First Selectman's 2023 Annual Report

1 
 
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
It continues to be an honor to serve the Town of 
Waterford as the First Selectman. To me, 
commitment is truly the most important piece of 
serving our community. I continue to value trust, 
communication, 
transparency, 
a 
sense 
of 
belonging and always putting the Waterford 
community first in my decision-making.  I am 
proud to work alongside Selectman Rich Muckle 
and Selectman Greg Attanasio and present the 
2023 Board of Selectmen Annual Report. 
In 2023, the BOS presented an operating budget 
with an increase of just 1.32%, consistent with previous budget increases of 1.25%, 
1.65% and 2.07%, respectfully.  The 5-year Capital Plan presented in 2023 
highlighted a “Snap Shot” which identified use from the General Fund Balance for 
capital projects with a focus on road paving, water utility, building maintenance and 
parks, which was well received from elected officials on both sides of the aisle.  
Waterford completed its state-mandated revaluation and saw a significant number 
of property values continue to climb.  The Grand List increased for the 8th 
consecutive year, a 30% increase.  Waterford continues to work closely with the 
Board of Finance and RTM to complete existing capital projects and initiate 
necessary town-wide capital infrastructure projects. The First Selectman will 
continue to provide the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and the RTM 
quarterly updates to ensure consistent communication continues.    
Over the past year, First Selectman Brule served as Vice Chairman of the 
Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) and a member of the 
Executive Committee for SCCOG and the Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT).  
In 2023, First Selectman Brule was selected and honored as a “First 100 Plus - Class 
of 2023” recipient by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, for 
BOARD OF SELECTMEN 
2023 ANNUAL REPORT
ROBERT J. BRULE,  FIRST SELECTMAN 
RICH MUCKLE,  SELECTMAN 
GREG ATTANASIO,  SELECTMAN 
SHANNON WITHEY, EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 
(FROM R TO L) SELECTMAN GREG ATTANSIO, 
FIRST SELECTMAN ROBERT BRULE AND 
SELECTMAN RICHARD MUCKLE 

 
2 
 
demonstrated leadership and commitment to improving the lives of domestic 
violence survivors in Connecticut.  
Community Engagement 
The First Selectman’s Office remains committed 
to community engagement and accessibility to 
town parks and outdoor space.  The First 
Selectman’s “Waterford Cares” initiative started 
four years ago and continues with great participation by the community - to provide 
holiday meals to veterans and families in need.  It also includes creating and 
supporting community events in town, for example, Veterans ceremonies, holiday 
tree lightings, hosting a Diaper Bank drive, hosting food drives, Waterford Day 
Parade, trunk or treat, Town Coin presentations, Town Proclamation ceremonies, 
Honoring Scouts, and the American flag display from Memorial Day to Veterans 
Day.  The Town continues to commit to its veterans by hosting Memorial Day and 
Veterans Day Ceremonies through the First Selectman’s Office, as well as 
participating in Wreaths Across America every December.  These events honoring 
and remembering our Waterford Veterans remains a 
priority. The Waterford Veterans Coffeehouse continues 
to gain membership and attendance.  The Coffeehouse is 
held at Filomenas Restaurant in town and remains the 
largest attended Veterans Coffeehouse in Eastern CT.  
The First Selectman’s Office continues to sponsor the 
Waterford Veterans Day Ceremony, Memorial Day 
Ceremony and 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, as well 
as, Wreaths Across America at Jordan Cemetery.   
The 3nd Annual Waterford Day Parade continued this summer and was a huge 
success for residents of all ages! The Town of Waterford continues its strong 
relationship with the American Red Cross and has continued to host monthly blood 
drives at Town Hall. The town continued to partner with Ledge Light Health District, 
to provide residents vaccine clinic options and Covid-19 Test Kit distribution 
opportunities. In 2023, the Waterford Country School celebrated 100 years of 
service.  Congratulations!  The Waterford Country School employs 150 staff and sits 
on 320 acres of rural land. Every day, the WCS use of therapeutic animal interaction, 
nature based enrichment activities, hands on learning, and compassionate staff to 
change the growth trajectory for children and young adults. The Town of Waterford 

 
3 
 
remains a proud supporter of the Waterford Country 
School. The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center recently 
produced the musical “Shucked” which was a Tony 
Award winner in 2023!  Amazing accomplishment! The 
First Selectman remains a proud Ex-Officio member of 
the Board of Trustees at The O’Neill. The town’s efforts 
continue to focus on the campus’ capital needs, while 
ensuring the day-to-day maintenance of the buildings and grounds remain the 
O’Neill’s responsibility. The Town worked directly with the Diaper Bank of CT, 
Waterford resident Jennifer Kohl, and Waterford Human Service Administrator, 
Dani Gorman to create the First Selectman’s Diaper Bank Drive! The Diaper Bank 
Drive falls under the First Selectman’s Waterford Cares program, an initiative 
focused on addressing the day-to-day needs of all 
our residents, emotionally, financially, spiritually, 
and physically.  The turn out from the community 
and town employees was amazing and did not 
disappoint! Waterford continues to donate and 
deliver holiday meals to veterans and seniors in 
town, as well as, families in need.     
In 2023, the First Selectman’s Office participated in a town-wide, regional school 
crisis drill, which included all town departments and first responders. Also 
participating were school administrators, teachers, students, parents and community 
members in Quaker Hill.  The First Selectman signed two Inter-local Agreements on 
behalf of the Waterford Police Department.  The first was an agreement with the 
Town of Ledyard, creating the Southeastern Connecticut Special Response Team. 
The second was an agreement with the Town of East Lyme, creating the Shoreline 
Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team (START). This regional agreement is another 
example of Waterford working together with our neighbor East Lyme. The two 
towns currently partner on animal control services, a 
shared regional police boat and equally contributed 
funds to a new pump-out boat on the Niantic River 
for Save the River-Save the Hills. First Selectman 
Brule joined Mayor Keith Hedrick and Mayor 
Michael Passero in 2023 to support the annual 
Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water 
Conservation (Mayor’s Challenge). With no cost to 

 
4 
 
cities, towns or taxpayers, the Mayor’s Challenge offers a unique and compelling 
way to motivate residents to conserve water. 
In addition, the town remains committed to the success of the 
Waterford Fire Department as a “combination department. The First 
Selectman participated in active firefighter training to see first-hand 
how firefighters safely enter a burning building to prepare for the 
day when they are called upon. Waterford firefighters are placed in 
a position that requires them to handle extraordinary amounts of 
responsibilities when they become a part of this career. First, they 
will be placing themselves in harm’s way and taking risks to ensure 
the safety of others. While firefighters undergo extensive training as 
recruits, they need to develop or already have specific skills to 
perform their duties safely and effectively.  The First 
Selectman’s day of training included a debriefing session with 
a team of 12 firefighters by Captain Martin.  It then included 
entering a smoke-filled building on a 90-degree summer day to 
rescue a victim on the second floor, seeing nothing because of 
the smoke machine, wearing all the gear, carrying an ax, 
wearing an oxygen mask and feeling my way to the victim with 
my partner.    
Capital Projects 
As noted previously, in 2023, the 5-year capital plan 
reflected a “Snap-Shot” for the responsible and 
transparent use of the general fund balance for 
capital projects.  Thank you to the Board of 
Selectman and Board of Finance Chairman, Glenn 
Patterson, for your input and support in 2023.  The 
5-year capital plan will again reflect use of the 
general fund balance as to ensure operating budgets and impact on the tax rate 
remains stable.  Road paving projects will continue to have the Utility Commission 
replace all 30-year old plastic water connectors over to copper prior to road paving, 
eliminating the possibility of leaks forming under the newly paved roads. The First 
Selectman’s Office continues to communicate with the Superintendent of Schools 
and put forward an $800,000 capital project to replace the AC Chillers at Clark Lane 
Middle School. The First Selectman initiated a town-wide school and community 

 
5 
 
security upgrade capital project with input from leaders within 
the police, fire, emergency management, IT, finance and 
planning departments and the Superintendent. The $2M request 
for funding this school security project is the largest capital 
project for school and community safety the town has ever 
requested and been approved by the Board of Selectmen, Board 
of Finance and the Representative Town Meeting.  The 
Waterford Duck Pond dredging project was approved in 2023 
and saw the $900,000 dredging project completed in the fall, while the ADA 
pathways are still under construction.  Trees around the pond were removed due to 
Ash bore disease or root systems negatively impacting the project and will be 
replaced with new healthy trees that will be here for another 50 years!  The Town of 
Waterford completed the new concrete sidewalk within the Historic Jordan Village 
from B-Lane to Avery Lane with the help from a State 
of Connecticut grant, thereby, extending the connection 
to the Jordan Historic Village Green.  In 2023, the $1M 
approved road paving and reclamation project of Old 
Norwich Road in Quaker Hill became the largest road-
paving project the Town of Waterford approved in 
decades.  
Other Notable Capital Projects Completed in 2023: 
 The Public Safety Building (Emergency Management, Dispatchers and Fire 
Services) HVAC rooftop unit and roof replaced. 
 The Town Hall front door was replaced. 
 The $2.75M Cross Road (state-funded grant) Paving Project was closed. 
 The Southwest School underground septic tanks were removed.   
 The oil tanks at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center were removed.   
 The underground oil tank at the Police Department was removed.   
 The AC Units at Emergency Radio Sites were replaced.The $400,000 
Underground fuel tanks at the Public Safety Building and the Library were 
removed. 
 The Utility Commission initiated the replacement of 30-year old plastic water 
connectors with copper connectors prior to paving new roads. 
 Town paved Tiffany Avenue, Oil Mill Road, East Brook Drive, Shore Road, 
Cedar Street, Savi Avenue, Cherry Street and Niantic River Road.  

 
6 
 
Fleet Management Plan 
The Public Works Department and the Police Department fleet plans remain a 
priority.  As supply chain issues have occurred, the Town remains in good position 
to purchase the fleet necessary to keep our town safe and operating efficiently.  The 
Town continues to remove vehicles and equipment from the fleet in an effort to 
reduce the size of the fleet. The new Municipal Complex’s 70,000 square foot garage 
continues to keep our trucks and other fleet equipment inside and protected from the 
elements.  The First Selectman will continue to focus on Fleet Management, 
focusing on how many vehicles the Town has in its fleet, maintenance of vehicles to 
extend life and budgeting for large vehicle replacement when the time is needed.  
FY25 will see the Town committing funds for three large pieces of apparatus within 
Public Works, including a Sweeper for $348,209, a 5-ton Dump Truck for $276,695 
and a Side Load Refuse Truck for $391,997.  
Planning & Economic Development 
The Town of Waterford is proud to recognize Waterford 
resident 
and 
business 
owner, 
Cindy 
Hersom, 
President/Owner of Dicin Electric.  In 2023, Dicin 
Electric was honored by President Biden at the White 
House 
for being selected U.S Small Business 
Administration Sub-Contractor of the Year, for the entire 
country!  Congratulations Cindy, Chris and the entire 
Dicin Electric family for 50 years of dedicated service in town.   The Planning 
Department continues to be very busy with new business and the number of permit 
requests.  Over the past year, there continues to be commitment towards responsible 
economic development and our continued efforts to “fill empty storefronts” and 
attract new businesses to Waterford. In 2023, the Town welcomed M&T Bank to 
town in the old Webster Bank location and saw the closed Hendels Americana 
Furniture Barn space filled with Americana Fabrics, one of the largest online fabric 
stores in New England.  Posh Wash Carwash renovated and opened the carwash 
across from Job Lot. Long-time Waterford business Hillyers 
Tackle Shop was purchased and is under new ownership and 
the town saw Play it Again Sports renovated and open the 
space between Planet Fitness and Big Lots.  Many in town 
are excited to see Chipotle purchase the land near Aldi’s and 
the start of  construction, while the old Hess Gas Station 

 
7 
 
nearby was demolished to make room for a gas station 
and market at the same location.  The former Sunset Rib 
Restaurant in Mago Point was remodeled and opened 
for business under the new name Fat Tuna.  Graniteville 
Dentistry completed its construction and has moved 
into the vacant space in Utopia Centre. The first phase 
of the Waterford Woods Luxury Apartments Complex on Willets Avenue was 
completed.  This needed apartment housing development for young professionals in 
the area is a $100M project, and is on schedule to start Phase 2 in the spring of 2024. 
Waterford Woods includes a state of the art clubhouse and pool, rain gardens, 3-mile 
walking trail, pickleball courts, dog parks, community vegetable and herb gardens 
and garage units for additional storage for residents.  
The First Selectman, on behalf of the Economic Development Commission, attended 
the International Council of Shopping Centers National Convention in New York 
City.  During the convention he met with developers from around the country to 
discuss possibilities of development at the Crystal Mall property and the Airport 
property.   
The Town of Waterford proudly welcomed United 
States Assistant Secretary of Energy, Dr. Kathryn 
Huff and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Spent Fuel 
and Waste Disposition, Dr. Kim Petry, for a visit to 
Waterford and a tour of the Millstone Power Station. 
Discussions focused on the future of nuclear energy 
by the Biden Administration and my official 
testimony to the U.S House of Representatives supporting Congressman Courtney’s 
Consent-Based Siting of Interim Storage Legislation.  This important legislation 
supports the First Selectman’s commitment to the removal of dry cask storage from 
the Millstone Power Station.  
The Town of Waterford is currently completing the town’s Plan of Conservation and 
Development.  "Plan Waterford" is our Town’s guide for the future. It shows where 
we have been and lays out the vision for where we are going. Thank you to the staff 
and Planning & Zoning Commission for the effort put forward as we complete the 
final phases, including the online survey.   
 

 
8 
 
Budget Management 
The town continues to look for new economic 
development that will have long-term effects and will 
enhance our Net Taxable Grand List. For example, the 
town Board of Selectmen and RTM voted 
unanimously to support Dominion Energy’s interest 
in building data centers on its’ property.  In 2023, the 
First 
Selectman’s 
Office 
has 
had 
positive 
communication with all three owners of the Crystal 
Mall property.  The 40-home Ivy Hill Village residential project off Great Neck 
Road began construction in 2023.  This cul-de-sac built by Adams Builders will 
feature energy efficient, smaller homes with an  HOA that will take care of the lawn, 
trash and recycling and provide owners a nature walking trail. This newest 
residential cul-de-sac will allow homeowners to downsize in energy efficient 
“smaller homes” in the Great Neck area of town and grow the grand list. In 2023, 
the Town of Waterford enjoyed a mill rate decrease.  Over the past year, there has 
been a continued commitment to work closely with 
the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and the 
Representative 
Town 
Meeting 
to 
ensure 
Departmental Budgets, Capital Spending and Fleet 
Management Plans are thoughtful, deliberate and 
transparent.  There has been a commitment to 
identify areas where Department Heads can find 
savings.   
The Town continues to prioritize a working budget for our town that supports first 
responders, critical services and level of education we enjoy in town, while 
minimizing the growth of the taxpayers’ burden. We have continued that philosophy 
with a minimal increase in the general government operating budget and updating 
job descriptions through the Human Resource 
Director, Commissions and the Program Review 
Board. The Town, like many of its’ neighboring 
communities, has seen a continuation of retirements 
by eligible employees.  There continues to be a focus 
placed on recruitment and retention of town 
employees, most notably, building officials, police 
officers and firefighters.  The town successfully 

 
9 
 
negotiated a 4-year Police Contract, a 4-year 1303 Labor 
Contract, and a 4-year GGA Labor Contract, ensuring 
responsible budgeting, retaining our talented workforce and 
providing department heads with predictable personnel 
budgets going into the next four annual operating budgets.  
A trend moving away from the traditional 2-year labor 
contracts and high labor counsel costs to the town. The 
town, like many of its neighboring towns, has seen a 
continuation of retirements by eligible employees.  There 
continues to be a focus placed on recruitment and retention 
of current employees.  Over the past year, the First 
Selectman’s Office worked with the Senior Service 
Commission, Human Resource Director, town labor counsel, the Youth & Family 
Services Advisory Council and the GGA union, to eliminate the Senior Service 
Director position and the Youth & Family Services Director position, and create one 
position, the Human Services Administrator.  The impact has been noticeable and 
positive. No longer does a family “fall in between the cracks” while a more positive 
experience occurs between residents and the town.  In 2023, the town saw Planning 
Director retire as well as the Fire Marshal. The town continues to absorb the 
aforementioned number of retirements of long-time town leaders and employees, 
yet, provide great opportunities and services for the residents. The Town leadership 
team remains committed to the growth and stability of the Town of Waterford. 
Waterford continues to grow and attract families and businesses to town.  We 
continue to have some of the largest retail shopping stores and plazas in southeastern 
CT and are home to two nuclear power plants.  These provide many benefits to our 
town.  We have more growth forecast for the town and look forward to planning that 
growth with the various builders and developers. Like so many of our neighboring 
communities, the year posed serious challenges due to supply chain issues and 
significant cost increases within capital expenses, adjusting to post-pandemic 
realities and the impact Electric Boat hiring thousands of highly compensated 
employees has had and will continue to have on the recruitment and retention of 
town employees. 
 
 
 
FIRST SELECTMAN BRULE AND 
CHIEF OF POLICE, MARC 
BALESTRACCI 

 
10 
 
American Rescue Plan Act 
All expected ARPA funding from the federal 
government has been received by the Town of 
Waterford ($5,547,889).  The allocation the 
Town of Waterford received from the American 
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Plan to spend 
the funding was submitted to the RTM – 
appropriating the funding to emergency service upgrades, small businesses, tourism, 
mental health needs, water utility upgrades and maintenance and outdoor parks.  One 
adjustment to the Plan thus far, that being, the town-wide broadband was not an 
acceptable project by ARPA, due to Waterford not operating its own Utility.  As a 
result, these ARPA funds transferred to the Civic Triangle Park Capital Project, due 
to that Master Plan being already approved by the Civic Triangle Park Ad-Hoc 
Committee and all town bodies and consistent with the initial ARPA plan submitted 
to the town for approval.  
 
Projects completed with ARPA funds in 2023: 
 Small Business Grant Program 
 Hired Human Services Coordinator for Senior 
Services Department  
 45 capital projects were completed for an 
approximate total of $6.1M 
 
Projects ongoing in 2024: 
 Waterford Park Pond ADA Pathways, Holm Memorial and Boardwalk 
 Waterford Park Streetscape – Along Rope Ferry Road 
 Waterford Park Playground ADA Pathways to Pond / Restrooms  
 Old Norwich Road Pump Station Upgrade 
 Fargo Lane Water (Tank) Tower Rehabilitation 
 Town GIS Updates 
 Eugene O’Neill Theater Hammond Mansion Roof Replacement 
 
 

 
11 
 
Conclusion 
The First Selectman is proud of the work we accomplished in a bi-partisan and 
professional manner in 2023 and remains committed to continuing positive, 
transparent and thoughtful discussions in the year ahead.  Finally, and sadly, The 
First Selectman would be remiss if he did not acknowledge the profound loss of 
former Selectwoman and running mate, Jody Nazarchyk.  Jody had an impact on the 
lives of countless Waterford residents this past year.  Jody was 
an amazing person and community member.  Her greatest gift 
was her love for her neighbor and her advocacy for veterans, 
seniors and children.  Jody is missed terribly by our 
community, however, her legacy lives on forever in 
Waterford.