmon-Bossa, Michael Bono, Jennifer Bracciale, Mark Campo, Harry Colonis (speaker
phone), Mary Childs, Timothy Condon, Thomas J. Dembek, Susan Driscoll, Timothy Fioravanti, Nicholas
Gauthier, Kevin Girard, Paul Goldstein, Kristen Gonzalez, Ryan Healy, Christina Jessuck, Matthew
Keatley, Lindsay Khan, Shawn Monahan, Ursula Moreshead, Kayla Mullen, Kathleen Mullen Kohl,
Theodore Olynciw, Danielle Steward-Gelinas, David Sugrue
ABSENT: Jerry Fischer
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: First Selectman Robert J Brule; Board of Finance Chair Glenn
Patterson; Selectman Richard Muckle
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair of the Board of Pat Fedor, selectman Greg Attanasio
ALSO PRESENT: Town Clerk David L. Campo; Town Attorneys Robert Avena and Nick Kepple; Director of
Finance Kim Allen.
AGENDA ITEM C - Elect a Moderator
NOMINATION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Healy, to nominate Paul Goldstein to serve as
Moderator for a term of one year.
GOLDSTEIN selected as Moderator: Unanimous
RTM Member Colonis left the meeting.
AGENDA ITEM D — October 2, 2023 Minutes
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Bono, to accept the October 2, 2023 Minutes with the following
correction noted by Town Clerk David Campo: That written public comment submitted by Waterford
Resident Laurette Saller be accepted as part of the October 2, 2023. (See attachment)
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CORRESPONDENCE
The following items were received: a quarterly report from Fire Services, a letter from the Energy Task
Force, a committee report from Public Protection and Safety, and a letter from the Public Protection and
safety requesting the review of a potential open burn ordinance. (See Attachment)
1 RTM MINUTES 12/04/2023

PUBLIC COMMENT
Waterford resident Helen Kwasniewski offered her concerns over the use of fire pits and the need for
them to be permitted, political signs should be banned.
The following members of the public spoke in opposition to the proposed Data Center: Tina DuBosque,
45 Wintergreen Dr; James Sposito, 38 Wintergreen Dr; Karen Boehm, 8 Anita Ave; John Valliere, 294
Millstone Rd E.; Bryan Sayles, 54 Wintergreen Dr(See Attachment); Michele Lewis-O’ Donnell submitted
in writing (See attachment), 19 Nichols Lane.
The following members of the public spoke in support of the proposed Data Center: Beth Sabilia, 132
Oswegatchie Rd; Kris Talar, 6 8 Ave; Joe Toner, 11 Old Mill Rd; Don Barnes 3 Maple Ave; Jim Denning,
Old Mill Rd; Fred Elgersma, 245 Shore Rd
Quaker Hill resident Bryan Sayles also spoke in opposition to the LED sign proposed for Quaker Hill that
is up for review in front of the Board of Selectman and concern over signs of neglect and hazards in
Quaker Hill. (See Attachment)
AGENDA ITEM H
None
CALL ITEM 1 ~ Data Center Update
PRESENTATION: Attorney for NE Edge William McCoy
Attorney McCoy provided an update on the project and answered questions from the body.
CALL ITEM 2 — Fargo Water Tank Antennas
PRESENTATION: RTM Tom Dembek provided background
Motion by Driscoll, seconded by Bono, to approve a recommendation from the Board of Finance for an
additional appropriation in the amount of $48,998 for a new Capital Project (Fargo Water Tank
Antennas), account number to be determined, from Line #205-31520 Undesignated Fund Balance of
the Capital Non-recurring Expenditure Fund (CNR).
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous (Gauthier was unavailable)
CALL ITEM 3 — SCBA Up-grade Program
PRESENTATION: Fire Services Director Michael Howley
Motion by Driscoll, seconded by Bono, to approve a recommendation from the Board of Finance for an
appropriation in the amount of $64,000 from funds designated on Capital and Non-recurring Line Item
#20523-57777, SCBA Up-Grade Program for SCBA replacements over the next three (3) years per the
CIP plan.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Healy to waive the 15 day waiting period on the above
motion.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 4: Library HVAC
PRESENTATION: Library Director Christine Johnson, Library Trustee Robert Kind
Motion by Driscoll, seconded by Bono, to approve a recommendation from the Board of Finance for an
appropriation in the amount of $1,091,200 from funds designated on Capital and Non-recurring Line
2 RTM MINUTES 12/04/2023

Item #20536-57848 Library HVAC Upgrade for renovation and replacement of the heating, ventilation
and air conditioning systems at the Waterford Public Library.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 5: Fire Marshal Fee Schedule
PRESENTATION: Public Protection and Safety Chair Tim Condon, Fire Director Michael Howley, Fire
Marshal Stephen Dubicki, Jr.
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to approve a recommendation from the Public
Protection & Safety Standing Committee of the RTM to amend Chapter 2.36.075 — Fire Marshall Fee
Schedule and Enforcement of the Town of Waterford Code of Ordinances.
Friendly amendment offered by Driscoll and accepted to replace “amend” with “add the new section
and “to” in place “of” to read as follows: MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to approve
a recommendation from the Public Protection & Safety Standing Committee of the RTM to add the new
section Chapter 2.36.075 — Fire Marshall Fee Schedule and Enforcement to the Town of Waterford
Code of Ordinances.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 6 — Non-union Administrative/Technical Crafts Wage Increase
PRESENTATION: First Selectman Robert Brule, Human Resource Director Christine Walters
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Bono, to approve a request from the First Selectman to approve the
non-union Administrative Support (AS) and Technical Crafts (TC) general wage increase of 2.25% for
fiscal year 2023-2024 (retroactive to July 1, 2023) and a general wage increase of 2.50% for fiscal year
2024-2025. This also includes an increase in employee cost-sharing of health benefits from 13.5% to 14%
effective January 1, 2024 and 15% effective July 1, 2024.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 7 - Non-union Management Professionals
PRESENTATION: First Selectman Robert Brule, Human Resource Director Christine Walters
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Bono, to approve a request from the First Selectman to approve the
non-union Management Professionals general wage increase of 2.25% for fiscal year 2023-2024
{retroactive to July 1, 2023) and a general wage increase of 2.50% for fiscal year 2024-2025. This also
includes an increase in employee cost-sharing of health benefits from 13% to 14% effective January 1,
2024 and 15% effective July 1, 2024.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 8 — Executive Session
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Driscoll, that the RTM along with First Selectman Rob Brule,
Director of Human Resources Christine Walters, and Labor Counsel Kristi Kelly go into executive session
for the purpose of discussing strategy and/or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining at 9:08
P.M. This action is taken without prejudice and based on the RTM’s right to discuss, in private, strategy
and/or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §1-
200(2).
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Condon to come out of executive session at 9:31 P.M.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
3. RTM MINUTES 12/04/2023

CALL ITEM 9 — Local 818 of Council 4; AFSCME, AFL-CIO contract
PRESENTATION: First Selectman Robert Brule, HR Director Christine Walters
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Bono, to approve the funds necessary to implement the Tentative
Agreement between the Town of Waterford and Local 818 of Council 4; AFSCME, AFL-CiO, to be effective
July 1, 2023 — June 30, 2027, and authorize the First Selectman to sign on the Town's behalf.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 10: Personnel Review Board
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Gauthier, to nominate Kathleen Mullen Kohl and Stephane Browder
to the Personnel Review Board. (Term 12/01/2023 — 11/30/2026)
MOTION PASSED: 23-0-1 (Mullen Kohi Abstained)
Mullen Koh & Browder appointed.
CALL ITEM 11 — Committee on Committees
MODERATOR Goldstein appointed the following members to serve on the Committee on Committees:
Danielle Steward-Gelinas, Susan Driscoll, Ryan Healy, Christina Jessuck, Ted Olynciw.
MODERATOR Goldstein called for a five minute recess.
CALL ITEM 12 —- Committee on Committees Recommendations
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Driscoll, to accept the committee assignments as presented
by the Committee on Committees. (See Attachment.)
MOTION by Gauthier, seconded by Childs, to amend by adding Kayla Mullen to the Public Health,
Recreation and Environment Standing Committee of the RTM as a sixth member.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Childs, Gauthier, Gonzalez, Khan, Mullen Kohl
VOTING AGAINST: Augmon-Bossa, Bono, Bracciale, Campo, Condon, Dembek, Driscoll, Fioravanti, Girard,
Goldstein, Healy, Jessuck, Keatley, Monahan, Moreshead, Olynciw, Steward-Gelinas, Sugrue
ABSTAINED: Mullen
MOTION TO AMEND FAILED: 5-18-1
ORIGINAL MOTION PASSED: 22-2-0 (Gauthier, Mullen opposed)
CALL ITEM 13 — Long Range Fiscal Planning Committee, School Building Committee
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Driscoll, to accept the Long Range Fiscal Planning Committee
and School Building Committee appointments as presented. (See Attachment)
MOTION PASSED: 21-0-3 (Girard, Khan, Sugrue abstained)
CALL ITEM 14 ~ Retirement Commission
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Driscoll, to appoint Paul Goldstein and Susan Driscoll to the
Retirement Commission. (Term 01/01/2024 — 12/31/2024)
Friendly amendment by Driscoll and accepted to change term to 12/04/2023 — 11/30/2025.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 15 ~ Social Services Grants Review Board
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Driscoll, to appoint Thomas Dembek and Lindsay Khan to the
Social Services Grants Review Board. (Term 12/04/2023 — 12/02/2024)
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
4 RTM MINUTES 12/04/2023

CALL ITEM 16 ~ Fire Services Review Special Committee
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Driscoll, to appoint Matthew Keatley and Susan Driscoll to
the Fire Services Review Special Committee.
MOTION PASSED: 23-0-1 (Keatley abstained)
CALL ITEM 17 ~ Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Driscoll, to appoint Jennifer Bracciale to the Oswegatchie Fire
Station Building Committee.
MOTION PASSED: 23-0-1 (Bracciale abstained)
CALL ITEM 18 ~ RTM Proposed Schedule
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Driscoll, to approve the proposed schedule as presented.
(See Attachment}
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 19 ~ RTM Proposed Budget
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Driscoll, to approve the FY25 budget in the amount of
$18,903 and forward to the Board of Selectmen for approval.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
NEW BUSINESS:
RTM Member Tim Condon spoke in regard to his letter about open burn permits.
MOTION by Condon, seconded by Gauthier, to refer the subject of an “open burn ordinance” to the
Public Protection and Safety Standing Committee.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
RTM Member Ted Olynciw spoke regarding his report on vacant properties owned by the Town of
Waterford, which had been handed out at a previous meeting.
MOTION by Olynciw, seconded by Gonzalez to forward the report on to the First Selectman.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
RTM Member Jennifer Bracciale reminded the body that the tree lighting on the Historic Green is Friday
December 8, 2023.
RTM Member Kevin Girard notified the body that the Energy Task Force was set to sundown on
December 4, 2023.
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Childs, to extend the charge of the Energy task Force until February in
order to research new parameters.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
MOTION by Bono, seconded by Healy, to adjourn at 10:21 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
David L. Campo, CCTC
Waterford Town Clerk
5 RTM MINUTES 12/04/2023

RTM Meeting 10/02/2(Introduction)
Dear Members of Waterford RTM
AS an abutting property owner L-urge you to reconsider you boxi tidn ‘of s
the proposal for the construction of a 1.5 million sq ft data centerco )
Property. The monetary advantages are outweighed by the human and nimal
habitat disadvantages.
We know from numerous reports from Arizona, Virginia, Hlinois and other areas
that data center noise pollution is harmful and nearly impossible to live with. It
will affect the health and well being of 3 neighborhoods;, Millstone Point,
Millstone West, Marlin and Albacore Roads as well as the children and parents
frequenting the adjacent ballfields .
Additionally, the land for this construction has wetlands, streams and habitat for
humerous state and federal species. Downstream is Cranberry pond and marsh
where Osprey, and numerous shorebirds, as well as many migratory ducks feed
and nest.
NE Edge, the developer, does not have a proven track record for developing data
centers. tt is involved in litigation for past business practices. To jeopardize our
community with this type of inexperienced company may cause more problems
and expense that our town should not have to bear.
Many residents are unaware of this proposal and its consequences. It is very
important for our town officials to hold a public hearing to explain it and answer
concerns about it.
Thank you.
From CawceH@ Saller y&

November 8, 2023
Kimberly Allen
Finance Director
Town of Waterford
15 Rope Ferry Road
Waterford, CT 06385
This is the First Quarter Report of our fourth year of the Volunteer
Firefighters and Fire Police Incentive Program. The Fire Service’s number
of participants consisted of 35 volunteer firefighters and 17 fire police.
The Waterford Fire Department responded to 744 incidents during the first
quarter (duly 2023 - September 2023).
There were numerous events (ranging from Summer Music to Sailfest
Fireworks to road races) requiring fire police assistance throughout the
quarter to which discretionary points were assigned. The first quarter
resulted in 18 members qualifying for an incentive stipend, four of which
qualified for the Fire Officer and EMT bonus. The first quarter resulted
in payouts totaling $7,254.00.
Please charge line item #10123-51411, Firefighting (Incentive Program
Stipends), for $7,254.00.
If there are any questions or further information that you would like
provided, please contact me at 860-440-0544.
Respectfully Submitted,
[ald joe
Michael J. Howley
Director of Fire Services

FY24 - First Quarter
Quly 2023 thru September 2023)
Fire Police (1) $224
Fire Police (2) $224
Fire Police (3) $224
Fire Police (4) $287
Fire Police (5) $322
Fire Police (6) $350
Firefighter (1) $238
Firefighter (2) $287
Firefighter (3) $287
Firefighter (4) $287
Firefighter (5) $336
Firefighter (6) $427
Firefighter (7) S473
Firefighter (8) S476
Firefighter (9) $504
Firefighter (10) $620
Firefighter (11) S746
Firefighter (12) $942
$7,254

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December 3, 2023
Kevin Girard, Chair
Mary Childs, Secretary
Waterford Energy Task Force
Re: Energy Task Force Term report and future recommendations
Paul Goldstein
Moderator, Waterford RTM
Dear Moderator Goldstein,
We write to update the Waterford RTM on the business of the Energy Task Force for the time
period it has been active, September 2022 through October 2023. The Energy Task Force has
met three times in 2022 and seven times in 2023. The Task Force has been very productive.
An interim report was given to the RTM and First Selectman Brule on June 1, 2023, which
described the work of the task force to date, and provided a list of ten action items the town
could tackle to positively impact the town’s energy usage and environmental footprint. After
receiving this letter, First Selectman Brule asked Mr. Mullen, Director of Planning, to undertake
four of the recommendations (Perform energy usage benchmarking on all town buildings,
Perform an energy audit of all town buildings by an independent consultant, Evaluate town-wide
solar options, Install electric vehicle charging stations.)
In the time since, the town has engaged UConn on the energy benchmarking. Waterford have
provided UConn with all the required information to complete the assessment, but UConn has
been a bit slow to return the results. We have communicated with Mr. Mullen and set a plan for
followup, especially since the Energy Audit (action item #2) is a follow-on from the
benchmarking.
Mr. Mullen has attended the Task Force meetings and communicated that the work on the
remaining two items (solar evaluation and electric vehicle charging) will commence when his
department has the resources and bandwidth to tackle them. Work is already underway with
regard to new commercial businesses in town and Planning working with developers to consider
EV charging and solar as part of their projects. With all the actions the Task Force
recommended well underway, the town has set itself on a path to a substantially greener energy
footprint.
However, the work of the Task Force seems somewhat unfinished. After communicating with
Mr. Mullen, we both feel there is still a role for this Task Force going forward. The Task Force
serves as an important forum where public discussion about the town’s energy usage can be
entertained - this cannot happen effectively at regular board meetings. It is the only forum
containing members from all the Town’s governing boards and informed citizens where cross-

talk among them can happen effectively. In addition, the Task Force would like to see the
recommendations made in June through to completion, collaborating with the Planning
department and other town stakeholders. Further, there are upcoming town activities where this
Task Force could contribute significantly (e.g Sustainable CT certification). Finally, the Task
Force has a vibrant membership who are passionate about minimizing the town’s impact to the
environment with smart energy choices.
Given the strength of the committee, its unfinished business, and a desire to continue by both
the Task Force members and the Planning Director, we recommend the RTM consider
extending this Task Force for the upcoming term. We also recommend the RTM reconsider and
redefine the charge of the Task Force (to include upcoming activities), as well as reconsider the
proper time for the Task Force to conclude.
Sincerely Yours,
Kevin Girard, Chair
Mary Childs, Secretary
Waterford CT Energy Task Force
Ce:
Jonathan Mullen, Planning Director
Robert Brule, First Selectman
David Campo, Town Clerk
Danielle Steward-Gelinas, Majority Leader
Susan Driscoll, Minority Leader

Public Protection and Safety
Standing Sub-Committee Report
To the Members of the Representative Town Meeting,
The Public Protection and Safety Committee was tasked with investigated and possibly creating
an ordinance to establish a fee schedule for Fire Marshal services. This was assigned to the sub -
committee in October of 2022. The committee met 7 times from January 5” 2023 to November
152023. Meeting minutes are available at www.waterfordct.org . in that time the committee worked
closely with Attorney Nick Kepple, Director of Fire Services Michael Howley and Fire Marshal Steven
Dubicki. The purpose of the ordinance is to create a fee schedule for Fire Marshal services and
enforcement of said fees. Many of the surrounding communities already bill for such services and with
a growing need in the Fire Marshal Office for more inspection and plan review personnel this ordinance
creates a mechanism to generate funds by those who utilize the office instead of relying solely on
taxpayer funding. Stated another way, the Town needs to hire more fire inspectors and with the
passage of this ordinance the Town may be able to potentially offset the additional costs. A public
hearing was held on November 15" 2023 at which no member of the public was present. The
committee unanimously voted in favor to present this proposed ordinance to the body of the
Representative Town Meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
imothy Condon,
District 1 Representative
Chair Public Protection and Safety Sub-Committee

To the Moderator of the Representative Town Meeting, November 20° 2023
In recent discussions with the Director of Fire Services Mike Howley and the Fire
Marshal Steve Dubicki, | have been made aware that the Town of Waterford does not
have an Open Burning Ordinance as many of our surrounding communities do and as
such creates an enforcement issue. |am requesting that the Representative Town
meeting via its Public Protection and Safety standing subcommittee investigate the
possible creation of an Open Burning Ordinance to assist our Fire Service. Attached is an
ordinance from the Town of Wallingford for reference.
Respectfully,
imothy Condon
District 1 Representative
Representative Town Meeting
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RTM, Dec. 4, 2023, Town of Waterford
For Public Comment and Meeting Minutes
To be Copied: Gov. Lamont, Senator Martha Marx, and Representative Kathleen McCarty
c-5 AIMS
o Ss
Good evening, Town Representatives and fellow residents,
My name is Michéle Lewis O’Donnell. | attended the last RTM on Oct 2, 2023, and in my public
comment expressed my grave concern regarding the lack of transparency with town residents about
the proposed data center on the Dominion Millstone site. It was disconcerting to hear at the opening
of that meeting in Oct, when so many residents showed up in opposition to the data center, that the
RTM was ina “passive role” with little authority to intervene. The NE Edge attorney, Mr. McCoy,
made it clear in his update that the host agreement was “contractual.”
How did our town end up in this hog-tied position, without a town-wide information meeting,
without the normal bidding process on the project, without the critical input of residents? We are
not talking about a standard data center, but one that is hyperscaled, 1.5 million sq ft! What does
that really mean? | did a little research to gain perspective. The standard large data center is 100,000
sq ft, so the proposed center is 15 times this size and larger than the square footage of 26 football
fields, Let me repeat, 26 football fields! CT has 17 data centers and the largest is 168,000 sq ft
(almost 9 times smaller) located in Stamford. Most are much smaller than this. NE Edge, LLC. has no
track record in building any data center, let alone a hyperscaled one. It is not surprising that 5 towns,
including Groton, have refused to negotiate with NE Edge for this and other reasons, some of which
residents have elaborated in the last RTM. We should be taking careful note.
In fact, Groton Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted in June 2023 to approve
regulations to limit the size of data centers to 12,500 square feet (that’s 120 times smaller than the
proposed center in Waterford), a move that will prevent the development of hyperscale facilities in
the town. This was after a one-year moratorium on data centers larger than only 5,000 sq. ft to give
the Groton commission time to decide on how best to regulate the sector. To quote the Town
Manager John Burt, “I agree that it’s important to take their time to make sure there are sound rules
in place to protect any of our residents should a data center request to locate here in the future.”
This was a wise course of action in the absence of much needed guidance for communities from the
state level to accompany the bill (no. 6514) to incentivize large-scale data centers in CT. This bill was
unwisely rushed through the legislature in early 2021.
While we all want to support economic development and sustainability in our community, this
massive data center may have long-term implications for the town's economic stability. While there
may be initial economic benefits, such as welcomed work to the construction sector for a period of
two years, if the data center faces financial challenges or becomes obsolete due to technological
advancements, our town may be left with crippling financial burdens.
Another concern, not much talked about, is the potential release of hazardous materials and
chemicals used in data center operations which can pose a direct threat to public health and the
environment. Data centers often employ substances like coolants and cleaning agents that, if
mishandled or released into the environment, can contaminate water supplies and soil. This
contamination could lead to long-term health problems for the local population, including the risk of
serious illnesses and reproductive issues, not to mention the deleterious impact on the marine, flora,
and fauna ecology and biodiversity.

To conclude, my family, which has continuously lived in Pleasure Beach for over 101 years, opposes
this project and the way it has been handled. What could happen now to recalibrate future steps and
decisions with inclusion and transparency.
1. request again, along with many others, that a town-wide information meeting to clearly inform
and delineate for residents what has transpired so far and what the process is going forward. An
explanation of the GANTT Chart, requested by Bryan Sayles, would be a good starting point. This
meeting should include a time of listening and discussion with residents to address their
concerns, The many rational concerns, for example, raised by Attorney John Valliere in his
correspondence (entered in the minutes of the Oct 2023 RTM) with both the siting council and
RTM member, Dan Radin could be used as talking points, as well.
2. How could the Waterford Planning and Zoning Commission work to put regulations in place
regarding data center applications and rules of engagement that would establish guardrails to
guide town administrators and officials, involve residents, and protect the community? |
underscore the question: How could and should residents collaborate in this process to establish
“sound rules?”
This initiative would also do well to elicit involvement at the state level so that general guidance
applicable to all communities could be efficiently shared and developed. For instance, guidance
around noise assessment and mitigation. It is well known hyperscaled data centers are not
normally located close to residential areas due to the continuous noise they produce. The NE
Edge proposal is only 2000 feet from the Millstone residents. The Dominion Millstone site is
uniquely surrounded by water on three sides. How will this amplify the noise generated? How
will this affect the marine environment, We don’t want Long Island Sound to become data center
sound!
3. In asimilar vein to the guidance suggested above, it would be crucial to call for the state of CT to
establish a task force made up of town representatives, for example, to investigate the emerging
and substantial evidence around data centers and their negative impact on mental health and
well-being. Data centers are a long-term project and potentially a long-term nightmare, literally,
if we don’t do the due diligence now. Let’s not be short-sighted.
Thank you for your attention,
Michéle Lewis O’Donnell, PsyD
19 Nichols Lane
Waterford, CT 06385

RTM Meeting
December 4, 2023
7:00PM
Waterford Town Hall
Subject: Bid #23-129 LED Message Sign and Installation (Quaker Hill Green)
For the following reasons, the step of approving a bid award at tomor row’s Board of selbctivieh Meeting
should be postponed. Be advised that | intentionally excluded the contractors’ names as their role isn’t
being called into question. Due diligence by the Town of Waterford is my concern.
~ 1, What was the process that notified Quaker Hill residents and how much time was allowed to
have an open discussion about placing a brilliant LED sign on an otherwise welcoming, postage
stamp size Quaker Hill green? It currently has a wood carved sign, park benches and a
literature/book box and is decorated seasonally and fits the character of the neighborhood.
. 2, When were neighbors notified that'a brilliant, LED message board would be placed adjacent to
their homes?
3, That intersection includes pedestrian crosswalkts} tor children walking to the Quaker Hill School
or, to the Quaker Hill green itself. Why discaet motorists with a message pears {s that a risk
worth taking?
4, Where is a copy of the building permit and what building code addresses LED message boards?
5. - Why are you using money from a 2024-2025 Traffic Control budget for this LED message sign-and
is it even really considered traffic control? Does it actively regulate traffic? :
' 6. This expenditure appears rushed and without thoughtful input from the Smith Cove
neighborhood of Quaker Hill. The following. are known dates and milestones according to public
record,
® 11/10/23, Bid proposal submitted by a contractor. -
© 11/13/23, Bid proposal signed and dated, in-person. | .
© 11/14/23, Three bid proposals opened:
° 11/16/23, Davey notifies and recommends a winner.
e 11/30/23, Stamped, dated official BOS agenda with Davey’s recommendation.
® 11/30/23, Text alert about BOS meeting to approve said recommendation on 12/5
convert this document to'a PDF and adhere/post to the following meeting minutes.
you, :
en
Regident and Taxpayer
54’ Wintergreen Drive
Quaker Hill, CT 06375

RTM Meeting
December 4, 2023
7:00PM ,
Waterford Town Hall
Subject: Neglect
With a bronze plaque near Conn College Arboretum, Old Norwich Road is'mentioned as Amie
turnpike first surveyed in 1670. To this day, motorists use it to meander through Smith Cove,
College and into New London. It is a road that is policed so that it isn’t abused as a raceway like
Mohegan Parkway which parallels Old Norwich Road. There are sidewalks that are in constant use by
people in our neighborhood as well as college students from the Coast Guard Academy and Conn
College although, it used to be better maintained which brings me to my point about obvious neglect.
Along Old Norwich Road there are hazards and signs of neglect left unchecked for years.
© ~ Logs, one sitting there just itching to roll into the road, (Old-Mill Rd.}
e Bags of construction waste labelled O&G Industries next to sidewalk (Near Senkow Rd.)
« Alarge, somewhat rotten stump leaning against a fire hydrant. (Benham Ave.)
e Fire hydrants missing reflective snow poles.
© ~ Damaged guard railing and cement barriers over Hunts Brook. Also an eyesore.
e No pictures but numerous storm sewers filled with leaves. Including sideroads off Old Norwich
Rd. ;
Quaker Hill Elementary School - Although not part of the road, the invasive, thick growth of vines
(bittersweet?) overwhelming the point-of-presence for a utility within a secure chain link enclosure is a
sign of neglect and an obstruction hazard. That it has reached the school’s rooftop is proof that it didn’t
happen overnight. In fact, | know that it has been growing well over two years now. The attached
picture was taken a few weeks ago. :
Finally, as a resident of this section of town it pains me-to see the conditions continue to deteriorate
when this never happened up until five-or six years ago: It seems to me that taxpayer money could be
better spent fixing what's broken and preventive maintenance rather than trying to add something new.
Please convert this document, including six (6) pictures to a PDF. and adhere/post to the following
‘meeting, minutes. : :
Thank You,
Brydn Sayles
Regjdent and Taxpayer
54Wintergreen Drive
Quaker Hill, CT 06375

12/4/23, 3:15 PM
IMG_20231027_150657852.jpg
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox?projector=1
1M


12/4/23, 6:02 PI 4 IMG_20231204_144539036.jpg
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/O/#inbox?projector=1


IMG_20231024_145000514.jpg
https://mail.google.com/mail/u


2023-2025 RTM Member Committee Assignments/Appointments
Committee on Committees
Moderator appoints at first annual meeting; minimum of 5 members; all 4 districts must be represented.
Majority Leader— (1)
Minority Leader— (4)0) 2
0) y
RTM Standing Committees (for duration of current RTM term) re) ©
Prepared by Majority and Minority Leader; endorsed hy Committee on Committees; approved by RTM
at first annual meeting. Every member must serve on at least one standing committee; minimum of
3 members; simple majority applies. Moderator serves as ex-officio member of every committee.
Legislation & Administration Public Health, Recreation & Environment
R Tom Dembek
R Christina Jessuck
R Mark Campo
D Ursula Moreshead
D Susan Driscoll
Public Works, Planning & Development
R Mike Bono
R Ryan Healy
R Matt Keatley
D Kristin Gonzalez
D Kyrah Augmon-Bossa
Finance, Wage & Personnel
R Harry Colonis
R Kevin Girard
R Danielle Steward-Gelinas
D Ted Olynciw
D Kayla Mullen
R Jen Bracciale
R Mike Bono
R Ryan Healy
D Tim Fioravanti
D Jerry Fischer
Education
R Matt Keatley
R Christina Jessuck
R Dave Sugrue
D Lindsay Khan
D Mary Childs
Public Protection & Safety
R Tom Dembek
R Tim Condon
R Shawn Monahan
D Nick Gauthier
D Kathy Mullen Kohl

RTM Member Appointments to Outside Committees/Commissions (for duration of current RTM
term unless limited/expanded by oversight dept/board or by ordinance)
One member from each caucus; nominated by caucus, approved by RTM
Social Service Grants Review (1-yr term) School Building Committee (5-yr terms)
R Tom Dembek two vacancies to be filled mid-term on 12/4/23:
D Lindsay Khan 1/1/19/ - 6/30/24 and 7/1/22 - 6/30/27
R Tom Dembek
Retirement Commission (2-yr term) R Dave Sugrue
R Paul Goldstein D. Ted Olynciw (serving 1/1/20 - 6/30/25)
D Susan Driscoll
OSW Fire Station Building Committee (term
for life of project; replacements only when
appointee resigns from BC or is no longer on RTM)
R Jen Bracciale
RTM Special Committees (Written charge/mission required. Duration of terms specified by
charge/mission statement or applicable ordinance, Simple majority applies.)
Long-Range Fiscal Planning Committee
R_ Kevin Girard
R Harry Colonis
R Christina Jessuck
D Lindsay Khan
D Ursula Moreshead
Fire Services Review Special Committee (3 RTM seats; two appointed by entire body; one member of
Public Protection & Safety Committee to be appointed by new PP&S Committee at first meeting of term)
R Matt Keatley
D Susan Driscoll

18
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING
2024 REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE
7:00pm — Waterford Town Hall Auditorium
February 5, 2024
April 1, 2024
May 6, 8, 13 and 15, 2024 (FY25 Annual Budget Meeting)
June 3, 2024
August 5, 2024
October 7, 2024
December 2, 2024 (Annual Meeting)
ecewen ron nEcoRD 7/2/ 202 3
. ATTEST TAWN CLERK