741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339-1551

(860) 464-3203

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Town Council

council@ledyardct.org

Meeting Minutes

Chairman Gary St. Vil

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

7:00 PM

Town Hall Council Chambers

In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex

Remote: Information noted below:

Join Zoom Meeting from your Computer, Smart Phone or Tablet:

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Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 899 7732 2259; Passcode: 807991

CALL TO ORDER

IC.hairman St. Vil called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers, Town

Hall Annex Building.

Chairman St. Vil welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. He stated for the members of the

Town Council and the Public who were participating via video conference that the

remote meeting information was available on the Agenda that was posted on the Town’s

Website - Granicus-Legistar Meeting Portal.

II.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

III.

Town Councilor William Barnes

Town Councilor April Brunelle

Town Councilor Jessica Buhle

Town Councilor Ty Lamb

Present:

Town Councilor Adrienne Parad

Town Councilor James Thompson

Chairman Gary St. Vil

Town Councilor Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Town Councilor Tim Ryan

Excused:

IV.

PRESENTATIONS

None.

RESIDENT & PROPERTY OWNERS (COMMENTS LIMITED TO THREE (3)

MINUTES

Mr. M. Dave Schroeder, Jr., 290 Whalehead Road, Gales Ferry, commented on the

following:

· Supported the proposed “Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and

Ethics Commission”.

· By-Right Approvals -Mr. Schroeder expressed concern that changes to the Zoning

Regulations have fundamentally altered the future of their town, such as allowing for “By-Right

Approvals” and 50 foot building heights; without meaningful public input. He noted that those

decisions become political issues whether the Planning & Zoning Commission recognized them as

such. He stated By-Right Approvals remove the public from the process entirely. Mr.

Schroeder stated that these changes carry real consequences. They risk fueling public

opposition not only to large-scale development, but also to related initiatives like sewer

expansion and infrastructure investment, because residents feel they have lost any

meaningful voice in shaping what their community becomes. He stated once projects were

approved there was no going back.

· Route 12 Corridor Development Corridor Study - Mr. Schroeder stated that both the

initial public outreach and the follow-up survey responses showed there was little local

support for the type of large-scale, high-density multifamily development now allowed by

Ledyard’s Zoning Regulations; and being contemplated by developers almost to the

exclusion of any other use. He stated that residents have consistently called for sidewalks,

pedestrian safety, beautification, preservation of green space, modest commercial growth,

and village-scale improvements-the very qualities that have in fact already been implemented

successfully in Ledyard Center. He noted a few years ago this area was a designated as the

Gales Ferry Village District.

· Reinstate the Village District Protections and Design Guidelines for Ledyard Center and

Gales Ferry - Mr. Schroder noted the Village District Regulations were removed, and

residents want them back; not to stop growth, but to guide it responsibly. Mr. Schroeder

stated the Village Districts and special-permit review were proven tools that help to manage

building scale and design, balance competing interests, and support growth that benefits

residents, businesses, developers, and the town's tax base alike.

· Gales Ferry's Historic Village Center - Mr. Schroeder stated the Gales Ferry Cetner

remained an underutilized economic and cultural asset. He stated its waterfront setting,

historic character, and ties to Mount Decatur and the War of 1812 gives it unique potential

if it was properly protected and planned thoughtfully.

Separate Planning Commission and Separate Zoning Commission - Mr. Schroder asked the

Town Council to formally consider separating the Planning and Zoning Commission into two

distinct and separate commissions so that they can function as intended. He stated that he

hoped a subcommittee or working group could examine this issue in a timely way.

Mr. Schroder concluded his comments by thanking the Town Council for their time and

continued service to the Town.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

None.

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

Councilor Barnes noted his comments at the Town Council’s January 14, 2026 meeting

regarding the Pledge of Allegiance. He stated the Pledge of Allegiance was included on the

Town Council’s Agenda for the following reasons: (1) To come together as a community to

make a commitment as a group regardless of their party; and (2) The Agenda provides the

opportunity to share comments about what was happening in the world separately from the

Pledge of Allegiance. He asked that Council Members to consider doing that during the

afforded comment period. He concluded his comments by asking for just a few moments that

all nine Council Members join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and their commitment to

their country and not a political party.

Councilor Brunelle addressed her decision not to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

She stated that she did not sit down because she was against their country or because of her

political party. She stated that she sits down because she did not want to say the lines “For

Liberty and Justice for All” when they were not being upheld. She stated another man died

this week, noting on January 7, 2026 Renee Good died; and on January 24, 2026 Alex Pretti,

an American citizens who was working as intensive care nurse for the United States

Department of Veterans Affairs was killed. She stated that there has been no investigation

into the two Immigration Custom Enforcement (ICE) Agents Jesus Ochoa and Raymundo

Gutierrez. She stated that this was not “Liberty and Justice for All. She read a statement

from Mr. Rogers as follows: “Loving Yourself and Loving your Neighbors”, “You know, the

toughest thing is to love somebody who has done something mean to you. Especially when

that somebody has been yourself. Have you ever done anything mean to yourself? Well it's

very important to look inside yourself and find that loving part of you”.

Councilor Thompson stated as he attempted to articulate at the Town Council’s January 14,

2026 meeting, that you can love something and be disappointed in it. He stated those were

not mutually exclusive concepts. He stated that he loved his country, noting that he grew up

saying the Pledge of Allegiance each morning at the start of the school day. He stated that he

did not understand that there could be such an active and frequent betrayal of what the words

in the Pledge of Allegiance stand for. He noted as Councilor Brunelle mentioned since the

last Town Council meeting that following has occurred:

· A man was shot ten times for trying to assist a woman who had been knocked down by a

very aggressive, heavily armed, poorly trained, and poorly regulated Police Force.

· A small child was used as bait to lure their parents out of their house, noting that the

child has been sent off to who knows where.

· An Immigration Custom Enforcement (ICE) Agent was recorded on camera saying to a

peaceful protestor “If you raise your voice to me I will erase your voice”.

Councilor Thompson stated that he was having trouble rationalizing what line within the

Pledge of Allegiance supported these things. He stated that he did not sit down during the

Pledge of Allegiance because he hated his country, he stated that he was sitting down

because he loved his country. He stated what they were seeing right now was not what this

Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance stands for.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated as we all have seen in news and other sources, two

American citizens have died at the hands of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Agents. There is a lot of despair and angst amongst many. There have been reports of

American citizens that are Latinos and Native Americans that have been detained by ICE and

only released when they were able to prove that they were US citizens. Last year, there was a

case in Wisconsin of a grandmother from Puerto Rico that was talking in Spanish with her

daughter and granddaughter. An ICE heard them and the three were detained and later

released when they were able to prove that they were American citizens.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry went on to state in September 2025, the Supreme Court said that

U.S Immigration Officers could make investigative stops based on several factors such as

apparent race or ethnicity, speaking Spanish, or speaking English with an accent. Based on

this ruling any US citizen with those characteristics can be stopped and asked to prove that

they are legally here in this country. She stated because of her race and ethnicity, and

because she speaks Spanish, and because she speaks English with an accent that she could

be stopped and be required to prove that she was a US citizen. She stated that she was a 4th

Generation American, noting that her family has been US citizens for almost 110 years,

longer than some politicians in this country whose legal status was never questioned.

Meanwhile, she stated that her immigration status as well as her husband, her kids can be

questioned. She stated the Supreme Court was saying that Americans should look and speak

a certain way and anyone that deviates from those looks and way of speaking were not how

Americans should look. She stated that being of a certain race or ethnicity means that as an

American she does not get to enjoy the same rights and benefits that others do; and that she

has been told by some that she should be okay with that.

She stated when she expressed this to a former Board of Education member and candidate

during the last election, his answer was the following: “Available data showed that: (1) The

vast majority of homicides involving Hispanic victims in the US were committed by 84% of

other civilians - primarily other Hispanics - not police or other races; and (2) Intimate

partner violence & community violence account for the largest share of overall deaths in the

Hispanic community. So stop being scared of the police or other races by listening to liberal

fake media and you need to be more worried about walking through a Hispanic community

.If you don’t believe me just do a little research before you take your next vacation.”

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that this resident didn’t only double down on his comments;

he also made a similar claim regarding Black people noting that they said: “54.2% of all

homicides are most frequently Black or African American accounting for 54.2% of cases

where race is known. Furthermore, Black males aged 15-24 & 25-44 have the highest

homicide rates by a substantial margin”, so I guess stating facts is racist but blaming whites

& police who are minimal isn’t.”

Councilor Garica-Irizarry stated that she would like to explain a few things to this resident

and anyone else that thinks like him. She stated that Puerto Ricans have been US citizens for

almost 110 years, noting in 1898, the United States of America was at war with Spain in

what was called the Spanish-American War. She stated that Spain gave its sovereignty over

Puerto Rico to the United States of America; noting in other words, Puerto Rico was part of

the War’s Bounty. She went on to note in 1917, thanks to the Jones Act, that Puerto Ricans

were granted US Citizenship; which was almost a 117 years ago. She stated the main

language in Puerto Rico was Spanish and they speak English with an accent because that’s

usually what happens when people speak multiple languages, and didn’t grow up speaking

that 2nd, 3rd, or 4th language.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry addressed the resident’s comment that she mentioned regarding

statistics noting the following: (1) In Puerto Rico, almost a 100% of the crime was Hispanic

on Hispanic because the population is almost 100% Hispanic; (2) If they go to a rural

community in which the population is almost 100% white, the statistics would say in that

community most of the crime was white on white. She stated the thing about statistics and

other scientific data was that in itself that it does not tell you anything. The data has to been

interpreted and conclusions have been derived from it. She stated if one only sees the race

and the ethnicity of a community as problem, that to put it politely, they have certain biases,

noting that other factors such as social, economic, mental health, and educational do not

even cross the minds of some. She stated being from one race or another; or one ethnicity or

another was not the cause of crime.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the resident she mentioned was not the only one she has

heard these types of comments from. She stated that a former Town Council Candidate told

her that she should be okay with her citizenship being questioned because she had an accent.

She noted that another resident basically equated her life to the value of a car, noting that the

resident stated: “If police were looking for a suspect connected to a crime and the

description included the make and model of her car, that she might be stopped simply

because she drove that type of vehicle.” Councilor Garcia stated that human beings were not

cars, noting that the Police might stop you because of the looks of your car, which was a

material object that could be replaced, stating that material things do not have feelings or

dignity. She stated when you specifically get stopped by ICE in cases where there were no

indications at all that you might be an undocumented immigrant, then what is the reason for

the stop? After all, the Supreme Court says that her looks make her a prime candidate to be

questioned.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry shared a story noting that years ago, she traveled from San Diego,

California to Tijuana. She stated while going through immigration a British lady ahead of

them was told by the Immigration Officer to keep going without asking her to see her papers;

or asking her any questions at all, noting that he just looked at her and said keep going. She

noted the British lady was not a US citizen, but that she and her friends, who were US

citizens were stopped and questioned. She stated during the questioning, the Immigration

Officer asked them what they were doing in California to which they responded that they

were at an American Chemical Society Conference. She stated the Immigration Office

responded to them saying that his advice was not to cook any drugs in their basement. She

stated the British lady that was not a US citizen was treated with more dignity than she and

her friends were.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry continued by stating that her Uncle was drafted for the Vietnam

War and not only did he do his mandatory duty back then, but he also volunteered to go on a

second tour, during which he did not come back alive to his family. She stated that her Uncle

did not sacrifice his life so his family was told that they should be okay with being targeted

due to their looks and that they should be okay with it. She stated that you would think that

20 years later, things would be different. However, she stated that they were not. She stated

that she has been told that she should be carrying her passport everywhere she goes and that

her sons should be carrying their passports and documents with them at their Middle School

and High School; and that they should be willing to do this even though others do not have

to.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry explained that Puerto Ricans were Hispanic/Latino stating that

being Hispanic was not a race; that it was an ethnicity. She stated that Hispanics were white,

brown, black, and many other shades in between. She stated that families have members of

all colors and heritage from almost everywhere in the world. She stated if anyone was

interested, that she could show them her Ancestry DNA results. She stated that they were

living in times in which empathy was becoming harder and harder to find. She stated that

some people were okay with others being killed just for protesting or helping another human

being to get up from the floor after being pushed violently to the ground.

Councilor Garcia-Irizary stated that the question for everyone today was: “Are we okay with

asking citizens that look a certain way to carry their passports everywhere they go so they

can prove to others that they were citizens; and what else were they going to be okay with

tomorrow?”

Councilor Lamb commented on the following:

· The events that were occurring in the Country today - Councilor Lamb stated that his

wife was an immigrant that came to the United States and went through the process to

become a US Citizen, noting that the process took about 15-years. He stated that he

concurred with Councilor Garcia-Irizarry’s comments. He stated being in the community of

Massachusetts,

and Connecticut that there were a lot of partially papered and undocumented immigrants. He

stated over the past 25-years he has been involved with this community in helping with

housing, furniture banks, reading legal documents, find sacred spaces, driving them to

hospitals, and English as second language classes. He stated that residents could get involved

with helping the immigrant community and that he could help others connect with people to

have these types of conversations. He noted as he has stated at past meetings that if they

continue to let the people on the hard right and hard left to drive the conversation that the

people in the middle who can empathize and work with each other was where they needed to

be.

· Potentially separating the Planning & Zoning Commission into two separate

Commissions - Councilor Lamb stated that he would like to see Chairman St. Vil assign this

initiative to one of the Town Council’s Subcommittees to look into.

· Spicer

Homestead Ruins Motion - Councilor Lamb stated at the Land

Use/Planning/Public Works Committee’s January 5, 2026 meeting the Committee

unanimously approved the following:

MOTION to recommend the Town Council appoint the Ledyard Historic District

Commission to conduct a study of the proposed Spicer Homestead Ruins and follow all

steps in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes; Chapter 7a; Section 7-147 (q)

“Procedures for Establishing a Historical Property”.

Therefore, Councilor Lamb questioned the process, stating that it was his understanding that

the Motion would be included on the Town Council Agenda for the nine members to discuss.

He stated that he would like some clarification regarding the process.

· Ledyard Fair - Councilor Lamb stated in early March there would be a Kick-Off Meeting

to look at establishing a 501(c ) non-profit status and bylaws, noting that this would be a

non-partisan effort and an opportunity for everyone to come together. He stated that his

intention was to be a facilitator, noting that eventually they would have a Ledyard Fair

Board.

Councilor Parad commented on the following:

· Recent snowstorm - Councilor Parad stated the January 18 - 19, 2026 snowstorm was a

block buster. She thanked the Public Works Department for their work to plow the roads;

and that she was thankful that the School Superintendent cancelled school for two-days and

their children were home and safe.

· Federal Health and Human Secretary - Councilor Parad stated at the Town Council’s

January 14, 2026 meeting that she alluded that there was be a divide between what the

Federal Government Center for Disease and Control (CDC) was pushing, versus the Medical

Society’s Publications. She stated as a Medical Doctor she would suggest that the public

follow the advice of the Medical Society, American Academy of Pediatrics, American

Academy of Family Physicians; and not the advice of the CDC. She stated that their Federal

Health and Human Secretary does not take science seriously; and therefore, it was important

that they listen to the doctors and nurses that were doing the work.

· The events that were occurring in their Country today - Councilor Parad noted the

personal stories that Councilors have shared this evening. She stated when she was a kid that

she put herself in the shoes of Anne Frank and the people around her, noting that she

imagined herself as every single person at that time. She stated that she imagined what she

would have done if she was a German citizen, or if she was in Amsterdam, or what she

would do if she was Jewish. She noted that she did not grow up Jewish, that she married into

it. She stated this was a time for them to look at where they were, stating that they were now

in those times. She stated that some may say that the comparisons were a stretch, but that

they were not. She stated if they looked at what Hitler and the Schutzstaffel (SS) were doing;

that today President Trump and the Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents were

doing the same thing to our citizens. She stated that she was a Veteran and that she does

stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, but that she felt the same way her fellow Councilors feel,

noting that she does it out of habit. She stated that she supported those who wanted to

exercise their rights of Free Speech, noting that the Second Amendment was now up for

question.

Councilor Buhle commented on the following:

· January 18 - 19, 2026 Snowstorm - Councilor Buhle stated she measured 14 inches of

snow, noting that her husband and neighbors helped clear some of their neighbors driveways,

stating that she was sure that this occurred in neighborhoods across the State. She thanked

the Public Works Department for their work to plow the roads, noting that the storm went on

for 48-hours. She also thanked anyone who went above and beyond to help a neighbor. She

stated that was what Mr. Rogers was about “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”. She stated it was

not just about helping people who look like you, or talk like you, or act like you, or vote for

who you vote for. She stated that it was about recognizing that your neighbor may need some

help; and that was the attitude that they all need to take.

· The events that were occurring in their Country today - Councilor Buhle stated being a

great neighbor was not enough, noting that they have to do what they can to help their

community. She read the following quote: “The World is a dangerous place to live, not

because of the people who were evil, but because of the people who do not do anything about

it”. Therefore, she stated when they see things that make them uncomfortable, angry, or

frustrated that they speak-up. She stated that what they allow becomes their standard, and

therefore, it was important that they speak-up. She stated by allowing others to erode the

rights that so many in our families have fought for, that Councilor Parad and Councilor

Barnes fought for, and her husband who was currently serving for. She stated that these were

rights they were afforded to people in America. She stated when they start eroding those

rights, that they have nothing, noting that they used to be so proud of their freedoms as

Americans. However, she stated now they were not allowed to help people in the street, or

allowed to question things. She stated that it was important that they continue to speak up

and say “This was not Okay”; and “It was okay to be unhappy with what they thought they

had voted for”. She stated it was okay to be unhappy and that they should be able to go to

the street and hold a sign and not hurt anyone. She stated that Protest was a right that they

were guaranteed in their Constitution, noting that they were allowed to be mad at their

Government. She concluded her comments by stating that she was disgusted by her

Government.

Chairman St. Vil noted the comments of his fellow Councilors this evening regarding the

events that were occurring in their Country today. He stated that some folks would distance

themselves from what was going on in the Federal Government. He stated that some have

said that the “Powers that Be Operate in D.C.”; without understanding that the Powers that

Be were setting up an environment where things were being allowed to happen, and

therefore, it was okay to treat others different because of their immigration status, because of

the color of their skin or the money in their bank account. He stated when he was growing up

he saw how his Father was treated differently, noting that he was an immigrant. He stated

that his Father would tell him “There was no other country like America”. However, he

stated there was a disconnect, because his Father would come home from work and tell his

Mother that he was called a “Token”; or that he was called the “N” word; and it was okay.

He stated that his Father would advocate for himself, and he would work harder, but

nonetheless, nothing changed; and that his Father continued to tell him : “There was no other

country like America”. Chairman St. Vil stated it was not right to continue to disconnect

themselves from the actions of the people in the Federal Government. He stated they had to

stand-up and they have to say something now because there were folks in their community

that were doing things to people in their community, that were similar to the things that were

done to his Dad. He stated that they think it was okay because the Powers that Be in

Washington D.C. have given them the environment for it to be okay. He stated that he agreed

that they needed to protest, and that there would be some who choose different ways to voice

and express themselves, noting that this defiantly needed to happen. He stated that Fredrick

Douglas stated: “If there was not struggle there was not progress. Power concedes nothing

without demand. It never did and it never will”.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the following Town Council Minutes

Special Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2026

Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2026

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

VOTE:8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications List - January 28, 2026

Chairman St. Vil noted that a Communications List has been provided on the meeting portal

for tonight’s meeting, and she noted there were referrals were listed.

RECEIVED AND FILED

RESULT:

REFERALS

XI.

COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS

Administration Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the Administration Committee met earlier this evening

noting that they discussed the following: (1) Proposed “Ordinance Establishing a Town of

Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission”; (2) Res#001-2023/Feb 22 “Resolution

Establishing Administrator Department Head Benefits; (3) “Resolution Establishing an Ad Hoc

Committee to Develop Process for Capital Improvement Building Projects” which would be

presented that the Town Council’s February 11, 2026 meeting; and (3) New Appointments -

Permanent Municipal Building Committee (PNBC); Beautification Committee, and Sustainable CT

Ad Hoc Committee.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Report- Fiscal Year

2025/2026

Councilor Brunelle stated the Committee would be meeting on January 29, 2026.

RESULT:

Finance Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Buhle noted the Finance Committee had a few items on tonight’s agenda that they

would discuss later in the meeting. She stated on February 4, 2026 the Finance Committee

has scheduled two meetings as follows: (1) Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m.; and (2) Special

Finance Committee between the Town Council and Board of Education at 5:30 p.m. She also

noted that the President has signed the Congressionally Spending Grant, noting that Ledyard

would be receiving the grant funding in the amount of $229,000 to replace the Ledyard

Dispatch Emergency Communications CAD/RMS System.

RESULT:

LUPPW Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Thompson stated the LUPPW Committee’s next meeting was scheduled for

February 2, 2026.

Chairman St. Vil addressed Councilor Lamb’s request for clarification regarding the Land

Use Planning/Public Works Committee’s Motion regarding the Spicer Homestead Ruins;

that he talked about during Councilor Comments earlier this evening. Chairman St. Vil

stated that last night he spoke with Councilor Lamb, who sponsored a draft motion to

appoint the Historic District Commission as a Historic Properties Study Committee under

CGS §7-147q.

Chairman St. Vil stated that he wanted to be transparent with everyone about why that

proposed motion from the Land Use/Planning/Public Works Subcommittee regarding the

Spicer Homestead was not on tonight’s agenda. He explained as Town Council Chairman

that he was responsible for managing the Town Council’s order of business and ensuring that

matters brought before the Council were orderly, procedurally sound, and ready for action.

He noted that Robert’s Rules of Order recognizes that the presiding officer manages the

order of business and helps ensure that the Town Council acts deliberately and with

sufficient information before it. He stated in this case, that he believed additional clarity was

needed before the Town Council acts.

Chairman St. Vil stated to be clear, that he agreed that CGS §7-147q was the appropriate

statutory framework for a single-site historic property, and he agreed that the Spicer

Homestead ruins meet that definition. He stated that this was not a disagreement about the

statute or the objective. He stated that his decision was about the timing and clarity;

specifically, whether the Town Council had enough information to act responsibly tonight.

Chairman St. Vil went on to state under §7-147q, that once the Town appointed a Historic

Properties Study Committee; including the appointment of the Historic District Commission

to that role; that the Town would initiate a formal statutory process. He stated that process

included required study elements, transmittal of materials to the state and local commissions

for comment, public notice requirements, a public hearing, and the potential for a future

ordinance establishing boundaries for a historic property. He stated at this point, there were

several foundational questions that he believed should be clearly understood before the Town

Council takes that formal step. He noted for example, the Town currently had a Survey

defining the Spicer Homestead site at approximately one-acre. However, the Land

Use/Planning/Public Works subcommittee materials reference a larger area, closer to

four-acres, and after reviewing the discussion, that he was not yet confident that the Mayor’s

Office and Town Staff were aligned on that revised boundary. He stated under §7-147q, that

the Study Committee’s Report must include a map showing the exact boundaries of the

proposed historic property, and the statute does not expressly limit those recommendations to

an existing survey unless the Town Council clearly sets that scope. He stated that this raises

the following reasonable questions for the Town:

Is the intent that the Study be limited to the Surveyed Parcel?

If so, how is that intent clearly reflected in the motion?

And if a broader boundary were recommended, what would that mean for the Town as

property owner - practically, financially, and procedurally?

Chairman St. Vil went on to note that there were also questions of process and sequencing -

specifically, what obligations were triggered for the Town once §7-147q was formally

invoked, and whether the Town Council was comfortable initiating that Statutory Process

without first addressing the scope and boundary considerations. He stated because those

questions have not yet been fully addressed, that he decided not to include the motion on

tonight’s agenda. He stated this decision was not a judgment on the substance of the

proposal. He stated that it was a determination that additional clarity would help the Town

Council act deliberately and with a shared understanding of the potential risks and

implications. He noted that the Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee Chairman

indicated an intent to meet with the Subcommittee next week to work through these

questions and return with a recommendation that clearly addressed the scope, boundaries,

and the Town Council’s intent.

He stated that once those questions were resolved; that he fully expected the item to return to

this Town Council for consideration. He stated until then, he believed it would be premature

to act this evening.

RESULT:

Liaison Reports

This was ..to the Town Council due back on 2/11/2026

RESULT:

XII. REPORT OF THE MAYOR

Mayor Report Fiscal Year 2025/2025

In Mayor Allyn’s, III, absence Councilor Buhle read his Report as follows: (1) Snowstorm -

January 18 - 19, 2026 - This snowstorm hit the town hard, budgetarily. The cost was $50,000

of which $31,000 was for Overtime, this was 20% of budgeted total. This year, more than

98% winter operations have occurred on overtime; with 75% of that being double time.

Councilor Buhle added that this was because the storms have been occurring on weekends

and holidays. Mayor Allyn’s report noted the January 25, 2026 snowstorm on Sunday was

another long duration event, which ate up another $40,000 of the Winter Operations Budget,

and that they were watching for possible a Nor’easter this coming Sunday; which was

expected to be another long-duration Sunday event expected. Therefore, the Fiscal Year

2025/2026 Winter Operations Budget was exhausted. Public Service Announcement #1:

Shoveling or snow blowing into streets was prohibited; (2) Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget

Preparation - The Departments submitted their proposed Budgets on January 20, 2025.

Meetings with Department Heads began today during which each line of every budget would

be reviewed along with the Department Heads justification; (3) Retirement Board January

20, 2026 Meeting - The Board recommended a $750,000 contribution to Pension Fund for

Fiscal Year 2026/2027. The minimum amount suggested by the town’s Pension

Professionals was $697,794. Ledyard’s Pension Funds were 90%+ funded (excellent

position); (4) Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) has approved

Ledyard’s $3.2M Local Transportation Capital Improvement Projects (LOTCIP) Grant for

the 2nd Lantern Hill Road Bridge. This was one of the Town’s Connecticut Institute for

Resilience and Climate Adaption (CIRCA) Flood Mitigation Zones. The approved Plan was

now headed to the Connecticut Department of Transpiration (CONNDOT) for a final design

approval and/or comment; (5) Driving during Inclement Conditions/ Winter Driving

Cautions - Public Service Announcement #2 : Slow down, start braking early, etc. Despite

Public Work’s efforts and large amounts of road salt, in extreme cold, the salt does not

cause the melting reaction that occurs at 20+ degrees. This means slick spots on the roads

would remain until some level of warming occurs.

Questions to the Mayor: None.

RESULT:

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Councilor Parad questioned during New Business this evening whether they could discuss an

email they received from a resident today, who had a significant injury while sledding.

Chairman St. Vil stated that he would entertain the discussion that Councilor Parad has

requested.

Councilor Parad stated that she was very alarmed that people were sledding in a very dangerous

way on their public property; noting that people were building ramps to

sled off. She stated that someone who was just planning to sled down the hill; and did not plan to

sled off a ramp, sled off a ramp that someone else built and ended up with a spinal fracture. She

stated the resident was requesting the town consider putting up a sign to ban people from putting

structures out there. Councilor Parad stated that she thought the resident’s request was

reasonable, noting that she did not like to see unsafe things happening on thier lands.

The Town Council discussed the situation Councilor Parad described as follows:

Chairman St. Vil stated the Middle School Property was under the cognizance of the Board of

Education. The email was forwarded to Board of Education Chairman Jennifer Reguin. The

Mayor also responded to the email stating that he would forward it to School Superintendent

Jason Hartlilng.

Councilor Buhle stated while she agreed with the request to post signage to prevent others from

building ramps and surprising parents, that it would be difficult to enforce, because kids were

going to build ramps for them and their friends to snowboard down, because they were kids and

they do not see the harm in it. She suggested signage designating areas for ramps and designating

areas for no ramps. She also suggested posting a sign that said, “Sled at your own risk”. She

stated that it was an unfortunate situation that someone was injured. She stated short of banning

the most popular hill in Ledyard for sledding; there was really not a good solution. She stated

that she agreed that this was a Board of Education issue.

Councilor Lamb stated that a sign would help to minimize liability. He stated they should

officially be On the Record saying “No Ramps”. He stated that there should be people who

monitor and if they see ramps that the ramps should be destroyed to make sure there were no

dangerous situations.

Councilor Thompson stated that he was shocked when he read the resident’s email today about

spending time in the hospital, the recovery process, and especially the part when she said,

“Thank God her child was not hurt”. He stated he agreed with Councilor Lamb’s comments

regarding the question of liability; and the effectiveness of the sign being a deterrent.

Chairman St. Vil suggested they take action on Councilor Parad’s highlight this evening. He

asked Councilor Barnes, in his role as Board of Education Liaison, to publicly and proactively

state what the occurrence was and ask for the Board of Education to keep him informed on how

they adjudicate or disposition it. He also asked Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, in her role as

Parks & Recreation Liaison, to talk with the Parks & Recreation Director about the situation that

occurred on school property; and ask for his recommendation and how they handled people

getting hurt at their parks. He stated this would address Councilor Lamb’s concern to get the

right people engaged; and understanding the implications of signage. He asked that Councilor

Barnes and Councilor Garcia-Irizarry report back to the Town Council at a later meeting.

Councilor Parad stated the reasons she thought this situation needed be discussed this evening

was because it was still the middle of winter; that this was something that could happen again

next week, with the next snowstorm.

Councilor Barnes stated that generations of Ledyard residents have been sledding down the

Middle School hill because it was probably the best hill in town, and he noted that there were

natural dangers that come with sledding. He stated that they do not want to be the “Fun Police”;

and that they should make it clear that the Middle School hill was not insignificant. He stated it

was his understanding that this matter has been shared with the Board of Education; and that as

the Board of Education Liaison, he would ensure that they get their input on what the next steps

were.

Councilor Barnes went on to state as members of their community that they all have a duty to

act. He stated if someone was around and they observe an unsafe condition, that they should

make people aware. He stated it was wonderful that parents were sledding with their children,

and that they should not have situations where people were getting injured doing something that

should be fun and safe. However, he stated that sledding comes with inherent dangers. He stated

that there would be more injuries and that he hoped they could prevent the more significant ones.

Administration Committee

MOTION to appoint the following Temporary Members to the Permanent Municipal Building

Committee (PMBC) to serve as Representatives for Board of Education Projects in accordance

with Ordinance #100-015 (Rev. 1) “An Ordinance Establishing A Permanent Municipal

Building Committee for the Town of Ledyard:

Mr. Branden Graber (R) 42 Church Hill Road, Ledyard

Mr. Alex Fritsch (D) 1 North Wind Circle, Ledyard

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: Councilor Lamb stated as a former member of the Board of Education that he

worked with Mr. Graber, noting that has been serving as the Board of Education’s Facilities

Committee Chairman. He stated that he also got to know Mr. Fritsch, noting that he was a

detailed person, stating that he has worked on the Schools Safety and Security. He stated they

were both great selections.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, St. Vil, and

Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

Finance Committee

MOTION to authorize overexpenditure of winter operations budget accounts 10140103-51815

(Snow Overtime), 10140103-58300 (Employee Reimbursement), and 10140107-56301 (Salt and

Sand) due to higher-than-normal winter operation’s needs.

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Thompson

Discussion: Councilor Buhle explained as mentioned during the Mayor’s Report, that most of

this year’s snowstorms have occurred on weekends and holidays. Therefore, all Winter

Operations budget lines were nearly depleted, noting that although they were not even at the

50% point of winter, that nearly 70% of the budget has been spent/committed. Therefore, she

stated if they wanted to keep safe roads for the remainder of the winter that they needed to

authorize the over expenditure of the Winter Operations Budget.

Councilor Lamb questioned what the recovery plan was; and the reason the Motion did not

include a dollar amount that the Winter Operations would be over spent by. He questioned what

the process was.

Public Works Highway Supervisor Joe Tillman explained the reason there was not a dollar

amount to overspend the Winter Operations Budget by was because they do not know what the

costs would be to get them to the end of this winter relative to both the cost of salt and the cost

of labor; noting that 300 tons of salt would be delivered this week. He stated Public Works

Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin was very meticulous with the management of the Public

Works budget, noting that he typically gives money back at the end of the year. He stated during

the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget process that the Sand/Salt line was reduced by $30,000. He

stated graphs were attached to the Agenda on the meeting portal and that they have not seen a

graph like this year in many years.

Councilor Buhle noted that the Town Council has discussed Councilor Lamb’s question in the

past. She explained the following two budgets were the only ones they do not include a dollar

amount in the over expenditure request: (1) Legal Fees; and (2) Winter Operations, because they

do not know what the total costs were going to be at year end. She went on to explain that the

other reason they do not include a dollar amount to over spend the Winter Operations Budget

was because if they authorize a dollar amount tonight and they get another snowstorm on

Sunday, and another snowstorm on the following Sunday; and they get another snowstorm a few

days later, that they would be back here every two weeks voting to over spend the Winter

Operations Budget over and over again. She stated that she understood that Councilor Lamb was

asking why they do not take funding from other budget lines within the Public Works Budget to

cover what they expected to be the over expenditure, noting that was what they do in other

businesses. However, she stated the reasons they do not request Public Works Director/Town

Engineer Steve Masalin to move money from his other accounts was because there were other

Public Works expenses that still needed to happen; which was accounted for in those budget

lines.

Councilor Buhle went on to explain that in some cases the town receives more revenue than

budgeted from grants, interest earned on town reserve funds, transfer station fees, land use fees,

etc. Therefore, she stated the additional revenues received along with using funding from other

underspent accounts would be used cover the Winter Operations over expenditure and to

smooth out the gaps. She noted as Mr. Tillman stated that Public Works Director/Town Engineer

Steve Masalin was very meticulous with the management of the Public Works budget, and that

he often has a surplus in other accounts that could help offset some of the overage in the Winter

Operations Budget. She also noted during the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget process that the

Sand/Salt Line was reduced by $30,000; because in prior years they had mild winters, and they

did not need it; and because they were staring down a large mil rate increase. Unfortunately this

year they were reminded of what a New England winer looked like.

Councilor Barnes stated that he agreed with Councilor Lamb’s comments that when there was a

request to over spend an account that they should establish a cap; which could be 100% of

budget, 50% of budget, etc.; otherwise he stated what was the purpose of giving Departments a

budget. He stated that he did not agree with nickel and diming this, meaning they approved an

additional $100.00; and now they had 2-inches of snow, and they had to come back for more

money. He stated that they should approve a bold amount; however, they should set a limit. He

stated that he had faith in Public Works that they would use the funding reasonably; but that the

Town Council had a fiscal responsibility to ensure there was some oversight. He stated as the

Motion was presented this evening that he would vote “No” without them providing a cap,

noting the cap could be 200% of budget. He stated that they should put a cap on all over

expended cases.

Chairman St. Vil stated that he like the discussion regarding the process; however, he stated that

he did not think they had the right people in the room this evening to answer the process

questions. He suggested they ask Finance Director Matthew Bonin and Mayor Allyn, III to

explain the budgetary accounting of overruns. He stated in speaking with some Department

Heads and the Mayor that they do have some flexibility within their department’s budget to

manage overruns. He stated the questions this evening were:

(1) When do overruns come to the Town Council versus when the overruns were managed

within the department

(2) What was the cap to overspend the Winter Operations; before Public Works Director/Town

Engineer Steve Masalin had to come back to ask for additional funding.

Chairman St. Vil stated that he thought they needed to have more facts before their next Town

Council Meeting. He asked Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher to send an email to

Finance Director Matthew Bonin and to Mayor Allyn to obtain more information before their

next meeting. Ms. Maher explained that Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin

was currently out of the country and he has gone out of his way to get this request on tonight’s

agenda, noting that he was looking for approval to over spend the Winter Operations this

evening because there was another snowstorm predicted for Sunday. Chairman St. Vil stated that

the Councilors were not questioning the need, noting that they were questioning the process.

Councilor Buhle stated as she previously mentioned this evening, there was only two budget

categories that the Town Council allowed an unrestricted expenditure: (1) Winter Operations;

and (2) Legal Fees; noting that these were two things that protect their town. She stated every

town in the State was having the same problem regardless of what they budgeted. She stated

while she loved the recommendation to set guardrails that they had a responsibility to protect

their residents, and she noted that Public Works was working hard to make sure their roads were

clear so emergency vehicles could respond to calls, residents could get to work, and the kids

could go to school, etc.

Councilor Brunelle stated legally they had to plow the roads, or the town would be sued; or

people would die. She stated no matter what, that it had to be approved; and this was not

something that they had to control or micromanage.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry addressed the process, stating that each Department had a budget; and

at the end of the year some departments had some money remaining. She stated it was her

understanding that the funding that was not used would go into the Undesignated Fund; and that

the over expended budgets would then be funded by the Undesignated Fund. Councilor Buhle

stated that Councilor Garcia-Irizarry’s comment regarding the process should be addressed by

Finance Director Matthew Bonin. However, she stated that she believed all of the over expended

accounts would be balanced out before the end of the fiscal year. She stated that they could not

pull funding from the Undesignated Fund. Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher stated a

Town Council action would be required to transfer funding from the Undesignated Fund.

Councilor Lamb stated that his question was regarding process and how they would adjudicate

the over expenditure, not whether they should approve additional funding for the Winter

Operations Budget. He stated that he agreed with Chairman St. Vil that they needed to talk with

Finance Director Matthew Bonin, noting that there may be a process in-place, but the Town

Council may not understand what that process was.

Councilor Buhle stated that she understood Councilor Barnes’ concern regarding what the

Winter Operations over expenditure would look like. Therefore, she stated because funding

Winter Operations was not optional, that she offered to work with Public Works Director/Town

Engineer Steve Masalin and Finance Director Matthew Bonin to provide a Report for the

Finance Committee to review at each of their meetings to track the expenses, so that they know

where they stand, come the end of the year. Councilor Barnes stated that he would be

comfortable with receiving regular updates regarding the over expenditure of the Winter

Operations Budget. Public Works Highway Superintendent Joe Tillman stated that Mr. Masalin

does a great job with tracking the expenses noting that he could provide them with a daily update

if they would like, that was how on top of their expenses Mr. Masalin was.

The Town Council and Public Works Highway Superintendent Joe Tillman continued to discuss

the Public Works Winter Operations as follows: (1) 300 tons of salt cost $30,000; (2) the plow

trucks have equipment that reads the road temperature and how much salt should be put down,

(3) Public Works provides the salt to the Board of Education for their parking lots. The Board of

Education plows the parking lots for their facilities; (4) Public Works Highway

Crew consisted of 19 employees that perform the snow removal for all of the town roads, all the

town buildings, all town properties, and the Transfer Station, (5) Mechanics take care of all of

the town’s vehicles, police vehicles, Board of Education vehicles, Parks & Recreation vehicles;

as well as the Town of Preston’s fleet; (6) Equipment - Mr. Tillman noted due to the last storm

that two trucks that went down. He stated the Mechanics were able to replace the transmission in

their 30-year old truck, and handled some repairs on the second truck, noting that they completed

the work on Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. before last weekend’s snowstorm. He stated the

trucks ran during the full duration of the last storm. Mr. Tillman stated years ago the Highway

Crew consisted of 25 employees, noting that they were now down to 19 employees stating that

they were short staffed.

Chairman St. Vil asked that Mr. Tillman carry back the message to Public Works Director/Town

Engineer Steve Masalin, and the whole Department that the Town Council appreciated their hard

work to take care of their roads.

VOTE:8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

James Thompson

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, St. Vil, and

Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to authorize the transfer of the audited, unexpended balance of the Conservation

Commission’s FY 24/25 operating budget in the amount of $1,575 to the CNR Fund and

increase the budgeted appropriation for account #21090305-58922 (Trail Maintenance) by the

same amount in accordance with Ordinance #300-018 “An Ordinance Establishing a

Conservation Commission for the Town of Ledyard”.

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Buhle

Discussion: Councilor Buhle stated that this item to transfer the Conservation’s year end surplus

to their Capital Account to be used to maintain trails, which including the removal of dead trees,

etc., was being done in accordance with Ordinance #300-018 “An Ordinance Establishing a

Conservation Commission for the Town of Ledyard “; Section 5 Paragraph C. She stated that

this was an annual housekeeping item.

VOTE:8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

AYE:

Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, St. Vil, and

Garcia-Irizarry

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to authorize overspending account # 0101-20-2050-20501-54300 (Ledyard Fire

Company, Repairs and Maintenance) by an amount not to exceed $8,000.

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield introduced himself to the

recently elected members of the Town Council. He stated his role was to assist Gales Ferry Fire

Chief Erhart and Ledyard Center Fire Chief Jon Mann manage their budgets and to advocate for

them for these types of situations. He explained that during the course of normal preventative

maintenance in late October, 2025, it was discovered that the springs on Ledyard Engine R-11

were nearing the end of their life. He stated that Chief Mann contacted three (3) authorized

repair shops and obtained quotes for the repair. He noted the quotes ranged from $7,981 to

$10,768.

Mr. Holyfield continued by explaining that the replacement of the springs on Engine R-11 would

use 25% of the Ledyard Fire Repairs and Maintenance Budget, noting that this Account currently

had an $11,000 balance. He stated with the repairs to the springs on R-11 that the remaining

$4,000 balance would be of concern because there were still 5 months left in the fiscal year; and

because they needed to keep the fire apparatus fleet running and repaired. He went on to note

that all three vendors that provided quotes were included on the Town’s Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Standing Bid Waiver List.

Mr. Holyfield noted the Town Council’s discussion regarding Item # 2 on tonight’s Agenda

regarding the process to overspend the Winter Operations Budget and he explained that he met

with Finance Director Matthew Bonin to discuss the Ledyard Center Fire Department’s request

to over spend their Repairs and Maintenance Account. He stated as they reach the end of the

fiscal year that he may have some funding in various accounts such as the Firefighter Physicals

Account, that could be used to offset this request to overspend. He went on to explain in the

upcoming Fiscal Year 2026/2027 that he has requested higher budgets for equipment

maintenance costs, because of their aging fleet.

Councilor Barnes noted that he was pleased to see the request to overspend Account #

0101-20-2050-20501-54300 (Ledyard Fire Company, Repairs and Maintenance) included a cap

of $8,000.

Councilor Lamb stated that he appreciated Mr. Holyfield’s comments that for the upcoming

Fiscal Year 2026/2027 he would be requesting higher budgets to maintain things. He stated that

he was hopeful that the Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee would take on the

initiative to work with Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin; and Mr. Holyfield

to do a true Long-Term Capital Plan that was visionary; so they could look at all of the Town

Buildings, and Board of Education Buildings so that they could lay out a responsible, strategic

plan.

Mr. Holyfield stated that the Fire Departments have a Long-Term Fire Apparatus Replacement

Plan. He noted that when Ledyard needed to replace a fire truck that they have the funding

available in their Capital Account to purchase the new piece of apparatus, noting that most

town’s bond the funding for the replacement of their fire apparatus. He also noted in the Fiscal

Year 2025/2026 Budget that the Fire Apparatus Replacement Funding request was reduced by

$60,000; noting with inflation rates of 10%; 12%; 13% that they were not keeping up with their

Capital Budget. He also noted that when they have a reduction in the budget they have asked for,

that they were creating a huge impact going down the road. Councilor Lamb stated that he has

seen the Fire Apparatus Replacement Plan; however, he stated that they need to have the Plan

laid out as Phase I, etc., and how they were going to keep it going. Mr. Holyfield stated that the

Fire Apparatus Replacement Plan was projected to 2049 for Fire Apparatus purchases. He stated

that they were seeing a 3 - 4 year lead time for the construction of a fire truck to delivery. He

also noted because of price gouging that there were some lawsuits at the national level with fire

truck manufactures, explaining that the manufactures may have artificially bumped up the costs

to gain a profit, knowing that there was a windfall coming from the Federal Government by way

of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding that was released in 2020; and had to be fully

expended by December, 2026.

Councilor Buhle stated if any Councilors have not seen Mr. Holyfield’s Fire Apparatus

Replacement Funding Plan that it was a fantastic spreadsheet. She stated that Ledyard was one of

the few Towns in the State that fund their fire apparatus purchases with cash, and they do not go

out to bond for them. She stated that this was very uncommon in municipal government,

however, she stated that they could not continue to purchase their fire apparatus with cash, if

they do not fully fund their Capital Projects. She went on to state that former Town Councilor

Saccone suggested the town use the same funding process for all of their capital needs. However,

she stated at a certain point they only had so much money; and they also had debt from previous

year’s projects that they were paying down. Therefore, she stated that it was difficult to plan for

20-years from now, while they were paying for 20-years ago at the same time.

Councilor Buhle continued by addressing the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget

Preparation and she stated not only was it important to accurately estimate their revenues; that it

was equally important that they also accurately estimate their expenditures. She stated it was

great to aspirationally say that they wanted their budget to come it at $18,000; but in reality with

an aging fleet that they needed to expect that there was going to be increases in repairs and

maintenance costs.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry questioned when the warranty started on new fire trucks. Mr. Holyfield

stated that warranty started when the fire truck was delivered, and the town accepted the

delivery. He explained when they need to replace a fire truck that the Fire Departments form an

Committee to determine what they were looking to purchase. He stated the Committee would

then travel to the manufacturer to visit the fire truck mid-production. He stated once the fire

truck arrived in Connecticut the Committee would go through the fire truck to make sure

everything was great. He stated at that time the Mayor would sign-off on the delivery of the fire

truck and the warranty would begin. He stated many of the warrantees were lifetime on the

frames and rails, ten years on paint, and the motor warranty would go back to the manufacture.

He stated that Ledyard typically purchases Cummings Motors so the motor warranty would be

company’s standard warranty.

VOTE:8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Jessica Buhle

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, St. Vil, and

Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

TOWN OF LEDYARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING- FEBRUARY 11, 2026.

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Buhle

Discussion: Councilor Buhle stated in accordance with Chapter III; Section 5 of the Town

Charter the Town Council was required to hold a Public Hearing before the adoption of any

Ordinance. She stated this item would set the Public Hearing date for February 11, 2026.

Councilor Buhle stated the proposed “An Ordinance of the Town of Ledyard Authorizing Avalonia

Land Conservancy to Receive Property Tax Exempt Status As of the Date of Purchase of Real

Property to be Preserved And Maintained As Open Space” would provide a tax emption status for

all of the open space property Avalonia Land Conservancy owned for the purpose of conservation.

Councilor Lamb stated that the Town has been giving Avalonia town-owned land for free; they have

been giving Avalonia money from their Open Space Fund to help them purchase land; and now with

the proposed Ordinance the town was going to pay the taxes on the properties by giving them a tax

emption on all of the properties Avalonia Land Conservancy owned. He stated that some of the land

that Avalonia Land Conservancy has acquired was taxable-buildable land; and therefore, they were

taking the land off the tax roll. He stated they should balance everything they do with their open

space plan, economic development plan; and the impact to their residents that were on Asset

Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) spectrum.

Councilor Buhle explained that the proposed “An Ordinance of the Town of Ledyard Authorizing

Avalonia Land Conservancy to Receive Property Tax Exempt Status As of the Date of Purchase of

Real Property to be Preserved And Maintained As Open Space” would abate the taxes, noting that it

would essentially reducing revenues. She went on to state that Open Space was obtained through

parcels that aligned with the Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD). She noted as an

example at the Town Council’s January 14, 2026 meeting they issued a Letter of Commitment to

assist Avalonia with the purchase of 173-175 Stoddard’s Wharf Road, which was the land

surrounding the Kettle Hole property. She stated that Avalonia Land Conservancy was looking to

obtain parcels designed to help the Tri-Town Trail.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the town would save money by Avalonia Land Conservancy

maintaining the properties and the trails, explaining that the town was responsible to maintain the

properties; and therefore, they would not have include money in the budget to do that.

Administrative Assistant Roxane Maher explained that Connecticut General Statutes 12-81dd

enables conservation properties to be tax exempt, with the adoption of an Ordinance by the

Municipalities Legislative Body (Town Council).

VOTE:8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Jessica Buhle

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, St. Vil, and

Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

General Business

Each Town Councilor to identify one priority to accomplish during 2026.

General Items

Chairman St. Vil stated before they moved on to Item #6 that he wanted to provide an update

regarding the Freedom of Information Act Complaint (FOIA) that was filed in the fourth quarter

of last year with respect to how the Town Council, specifically himself, with how the proposed

Ethics Ordinance was added to the October 8, 2025 Agenda. He stated although the Complainant

requested an Expedited Hearing that did not occur. However, he stated in preparation for the

Hearing that he, Mayor Allyn, III, and Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher met with

Attorney Jack Fassino on January 21, 2026 to discuss the case. He stated on Tuesday, February

10, 2026 Director of Education & Communications Russell Blair from the

State of Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission would provide a Training regarding

the Freedom of Information Act and its Guidelines. He noted that two sessions were scheduled

as follows: 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.; and he encouraged the Town Council and Committee,

Commission, & Board Volunteers to attend the Training.

1.Each Town Councilor to identify one priority to accomplish during2026.

Chairman St. Vil asked each Town Councilor to identify one priority to accomplish during 2026.

· Efficiency of Town Council Business/Meetings

Councilor Barnes stated although he was only a part of the second part of the Town Council’s

two-year term that he observed that they had a number of special meetings; which may have

been avoided if they had followed the appropriate protocol. He stated although he was not a

Roberts Rules of Order expert that he would try to ensure that when the Town Council acted that

they were doing so with the most efficiently. He stated that he would measure his success by

seeing how many special meetings they had; and whether any of them could have been avoided.

· Communication with Residents

Councilor Brunelle stated her goal was to better facilitate communication between the Town

Council and their citizens. She stated that she would like to organize casual Coffee Hours or

Town Meetings to invite the public to talk about anything that was on their mind; and to listen

what their citizens had to say. She stated that she would measure her success by whether she had

more than three events that were well attended.

· Green and Clean Economies- Sustainability

Councilor Thompson stated when he was in Graduate School he wrote a paper that was

published in the Southern Journal of Urban and Rual Policy. He stated the data supported that

Clean, Green Cities created jobs and lead to happier communities by conserving public spaces,

protecting wildlife, cleaning up Brownfields, looking at municipal recycling programs, net

metering, looking at consumption by changing the lighting to LED lighting in

their public buildings, etc. He stated that there were some little things they could do as a town to

make them more sustainable for the future. He stated that he would measure his success by

looking at the Brownfield Clean-ups, quarterly looking at how utility bills have gone down for

the average citizen over a 3, 6, 9, 12-month period.

Solar Farm, Composting, Shared Expenses

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that she had the following goals:

ü Solar Farm - Councilor Garcia stated at the Town Council’s December 10, 2025 meeting she

talked with the Mayor about preparing and seeking Requests for Proposals (RFP) to lease the 15

-acre former capped Landfill Property located at 889 Colonel Ledyard Highway, to be used as

Solar Farm. She stated that it would generate electricity; and it would generate revenue for the

town through leasing the property.

ü Expand the Food Waste - Composting Program - Councilor Garcia-Iriazarry stated instead of

only having the Compost Bins at the Transfer Station that some towns have locked bins around

their town that residents could opened using an App. She stated the Compost Company such as

Blue Earth or another Compost Company would pick up the bins on a weekly basis. She stated

this would allow residents to drop off their food waste any time and would not have to depend

on the Transfer Station to be open.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry explained that Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resources

Recycling Authority (SCRRRA) has been in the process to build a Compost Facility. However,

she stated that they have been waiting for two-years for the State Department of Energy &

Environmental Protection (DEEP) to give them a Permit.

ü More Collaboration between the Town and the Board of Education - Councilor

Garcia-Irizarry noted as an example that the Town shared the cost of the Street Sweeper with the

Town of Preston, noting that each town’s shared cost was based on their road mileage. She

stated she would like to see similar things done between the Town and the Board of Education to

reduce expenses.

Town Charter

Councilor Lamb stated that he had a number of goals. However, he stated the goal he would

present this evening was to establish a Charter Revision Commission to specifically review

Chapter VII “Finance & Taxation” Section 6 “Annual Town Meeting” paragraphs 3 & 4 which

stated the following:

Should the referendum on the budget refer the budget back to the Town

Council, the Town Council shall reconsider the budget and present it for a

second vote on the voting machines three weeks following the previous

referendum.

In the event that the second referendum does not approve a budget; the

Town Council shall adopt a final budget by the fourth Monday in June.

Should both the referenda and the Town Council fail to adopt a final budget by

the fourth Monday in June, the budget that was presented at the second

referendum shall be deemed to have been adopted, and expenditures made in

accordance therewith for the ensuing fiscal year.

Councilor Lamb stated that he would like to take away the Town Council’s power to set the

Annual Town Budget. He stated other towns just keep going back to voters until a budget was

approved.

· Primary Care for All Americans

Councilor Parad stated that this was more of a long-term goal. She stated that the volunteers

have been working on this initiative could use some help with conducting a Survey.

Chairman St. Vil suggested the Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity, &

Inclusion talk about how they may be able to help with the Survey.

· Grants, State Legislature, OLR Reports, Sustainability

ü Grants - Councilor Buhle stated that she has been a proponent for the town to seek grant

funding. She stated that her success would be measured by the town applying for at least three

grants this year for things that were on their Long-Term Capital Plan.

ü State Legislature - Councilor Buhle stated that her goal was to make sure Ledyard was heard

and represented in the State Legislature in Hartford. She stated that she has already started

working with their new State Representative Larry Pemperton on a list of things that specifically

affect Ledyard. She stated that she has also been working to make sure Ledyard’s voice and

concerns was heard by other State Representatives that do not represent their District. She stated

she did not know how to measure the success of this goal, noting that it may just be by her and

others showing up in Hartford during the Legislative Sessions to advocate for their town more

effectively.

ü Office of Legislative Research Reports - Councilor Buhle stated that she wanted to keep-up

with the OLR Reports regarding the actions that happen in Hartford. She noted that there were so

many Bills passed each year; noting that so many new laws and bills that provide different

opportunities for Municipalities to be eligible for Grants.

ü Sustainability - Councilor Buhle stated that she was the Town Council’s Representative on

the Town’s Sustainability CT Ad Hoc Committee. She stated the Sustainable CT Website was

fantastic, noting the opportunities to make their town more efficient to live-in and/or reduce the

costs of things in their community, and ideas to help to grow businesses, and to bring wealth to

their community. She would like to help the Town’s Sustainability CT Ad Hoc Committee to

achieve three new goals this year.

· Letter listing all of Town Council’s Goals

Chairman St. Vil stated his goal was to draft a Letter to Residents stating each of their goals for

2026 for all Town Councilors to sign. He also noted that his goal was to ensure that 90% of their

stated goals were achieved.

Councilor Lamb stated that there were some goals that were recently in process such as the “Ad

Hoc Committee to Develop and End-to-End Process for Capital Improvement Building Projects”.

Therefore, he questioned whether the Letter to the Residents could also include those goals. Chairman

St. Vil stated if they had another goal that had a metric that was a win for their community that it could

include it in the Letter.

READ INTO THE RECORD

RESULT:

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Barnes moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Buhle

VOTEA:p8p-ro0ved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m.

_____________________________________

Transcribed by Roxanne M. Maher

Administrative Assistant to the Town Council

I, Gary St. Vil Chairman of the Ledyard Town Council,

hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and

correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Town Council

Meeting held on January 28, 2026.

____________________________________

Gary St. Vil Chairman

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