Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report (PDF)

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Town of Waterford,
Connecticut

ANNUAL REPORT
For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

ELECTED OFFICIALS ..................................................................................... 1
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING ............................................................. 2
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ..................................................................... 3
PROFESSIONAL STAFF ................................................................................. 9
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE .............................................................................. 11

ANNUAL REPORTS:

BOARD OF SELECTMEN ............................................................................... 15
TAX COLLECTOR .......................................................................................... 25
TOWN CLERK ............................................................................................... 28
ASSESSOR .................................................................................................... 31
BOARD OF EDUCATION ............................................................................... 39
BUILDING DEPARTMENT ............................................................................. 48
BUILDING MAINTENANCE………………………………………………………………………. 54
CONSERVATION COMMISSION ................................................................... 66
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................ 72
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ...................................................................... 74
ETHICS COMMISSION .................................................................................. 79
FIRE SERVICES ............................................................................................. 81
FLOOD AND EROSION CONTROL BOARD .................................................... 95
HARBOR MANAGEMENT ............................................................................. 97
HISTORIC PROPERTIES COMMISSION / MUNICIPAL HISTORIAN ............... 99
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE ................................................ 103
LEDGE LIGHT HEALTH DISTRICT .................................................................. 109
LIBRARY ....................................................................................................... 115
NURSING SERVICES ..................................................................................... 137
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION ..................................................... 139
POLICE DEPARTMENT ................................................................................. 143
PUBLIC WORKS ............................................................................................ 178
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION ..................................................... 201
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS.............................................................................. 218
RETIREMENT COMMISSION ........................................................................ 220
SENIOR SERVICES ........................................................................................ 224
SHELLFISH COMMISSION ............................................................................ 238
UTILITY COMMISSION ................................................................................. 241
WATERFORD EAST LYME SHELLFISH COMMISSION…………………………………272
YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU ............................................................................ 275
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ...................................................................... 291

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ............................................................................ APPENDIX A
2019-2020 ANNUAL BUDGET ...................................................................... APPENDIX B

1
TOWN OF WATERFORD
ELECTED TOWN OFFICIALS
2021 – 2022
FIRST SELECTMAN
Robert J. Brule
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Jody Nazarchyk
Elizabeth Sabilia
TOWN CLERK

David L. Campo
TAX COLLECTOR
Alan Wilensky
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS
Bigi Ebbin
Patricia Waters
TREASURER
Abbas Danesh
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Marcia A. Benvenuti

Michelle Devine
Kathleen Elbaum
Pat Fedor, Chair
Amanda Gates-LaMothe
Joy Gaughan
Chris Jones
Deborah Roselli Kelly
Craig Merriman
BOARD OF FINANCE
Ronald Fedor

John W. Sheehan
Glenn Patterson, Chair
Kevin Petchark
Robert J. Tuneski
Baird Welch-Collins
Joe Filippetti

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS
Lee Couture
Marilyn Lusher, Chair
David Peabody
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Anne Darling
Catherine Lynn Gonyo, Chair
Michele Kripps
Warren Mackenzie
John Morgan
ALTERNATES
Greg Gallup
William Herzfeld
Jason Maryeski

2
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING
2021 – 2022
First District
Condon, Timothy
Gauthier, Nicholas
Holmes, Richard
Larder, Cheryl
Konstantakis, Paul
Steward-Gelinas, Danielle
Second District
Attanasio, Gregory
Childs, Mary
Girard, Kevin
Gonzalez, Kristin
Olynciw, Theodore
Welch, Dave
Third District
Barcciale, Jennifer
Fioravanti, Timothy
Garvin, Steve
Goldstein, Paul
Healy, Ryan
Kohl, Jennifer
Muckle, Richard F.
Fourth District
Bono, Michael
Dembek, Thomas
Driscoll, Susan
Radin, Daniel
Rocchetti, Michael E.
Sugrue, David
SENATOR
20TH Senatorial District: Paul Formica
REPRESENTATIVE
38TH Assembly District: Kathleen McCarty

3
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
2021 – 2022
BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
Albaine, Jose-Miguel
Dinoto, Russell, Chair
Vacant
Holmwood, Courtney
Rowe, Sean
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Lersch, David L.
Maidelis, Talivadis
Muckle, Richard, Chair
Renegar, Geneva
Vacant
Thomas, Wade M.
Keatley, Matthew
Alternates:
Bray III, George M.
Plis, Ivy
Vacant
METROCAST CABLE TELEVISION
ADVISORY COUNCIL

Merriman, Craig
Robillard, Jeffrey
Vacant
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION
Lusher, Edward A., Chair
Sollima, Lesley
Aledia, Eric
Vacant
Russo, Guy P.
Alternates:
Attanasio, Gregory
Greco, Julie

4
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
2021 – 2022
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Sinagra, Steve
ADVISORY COUNCIL

Cote, J. William “Bill”
Dembek, Thomas J.
Mancini, Joseph
Goodhind, Todd
Schneider, Gary
Balestracci, Marc
Margolis, Mitchell S.
Howley, Michael
Pawlak, Erik
Sabilia, Elizabeth
Sheehan, John
Shewbrooks, Bruce
Brule, Robert J.
Wiseman, Neil
ETHICS COMMISSION
Nailon, Christopher
Massad, Alexa
Stone, Adam
Wolfley, Laurie
Zeldis, Martin
Ritter, Elizabeth B. (Betsy), Chair
Alternates:
Mendelovicz, Naomi
FIRE COMPANIES
Waterford Fire Engine Company #1, Inc. (Jordan)
89 Rope Ferry Road
Chief: Deputy Chief Bill Grace
Quaker Hill Fire Company, Inc.
17 Old Colchester Road
Chief: David Dow
Goshen Fire Department, Inc.
63 Goshen Road
Chief: Todd Patton
Oswegatchie Fire Company #4, Inc.
441 Boston Post Road
Chief: Christopher Pafias
Cohanzie Fire Company #5, Inc.
53 Dayton Road
Chief: Christopher Bonanno

5
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
2021 – 2022
FLOOD AND EROSION
Callahan, Christopher L.
CONTROL BOARD
Harran, George R.
Hart, Craig
Kohl, Jennifer
Kuvalanka, Alexander
Welch-Collins, Baird; Chair
Vacant
HARBOR MANAGEMENT
Adams, Jane B., Chair
COMMISSION
Bunnell, Eva
DeRosa, Robert
Dutton, Robert F.
Vacant
Bunnell, Eva
Hamsher, James J.
Wise, Fred
Alternates:
Crocker, Gregory
Buths, Jr., Joseph
HARBOR MASTER
Crocker, David
DEPUTY HARBOR MASTER
Miller, Richard
HISTORIC PROPERTIES
COMMISSION
Brooks, Vivian A
Crotty, Patrick
Olynciw, Eileen
O’Neill, John J., Chair
Walters, Debra T.
Alternates:
MacKenzie, Warren
Nye, Robert
Olynciew, Mark S.
MUNICIPAL HISTORIAN
Nye, Robert M.
PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD
Chuchev, Krum
Maidelis, Talivadis
Patterson, Cathy
Peabody, David
Wells, Rikki W., Chair

6
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
2021 – 2022
PLANNING AND ZONING
Barnett, Karen
COMMISSION
Ebersole, Jr., Victor
Bleasdale, Timothy
Massad, Gregory, Chair
Petrini, Kenneth
Alternates:
DiBuono, Joseph
Chenard, Bertrand
Vacancy
POLICE COMMISSION
Dimmock, James A.
Gamble, Christopher M.
Gelinas, Mark R.
Sheridan, Thomas, Chair
Brule, Robert J.
RECREATION AND PARKS
Beaney, Lucas
COMMISSION
Chiappone, Melissa
Elci, Steve
Erricson, Richard Sr.,
Gregg, James
Hall, Kenny, Chair.
Murphy, Edward K.
Santos, Traci
Scheiber, Nan
RETIREMENT COMMISSION
Driscoll, Susan, Chair
Finnegan, Linda
Gamble, Christopher
Merriman, Craig
Muckle, Richard F.
Petchark, Kevin
Brule, Robert J.
SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
Dembek, Thomas
Muckle, Richard, Chair
Nazarchyk, Jody M.
Norton, James W.
Kelly, Deborah
Olynciw, Theodore
Tuneski, Robert

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
2021 – 2022
SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
Collins, Anita M.
MD Rissi, Daniel
Darling, Anne A.
Nazarchyk, Jody M.
Lopes, Dina G.
McNamara, Kathleen A., Vice-Chair
Sanders, Carol Lee, Chair
Vlaun, Joyce M., Vice-Chair
WATERFORD/EAST LYME
Waterford Members:
SHELLFISH COMMISSION
Benvenuti, Marcia.
Kelly, Patrick J.
Tytla, Lawrence
Wise, Fred
East Lyme Members:
Bowlen, Thomas
Harris, Peter, Chair
Kanter, Eric N.
Spakowski, Paul
WATERFORD SHELLFISH
Calkins, Chris
COMMISSION
Drennen, Raymond
Francolino, Thomas J
Healy, Ryan
Jamroga, John
Lawson, Douglas W., Chair
Alternates:
Porter, Jerry
Vacancy (2)
SOUTHEASTERN CT REGIONAL
Schneider, Gary
RESOURCES RECOVERY AUTHORITY
Matheson, Daniel
UTILITY COMMISSION
Kirkman, Kenneth, Chair
Negri, Stephen J.
Pinkham, Rodney A.
Valentini, Raymond L.
Dembek, Thomas
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BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
2021 – 2022
YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU
Ryan, Gene
ADVISORY COUNCIL

Mullane, Alison
Dunkerly, Jordan
Buscetto, Michael III, Chair
Cash, Sheila
Damon, Shauna
Muckle, Chris
Gorman, Dani, Director
Lane, Dan
McNamara, Erin
Cristofero, Michael
Smith, Jen
Smith, Brianna
Smith, Brandon
Brule, Robert J.
Sachatello, Lisa
Nazarchyk, Jody
Elbaum, Kathleen
Filippetti, Joseph
Trelli, Joe
Valentine, Davonta

9
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
2021 – 2022
Assessor
Paige Walton
Building Official
Steven Cardelle
Chief of Police
Marc Balestracci
Emergency Management Director
Steven Sinagra
Finance Director
Kimberly Allen
Fire Services Director

Michael Howley
Fire Marshal

Peter Schlink
Human Resources Director
Christine Walters
Ledge Light Health District Director
Stephen Mansfield
Library Director
Christine Johnson
Planning Director
Abby Y. Piersall, AICP
Planner
Mark A. Wujtewicz
Public Works Director
Gary Schneider
Recreation and Parks Director
Ryan McNamara Interim Director
Senior Services Director and
Daniela Gorman Director
Municipal Agent for the Elderly
Superintendent of Schools
Thomas Giard III
Town Counsel
Robert A. Avena
Utility Commission, Chief Engineer
Neftali Soto
Utility Director
James Bartelli
Youth Services Director
Daniela Gorman
Zoning Official
Jill Pisechko

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1
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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, dignity, a sense of belonging and always
putting the Waterford community at my forefront. The First Selectman is proud to
present the 2022 Annual Report.
In 2022, Waterford was selected by CT Magazine as a
Top 15 Real Estate “Hot Spot” in the state and
recognized nationally as a Realtor.com Top 50 Hottest
Housing Market in the U.S. and third hottest housing
market in Connecticut! Recently, our Town has
completed and started a number of town-wide capital
projects, seen growth in workforce and affordable
housing, been recognized as one of 24 communities in the state achieving
Sustainable CT Bronze recognition and the town and First Selectman’s Office
remains committed to community engagement and our “Waterford Cares” initiative.
The Town of Waterford continues to see growth in new businesses coming into
town. With Revaluation scheduled for 2022 and the growth the town has seen, next
year could be exciting, yet challenging, to keep the tax rate stable.
In addition, the Town of Waterford, the Town of East Lyme and the City of New
London signed a 30-year Sewer Agreement. This regional accomplishment could
not have happened without the collective efforts of East Lyme First Selectman Mark
Nickerson, City of New London Mayor Mike Passero and the team of Waterford
Utility Commission staff and town leaders. Finally,
the Town’s RTM created an Ad Hoc Energy Task
Force to review audits of consumption, identify any
data needs based on those audits and address the
energy policy of the town. The Ad Hoc Energy Task
Force Task Force includes two members of the
RTM, 1 member of the BOF, one member of the
BOS and 2 electors of the town.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
2022 ANNUAL REPORT
ROBERT J. BRULE, FIRST SELECTMAN
JODY NAZARCHYK, SELECTWOMAN
ELIZABETH SABILIA, SELECTWOMAN
CINDY DUPOINTE, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
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Community Engagement
The Town continues to commit to its veterans by
hosting Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies
through the First Selectman’s Office. These events
honoring and remembering our Waterford Veterans
remains
a
priority.
The
Waterford
Veterans
Coffeehouse continues to gain membership and
attendance. The Coffeehouse continues to be held the
second Tuesday of each month at Filomenas Restaurant and has become the largest
attended Veterans Coffeehouse in Eastern CT. The Town initiated the 9/11
Remembrance Ceremony to honor First Responders. Now the ceremony features the
Chief of Police, Director of Fire Services, the First Selectman and the Police
Chaplain to participate and extend our appreciation for all those who put their lives
in harm’s way.
The 2nd Annual Waterford “Celebrate our Seniors” Parade continued in the summer
of 2022 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, a tradition that has continued over the years.
The Town of Waterford staff worked extremely hard to be among only 24
Connecticut municipalities recognized this year for achieving 3-year Sustainable CT
Bronze certification! Sustainable CT is a statewide initiative that inspires and
supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive.
Waterford met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to
qualify for the prestigious Bronze level certification. The highest level of
certification currently offered is Silver. The pandemic continued through the end of
2021 and into 2022. The town continued to partner with Ledge Light Health District
and Director Stephen Mansfield to provide residents
vaccine clinic options, Covid Test Kit distributions
opportunities and rolled out the Small Business Grant
Program (ARPA) for Waterford and Quaker Hill small
businesses impacted by the pandemic. The Board of
Selectmen and the Town of Waterford hosted a number
of Food Drives in town under the “Waterford Cares”
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initiative, an initiative focused on addressing the day-to-day needs of all our
residents, emotionally, financially, spiritually, and physically. We continue to
donate and deliver holiday meals to veterans and seniors in town, as well as families
in need.
The Town continues to be responsive and safe with 24/7 emergency response teams.
The Town of Waterford now has 24/7 ambulance coverage, 24/7 police coverage
and 24/7 fire service coverage in town. All volunteer fire fighters continue to be
eligible to receive stipends for their time protecting our community while part-time
fire fighters remain staffed at Oswegatchie, Goshen and Quaker Hill. Due to the
national shortage of volunteers and trends, Waterford remains committed to
recruitment and retention of volunteer fire fighters. The Town continues to review
response times of emergency responders and implemented Streetwise software for
fire pre-plans, a secondary form of notification of calls and providing GPS within
fire apparatus. The RTM created the Fire Services Review Special Committee to
review issues including performance, policies, and staffing.
Capital Projects
In 2022 the Waterford Town Center
Development Ad Hoc Committee hired an
architect and developed design plans for the
Waterford “Civic Triangle Park” in our Town
Center. The project aims to create vibrant
outdoor spaces in the heart of our community,
for residents of all ages. Thank you to the
Ad-Hoc Committee and Chairperson Miriam Wagner and consultant Kent & Frost,
LLC for all their work and collaboration. A “Town Center” with ADA accessible
lit pathways connecting the Community Center, Youth & Family Services, Library,
Playground and Historic Green while featuring a boardwalk with a pavilion and new
bridges around a clean, dredged pond remains the
primary goal, while four new Pickleball courts have
been incorporated into the Master Plan! The long-
range capital plan remains a key guideline to
accomplishing our goals while maintaining a
conservative view of the annual budget. The First
Selectman’s Office continues to communicate with
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the Superintendent of Schools on ways the town can move forward together, to
ensure community and school security, in a financially responsible manner. The
capital plan in FY22 focused on paving and the reclamation of more roads in town,
completing the Waterford Beach Restroom and ADA Sidewalk Project, IT upgrades
and equipment in town, continued review of the town’s Fleet Management Plan.
Accessibility for residents around town continues to be a priority for capital projects
as well as town infrastructure. The $1M LED Streetlight Conversion Project was
completed. The Above Ground Municipal Fueling Station at Cohanzie Fire
Department was completed. The Waterford Civic Triangle Park project received
legislative approvals to both dredge the pond.
The new $17M multi-million dollar Municipal
Complex is now fully complete, opened for full
operations and the new sign is up! Thank you again
to the Building Committee and Staff for your
commitment to seeing this project through to its
completion. The $2.7M Cross Road Paving Project
funded by Connecticut LOTCIP funds was
completed, through the State of Connecticut and
was just the first of many road reclamation and paving projects this year. The Town
of Waterford has continued its’ commitment to paving town roads this past year,
including:
Rainbow Court
Milton Road
Dunbar Road
Waterford Beach Entrance Road
Monroe Street
Louise Street
Olive Street
Orient Street
Vivian Court
Niantic River Road
Daniels Avenue
Gardiners Wood Road
Lakes Pond Road
Butlertown Road
In FY22, the Town of Waterford agreed to fund half the cost of the new the engines
for the Waterford/East Lyme Police Boat (shared regional asset) with East Lyme.
Capital funds in the amount of $12,500 each from Waterford and East Lyme
provided a needed grant match for the Save the Rivers-Save the Hills new Pump-
Out Boat to keep the Niantic River clean. The Town of Waterford recently approved
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the paving of New Shore Road, Shore Road, Oil Mill Road and the southern half of
Niantic River Road for early next year. Finally, the Town completed its’ third and
final year capital non-recurring payment for the $1.1M new HVAC System that the
state grant will match $250,000 of the project!
American Rescue Plan Act
All expected 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 Board of Finance and RTM – appropriating the funding to small business,
tourism, mental health, water and sewer and parks. Only one adjustment to the
original plan has been made thus far, that being, town wide broadband was not an
acceptable project by ARPA, due to Waterford not operating its own Utility. These
allotted ARPA funds were transferred to the Civic Triangle Park Capital Project, due
to that Master Plan being approved by the Civic Triangle Park Ad-Hoc Committee
and all town bodies.
Projects completed with ARPA funds in FY22:

ESO Fire RMS Software Upgrade

Dispatch Upgrades

Cyber Security for the Town
Projects begun/ongoing in FY22:

Old Norwich Road Pump Station Upgrade

Gorman Pump Station Control Panels Upgrades

Fargo Lane Water (Tank) Tower Rehabilitation

Town GIS Updates
The Waterford Small Business Grant Program was created by the Economic
Development Commission in March of 2022, however, funds were not distributed
until early FY23. Results will be reported in next year’s FY23 Annual
Report. Finally, a portion of the ARFP funds created a Human Services Coordinator
for mental health services for seniors and families.
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Planning & Economic Development
The Town of Waterford welcomed United
States Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm,
for a visit and tour of Millstone Power Station.
The discussion First Selectman Brule had with
Madam Secretary Granholm focused on nuclear
energy and the importance in Dominion
Energy’s role in town, in the state and in the
country as a necessary green energy source. Productive conversations on the federal
legislation regarding Interim Storage and specific steps necessary to remove dry cask
storage from the site.
The Zoning Department continues to be very busy with new development
applications and number of permit requests. The town has recently promoted an
Assistant Building Official to Building Official and hired a new Assistant Building
Official. The Zoning Department are currently “working the bugs out” of the newly
launched Online Permitting Process, to make things easier for the resident. We
continue to look for new and exciting economic development that will have long-
term effects and will enhance our Net Taxable Grand List. 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. Over the past year, there continues to be a commitment
towards economic development and our continued efforts to “fill empty storefronts”
and attract new businesses to Waterford. Female business owner, Linsi Getz
Bratland added on to her existing business and opened Cyclebar in Waterford
Commons. The Town continues to welcome new businesses.
ALLTOWN Fresh Select on Route 85 opened. The 168-Unit
Waterford Woods Luxury Apartments Complex project
started. This needed apartment housing development is an
approximately $90M project on Willetts Avenue, and is on
schedule to open in December 2022 and will include a state
of the art clubhouse and pool, rain gardens, 3-mile walking
trail, pickleball courts, dog park and garage units for
additional storage for residents. Waterford Woods sees
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every unit being filled quickly, providing the town
additional tax revenue with limited town services
needed. The town celebrated the Grand Opening
of Big Lots in the old Benny’s space at Waterfall
Center. The new Hartford Healthcare Medical
Facility has officially opened and has filled the
void left at the old Toys-R-Us property. This is
Hartford HealthCare’s newest and biggest with
70,000 square feet of medical space, housing primary care physicians as well as a
host of specialized services such as breast health colorectal surgery and men’s
health. The old Sunset Rib Restaurant in Mago Point was purchased this past year
and is currently being renovated to be a new “Fat Tuna” seafood restaurant,
completion date is projected to be Winter of 2023. FASTSIGNS moved just down
the road to Boston Post Road, creating an amazing space! Graniteville Dentistry
new dentist office is moving into the vacant space at Utopia Centre. The Town’s
Economic Development Commission and Planning Department continue to work
diligently with local restaurants and food service providers, long-term care facilities,
retail stores and residents to help those who need the help.
In the Spring of 2022, the Waterford Economic Development Commission created
a Small Business Grant Program, (with $300,000 from the American Rescue Fund)
committed to a consultant and small businesses owners in town. Economic
Development will review and approve Waterford and Quaker Hill businesses
requests for grants moving forward. Small Businesses that were operating during
the pandemic and negatively impacted by the pandemic will be eligible for
consideration.
Fleet Management Plan
This past year the Town invested in Fleetio, new fleet
vehicle software to improve efficiencies and assist the
Town in managing maintenance needs and costs. We
have continued the use of the Fleet Management Plan as a way to provide quality
vehicles without having major spikes in our budget. By planning a life cycle for the
various vehicles and constantly reviewing the need for these, we have been able to
provide our employees with safe efficient and affordable equipment. Implementation
of the Utilization Plan has already been helpful in us to get better returns on our
auctioned vehicles and removing some of the more inefficient vehicles from the
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plan. We continue to look at ways to improve efficiencies going forward. 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 has
also removed vehicles from the fleet that were no longer needed (sold at auction), in
an effort to reduce the size of the fleet, while the new Municipal Complex’s 70,000
square foot garage now keeps our trucks and other fleet equipment inside and
protected from the elements. The Long Range Fiscal Planning Committee continues
to focus its priorities on Fleet Management, focusing in 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.
Budget Management
In 2022, the Town of Waterford enjoyed a tax decrease again! Over the past year,
there has been a 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 budget and a continuing close eye on
any replacement or additional positions in our staff, all the while, updating job
descriptions through 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 building officials,
assessor and dispatchers. Over the past year, a
number of eligible Department Heads retired: the
Chief of Police, Senior Services Director, Utility
Commission Director and Recreation & Parks
Director to name a few. The Town would like to
thank our town leaders who have given decades of
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their lives to our amazing community. We appreciate your service and wish you and
your families all the best in retirement!
Conclusion
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 out
that growth with the various builders and developers. The year posed serious
challenges due to supply chain issues and significant cost increases within capital
expenses, handling the pandemic, as well as absorbing the aforementioned number
of retirements of long-time town leaders and employees, yet, provided great
opportunities and services for the Town. The Board of Selectmen delivered
substantial government accomplishments of the people’s goals in 2022. Waterford
has 221 years of history and our future reflects the substantial achievements of our
successful past. Finally, and sadly, the loss of former
First Selectman Daniel Steward had an impact on the
lives of countless Waterford residents this past year.
Dan’s 14 years as First Selectman is the longest tenure
of any First Selectman and his love for the town and its’
residents was endless. The Town of Waterford will
never forget Dan’s presence as a true gentleman, a
family man, a father, and to me and so many others, a
true a friend.
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Assessor's Office
FY 2022-2023
GL 2021
Staff: Paige Walton, Nicole Serra, Kelcie Sullivan, Richard Messina
The primary function of the Assessor's Office is the discovery listing and valuation of all taxable and
tax-exempt property. Three categories of property; real estate, motor vehicle and business personal
property, comprise the grand list. In compiling the annual grand list office staff regularly reviews and
inspects ongoing improvements made to real property, conducts reviews and audits of business
personal property equipment and maintains and values all vehicles located within the Town of
Waterford as of the October 1st assessment date.
The Assessor’s Office is also responsible for the administration of numerous state-mandated and local
option tax exemptions and abatements such as the Tax Relief for the Elderly, Veterans, Blind and
Disabled programs. In addition to the appraisal, classification and recording of all property the
Assessment division must analyze and properly reflect all property transfers and ownership changes in
order to maintain an accurate and current CAMA database.
Our goal is to perform responsible assessment, appraisal and administrative work to ensure uniformity
and an equitable distribution of the tax burden. As well, we strive to ensure that computerized records
are regularly and efficiently updated to permit prompt public access to data and to enable statutory and
statistical revaluations to proceed proficiently. This includes the maintenance of accurate tax/GIS
maps which requires processing and recording changes resulting from subdivisions, assemblage,
boundary agreements and surveys.
The Assessment Department continues to incorporate various technological advances including online
personal property declaration filing, as well as staff education, to improve our administrative processes
and increase our efficiency in serving the public.
Before corrections and Board of Assessment Appeals adjustments the 2021 Net Grand List totaled
$3,512,862,470. The Board of Assessment Appeals met in the month of March and reduced the Net
Grand List by $427,500. The final 2021 taxable net Grand List as reported to OPM was:
$3,512,434,970
31

2021 Grand List summary:
2021 GRAND LIST OF TAXABLE AND EXEMPT
TYPE OF ACCOUNT
# OF ACCOUNTS
GROSS ASSESSMENT TOTAL EXEMPTIONS TOTAL NET VALUE
REAL ESTATE REGULAR
9050
2,370,902,386.00
$
34,576,996.00
$
2,336,325,390.00
$
REAL ESTATE ELDERLY HOMEOWNER
225
29,752,140.00
$

946,500.00
$

28,805,640.00
$

TOTAL REAL ESTATE TAXABLE
9,275
2,400,654,526.00
$
35,523,496.00
$
2,365,131,030.00
$
REAL ESTATE EXEMPT
300
289,082,840.00
$
289,082,840.00
$
REAL ESTATE TOTALS
9575
2,689,737,366.00
$
324,606,336.00
$
2,365,131,030.00
$
PERSONAL
1278
957,974,160.00
$
24,837,593.00
$
933,136,567.00
$
MV
20,077
217,651,283.00
$
3,483,910.00
$

214,167,373.00
$
TOTAL MV & PP
21,355
1,175,625,443.00
$
28,321,503.00
$
1,147,303,940.00
$
FINAL TOTAL
3,865,790,309.00
$
352,927,839.00
$
3,512,862,470.00
$
FINAL TOTAL TAXABLE M13
BAA CHANGE
(427,500.00)
$

3,512,434,970.00
$
$933,136,567
$214,167,373
$2,365,131,030
2021 GRAND LIST
Personal Property
Motor Vehicle
Real Estate
32

The 2021 Assessor’s Grand List realized a net increase of _$125,261,784 or a net change of 3.71%.
This Grand List growth is due primarily to new construction and property improvements resulting from
building permits and from a close review of property sales wherein significant property improvements
were noted. Major construction projects impacting the 2021Grand List include the new Hartford
Healthcare building at 5 Dayton Road, apartments located at 171 Rope Ferry Road and sites approved
for commercial development with construction underway for the Waterford Woods apartment complex
on Willets Avenue and the utility scale solar facility located at 117 Oil Mill Road. The motor vehicle
list included 682 fewer vehicles this year, primarily as a result of the DMV’s extension on vehicle
registration renewals. Despite the vehicle count decrease the demand for used cards over the past year
has resulted in either value retention or appreciation. Surrounding towns have reported similar rates of
increase.
•
The Grand List 2021 change in each component is the result of:
•
Personal Property- Values increased by 6.14% led by changes made at Dominion as well as
personal property additions by CL&P.
•
Real Estate- There was a 1.18% increase resulting from new construction and property
improvements made town-wide.
•
Motor Vehicle – The 2021 Grand List increased by 25.65%. The COVID-19 pandemic has
affected all aspects of the motor vehicle industry including manufacturing, computer chip
shortages and mandatory shutdowns. The significant interruption in the consumer supply chain
has resulted in both an increase in demand and value across all vehicle classes.
Assessment Change
Component
2020
2021
% Change
Real Estate
2,337,585,637
$

2,365,131,030
$
1.18%
Personal Property
879,136,394
$

933,136,567
$

6.14%
Motor Vehicles
170,451,155
$

214,167,373
$

25.65%
Summary of Change
33

Distribution of Grand List
The Grand List is comprised of 3 Stratums; Real Property, Personal Property and Motor
Vehicles. The percentage distribution historically remains consistent. The charts
below illustrate our Grand List structure overall and compares each sub-category of
real estate and its contribution to the total net grand list.
2021 Grand List
2020 Grand List
Total Real Estate
67.33%
Total Real Estate
69.01%
Personal Property
26.57%
Personal Property
25.96%
Motor Vehicles
6.10%
Motor Vehicles
5.03%
100.00%
100.00%
Net Grand List Comparison 2020 to 2021
Category
2020 Grand List AFTER BAA & COCs
2021 Grand List PRE BAA
2021 Grand List Post BAA
$ VARIANCE
% VARIANCE
% GRAND LIST
Net Real Estate
Residential
1,499,675,200
$

1,512,687,571
$

1,512,636,621
$

12,961,421
$
0.86%
43.07%
Commercial
822,647,753
$

838,126,214
$

837,807,694
$

15,159,941
$
1.84%
23.85%
Industrial
339,794,190
$

339,293,051
$

(501,139)
$

-0.15%
9.66%
Total Gross Real Estate
2,662,117,143
$

2,690,106,836
$

2,689,737,366
$

27,620,223
$
1.04%
76.58%
Exemptions
(324,531,506)
$

(324,606,336)
$

74,830
$

0.02%
Total Net Real Estate
2,337,585,637
$

2,365,500,500
$

2,365,131,030
$

27,545,393
$
1.18%
67.34%
Personal Property
907,920,160
$

958,032,190
$

957,974,160
$

50,054,000
$
5.51%
27.27%
Exemptions
(28,783,766)
$

(24,837,593)
$

(3,946,173)
$
-13.71%
Total Net Personal Property
879,136,394
$

933,194,597
$

933,136,567
$

54,000,173
$
6.14%
26.57%
Motor Vehicles
172,797,105
$

217,651,283
$

44,854,178
$
25.96%
6.20%
Exemptions
(2,345,950)
$

(3,483,910)
$

1,137,960
$
48.51%
Total Net Motor Vehicles
170,451,155
$

214,167,373
$

43,716,218
$
25.65%
6.10%
Total Net Grand List
3,387,173,186
$

3,512,862,470
$

3,512,434,970
$

125,261,784
$
3.70%
100.00%
27%
6%
67%
DISTRIBUTION OF GRAND LIST
Personal Property
Motor Vehicle
Real Estate
34

Top Ten Taxpayers Grand List 2021 RE/PP Combined
REAL ESTATE
Net Assessed Value
Dominion Energy Nuclear CT Inc. MP#3
251,405,533
$

Dominion Energy Nuclear Connecticut Inc.
129,751,610
$

Dominion Energy Nuclear CT Inc MP#2
74,420,093
$

Centro GA Waterford Commons (Waterford Commons Plaza)
29,248,272
$

Crystal Mall LLC (Mall Stores)
28,590,018
$

Chase Crossroads Waterford Square (Crossroads Plaza)
13,976,930
$

Mass Municipal Wholesale Electric Co
12,544,967
$

Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust
12,283,794
$

VTR Northeast Holdiings LLC
11,815,950
$

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union
11,307,540
$

PERSONAL PROPERTY
Net Assessed Value
Dominion Energy Nuclear Connecticut Inc
722,493,958
$

Connecticut Light & Power Company dba Eversource
102,607,680
$

Mass Municipal Wholesale Electric Co
16,203,660
$

Yankee Gas Services Co
11,143,430
$

Green Mountain Power Corp
5,840,066
$

SEConn Fabrication LLC
4,204,080
$

Constitution Eye Surgery Ctr East LC
3,377,070
$

Target Corporation
2,713,250
$

Stop & Shop Supermarket Co
2,639,270
$

Sonalysts Inc.
2,139,590
$

COMBINED
Net Assessed Value
Dominion Energy Nuclear Connecticut
1,178,071,194
$

Connecticut Light & Power Co. dba Eversource
102,607,680
$

Centro GA Waterford Commons (Waterford Commons Plaza)
29,248,272
$

Mass Municipal Wholesale Electric
28,748,627
$

Crystal Mall LLC (Mall Stores)
28,590,018
$

Chase Crossroads Waterford Square (Crossroads Plaza)
13,976,930
$

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union
13,290,350
$

Sonalysts Inc.
12,739,220
$

Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust
12,283,794
$

VTR Northeast Holdings LLC
11,815,950
$

Assessment Administration
The Board of Assessment Appeals conducted hearings in March over the course of two
sessions. Assessment staff assists the board by performing the following duties:
appellant appointment scheduling; legal ad postings; records and files meeting
agendas and minutes; updates assessment changes in the CAMA and QDS system and
mails action notices to all appellants per state statute.
In total, the Board heard 16 appeals and made 9 changes, including 1 change to a
motor vehicle valuation appearing on the 2020 Supplemental list. The Board chose to
hear appeals for commercial and industrial properties with assessed values over $1M
and made 0 changes to properties in this category.
Total 2021 GL BAA Reductions by category
# Appeals #
Changes
# No Changes Total BAA Reductions
Real Estate
14
7
7
($ 369,470.00)
Personal Property
1
1
0
($ 58,030.00)
Motor Vehicle**
1
1
0
($ 2,850.00)
*2020 Supplemental
16
9
7
($ 430,350.00)
Total 2021 Reductions
($ 427,500.00)
Not Heard
0
Incomplete/Late Filings
Total Not Heard
0
Real Estate:
Sales questionnaires continue to be sent to all new owners of real estate. The
returned forms assist staff in determining the validity of sales as a reflection of the
current real estate market. Staff continues to review listings of properties for sale and
update real estate data as warranted. The sales validation process is recorded both
locally, in the town’s CAMA system, and at the state level through the OPM sales ratio
database, which is integral to the state’s annual compilation of the Equalized Net
Grand List.
36

Transfers of real estate title for tax billing and ownership records are processed on an
ongoing basis in the Assessor’s office. From October 2021 through September 2022 a
total of 1067 changes to title were processed.
Number of Documents
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
YTD
Totals
Transfers ≥ $2,000
142
87
137
132
498
Change or Transfer $0
127
150
135
157
569
Transaction Totals
269
237
272
289
1067
The Assessor’s Office is required to maintain accurate GIS/tax maps and process
updates accordingly. Working with Tighe and Bond, the Assessor’s office initiated a
total of 31 map changes for the 2021 Grand List.
Staff members have processed a total of 2251 building permits this year, verifying and
valuing those that reflect property improvements and changes of use.
Income and Expense forms were mailed on March 15, 2022 to all owners of
commercial, income producing real estate. The deadline to file the 2021 I&E forms
was June 1st, 2022. Staff collected returned forms for further analysis by the Assessor
and commercial appraisers with Vision Government Solutions Inc. to establish
economic income data relevant to the 2022 state-mandated revaluation.
The 2022 town-wide revaluation commenced in March 2021 with the mailing and
collection of data mailers to all residential property owners. Vision data collectors
visited all commercial properties to record changes, property use and condition.
Residential properties were measured and listed when returned data mailers indicated
a change in construction detail or when completed data mailers were not received by
the Assessor’s office. Revaluation staff also made site visits to all properties with
outstanding building permits.
Preliminary values resulting from the 2022 revaluation will be established and impact
notices mailed by November 23rd, 2022 to all property owners. Informal hearings will
be conducted by telephone in mid-December for all property owners wishing to
discuss their newly established valuations. The revaluation is anticipated to be
finalized and certified by January 31st, 2023.
37

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38

Dear Community Members,
I continue to be proud to be the Superintendent of the Waterford Public Schools. I sincerely appreciate
the opportunity to lead such an outstanding school district with such a history of excellence.
The 2021-2022 school year was an exciting year as we continued our full in-person learning and worked
diligently to provide a safe environment and a high quality education for our students. Our team has
consistently led with an unwavering commitment to our mission to “ensure every student acquires the
skills and knowledge necessary to be a responsible citizen, prepared to contribute and succeed in an ever-
changing world”. The 2021-2022 school year saw the needs created by the pandemic really begin to
manifest in multiple ways. We saw the toll the pandemic had on our students as far as greater social and
emotional needs; increased levels of anxiety and depression; and academic gaps due to students not being
in school consistently for almost two years. We know the needs created by the pandemic will not end
when the pandemic subsides. Our team stands ready to meet the challenge as always.
Our focus remains on educating our students and we are proud of our staff and families who worked
together to assist in making the 2021-2022 school year one of substantial accomplishments in the
Waterford Public Schools for our students. On behalf of our central office team, it is a pleasure to present
this Annual Report to the Waterford community. This report will provide data and information with
regard to the progress we are making as a school system in educating our fine students.
The Waterford Board of Education has continued to work diligently through challenging budgetary times
to provide consistent educational programs and maintaining an engaging environment that challenges
our students. We have an amazing staff who are dedicated to our district, bringing their best at all times
for our students. The Board maintains a strong commitment to excellence to vigorously engage students
in the learning process and ensure that all students are college and career ready. The safety and well-
being of our staff and students remains our top priority.
It is inspiring to be a part of a team that is committed to educating the whole child; providing for the
social, emotional, and academic well-being of every student. As this Annual Report shows, we have once
again reaffirmed the importance of reasonable class sizes and academic support services. We continue to
offer a full range of opportunities for students at a time when many school districts are cutting back their
programs in athletics and the arts.
At the end of the day, our students continue to achieve at high levels, develop their talents and interests,
and demonstrate their commitment to make a positive contribution to their community. We are very
proud of our many noteworthy accomplishments and continue to appreciate the immense support from
our families, town, and community.
Mr. Thomas W. Giard III
Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Craig C. Powers
Assistant Superintendent
39

Page | 2
District-wide

The District continued its focus on opportunities for students to earn college credit. 13 Advanced
Placement (AP) courses were offered as well as 11 Early College Experience (ECE) courses. The
College and Career Pathways program completed its fifth year providing students with opportunities
for exploration in STEM, Marine and Environmental Science, Business and Hospitality, Health
Services, Arts and Communication, and Leadership and Public Service.

Waterford High School implemented the Capstone Experience in the 2021-2022 school year. The
Capstone Experience, part of the High School Graduation Requirements, is a culminating experience
whereby students learn the process of successfully executing a student-directed independent
project, employing many of the transferable skills. Students created authentic learning experiences
aligned to the Vision of the Graduate and presented their Capstone projects to the community during
the 2021-2022 school year.

Administration and staff applied for and received over $73,000 in grants to enhance the educational
platform for the district and students. These 14 grants, which we applied for, are a vital instrument
in bringing educational programs and opportunities to students in the district we otherwise might
not be able to support.

25 Waterford High School students achieved the Seal of Biliteracy, passing tests in languages
including French, Latin, and Spanish.

In alignment with the Board Goal to “Advocate for and build a district that promotes equity”, the
district continued our focus on equity as a significant initiative in the 2021-2022 school year. The
District Equity Team met for its second year and worked on creating a District Equity Plan to be
embedded in the District Strategic Plan. A curriculum equity audit was infused in all curriculum
revisions and a Black and Latino Studies course was implemented at Waterford High School.

Waterford Public Schools partnered with United Community and Family Services to open two
School-Based Health Centers in the fall of 2021 at Waterford High School and Clark Lane Middle
School. The School-Based Health Centers, open to all Waterford Public Schools’ students, provided
comprehensive physical and behavioral health and well care to students.

The design and implementation of programs to meet the Social and Emotional needs of our students
remained a focus in our district. Effective School Solutions was implemented to provide a
therapeutic day program for high needs students at WHS. Additional mental health staff was also
added at the secondary level to support our students in this vital area.

We continued our work with our community partners, Waterford Youth and Family Services Bureau,
Waterford Police Department, and SERAC to provide collaborative support for our students in the
areas of mental and behavioral health as well as community mentors.

Professional Learning remained a focus for providing resources and training for staff growth and
development. Highlights for the 2021-2022 school year included Human Trafficking in Connecticut,
Curriculum Revisions through an Equity Lens, Training on the new IEP document for 22-23 SY,
40

Page | 3
Department Specific work aligned to addressing the goals of the School Growth Plans, and Equity
Professional Development for all staff.

The district continues to be mindful of the economic climate and consistently puts forth responsible
budgets that allow us to continue to progress as a district.
Other highlights:

15 members were inducted into the WHS National Honor Society.

45 members were inducted into the WHS World Language Honor Society (16 Spanish, 12 Latin, 17
French).

43 CLMS students (12 French, 4 Latin, 27 Spanish) were inducted into the National Junior Honor
Society for their respective languages.

254 scholarships in the amount of $136,500 were awarded to the WHS graduating class of 2022.
Waterford’s students as a whole continue to perform well in the classroom and in the co