First Selectman's 2025 Annual Report

1 
 
 
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Completing my 6th year as First Selectman and it 
remains both an honor and a privilege to continue 
serving the Town of Waterford!  At the heart of 
public service is a commitment to trust, open 
communication, transparency, and fostering a 
strong sense of belonging within our community. 
Every decision I make begins and ends with what 
is best for the people of Waterford. I am deeply 
proud of our town and the dedicated employees, 
volunteers, and elected officials who work 
tirelessly every day to make Waterford a great 
place to live, work, and serve. My passion for this role continues to inspire me to 
share a thoughtful reflection on the year’s progress through this Annual Summary. 
It is a privilege to work alongside Selectman Rich Muckle and Selectman Greg 
Attanasio as I present the 2025 Board of Selectmen Annual Report. 
 
In 2025, as the First Selectman, I presented the Board of Selectmen (BOS) a FY26 
Total Town Budget (Operating, Capital and Debt Services) with an increase of just 
(.75%) or $373,394.  The increase of the 34 town department budgets or “Total 
General Government Operations” was $895,213 (2.28%).  While ensuring town-side 
operating, capital and debt service funding increased just (.75%), it enabled my 
office, and the town, to continue to work with the Board of Education to “offset” 
their FY26 increase in operating costs of $2,217,127 (3.85%) 
or a total BOE operating budget of $59,828,308, not 
including capital, fleet, insurance, school debt and retirement 
costs. Previous annual general operating budget showed 
modest increases presented by the First Selectman of 1.32% 
in FY22, 1.25% in FY23, 1.65% in FY24, 2.07% in FY25, 
and 2.28% in FY26, were submitted and approved. This 
BOARD OF SELECTMEN 
2025 ANNUAL REPORT
ROBERT J. BRULE,  FIRST SELECTMAN 
RICH MUCKLE,  SELECTMAN 
GREG ATTANASIO,  SELECTMAN 
SHANNON WITHEY,  EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 
FIRST SELECTMAN BRULE WITH SELECTMAN 
MUCKLE AND SELECTMAN ATTANASIO 
THE MILL RATE REMAINED 
STABLE AT 23.36 IN 2025 

2 
 
 
reflects an average Town annual budget increase of (1.7%) for all 34-town 
departments over the past five years.   
 
Community Engagement 
 
In 2025, the First Selectman participated in the 
Sangam Asian Heritage Event at the Waterford 
Library — a wonderful celebration of culture and 
community. In Indian culture, Sangam is a Sanskrit-
origin word that means “confluence” or “coming 
together.” Attending this event provided an important 
opportunity to connect with more than 100 Waterford 
and regional residents, learn more about Sangam’s 
mission, and support the rich diversity that 
strengthens our community. Special thanks to the 
Waterford Public Library for hosting. Events like this 
remind us that understanding and celebrating different cultures brings us closer 
together and makes Waterford a more welcoming and inclusive place for all!  
 
The First Selectman’s Office remains committed to community engagement and a 
“neighbors helping neighbors” approach. The “Waterford Cares” initiative, which 
started six years ago with my running mate and Selectwoman, the late Jody 
Nazarchyk, includes:   
 
• Hosting First Selectman Food Drives for the Waterford Community Food 
Bank 
• Providing holiday meals to veterans, seniors and families in need 
• Sponsoring the holiday tree lightings at Jordan Green and Quaker Hill Green 
• Starting and sponsoring the Waterford Day Parade 
• Sponsoring the Halloween Trunk or Treat and Socks for Seniors events 
• Distributing Town Proclamations and Town Coins to honor scouts, milestones 
and residents 
• Hosting the Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies 
• Participating in Wreaths-Across-America every December 
• Supporting survivors of domestic violence and Safe Futures 
• Supporting the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation 
PROUD TO ATTEND THE 2025 
SANGAM ASIAN HERITAGE EVENT 

3 
 
 
• Starting and supporting the Waterford Veterans Coffeehouse - the largest 
attended Veterans Coffeehouse in eastern Connecticut.    
 
The Town of Waterford and the First Selectman’s 
Office continues to support a number of community 
agencies and initiatives in addition to Veteran events 
in town and the region.  The Town of Waterford 
continues to host the Safe Futures Annual Walk and 
looks forward to the groundbreaking of their new 
Family Justice Center in 2026 in Waterford! The 
First Selectman was proud to attend the 2025 
Holland Club Induction Ceremony at the U.S. Navy 
Base in Groton.  It was a great opportunity to support 
Waterford 
residents 
and 
veterans across our nation on their selection into this select 
club.  The 5th Annual Waterford Day Parade included over 
100 entries, the largest number of participants in 5 years. 
“Unity in our Community” and recognizing veterans, 
residents and employees, remains the theme every year for 
our town’s parade.  Tom Thurlow, a long-time Board of 
Education employee, received the 2025 First Selectman’s 
Public Service Award and Barbara Burdick was selected as 
the 2025 Waterford Day Grand Marshal. Both of these 
recipients reflect the passion for the Town of Waterford and 
the connection they have with our residents.  Congratulations 
Barbara and Tom! 
 
The First Selectman and Emergency Management Director, Steve Sinagra, continue 
to attend the annual Connecticut Emergency Management Symposium at Camp Nett 
in Niantic. This past symposium allowed me the opportunity to speak directly with 
DESPP Commissioner, Ronald Higgins, about the Town’s $6.9M State Bonding 
Request Application to replace our aging radio system and join 
the state radio system, ensuring first responder communications 
and mutual aid in the event of an emergency.  Unfortunately, in 
2025, the Town of Waterford was awarded just $1.5M in state 
bonding.  With the possibility of $1M in additional funding from 
the Nuclear Safety Grant in 2026, it still leaves the remaining 
balance for the town to finance. This “process” took over two 
PROUD TO SUPPORT SAFE FUTURES 
ANNUAL WALK IN WATERFORD! 
PROUD TO SUPPORT TBBCF! 

4 
 
 
years from start to finish and with the contract signed, the town will implement this 
critical upgrade to the State Radio System and NexGen CAD Program for first 
responders and mutual aid partners.  
 
In addition, the First Selectman was proud to work alongside the CT Department of 
Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Boating Division to split the cost (60% 
state 40% town) of rehabilitating the large state-owned Mago Point Boat Launch 
Public Parking lot as a state/town $1M capital project.  Waterford residents will now 
have accessible after-hour parking and additional parking for Waterford businesses 
during peak summer months and will eventually “connect” to the $2M Niantic River 
Road Sidewalk Project, slated for 2026 by a recently approved Southeastern 
Connecticut Conference of Government’s LOCIP grant.   
 
Capital Projects 
 
In 2025, after completing or closing 24 approved and funded 
capital projects, ARPA projects and Lotcip/Locip projects, 
the Town of Waterford saw $4,012,462 invested in 
completed capital investments.  The First Selectman’s office 
continues to support the funding for the Town’s Fleet Plan at 
$1M annually as well as the town’s retirement fund at $7.2M. 
The highlight capital project was the $2M school & 
community building security improvements, the largest 
capital project for school and community safety the Town has 
completed. The most complex part of this project, the video 
security cameras inside and around our schools, started in late 
2024, and completed in 2025 despite significant supply chain 
delays.   
 
The First Selectman would like to thank IT Manager, 
Jeff Robillard, for his leadership and professionalism 
completing this complex security upgrade. The First 
Selectman’s annual Capital Plan continues to feature a 
“Snap Shot” which remains a responsible and 
transparent tool for identifying use of the General Fund 
Balance for capital projects. The “Snap Shot” has helped 
ensure Town and BOE operating budgets impact on the 
IN 2025, NEW CAMERAS, 
BALLARDS AND FENCING   
INSTALLED AT ALL THREE 
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AND 
NEW ARMED OFFICERS HIRED  
SENIORS ENJOYING THE ACCESSIBLE 
WALKWAY AROUND THE POND 

5 
 
 
tax rate remains as stable as possible for the 
taxpayer. The 5-year “Snap Shot” Capital Plan, 
continues to identify projects that fall into the 
following four categories: road paving, building 
maintenance, park improvements and Board of 
Education requests, like the new Turf Field and 
Tennis Courts.  The newly renovated Arnold E. 
Holm Jr. Memorial Park officially saw additional 
benches installed for residents who needed shorter 
walking distance between benches.  The past year 
also saw the Gardiner Foundation donate $40,000 towards a much needed shade 
structure at the park’s playground, with the install scheduled for the spring of 2026.  
Road paving and town safety projects remained a priority.  Road paving projects 
continue to include the Utility Commission replacing 30-year old plastic water 
connectors with copper piping, prior to road paving, eliminating the possibility of 
leaks forming under the newly paved roads.  Finally, in a supportive bipartisan vote 
in town of 32-3 (Board of Selectmen 3-0, Board of Finance 6-0 and RTM 23-3) the 
building of a new town-owned firehouse was approved.  The building and land was 
purchased by the town for $1 and will be the future home of the first town-owned 
fire station in Waterford.  Construction is expected to start in early 2026. 
 
Other Notable Capital Projects Completed in 2025: 
 
• Town paved Old Norwich Road, Jefferson Avenue, Phillips Street, North 
Phillips Street, Albacore Drive, Marlin Drive, Woodlawn Court, Quarry 
Road, Leary Drive and Goshen Road 
• Replaced Emergency Management Antennas on the new Fargo Water Tank 
• Transitioned 911 CAD system to Nexgen for future State Radio System 
upgrade 
• Completed Security Upgrades to Town and School buildings 
• Upgraded GIS system within town operating systems 
• Improved the Waterford Police Department Cell Block and Kitchen areas 
• Removed the Southwest School Undergound Tanks  
• Replaced the Cohanzie Fire Station Emergency Generator  
• Replaced and updated all Town and Waterford School’s phone system 
hardware & software 
• Upgraded the Quaker Hill Fire Station Fire Alarm 
THE FUNDING FOR THE NEW OSWEGATCHIE 
FIRE STATION WAS APPROVED IN 2025 

6 
 
 
• Replaced the Town of Waterford’s Content Filter for Website Protection  
• Funded the Alewife Cove Conservancy federal grant request for dredging  
• Replaced the Waterford Police Department Firearm Laser Sites 
• Town replaced sidewalks on Norman Street, William Street, Summer Street 
and David Street 
 
Fleet Management Plan 
 
In 2025, the Town received seven large pieces of apparatus for Public Works, 
including a Sweeper for $249,792, a Front Load Refuse Truck for $401,472, a new 
Chassis for the Tree Truck for $187,014, three DPW Dump Trucks for $389,344 and 
a Side Load Refuse Truck for $212,099. The Public Works Department and the 
Police Department fleet plans remain a priority, while future Fleet Plans will 
highlight fleet needs for the Waterford Fire Department.  Although supply chain 
issues have occurred, the Town of Waterford 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 DPW’s incredibly important 
Tree Bucket Truck has been in the shop 
most of 2025 for extensive refurbishment.  
This critical piece of apparatus will ensure 
needed tree work will once again be in full 
operation come 2026! The First Selectman 
will 
continue 
to 
focus 
on 
Fleet 
IN THE SUMMER OF 2025, THE LEARY 
PARK 6-COURT PICKLEBALL COMPLEX, 2 
TENNIS COURTS AND A NEW BASKETBALL 
COURT CONSTRUCTION WAS STARTED WITH 
NEW FENCING AND POST-TENSION 
CONCRETE TO LAST 25 YEARS. 
THANK YOU TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN, 
BOARD OF FINANCE AND THE 
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING FOR ALL 
SUPPORTING THIS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT 
PROJECT FOR RESIDENTS WHO LIVE IN THE 
NORTHERN PART OF TOWN! 
WATERFORD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 
ENSURES OUR CAPITAL ASSETS ARE PROTECTED 

7 
 
 
Management, focusing on how many vehicles the Town has in its fleet, maintenance 
of vehicles to extend life and budgeting for large vehicle replacement. In 2025, the 
Waterford Fire Department included its vehicles within the Fleetio Fleet 
Management system to ensure all town-owned vehicles, both small and large, are 
within the new fleet software program. 
 
In 2025, the Town of Waterford achieved 
SustainableCT Bronze Certification for the third 
time since 2019, earning 480 points in 2025. Located 
along Connecticut’s southeastern shoreline and 
home to roughly 19,500 residents, Waterford 
continues to balance its rich agricultural and granite-
industry heritage with forward-looking investments 
that protect natural resources and strengthen 
community well-being. This recognition reflects 
achievements 
for 
Waterford 
and 
across 
SustainableCT’s priority areas, including Inclusive 
and Equitable Communities; Thriving Local Economies; Well-Stewarded Land and 
Natural Resources; Vibrant and Creative Culture; Dynamic and Resilient Planning; 
Clean and Diverse Transportation Systems; Renewable and Efficient Energy; 
Inclusive Communication; Strategic Materials Management; Health and Wellness 
Opportunities; and Healthy and Diverse Housing and Homelessness Prevention 
Innovation. From expanding comprehensive recycling programs to improving 
accessible public spaces like the award-winning Arnold E. Holm Jr. Memorial Park, 
Waterford continues to demonstrate leadership in sustainability and community 
investment. I am incredibly proud of the dedicated team at Town Hall, especially 
Environmental Planner Maureen Fitzgerald, 
for their commitment to ensuring Waterford 
remains a great place to live, work, and raise 
a family.                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                   
In 2025, Waterford Woods Luxury Apartment Complex 
Phase Three was completed. The final 100 units for Phase 
Four is expected to be completed Spring 2026 and provide 
425 units of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments of workforce and 
affordable housing. The impressive complex stretches over 
35-acres and includes a clubhouse, indoor pool, pickleball 
court, walking trail, vegetable and herb gardens and 
CTASLA MERIT AWARD WINNING ADA 
ACCESSIBLE TOWN PARK! 
WATERFORD WOODS  WITH 400 
UNITS OF WORKFORCE HOUSING 

8 
 
 
additional storage units on the property.  This $120M project has brought much 
needed workforce family housing to the region. The Town of Waterford Planning & 
Zoning Commission is in the final stages of 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.   
 
Finally, thank you to the Economic Development Commission Chairman, Mike 
Buscetto, and the Interim Planning Department Director, Mark Wujtewicz, who 
worked closely with my office on development options for the Crystal Mall property, 
providing flexibility for the three owners of the mall property and a much needed 
tax revenue for Waterford residents. The town continues to look for new economic 
development that will have long-term effects and will enhance our Net Taxable 
Grand List, including the Airport Property and areas in town that could create a 
Waterford “Main Street.” 
 
The Town continues to find creative and effective 
ways to reduce costs to taxpayers by supporting the 
Friends of Nevins Cottage, Inc. established in 2024. 
The picturesque vernacular house dates to c. 1890 and 
was a tenant house located on the Shaw-Perkins-
Nevins farm that occupied acreage on both sides of 
Rope Ferry Road. The property descended through 
the family of successful New London merchant 
Nathaniel Shaw II (1735-1782). It passed to Thomas 
Shaw Perkins, brother of Nathaniel Shaw Perkins, and 
then to his daughter Cornelia L. Perkins Nevins who 
married David H. Nevins of Norwich. The title of the farm was settled to a daughter 
of the Nevins’, Anna Nevins, who lived until 1958. She began selling off the portions 
of the farm on the north side of Rope Ferry Road in the early 1950s. Nevins Cottage 
was purchased from Anna Nevins' estate by the town in 1961.  
 
The Friends group successfully completed the exterior renovation in 2025.  Spring 
of 2026 will see the Friends group focus on the interior renovation with demo being 
donated by Waterford small business, Bayside Construction. Interior painting, 
electrical work and heating needs will restore and maintain this historic building 
through in-kind and private sector donations. Reducing the cost of historic 
preservation to the town by over $250,000. 
 
NEVINS COTTAGE EXTERIOR RENOVATION 
COMPLETED IN 2025 – INTERIOR 
PLANNED FOR 2026! 

9 
 
 
In 2025, the Town of Waterford saw the approval and 
start of the new Leary Park Pickleball Complex, Tennis 
Courts and Basketball Court, Town Hall Auditorium 
Renovation and ADA Accessible Restroom Project, the 
Mago Point Parking Lot, the Town Hall Basketball 
Courts and the new Waterford High School Turf Field 
and Tennis Courts.  Outdoor parks, infrastructure and 
road paving with the General Fund Balance, CIP and 
CNR requests continue to be completed.  All the while, 
public safety, town staffing levels and fleet management 
remain priorities for review. Waterford continues to host 
some of the largest retail shopping stores and plazas in 
and around Waterford Commons.  Waterford is home to 
Dominion Energy’s Millstone Power Station, the beautiful Great Neck Country 
Club, national chain restaurants and box stores and now a transformative mall 
property welcoming General Dynamics-Electric Boat Waterford Corporate Campus. 
These provide many benefits to our town as well as current and future tax revenue.  
 
Conclusion 
 
This past year brought both challenges and opportunities, yet 
our response has once again shown the strength, unity, and 
resilience that define our community. We celebrated 
Dominion Energy’s Millstone Power Station Unit 2 50th 
Anniversary and reflected on the positive impact the nuclear 
power plant has had on our community.  From successfully 
launching new hiring initiatives six more full-time 
Firefighter/EMT’s, to completing long-term projects, every 
success reflects the dedication of our residents, volunteers, 
elected officials, and town employees whose hard work makes 
Waterford such a special place to call home.  No employee in 
Waterford deserves more praise than Waterford Police Officer 
Eric Fredricks and K-9 Officer Hodges, who were proud 
recipients of the Connecticut Lion’s Club 2025 Humanitarian 
of the Year Award.  Their commitment to our community and residents of all ages 
has been a beacon of warmth, dignity and comfort. There was not an event in 
THE TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM NOW 
STREAMS TOWN MEETINGS LIVE VIA 
YOUTUBE & HOSTS VETERAN 
EVENTS DURING INCLEMENT 
WEATHER! 
CONGRATULATIONS OFFICER 
FREDRICKS AND K-9 
HODGES! 

10 
 
 
Waterford or the region that did not include 
these amazing partners.  Thank you Officers 
Fredricks and Hodges, well deserved!   As I 
reflect on 2025 and my sixth year serving as 
Waterford’s First Selectman, I am deeply proud 
of all that our town has accomplished together. 
Through bipartisan collaboration, professionalism, and open dialogue in town, we 
have continued to move Waterford forward in meaningful ways. The Town 
continues to prioritize a working budget that supports capital investments, first 
responders, critical services and a level of education we expect in town, while 
minimizing the growth of the taxpayers’ burden. 
Waterford, like many of its neighboring communities, has 
seen a continuation of retirements by eligible employees. 
We worked hard on the recruitment and retention of town 
employees, most notably, assessors, building officials, 
police officers and firefighters.  Looking ahead, I remain 
committed to building on our momentum — fostering a 
thriving, affordable, safe and vibrant community that 
values progress and respect. As we turn the page to 2026, 
I remain confident that Waterford’s best days are still 
ahead and I look forward to achieving even more together! 
 
WATERFORD’S COMMITMENT TO 
INCREASING PAID FIREFIGHTER 
/EMT’S CONTINUED IN 2025