741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, CT 06339

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Administration Committee

Meeting Minutes

http://www.ledyardct.org

Chairman Gary St. Vil

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

5:30 PM

Town Hall Annex- Hybrid Format

In -Person: Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex Building

Remote Participation: Information Noted Below:

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

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Or by Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 871 7857 4568; Passcode:

177322

CALL TO ORDER

the Meeting was called to order by Committee Chaiman Councilor Garcia-Irizarry at 5:30

p.m. at the Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex Building.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. She stated for the

Town Council Administration Committee and members of 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.

ROLL CALL

William Barnes

Present:

April Brunelle

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

In addition, the following were present:

Gary St. Vil Town Council Chairman

Earl (Ty) Lamb Town Councilor

Fred Allyn, IIMI ayor

Christine DiasHuman Resources Director

Joe GushPermanent Municipal Building Committee Chairman

Doug Kelley Historic District Commission

Nate Woody Planning & Zoning Commission

Eric Treaster Resident

Doug Kelley Historic District Commission

Anne Roberts-Pierson Resident

M. Dave Schroeder, Jr.

Resident

LeeAnne Berry Resident

Brandon Sabbag Resident

Roxanne Maher Administrative Assistant

III.

RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS

Mr. Ty (Earl) Lamb, 95 Lambtown Road, Ledyard, Town Councilor, stated as the

former Historic District Commission Chairman that he submitted letters to support

the reappointments of Mr. Doug Kelley and Mr. Ken Geer. He stated that he also

wanted to express his support for moving Mrs. Rebecca Watford from an Alternate

Member to a Regular Member on the Historic District Commission. He noted the

Yuletide Celebration

that was held at the Nathan Lester House on December 7, 2025, stating that the Mr.

Kelley and members of the Historic District Commission were instrumental in

working with the Historical Society, to make it a great event. He went on to state that

Mr. Geer has been a great consultant for the Commission and that Mrs. Watford and

her family have been volunteering at the Nathan Lester House. He stated all three

members were an asset to the Commission.

Mr. Doug Kelley, 40 Pinelock Drive, Gales Ferry, Historic District Commission

Member, noted that he was present this evening to express his support for the

appointment of Ms. Anne Roberts-Pierson to the Historic District Commission. He

stated that Ms. Roberts-Pierson previously served on the Commission, and that she

was a mentor for him when he initially joined the Commission. He stated that Ms.

Roberts-Pierson served with great passion and provided a great deal of organization

skills for the Commission. He stated that Ms. Roberts-Pierson has been an active

member of the community noting that she has served on other community

organizations such as the Avalonia Land Conservancy.

Mr. Joe Gush, 57 Town Farm Road, Ledyard, Permanent Municipal Building

Committee (PMBC) Chairman, stated he was present this evening to address Item #3

on tonight’s Agenda regarding the proposal to “Establish an Ad Hoc Committee to

Develop Process for Capital Improvement Building Projects”. He explained the reason the

proposed Ad Hoc Committee was important was to develop a flow-path for the proposal,

development and execution of building projects to provide new members of the Permanent

Municipal Building Committee with a clear process. He stated that since the Ad Hoc

Committee was proposed that Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher provided him with

the following documents that were developed years ago; however, he stated that it seemed

that no one on the Permanent Municipal Boiling Committee knew about these documents:

· Process for Town and School Building Projects.

· Building Blocks and workflow for Building Projects.

· Building Projects - Municipal Check List -1990.

Mr. Gush continued by stating by having a flow-path in place there would not be a large

learning curve for new members of the Permanent Municipal Building Committee (PMBC)

in the future, because they would know what was required of them to ensure building

projects went smoothly.

Mr. Nate Woody, 777 Long Cove Road, Gales Ferry, noted that the Planning &

Zoning Commission was made aware that a document was submitted to the

Administration Committee at their December 10, 2025 meeting which provided a list

of suggested questions to ask a candidate applying to serve on the Planning &

Zoning Commissioner, noting that some of the questions were a purity test for a

particular Zoning Application. However, he stated it was reasonable to say what

would make a good Planning & Zoning Commissioner. He stated that he has served

on the Planning & Zoning Commission for a number of years, noting that he has seen

some members succeed and some members fail. He stated therefore, they have

learned about what it takes to make a good Planning & Zoning Commission Member.

He suggested the Administration Committee consider the following prerequisites

when considering Appointment Applications to the Planning & Zoning Commission:

1. Experience Reading Maps or Plans - The technical process of evaluating

applications required reading and understanding maps describing topography,

driveways, and drainage. Commissioners are expected to be able to accurately read

and understand these documents. Prospective Commission Members would need to

attend the UConn Land Use Academy Basic Training for an overview of the required

skills - https://clear.uconn.edu/lua-old/basic-old/

2. Experience in Land Use - Candidates should expect to be able to document

experience in a related field in order to demonstrate their ability to successfully

execute the job of Commissioner. Relevant experience could include a wide range of

applicable skills such as architecture, legal experience, engineering, or real estate.

The Planning & Zoning Commission wants to have a diverse view point,

homeowners, renters, members who were new to town, and members who have lived

in town for 50 years.

3. Time Commitment - Prospective volunteers should expect to spend several hours

(and sometimes more) preparing for each meeting. All Applications include

significant documentation that Commissioners were expected to review prior to each

meeting. While the Commission has regular meetings once a month, special

meetings with higher frequency are not unusual. Commissioners should understand

that the time commitment required more than a meeting once a month. They would

be required to attend trainings, and review materials prior to the meetings, etc.

4. A willingness to Learn - Zoning is defined by State Statutes and Legal Precedent,

both of which were constantly evolving. Commissioners were expected to not only

complete mandatory training minimums, but to also be willing to stay up-to-date with

this changing landscape. A successful Commissioner would need to keep an open

mind to how these changes could affect Applications, Regulations, and the Town.

Mr. Woody noted that just last week the laws changed again.

Mr. Woody concluded his comments by stating that he hoped these criteria might be

helpful when the Administration Committee was considering Appointment

Applications for the Zoning & Planning Commission, He stated he did not know if

Mr. Macklin was still interested in volunteering to serve on the Planning & Zoning

Commission, however, he stated that if they applied these criteria to him that their

conclusion may be fairly simple.

Mr. Woody went on to note that he also saw that Ms. Anne Roberts-Pierson was on

tonight’s Agenda to serve on the Historic District Commission. He stated although he

and Ms. Roberts-Pierson have often disagreed; that he has not known anyone who has

been more prepared for anything than Ms. Roberts-Pierson was. He stated that Ms.

Roberts-Pierson would be an asset to any Commission she chooses to join.

Ms. LeeAnne Berry, 78 Military Highway, Gales Ferry, questioned whether it was

necessary to fill the Alternate Member position on Planning & Zoning Commission

so quickly. She noted the Administration Committee tabled the appointment of an

Alternate Member at their November 12, 2025 meeting. She stated that she was

wondering whether it would be beneficial to have more than one candidate for the

position; so they would have some options.

Mr. Dave Schroeder, Jr. 290 Whalehead Road, Gales Ferry, stated that he

appreciated and agreed with Mr. Woody’s comments this evening. He noted the

Administration Committee tabled the appointment of an Alternate Member at their

November 12, 2025

meeting to provide more time to vet the candidate. He stated during the November 4,

2025 General Election that Councilor Parad and Councilor Lamb supported the idea

of vetting candidates for the appointment to town committees.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry thanked the residents for their comments. She stated that

she hoped the Administration Committee would be able to answer some of their

questions later this evening.

IV.

PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

None.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of November 12,

2025

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Barnes

VOTE: 3- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

William Barnes

SECONDER:

VI.

OLD BUSINESS

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry explained that although the Administration Committee

does have some old business items, as they reviewed during their Organizational

Meeting earlier this evening. However, she explained because tonight was the first

Regular Meeting for this newly assigned Administration Committee all items would

appear under New Business this evening.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

MOTION to remove from the Table the

MOTION to recommend the Town Council appoint Mr. Joshua Mackin (U) 546 Colonel

Ledyard Highway, Ledyard to the Planning & Zoning Commission as an Alternate Member to

complete a two (2) year term ending December 31, 2026 filling a vacancy left by Mr. Woody.

A motion was made by Barnes, seconded by Brunelle, that this be Approved and so declared.

The motion carried by the following vote:

MOTION to appoint Mr. Joshua Mackin (I) 546 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard to the

Planning & Zoning Commission as an Alternate Member to complete a two (2) year term

ending December 31, 2026 filling a vacancy left by Mr. Woody.

Moved by Councilor Barnes, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved to Remove from the Table

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

William Barnes

RESULT:

MOVER:

April Brunelle

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle and Garcia-Irizarry

NAY:

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Barnes

Discussion: Councilor Barnes noted that Mr. Mackin has withdrawn his Application.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated this afternoon Mr. Mackin withdrew his Application

citing personal reasons. However, she stated that Mr. Mackin noted that he was still

interested in serving on the Planning & Zoning Commission, and would like to reapply

again in the future.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry continued by noting that she appreciated the questions Ms.

LeeAnne Berry provided to the Administration Committee their November 12, 2025

meeting to ask residents who have submitted Applications to volunteer to serve on the

Planning & Zoning Commission. She also noted that she appreciated Mr. Woody’s

perspective this evening as well.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted the Administration Committee’s process in making a

recommendation to move an appointment forward to the Town Council, noting that the

Committee reviewed the Candidate’s Appointment Application and Resume. She stated

that she would like to see the Applicants attend the Administration Committee’s meeting

at which they were going to be evaluated; so that the members of the Administration

Committee would have the opportunity to ask them questions, etc., especially for the

Regulatory Commissions such as the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Inland

Wetland & Water Courses Commission, because in the past few years the Planning &

Zoning Commission’s decision has affected every resident in the town.

Councilor Barnes stated that he agreed that there were some town commissions in which

the skill set was broader than the information that was being solicited in the Appointment

Application; or considered “normal” in a Resume’. He stated that he would look to the

respective Commission’s Leadership to help them define them their role what should be

added as supplemental content to the Appointment Application. He stated for those who

were interested in serving their community that he hoped there was a path to get involved

and gain the relevant experience needed to be a member of a commission. He stated that

he agreed that the Administration Committee should know about the Applicant’s skill set

and experience before approving to move a nomination forward to the Town Council for

appointment.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry suggested the website include a description of what was

required for each of the town’s committees/commission/boards.

Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher noted that the town’s website currently

provided a description for each of the town’s commissions and boards. She noted the

descriptions could be updated to provide more detail regarding the skill sets and

experience required. She went on to explain when Appointment Applications were

submitted/received using the on-line portal they were forwarded to their respective

parties. She stated the role of the Nominating Committees was to interview and vet the

Applicants to determine whether the Applicant had the skills and qualifications for the

Committee they were interested in serving on, before forwarding a recommendation for

appointment to the Administration Committee. However, she stated that Applicants that

were registered Unaffiliated were not vetted by a party, noting that they go directly to the

Administration Committee for their review and consideration.

Councilor Brunelle stated that she agreed with the comments made this evening; and she

appreciated the residents questions. She suggested if they received an Unaffiliated/

Independent Applicant that they should send them an email with some questions if they

were not able to attend the Administration Committee meeting in-person. She stated it

would be helpful if the Application included an area for the Applicant to indicate that if

they did not have one of specific skill sets, and whether they would be willing to learn.

Councilor Barnes noted in reviewing the website that for the Planning & Zoning

Commission that he did not think that the description spelled out the requirements and

skills needed to serve on this Commission. He went on to express concern about the

Party’s Nominating Committee’s vetting the candidates, noting that he did not know

whether the RTC or DTC would have a consistent ability to know all of the requirements

for each of the town’s committees/commissions/boards. He stated his preference would

be to modify the description of the commissions to include the skills they were looking

for.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated each of the Parties may evaluate the candidates a certain

way; noting that their evaluation process may not be the same. Therefore, she stated to be

equitable and fair that they should have the same body, which was the Admiration

Committee, to independently look at each of the candidates. She stated the more

information that candidates provide the better for those making the decision.

VOTE: 0 - 3 Motion Failed

MOTION FAILED

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

William Barnes

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle and Garcia-Irizarry

NAY:

Discussion and possible action to Establish an Ad Hoc Committee to Develop Process for

Capital Improvement Building Projects.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry provided some background that stating that based on some

issues that occurred with the Renovate As New - Schools Consolidation Projects at the

Middle School and Gallup Hill School, that Mayor Allyn, III proposed amending

Ordinance #001-015 (Rev 1) “An Ordinance Establishing a Permanent Municipal

Building Committee for Town of Ledyard” to include the hiring of an Owners

Representative for projects that cost $500,000 or more. She stated the proposed

Ordinance amendments were adopted on November 13, 2024.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry went on to note that during the past year there were some

issues with the Roof Replacement Projects at the Gales Ferry School and the Juliet W.

Long School, which were still on-going. Therefore, she stated that former Board of

Education Member Mr. Lamb suggested that the Town Council establish an Ad Hoc

Committee to provide the end-to-end process for large Construction Projects to provide

guidance to the Permanent Municipal Building Committee (PMBC). She also noted

former Board of Education Chairman Anthony Favry’s October 20, 2025 email; and

Permanent Municipal Building Committee Chairman Joe Gush October 22, 2025 letter in

which they both expressed support to establish an Ad Hoc Committee.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry continued by stating that she agreed that they needed to have a

“Lessons Learned” and to “Evaluate the Process” to identify where things may have

gone wrong. She stated a preliminary draft Resolution has been provided as a starting

point for discussion this evening.

Councilor Barnes noted Permanent Municipal Building Committee Chairman Joe Gush’s

comments earlier this evening, and that he was in-favor of the concept of having an Ad

Hoc Committee To Develop a Process For Capital Improvement Building Projects. He

stated in reviewing the preliminary draft Resolution that he liked the proposed

composition of the Ad Hoc Committee noting that it would be comprised of the

following:

· One member from the Permanent Municipal Building Committee

· One member from the Board of Education

· Board of Education Director Facilities

· Public Works Director/Town Engineer

· Finance Director

· One member from the Community-at-Large with Construction Management

Experience

· One member from the Town Council

Permanent Municipal Building Committee Chairman Joe Gush stated that he had

envisioned the Ad Hoc Committee to provide an Addendum to Ordinance #100-105 (Rev

1) “An Ordinance Establishing a Permanent Municipal Building Committee for Town of

Ledyard” to provide the steps and guidelines for how to proceed with a Project; and to

evaluate when to seek grant funding. He stated the Addendum could be updated from

time-to-time, as needed, without having to change the Ordinance.

Mr. Gush went on to note the delay and increased cost for the Heating Ventilation and

Air Conditioning (HVAC) project for the Juliet W. Long School. He stated to obtain the

Grant Funding the project needed to be redesigned causing the cost of the project to

increase by $1.25 million and it significantly delayed the project by nearly two-years. He

explained in seeking grant funding that the town was required to do certain things that

would not have been otherwise required by state statute. He stated in some cases projects

may cost the town less if the town did not seek grant funding and the townspeople paid

100% of the project cost.

In reviewing the proposed Resolution the Committee agreed that some additional

clarification was needed. Councilor Lamb suggested the following words noted in Blue

Bold Italic font be added to paragraph at the bottom of page 1 to provide clarification as

follows:

“Develop an end-to- end Process and Timeline/Schedule for assigned

Municipal and Board of Education Capital Improvement Projects to

include but not be limited to the following:

For example:”

Councilor Garacia-Irizarry stated that she liked Mr. Gush’s suggestion to provide an

Addendum to Ordinance #100-015 (Rev. 1) “An Ordinance Establishing a Permanent

Municipal Building Committee for Town of Ledyard”; and Councilor Lamb’s additional

wording to provide clarification. She stated that she would add the suggestions presented

this evening to the draft Resolution in preparation for the Administration Committee’s

January 14, 2026 meeting.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

MOTION appoint Mechelle Barber (D) 20 Quakertown Meadows, Ledyard, to the Ledyard

Beautification Committee to complete a three (3) year term ending October 26, 2028 filling a

vacancy left by Ms. Brousseau.

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Barnes

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that she read Ms. Barber’s Application and

that she did not have any concerns with Ms. Barber being appointed to the Beautification

Committee.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

William Barnes

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle and Garcia-Irizarry

NAY:

MOTION to appoint Michelle Hagerty (D) 6 Greyston Court, Ledyard, to the Ledyard

Beautification Committee to complete a three (3) year term ending October 26, 2027 filling a

vacancy left by Ms. Holdsworth.

Moved by Councilor Barnes, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that she read Ms. Haggerty Application and

that she did not have any concerns with Ms. Haggerty being appointed to the

Beautification Committee.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

William Barnes

RESULT:

MOVER:

April Brunelle

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle and Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

MOTION to reappoint the following members to the Historic District Commission for a five (5)

year term ending December 3, 2030.

Mr. Douglas Kelley (D) 40 Pinelock Drive, Gales Ferry (Regular Member)

Mr. Kenneth Geer (U) 23 Thomas Road, Ledyard (Alternate Member)

Moved by Councilor Barnes, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: Councilor Barnes stated that he previously served on the Historic District

Commission and that these two gentleman were an asset to the Commission. He noted

that Mr. Kelley was present this evening; and he stated the work that he has done at the

Nathan Lester House was amazing, which including preparing the property the for the

filming of the production movie “The Fog of War”. He stated every year Mr. Kelley does

something great, noting that he was the most qualified person in Ledyard to serve on the

Historic District Commission.

Councilor Barnes continued by noting the things Mr. Geer does for the Town and for the

Historic District Commission were incredible. He stated that Mr. Geer has tremendous

insight and was a very skilled individual. He stated that Mr. Geer was involved with the

repair/replacement of the tailrace which was an important component of the Historic

Up-Down Sawmill. He stated the work that Mr. Geer did with what was left of the rock

formation was incredible, noting that he did not foresee that any additional repairs would

be needed during his lifetime.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that she appreciated the work and service that Mr. Kelley

does not only for the Historic District Commission, but also for the Gales Ferry District

and for the Town. She stated based on both Mr. Kelley and Mr. Geer’s work that she was

pleased that they were interested in continuing to serve the town.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

William Barnes

RESULT:

MOVER:

April Brunelle

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle and Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

MOTION to appoint Ms. Rebecca Watford (R) 429 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard as a

Regular Member to the Historic District Commission to complete a five (5) year term ending

December 6, 2027 filling a vacancy left by Mr. Lamb.

Moved by Councilor Barnes, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizary noted that earlier this year the Town Council

appointed Ms. Watford as an Alternate Member to the Historic District Commission. She

stated that Ms. Watford would be moving to a Regular Member status to fill a vacancy

left by Mr. Lamb, who was elected to the Town Council during the November 4, 2025

General Election. She stated that she appreciated Mr. Lamb’s recommendation; and she

thanked Mr. Lamb for his service on the Historic District Commission. She stated that

she appreciated it when residents attend the Administration Committee to endorse

candidates, because it helped the Committee to learn more about the candidates.

Councilor Barnes stated prior to being appointed to the Historic District Commission that

Ms. Watford was the Tenant/Caretaker of the Nathan Lester House. He stated in that

capacity that he had the opportunity to work with Ms. Watford, noting she helped his son

with his Eagle Scout Project, stating that she was very helpful. He stated that Ms.

Watford was a force with anything that she volunteered to do, especially events that have

food, noting that she always exceeded expectations. He stated that Ms. Watford knows a

lot about the Nathan Lester House and the Historic District Commission was lucky to

have her.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

William Barnes

RESULT:

MOVER:

April Brunelle

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle and Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

MOTION to appoint Ms. Anne Roberts-Pierson (U) ) 4 Andersson Drive, Gales Ferry as an

Alternate Member to the Historic District Commission to complete a five (5) year term ending

December 6, 2028 filling a vacancy left by Ms. Watford.

Moved by Councilor Barnes, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted she has not had the opportunity to work with

Ms. Roberts-Pierson on an Commission. However, she stated when Ms. Roberts-Pierson

speaks at a Town Council meeting that she was always prepared.

Councilor Barnes stated that he has had some wonderful conversations with Ms.

Roberts-Pierson when she has attended events at the Nathan Lester House. He stated it

was clear that she had a sense of the history of the Nathan Lester House and an interest in

preserving it. He noted as others have commented that they were fortunate to have

someone like Ms. Roberts-Pierson volunteering to serve the town.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

William Barnes

RESULT:

MOVER:

April Brunelle

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle and Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

MOTION to reappoint Ms. Sharon Wadecki (D) 44 Fanning Road, Ledyard, to the Retirement

Board for a three (3) year term ending January 20, 2029.

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Barnes

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that Ms. Wadecki has been serving on the

Retirement Board for some time, noting that tonight’s recommendation was for

reappointment. She stated the Retirement Board Chairman highly recommended her

reappointment and that the DTC Nominating Committee also endorsed her

reappointment.

Councilor Barnes stated that he has known Ms. Wadecki for many years. He stated the

town was fortunate to have her do anything she wanted to do. He stated that he supported

her reappointment to the Retirement Board.

Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher stated that Mrs. Wadecki was a Certified

Public Accountant (CPA) and served on the Town Council for 14-years. She stated

during her time on the Town Council that Ms. Wadecki served as the Finance Committee

Chairman. She noted that the Retirement Board Chairman John Rodolico stated that Ms.

Wadecki was an asset to the Board.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

William Barnes

RESULT:

MOVER:

April Brunelle

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle and Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

MOTION to reappoint Mr. Greg Lockhart, (D) 30 Tanager Lane, Gales Ferry, as an Alternate

Member, to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a three (3) year term ending December 31,

2028.

10.

Moved by Councilor Barnes, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman

Marty Wood has endorsed Mr. Lockhart’s reappointment to the Commission. She stated

Chairman Wood noted that Mr. Lockhart’s experience in the area of construction

operations was an asset to the Commission. She stated that DTC Nominating Committee

also endorsed Mr. Lockhart’s reappointment.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

William Barnes

RESULT:

MOVER:

April Brunelle

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle and Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

MOTION to appoint Councilor Jessica Buhle (D) 65 Pheasant Run Drive, Gales Ferry, as the

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee Member to the Sustainable CT Ad Hoc Committee

to complete a two (2) year term ending December 15, 2027 filling a vacancy left by Councilor

Garcia-Irizarry.

11.

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Barnes

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizary stated the “Town of Ledyard Resolution Supporting

the Participation in the Sustainable CT Municipal Certification Program”; called for a

member of the Town Council’s Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee to serve on

the Ad Hoc Committee. She explained when appointments were initially made she was a

member of the Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee and was appointed as the

Town Council’s Representative. However, she stated with the November 4, 2025

General Election and the new Committee assignments she was no longer a member of the

LUPPW Committee; therefore, she submitted her resignation letter from the Sustainable

CT Ad Hoc Committee. She stated with Councilor Buhle’s assignment to the LUPPW

Committee that Chairman St. Vil has recommended she be appointed to serve on the Ad

Hoc Committee.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

William Barnes

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle and Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

Discussion and possible action to review and update the Res#001-2023/Feb 22 “Resolution

Establishing Administrator Department Head Benefits”

12.

Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher explained that the “Resolution Establishing

Administrator Department Head Benefits” has been in effect since 1989 and provided

the terms of the benefits such as compensation/wages, insurance, and other things for the

Department Heads who were not covered by a labor contract; and for benefits which

were not covered in the Employee Handbook. She noted during the 2023 revision that

the following language was added requiring the Resolution to be reviewed every three (3)

years in February for the upcoming annual budget preparation:

“Triennial Review: The terms of this Resolution shall be reviewed and

acknowledged every three (3) years from its adoption date by the

Administrator/Department Heads and Town Council; and shall remain in

place until further action is agreed upon by both parties”.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry questioned other than the Department Heads whether there

were any other employees that were not covered by “Resolution Establishing

Administrator Department Head Benefits” or another contract/agreement. Human

Resources Director Christine Dias explained that the town had some non-union

part-time/per diam employees that were not covered by a labor contract, however, she

stated that they were covered by the provisions in the Employee Handbook. She went on

to note that the non-union part-time/per diam employees do not receive benefits.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that the Resolution included the following:

· “Employees shall be paid at the rate as designated by the Mayor or contractually

negotiated. Increases in wages shall be effective on the first day of July; and

continuing until June 30, 2025, wage increases may not be less than the percentage

of the highest union contracted increase for that fiscal year.”

However, Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that she believed this paragraph was in

conflict with the Town Charter noting Chapter VI; Section 13 (page 27) as follows:

SECTION 13. SALARIES

“Salaries of all directors and of all employees in the classified service of

the Town shall be determined by the Town Council, in conformity with a

systematic pay plan for the positions involved, upon recommendation of

the Mayor, provided nothing herein shall be construed to limit the power

of the Board of Education to fix compensation of the professional

employees of the school system”.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry suggested the “Resolution Establishing Administrator

Department Head Benefits” be amended to mirror the language provided in the Town

Charter as follows:

“Salaries of all directors and of all employees in the classified service of

the Town shall be determined by the Town Council, with the

recommendation of the Mayor”.

Councilor Barnes asked Human Resources Director Christine Dias for her perspective on

the proposed language. Ms. Dias stated that the would like to review the information and

get back to the Administration Committee. Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that the

Committee would not be voting on the “Resolution Establishing Administrator

Department Head Benefits” this evening, noting that they were just in the discussion

phase.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry questioned whether Mayor Allyn, III or Human Resources

Director Christine Dias had any changes they would like to make to the “Resolution

Establishing Administrator Department Head Benefits”. Mayor Allyn noted the

paragraph regarding “Compensatory Time” stating as currently written that employees

had three-months to use their Compensatory Time. However, he explained that the past

practice, going back to before his Administration, has given employees to the end of the

fiscal year (June 30th) to use the compensatory time. Therefore, he suggested this

language be updated to reflect the current practice, which has been working. Councilor

Garcia-Irizarry asked Mayor Allyn, III and Ms. Dias to send the wording regarding their

proposed amendments for the “Resolution Establishing Administrator Department Head

Benefits” to the Administration Committee for their January 14, 2026 meeting.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Discussion and possible action on the proposed “ Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard

Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission”.

13.

Councilor Barnes stated that he has shared some of his suggestions regarding the

“Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission”

with Chairman St. Vil as well as with several members of the Town Council. He stated

although he would not go through all of his suggestions this evening that he would like to

mention the following:

· The Appointment of members to the Ethics Commission would require the vote of

seven (7) members of the Town Council. Councilor Barnes noted as currently

proposed the Ordinance was calling for the vote of six (6) members of the Town

Council.

Councilor Barnes stated since their last Public Hearing regarding the proposed

“Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission”

that he believed they were close to having a product. However, he stated at the same time

they had some valid feedback from town staff, directors that would be involved, town

committee members, and a number of concerned citizens. Therefore, he stated that he

would be supportive of an having an Ad Hoc Committee that would involve town

employees and the public who would want to participate in refining the current draft

Ordinance further.

Councilor Brunelle stated that she had no problem having an Ad Hoc Committee that

would involve town employees and the public to participate in refining the current draft

Ordinance further, because with their involvement there would be less questions and less

doubt regarding the initiative.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry addressed Councilor Barnes’ suggestion to require the vote of

seven (7) members of the Town Council for the appointment of members to the Ethics

Commission. She noted in reviewing the Town of Glastonbury’s Ethics Commission

Ordinance that they also required the vote of seven (7) members of the Town Council for

the appointment of members to the Ethics Commission. However, she explained the

reason she changed Ledyard’s proposed “Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard

Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” to only require the vote of six (6) members of

the Town Council for the appointment of members to the Ethics Commission, was

because she interpreted Glastonbury’s requirement of seven (7) members to be their

Super Majority. Therefore, she stated for Ledyard’s Town Council that a Super Majority

would be a vote of six (6) members. She stated that subsequently she learned that

Glastonbury also had nine members on their Town Council. Therefore, she was not

opposed to changing Ledyard proposed “Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard

Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” to require the vote of seven (7) members of the

Town Council for the appointment of members to the Ethics Commission.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry went on to state that Councilor Buhle forwarded the following

items to her on Monday December 8, 2025, noting that she has not had time to review

them:

· Language to include a Code of Ethics in the proposed “Ordinance Establishing a

Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission”

· Attorney Matt Ritter’s feedback, which included a recommendation not to include

“Campaigning” as a definition in the proposed Ordinance. Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

noted that Attorney Ritter explained that excluding a candidate from serving on the

Ethics Commission would be getting into First Amendment and Free Speech

territory.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry continued by addressing Councilor Barnes’ suggestion to set

up an Ad Hoc Committee that would involve town employees and the public who would

want to participate in refining the current draft Ordinance further. She stated that

two-years ago when they began working on this initiative that she would have been

in-favor of having an Ad Hoc Committee for to receive additional input regarding the

proposed “Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics

Commission”. However, she stated she was not in-favor of doing that now, noting that

the Town Attorney has reviewed the proposed “Ordinance Establishing a Town of

Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” and that he seemed to be satisfied with

the last version, with some changes. She stated that the Administration Committee could

add Attorney Ritter’s suggested changes plus the changes the public suggested. She

stated none of these changes do not significantly change the document. She stated the

document they now have was much better than what they previously had. She stated that

they still had to review the document for typos and punctuation, noting with these final

changes that she believed they could go to the finish line with the proposed “Ordinance

Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission”.

Councilor Barnes stated given Councilor Garcia-Irrizarry’s preference to proceed with

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

Commission”; and not to have Ad Hoc Committee to involve town employees and the

public to participate in refining the current draft Ordinance further, that there were some

structural additions that he and Councilor Garcia-Irizarry discussed off-line prior him

becoming a member of the administration Committee, and he noted the following.

· Add the following language:

“The authority of this Ordinance shall be limited to the Mayor, Town Council,

Board of Education, and Regulatory Commissions those being Planning & Zoning

Commission, the Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission, and other

Quasi-Legislative Boards, as well as any other groups that the Town Council

determined appropriate.”

Councilor Barnes stated that it was his opinion that applying the Ordinance to all

town personnel and volunteer members of the town’s other committees/

commissions/boards was too broad. He suggested that they start with this structure,

noting that they would most likely learn a lot from the process. He stated the

language proposed above would allow the Town Council to add to the population

structure that the Ordinance would apply to, as they learned from the experience of

the Ethics Commission.

· Provide an Addendum to the Code of Ethics to provide the following:

“As we learn through the experience from the Ethics Commission, to be able to

modify to add additional activities that would either be Acceptable or

Unacceptable.

Councilor Barnes stated adding the language he suggested, as noted above would

allow the proposed Ordinance to stand on its own; and it afforded the town the ability

to modify or increase the scope, and provide clarity based on their experience; and the

experience of their neighboring towns. He stated for these reasons that he believed

having an Ad Hoc Committee to include town staff and the public to review such

recommendations would be beneficial. He stated during the last year the

Administration Committee/Town Council has failed to give the town employees the

chance to have a detailed voice in the drafting of the proposed “Ordinance

Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission”.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry addressed Councilor Barnes’ suggestions and comments as

follows:

· Feedback/Involvement of Town Staff - Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that the

Human Resources Director and Town Clerk provided feedback to Councilor Buhle in

an email, which she just received on Monday, along with the Town Attorney’s

recommendations, as she previously noted.

· Limit the authority of the proposed “Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard

Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” to “the Mayor, Town Council, Board of

Education, and Regulatory Commissions those being Planning & Zoning

Commission, the Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission, and other

Quasi-Legislative Boards, and their staff. Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that she

was not opposed to this language. However, she stated that she would like to also

include some staff. Councilor Barnes stated that his point was for the proposed

Ordinance not to apply to everybody. He suggested they apply the proposed

Ordinance to the areas where they thought the risk was the highest, to learn from the

experience to determine whether they had a good foundation, before they create what

could be a monster of a process. Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that she would be

interested in hearing which employees should be included in the proposed Ordinance.

· “Allow Town Council to expand to include other groups as appropriate.” -

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that she liked this proposed language that Council

Barnes’ suggested.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that she would incorporate all of the recommendations

provided by Attorney Matt Ritter, Town Clerk Patricia Riley, Councilor Barnes, as well

as what Human Resources Director Christine Diaz would be sending to her for the

Administration Committee’s review at their January 14, 2026 meeting. She asked that

Councilor Barnes and Councilor Brunelle forward any additional suggestions to

Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher, who would then forward them on to her.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

14..

Any New Business proper to come before the Committee

None.