Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - Minutes - 04/07/2025

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
MINUTES
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING
Regular Meeting
April 7, 2025
RTM Moderator Paul Goldstein called the April 7, 2025 Annual Meeting of the Representative Town
Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Kyrah Augmon-Bossa, Michael Bono, Mark Campo (Speaker Phone), Mary Childs, Harry
Colonis, Timothy Condon, Thomas J. Dembek, Susan Driscoll, Timothy Fioravanti, Paul Goldstein, Kristen
Gonzalez, Narciss Greene, Ryan Healy, Christina Jessuck, Matthew Keatley, Lindsay Khan, Kate
MacKenzie, Shawn Monahan, Ursula Moreshead, Kayla Mullen, Kathleen Mullen Kohl, Danielle Steward-
Gelinas, David Sugrue
ABSENT: Jennifer Bracciale, Erica Casper, Theodore Olynciw
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 Richard Muckle, Selectman Greg Attanasio ,Board of
Education Chair Pat Fedor, Board of Finance Chair Glenn Patterson
ALSO PRESENT: Town Clerk David L. Campo; Town Attorney Nicholas Kepple; Director of Finance Kim
Allen.
AGENDA ITEM C — February 3, 2025 Minutes
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2025
Meeting of the RTM..
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence was received: American Rescue Plan Report from Finance Director Kim
Allen; Board of Education Quarterly Report; request from Waterford Little League to explore the
creation of a revenue fund to offset maintenance; recommendations for Utility and Senior Citizens’
Commission appointments; letter from resident, Teresa Wilensky, in support of Item 5; a letter from
Robert Tuneski, Chair of the Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee, in regard to the cost of a
third bay at the Oswegatchie Fire Station; Updates from the Planning and Zoning Commission; Copies of
existing contracts from private organizations from First Selectman Robert Brule. Copies of
correspondence can be obtained through the office of the Town Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following residents spoke in favor of maintaining the morning lap swim program at Waterford High
1 RTM MINUTES 04/07/2025

School: Robert Kyne, Jr., Ph.D. (See Attachment}, 18 Dimmock Rd, Waterford; Peter Colonis, 15 Baldwin
Dr, Waterford; Alan Briggs, 16 Quaker Ln, Quaker Hill; Laura Luna, 3 Winthrop Ct, Waterford; Frank
Burchell, 21 Jordan Terrace, Waterford.
The following residents spoke in favor of item 3, Library HVAC Upgrade: Laurie Wolfley, 15 Anita Ave,
Waterford, who also noted the importance of addressing the HVAC on the lower level; Courtney Engel,
21 Westwood Ave, Waterford, who also noted that the late start time for RTM Meetings do not allow
some residents to attend due to family obligations.
Resident and Tax Collector Alan Wilensky, 10 Melanie Dr, Waterford, spoke in favor of Item 5.
Resident and Waterford Littie League President Brianna Hogarty spoke in favor of the the creation of a
revenue fund to offset maintenance costs at the Little League fields.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Verbal reports as to status and future meeting dates were given by RTM Standing Committee Chairs.
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley to accept the reports.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
APPOINTEE & LIAISON REPORTS
Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee appointee report from Ted Olynciw. (See Attachment) Fire
Services Review Special Committee Member Tim Condon noted that the committee was active and
moving forward.
CALL ITEM 1 ~- Senior Citizens Commission Appointments
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas’, seconded by Keatley, to consider and act on three appointments to the
Senior Citizen Commission. (Term 04/07/2025 — 04/03/2028)
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
NOMINATION by Steward-Gelinas to reappoint Richard Beany, 33 Greentree Dr, to the Senior Citizens
Commission.
NOMINATION by Steward-Gelinas to reappoint Joyce Vlaun, 12 Wallace St, to the Senior Citizens
Commission.
NOMINATION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to appoint Cathy Gonyo, 35 Pepperbox Rd, to
the Senior Citizens Commission.
NOMINATION by Driscoll to reappoint Thomas Kennedy Jr, 105 Boston Post Rd, to the Senior Citizens
Commission.
VOTING IN FAVOR of RICHARD BEANEY: Bono, M. Campo, Childs, Colonis, Condon, Dembek, Fioravanti,
Goldstein, Gonzalez, Healy, Jessuck, Keatley, Khan, MacKenzie, Monahan, Moreshead, Mullen, Mullen
Kohl, Seward-Gelinas, Sugrue
VOTING AGAINST: Augmon-Bossa, Driscoll
ABSTAINED: Greene
RICHARD BEANEY APPOINTED: 20-2-1
VOTING IN FAVOR of JOYCE VLAUN: Augmon-Bossa, Bono, M. Campo, Childs, Condon, Dembek, Driscoll
Fioravanti, Goldstein, Gonzalez, Greene, Healy, Jessuck, Keatley, Khan, MacKenzie, Monahan,
Moreshead, Mullen, Mullen Kohl, Steward-Gelinas, Sugrue
VOTING AGAINST: Colonis
JOYCE VLAUN APPOINTED: 22-1-0
2 RTM MINUTES 04/07/2025

VOTING IN FAVOR of CATHY GONYO: Bono, M. Campo, Colonis, Condon, Dembek, Goldstein, Healy,
Jessuck, Keatley, MacKenzie, Monahan, Moreshead, Steward-Gelinas, Sugrue
VOTING AGAINST: Childs, Driscoll, Fioravanti, Gonzalez, Greene, Khan, Mullen, Mullen Kohl
CATHY GONYO APPOINTED: 14-8-0
No additional votes taken since all three seats were filled.
CALL ITEM 2 — Seniors Citizens’ Commission Appointment
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Colonis, to consider and act on an appointment to the Senior
Citizen Commission due to the resignation of Kent Ward. (Term 04/01/2024 — 04/05/2027)
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
NOMINATION by Keatley, seconded by Condon, to appoint Marilyn Lusher, 6 Williamsburg Dr, to the
Senior Citizens’ Commission.
NOMINATION by Driscoll, seconded by Childs, to appoint Thomas Kennedy Jr., 12 Wallace St, to the
Senior Citizens’ Commission.
VOTING IN FAVOR of MARILYN LUSHER: Bono, M. Campo, Colonis, Condon, Dembek, Goldstein, Healy,
Jessuck, Keatley, MacKenzie, Monahan, Moreshead, Steward-Gelinas, Sugrue
VOTING AGAINST: Augmon-Bossa, Childs, Driscoll, Fioravanti, Gonzalez, Greene, Khan, Mullen, Mullen
Kohl
MARILYN LUSHER APPOINTED: 14-9-0
No additional votes taken since the seat was filled.
RTM Member M. Campo left
CALL ITEM 3 — Library HVAC Upgrade
PRESENTATION: Director of Public Works Gary Schneider , Library Director Christine Johnson
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to approve a recommendation from the Board of
Finance for an additional appropriation of $505,078 from the Unassigned Fund Balance of the General
Fund to Line# 20536-57848 (Library HVAC Upgrade) to upgrade the Waterford Public Library HVAC
system.
Lengthy discussion ensued.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to designate the above motion as emergency
legislation in order to have the HVAC replacement project started by the end of the summer.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 4: ROV Primary Expenses
PRESENTATION: Registrars of Voters Bigi Ebbin & Patti Waters
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Steward-Gelinas, to approve recommendation from the Board of
Finance for an additional appropriation of $10,272 from the Unassigned Fund Balance of the General
Fund to Line# 10102-51320 ($8,924) and Line# 10102-51920 ($1,348) to cover expenses incurred in the
August 13, 2024 Primary that aren’t covered in the yearly budget.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
3 RTM MINUTES 04/07/2025

CALL ITEM 5 — Salaries of Elected Officials
PRESENTATION: Finance, Wage & Personnel Standing Committee Chair Harry Colonis
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to approve a recommendation from the Finance,
Wage & Personnel Standing Committee of the RTM to annually increase elected official salaries by the
percentage approved for non-union management effective July 1, 2025 to align salary increases.
Discussion ensued about possible conflicts with the State of Connecticut Constitution. (See Attachment)
MOTION by Condon, seconded by Steward-Gelinas to table until the June meeting of the RTM.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 6 — Utility Commission Appointments
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to consider and act on three appointments to the
Utility Commission. (Term 04/01/2025 — 03/31/2029
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
NOMINATION by Driscoll, seconded by Gonzalez, to reappoint Raymond Valentini, 139 Old Colchester
Rd, to the Utility Commission.
NOMINATION by Steward Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to reappoint Rodney Pinkham, 54 Rope Ferry
Rd, to the Utility Commission.
NOMINATION by Steward Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to reappoint Thomas Dembek, 56 Goshen Rd,
to the Utility Commission.
VOTING IN FAVOR of all three: 21-0-1 (Dembek abstained)
NEW BUSINESS:
Moderator Paul Goldstein notified the body that information provided by First Selectman Robert Brule
in regard to Waterford ordinance 3.04.070 as requested by RTM member Susan Driscoll would be
scanned and sent out to members for review and for possible referral in June.
The body discussed the letter submitted by Waterford Little League President Brianna Hogarty. (See
Attachment)
MOTION by Condon, seconded by Steward-Gelinas, to refer the matter “Creation of a Special Revenue
Fund” to the Public Health, Recreation & Environment Standing Committee of the RTM.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to adjourn at 8:20 P.M.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
Respectfully Submitted,
David L. Campo, CCTC
_ Waterford Town Clerk
4 RTM MINUTES 04/07/2025

MEMORANDUM
From: Robert E. Kyne, Jr., Ph.D.
RECEIVED FOR RECORD
coi
CLERK
18 Dimmock Road, Waterford, CT 06385 WATERFORD, CT
(860) 460-0513 | rekyne@gmail.com 1015 APR-81A % 2b
|
To: Representative Town Meeting | Town of Waterford | April 7, 2025
Re: Elimination of morning lap swim from FY26 Recreation & Parks budget
Moderator Goldstein, Majority Leader Steward-Gelinas, Minority Leader Driscoll, Clerk
Campo & Members of the RTM:
While the FY26 budget from the Recreation & Parks Department is not on this
evening’s agenda, | wanted to take this opportunity to highlight an issue that has been
working its way through various town boards & commissions over the last month:
Specifically, the elimination of morning lap swim from the FY26 Parks budget in its current
form, which you will vote on next month. Due to fiscal, constraints morning lap swim had
rather suddenly been slated for cancellation in March, however a strong contingent of
patrons and life guards presented themselves at the March 5", 2025 Board of Finance
meeting to speak in support of this long-standing programming—with an offer of partnership
in identifying a win-win funding scenario for the dedicated patrons and the town.
Since that BoF meeting, | have been very gratified for the engagement of the town at
every level. Parks Director McNamara and his staff, in coordination with various offices in
Town Hall, was able to adjust hours and staffing at the pool such that morning lap swim could
continue through the end of FY25 while a longer-term solution is identified. We had a strong
showing at the March 25" Recreation & Parks Commission meeting as well, which led to
further productive discussions with Director McNamara and Mr. Cieplik. | attended the
March 31% RTM special meeting where | learned that, whether it is through motor vehicle
taxes or an increase in the mill rate, our taxes in town will go up—the national and local fiscal
environment is getting tighter in the immediate term, that much is certain. Of note, ours is
the only town-owned poolin eastern Connecticut that does not charge an annual or monthly
membership fee to all users (open swim, lap swim, water aerobics etc), and we have enjoyed
this privilege and benefit for 40 years now, since the pool was built. Happily, Town Clerk
Campo, upon reviewing the town ordinances and conferring with his colleagues at the BoE,
was able to determine that there is no prohibition on charging pool patrons for access, which
provides a potential path forward for all involved.
Kyne | RTTM | April 7, 2025

MEMORANDUM
Over the next several weeks, this group of taxpayers will work with the Parks
Department to identify a FY26 funding proposal to keep morning lap swim going which will
include a user fee. This will allow all patrons of the pool to chip in and ensure we are getting
the most out of our beautiful aquatic facitity, while minimizing the burden on the taxpayers
at large. The Town and patrons are extremely fortunate to have dedicated lifeguards who
_ Show up well before dawn five days a week in support of this programming—there would be
no morning swim without them. As this updated cost structure and funding proposal is not
in the budget as approved by the Board of Finance for your review next month, the Parks
Department will need to bring a special funding request forward to the Board of Selectmen
and Board of Finance. Should we be successful at those levels, and the funding request to
keep morning lap swim afloat comes before this RTM, my hope is that you will vote in favor
of what our industrious morning lap swim patrons consider to be a vital town offering.
| wanted to bring this to your attention this evening so that, over the next month
leading up to the departmental budget reviews and approvals by the RTM, should you have
any questions or concerns, we could discuss them in advance. It has thus far been an
outstanding experience working with the town on this issue, | hope to see a funding request
come before you for consideration prior to July 1° to keep us in the pool without interruption.
Most mornings during the week, you can find me at the pool from 5:15-6:15 AM. Otherwise,
feel free to reach out to me at my email or phone listed at the top of this memo. Included in
this packet for your review and consideration are the minutes from the BoF meeting held on
March 5", as wellas the memo | presented to the Recreation & Parks Commission on March
25", Thank you for your time this evening.
Best Regards,
Attachments:
1) Board of Finance Meeting Minutes, March 5, 2025
2) Recreation & Parks Commission Meeting Memo from R.E. Kyne, Jr., March 25, 2025
a. Official minutes not posted as of April 6, 2025
Kyne | RTM | April 7, 2025

APPOINTEE REPORT — OSWEGATCHIE FIRE HOUSE
DATED April 2, 2025
1. The Building Committee reaffirmed its decision that the proposed
new Oswegatchie Fire House will have 3 drive-thru bays during its
meeting on March 4",
2. The Building Committee decided to reimburse Oswegatchie
Volunteer Fire Company the amount of $2,500 for their legal
expenses in transferring the fire house property to the Town.
3. The Architects plans were approved by the Conservation and Design
Review Commissions as well from Planning & Zoning in March.
4, The Committee decided to provide the RTM with the actual cost of
the project by competitive bidding versus the Project Manager’s
budget when it applies for bonding this project.
Total spend as of 4/1/ 25 -$301,453
Ted Olynciw, RTM Rep. to the Building Committee
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March 13, 2025
Moderator of RTM
c/o David Campo, Town Clerk
Waterford Little League (WLL) has maintained two complexes, our main complex on
Gardiners Wood Rd (South) and a second complex adjacent to Quaker Hill Elementary
School (North), for the past several decades. In total, our league volunteers maintain
seven fields, as well as concession stands, press boxes, dugouts, bathrooms and
numerous other structures all while paying for all utilities associated with both complexes.
WLL simply does not have enough volunteers, funding or resources to continue to
maintain both complexes. We have explored many options including town assistance and
outsourcing all maintenance at our North complex, both of which are not feasible.
The Town of Waterford Park and Rec Department currently makes fields at the North
complex available for rent for a fee to teams/groups outside of WLL. The WLL board
respectfully requests that the RTM explore a special revenue fund in which money
generated by rental income for use of North fields be made available to WLL to offset the
cost of maintaining the complex.
Sincerely,
Prinnnn Hogarty
Brianna Hogarty
:;
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President
president@wilct.org
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