Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - Minutes - 02/03/2025

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
MINUTES
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING
Regular Meeting
February 3, 2025
Sit diL- 934
RTM Moderator Paul Goldstein called the February 3, 2025 Annual Meeting of the Reprbsentdive Town
Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Kyrah Augmon-Bossa, Michael Bono, Jennifer Bracciale, Mark Campo, Erica Casper, Mary
Childs, Harry Colonis, Timothy Condon, Thomas J. Dembek, Susan Driscoll, Timothy Fioravanti, Paul
Goldstein, Kristen Gonzalez, Narciss Greene, Ryan Healy, Christina Jessuck, Matthew Keatley, Lindsay
Khan, Kate MacKenzie, Kayla Mullen, Ursula Moreshead, Kathleen Mullen Kohl, Theodore Olynciw,
Danielle Steward-Gelinas, David Sugrue
ABSENT: Shawn Monahan
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: First Selectman Robert J Brule, Selectman Richard Muckle, Board of
Education Chair Pat Fedor, Board of Finance Chair Glenn Patterson
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT: Selectman Greg Attanasio
ALSO PRESENT: Town Clerk David L. Campo; Town Attorney Nicholas Kepple; Director of Finance Kim
Allen.
Moderator Goldstein welcomed Narciss Green as a new member of the RTM.
AGENDA ITEM C — December 2, 2024 Minutes
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Khan, to approve the minutes with the following correction
noted by Driscoll: add, “with no votes taken” after 10:22 P.M. under Item 14.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CORRESPONDENCE
An American Rescue Plan Report received from Finance Director Kim Allen. Also, a letter from RTM
member Tim Condon concerning survivors benefits in the line of duty.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following residents spoke out against the building of a new Oswegatchie Firehouse leaving concerns
that Quaker Hill Fire Station will be undermanned: Bryan Sayles (See attachment), 54 Wintergreen Dr,
Quaker Hill; Tina Dubosque, 45 Wintergreen Dr, Quaker Hill.
The following resident spoke in favor of a new Oswegatchie Fire Station: James Bartelli, 9 Dogwood Dr,
Quaker Hill.
1 RTM MINUTES 02/03/2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee report received from Finance, Wage & Personnel. (See Attachment) Verbal reports given by
the remainder of the committees updating the body that committees will be meeting in regard to items
still in committee.
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley to accept the committee reports.
MAIN MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
APPOINTEE & LIAISON REPORTS
Energy Task Force Chair Mary Childs informed the body that the committee has met recently and is
meeting in the near future. They have discussed the expected Benchmarking report of 2023 and 2024
Town energy use data. Also received was an Oswegatchie Fire Station appointee report from Ted
Olynciw.
CALL ITEM 1 — Energy Efficiency Program
PRESENTATION: Superintendent of Schools Thomas Giard, BOE Finance Director Joe Mancini
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to appropriate $243,335 from the Capital and Non-
recurring designated line #20560-57891 (Energy Efficiency Program) to accomplish the next phase of
the program for ail five schools.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 2 ~ Alewife Cove Study
PRESENTATION: Planning Director Jonathan Mullen, AICP; Environmental Planner Maureen Fitzgerald
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to appropriate $12,500 from the Capital and Non-
recurring designated line #20541-57328 (Alewife Cove) for the stabilization of Alewife Cove Study.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 3 ~ Wiemes and Marilyn Ejector Replacements
PRESENTATION: Director of the Utility Commission Jill Stevens
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to appropriate $19,800 from the Capital and Non-
recurring designated line #20531-57890 (Wiemes and Marilyn Ejector Replacements) for an
engineering study.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 4: Waterford Beach Park Fee Schedule
PRESENTATION: Director of Recreation and Parks Ryan McNamara, Program Coordinator Tim Cieplik
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to adjust the Waterford Beach Park Fee Schedule as
presented.
Lengthy discussion ensued.
MOTION AMENDED by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Condon to read as follows; to adjust the
Waterford Beach Park Fee Schedule as presented in regard to out of town fees and maintain resident
fees at current rates. (Fee Schedule attached)
MOTION TO AMEND PASSED: 24-0-1 (Sugrue abstained}
MOTION PASSED: 24-0-1 (Sugrue abstained)
2 RTM MINUTES 02/03/2025

CALL ITEM 5 ~ Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee Report
PRESENTATION: Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee Chairman Robert Tuneski, Director of Fire
Services Michael Howley
Chairman Tuneski provided an update on the project and answered questions from the body. (See
Attachment)
CALL ITEM 6 — Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee
PRESENTATION: Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee Chairman Robert Tuneski, Director of Fire
Services Michael Howley
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley; to transfer $286,000 from the Undesignated Fund
Balance of the Capital Nonrecurring Expenditure Fund (line #205-31520) to line #20523-57792
(Oswegatchie Building) and appropriate the funds for architectural and design services from Silver
Petrucelli & Associates, inc. for the Oswegatchie Fire Station.
MOTION PASSED: 22-3-0 (Childs, Driscoll, and Khan opposed)
CALL ITEM 7 ~ Ethics Commision Appointments (2)
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Khan, to reappoint Elizabeth Ritter, 24 Old Mill Rd, to the Ethics
Commission. (Term 02/03/2025 — 02/01/2027)
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to appoint Adam Stone, 16 Windy Ridge Place, to the
Ethics Commission. {Term 02/03/2025 — 02/01/2027)
MOTION TO APPOINT BOTH: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 8 ~ Ethics Commission Alternate Appointment
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to appoint Paul Helvig, 82 Old Colchester Rd, to the
Ethics Commission as an alternate. (Term 02/03/2025 — 02/01/2027)
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 9 — Budget Schedule
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to approve the budget schedule for the May 2025
budget hearings for the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
Friendly amendment offered by Discoll and accepted to make the following changes: move Conservation
of Health, VNA and Social Services Grants prior to the Board of Education on May 5, 2025, place Public
Works prior to Recreation and Parks and move Retirement Commission and Human Resources to May 7,
2025.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous (See Attachment)
CALL ITEM 10 — Executive Session
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Driscoll, that the RTM, along with Superintendent of Schools
Thomas Giard, BOE Finance Director Joe Mancini, BOE Chair Pat Fedor, First Selectman Rob Brule go into
executive session for the purpose of discussing strategy and/or negotiations with respect to current and
pending collective bargaining with multiple bargaining units. This action is taken without prejudice to
the Town’s right to discuss these matters in a private meeting pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes
§1-200 (2) at 8:50.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
The RTM came out of Executive Session at 9:05 P.M. with no votes taken.
3 RTM MINUTES 02/03/2025

CALL ITEM 11 — Board of Education Administrators’ Contract
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to accept a contract between the Waterford Board
of Education and the Waterford Administrators’ and Supervisors’ Association for July 1, 2025 through
June 30, 2028 and to request the funding thereof, pursuant to Connecticut General Statute §10-153d.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion in regard to the attached letter from RTM Member Tim Condon.
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to refer to the Public Protection and Safety Standing
Committee of the RTM the subject “Survivors Benefits in the Line of Duty”.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
RTM Member Driscoll discussed items in ordinance in regard to RTM and requested an update on the
status of the Data Center and the new LEARN Early Childhood Center/Southwest School. (See
Attachment)
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Condon, to adjourn at 9:15 P.M.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
Respectfully Submitted,
PD L linger
David L. Campo, CCTC
Waterford Town Clerk
4 RTM MINUTES 02/03/2025

February 3, 2025
Representative Town Meeting (RTM)
15 Rope Ferry Road VEO FOR RECORD
Waterford, CT 06385 REC rER RFORD. CT
105 FEB -5 1A 34
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Why are we putting the might of our collective financial resources 1 § ‘one new EsGisgatchie
Firehouse? Leaving the Quaker Hill firehouse undermanned and mostly stripped of its mission in
Quaker Hill. Who let our fire protection services deteriorate this far and why? Why are resources now
hoarded at one or two town firehouses leaving Quaker Hill’s more or less unable to respond in a timely
and safe manner?
Dear RTM Members,
The town is making decisions without proper data and feedback from the Fire Services Special
Committee whose website includes the following charge; At the June 7, 2021 Regular Meeting of the
RTM they voted to create a special committee (Fire Services Review Special Committee) to review
issues including performance, policies, and staffing and present their findings/recommendations of
any changes needed to enhance public safety, creating a steering document and strategic plan and
shall consist of five Full Voting Members as follows: 2 RTM members (appointed by the RTM), 1 Public
Protection and Safety Committee Member (appointed by the Public Protection and Safety
Committee), 1 Board of Finance Member (appointed by the BOF), 1 Board of Selectmen Member
(appointed by the BOS) and shall consist of five Advisory/Nonvoting Members as follows: Fire Services
Director, Emergency Management Director, Waterford Ambulance Manager, 1 Volunteer Fire Chief
(appointed by consensus of the 5 Waterford Fire Companies or the 5 chiefs), 1 Full-time Waterford
Career Firefighter (appointed by consensus of the Waterford Full-time Firefighters) Where is that
report and why hasn’t it been made public? Residents are footing the bill so why haven’t we been
informed of all the ongoing problems with our fire protection services?
Residents also deserve to know why the town has failed to provide the State of Connecticut with
critical data as proven by the attached, twelve-month report provided to me by the Office of the State
Fire Marshall.
| ask you, members of the Representative Town Meeting to prioritize spending on fixing the
Oswegatchie firehouse and helping the Fire Services Special Committee complete their study
unimpeded by town politicians. Then, make it all available so residents can make prudent, fact-based
decision about how best to protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors in Quaker Hill.
ryan Sayles
aker Hill

; 213185, 5:52 PM
NFIRS Reporting
To: "bryanjsayles@gmail.com” <bryanjsayles@gmail.com>
Good afternoon
Gmail - NFIRS Reporting
Bryan Sayles <bryanjsayles@gmail.coin>
Wed, Jan 29, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Per our records, you have not submitted reports to NFRIS for several Months. (see below). Please be advised that the last date for submitting dala is March 1, 2025, If you
have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.
jut
WATERFORD FIRE
DEPARTMENT
Fire & Life Safety Specialist
Office of the State Fire Marshal
https://mail.google.com/maii/u/0/7ik=6427 190c328view=pt&search=all&permmsgid=msg-f: 18226 1110386339844 2&simpl=msg-f:1822611103863398442
11

PHONE: 860-442-0553
FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
www.waterfordct.org
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
FINANCE, WAGE & PERSONNEL STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE RTM
COMMITTEE REPORT
Monday, February 3, 2025
Dear Moderator Goldstein,
At the December 2, 2025, the body of the RTM discussed a letter received from the
First Selectman (See attached), subsequently referring “Salaries of the Elected
Officials” to the Finance, Wage, and Personnel Standing Committee of the RTM.
In considering this request, the committee met on January 27, 2025 to discuss the
matter. The discussion focused on how increases are calculated for the paid elected
officials. During the discussion it was noted over the last ten years that more times than
not, elected officials’ salary increases were half as much as non union municipal
personnel. With rising costs and in all fairness, the committee strongly felt salary
increases for elected officials should be equal and consistent with NUMP to retain our
employees and to attract new one’s when needed.
After the discussion a Motion was made and accepted unanimously to “report this issue
out of committee with a recommendation that the RTM annually increase elected official
salaries by the percentage approved for non-union management effective July 1, 2025
to align salary increases.”
Please accept this report and put forth this recommendation to the RTM for
consideration and possible action.
Sincerely,
Harry Colonis z= _ =i
Chair 8 ia
Finance, Wage and Personnel Committee Fadl
Taya
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PIPTHEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CI 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0553
wwwawaterfordct.org
December 2, 2024
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Mr. Paul Goldstein mm avn
Moderator 0 ge
Representative Town Meeting, 3
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15 Rope Ferry Road » 8
Waterford, CT: 06385 wm 8
Dear Mr, Medertor: fal,
1am respectfully requesting that the RTM’s Finances, Wage & Petsonnel Standing Committee
consider amending: the procedure used for calctilating ‘the salary increases for the following
elected officials: Towsi Clerk, Tax Collector, Treasurer and Registrars of Voters.
‘Back on January 20, 2022, the RTM’s Finance, Wage & Persoritiel Standing Comunittee voted to
annually increase elected official salaries by the “least” of the following effective July 1,2022:
a) Petcéritage increase of the CPI-U from July of the preceding fiscal year
b) Half (50%) of the percentage increase approved for non-union management
c) One point five percent (1.5%)
1 amr hopeful that the Comutittee and RTM will consider granting these elected officials increases
equal to the RTM approved non-union management employee increases,
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Brule
First Selectrian
ec: David Campo, Town Clerk.

APPOINTEE REPORT - OSWEGATCHIE FIRE HOUSE - DATED 1-27-25
The Architectural consultants submitted plans for approval to the
Conservation and Planning & Zoning Commissions during the month of
January.
The Chairman of the Building Committee, Robert Tuneski, will deliver an
updated status report to the RTM on Feb.3".
The Project Management Consultant will provide the first cost estimate
for this project on February 4",
The Project Schedule shows construction starting in July, 2025 and will be
completed in one year.
The total amount spent to date for the consultants is $176,595
Ted Olynciw, RTM Rep. to this Committee
702
37
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Membership (Stickers)
Office Sales pees 1022
Non-Res - Town and BOE Full-time Emp S 25.00 |_|
Non-Res Add Town & BOE FullTime Emp S 25.00
Non-Resident Additional Beach Sticker $ 175.00
Non-Resident Beach Sticker $ 175.00
Non-Resident Sticker - Replacement S$ 10.00 |_|
Non-Resident Wristbands S 10.00 |_|
Resident Additional Sticker S 11.00 |_|
Resident Senior Sticker (65+) s 11.00 |_|
Resident Senior Show ID at Gate S - Ly
Resident Sticker $ 25.00 |_|
Resident Sticker - Replacement ) 5.00 |_|
Resident Wristbands $ 2.00 |_|
Waterford Veterans - Beach Sticker $ - leg
Waterford Beach Park Admissions EB]
Gatehouse Sales
NR Picnic Weekday $ 8.00
NR Picnic Weekend/Holiday S 11.00
NR Walker/Biker $ 5.00
NR Weekday $ 25.00
NR Weekend/Holiday Sticker Only
Res Walker/Biker S 1.00
Res Weekday/Picnic $ 2.00
Res Weekend/Holiday Sticker Only
22
OE OV I L- 934 S

Oswegatchie Fire Station
High Level Features
Modest single story structure addressing current needs and responsibly considering future
ones
Architecturally satisfying
Training / meeting room sized for 22 people
Three drive through bays (1/2 contractual, 1 for growth)
Three bunk rooms, sleeping 3 each
Akitchen
A day room (common) area
An exercise room
Two offices
Town Accomplishments
Completed Design Development of the New Fire Station
Negotiated transfer of title of Oswegatchie Property
Closed on property transfer from Oswegatchie Volunteers to the Town of Waterford-The
Town now owns the property
Negotiated two arrangements with the Oswegatchie Volunteers:
o To occupy the existing building until the new building is complete
o To occupy the new building
Received favorable review from Waterford Planning and Zoning, January 14, 2025; and
made the following findings:
o Planning and Zoning Determined that the building of the Fire House is consistent
with the stated goal in the 2012 Plan of Conservation and Development,
Community Facilities chapter to “Provide adequate services and facilities to meet
community needs.” (pg. 66)
o The improvements to the property and construction of the new firehouse facility is
consistent with the 2012 Plan of Conservation and Development, Community
Facilities Chapter Section A. Monitor and Adapt to Changing Community Facility
Needs. (pg. 67)
o The construction of the new firehouse is consistent with the major highlight of the
2012 Plan of Conservation and Development Future Land Plan in that
“Community facilities and institutional uses will be encouraged and configured to
enhance the overall community.” (pg. 80)
o The location of the new facility is consistent with the 2012 Plan of Conservation
and Development in that the parcel is which the firehouse will be constructed is
identified in the Future Land Use Plan as an Institutional / Community Facility
(pg. 81)

REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING BUDGET HEARINGS
FY 2025-26
Town Hall Auditorium
7:00 P.M.
MONDAY MAY 05, 2025
Conservation of Health
Public Health Nursing (VNA)
Social Services Grants
Board of Education
WEDNESDAY MAY 07, 2025
Ethics Commission
Registrar of Voters
Human Resources Department
Retirements Commission
Youth & Family Services Bureau
Senior Citizens Commission
Board of Assessment Appeals
Assessor
Contingency
Debt Service
Insurance
Town Clerk
Representative Town Meeting
MONDAY MAY 12, 2025
Zoning Board of Appeals
Economic Development Commission
Conservation Commission
Planning and Zoning Commission
Flood and Erosion Control Board
Building Department
Building Maintenance
Public Works
Recreation and Parks Commission
Board of Selectmen
WEDNESDAY MAY 14, 2025
Tax Collector
Waterford Public library
Finance Department
Board of Finance
Legal Department
Emergency Management
Fire Services
Board of Police Commissioners
Information Technology
Current Year Capital Improvements
Transfers to Capital & Nonrecurring Expenditures
FINAL ACTION
102
Lob VIL- 93d §

Feb. 3, 2025
To: RTM Moderator
First Selectman
RECEIVED FOR RECORD
Title 3 - REVENUE AND FINANCE WATERFORD:
Chptr 3.04 - BUDGETS AND FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION GENERALLY 1025 FEB TIA a: 58
3.04.070 - Agreements with private organizations report. a.
-
fp,
Every four years the board of selectmen will review agreements the town has with private ort anizapdris\ ath report the results of
the review to the board of finance and the representafive town meekng. Such reviews may be staggered so that all reviews are
not required in the same year.
(R.T.M. 12-7-98)
Abe
Request that RTM and Board of Finance members be provided with copies of current agreements with private organizations—
including, but not limited to the following:*
e Lease agreement with OSW Fire Company #4 for use of new town fire station (Feb 2024)
e Waterford Ambulance Service (“in negotiations” 2022; renegotiated since relocation?)
e Waterford Public Library
e Eugene O’Neill Theater Center
e Eversource 15-yr contract (signed June 2022; data missing at presentation)
e¢ Agreements with each of the 5 Volunteer Fire Companies (1970s?)
*As the quadrennial reviews have not taken place since the 1998 ordinance was enacted, this list may not be inclusive. So, |
respectfully request that copies of any other existing agreements with private organizations be provided as well.
Request that the Moderator work with the First Selectman to schedule the first report/review for this year and work out a
schedule of rotation. (The ordinance does not require that ALL agreements be reviewed each year—just that all be reviewed
within 4-year cycles.) Also respectfully request that the review schedule include updates on these two agreements:
¢ Millstone Data Center (initiated Feb 2023)
e LEARN Early Childhood Center/Southwest (Apr 2023)
Chapter 2.84 - UTILITY COMMISSION 2.84.070 - Annual report.
In addition to such financial reports as may be required, the commission shall submit to the representative town meeting, by
September 15th of each year, a report concerning its activity during the preceding fiscal year and its proposed program for the
next year; such reports shall be printed in the annual report of the town.
(Prior code § 16-7)
While the annual town report provides a snapshot of this semi-autonomous agency's operations, veteran members of the RTM
will remember that the UC Director used to do annual presentations for the RTM, detailing activities, upcoming capital projects,
etc. (and the result of one of these presentations was a reconfiguration of the UC’s billing formula that was designed to cover
operational expenses and switch to a usage-based fee that was fairer to residents).
It has been several years since the last presentation, so | respectfully request that the Moderator work with the UC Director to
schedule the next one. Since the UC does not participate in the annual budget hearings, this will help RTM members understand
the contributions and needs of this vital service, as well as get a heads up for capital requests.
Thank you for your timely consideration of this matter,
Susan Driscoll, RTM 4" District
cc: Board of Finance Chair