Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - Minutes - 04/05/2021

hFIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
MINUTES !
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING
Regular Meeting
April 5, 2021
ZOOM Remote Access Only
RTM Moderator Thomas Dembek called the April 5, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Representative Town
Meeting to order at 7:01 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Greg Attanasio, Jennifer Bracciale, April Cairns, Timothy Condon, Thomas J. Dembek, Steven Elci,
Timothy Fioravanti, Nick Gauthier, Paul Goldstein, Kathleen Kohl, David Lersch, Valerie Metivier, Richard
Muckle, Liam O’Leary, Theodore Olynciw, Sally Ritchie, Michael Rocchetti, Danielle Steward-Gelinas, Baird
Welch-Collins.
ABSENT: Michael Bono, Susan Driscoll, Miriam Furey-Wagner, Richard Morgan, Robert Swansen.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: First Selectman Robert J Brule; Chair of the Board of Finance Ronald R. Fedor.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT: Selectwoman Jody Nazarchyk; Selectman Elizabeth Sabilia; Chair of the Board
of Education Craig Merriman.
ALSO PRESENT: Town Clerk David L. Campo; Town Attorney Robert Avena.
AGENDA ITEM C — February 1, 2021 Minutes & February 22, 2021 Minutes
MOTION by Welch-Collins, seconded by Goldstein, to accept the minutes with the following corrections to the
February 1, 2021 Minutes: The third MOTION under NEW BUSINESS was recorded with no committee
designation. This item should have included Public Works, Planning and Development as its destination.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE
NONE
PUBLIC COMMENT:
The Town Clerk read a letter from Waterford Resident Helen Kwasniewski concerning CALL ITEM 1 into the
record. (See Attachment)
AGENDA ITEM F -An Education Committee report was received and it was decided to discuss it further in NEW
BUSINESS.
AGENDA ITEM G
RTM Member Thomas Dembek commented on the progress of the Municipal Complex and stated that the
project was nearing the end.
RTM MINUTES 04/05/2021 1

CALL ITEM 1 — Crystal Mall Redevelopment Feasibility Study
PRESENTATION: Director of Planning Abby Piersal!
MOTION Rocchetti, seconded by Steward-Gelinas, to approve a recommendation from the Board of Finance
for an appropriation in the amount of $250,000 from the Undesignated Fund Balance #205-31520 for a Crystal
Mall Redevelopment Feasibility Study and waive the 15-day waiting period.
Discussion ensued.
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Rocchetti, to move the question.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous with one member against. (Condon)
ORIGINAL MOTION
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous with one member against. (Condon)
CALL ITEM 2 ~ MED Radio Base Stations
PRESENTATION: Emergency Management Director Steve Sinagra
MOTION by Muckle, seconded by Welch-Collins, to approve a recommendation from the Board of Finance for
an appropriation in the amount of $30,908.99 from the Undesignated Fund Balance line #205-31520 for
replacement of MED radio base stations.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 3 ~ Braman Road Resurfacing
PRESENTATION: Public Works Director Gary Schneider
MOTION by Goldstein, seconded by Steward-Gelinas, to approve a recommendation from the Board of Finance
for an appropriation in the amount of $263,470 from the Designated Funds to appropriated funds from FY21
Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure Fund Line #20530-57855 for Braman Road Resurfacing.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 4 - Braman Road Resurfacing
PRESENTATION: Public Works Director Gary Schneider
MOTION by Welch-Collins, seconded by Steward-Gelinas, to approve a recommendation from the Board of
Finance for an appropriation in the amount of $16,530 from the Undesignated Fund Balance #205-31520 to
line #20530-57855 for Braman Road Resurfacing.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 5 — Bloomingdale South Mill/Pave
PRESENTATION: Public Works Director Gary Schneider
MOTION by Goldstein, seconded by Welch-Coilins, to approve a recommendation from the Board of Finance
for an appropriation in the amount of $21,390 from the Unassigned Fund Balance of the General Fund line to
#33021-55866 Bloomingdale South Mill/Pave.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 6 — Gallows Lane Reclaim/Pave
PRESENTATION: Public Works Director Gary Schneider
MOTION by Goldstein, seconded by Welch-Collins, to approve a recommendation from the Board of Finance
for an appropriation in the amount of $19,710 from the Undesignated Fund Balance of the General fund line
to #33021-55868 Gallows Lane Reclaim/Pave and that the 15-day waiting period be waived.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
RTM MINUTES 04/05/2021 2

CALL ITEM 7 - Senior Citizens’ Commission
MOTION by Steward, seconded by Muckle, to reappoint Anita Collins and Anne Darling as members of the
Senior Citizen's Commission {Term 04/05/2021 — 04/01/2024)
MOTION by Welch-Collins, seconded by Ritchie, to reappoint Carol Saunders as a member of the Senior
Citizen’s Commission (Term 04/05/2021 — 04/01/2024)
VOTING IN FAVOR OF ALL THREE NOMINEES: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 8 - Waterford Utility Commission
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Muckle, to reappoint Rodney Pinkham as a member of Waterford
Utility Commission (Term 04/01/2021 — 03/31/2025)
MOTION by Attanasio, seconded by Welch-Collins, to reappoint Peter Green and Raymond Valentini as
members of the Waterford Utility Commission (Term 04/01/2021 ~ 03/31/2025)
VOTING IN FAVOR OF ALL THREE NOMINEES: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 9 ~ Chapter 3.08 — Purchasing
PRESENTATION: Chairman of the Finance Wage & Personnel Standing Committee David Lersch
MOTION by Welch-Collins, seconded by Rocchetti, to approve amendments to the Waterford Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 3.08 ~ Purchasing. (See Attachment)
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 10 — Executive Session
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Goldstein, to discuss strategy and/or negotiations with respect to
collective bargaining units in executive session, said action to be taken without prejudice to the Representative
Town Meeting’s right to discuss said matters in a private meeting pursuant to Connecticut Statute § 1-200 at
8:15 P.M. and to invite the Human Resource Director Joyce Sauchuk, Labor Attorney Eileen Duggan, and First
Selectman Robert Brule
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 11 ~ Waterford Public Safety Dispatcher Contract
PRESENTATION: Labor Attorney Eileen Duggan and HR Director Joyce Sauchuk
MOTION by Goldstein, seconded by Welch-Collins, to approve the funds necessary to implement the Tentative
Agreement between the Town of Waterford and Waterford Public Safety Dispatcher Unit, covering the period
July 1, 2020 — June 30, 2022.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 12 ~ Non Union and Technical Crafts Wage Schedule
MOTION by Goldstein, seconded by Welch-Collins, to approve the funds necessary to implement the Non
Union Administrative Support and Technical Crafts wage schedule.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
NEW BUSINESS
Education Committee Chair summarized the progress of the Education Committee in regard to its’ charge,
“Social Justice”.
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Rocchetti, to report the issue of “Social Justice” out of committee
and allow LEAP Consulting Owner, Elizabeth McGee, to pursue the formation of a Town DEI Work Group, that
RTM MINUTES 04/05/2021 3

would be representative of the town, and that the RTM makes a formal request to have representation on the
work group.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Rocchetti, to adjourn at 9:02 P.M.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
Respectfully Submitted,
David L. Campo, CCTC
Town Clerk
RTM MINUTES 04/05/2021 4

RTM Meeting on April 5, 2021 Comments,
Item #1 $250,000 to be named “Crystal Mall Redevelopment Feasibility Study”
Several years ago, I believe it was 2014 the Town did a “Feasibility Study for the Oswegatchie
Fire House”. It was deemed at that time the fire house needed to be replace. There was a lot of
problems the major one being “shoring”. To this day a post in the ladies room is holding up the
roof. After spending an enormous amount on this “Study” NOTHING was done.
Here we are in 2021 some years later the Town wants to spend more money on “Feasibility
Study” to a tune of $250,000 on the “Crystal Mall which the Town of Waterford does not own.
I will use a statement that was made from a Board of Finance member “REMEMBER YOU
ARE SPENDING THE TAXPAYER’S MONEY”.
I strongly urged ALL you board members to vote NO.
Thank You,
Helen Kwasniewski

Draft #2
Title 3 - Revenue and Finance
Chapter 3.08 - PURCHASING
3.08.010 - Applicability—Cooperative purchasing.
epee by mt ce
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.
B. 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.
C. 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 shail be made available to each board or commission that must vote
to authorize the proposal before the purchase is made.
(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 § 2-37)
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.
B, 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.
C. 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;

6. To make purchases according to the requisitions and specifications of the user agency, board or
commission;
7. To submit an annual report to the director of finance relative to the cost effectiveness and
performance of purchasing operations in the town.
(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. 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 Ppurchases of material and equipment and services will be
eategorized-and-established and administered, by pursuant to CGS §7-148 v/a), at the following
levels:
41.For purchases exceeding fifteen-twenty-five thousand dollars, a formal bid process is required as
authorized in subsection B of Section 3.08.020 ef
this-section-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 local vendor preferences as established under
the operating rules.
(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. 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 shail 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 of 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 shall be notified of the decision and the reason for any rejection
by either body.
(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. In case 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 § 2-41)