741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, CT 06339

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Administration Committee

Meeting Minutes

http://www.ledyardct.org

Chairman S. Naomi

Rodriguez

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

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: 829 1737 9065; Passcode:

390449

CALL TO ORDER

the Meeting was called to order by 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

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

April Brunelle

Present:

Kevin Dombrowski

Excused:

In addition, the following were present:

S. Naomi Rodriguez, Chairman

Milton (Dave) Schroder, Resident

Sally Stevenson, Resident

Lee Ann Anderson, Resident

Deborah Edwards, Resident

Roxanne Maher, Administrative Assistant

III.

RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS

Mr. Milton (Dave) Schroder, 290 Whalehead Road, Ledyard, stated that resident Mr.

Carlo Porazzi was not able to attend tonight’s meeting, however, Mr. Porazzi asked

him to read the following letter:

Mr. Carlo Porazzi, 30 Chapman Lane, Gales Ferry:

“Town Council:

As a current resident and taxpayer I am writing to voice my support for the formation

of a Ledyard Ethics Commission.

I find it very concerning that Ledyard is one of the few towns that does not have this

oversight committee. The objection over forming this committee by at least one

standing member of the town council is also concerning. Simply having a code of

ethics established with no board to administer is much like the example given of

having laws but no police force. In my opinion there have been and are instances of

poor judgement by town leaders in local matters and I believe the establishment of

this commission will allow for complaints to be lodged, with pertinent facts

supporting. I also agree this will go far in increasing trust between residents and

Ledyard local government, something I believe is waning currently.

To that matter, while the draft I read is a very good start I would offer some changes

if I may:

· Sec 2 - the following sentence leaves some ambiguity as to what this could allow:

"Specific portions of this Ordinance shall not be applicable if they conflict in

whole or in part with any labor agreement, employment contract or state statute."

It would be beneficial if some high -level examples could be provided.

· Sec 4, subsection J & M - I would suggest any former member of town government

be prohibited from representing any party seeking business with or in the town, or

seeking employment with that party for a term of three (3) years from their

vacancy of their town position.

· Any reference or suggestion, explicit or implied, to the mayor in office at the time

having any control or oversight in the dealings of the Ethics Committee except for

receiving reports of current status and/or findings. Thank you for your

consideration, Carlo Porazzi”.

Mr. Schroder continued by stating that he was present this evening to also provide

comments regarding an Ethics Commission. Mr. Schroder stated as a current resident

of the Town of Ledyard that he wanted to voice his support for the creation of a Code

of Ethics and a Ledyard Ethics Commission. He stated as the Administration

Committee’s own investigation has indicated Ledyard was one of the very few towns

in Connecticut that does not currently have sufficient vehicles to apply such

oversight.

Mr. Schroder went on to note that he found the discussion so far in the town minutes

very enlightening, though it disturbed him to learn that there would be any dissenting

voice on our Town Council against establishing a vehicle for oversight, as ethical

behavior in government was a cornerstone of maintaining the trust the electorate has

in our Town Officials both elected, hired and appointed.

Mr. Schroder stated that he has read the Draft “Ordinance for Establishing a Code of

Ethics and an Ethics Commission”. He stated that he largely approved of the

language, but wanted to call to the Administration Committee’s attention the

following points that perhaps merit discussion:

1. Section 5.5.a stipulates "No complaint may be made under the code unless it is filed

with the Commission within three (3) years after the violation alleged in the

complaint has been committed."

Mr. Schroder stated that he would pose the question of whether 3 years was too

short a period, since that does not even equal the 4-year term of office for many

positions outlined on the Chapter Il of the Town Charter. He suggested that perhaps

a 4 or even 5 year limitation for making a complaint would be better in a spirit of

just accountability?

2. Section 5.3 Terms of Appointment stipulates Members shall be appointed by the

Town Council for a period of 3 years. Section 5.5.c requires 3-out-of-5 concurring

votes to establish probable cause during an ethics investigation. Subsequently

Section 5.5.e further requires a unanimous 5-out-of-5 concurring members to be

able to take action upon any violations found.

Mr. Schroder stated unlike a jury in a criminal trial who are chosen at random from

the general public, the Ethics Committee is appointed by the Town Council, which

potentially introduces (political or other) influence/bias into its composition. Thus, he

questioned whether a 5-out-of-5 concurring members was too high of a bar to expect

any findings to ever result in disciplinary action. Mr. Schroder stated that he was

wondering what the norm was for taking disciplinary action in other such ethics

bodies (either in government or in business), or if there was perhaps another model to

use. Thank you for your consideration.

IV.

PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

None.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

This was Approved and so declared.

MOTION to approve the Administration Committee Regular Meeting Minutes of November

13, 2024

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

VOTE:

2 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

VI.

OLD BUSINESS

Discussion and possible action to create an Ethics Commission for the Town of Ledyard.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry thanked Mr. Schroder and Mr. Porazzi for their comments

and suggestions regarding the proposed “ An Ordinance Establishing a Code of

Ethics and Ethics Commission”, noting that she has been looking to obtain input

from everyone.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted Mr. Schroder’s suggestion to require a simple

majority to be able to take action regarding any ethical violations found. Mr.

Schroder stated although he understands that a Jury Trial would require a

unanimous vote, that he did not think that all five Ethic Commission Members

would agree that actions should be taken. Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated although

she did not think a simple majority of three of the five members would be

sufficient, that she would consider requiring four members to be in agreement. She

asked Councilor Brunelle for her thoughts on Mr. Schroder’s suggestion for a

simple majority of the members to be in agreement to take action. Councilor

Brunelle stated that she was not opposed to requiring four or five Commission

Members to be in agreement, noting that they have to be careful not to allow

political lines to play into a decision. Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated because she

would like to hear from Councilor Dombrowski regarding Mr. Schroder’s

suggestions. Therefore, she statedthat the Administration Committee would review

the residents’ suggestions and the language contained in the proposed Ordinance to

consider whether any additional changes should be made.

Councilor Brunelle stated that she was happy that residents were providing

comments regarding the establishment of a Code of Ethics and an Ethics

Commission and that the Administration Committee was continuing their work to

move a proposal forward.

The Administration Committee agreed to continue to discuss the proposed “ An

Ordinance Establishing a Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” at their January 8,

2025 meeting to finalize the draft before sending the proposal to the Town Attorney

for their legal review and recommendations.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Discussion and possible action to draft an Ordinance regarding the raising of

Unofficial-Third-Party Flags on Town Property.

Councilor Brunelle stated that she has drafted a proposal for the Raising of Unofficial

Third-Party Flags. She questioned how the proposal should be distributed to the

members of the Administration Committee for discussion. Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

asked Councilor Brunelle to forward her proposal to the Town Council Office for

Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher to distribute to the Committee and to

include with their January 8, 2025 Agenda packet on the meeting portal.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Any other Old Business proper to come before the Committee

None.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

MOTION to reappoint the following as Regular Members of the Retirement Board for a

three (3) year term ending January 20, 2025:

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

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

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that both of these residents have been

serving on the Retirement Board for many years. She stated that they were interested

in continuing to serve and that the Board and their respective parties have endorsed

their reappointments.

VOTE: 2 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry and Brunelle

Dombrowski

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appoint Ms. Carol Schneider, (D) 101 Inchcliffe Drive, Gales Ferry, to the

Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission as a Regular Member to complete a three

(3) term June 28, 2026 to fill a vacancy left by Ms. Sokolski.

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that Mrs. Schneider served on the Senior

Citizens Commission for many years. She went on to note that when the Parks,

Recreation, & Senior Citizens Commission was combined that Mrs. Schneider

continued to serve as an Alternate Member. She stated with resignation of Ms.

Sokolski that Commission Chairman Kenneith DiRicco requested that Ms. Schneider

be appointed as a Regular Member.

VOTE: 2 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry and Brunelle

Dombrowski

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appoint Ms. Stephanie Bacon (D) 6 Patricia Court, Gales Ferry, to the Parks,

Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission, as an Alternate Member, to complete a three (3)

year term June 28, 2025 to fill a vacancy left by Ms. Schneider.

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry explained at the Administration Committee’s

November 13, 2024 meeting the Committee had recommended that the Town

Council appoint Ms. Bacon to the Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission

as a Regular Member. However, she explained that because Mrs. Schneider has been

on the Commission for many years that Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens

Commission Chairman Kenneth DiRicco requested that Mrs. Schneider be appointed

as a Regular Member and that Ms. Bacon be appointed as an Alternate Member.

VOTE: 2 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry and Brunelle

Dombrowski

AYE:

EXCUSED:

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) term ending

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

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that she reviewed Ms. Spaziani’s

Appointment Application, noting that it was quite detailed. She stated that she

believed that Ms. Spaziani was a good candidate to serve on the Planning & Zoning

Commission.

VOTE: 2 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry and Brunelle

Dombrowski

AYE:

EXCUSED:

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.

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that Mr. Codding has been serving on

the Board of Assessment Appeals for many years. She stated that Mr. Codding was

interested in continuing to serve and that the Board and his respective party has

endorsed his reappointment.

VOTE: 2 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry and Brunelle

Dombrowski

AYE:

EXCUSED:

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 Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Councilor Brunelle noted in reviewing the SCRRRA Minutes that Mr.

Lozier only attended one meeting last year.

Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher noted that Mr. Lozier had some health

issues this past year, and that he was now feeling better, and was interested in

continuing to serve the town on this Regional Board. She went on to explain that

SCRRRA was a Regional Board on which each Member Municipality was allowed

two Representatives, one Regular Member and one Alternate Member. She also

explained that SCRRRA has asked that one of the Municipalities’ Members be their

Public Works Director. She continued to note that last year Mr. Lozier stepped down

from Ledyard’s Regular Member to serve as the Town’s Alternate Member because

of health reasons, and that Public Works Director Steve Masalin, who had been

serving as Ledyard’s Alternate Member was currently serving as the town’s Regular

Member. She noted that Mr. Lozier has served on SCRRRA for many, many years;

and that his reappointment has been endorsed by his respective party.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that she was in-favor of reappointing Mr. Lozier,

noting that she could understand his absence due to health issues.

Councilor Brunelle stated if what was said was true, that Mr. Lozier had health issues

last year, that she would be fine with reappointing him to the Board. However, she

stated if his absence was for any other reason, that she would not be okay with it,

because she believed that someone else could be appointed and serve as a true

Alternate Member.

VOTE: 2 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry and Brunelle

Dombrowski

AYE:

EXCUSED:

Any other New Business proper to come before the Committee.

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Councilor

Brunelle.

VOTE:

2 - 0 Approved and so declared, the meeting was adjourned at 5:59 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,