Ledyard Town Council Roundup

Ledyard Town Councilor David Holdridge, who is chairman of the Tri-Town Trail Committee, formed by the Town of Groton, Ledyard and Preston, told fellow councilors this week he is frustrated by the Groton City Council’s failure to grant the committee an audience.

The committee is trying to get permission for a public trail to go through reservoir property in Groton and Ledyard, all of which belongs to the City of Groton. “It seems quite plain to me that this is stonewalling,” Holdridge said.

But Holdridge said he saw an opportunity, now that the water contract between Ledyard and the City of Groton is about to expire. He said the new agreement should include a clause stipulating that there be more “give and take” in negotiations between Ledyard and the City of Groton.

“We’ve got to use some brinksmanship here,” Holdridge said. “Put this paragraph in there. Be ready to stand firm.”

The council later approved a motion authorizing Mayor Fred B. Allyn Jr. to apply for a $200,000 Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant. The town of Groton also has applied and hopes to use the money to develop a section between Route 1 and the Mystic Marriott. Ledyard could use the money to begin developing the trail inside the Clark Farm Property.

Jazzercise Classes

In other other business, Councillor Mary McGrattan gave an update on the ongoing dispute over Jazzercise classes at the Ledyard Senior Center. She said she had spoken with the Parks and Recreation Commission about access to the space inside the center, currently being used after-hours by a Jazzercise class. The two groups plan to meet Tuesday, Aug. 30, to work toward a resolution.

Police for Hire

Councilor Jim Diaz recommended that the town increase the rate it charges corporations like AT&T and CL&P when they use Ledyard police to direct traffic at construction sites. The current rate is $75 an hour, which Diaz said does not cover the full cost. He proposed that the rate be increased to $100 an hour, noting the $45 an hour officer’s salary and the cost of cars, as well as potential insurance costs.

He suggested that agreements needed to be written rather than verbal. “I think that the process has to be formalized,” said Diaz.

Asbestos Abatement

Diaz also reported that the town has finished removing asbestos from the High School Science Lab and from Gallup Hill School in time for students’ first day back on Aug. 31. Gallup Hill School also had a new set of ceiling tiles installed.

“The difference in the look of the school is amazing,” Diaz said.

Unsocial Networking

Finally, Diaz referenced a recent column in Ledyard Patch that described how a local girl was victimized on Facebook. He recommending that everyone read it to be aware of the network’s hazards. “I’m very anti-social networking,” Diaz said. 

Leave it to Beavers

Councilor Linda Davis said a meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 30, between Public Works Director Steve Massalin and the Lamb family of Lambtown Road, along with their attorney, to discuss possible steps to deal with beavers that are threatening to flood the road.

Paving Project 

Soon after the Ledyard Fair, residents can expect roadwork along Route 214, which is scheduled for repaving. The town expects the work to continue until the first week of October, when the next paving job begins in on Route 117.

Hope and a Prayer

The mayor’s report included an update on Hurricane Irene. Mayor Allyn has been working with the town’s Emergency Management Director Sean McGuckin about preparations for the storm. “We’re hoping that it swings,” Allyn said of Irene.