Legislation & Administration Standing Committee of the RTM

PHONE: 860-442-0553
wivwivaterfordct.org
FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
LEGISLATION & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE OF THE RTM
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY FEB.22,2024 7:00P.M.
WPD TRAINING Room (41 Avery LANE)
1. Establishment of quorum and call to order.
2. Public Comment.
3. Consideration and action on minutes of the September 18, 2023, committee meeting.
4. Initial consideration of issues previously referred to committee:
¢ Review how RTM considers recommendations for committee assignments (RTC 6/6/22)
* Public Act 22-3, AAC Remote Meetings Under the Freedom of Information Act (RTC 2/6/23)
* Review of a “Public Comment Ordinance” (RTC 2/6/23)
* Police Commission expansion to seven members (RTC 10/2/23)
5. Adjournment
encl: L&A Minutes 9/18/23 ey &
Kwasniewski Letter-Appointments br
Public Act 22-3 =
Police Commission issue request Ss (
Police Commission ordinances od
aqyod=:

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
PHONE: 860-442-0553
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
www.waterfordctorg
LEGISLATION & ADMINISTRATION STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE RTM
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Monday, September 18, 2023
6:00 P.M. Waterford Town Hall
Meeting Called to order at 6:00 PM by Chairperson Tom Dembek
Roll Calf
Present: Thomas Dembek, Susan Driscoll, Timothy Fioravanti
Absent: Harry Colonis, David. Welch
Others Present: RTM Member Nick Gauthier, Planning Director Jonathan Mullen, AICP
Public Comment
None :
Agenda Item 5 - To Consider and act upon the mintites of the September 7, 2022 meeting.
MOTION made by Fioravanti, Second by Driscoll to accept the minutes.
Motion passed: 3-0
Agenda Item 5- Consideration of and possible action on items referred to committee:
A. Review of Chapter 2.56 — Economic Development Commission, RTC 06/06/22
Discussion ensued, Director of Planning Jonathan Mullen explained his interactions with the
Economic Development Commission (EDC). The commission took:an active role with the
American Rescue Plan Funds by distributing grants to small business. The committee will playa
role in an RFP to solicit responses from qualified consultants to devélop an Economic
Development Strategy for the Town of Waterford, The EDC has added a local businessperson. as
well as seated members from the-real estate industry along with other members that give the
commission a diverse perspective. He believes that the EDC is headed in the right direction.
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Fiotavanti to recommend the “Review of Chapter 2.56 -
Economic Development Commission” be moved out of committee because the Director of
Planning feels the EDC is moving in the right direction.
Motion passed: Unanimous
B. Review of a “Public Comment Ordinance” RTC 02/06/23
Brief discussion. More work to follow.
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pany
Motion to adjourn by Driscoll, seconded by Dembek at 7:38 PM &
Motion passed: Unanimous
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Respectfully submitted
Tom Dembek, Chair

RTM Budget Meeting
May 9, 2022
Helen Kwasniewski
Wade
Being a resident of Quaker Hill all my life as well-as family ties of
approximately 231 years to Quaker Hill these ara my concerns and/or
issues.
When the moderator/chairperson announces that there is openings on
“Committees” these are my concems: people that sign-up for these
“Committees” should be checked out to see if they are qualified,
I know of someone that is on the “Building Committee” and the “Fire
Review Committee” just to mention a few which 1 believe it not qualified.
For example remodel home with no permit (where required) and burned
illegal several time.
Salaries: Salaries are extremely high as well out of proportion which in
due time is going to bankrupt the town.
As a senior citizen concerns: Taxes are high for us, we have to make the
choice of 1. Paying rent/mortgage, 2. Paying for medication(s), 3. Paying
for food, 4. Paying for heat, 5, Paying for utilities, I propose that ALL taxes
for senior citizens should be frozen for our lifetime period, Frozen means
that taxes don't go up, like other town(s) in Connecticut,
Quaker Hill: Quaker Hill IS part of the Town of Waterford. It has an awful
lat.of history. The Quaker Hill resident needs ASAP a “Kiosk” so that we
know. what is happening at the elite side of town. ] propose that 2 “traffic
counter” be place in Quaker Hifl 1, On Bloomingdale Road near the
Quaker Hill School, 2. On Old Norwich Road near the Quaker Hill Green.
Whoever has the highest “traffic count” that is where the “Kiosk” be
period. Also public works can and should be able to assist with this install
to save the town money.
It is now the time to consolidate some departments as well as re-organize
some departments. We do not need heavy personnel load in some
departments,
Department Heads/Directors should NOT be in the union like in the private
sector, The union is going to bankrupt the town along with the high
salaries,

Since taxpayers of the town pay their salaries ALL town workers should
live in the town. In essence they work for us and we should be able “fire”
where we the taxpayers see fit.
BULLYING: In the last few years there has been too many town resident
who are bully, especially senior citizens by town employees and BOARD
MEMBER(S). This has fallen on DEAF EARS by department
heads/directors period, I propose that ALL department heads/directors have
“ANNUAL” meeting along with a sign in sheet with all of their people
about BULLYING, which should be “ZERO TOLERANCE” or you will
be “fire on the spot” period.
We have to get out of this mode that Waterford is rich and they can pay.
News flash Waterford is NOT rich. We do not have Millstone and the
Crystal Mall footed the bill.
Inclusion:
Waterford is extremely top heavy in salaries as well ag personnel. Some of
the departments have too many personnel that need to be assess. I have
notice that jobs/positions have been created where some of these jobs/task
can and should be added to current personnel in the departments.
Waterford has to take a stand to keep the taxes LOW. We have about 65%
of the resident that are SENIOR CITIZENS,
If we don’t start to take serious control of the Town Budget we WILL be
banicrupt cause by greedy departments as well as the UNION period. I for
one have a life style that is not making millionaires on my dime.
As John Sheenan (board member) has stated “keep in mind that we are
spending the taxpayers money”, Let this year be the year for the taxpayers.
Yes, I know “hope all ] want"!
PLEASE PLEASE keep ALL of the residents and concerns in mind
when reviewing these budgets,
Please do not vote unanimously. " Please do not be afraid to send back
department budget, Please vote individual NOT by party affiliate.
The goal is fora ZERO INCREASE!

FIRE SERIVCE
WOW! Where to I begin!
Since March 1, 2015 has been poor to sub-standard to the Quaker Hill
residents, We were told that if this change does not work out we will go
back to what is was. We were lied to.
Never had concems until last year.
For about 45 years always had a brush pile, which I got a “burn permit”
then contacted the Quaker Hill Fire Department to burn my brush pile, This
is the only way for me to get rid of it, lam a senior citizen who needs the
assistance from the fire department. No problem until we got a new Fire
Service Director as well as new Fire Inspector,
I was told by the Quaker Hill Fire Chief that they will get to it. L was lied
to. Shame on you. Note that this chief has burn the brush pile in the past
himself, Quaker Hill Fire house is definitely not community kind.
T was told by the new Fire Inspector that if the permit expires that he would
renew it. 1 was lied to. Shame on you.
The new Fire Service Director stated to me “we didn’t issue burn permits
in Middletown. New bulletin this is Waterford and we do.
There are other resident(s) who burn without permits. I absolutely take
“burning” VERY SERIOUS”. Just because you own property does not
mean you cant do anything you want on your property.
Also was told that if the smoke from people who bum wood as well as
smoke from barbequing that they can be shut down. I would like to see that
happen,
Oswegatchie Fire House was deemed unsafe and still is, The town spent
$250,000 on a survey nothing has been done to this date. A pole in the
ladies room is holding up the roof. WOW.
I propose that Jordan and Oswegatchie Fire Houses be combine and re-
assign some of the fire personnel so that Quaker Hill and Goshen have
better coverage.
The Fire Services budget should be decrease due to the fact the Quaker Hill
and Goshen coverage is not what is equal to the other fire house in town,
The resident of Quaker Hill and Goshen should be getting a refund on their
taxes NO DICUSSION ABOUT IT PERIOD.

PUBLIC WORKS
This department needs to be “Pro Active” in Quaker Hill, Quaker Hill is
part of the town located in the northern part of town.
They need to clean ALL culverts/drains. We had a new resident who
moved to Quaker Hill that clear/olean a culvert/drain that is located in from
of their house, Shame on Public Works.
Thave contacted the director of Public Works about cutting down/trimming
some trees, which is on the town side for about a 3+ years so that it doesn’t
obstruct my view of oncoming traffic (which is a speedway) when existing
our driveways. ] guess that I have to do their work and then charge them. If
the trees land on wires that are across the street, oh well, Shame on Public
Works.
I brought to the attention of the Public Works Director that some of these
culverts as well as Hunts Brook need guard rails not guard post, I was told
that is too expensive. I guess ALL LIVES does not-matter to him. Shame
on Public Works.
Several years ago there was an accident that left Public Works was notify
about it and to this date debris is still has not been cleaned up. I was told
this would be done. I was lied to, Shame on Public Works.
Public Works director was notify that one of his employees bully a senior
citizen. Nothing was done about it. Shame on you,
Tn conclusion the director Public Works does not care about Quaker Hill,
shame on you,
The employees as well as the director gets a very good salaries. When a
resident brings concerns as well as issues should not have to wait 3 plus
years, The budget should be decrease,
Thank youl

OF CONNEC,
toe aiken gy Up
Substitute House Bill No. 5269
Public Act No. 22-3
AN ACT CONCERNING REMOTE MEETINGS UNDER THE
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
Assembly convened:
Section 1. Section 149 of public act 21-2 of the June special session is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from
passage):
(a) As used in this section, "public agency", "meeting", "executive
session", "electronic equipment" and "electronic transmission" have the
same meanings as provided in section 1-200 of the general statutes. On
and after [the effective date of this section until April 30, 2022,] July 1,
2021, a public agency may hold a public meeting that is accessible to the
public by means of electronic equipment or by means of electronic
equipment in conjunction with an in-person meeting, in accordance
with the provisions of this section. Not less than forty-eight hours before
any public agency, except for the General Assembly, conducts a regular
meeting by means of electronic equipment, such agency shall provide
direct notification in writing or by electronic transmission to each
member of the public agency and post a notice that such agency intends
to conduct the meeting solely or in part by means of electronic
equipment (1) in the agency's regular office or place of business, (2) in
the office and on the Internet web site of the Secretary of the State for

Substitute House Bill No. 5269
any such public agency of the state or quasi-public agency, in the office
of the clerk of such subdivision for any public agency of a political
subdivision of the state that is not a quasi-public agency, or in the office
of the clerk of each municipal member of any multitown district or
agency, and (3) if the agency has an Internet web site, on such Internet
web site. Not less than twenty-four hours prior to any such meeting,
such agency shall post the agenda for any such meeting in the same
manner as the notice of the meeting in accordance with subdivisions (1)
to (3), inclusive, of this subsection. Such notice and agenda shall include
instructions for the public, to attend and provide comment or otherwise
participate in the meeting, by means of electronic equipment or in
person, as applicable and permitted by law. Any such notice and agenda
shall be posted in accordance with the provisions of section 1-225 of the
general statutes.
(b) Any public agency that conducts a meeting, other than an
executive session or special meeting, as described in this section, solely
by means of electronic equipment, shall (1) provide any member of the
public (A) upon a written request submitted not less than twenty-four
hours prior to such meeting, with a physical location and any electronic
equipment necessary to attend such meeting in real-time, and (B) the
same opportunities to provide comment or testimony and otherwise
participate in such meeting that such member of the public would be
accorded if such meeting were held in person, except that a public
agency is not required to adjourn or postpone a meeting if a member of
the public loses the ability to participate because of an interruption,
failure or degradation of such person's connection to the meeting by
electronic equipment; (2) ensure that such meeting is recorded or
transcribed, excluding any portion of the meeting that is an executive
session, and such transcription or recording is posted on the agency's
Internet web site and made available to the public to view, listen to and
copy in the agency's office or regular place of business not later than
seven days after the meeting and for not less than forty-five days
Public Act No. 22-3 2 of 6

Substitute House Bill No. 5269
thereafter; and (3) if a quorum of the members of a public agency attend
a meeting by means of electronic equipment from the same physical
location, permit members of the public to attend such meeting in such
physical location. Any public agency that conducts a meeting shall
provide members of the public agency the opportunity to participate by
means of electronic equipment, except that a public agency is not
required to adjourn or postpone a meeting if a member loses the ability
to participate because of an interruption, failure or degradation of that
member's connection by electronic equipment, unless the member's
participation is necessary to form a quorum.
(c) Any public agency other than the General Assembly that conducts
a special meeting shall include in the notice of such meeting whether the
meeting will be conducted solely or in part by means of electronic
equipment and, not less than twenty-four hours prior to such meeting,
shall post such notice and an agenda of the meeting in accordance with
the provisions of subsection (d) of section 1-225 of the general statutes.
If such special meeting is to be conducted by means of electronic
equipment, such notice and agenda shall include instructions for the
public, by means of electronic equipment or in person, to attend and
provide comment or otherwise participate in the meeting, as applicable
and permitted by law.
(d) Any vote taken at a meeting during which any member
participates by means of electronic equipment shall be taken by roll call,
unless the vote is unanimous. The minutes of the meeting shall record a
list of members that attended such meeting in person and a list of
members that attended such meeting by means of electronic equipment.
(e) Any member of a public agency or the public who participates
orally ina meeting of a public agency conducted by means of electronic
equipment shall make a good faith effort to state such member's name
and title, if applicable, at the outset of each occasion that such member
participates orally during an uninterrupted dialogue or series of
Public Act No. 22-3 3 of 6

Substitute House Bill No, 5269
questions and answers.
(f) Whenever a meeting being conducted by means of electronic
equipment is interrupted by the failure, disconnection or, in the
chairperson's determination, unacceptable degradation of the electronic
means of conducting a meeting, or if a member necessary to form a
quorum loses the ability to participate because of the interruption,
failure or degradation of such member's connection by electronic
equipment, the public agency may, not less than thirty minutes and not
more than two hours from the time of the interruption or the
chairperson's determination, resume the meeting (1) in person, if a
quorum is present in person, or (2) if a quorum is restored by means of
electronic equipment, solely or in part by such electronic equipment. In
each case of resumption of such meeting, electronic access shall be
restored to the public if such capability has been restored. The public
agency shall, if practicable, post a notification on its Internet web site
and inform attendees by electronic transmission of the expected time of
resumption or of the adjournment or postponement of the meeting, as
applicable, and may announce at the beginning of any meeting what
preplanned procedures are in place for resumption of a meeting in the
event of an interruption as described in this subsection.
(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a public
agency to offer members of the public who attend a meeting by means
of electronic equipment the opportunity for public comment, testimony
or other participation if the provision of such opportunity is not
required by law for members of the public who attend such a meeting
in person.
Sec. 2. Subsection (a) of section 10-51 of the 2022 supplement to the
general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
thereof (Effective October 1, 2022):
(a) The fiscal year of a regional school district shall be July first to June
Public Act No, 22-3 40f6

Substitute House Bill No. 5269
thirtieth. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, not less than
two weeks before the annual meeting held pursuant to section 10-47, the
board shall hold a public district meeting to present a proposed budget
for the next fiscal year. Any public district meeting held pursuant to this
section may be accessible to the public by means of electronic equipment
or by means of electronic equipment in conjunction with an in-person
meeting, in accordance with the provisions of section 149 of public act
21-2 of the June special session, as amended by this act. Any person may
recommend the inclusion or deletion of expenditures at such time. After
the public hearing, the board shall prepare an annual budget for the next
fiscal year, make available on request copies thereof and deliver a
reasonable number to the town clerk of each of the towns in the district
at least five days before the annual meeting. At the annual meeting on
the first Monday in May, the board shall present a budget which
includes a statement of (1) estimated receipts and expenditures for the
next fiscal year, (2) estimated receipts and expenditures for the current
fiscal year, (3) estimated surplus or deficit in operating funds at the end
of the current fiscal year, (4) bonded or other debt, (5) estimated per
pupil expenditure for the current and for the next fiscal year, and (6)
such other information as is necessary in the opinion of the board.
Persons present and eligible to vote under section 7-6 may accept or
reject the proposed budget except as provided below. No person who is
eligible to vote in more than one town in the regional school district is
eligible to cast more than one vote on any issue considered at a regional
school district meeting or referendum held pursuant to this section. Any
person who violates this section by fraudulently casting more than one
vote or ballot per issue shall be fined not more than three thousand five
hundred dollars and shall be imprisoned not more than two years and
shall be disenfranchised. The regional board of education may, in the
call to the meeting, designate that the vote on the motion to adopt the
budget shall be by paper ballots at the district meeting held on the
budget or by a "yes" or "no" vote on the voting tabulators in each of the
member towns on the day following the district meeting. If submitted
Public Act No. 22-3 5 of 6

Substitute House Bill No. 5269
to a vote by voting tabulator, questions may be included on the ballot
for persons voting "no" to indicate whether the budget is too high or too
low, provided the vote on such questions shall be for advisory purposes
only and not binding upon the board. Two hundred or more persons
qualified to vote in any regional district meeting called to adopt a
budget may petition the regional board, in writing, at least three days
prior to such meeting, requesting that any item or items on the call of
such meeting be submitted to the persons qualified to vote in the
meeting for a vote by paper ballot or on the voting tabulators in each of
the member towns on the day following the district meeting and in
accordance with the appropriate procedures provided in section 7-7. If
a majority of such persons voting reject the budget, the board shall,
within four weeks thereafter and upon notice of not less than one week,
call a district meeting to consider the same or an amended budget. Such
meetings shall be convened at such intervals until a budget is approved.
If the budget is not approved before the beginning of a fiscal year, the
disbursing officer for each member town, or the designee of such officer,
shall make necessary expenditures to such district in amounts equal to
the total of the town's appropriation to the district for the previous year
and the town's proportionate share in any increment in debt service over
the previous fiscal year, pursuant to section 7-405 until the budget is
approved. The town shall receive credit for such expenditures once the
budget is approved for the fiscal year. After the budget is approved, the
board shall estimate the share of the net expenses to be paid by each
member town in accordance with subsection (b) of this section and
notify the treasurer thereof. With respect to adoption of a budget for the
period from the organization of the board to the beginning of the first
full fiscal year, the board may use the above procedure at any time
within such period. If the board needs to submit a supplementary
budget, the general procedure specified in this section shall be used.
Approved April 28, 2022
Public Act No. 22-3 6 of 6

September 30, 2023
Paul Goldstein, RTM Moderator
15 Rape Ferry Rd
Waterford, CT 06385
Re: Expand Board of Police Commissioners
Dear Mr. Moderator,
As you may recall, at our August meeting, mernbers mentioned concerns about the lack of diversity among
both elected and appointed officials, the limited networks available to seek volunteers, and the lack of
information or outreach to members of the general public who are not aware of the numerous opportunities
for volunteer service and input. Similar comments made at numerous meetings throughout the current term
illustrate that there is a general consensus among members—regardless of party affiliation—that this is an
issue worthy of consideration and resolution.
in the case of the Board of Palice Commissioners, which over many years has been the epitome of “political”
appointments, with frequent allusions to locked “R” seats and “D” seats, we can achieve an immediate
expansion of our potential universe of volunteers by increasing the membership from five to seven through
an ordinance revision. This is an option provided under the state statutes (CGS Chapter 104, Sec. 7-274) and,
if you do the math, would have minimal-to-no strain on the ability to make quorum.
While the Police Department’s public safety duties and policies are in the wheelhouse of the Public Protection
and Safety Committee, board membership is not. Rather, the issue involves the RTM’s duty to seek and seat
capable, motivated citizens interested in serving the town and, hopefully, provide a diverse and productive mix
of personalities and perspective.
For that reason, | respectfully request that this issue be referred to the Legislation and Administration
Committee. L&A has been charged with consideration of revamping the manner in which the RTM handles its
appointments. To date, there has been only one limited discussion on that topic, but since many of the
questions and goals bound to come up in deliberations on both issues are similar, if not the same, it would be
more efficient to have one committee consider both in tandern.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Susan Driscoll
RTM 4" District

Title 2—- ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
Chapter 2.16 - POLICE DEPARTMENT
2.16.010 - Established—Supervision.
There shall be maintained in the town a permanent police department which shall be under the supervision of a board of
police commissioners.
(Prior code § 12-1)
2.16.020 - Board of commissioners—Created— Appointment, terms, political affiliation.
There shall be a board of police commissioners which shall consist of the first selectman, and four electors of the town
appointed by the representative town meeting for four year terms, except that the initial terms of office of two appointed
members of the board shall be for four years and the initial terms of the other two members shall be two years. Upon expiration
of the initial terms, the term of office of all appointed members shall be four years. Not more than two appointed members shall
be enrolled on a caucus list of the same political party. No appointed member of the commission shall hold any other elective or
appointive office within the town, as long as he is a member of the board of police commissioners. Should a member of the
board of police commissioners be unable to complete his term of office, or should a member resign from the commission, the
remainder of his unexpired term shall be filled within sixty calendar days of the announcement of the vacancy, by appointment
by the representative town meeting. Such a vacancy shail be filled with a person of the same political party as the member
whose seat is vacated.
(Prior code § 12-2)
2.16.030 - Board of commissioners—Genera! powers, duties.
The board of police commissioners shall have the general management and supervision of the police department and of the
property and equipment used in connection therewith, shall make all needful regulations for the government thereof not
contrary to law or this chapter and may prescribe suitable penalties for the violation of any such regulations or of this chapter,
including suspension or removal from office of any officer or member of the police department. The board of police
commissioners shall have the sole power of appointment and removal of the officers and members of the police department,
subject to conditions provided in this chapter, and such appointees shall, after having served in the department for twelve
consecutive months, hold office during good behavior and until removal for cause upon written notice and after public hearing
with an opportunity to be heard personally or by counsel. The board of police commissioners shall maintain contact with the
police department through the normal chain of command beginning with the chief of police.
(Prior code § 12-3)
2.16.040 - Duties of department—Police powers.
The police department, under the direction of the board of police commissioners, shall be responsible for the preservation of
the public peace, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, regulation of traffic, protection of rights of persons and
property and enforcement of the laws of the state, and the ordinances of the town and all rules and regulations made in
accordance therewith. All members of the department, except clerks, shall have the same powers and duties with respect to the
service of criminal process and enforcement of the criminal laws as are vested in officers by the general statutes.
(Prior code § 12-4)
2.16.050 - Composition of department—Types of appointments.
The police department of the town shall consist of a chief and such other officers, supernumeraries and clerks as the board of
police commissioners may from time to time appoint. Appointments by the board of police commissioners may be as follaws:
A. A temporary appointment of an officer, other than a supernumerary, which shall be for a term of not more than
twelve months;
B. Probationary appointment of any member of the department for the first twelve months of service;

C. Permanent appointment shall become automatic after satisfactory completion of twelve months’ service as a
probationary or temporary appointee, except that appointments of supernumeraries shall be for a term of not more
than one year, but such appointments may be renewed from time to time.
(R.T.M. 6-5-00 (part); Prior code § 12-5)
2.16.060 - Personnel—Number and grades.
in addition to the chief, the board of police commissioners may appoint such officers of rank, patrolmen, supernumeraries
and clerks as may be necessary to discharge the duties of the police department. The establishment of grades within the
department shall be at the discretion of the board of police commissioners.
(Prior code § 12-6)
2.16.080 - Appointment of chief, officers.
Appointment as the chief of police or as any other officer of rank above sergeant shall be made only after certification of the
applicant by the state personnel department. Request for examination and certification by said state personne! department shall
be initiated by the board of police commissioners.
(Prior code § 12-8)