Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - Minutes - 06/02/2025

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
MINUTES ?
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING iv
Regular Meeting AS
June 2, 2025 &
RTM Moderator Paul Goldstein called the June 2, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Representative Town
Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Kyrah Augmon-Bossa (Speaker Phone), Michael Bono, Jennifer Bracciale, Mark Campo, Erica
Casper (Speaker Phone), Mary Childs, Harry Colonis, Timothy Condon, Thomas J. Dembek, Susan
Driscoll, Timothy Fioravanti, Paul Goldstein, Kristen Gonzalez, Narciss Greene, Ryan Healy, Matthew
Keatley (Speaker Phone), Lindsay Khan, Shawn Monahan, Ursula Moreshead, Kayla Mullen, Kathleen
Mullen Kohl, Theodore Olynciw, Danielle Steward-Gelinas, David Sugrue
ABSENT: Christina Jessuck, Kate MacKenzie
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: First Selectman Robert J Brule, Selectman Richard Muckle, Board of
Education Chair Pat Fedor, Board of Finance Chair Glenn Patterson
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT: Selectman Greg Attanasio, Board of Education Chair Pat Fedor
ALSO PRESENT: Town Clerk David L. Campo; Town Attorney Robert Avena; Town Attorney Nicholas
Kepple; Director of Finance Kim Allen
AGENDA ITEM C— May 5, 2025 Minutes
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Moreshead, to approve the minutes with the following
correction noted by Town Clerk Campo: The original budget presented under Police Commission should
be corrected to $7,250,097
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
RTM Representative Kyrah Augmon-Bossa joined via speaker phone.
CORRESPONDENCE
Three cover letters were received from Board of Finance Chair Glenn Patterson in regard to Item’s 3, 4 &
5. Letter from First Selectman Robert Brule to Chair of the Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee
requesting a detailed cost estimate for the new facility. A copy of the lease agreement between the
Town of Waterford and the Oswegatchie Fire Company No. 4, Inc. A Board of Education Quarterly
Report. Democratic recommendation to the Utility Commission. Copies of correspondence can be
obtained from the Office of the Town Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Resident Dr. Victor Ferry, 13 Colonial Dr, Waterford, spoke in favor of a new Oswegatchie Fire House
citing his experience as a past Building Committee Chair, Oswegatchie Fire Volunteer, and his FEMA
1 RTM MINUTES 06/02/2025

training background. He understands the need for accurate financials but believes the project should
move forward as soon as those become available.
Resident Bryan Sayles, 54 Wintergreen Dr, Quaker Hill, spoke in regards to his opposition to a new
Oswegatchie Fire House, the need for more complete public comment minutes, the need to replace the
roof at Oswegatchie Fire House, the need for the Fire Services Review Report, among other concerns
(See Attachments).
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee report received from Public Health, Recreation & Environment. (See Attachment)
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Moresehead to accept the committee report.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
APPOINTEE & LIAISON REPORTS
An Oswegatchie Fire Station appointee report from Ted Olynciw.
CALL ITEM 1 - Camp Dash Donation from Cactus Jack
PRESENTATION: Finance Director Kim Allen
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to approve a request from Finance Director Kim
Allen to deposit a check for $10,000 from the Cactus Jack Foundation to be used for Town of
Waterford’s Camp Dash Program.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 2 — 28 Industrial Drive Project
PRESENTATION: Planning Director Jonathan Mullen, AICP; Town Attorney Robert Avena
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Condon, to approve a recommendation from the Board of
Finance for an additional appropriation of $85,000 from the Undesignated fund balance #205-31520 of
the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure Fund (CNR) to the established project at 28 Industrial Drive,
new account to be established.
MOTION PASSED: 19-1-0 (Gonzalez opposed)
CALL ITEM 3 — BOE Chromebooks and iPads
PRESENTATION: Superintendent of Schools Thomas Giard, Board of Education Finance Director Joseph
Mancini
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Sugrue, to approve a recommendation from the Board of
Finance for an appropriation of $197,000 to Line Item #20560-57884 (Chromebooks & iPad Equipment)
for the replacement of 400 Chromebooks, along with the purchase of iPads.
Friendly amendment offered by Driscoll and accepted to add Unassigned General Fund Balance to read
as follows: MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Sugrue, to approve a recommendation from the
Board of Finance for an appropriation of $197,000 from the Unassigned General Fund Balance to Line
item #20560-57884 (Chromebooks & iPad Equipment) for the replacement of 400 Chromebooks, along
with the purchase of iPads.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
2 RTM MINUTES 06/02/2025

CALL ITEM 4: BOE Energy Efficiency
PRESENTATION: Superintendent of Schools Thomas Giard, Board of Education Finance Director Joseph
Mancini
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Condon, to approve a recommendation from the Board of
Finance for an appropriation of $243,335 to Line ttem # 20560-57883 (Energy Efficiency) for LED, new
transformers and new VFDs across the District.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
RTM Member Narciss Greene arrived.
CALL ITEM 5 — Nevins Cottage
PRESENTATION: Planning Director Jonathan Mullen, AICP
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Condon, to approve a recommendation from the Board of
Finance for an appropriation of $25,000 from Designated Line Item #20511-57767 (Nevins Cottage
Structural Repairs).
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
RTM Member Tim Fioravanti arrived.
CALL ITEM 6 ~ Utility Commission Update
PRESENTATION: Utility Commission Director Jill Stevens
Director Stevens updated the body and fielded questions in regard to operations. Copies of the Power
Point available through the Office of the Town Clerk.
CALL ITEM 7 — Fire Services Review Special Committee Update
PRESENTATION: Fire Services Review Special Committee Chair Robert Tuneski, Director of Fire Services
Chris Haley
Presentation followed by questions and answers. It was noted that the final study of the committee is
awaiting final approval from the body and should be available in the coming weeks. Items discussed
included the need for a complete report, staffing, number of firehouses needed, status of the volunteer
system, how an Oswegatchie Fire Station would be incorporated within Waterford Fire Services,
homeowner's insurance rates.
CALL ITEM 8 — Town of Waterford Oswegatchie Fire Station Bonding
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Driscoll, to pass over.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 9 - Salaries of Elected Officials
PRESENTATION: Finance, Wage and Personnel Chair Harry Colonis
Recommendation withdrawn because Town Counsel Attorney Nick Kepple has requested that we table
our recommendation to the RTM for now. He has identified several concerns regarding the language of
the resolution, which he believes should be addressed by the Standing Committee. Once those concerns
are resolved, the revised resolution can be brought back to the full RTM at a future meeting.
3. RTM MINUTES 06/02/2025

CALL ITEM 10 - RTM Resolution
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek to approve the attached resolution, postponed from
the May 5, 2025 meeting, for a pilot program lasting one year to allow for all approved capital projects
within the FY26 budget to move forward through the Finance Department without any further action by
the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and the Representative Town Meeting.
Brief discussion
MOTION by Gelinas, seconded by Condon, to refer the resolution to the Finance, Wage & Personnel
Standing Committee for further review.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 11 — Utility Commission Appointment
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to nominate Ryan Boyle, 10 Lark St, to the Utilty
Commission. (Term 04/01/2025 ~ 03/31/2029)
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Moresehead, to nominate Joshua Steele Kelly, 6 Marlin Dr, to the
Utility Commission. (Term 04/01/2025 — 03/31/2029)
VOTING IN FAVOR OF BOYLE: Bono, Bracciale, M. Campo, Casper, Condon, Dembek, Fioravanti,
Goldstein, Gonzalez, Healy, KeatleyMonahan, Olynciw, Steward-Gelinas, Sugrue
VOTING AGAINST: Augmon-Bossa, Childs, Driscoll, Greene, Khan, Moreshead, Mullen, Mullen Kohl
Abstained: Colonis
RYAN BOYLE appointed to the Utility Commission 15-8-1
NEW BUSINESS:
Moderator Goldstein noted that the iterns being recommended for removal from the Public Health,
Recreation and Environment Committee, per the submitted committee report, would be taken up at the
next meeting of the RTM. (See attachment)
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Bracciale, to adjourn at 9:33 P.M.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
Respectfully Submitted,
David L. Campo, CCTC
Waterford Town Clerk
4 RTM MINUTES 06/02/2025

Fight for a qualified fire fighting
force in Waterford 3
Published:Jun 02, 2025 6:03 AMUpdated:Jun 01, 2025 9:43 AM \
Waterford residents should attend the June 2 Representative Town
Meeting (RTM) to question why First Selectman Rob Brule is directing
RTM members to vote about borrowing $12 million for a new firehouse
in Oswegatchie. It’s a senseless request to pay back upwards of $1
million or more every year while all five fire stations lack adequate
firefighting staff.
Since shoring up the roof in 2011, taxes totaling $2.99 million had
accumulated between two capital project funds, Oswegatchie Building
Renovations and Oswegatchie Building Improvement. In 2021, the
entities were combined, yet Mr. Brule continued to leave the roof in
disrepair. In early 2024, Mr. Brule directed transfers totaling $432,000
from Waterford’s surplus fund to pay for architects, consultants and
plans for a new station while ignoring the long-overdue roof repair. Mr.
Brule has submitted his $12 million bond request prior to completing
and publishing the Waterford Fire Services Review Special Committee
report. The report will conclude what residents have known in the last
seven years of Brule’s leadership. Even his predecessor knew it when Mr.
Brule served as his Second Selectman: hiring a qualified firefighting force
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COMMENTS (5)
Words: 177/200
. oi — PostComment
BRYAN SAYLES
6/2/2025 4:49 PM
The only disappointment is in the mismanagement of (pick anything) by First Selectman
Brule. Just read the meeting attachment signed by Ted Olynciw. Readers, a.k.a.,
Waterford taxpayers, especially those from Quaker Hill need to pay attention to how the
First Selectman’s office has been screwing them by collecting taxes earmarked for
specific projects, in this case, repairing the Oswegatchie firestation roof, then not
spending that money for said purpose. Year after year. To a man on a horse, seeing
those line items in writing you'd think you could trust that the repairs were done. Not so.
Where is that 2.99 million dollars that was accrued since shoring up that roof in 2011?
Surely, a good amount was collected from Quaker Hill's residents whose own firehouse
staffing has been run into the ground under his administration. That sucking sound? It's
our neighborhood taxes drawn for someone else's benefit. In this case, at the expense
and safety of taxpayers and first responders. I'd highly recommend you start attending
meetings and asking questions. There is good reason to attend tonight.
Report Comment
Debra Gilpin
6/2/2025 12:15 PM
Mr. Sheehan is correct. However Item 7 on the agenda is, "Fire Service Review Special
Committee Presentation." This will cover more than just the replacement of the
Owegatchie Fire Dept. building. Wayne Gilpin
Report Comment
JOHN W BILL SHEEHAN
6/2/2025 9:51 AM
Just so readers are not disappointed. The BOS did not forward the Bonding request to
the Board of Finance so the BOF did not forward the request to the Representative Town
Meeting. The reason for not forwarding the request was because there was no cost
information in the backup material. Possibly, the numbers will be available in August or
September.
Report Comment

Finn Ne
ve BZ
Ken Scandariato Ay, (2/2)
6/2/2025 7:23 AM
If staffing is *and it always is, the primary issue here, ate must be a financial plan for
an ongoing rotational system that manages that part of the public safety envelope
which should be considered separate and apart from infrastructure investment. Mutual
aid adds response time and is not an adequate first choice. {s there
expansion/development on the horizon that requires upgraded facilities rather than
spending on an aging infrastructure? In a growing community there always is that need.
Primary considerations in Public Safety bonding/taxation must include Staffing,
Facilities, Equipment, Administration , Communications, and Training as the foundation
of a system. Financial planning for each part is essential.
a
Report Comment
Debra Gilpin
6/2/2025 6:51 AM
For some reason, my signature was truncated in my comment. Wayne Gilpin
Report Comment
Debra Gilpin
6/2/2025 6:49 AM
Mr. Sayles is correct that staffing is vital. However it is only one of the three legs on the
stool. The other two are equipment and facilities. Please visit the Oswegatchie Fire Co.
#4 Inc. FaceBook page. There is a letter and series of pictures that will show that the
station is beyond repair. https://www.facebook.com/oswegatchiefirecompany4 For
those without FaceBook access, the pictures are available at:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGophQir0g/Zhbjer-
iJ6ucO4RtYIMA6Q/view?utm_content
Report Comment

{-
FIFTEEN. ROPE a RRY ROAD
WATERFORD kes 2886
May 27, ns
[/
Dear Chairman Tuneski,
PHONE; 860-442-0553
www. waterfordct.org
Gn vA Ct ae
J imderstand that the project architect, nearing Lida of the f Uh gb ee oy,
the new Town Fire Station. With that in mind, I respectfully request that you ask the Oswegatchie “77
Fire Station Building Committee to work with Downes, the Project Manager; to prepare a detailed "gee
oe
cost estimate for the new facility hased on SPA’s completed plans
Having a.curtent and comprehensive estimate will ensure that the Oswegatchie Fire Station
Building Committee, the Board of Selectmen (BOS), the Board of Finance (BOF), and the
Representative Town Meeting (RTM) have the most accurate and. transparent information
available to guide their: decision-making, particularly regarding potential bonding for the project.
From what I understand, Downes’ estimate should be ready in the second half of June.
In the interest of due diligence and fiscal responsibility, I intend to propose to the Board of
Selectmen tonight that we table the bonding resolution until these updated figures are available, I
will also encourage both the Board of Finance and the Representative Town Meeting to do the -
same. A decision. of this. financial scale requives careful consideration, and we owe it to the
taxpayers of Waterford to proceed with the clearest possible understanding of the costs involved.
‘Please:also extend, on behalf of the Board of Selectmen and the residents of Waterford, our sincere
gratitude to the Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee. The dedication and professionalism
demonstrated by the Committee through nearly fifty meetings over the past two. and a half years
is deeply appreciated, .
With Thanks,
Robert Brule, First Selectman

"; May28, 2025 (REVISED)
(Frey 4
asssreteex REPORT OF THE aa FIRE HOUSE BUILDING comer FES
This reportis@ sunimary offacts gathered durngt the past 2+ years the iis
‘Been werking.on this project. Beer
4. The Buildiag Cammilitee has:never voted'on 4 motian to request funding sr
‘bonding fronyihe Town forthis project.
ased oh actual bids} before: ‘FveQiiesting Town funding / bonding since
Budget numbers have been proven to be unreliable,
b. The Cominaitteie tained atits tapstrecent meeting on May 6th, to
KimAlten, Fihisnies Bltdetor: that he: sidepidea to asie the: BOSto: approve
bonding torthis project based on budget numbers, not actual cost,
D, Fite emia Review Special Comminee:
b. THE MI
that report front the Fire Service Review Special Committee woutd be
for review. and consideration:
this report: which would have met the. needs: ofall 5 fire houses,
SS PILZ Ait
£9 Feo 1vA
auogauod GFAISIau
fact, the Gotomistes voted, at the April 1,2025 meeting, Rocco Bracciale
ind Secondéd by Richard Muckté, to have a hard number
JON: EVEN ASSUESIN INCLUDING PERFORMANCE, POLICIES, AND
STAPEINGAND PRESENT THEIR FINDINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS OF ANY
CHANGES: NERDED' yo. ENHANCE! PUBLIC SAFETY, CREATINGA STEERING
approvean Oswegatchie Firs Bullding Commiittse was facilitated by the fact
provided: As you ate aware this teport has tievér beet stibiiitted to the Tawi
8. Tho RtMdecidedwithoutithe bénefitof a report troi the Fire Services Review
‘Speclat Committee, which was established by the RTM on June 7,2021,to xo.
forwatdwith a raw fire house at Oswepatchle By nevhaving this report wehave.
filaced the cart before the horse by: dosighing’a riew lire house before obtaining

4. The Building Committee was formed on 2/6/23 with the specific instruction ta
“REPAIR. OR REPLACE”. This was understood to consider the cost of renovating
thé existing building versus building a new building. At a subsequent RTM
meeting that was changed by majority vote that the new meaning was to
“REPAIR AS NECESSARY THE EXISTING BUILDING UNTIL THE NEW BUILDING IS
COMPLETED”.
5, Jonathan Mutien, Planning Director, provided us with the.attactied Population
Projections which shows that the population in Waterford will decrease
between now and 2040. See attached.
6. The proposed design, approved by the Fire House Building committee, includes
3 drive through bays. The cast of this additional bay is approximately $41 0,000;
a Only 2 drive through bays are needed based upon the present and future
needs. .
b. There are existing unused indoor parking spaces for? additional vehicles in
the other 4 fire houses. ;
c. According to Director of Fire: Sarvices, Michaet Howley, there are no plans
for the next 10- year's to add any additional vehicles.
d. The existing structure is°16,000 square feet in size versus the proposed new
building which is 10,000 square feet in size.
e. The-exiting building adequately houses 4 pieces of apparatus, the same for
the proposed fire,
7. The proposed plans have included the following luxury.items:
a. Heated floor stab with the garage bays.
The.cost is $181,000 plus 15% general conditions, overhead and profit, and
5% for contingency for a total costof $ 217,000.
There is already in the design a redundant gas fired forced air heating system
which is adequate to heat the entire garage. This is the same system thatis.
being used in our Municipat Garage. This is included in the budget.
; Providing 3 bi-folding garage at the front of the building versus 3 typical
rolling overhead doors. Cost for the bi-fold door is estimated to be $ 108,000
versus rolling overhead doors estimated to he $ 36,000. These figures
include the 15% for general contractors overhead/ profit plus 5% for
contingency. This is included inthe budget.
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Lbrma
8.
9.
CPB GAS
The existing poor salt conditions for
for the placement ofthe new building
foundation requires an. additional. $300,000 including: General Contractors 15%
fée for overhead/profit plus 5% contingency. The entite: footprint of the building
has'to he excavated toa dept-of 6’ and the material removed from the site.
Additionally, 4’ of structural fill has to be installed inthe excavation before the
foundation can be backditled. | do‘not believe that this cast is not included in
the budget, :
The existing traffic light may have to be relocated due to the new location. of the
building at an additional cost of $ 600,000. The Chief of Police will make a
‘decision to keep the existing light or install a hew one after he reviews the Une
of site along the Boston Post Road, This cost is $600,000 including the General
Contractor's fee of 15% and.5% contingency. This potential cost is not included
in the budget. -
Personal note to the BOR J urge you to review these facts before you east your
vote on the motion to approve funding / bonding for this project based on a
budget number versus actual cost.
‘Ted Olynciw, RTM Representative, 2“ District and RTM Appointed Member
To the Oswegatchie Building Committee
62 Twin Lakes Drive, Waterford, CY. 06385

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
PHONE: 860-442-0553
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
www.waterfordct Gig
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PUBLIC HEALTH, RECREATION AND ENVIRONMENT STANDING COMMITTEE OF
THE RTM COMMITTEE REPORT
Review of Feral Cat Management, RTC 12/05/2022
Review of Creation of a Special Revenue Fund, RTC 04/07/2025
Background
At the RTM Regular Meeting on December 5, 2023 following public comment and
discussion The RTM voted unanimously to refer the” Review of Feral Cat Management”
and on April 7, 2025 they voted to refer “Review of Creation of a Special Revenue
Fund” to the Public Health Recreation & Environment Standing Committee of the RTM
Summary
This committee met January 30, 2023, July 12, 2023 April 16, 2025 in regard to
“Review of Feral Cat Management”. The committee heard from a member of the
public at the January 30 2023 meeting regarding their concern for the feeding of feral
cats. The committee reviewed current state legislation regarding feral cat management
and submitted questions for review to the Chief of Police and the Animal Control Officer
at subsequent meetings.
The Committee met April 16, 2025 in regard to “Review of Creation of a Special
Revenue Fund” with Assistant Director of Recreation and Parks Timothy Cieplik and
heard from members of the public who represented the town’s co-sponsored Little
League program. The committee found that there is a significant need for additional
support for our towns co-sponsored recreation programs.
’ Recommendations
At the April 16, 2025 meeting the committee unanimously recommended the following
issues out of committee with no action taken.
Review of Feral Cat Management, RTC 12/05/2022
The committee felt that the issue of “feral cat management” was not widespread or
rose to the level that would require action through ordinance. The committee also notes
that there haven't been significant complaints of feral cat issues heard by the committee

since the item was referred.
Review of Creation of a Special Revenue Fund, RTC 04/07/2025
The committee also recommends to report the item “Review of Creation of a Special
Revenue Fund” out of committee after with a recommendation the RTM recommends
to report to the full RTM that they direct the finance Director, in conjunction with the
board of Finance, to review the issue, and move forward with establishing a special
revenue account to address Hoelck Park field rental and maintenance.
Attachments
Minutes and supporting documents available online and/or by request.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Bono
Committee Chair