Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - Minutes - 08/12/2026

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WATERFORD, CYT 06385-2886
Finance, Wage, & Personnel Committee
Meeting Minutes from August 12, 2026
Members Present: JoAnna Bennett, Ursula Moreshead, Lindsay Khan, Steve Besade, Kate MacKenzie (phone)
Also Present: Town Attorney Kristi Kelly (virtual), RTM Moderator Sue Driscoll
1. Confirmation of Quorum and Call to Order
Chair JoAnna Bennett called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
2. Public Comment
Helen Kwasniewski, Waterford citizen, expressed her opinion on the salaries of elected officials, claiming
that committee members were improperly influenced into raising wages by the current elected officials.
3. Consideration and Action on Minutes of the July 14, 2026, Committee Meeting
Motion by Moreshead, second by Khan to approve minutes as presented. 
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Voice vote: Unanimous. Motion passed. 
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4. Consideration of and possible action on items referred to the committee: 
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e Salaries of Elected Officials (RTC 12/2/24) 
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© Review of Ordinance 3.17 Fleet Management (RTC 8/4/25) No discussion. 
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* CIP Approval Process Pilot Program (RTC 6/2/25) No discussion. 
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The committee reviewed the numerical data compiled by the Chair for the five wage structlires ptéposed
the previous meeting. Attorney Kelly clarified her July explanation regarding a potential two-step
structure—featuring an initial start-of-term wage and a mid-term increase—confirming, with reference to
West Hartford’s model, that both adjustments must be approved by the RTM before the new terms begin.
Members discussed the five options, comparing the salaries of all town employees to those of elected
officials. The committee weighed inflation’s impact on both officials and taxpayers to find a responsible
balance. Members agreed to narrow their focus to two new proposals for the next meeting, and the Chair
offered to draft updated charts for each, outlining two-step implementation schedules across all positions.
5. Adjournment
Consensus to tentatively schedule the next meeting for September 14th.
Motion by Moreshead, second by Khan to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 p.m. Voice Vote: Unanimous.
Submitted by:
JoAnna Bennett
Chair, Finance, Wage and Personnel Committee