741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339-1551

(860) 464-3203

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Town Council

council@ledyardct.org

Meeting Minutes

Chairman S. Naomi

Rodriguez

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

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:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82635591376?

pwd=wWMRZ6VjxqBa5ea72TJ4aSuGOkDVGW.1

Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 826 3559 1376; Passcode: 297696

CALL TO ORDER

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

Town Hall Annex Building.

Chairman Rodriguez welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. She 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.

Councilor April Brunelle

Councilor Jessica Buhle

Chairman S. Naomi Rodriguez

Councilor Tim Ryan

Present:

Councilor Tony Saccone

Councilor Gary St. Vil

Councilor Kevin Dombrowski

Councilor Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Excused:

IV.

PRESENTATIONS

None.

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

MINUTES

Mr. Kevin Blacker, 11 Church Street, Noank. Chairman Rodriguez stated this portion of the

meeting was for Residents and Property Owners of Ledyard and Gales Ferry to provide

comments. Mr. Blacker stated that he rented private farmland at 483 Shewville Road “The

97 Farm” , and that he paid personal property taxes to Ledyard.

Mr. Blacker stated after reviewing the requested Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Requests that he and others filed, he believed that the former Town Planner and former

Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman clearly violated some of the Developers 14th

Amendment Constitutional Rights.

Mr. Blacker continued to note that he has raised concerns about the Gales Ferry District in a

couple of emails that he sent to the Town Council. He stated in providing the Freedom of

Information Act (FOIA) documentation he requested that the Town Council Chairman told

him that the Town had no jurisdiction over the Gales Ferry District. He stated that the Town

Council should be at least aware of what was going on in the Gales Ferry District, noting that

their impact on the Cashman Project and the Town was going to be transformative; positive

or negative. He stated the Gales Ferry District was violating their own Charter and Bylaws;

and they do not appear to be complying with FOIA, noting that their leadership had some

serious conflicts.

Mr. Blacker went on to address the Ledyard Center Sewer Line Extension Project stating that

the project should be looked at closely and considered, particularly the impacts on drinking

water. He stated the Sewer Line Extension Project would increase the amount of sewage that

is discharged to the Seth Williams Brook and into the Whtiford Aquarium, which supplied

the public drinking water for the town of Stonington. He noted that Stonington had wellfields

in that area, and they were actively seeking to expand those wellfields. He stated the

additional sewage was going to have major environmental impacts on the Mystic River and

other towns.

Mr. Blacker concluded his comments by asking Ledyard to consider joining with other towns

to protect the valley between Shewville Road and Lantern Hill Road. He stated for long-term

planning that all of this farmland could serve the region as flood protection. Mr. Blacker

thanked the Town Council for the opportunity to address them this evening, noting that he

would continue to listen to the rest of the meeting from Zoom.

Chairman Rodriguez thanked Mr. Blacker for his comments.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

None.

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

Chairman Rodriguez provided the following comments: (1) Councilor Gary Paul Resignation

- Chairman Rodriguez noted that last week she received Councilor Gary Paul's resignation

letter from the Ledyard Town Council citing health issues. She noted that she telephoned

Councilor Paul on December 31, 2024 to express her gratitude to him for his service to the

Town of Ledyard, noting that he made a great impact in our community and that they were

grateful. She stated that she also wished Councilor Paul well in his future, noting that he

would be missed; (2) Law Enforcement Day Thursday, January 9, 2025 - Chairman

Rodriguez stated Law Enforcement Day was a perfect time for our community to show their

appreciation to our police officers, noting we understand that their work was dangerous and

difficult. She stated that the Town of Ledyard appreciated the risk and sacrifices they make

to keep our community safe; (3) 250th Anniversay of the United States Declaration of

Independence - Chairman Rodriguez noted that resident Mr. Milton (Dave) Schroeder

provided comments at the Town Council’s December 11, 2024 meeting regarding the United

States Semiquincentennial that would take place on July 4, 2026. She stated that Mr.

Schroeder mentioned the festivities that were held in Ledyard in 1976 to commemorate and

celebrate the Bicentennial; and that he suggested the town consider planning similar events

for 2026. She noted that she thought Mr. Schroeder’s suggestions were a great idea; and that

the Mayor mentioned planning for the Semiquincentennial in his Report, noting that in his

absence, she would read his Report later this evening. Chairman Rodriguez stated that she

wanted to include the Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in

this project.

Councilor Brunelle stated that her heart goes out to anyone who knows family or friends who

live up in Los Angeles, California, where they were having the horrific fires. She stated that

this was something that she could not get out of her mind, noting that the wind was just

carrying the fires.

Councilor Buhle stated that she also wanted to thank Councilor Gary Paul for his service to

the town. She stated that she and Councilor Paul may not have always agreed on everything,

but that he was great to work with. She stated during conversations with Councilor Paul that

his desire to give back to his community inspired her to consider running to serve on the

Town Council. She stated that she appreciated his service to the town.

Councilor St. Vil stated tonight was the Town Council’s 1st meeting of the New Year; and

that he would like to begin by stating Happy New Year! to both the residents of Ledyard and

his fellow Town Councilors. He stated like most Americans, that he would like to reflect

upon last year, 2024, noting that he thought this Town Council has done a great job with

pushing things forward, and making a difference for the town. He stated Chairman

Rodriguez did a good job of enumerating the work they have done in her letter to the

residents that was included in the Fall, 2024 Events Magazine, that was mailed to every

household in town. He stated that he looked forward to working with everyone on doing

more great things in 2025.

Councilor Ryan stated Happy New Year! and that he hoped everyone had a good holiday

break. He stated that he would like to echo the comments that were made regarding

Councilor Paul. He stated that he met Councilor Paul through the time they served together

on the Town Council and through their involvement in serving the town. He stated their

work has all been

positive, and that he considered him as a friend. He stated Councilor Paul would be missed,

noting that he looked forward to their continued conversations and in seeking his advice

outside of the Town Council in the future. He thanked Councilor Paul for his service to the

town.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes of December 11, 2024

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Saccone

VOTE: 6 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications List January 8, 2025

Chairman Rodriguez stated a Communications List has been provided on the meeting portal

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

REFERALS

XI.

COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS

Administration Committee

Chairman Rodriguez noted tonight’s Administration Committee meeting was cancelled due

to illness.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Councilor Brunelle stated the Community Relations Committee’s for Diversity, Equity &

Inclusion next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

RESULT:

Finance Committee

Councilor Saccone stated the Finance Committee’s next meeting was scheduled for January

15, 2025. He went on to note that the Budget Season was coming up; and he encouraged

residents to be engaged and involved in the process. He stated the Board of Education has

been meeting at least once a week, and that the Town Council would be conducting Budget

Work Sessions on March 6, 10, & 13, 2025 to meet with Department Heads to discuss their

projected expenses for the coming year. He stated that these meetings were a good

opportunity for residents to hear about the services the town provides, and the justification

for the Department’s budget requests. He stated attending the Budget Work Sessions would

help residents understand why taxes go up; good or bad.

Councilor Buhle provided an update for the residents who have been following the use of

$4.43 million of American Rescue Plan Act Funding (ARPA) that the Town (General

Government) received in response to; and to aid with the recovery from the COVID-19

public health emergency. She stated at the Finance Committee’s December 4, 2024 meeting

the Committee worked to make sure all of the funding Ledyard received was allocated

responsibly; and to provide provisions for the use of any ARPA Funding that was remaining

from projects that were coming in under budget so that they could accomplish as much as

possible for the town. She noted the ARPA Guidelines required that the town have signed

contracts in-place by December 31, 2024; and that all the funding be fully expended by

December 31, 2026.

Councilor Buhle went on to explain at the Town Council’s December 11, 2024 meeting they

allocated $50,000 of Town’s American Rescue Plan Act Funding to install a Solid Surface

Playground at the Juliet W. Long School. She stated despite the challenges, questions and

roadblocks, they were able to get a contract signed by December 31, 2024 for the Solid

Surface Playground. She stated with the Town Council allocating this $50,000 from ARPA

that they would now have all the funding needed to install a new Inclusive Playgrond for the

Juliet W. Long School. She stated that they would be working to get final quotes to order the

playground equipment within the next couple of months.

Chairman Rodriguez noted that they were working to schedule a meeting between the Town

Council Finance Committee and the Board of Education Finance Committee for later this

month.

RESULT:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

Councilor St. Vil noted the LUPPW Committee met on January 6, 2025 and discussed the

following: (1) Historic Designation of the Spicer Homestead Ruins - Chairman Rodriguez

noted that the site survey should be completed in about 10 days; and (2) Illegal Dumping -

Councilor St. Vil noted that the LUPPW Committee has been reviewing residents’ concerns

regarding a neighbor that was dumping debris on their property. He stated the LUPPW

Committee researched the town’s ability to address illegal dumping, and they engaged Police

Chief John Rich as well as the Land Use Director/Town Planner Elizabeth Burdick. He

stated based on their findings that Connecticut General State Statute 22a-250 addresses Illegal

Dumping, included provisions for the reporting of illegal dumping; and provided the ability to

impose fines, the LUPPW Committee has concluded their work on the subject of Illegal

Dumping. He stated that letters would be sent to the residents tomorrow suggesting a

recommended path forward.

RESULT:

Liaison Reports

Permanent Municipal Building Committee

Councilor Brunelle noted that the PMBC met on January 6, 2025 and voted to elect the

following Officers: Chairman Mr. Jospeh Gush; Vice Chairman Mr. Gary Schneider, and

Recording Secretary Mr. Jerry Tyminski.

RESULT:

Gales Ferry Fire Department

Councilor Saccone reported the following: (1) Fires - Councilor Saccone stated that

unfortunately there were a couple of fires over the past several weeks. He asked that residents be

cautious with the use of alternative fuels; (2) Emergency Generator - Councilor Saccone stated

the Gales Ferry Fire Department has been paying $1,400 per month, out of their pocket, to rent a

generator, while waiting to receive the Grant Funding that they were approved to receive. He

stated all the paperwork was now in place and that the Fire Department was moving forward to

purchase a new Emergency Generator.

RESULT:

Ledyard Farmers’ Committee

Chairman Rodriguez noted that the Farmers Market Committee met earlier this evening and

discussed preparations for the 2025 Summer Market, which included ideas for the weekly

Market themes.

RESULT:

Retirement Board

Chairman Rodriguez stated the Retirement Board’s next meeting was scheduled for January 21,

2025 at 10:00 a.m.

RESULT:

Inland Wetland and Water Courses Commission

Councilor St. Vil stated that the Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission met on January

7, 2025 and continued discussions on some proposed amendments.

RESULT:

Planning & Zoning Commission

10.

Councilor St. Vil stated the Planning and Zoning Commission concluded their Public Hearing on

the Application regarding a proposed development at the former Dow Chemical/Styrenics Site

on Route 12, Gales Ferry. He explained with the Public Hearing closed, the Commission would

continue their discussion and a decision would be provided by the end of January, 2025, noting

that the Planning & Zoning Commission would be holding their Regular Meeting tomorrow

evening (1/9/2025) in the Council Chambers.

RESULT:

Economic Development Commission

11.

Councilor Buhle stated that the EDC met on January 7, 2025 and addressed the following: (1)

Route 12 Corridor Study - Councilor Buhle noted that the EDC received a presentation from a

Representative from Gorman + York regarding the Route 12 Corridor Study. She noted that the

Group discussed what the Study would entail; and she found the presentation and discussion

interesting; (2) Business Directory Update; and (3) Addressed some housekeeping items.

RESULT:

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

XIII

Chairman Rodriguez noted that Mayor Allyn, III, was feeling ill this afternoon; therefore, in his

absence that she would read the report he provided for tonight’s meeting as follows: (1) Wished

All a Happy New Year 2025!; (2) Surprise Snow Day - On Monday, January 6, 2025 Ledyard

had five motor vehicle accidents due to a surprise Snow Day. The forecast called for

1% chance of flurries, but they received enough snow to make for slippery conditions; (3)

Spicer Homestead Ruins - Dieter & Gardner have prepared a draft Survey Plan for the area of

Spicer Homestead Ruins Property being considered for historic preservation; (4) 250th

Anniversay of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence - Mayor Allyn, III, has established

an Ad Hoc Committee to plan town events to celebrate the Semiquincentennial. The Ad Hoc

Committee would be comprised of 7 members to include Library Staff, Historic District

Commission, Town Clerk, Parks & Recreation Staff, and others. The Ad Hoc Committee would

be planning events for Ledyard to take place on July 3, 4, & 5, 2026 and that more information

would be provided as the Ad Hoc Committee’s work gets underway; (5) Ledyard High School

Civics Class - Mayor Allyn, III, had the opportunity to engage with the students on January 7,

2025 to discuss their projects; which included Animal Care/Cruelty; Affordable Housing, and

other topics; (6) Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) Legislative

Agenda - Mayor Allyn, III, met with State Representatives Greg Howard and Brian Lanoue to

hear their plans for the upcoming Legislative Session, which was scheduled to begin on January

9, 2025; (7) Ledyard Center Sewer Line Extension Project - Phase III of the Project involved

upgrading the existing sewer line to a larger pipe from the High School to Pennywise Lane

where it tied into the Wastewater Treatment Facility. The larger sewer line would provide

adequate capacity to handle the sewer services in the center of town. The sewer line has been

installed across the High School Baseball Field and was to now up to the median. The pipe

would then be installed along Gallup Hill Road. The green line in the attached map represented

the installation of the sewer pipe that has been installed/completed since December 26, 2024;

and the red line showed the upcoming work to complete the tie-in at Pennywise Lane.

RESULT:

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

CONSENT CALENDAR

MOTION to reappoint the following as Regular Members of the Retirement Board for a three (3)

year term ending January 20, 2028:

*1.

Mr. John Rodolico ( R) 40 Long Pond Road, Ledyard

Mr. Roger Codding ( R) 13 Hemlock Circle, Gales Ferry.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

MOTION to reappoint Mr. Roger Codding (R) 13 Hemlock Circle, Gales Ferry, as a Regular

Member to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a four (4) year term ending December 4, 2028.

*2.

*3.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

MOTION to reappoint Mr. Joseph Lozier ( R) 198 Gallup Hill Road, Ledyard, as an Alternate

Member to the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resource Recovery Authority (SCRRRA) for

a three (3) year term ending January 31, 2028.

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

VOTE:

6 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

April Brunelle

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Rodriguez, Ryan, Saccone, and St. Vil

Dombrowski, and Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

EXCUSED:

Administration Committee

MOTION to appoint Ms. Rhonda Spaziani (D) 9 Sunset Road, Gales Ferry, as an Alternate

Member of the Planning & Zoning Commission to complete a three (3) year term ending

December 31, 2026 to fill a vacancy left by Ms. Ribe.

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor St. Vil

Discussion: None.

VOTE:

6 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Gary St. Vil

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Rodriguez, Ryan, Saccone, and St. Vil

Dombrowski, and Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

EXCUSED:

General Business

MOTION to approve an “Authorizing Resolution of the Ledyard Town Council; State Of

Connecticut Department of Energy And Environmental Protection for the Tri-Town Trail

Greenway Project - Phase 2” as presented in the draft dated December 30, 2024.

DRAFT 12/30/2024

Res: 004-2025/Jan 08

AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION

OF THE LEDYARD TOWN COUNCIL

STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

FOR THE TRI-TOWN TRAIL GREENWAY PROJECT - PHASE 2

CERTIFICATION

I, Patricia A. Riley, Town Clerk of the Town of Ledyard, do hereby certify that the following is a

true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by the Ledyard Town Council at its duly called and

held meeting on January 8, 2025, at which a quorum was present and acting throughout, and that the

resolution has not been modified, rescinded, or revoked, and is at present in full force and effect:

*****************************************************************************

RESOLVED: that the Town of Ledyard may enter into with and deliver to the State of Connecticut

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, any and all documents which it deems to be

necessary or appropriate for a grant in the amount of up-to $112,000 for the Tri-Town Trail

Greenway Project - Phase 2; and

FURTHER RESOLVED: that Fred B. Allyn, III, as Mayor of the Town of Ledyard, is authorized

and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the Town of Ledyard and to

do and perform all acts and things which he deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the

terms of such documents.

Adopted by the Ledyard Town Council on: January 8, 2025

_______________________________

S. Naomi Rodriguez, Chairman

*****************************************************************************

The undersigned further certifies that Fred B. Allyn, III, now holds the office of Mayor and that he

has held that office since December 7, 2017.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF: The undersigned has executed this certification this ________day of

_________. 2025 year.

(Seal)

____________________________

Patricia A. Riley, Town Clerk

Moved by Chairman Rodriguez, seconded by Councilor Buhle

Discussion: Chairman Rodriguez noted that two members of the Tri-Town Trail Association

were present this evening and she asked if they would like to make any comments. The

Tri-Town Trail Members, Karen Parkinson and Barbara Kil, noted that they were present to

answer questions that the Town Council may have.

Chairman Rodriguez recognized that the members of the Town Council did not have any

questions, and she noted that they loved the Tri-Town Trail; and thanked them for the work they

do.

VOTE:

6 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

S. Naomi Rodriguez

RESULT:

MOVER:

Jessica Buhle

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Rodriguez, Ryan, Saccone, and St. Vil

Dombrowski, and Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

EXCUSED:

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Buhle moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

VOTE:

6 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

_____________________________________

Transcribed by Roxanne M. Maher

Administrative Assistant to the Town Council

I, S. Naomi Rodriguez, 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 8, 2025.

____________________________________

S. Naomi Rodriguez, Chairman

DISCLAIMER:

Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the Town.

The Town Council's Official Agenda and final Minutes will be on file in the Town Clerk's

Office.