Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - Minutes - 05/03/2023

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING
Annual Budget Meeting & Special Meeting RS
May 1, 3, 8 and 10, 2023 Q
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Moderator Paul Goldstein called the Annual Budget Meeting & Special Meeting of the Representative
Town Meeting to order on May 1, 2023, at 7:00 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Kyrah Augmon-Bossa, Michael Bono, Jennifer Bracciale, Mary Childs, Harry Colonis, Thomas J.
Dembek, Susan Driscoll, Tim Fioravanti, Steve Garvin, Nick Gauthier, Paul S. Goldstein, Kristin Gonzalez,
Ryan Healy, Richard Holmes, Lindsay Khan, Jennifer Kohl, Cheryl Larder, Ted Olynciw, Dan Radin,
Michael Rocchetti, Danielle Steward-Gelinas, David Sugrue, David Welch
ABSENT: Tim Condon, Kevin Girard, David Welch.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: First Selectman Robert J. Brule, Board of Education Chair Pat Fedor,
Board of Finance Chair Glenn Patterson, Selectman Richard Muckle.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT: Selectman Greg Attanasio.
ALSO PRESENT: Town Attorney Robert Avena, Town Clerk David L. Campo, and Director of Finance Kim
Allen.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CORRESPONDENCE
Moderator Goldstein noted that a letter from RTM Member Chery Larder was received (See
Attachment), along with additional backup for CALL ITEM 1 from LEARN.
CALL ITEM 1 — LEARN Southwest School Presentation
Presentation by LEARN Executive Director Kate Ericson
Short presentation on LEARN’s interest in the Southwest School property as a possible site for a new
magnet school and the advantages for the Town of Waterford and the region. (See Attachment)
PROCEDURAL MATTERS
The Annual Budget Meeting is, in fact, an open meeting called to order on May 1, 2023, to be recessed
on May 3, and again on May 8, and May 10, and only to be adjourned after final action on May 10, 2023.
Consideration of the budget by department/agency follows the posted schedule.
1 RTM ANNUAL BUDGET AND SPECIAL MEETING 05/01/2023

CALL ITEM 2 ~ Board of Education and General Fund Budget
Consideration and action upon the General Fund Budget, which includes both Board of Education and
General Government budgets for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, as recommended
by the Board of Finance, and as may be modified by the determination of the Representative Town
Meeting.
STANDING MOTION by Majority Leader Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Minority Leader Driscoll, to offer
a standing motion to move each proposed budget for consideration in the order specified in the hearing
schedules, with approvals at the series subtotal and the department total levels, with the understanding
that all totals are considered tentatively approved until final action is taken at the end of our budget
hearing.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous.
BOARD OF EDUCATION (10160) $54,730,455
PRESENTATION: Chairman of the Baard of Education Pat Fedor, Superintendent of Schools Thomas
Giard, BOE Director of Finance Joseph Mancini presented the details of the budget and stood for
questions.
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Rocchetti, to reduce the increase by $536,472 for a new total
for the Board of Education budget in the amount of $54,193,983.
Lengthy discussion ensued in regard to the reduction.
VOTING IN FAVOR OF REDUCTION: Augmon-Bossa, Bracciale, Colonis, Dembek, Driscoll, Garvin,
Goldstein, Healy, Holmes, Kohl, Radin, Rocchetti, Steward-Gelinas, Sugrue.
VOTING AGAINST REDUCTION: Gauthier, Khan, Larder, Olynciw
ABSTAINED: Bono, Childs, Fioravanti, Gonzalez
MOTION TO REDUCE PASSED: 14-4-4
VOTING IN FAVOR OF AMENDED TOTAL ($54,193,983): Augmon-Bossa, Bracciale, Colonis, Dembek,
Driscoll, Garvin, Gauthier, Goldstein, Healy, Holmes, Kohi, Olynciw, Radin, Rocchetti, Steward-Gelinas,
Sugrue
VOTING AGAINST AMENDED TOTAL: Khan, Larder
ABSTAINED: Bono, Childs, Fioravanti, Gonzalez
MOTION TO APPROVE AMENDED TOTAL PASSED: 16-2-4
Recess at 8:58 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
The Annual Budget Meeting of the Representative Town Meeting was resumed and called to order at
7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 by Moderator Goldstein.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Kyrah Augmon-Bossa, Jennifer Bracciale, Mary Childs, Harry Colonis, Tim Condon, Thomas J.
Dembek, Susan Driscoll, Tim Fioravanti, Steve Garvin, Nick Gauthier, Kevin Girard, Paul S. Goldstein,
Kristin Gonzalez, Ryan Healy, Richard Holmes, Lindsay Khan, Jennifer Kohl, Cheryl Larder, Ted Olynciw,
Michael Rocchetti, Danielle Steward-Gelinas
ABSENT: Michael Bono, Dan Radin, David Sugrue, David Welch
2 RTM ANNUAL BUDGET AND SPECIAL MEETING 05/01/2023

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: First Selectman Robert J. Brule, Board of Finance Chair Glenn
Patterson, Selectman Richard Muckle
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT: Board of Education Chair Pat Fedor, Selectman Greg Attanasio
ALSO PRESENT: Town Attorney Nick Kepple, Town Clerk David L. Campo, and Director of Finance Kim
Allen
PUBLIC COMMENT
Quaker Hill resident Helen Kwasniewski spoke about her budget concerns with an emphasis on Senior
Citizens.
CORRESPONDENCE
ETHICS COMMISSION (10143) $900
MOTION PASSED: 20-1-0 (Larder against)
CONSERVATION OF HEALTH (10132) $148,407
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERV (10133) $25,911
Presentation: Karen DeSantis, Director of Home Care Services, VNA of Southeastern Connecticut
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
SOCIAL SERVICES GRANTS/MISC (10120) $92,316
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS (10102) $79,488
PRESENTATION: Democratic Registrar of Voters Bigi Ebbin, Republican Registrar of Voters Patricia
Waters
MOTION PASSED: 20-0-1 (Larder Abstained)
RETIREMENT COMMISSION (10116) $7,049,737
PRESENTATION: Chair of the Retirement Commission Susan Driscoll
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES BUREAU (10119) $239,827
PRESENTATION: Director of Human Services Dani Gorman, Program Coordinator Joe Trelli, Human
Services Coordinator Heidi McSwain
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION (10135) $484,631
PRESENTATION: Director of Human Services Dani Gorman, Assistant Director Terry Wheeler, Chair of
the Senior Citizens’ Commission Carol Sanders, Senior Services Assistant Donna Payne, Senior Services
Technician Meaghan Lineburg, Human Service Coordinator Heidi McSwain
MOTION PASSED: 19-0-2 (Bracciale, Gauthier abstained}
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS (10105) $1,602
PRESENTATION: Assessor Paige Walton
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
3. RTM ANNUAL BUDGET AND SPECIAL MEETING 05/01/2023

ASSESSOR (10104) $292,148
PRESENTATION: Assessor Paige Walton
MOTION PASSED: 20-1-0 (Larder against)
CONTINGENCY (10121) $265,000
PRESENTATION: Director of Finance Kim Allen
MOTION by Larder, seconded by Gauthier, to reduce Contingency by $150,000 for a new total of
$115,000.
Discussion ensued.
MOTION withdrawn by Larder and Gauthier.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Bracciale, Colonis, Condon, Dembek, Garvin, Girard, Goldstein, Healy, Holmes,
Rocchetti, Steward-Gelinas
VOTING AGAINST: Augmon-Bossa, Childs, Driscoll, Fioravanti, Gauthier, Gonzalez, Khan, Kohl, Larder,
Olynciw
ORIGINAL MOTION PASSED: 11-10-0
DEBT SERVICE (10139) $8,148,250
PRESENTATION: Director of Finance Kim Allen
MOTION by Olynciw, seconded by Larder, to reduce Debt Service by $4,000,000 for a new total of
$4,148,250.
Discussion ensued.
MOTION withdrawn by Olynciw and Larder.
ORIGINAL MOTION PASSES: 20-1-0 (Larder against)
INSURANCE (10112) $5,105,857
PRESENTATION: Director of Finance Kim Allen
MOTION PASSED: 20-1-0 (Larder against}
TOWN CLERK (10109) $252,225
PRESENTATION: Town Clerk David L. Campo, CCTC
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING (10117) $18,903
PRESENTATION: Town Clerk David L. Campo, CCTC
MOTION by Gauthier, seconded by Larder to reduce the Line item #10117-52050 Dues, Conference,
Educ line from $12,852 to $0.
Discussion ensued.
MOTION TO REDUCE FAILED: 2-19-0 (Childs and Gauthier in favor}
ORIGINAL MOTION PASSED: 19-2-0 (Childs and Gauthier against)
Recess at 8:47 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
The Annual Budget Meeting of the Representative Town Meeting resumed at 7:00 P.M. on Monday,
May 8, 2023, with the call to order by Moderator Goldstein.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE
4 RTM ANNUAL BUDGET AND SPECIAL MEETING 05/01/2023

ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Kyrah Augmon-Bossa, Michael Bono, Jennifer Bracciale, Mary Childs, Harry Colonis (Speaker
phone), Thomas J. Dembek, Susan Driscoll, Tim Fioravanti, Nick Gauthier, Paul S. Goldstein, Kristin
Gonzalez, Ryan Healy, Richard Holmes, Lindsay Khan, Jennifer Kohl, Cheryl Larder, Ted Olynciw, Michael
Rocchetti, Danielle Steward-Gelinas, David Sugrue
ABSENT: Tim Condon, Steve Garvin, Kevin Girard, Dan Radin, David Welch
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: First Selectman Robert J. Brule, Selectman Richard Muckie, Selectman
Greg Attanasio.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT: Board of Education Chair Pat Fedor, Board of Finance Chair Glenn
Patterson.
ALSO PRESENT: Town Attorney Robert Avena, Town Clerk David L. Campo, and Director of Finance Kim
Allen.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CORRESPONDENCE
None
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS (10115) $4,310
PRESENTATION: Director of Planning Jonathan Mullen
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (10113) $27,447
PRESENTATION: Director of Planning Jonathan Mullen
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CONSERVATION COMMISSION (10114) $18,250
PRESENTATION: Director of Planning Jonathan Mullen, Environmental Planner Maureen Fitzgerald
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION (101210) $661,210
PRESENTATION: Director of Planning Jonathan Mullen
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
FLOOD & EROSION CONTROL BOARD (10141) $2,138
PRESENTATION: Director of Planning Jonathan Mullen
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
BUILDING DEPARTMENT (10118) $297,609
PRESENTATION: Director of Planning Jonathan Muilen
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
BUILDING MAINTENANCE (10111) $899,770
PRESENTATION: Director of Public Works Gary Schneider, Office Coordinator Dandy Kenniston
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
5 RTM ANNUAL BUDGET AND SPECIAL MEETING 05/01/2023

RECREATION & PARKS COMMISSION (10137) $1,423,523
PRESENTATION: Director of Recreation and Parks Ryan McNamara
MOTION PASSED: 19-0-1 (Childs abstained)
BOARD OF SELECTMEN (10101) $207,605
PRESENTATION: First Selectman Robert Brule
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT (10130) $4,994,798
PRESENTATION: Director of Public Works Gary Schneider, Office Coordinator Sandy Kenniston
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
Recess at 7:55 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
The Annual Budget Meeting of the Representative Town Meeting resumed at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday,
May 10, 2023, with the call to order by Paul Goldstein.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Kyrah Augmon-Bossa, Michael Bono, Jennifer Bracciale, Mary Childs, Harry Colonis, Tim
Condon (Speaker phone}, Thomas J. Dembek, Susan Driscoll, Tim Fioravanti, Steve Garvin, Nick Gauthier,
Paul S. Goldstein, Kristin Gonzalez, Ryan Healy, Richard Holmes, Lindsay Khan, Jennifer Kohl, Cheryl
Larder, Ted Olynciw, Michael Rocchetti, Danielle Steward-Gelinas, David Sugrue
ABSENT: Kevin Girard, Dan Radin, David Welch
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: First Selectman Robert J. Brule, Board of Education Chair Pat Fedor,
Selectman Richard Muckle, Chair of the Board of Finance Glenn Patterson
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT: Selectman Greg Attanasio
ALSO PRESENT: Town Attorney Nicholas Kepple, Town Clerk David L. Campo, and Director of Finance Kim
Allen.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Resident and RTM Member Cheryl Larder, 26 Wiemes Ct, spoke in regard to her concerns over the way
budget sessions were conducted. (See Attachment)
Resident and BOF Member John Sheehan, 19 Laure! Crest Dr, spoke in regard to his concerns over the
way the budget session was conducted on Monday, May 8, 2023.
Resident Helen Kwasniewski, 227 Bloomingdale Rd, spoke in regard to budget concerns and thanked the
Towns first responders for their response to an accident that her brother was invoived in.
CORRESPONDENCE
None
TAX COLLECTOR (10106) $217,865
PRESENTATION: Tax Collector Alan Wilensky
MOTION PASSED: 21-0-1 (Fioravanti abstained)
6 RTM ANNUAL BUDGET AND SPECIAL MEETING 05/01/2023

WATERFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY (10136) $1,006,837
PRESENTATION: Library Director Christine Johnson, President of The Waterford Public Library Board of
Trustees Aaron Rosenberg
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
FINANCE DEPARTMENT (10107) $747,721
PRESENTATION: Director of Finance Kim Allen
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT (10145) $259,836
PRESENTATION: Director of Human Resources Christine Walters, Executive Secretary Joan Barnes
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
BOARD OF FINANCE (10103) $70,159
PRESENTATION: Board of Finance Member John Sheehan
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous.
LEGAL DEPARTMENT (10108) $295,000
PRESENTATION: Town Attorney Nicholas Keppie
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
FIRE SERVICES (10123) $3,531,618
PRESENTATION: Director of Fire Services Michael Howley
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (10122) $1,094,563
PRESENTATION: Director of Emergency Management Stephen Sinagra
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous.
POLICE COMMISSION (10129) $6,830,602
PRESENTATION: Chief of Police Marc Balestracci, Lieutenant Timothy Silva, Lieutenant Nicole
VanOverloop, Sergeant Troy Gelinas, Office Coordinator Diane Driscoll
MOTION PASSED: 21-0-1 (Steward-Gelinas abstained)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (10147) $1,165,181
PRESENTATION: Information Technology Manager Jeff Robillard
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CURRENT YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS (10138) $1,636,721
PRESENTATION: First Selectman Robert Brule
MOTION PASSED: 21-1-0 (Childs opposed)
TRANSFERS TO CAPITAL AND NON-RECURRING EXPENDITURE (10140) $281,250
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
7 RTM ANNUAL BUDGET AND SPECIAL MEETING 05/01/2023

FINAL ACTION
GENERAL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS $37,812,994
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Rocchetti, to approve the General Government Operations
Budget in the amount of $37,812,994.
MOTION PASSED: 19-3-0 (Childs, Larder, Gauthier opposed)
CURRENT YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS (10138) $1,636,721
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Bono, to approve the Current Year Capital Improvements
Budget in the amount of $1,636,721.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous.
TRANSFERS TO CAPITAL AND NON-RECURRING EXPENDITURE (10140) $281,250
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to approve the Transfer to Capital and Non-
Recurring Expenditure Fund Budget in the amount of $281,250
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
DEBT SERVICE (10139) $8,148,250
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to approve the Debt Service budget in the amount
of $8,148,250
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous.
BOARD OF EDUCATION: (10160) $54,193,983
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to approve the Board of Education Budget in the
amount of $54,193,983
MOTION PASSED: 16-2-4 (Larder, Khan opposed)(Gonzalez, Bono, Fioravanti & Childs Abstained)
TOTAL BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2024 $102,073,198
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to approve a Total Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 in
the amount of $102,073,198
MOTION PASSED: 18-4-0 (Childs, Gauthier, Khan and Larder opposed)
CALL ITEM 3 — Tax Payment Schedule.
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Bono, to approve the tax payment schedule for Fiscal Year
2023 — 2024, as recommended by the Tax Collector Alan Wilensky.
Friendly amendment requested by Larder and accepted to refer to the letter from Tax Collector Alan
Wilensky to read as follows : MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Bono, to approve the tax
payment schedule for Fiscal Year 2023 — 2024, as recommended by the Tax Collector Alan Wilensky.
(See Attachment)
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous.
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Sugrue, to adjourn at 9:01 P.M.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
C0 submitted,
David L. Campo, CCTC
Waterford Town Clerk
8 RTM ANNUAL BUDGET AND SPECIAL MEETING 05/01/2023

Cheryl R.. Larder
26 Wiemes Court
Waterford, CT 06385
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Robert Brule, Fist Selectman
Town of Waterford
15 Rope Ferry Road
Waterford, CT 06385
Re: Town Surplus
Dear Rob:
the letter we discussed regarding my inquiry as to why it has been suggested
Following is
gned. Fund Balance (“surplus”) to pay down Town
that the use of a portion of the Town’s Unassi!
debt'is a bad idea, or not recommended.
ating boards (Board or Selectman, Finance and RTM) have passed
The Town’s appropri
multiple uses of surplus as additional appropriations over the last two (2) years, $1.8 million for
roads in fiscal year 2021-2022 and more than $3 million so far in fiscal ‘year 2022-2023. Despite
this, the surplus remains at a level significantly over (almost double) the amount recommended in
the Board of Finance’s Fund Balance Policy.
more than one occasion (certainly to the annoyance of some) that I
havea responsibility to return some of this surplus to the taxpayers
ina way that can be immediately felt/appreciated by the
J have commented on
believe we, as elected officials,
(who have contributed to it) in real time,
‘taxpayer.
As we discussed, because departments are preparing budgets eighteen (18). months into the
future, there continue to be significant amounts returned to the general fund at the end of each
fiscal year, which in turn contributes to the continuing high surplus. No one advocates a “use or.
lose” policy. and the return of unused appropriations to the general fund at end of the fiscal year is
undoubtedly appreciated.
J understand your suggested jnoratorium on capital projects in the coming year due to the
d and funded capital projects that have not been completed
fact that the Town has many approve’
and still will take the next several months or longer to complete.. I agree, why tax residents for
capital project that cannot be completed in the near term.

Tam less convinced. that the plan to: fund certain capital projects over the next five years
from surplus will address the continuing high level of surplus or provide a benefit that taxpayers
will feel in an appreciable way in the near term. Looking at the Town Accountant's report of the
Status of the General Fund Unassigned Balance dated March 8, 2023, the Town applied additional
appropriations through February 28, 2023:in the amount of $3,125,236 but had projected revenues
in. excess of budgeted.of $3,137,574. Effectively an additional surplus of $12,338 (not including
any funds that‘may be:returned by departments.at the end of the fiscal year, of which there-aré sure.
to. be some).
T understand there-is strong:opposition to-the use of surplus to fund the Town budget being:
approved for the next fiscal year, due to the: possibility of it. creating a.potentially false baseline
budget: and inflate the tax increase in subsequent years. I have suggested in conversation with
other individuals that ifwe targeted a specific surplus ta be applied to budget over a series of years,
perhaps that would allay the fear of a drastic. inflation of taxes-in the subsequent year but there:
seems to be'no room for agreement on this approach.
So, why not pay down debt principal? "A paydown of debt principal would have. a
continuing benefit year after year. Why do: we continue to pay debt, and charge taxpayers
additionally to pay on. debt, when we have their money already to. pay it.down?
I will appreciate your obtaining an opinion of whomever -you or Town counsel deem
appropriate, of why it would not be beneficial to’‘pay: down the Town’s débt with surplus. I think
at hour or two of counsel’s time, including bond counsel if necessary, would be appropriate if this
can lead-to: any: tax relief for our constituents,
Thank you in advance,
seo
ery! R. Larder
First District RTM

Re-imagining the Region's Early Childhood Magnet School
A Partnership of Innovation and Impact
The Town of Waterford and LEARN at 51 Daniels Avenue, Waterford
A community resource in the form of a high-quality, multicultural, multilingual
education program for approximately 600 children, ages 6 weeks to 7 years.
Benefits to the Town of Waterford
Cost Avoidance: Environmental Cleanup. The 51 Daniels Avenue demolition and
environmental cleanup is estimated at 1 million-1.5 million. LEARN will bare the full cost.
Cost Avoidance: In-town Special Education. Transportation costs for outplacement
of special education students is $30,000-$50,000 (per student). LEARN will provide an
in-town, outplacement facility for Waterford special education students, potentially
avoiding thousands in expenses each year.
Partnership of Impact: Integrated Education in a State-of-the-Art Facility. Indoor
spaces will be fully accessible to individuals of all abilities. LEARN will work in
collaboration with various Waterford groups to make meeting and event rooms
available to Waterford residents during non-school hours.
Partnership of Impact: Responsible Stewards. A state-of-the-art facility with
accessible grounds will improve the health and safety of all. Waterford residents will
have the opportunity to engage in recreational activities, i.e, pickleball courts, walking
paths, and pollinator gardens. These activities will ennance the sense of belonging in
the neighborhood.
Partnership of Impact: Property Value. The National Bureau of Economic Research
found a tie between school expenditures and home values. The "Using Market
Valuation to Assess Public School Spending" report indicates that home values
increase by $20, per dollar spent on public schools in a community.
Partnership of Impact: Child Care Desert. Southeastern = A
Connecticut programs offering infant/toddler care are at capacity
with wait lists. LEARN will complement the region's programming by i Wl
offering parents and caregivers the ability to work and/or study 2
without having to worry about the health, safety, and education of LEARN
their young children.
Innovate * Collaborate * Serve
® www.learn.kl2.ct.us | & info@learn.k12.ct.us

Public comment RECEIVED FOR RECORD
Cheryl R. Larder WATERFORD. CT
26 Wiemes Court 1073 HAY | 1: P 2 uq
After | left Monday, calmed down, talked to people, wrote things\abwn dieihe Ggete anger
| have been left with a found sense of disappointment in how this series af budwet sessions have
gone. We have new young members who are truly interested in being involved and a part of
Town government. ‘
Budget sessions used to be an opportunity for members to learn about town department
functions and activities.
Department heads used to lead with a brief discussion of their increase and decreases, highlights
of the past year and anticipated activities.
It was where department functions were discussed and explained by town employees most
knowledgeable about them before the Board of Selectmen, Finance and RTM. The taxable grand
list, town clerk grants, the plan of conservation and development, activities related to ADA
compliance, assistance services available to seniors and youth, beach programs, the library
consortium and initiatives, versa carts, solid was disposal costs and the decision to go to single
stream recycling, police initiatives, fire response times, and the myriad of things for which the
Board of Education is responsible beyond teaching abc’s.
But for a few, I’m not sure why departments have stopped giving introductory remarks.
The first night of our budget deliberations we heard the phrase “words matter” and “people
matter” several times.
That same night we had a motion to reduce the Board of Education budget before any substantive
discussion of the budget itself occurred. The proposed reduction effectively eliminated any
discussion of the board of education budget beyond the reduction itself.
Monday night this body was effectively censored when members were told that no questions
would be allowed that were not specific to budget line items. In fact, some questions were not
allowed. A member was also denied asking a question last Wednesday.
Monday, this body plowed through ten budgets totaling $8,536,660 in under an hour with likely
not more than a dozen questions.
Yes words matter. | was going to say that “I fear that” but instead | am obligated to say “I know
that” the effective censorship of this body has sent the message that a few people, and their
opinions matter more than the rest of the members and their constituents.

Statement of J. W, “Bill” Sheehan to Representative Town Meeting Budget Hearing
May 10, 2023
Mr. Moderator, Thank you for the opportunity to make a statement to the RTM tonight. I had
not planned to say anything during the RTM budget hearings but what happened on Monday
night, May 8, 2023 has prompted me to pass on a few words to the RTM.
I was shocked that the Moderator shut down questioning by Representative Larder. Budget
hearings are an opportunity for RTM members (and the Board of Finance members) to ask
questions of department heads regarding how they are running their department. The question
may not relate to a specific budget line item but it does have a bearing on the entire budget.
I heard it said that if the RTM member had a question of a Department head, they should contact
the DH in person or by phone or email outside of the RTM meeting. I would like to point out
that RTM and BOF members have no official standing outside of the specific meetings of their
bodies. Also, although it may not violate Freedom of Information Act, a question asked outside
of a meeting provides the questioner with information that has not been provided to the other
members of the RTM unless the questioner sends that information to other members. It also
interferes with government transparency since the information is only between the DH and the
RTM Member. The Voting Public also has no idea what actions were taken by a member
outside of the meeting that influences how they may vote.
I served ten years (out of twelve) on the RTM, three of which as Moderator. I am in my
twentieth year on the BOF, two of those years and Chair.. Stifling Member questions may
simplify the minutes by the Town Clerk and speed up the meeting, but they rob members of the
ability to get new information from the DH or Department spokes person and robs the public of
government transparency.
When I have questions for a Department Head if I expect the DH to know the answer
immediately, I will not inform him/her. If I expect that the DH may have to do some research to
provide the answer, I send an email with a warning not to answer my email but to be ready to
answer the question at the nest BOF meeting. This helps the DH to provide an accurate answer ~
and not be embarrassed if he or she does not immediately know the answer. Questioning during
a meeting means that all members benefit from the information provided by the answer to the
question, not only the questioning member.
I will often ask a question even though I already know the answer because I want the rest of the
BOF to know the answer as well, just in case they do not. It makes the DH look good and
educates the low information member of the body.
Thank you for your attention, I hope that the RTM members will be td tiskOdll the questions
they desire to educate each other and the public and not be squashe As Gitt oxy RL Ke
directly involved with the line item currently in review. Open government is better government.
Let the Sun shine in, not stay behind a cloud. LEE A tl jy £202
£9 ‘OuOANS LA
a4093y yos GaAaay

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
a ms =D
— TM
To: Paul Goldstein, RTM Moderator Mes) 23 Am
David Campo, Town Clerk 9 —- 2c
S 2 935
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From: Alan Wilensky, CCMC ON U oe
Tax Collector wo me AS
5 2
Date: April 10, 2023 ad
Subject: Tax Payment Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023 — 2024
For the RTM meeting agenda of May 10, 2023
Thave the following recommendations for the schedule of tax payments for Fiscal Year
2023-2024:
¢ Retain the two-payment system for Real Estate tax bills, providing for collections
in July and January.
° Real Estate tax bills over $100.00 would be collected in two equal installments,
due July 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024.
e Real Estate tax bills of $100.00 or less would be due in full July 1, 2023,
¢ Personal Property and Motor Vehicle tax bills would be due in full July 1, 2023.
¢ Motor Vehicle Supplemental tax bills would be due in full January 1, 2024.
These bills are for vehicles registered after the assessment date of October 1,
2022.

This collection schedule is recommended in order to keep the Town in compliance with
Connecticut General Statutes 12-142, 12-144, and 12-144a.
Sec. 12-142. Installments; due date. The legislative body of each municipality, upon
approving any budget calling for the laying of a tax on property, shall determine whether
such tax shall be due and payable in a single installment or in two semiannual
installments or in four quarterly installments and shall, unless otherwise provided by law,
designate the date or dates on which such installment or installments shall be due and
payable, subject to the provisions of section 7-383, in any municipality in compliance
with requirements concerning the uniform fiscal year under chapter 110; provided the last
installment of any such tax shall be due and payable not later than forty-five days before
the end of the fiscal year in which the first installment thereof is due and payable, and
provided any special tax shall be due and payable in a single installment. In case of
failure of the legislative body to determine when such tax shall be due and payable or
whenever the date on which such tax shall be due and payable has been determined,
however, (1) the preparation and mailing of rate bills for such tax is delayed until after
the date such tax is due or (2) such tax is not applicable to certain property until after the
date such tax is due, such tax shall be due and payable, with respect to all property or
property which becomes subject to tax after the date such tax is due, whichever is
applicable, not later than thirty days following the date on which rate bills for such tax
are mailed or handed to persons liable therefor. Except as otherwise provided by law, the
several installments of a tax due in two or four installments shall be equal, but any
taxpayer may pay two or more of such installments when the first is due.
Sec. 12-144, Payment of taxes of not more than one hundred dollars. Any property
tax due in any municipality of this state in an amount not in excess of one hundred dollars
shall be due and payable in a single payment when so determined by the appropriating
body of such municipality.
Sec, 12-144a. Payment of tax on motor vehicles. Irrespective of the provisions of
sections 12-142 and 12-144, the appropriating body of each municipality, upon approving
any budget calling for the laying of a tax on property, shall determine whether such tax as
it applies to motor vehicles shall be due and payable in a single installment.
Alan Wilensky, CCMC
Waterford Tax Collec,