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, February 26, 2025  
WORKING DRAFT  
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/88950267229?pwd=4PaiqoC9am2jFC6lbE6dX7cPsPjFTO.1  
Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 889 5026 7229; Passcode: 039130  
CALL TO ORDER  
I.  
IC.hairman Rodriguez called the meeting to order at 7:05 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 William Barnes  
Councilor April Brunelle  
Councilor Jessica Buhle  
Councilor Kevin Dombrowski  
Councilor Carmen Garcia-Irizarry  
Chairman S. Naomi Rodriguez  
Councilor Tim Ryan  
Present:  
Councilor Tony Saccone  
Councilor Gary St. Vil  
IV.  
PRESENTATIONS  
None.  
V.  
RESIDENT & PROPERTY OWNERS (COMMENTS LIMITED TO THREE (3)  
MINUTES  
Mr. Milton (Dave) Schroeder, Jr., 290 Whalehead Road, Ledyard, addressed the  
following:  
· Ethics Commission - Mr. Schroeder stated that it was disappointing that both a Code  
of Ethics and a Ethics Commission were still yet to be established for the town of Ledyard.  
At the start of December 2024, it seemed that substantial progress had been made on  
formulating the framework under which a town Ethics Committee would operate. He  
stated that it then appeared that the adoption of the operational guidelines and for the  
establishment of a Commission was imminent. However, he stated that it was  
disappointing to see that almost three months later, that the good effort seemed to have  
stalled. He asked if this apparent slow-walking of the issue should be a matter for concern  
to the public. He once again urged the Town Council to establish an Ethics Commission,  
as ethical behavior in government was a key component to good governance, and that a  
lack of ethical oversight leaves the town, and the intended functioning of its governing  
bodies open to abuse.  
· Planning & Zoning Commission - Mr. Schroeder stated that notwithstanding that he  
was very happy with the current P&Z Commissioners upholding Ledyard’s Regulations  
with the denial of what was for all intents and purposes a quarry on Mount Decatur. He  
stated not long ago, Ledyard had a separate Planning Commission and Zoning  
Commission, two different entities with two different functions: one to plan, and the other  
to enforce. He stated the language of Ledyard's Plan of Conservation and Development  
(POCD) speaks of a balance between development and preserving the recognized positive  
character of the town and the well-being of its citizens. And yet, as the result of changes  
made to our Town’s Regulations in recent years under the combined functions of the P&Z  
Commission, Ledyard now finds itself under a deluge of applications where the pretext  
seems to be that development supersedes well-being and preservation, noting that it was  
not always so. He stated our town’s forefathers understood the danger when developers  
essentially were able to write changes to the town regulations that would be beneficial to  
them; and then put pressure on Commissioners to make those changes and approve their  
projects. He stated that we all want to see responsible development. But the proper way to  
ensure it was to have two separate entities a Planning Commission and a Zoning  
Commission. He encouraged the Town Council to make the change before the town  
becomes irreversibly disfigured by irresponsible development that irrevocably mars what  
makes the town - in all its parts - so special to its inhabitants.  
· Route 12 Corridor Study - Gorman + York - Mr. Schroeder stated that it was  
disappointing that the town has contracted with the firm Gorman + York to do a far-reaching  
study on future development of the Route 12 Corridor. He stated this was the same firm that  
called everyone in the public who opposed the recent denied Gales Ferry Intermodal  
(GFI-Cashman) Application for Mount Decatur a NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) out of the  
hand (see Ex#102 for Public Hearing: PZ#24-8SUP & PZ#24-9CAM), without even  
recognizing they had justifiable cause for concern. Mr. Schroeder stated that this firm,  
Gorman + York demonstrably provided false conclusions to cited reports and excluded  
relevant economic data from their report to prop up their arguments (EX#227 from Joanne  
Kelly and Ex#337-2 from Jennifer Zeronsa for Public Hearing: PZ#24-8SUP & PZ#24-  
9CAM). He stated that being told what you want to hear from a consultant with an agenda  
was not the basis for making good planning decisions. He stated that he highly urged the  
Town Council to impose financial pressure on the Town Planner to cut all contact with the  
firm Gorman + York, and seek any consultancy services elsewhere.  
· Housing Developments - Impact on Schools - Mr. Schroeder noted that he has heard  
that there were many new housing projects in the works here in Ledyard that were sure to  
result in an influx of new families with children into the school system. He asked when they  
could expect the Town Council to address the ever-growing need to expand our already  
over-stretched existing schools.  
Ms. Anne Roberts-Pierson, 4 Anderson Drive, Gales Ferry, stated that she agreed with Mr.  
Schroeder's comments, noting that all of his points were spot on, and that she hoped the  
Town Council was listening. Thank you.  
Mr. Eric Treaster, 10 Huntington Way, Ledyard, suggested the Town consider revising the  
Town Charter. He provided some background noting in 1963, when Ledyard initially  
adopted Zoning Regulations, they established a combined Planning and Zoning Commission;  
and that the Town Council served as the combined Commission. However, he stated  
subsequently the Town Council established two separate Commissions, one for Planning and  
one for Zoning, and appointed volunteers to serve on the two Commissions. He stated the  
two separate Commissions were in effect for about 40 years, until the end of 2012 when the  
Town Council merged the two Commissions back into a single Combined Planning &  
Zoning Commission. Mr. Treaster stated that the Zoning Commission's mission was to  
Protect Public Health, Safety, Conveyance, and Property Values; and more recently to  
protect Natural Resources; which was achieved by amending the Zoning Regulations. He  
stated these Regulations imposed reasonable constraints on the height and size of buildings,  
the area of the lot that the buildings may occupy; the size of yards, and other open spaces; as  
well as the height, size, and location of advertising signs and billboards and other things.  
Mr. Treaster went on to explain that the Planning Commission had the following two  
missions: (1) Develop and maintain the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD);  
which provided a statement of the policies, goals, and standards for Ledyard’s physical and  
economic development; and (2) Develop and maintain Subdivision Regulations, which  
included reviewing and approving proposed subdivisions. He noted the key word was  
“Planning”.  
Mr. Treaster stated that it was his opinion for a combined Planning & Zoning Commission  
that the amount of work required of the volunteers was excessive to properly perform the  
duties of a Zoning Commission and the duties of a Planning Commission, which resulted in  
both missions being compromised, by a lack of time to do both well; and the town not being  
well served. He noted as an example, the Zoning Regulations unintentionally allowed for an  
unlimited number of six-story, 350-unit or larger apartment complexes in Gales Ferry and in  
Ledyard Center; by right, and without a public hearing, and without any consideration to  
traffic congestion, impact on noise, the school population, nearby property values, aesthetics,  
consistency with the Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD); or the need for more  
social services. He stated the apartment complexes would be similar to the Triton Square  
Apartments located west of the Super 8 Motel on Route 12 in Groton.  
Mr. Treaster went on to note that the Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD) was  
deficient because it was ambiguous as to whether a development would take precedence over  
the protection of the town’s character, or if the protection of the town’s character was more  
important than development.  
Mr. Treaster stated if the Planning & Zoning Committee reverted back into two separate  
Commissions that the quality of their work would improve, and their respective missions  
would be better achieved. He stated that separate commissions sometimes act as a check and  
balance on each other, noting that the benefits to the town by having separate Commissions,  
would outweigh the disadvantages. He asked the Town Council to consider the value and  
desirability of development that occurred during the 15-years before the town Commissions  
were combined; and that they also consider which was better for our town. He stated if the  
Town Council concluded that the 15-years before the Commissions were combined was  
superior; then he would ask that the Town Charter be amended, and the Planning and Zoning  
Commissions be separated for essentially the same reasons they were separated by the  
original Town Council during the 1960’s or 1970’s. Thank you,  
Chairman Rodriguez thanked the Residents for their comments this evening.  
VI.  
COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS  
Chairman Rodriguez stated that the Board of Education was supposed to present their Fiscal  
Year 2025/2026 Budget to the Town Council this evening. However, she stated that they  
were unable to attend tonight’s meeting. She stated that she was waiting for the Board of  
Education to provide a date that they could present their proposed budget to the Town  
Council.  
VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS  
Chairman Rodriguez noted at the Town Council’s February 12, 2025 meeting Mayor Allyn,  
III, announced that Prides Corner Nursery would like to make a donation in the name of the  
Town of Ledyard to a charitable organization of the town's choosing.  
Chairman Rodriguez suggested the Town Council consider choosing Hopei in Focus as the  
recipient of the Prides Corner Nursey donation. She explained that Hope in Focus was a  
501c(3) nonprofit patient advocacy organization dedicated to transforming the lives of those  
affected by blindness caused by a rare inherited retinal diseases characterized by severe  
vision loss at birth. She stated their Mission was to generate awareness, raise funds for  
research, and provide outreach, support, and education to those affected by Leber Congenital  
Amaurosis (LCA) and other rare retinal diseases characterized by severe vision loss at birth.  
She stated while some children were born with little or no vision, that others may have  
significant vision loss in the first few years of life, or stable vision for a period of time, and  
then eventually vision loss, as the retina deteriorates into total blindness. She stated Hope in  
Focus was founded in 2014 by Ledyard Residents Laura Manfre and Charles Priebe when  
their daughter, Sofia, was born with Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). She asked the  
Town Council to consider recommending that Prides Corner Nursey provide a donation on  
behalf of the Town to Hope in Focus.  
Councilor Dombrowski stated that they were not ready to make a decision this evening on  
the charitable organization for Prides Corner Nursery to make a donation to. He stated that  
he had no advanced notice or knowledge regarding the Organization, Hope in Focus, that  
Chairman Rodriguez has suggested the Prides Corner Nursery’s donation be made to this  
evening.  
Councilor Ryan questioned whether there was a deadline as to when they needed to get back  
to Prides Corner Nursery.  
Chairman Rodriguez stated that Hope in Focus was wonderful non-profit Organization,  
noting that she has known the family since they have lived in Ledyard. She questioned since  
the Town Council learned about Prides Corner Nursery’s offer to make a donation to a  
charitable organization two weeks ago whether anyone had other charitable organization  
ideas.  
Councilor Dombrowski noted that the United Way was in Gales Ferry. Mayor Allyn, III,  
noted that the Lantern Hill Valley Association was looking to do some aquatic, and invasive  
plant work.  
Mayor Allyn, III, stated although he did not know the amount of the donation that Prides  
Corner Nursery has offered to give on behalf of the Town; that it sounded like it was going  
to be about $2,000 - $3,000. He also noted that he did not know if Prides Corner Nursery  
would give the donation to more than one Organization. He stated that he would ask about  
the amount of the donation; and the distribution for the March 12 2025 Town Council  
meeting.  
Councilor Dombrowski suggested the subject of potential charitable organizations for Prides  
Corner Nursery to make a donation to be included on the Town Council’s March 12, 2025  
Agenda.  
Councilor Barnes stated that he agreed with Councilor Dombrowski that they should include  
a discussion regarding potential charitable organizations for Prides Corner Nursery to make  
their donation to, be included on the Town Council’s March 12, 2025 Agenda. However, he  
stated with that being said, he noted that Hope in Focus was a great organization, but that  
everyone should have the opportunity to provide suggestions and learn about the charitable  
organizations. He stated that he has known the family that began Hope in Focus since they  
lived in Ledyard, noting that they were a wonderful family.  
Chairman Rodriguez asked that Councilors provide ideas of non-profit organizations for the  
Town Council to discuss at their March 12, 2025 meeting, so that they could come to a  
consensus regarding the Organization that they would like Prides Corner Nursey to make  
donation to.  
Chairman Rodriguez stated that recently she received some anonymous letters that were  
mailed to her home and to her at the Town Hall. She announced that anonymous letters  
would not be included on the Town Council’s Correspondence List, noting that residents  
should sign their name to their letters.  
Councilor Barnes stated that his wife and her friend enjoyed an evening walk from the High  
School to Ledyard Center on the new trail. He stated although he thought the nice weather  
had something to do with it, that his wife said the Multi-Use Pathway was wonderful. He  
thanked all those who made the construction of the trail happen.  
Councilor Brunelle stated March was Women’s History Month; and she announced the  
Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion was accepting  
nominations for the first Linda C. Davis Woman of the Year Award. She stated that they  
were asking that those submitting nominations only submit the name of one person, noting  
the deadline was Sunday, March 30, 2025. She asked that folks email their nominations to  
Abur@ledyardct.org <mailto:Abur@ledyardct.org>; noting that the Community Relations  
Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion would vote on the nominations. Chairman  
Rodriguez stated that she loved the idea of the Linda C. Davis Woman of the Year Award to  
acknowledge outstanding women in their community.  
Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated for all those who have kids at home she wanted to remind  
them that when you get home that you give your kids a hug and just appreciate that they are  
there with you, especially if they are young. She noted that parents need to make their kids  
understand that they were not invincible, and that stuff can happen to them. She stated if  
your kids were learning to drive, or even if they have been driving for a long time, that they  
remind them to be careful and to follow the traffic laws.  
Councilor St. Vil stated as part of the Black History Month Activities that a Gospel Concert  
was scheduled for February 28, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the New Life Church, on Route 117;  
noting that all were welcome to attend, and that he hoped to see everyone there. He  
continued by reminding residents that the Black History Month Essay and Poster Contest for  
students has been extended to March 7, 2025. Therefore, he stated if your child has not yet  
submitted an entry that they still had some time.  
Councilor Dombrowski stated that he wanted to echo the following comments that were  
made earlier this evening: (1) Traffic Laws - Councilor Dombrowski stated with the warmer  
weather they were already seeing more people out walking, riding bicycles and motorcycles.  
He reminded everyone to drive safely, and to be aware of everyone else who was on the road.  
He stated that he has seen people not stop and run right through the stop signs. He went on to  
note that the worst area was the stop sign that was behind the High School on Gallup Hill  
Road to Spicer Hill Road. He stated whether motorist were taking a right turn, left turn or  
going straight, nobody was stopping at the Stop Signs. He reminded people to obey the  
traffic laws, stating that “Stop” means “Stop” noting that Stop Signs were not a suggestion or  
were meant to allow motorists to just slow down and keep going through it.  
Councilor Ryan questioned whether Councilor Dombrowski witnessed the infractions  
firsthand and whether he talked to Police Chief Rich. He suggested that perhaps the Police  
Department could put a patrol car in that area to help people to stop at the Stop Sign.  
Councilor Dombrowski stated that the intersection behind the High School was not the only  
intersection where motorists were not obeying the Stop Signs, noting that there was also the  
stop sign on Town Farm Road by Gallup Hill School. He continued to address the  
intersection by the High School where it turned onto Colonel Ledyard Highway, stating that  
since the intersection was straightened out, the curve was awful. Chairman Rodriguez noted  
that the Water Pollution Control Authority also commented on that particular intersection.  
Councilor Dombrowski stated the area was currently being protected by three Traffic Cones.  
Councilor Dombrowski also commented on the Multi-Use Pathway, noting that with the  
snow he saw one vehicle mistakenly drive on the path instead of the road. Therefore, they  
agreed that some barriers needed to be installed.  
VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
MOTION to approve the following Town Council Minutes:  
·
·
Special Meeting of February 12, 2025  
Regular Meeting Minutes of February 12, 2025  
Moved by Councilor Dombrowski, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry  
VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Kevin Dombrowski  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Carmen Garcia-Irizarry  
SECONDER:  
IX.  
X.  
COMMUNICATIONS  
Communications List - February 26, 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  
1.  
Councilor Buhle stated although the Administration Committee has not met since the last  
Town Council meeting they have a number of appointments on tonight’s agenda.  
.
RESULT:  
Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion  
2.  
Councilor Brunelle stated the Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity &  
Inclusion met on February 19, 2025 and discussed the following: (1) Black History Month  
Poetry Slam - Councilor Brunelle stated the Poetry Slam that was held at Lucille's Restaurant  
was well attended noting that everybody was happy; (2) March - Women’s History Month -  
Councilor Brunelle stated in celebration of Women’s History Month the Community  
Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion decided to sponsor a Linda Davis  
Woman of the Year Award.  
Chairman Rodriguez noted that Councilor St. Vil would be reading at the Children's Library  
in Gales Ferry on Thursday, February 27, 2025.  
.
RESULT:  
Finance Committee  
3.  
Councilor Saccone stated the Finance Committee met on February 19, 2025 and they have  
three items on tonight’s agenda. He noted with the month of March the Finance Committee  
would begin their work on the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget. He stated that the  
Committee would be holding Budget Work Sessions on Thursday, March 6, 2025; Monday  
March 10, 2025; and Tuesday, March 18, 2025 to meet with Department Heads to learn  
about their projected expenses. He stated the Budget Work Sessions were open to the public  
and he encouraged residents to attend, noting that the Work Sessions would be held in a  
Hybrid format providing residents the option to attend in-person or remotely via Zoom.  
Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee  
4.  
Councilor St. Vil stated the LUPPW Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday,  
March 3, 2025.  
.
RESULT:  
Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission Fiscal Year 2024/2025  
Councilor Barnes noted the Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission met February  
18, 2025 and discussed the preparation of a $1 million Small Town Economic Assistance  
Program (STEAP) to replace the playscapes at the following parks: Town Green, Aljen  
Height’s, Blonders Park (Colonel Ledyard park) and East Drive. He stated that there was a  
lot of excitement among the members of Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission  
with the Town Council’s February 19, 2025 approval to move the Grant Application and  
Playscape Projects forward at their February 19, 2025 Special Meeting; noting that the  
Commission was looking forward to the park improvements.  
.
RESULT:  
Public Safety Report  
Councilor Saccone stated that the Town Council would be voting on a request from the  
Police Department later this evening. He noted that the Police Department had one Police  
Officer position open. He suggested any Residents, or High School Students who may be  
interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement to contact Polce Chief John Rich.  
.
RESULT:  
Library Commission  
Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the Library Commission met on February 24, 2025 and  
addressed the following: (1) Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget Work Session - Library  
Administrative Assistant Erica Christofferson would be presenting the Library’s Budget to  
the Finance Committee on March 13, 2025; (2) Insurance for Library Facilities - Because  
the Bill Library Association owned the building their President Dianne Holmberg questioned  
who was responsible to pay the insurance the Library Facilities. Ms. Holmberg’s main  
concern was regarding catastrophic insurance. Mayor Allyn, III, stated that he attended the  
Bill library Trustees’ Dinner last year and that the previous Bill Library Association  
President asked the same question. He explained that the Town has a Umbrella Insurance  
Policy for all the town’s buildings, stating that everything was covered. He stated at that time  
he explained the different insurance coverages to the Bill Library Association; however, he  
stated the information must not have been conveyed to Ms. Holmberg. He stated that he  
would email the Insurance information to Ms. Holmberg; and (3) Library Director Jennifer  
Smith - February 24, 2025 was Ms. Smith’s last meeting with Ledyard before she moved on  
to her new position in Central Connecticut, where she has taken a job to be closer to her  
family. Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that Ms. Smith would be missed.  
.
RESULT:  
Board of Education  
Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that she was disappointed that this evening the Board of  
Education would not be presenting their proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget to the  
Town Council as initially scheduled; and as they have in years past. She continued by  
reading the following:  
“Back in September of 2024 the Board of Education’s agenda included their Fiscal Year  
2025/2026 Budget Timeline, which included a presentation to the Town Council on  
February 26, 2025. However, in October, 2024 the Budget Timeline was changed.  
Board of Education Chairman Anthony Favry has served as the Board’s Chairman for many  
years, with the exception of a few months when Mr. Alex Rode served as their Chairman,  
until he became ill. Therefore, it should not have come as a surprise to Mr. Favry that the  
Town Council was expecting the Board of Education to present the Board’s proposed budget  
at a Town Council meeting.  
As the Town Council’s Liaison to the Board of Education, I have been attending most of the  
Board’s meetings. During their last meeting, as I mentioned in the Town Council’s February  
12, 2025 meeting, the Board of Education discussed the Town Council’s February 6, 2025  
letter in which the Town Council requested additional information, as a follow-up to the  
January 21, 2025 Joint Work Session of the Town Council and Bord of Education’s Finance  
Committees. During the Board of Education’s meeting they kept asking why the Town  
Council needed to ask for that information, because supposedly all the information was in  
the Munis Report. Various Members of the Board of Education mentioned that perhaps  
what they needed to do was teach the Town Council how to read the Munis Report, because  
apparently we don't know; and that was why we were asking for the information. In addition  
to that, the Superintendent of Schools made a comment that it seemed like the Town Council  
only liked to communicate via letters; and that this whole thing could have been done over a  
phone call.  
I would like to go back to the Town Council meetings from 2024, in which the Town Council  
directly asked Superintendent Mr. Hartling in the presence of other Board of Education  
members for the same information, and never provided it.  
This year, during the January 21, 2025 Joint Work Session of the Town Council and Bord of  
Education’s Finance Committees, the information was requested again, and it has not been  
provided. Since the information had been requested verbally multiple times, it was necessary  
for the Town Council to send a letter, because our verbal requests kept ignored.  
The Town Council is asking, amongst other things, for information regarding the salary  
lines in the Board of Education’s Budget. Each salary line includes multiple staff, and  
sometimes the amount allocated in one year differs significantly the next year for the same  
salary line. The information the Town Council is asking for is how many people that salary  
line covers. That's it. We're not asking for personal information; or any other information  
that might violate any privacy laws; we just want to understand what each line involves.  
At the end of the day, Mr. Favry mentioned in one of his emails that this is about  
transparency. The Town Council, and the taxpayers, have the right to know this information.  
I don't know how many teachers for general instruction were in each elementary school. And  
when I look at the Munis Report I cannot tell that. And I can also not look it up on their  
Board of Education website, because the website is not up to date. And one of the reasons  
that is not up to date is because it is difficult to know how many teachers, or staff of any  
subject we have in our school, due to the high turnover they have.  
Town charter. Chapter 7, Section 1 states the following:  
The Board shall annually prepare a budget submission to include the information  
required by the Town Council.  
Also for the Board of Education Bylaws Policy:3108 states: “The Board of Education shall  
prepare an itemized estimate of the cost of operating Ledyard Public Schools for the  
ensuing year, and shall submit each such estimate to the Town Council via the Mayor no  
later than the 4th Monday in February. The Budget document shall contain the  
information requested by the Town Council, and shall be in a format that is compatible  
with the budget submission for the General Government”. Which I referred to at the Town  
Council’s February 12, 2024 meeting.  
I mention the Board of Education Bylaws and the Town Charter because the Town Council  
is the stewards of the taxpayers’ money; and we wouldn't be doing our job if we didn't ask  
questions. The information that we are asking the Board of Education to provide, is the same  
information that we also receive from other Town Departments, and no other Department  
seems to have an issue with providing it.  
The Mayor's Office provides a budget with information that the taxpayers and the Town  
Council needs. More than half of our town’s budget goes to our schools. What kind of job  
would we be doing if we just didn't ask any questions, or didn’t ask for additional  
information. We are facing a budget that can increase the mil rate significantly, and it would  
be irresponsible for us not to do a thorough job. We need to ask these questions because we  
need to know what we're voting for. It shouldn't be that difficult for us to get this  
information.  
.
RESULT:  
Planning & Zoning Commission  
Councilor St. Vil stated that collaboration is the key. He stated a good example of  
collaboration was our Planning and Zoning Commission. He commended everyone that  
participated in evaluating the recent application for work at the former Dow/Styrenics  
Chemical Site on Route 12 in Gales Ferry. He stated that the decision has been completed,  
noting the Commission made a decision last week. He stated this work involved a countless  
number of hours by the volunteers, either those currently sitting, or previously sitting on that  
Commission. He stated that he understood that a lot of those discussions were contentious at  
times, but yet the Commission, steadily reviewed the facts and came out with a decision. He  
thanked everyone who served on the Planning & Zoning Commission for all their hard work.  
He stated that he greatly appreciated their work and time and that he was sure everyone on  
the Town Council and the Mayor did as well. He stated the Planning & Zoning Commission  
was a good example of collaboration that needed to be seen and felt everywhere in town.  
.
RESULT:  
REPORT OF THE MAYOR:  
XIII  
Mayor Allyn, III, reported on the following: (1) Ledyard Center Sewer Line Extension  
Project Update - Mayor Allyn stated the installation of the sewer line from the High School  
to Penny Wise Lane has been completed. However, he stated the final work to spread loom  
and grass seed would be done this spring; (2) Playscape Replacement Projects (Town Green,  
Aljen Heights, Blonders Park & East Drive) - Mayor Allyn stated the $1 million Small Town  
Economic Assistant Program (STEAP) Grant Application was submitted on Thursday,  
February 27, 2025, noting that the Town met the deadline; (3) Historic Cemetery $5,000  
Grant - Mayor Allyn thanked the Town Council for their February 12, 2025 action  
authorizing the Town to submit the Office of Management & Policy (OPM) Grant Application.  
He noted the Application was submitted on February 13, 2025 to meet the submission deadline.  
He stated the Cemetery Committee developed a Plan for the use of the funding which included  
removing brush, fixing gravestones, repairing fences and a number of other maintenance items  
at the Town’s Historic Cemeteries; (3) Eastern Regional Tourism Annual Conference  
February 20, 2025 - Mayor Allyn stated he attended the Conference that was held at the  
Mohegan Sun Casino. He stated although Southeastern Connecticut was clearly the number  
one destination in all of Connecticut for tourism, that the State was not investing enough to  
help support Southeastern Connecticut for tourism. Therefore, he stated they made a big  
pitch to the State’s Department of Economic Development for more support; (4) Board of  
Education Roof Replacement and Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Projects  
- Mayor Allyn stated on February 18, 2025 Board of Education Director of Facilities and  
Grounds Wayne Donaldson, Permanent Municipal (PMBC) Chairman Joe Gush, Finance  
Director Matthew Bonin and other staff met with STV Managing Partner, who was hired to  
be the Owners Representative for Ledyard’s $8,550,000 School Projects (Replacement of  
Roofs at the Central Office, Gales Ferry School, and Juliet W. Long School, along with the  
installation/mounting of Solar Pannels; and the HVAC System at Juliet W. Long School).  
He stated that STV has since has changed the Representative for Ledyard explaining that  
their new Representative was actively working on the projects. He stated that they hoped the  
new STV Representative would be a big plus in terms of getting these long-delayed project  
across the finish line. He stated the contractor was currently working to put the cap pieces on  
the roof. He stated because some of the roofing materials were installed incorrectly that the  
contractor would go back to the Gales Ferry School to remove and replace the panels, noting  
the Roofing Manufacturer, Garland, has provided the new roofing materials for the  
contractor to reinstall; (5) Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) -  
Mayor Allyn stated SCCOG met last week noting that they discussed the projected State’s  
Funding to Municipalities for the upcoming Fiscal Year (fy 25/26). He reported that the early  
indications was that funding from the State would be flat funded for the sixth straight year,  
noting that this would pose a challenge for everybody. He stated that he would be working  
the projected State Revenues into his proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget; (6) Fiscal  
Year 2025/2026 Budget - Mayor Allyn stated the Board of Education submitted their  
$40,667,242 budget on Monday, February 24, 2025 in accordance with the Town Charter. He  
stated that he would be submitting the General Government’s proposed Budget along with the  
Board of Education’s proposed Budget to the Town Council on Monday, March 3, 2025. He  
stated that he planned to include a Budget Summary of the General Government’s Budget in  
addition to his Budget Transmittal Letter. He explained the idea of providing a Budget  
Summary was to enable everyone to understand the budget within five minutes. He stated  
that he welcomed the Town Council’s feedback, noting that it was important that they  
provide transparency on how residents’ tax dollars were being spent. He stated although he  
was still working on the General Government’s proposed budget; the increase was about  
$644,000; and the Board of Education’s budget increase was $2,297,419 or 5.98% over the  
current year’s budget. He stated a 3.15 mil increase would be required to support the  
upcoming budget as it currently stands. He stated residents would see a $1,000 to $1,500  
increase in their tax bills, noting that this did not bode well, when 31% of Ledyard’s  
residents were at the Asset Limited Income Constrained &Employed (ALICE) threshold  
based on the United Way Report; (7) Library Director job Posting - Mayor Allyn stated the  
town received about a dozen applications and that they would be conducting interviews to  
fill the Library Director position tomorrow. He stated that Library Director Jennifer Smith  
and other staff would participate in the interview process. He stated that Library Director  
Jennifer Smith was fantastic, noting that she did some great things for the town during the  
three-years she was in Ledyard and that he was sorry to see her go; (8) Motor Vehicle  
Taxation Formula- Mayor Allyn noted the changes to the Motor Vehicle Tax explaining that  
the current tax was based on the Blue Book Value. However, he stated under the new  
Legislation which will commence with the October 2024 Grand List utilizes the vehicles  
MSRP (Sticker Price) in year one, followed by a 20% depreciation in year two, then a  
straight-line annual depreciation of 5%. However, the new Legislation permits municipalities  
to change the depreciation schedule by a vote of the Town Council, which would move to  
MSRP, then 90% in year two, 85% in year three and so on. He explained that this change  
would reduce the Grand List decline to 0.64% as opposed to the 1.6% and it would recover  
nearly $444,000 in taxes. He stated that he has talked with neighboring towns about what  
they were considering relative to the motor vehicle taxation formula, noting that Stonington  
amended their agenda for tonight because they recognize that they were losing tax revenue  
from both Motor Vehicle Taxation Formula and from Public Act 24-46 “An Act Establishing  
a Property Tax Exemption for Veterans Who Have a Service-Connected Permanent and Total  
Disability Rating” (9) Public Act 24-46 “An Act Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for  
Veterans Who Have a Service-Connected Permanent and Total Disability Rating” - Mayor  
Allyn stated that he absolutely supported providing a tax benefit to Veterans who have served  
our country and were 100% totally and permanently disabled and was unemployable. He  
explained the intent of this Legislation was to provide tax relief to veterans that were  
disabled, and do not have the ability to work. However, he stated the problem was that  
Ledyard has people who were gainfully employed, earning six-figure salaries and living in  
some of the nicest houses in our town, submitting the Veteran’s Administration (VA) Form,  
which stated the individual’s combined service disability was 100% and that they had  
conditions that could never be fully cured when they speak about being gainful employment.  
He went on to explain the Legislation’s fix to add “100% permanent and total disability”  
does not help the Municipalities; and he noted that the Legislation would be considering  
another Veteran’s Tax Benefit Bill that would fully exempt the land, outbuildings, pools, and  
anything else on the property. Therefore, he stated Ledyard would see a tax revenue loss of  
about a $550,000; (10) “An Act Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for Property Located  
on Certain Indian Lands” - Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) Foxwoods Casino  
Third Party Vendors Taxation - Mayor Allyn stated that the taxation issue at Mashantucket  
Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) Foxwoods Casino Third Party Vendors Taxation was still  
pending. He stated if the State Legislation approved the Bill that Ledyard would see another  
$625,000 tax revenue loss, noting with the Great Wolf Indoor Water Park and Resort that the  
loss of tax revenue from this Bill could be as much as $825,000.  
Questions to the Mayor  
Councilor Barnes questioned the new Motor Vehicle Taxation Formula. Mayor Allyn, III,  
explained instead of basing the motor vehicle tax on the Blue Book value, which has been  
the practice for years, that per the new Legislation that will commence with the October 2024  
Grand List they would use the vehicles MSRP (Sticker Price) in year one, followed by a 20%  
depreciation in year two, then a straight-line annual depreciation of 5%. However, he  
explained that the new Legislation allows Municipalities to change the depreciation schedule  
by a vote of the Town Council, which would change the formula to start with the MSRP,  
then 90% in year two, 85% in year three and so on. He explained that this change would  
reduce the Grand List decline to 0.64% as opposed to the 1.6% and recover nearly $444,000  
in taxes. He stated Ledyard had 14,000 registered vehicles, and by regaining that 5% would  
result in a $444,000 in tax revenue for Ledyard. Mayor Allyn went on to state that although  
Hartford has been saying that they have reduced taxes; that the money has to be made up  
somewhere; and therefore, the State has now placed the burden on Municipalities to raise  
taxes from their property owners.  
Councilor Ryan questioned the use of the Mil Rate Stablization Fund to lower the mil rate  
increase by one mil for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget. Mayor Allyn, III, stated  
the budget would be using one mil would equate to about $1,290,422. Councilor Ryan  
stating in past years although they planned to use the Mil Rate Stablization Fund that did not  
need to at the end of the year; and he expressed concern about eating into their Mil Rate  
Stablization Fund. Mayor Allyn stated without the use of the Mil Rate Stablization Fund that  
the mil rate would increase by 4 mils. He went on to note as he mentioned at the Finance  
Committee’s February 5, 2025 meeting that the Grand List also saw a 1.6% decrease  
explaining that last year one of the town’s Industrial Use Properties missed the filing  
deadline to receive a tax exemption for their mining equipment; and therefore they paid the  
taxes for that year. However, he stated they submitted their paperwork on-time this year,  
noting that the mining equipment was now exempt, which was another contributor to the  
reduction in the Grand List.  
Councilor Ryan questioned what Ledyard’s State Delegation was doing to help with all of  
these losses in revenue. Mayor Allyn, III, stated that he did not know that their State  
Representatives were doing much. He went on to state that although the Circuit Court  
awarded Ledyard a victory on the Town’s ability to assess and tax non-Indian business  
entities operating on the reservation- Mashantucket Pequot Foxwoods Casino that State  
Senator Cathy Osten does not agree with the ruling. He went on to note during the  
2023/2024 Fiscal Year a Taxation of Non-Tribal Property at the Mashantucket Foxwoods  
Casino Working Group that was comprised of both the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation  
(MPTN) Chairman Butler, and Mohegan Sun Tribe Chairman Gessner, Jr., Montville Mayor  
McDaniel, Mayor Allyn, III, twelve legislators, and five tribal representatives was stood up  
to write a White Paper regarding the issue. However, he stated after six-months the Working  
Group reported that more study was needed. He went on to state during their work that he  
was surprised to learn that some of the Legislators actually thought that Ledyard was  
collecting taxes on the land and buildings. He stated that he had to explain to the State’s  
Legislators that currently there was no taxation on the buildings of any kind; or on the land  
within the Tribal Reservation; with taxation being levied only the non-Indian businesses’  
property that was on the Reservation, such as the Nike Outlet, California Pizza Kitchen,  
Dunkin Donuts, etc. However, he stated should the State Legislature approve the “An Act  
Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for Property Located on Certain Indian Lands” that  
the town would lose the ability to assess and tax the non-Indian entities doing business at the  
Foxwoods Casino, which would include the Tanger Outlets. He noted that currently these  
outlet stores pay their business taxes, which include the furniture, fixtures, and equipment  
and inventory.  
Councilor Buhle addressed Public Act 24-46 “An Act Establishing a Property Tax Exemption  
for Veterans Who Have a Service-Connected Permanent and Total Disability Rating”. She  
requested clarification, noting that what Mayor Allyn was saying was that the additional  
language the State Legislature voted on did not fix the issue. However, she stated in talking with  
our Legislators that Groton was not having this problem because Groton was applying Bill  
as it was written. Therefore, she questioned whether the Town Council could review the  
Veteran’s Administration Forms that residents have submitted to apply for the tax benefit,  
noting that it looked like the Forms had the percentage of the disability redacted. She stated  
if the disability percentage was redacted that there was no way for the Assessor to make a  
judgment on whether or not the person qualified for the tax benefit. She noted the reason she  
has asked this question was because the Veteran’s Administration (VA) has wholeheartedly  
stated that Ledyard had 12 Disabled Veterans; and she noted if all 12 qualifying Veterans  
owned houses, in the nicest neighborhoods in town and paid $10,000 a year in property  
taxes; that the town would be looking at $120,000 a year in lost revenue. However, she  
stated that she did not think that all of the 12 Disabled Veterans owned houses with $10,000  
property tax bill. Therefore, she stated that she was confused as to how the loss of tax  
revenue was at $500,000 for the 100% Totally and Permanently Disabled Veterans. She  
stated while she understands how an individual could be 100% permanently and totally  
disabled veterans by the Veteran’s Administration (VA); and still be gainfully employed that  
she was confused on how to how the Tax Assessor was coming up with her numbers. She  
asked Mayor Allyn to provide the information for Town Councilors to review, as they  
continue to ask their State Legislators to solve this problem.  
Mayor Allyn, III, stated that he could email the Veterans Administration Forms to the Town  
Council if the Forms were fully redacted, so they could see what the Forms looked like. He  
went on to note that the Veterans Administration (VA) has stated that Ledyard has 19  
resident that were 100% Totally and Permanently Disabled Veterans, noting that they broke  
out the numbers between Ledyard (12); and Gales Ferry (7). He stated in reviewing the  
Veterans Administration Forms that there were 85 Ledyard residents that qualify. He stated  
that the percentage of the disability was not redacted from the Forms, noting that the  
Assessor’s Office redacted the individuals’ names, social security numbers, and addresses for  
privacy. He stated that he offered to provide the Veteran’s Administration Forms to their  
State Legislators; and he invited them to meet with the town’s Tax Assessor to help  
determine what Ledyard may be doing wrong. He noted in a conversation with Senator Osten  
at 8:30 a.m. this morning he asked if the State would like to give Ledyard the names of the  
19 property owners who qualify for the 100% Totally and Permanently Disabled Veterans  
stating that the Town would give the tax exemption to those Veterans and no one else.  
However, he stated that because of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  
(HIPAA) Laws the State cannot provide the Town with that information.  
Councilor Buhle stated the disability ratings were a combined rating, explaining that was  
how the Veterans Administration (VA) determined the 100% disability. She stated an  
individual could be 70% disabled for certain reasons and through their military service they  
could have other disabilities, which when combined provide 100% permanently and totally  
disabled. She suggested that they reach out to someone at Submarine Base who administers  
their Vetrans Administration Program, noting that perhaps they could be a resource to assist  
with this process.  
Councilor Buhle continued by addressing the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program  
noting in speaking with State Senator Cathey Osten that she mentioned Ledyard received  
$700,000 in PILOT Payments to help with the assessments on tribal land.  
Mayor Allyn stated all towns received PILOT Payments from the State for land that was  
owned by the State, explaining that the PILOT Program was not only for tribally owned land.  
He stated that all Municipalities that had nontaxable land that was owned by the State or by  
the Federal Government, receive a “Payment in Lieu of Taxes” payment. He went on to  
explain that the State of Connecticut has never met the letter of the law in terms of how they  
were supposed to fund the PILOT Program.  
Mayor Allyn continued to address the Pequot Fund, PILOT Program, and Education Cost  
Sharing (ECS) Funding, noting that some have argued that Ledyard received more than its  
share to cover the costs of the kids that live on tax exempt property that attend their schools.  
However, he stated that Ledyard has to use all of that money for the education of students  
who live on tax exempt land, noting that the other 168 towns that received the Pequot Fund  
distributions do not have those same expenses and liabilities.  
Councilor Garcia-Irizarry questioned the Veterans Association Form. Mayor Allyn explained  
that it was a one-page form that comes from the Department of Veteran Affairs. He stated  
although most of the information on the forms were consistent; that the forms all looked a  
little different depending on the state where the Veteran lived at the time they were  
discharged. He stated in Connecticut that the VA Forms come from Newington or West  
Haven. However, he stated for a veteran that was discharged in Florida, that the Form would  
come from the Florida Veterans Administration. Councilor Barnes stated that the Veterans  
Administration Forms from each state would look different and that older forms would most  
likely look different from today’s forms.  
Councilor Garcia-Irizarry questioned whether there could be veterans who were totally  
disabled, but not permanently. Mayor Allyn replied “Yes” which was also a problem. He  
explained that there were Veterans who may have a 60% or 70% disability rating, and were  
at an unemployable level, who would lose the tax exemption, because they were not 100%  
disabled. He went on to state that while those people should really receive the tax benefit that  
they would not qualify; however, he stated that there were other people who were working  
every day, at well-known employers in our area, making a very good paycheck, who would  
qualify to receive the tax benefit. Therefore, he stated that Public Act 24-46 “An Act  
Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for Veterans Who Have a Service-Connected Permanent  
and Total Disability Rating” was still problematic. He stated that he did not know if the  
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs had the most accurate data on how many  
veterans were living in their State and in towns.  
Councilor Barnes explained that part of the discrepancy could be that the last address the  
Veterans Administration may have for an individual, may not be the address where the  
veteran was currently residing at. He stated an individual who was discharged with a  
disability may have been living in Georgia at that time, and now they were living in Ledyard.  
He stated that it was likely that the Veteran’s Administration has their last address as being  
in Georgia because that was where they were living when they were discharged from their  
military duty. He also explained that the data the State had prior to the Public Act 24-46 “An  
Act Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for Veterans Who Have a Service-Connected  
Permanent and Total Disability Rating” was most likely the data the Bill was based on, noting  
that data may be different from the current data. He stated as people age that the numbers would  
be revised, and he stated that it was rare that the number of veterans with disabilities (back pain,  
sleep aponia, memory loss, joint pain, etc.) would go down, noting that those numbers  
traditionally increase.  
The Town Council and Mayor Allyn, III, continued to discuss the Public Act 24-46 “An Act  
Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for Veterans Who Have a Service-Connected Permanent  
and Total Disability Rating” relative to the number of variables regarding the law, how the law  
was being applied; the collaboration of the Connecticut Association of Tax Assessors in working  
to understand the law, possibly collaborating with other towns, working with Connecticut  
Conference of Municipalities Lobbyists; Military families who buy homes in Ledyard and  
then rent them out when they were transferred or they retired in another state or town; the  
importance to ensure that the law only applied to those who qualify and physically lived in  
Ledyard; and perhaps requiring an annual reverification process.  
Councilor Garcia-Irizarry addressed the School Roof Projects noting on Saturday, February  
22, 2025 she saw workers at the Gales Ferry School installing the green metal roofing  
materials. Mayor Allyn stated that the Roof Replacement Project was supposed be completed  
last August, 2024; however, he stated Contractor has had crews working on the weekends to  
get the project completed, noting that they cannot work overhead when the students were in  
the building.  
Chairman Rodriguez asked that Mayor Allyn work with her to include a Motion regarding  
the Motor Vehicle Taxation Calculation on the Town Council’s March 12, 2025 Agenda.  
.
RESULT:  
XIII. OLD BUSINESS  
None.  
XIV. NEW BUSINESS  
CONSENT CALENDAR  
MOTION to reappoint the following members to the Permanent Municipal Building Committee  
to complete a three (3) year term ending March 26, 2028.  
*1.  
·
·
Mr. Gerald Tyminski (U) 58 Partridge Hollow, Gales Ferry  
Mr. Joseph Gush ( R) 57 Town Farm Road, Ledyard.  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Kevin Dombrowski  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
April Brunelle  
SECONDER:  
9
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan,  
Saccone, and St. Vil  
AYE:  
Motion to approve four tax refunds in the combined total amount of $13,146.20 each exceeding  
$2,400.00 in accordance with tax collector departmental procedures.  
*2.  
·
·
·
·
Patricia Ference  
Jessica Johnson  
Law Office Sean Donohue for Amanda Plante $3,079.65  
Sheela Nerurkar $4,334.18  
$3,112.39  
$2,619.98  
Moved by Chairman Dombrowski, seconded by Councilor Brunelle  
VOTE:9 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Kevin Dombrowski  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
April Brunelle  
SECONDER:  
9
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan,  
Saccone, and St. Vil  
AYE:  
Administration Committee  
MOTION to appoint Ms. Minna DeGaetano (D) 10 Marla Avenue, Ledyard, as a Regular  
Member to the Retirement Board to complete a three (3) year term ending January 20, 2026 to  
3.  
fill a vacancy left by Mr. Panosky.  
Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski  
Discussion: Chairman Rodriguez explained that because President Trump’s Administration has  
called all Federal Workers to return to their offices, Ms. DeGaetano would need to step down  
from the Retirement Board. However, she stated in the meantime, she would suggest that the  
Town Council move forward with Ms. DeGaetano’s reappointment this evening. She noted that  
Ms. DeGaetano would continue to serve until she submitted her resignation letter.  
VOTE:  
9 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
April Brunelle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Kevin Dombrowski  
SECONDER:  
9
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan,  
Saccone, and St. Vil  
AYE:  
MOTION to appoint Mrs. Karen Parkinson (R) 55 Rose Hill Road, Ledyard, as a Regular  
Member to the Historic District Commission to complete a five (5) year term ending December  
4, 2026 to fill a vacancy left by Mr. Barnes.  
4.  
Moved by Councilor Dombrowski, seconded by Councilor St. Vil  
Discussion: Chairman Rodriguez stated Mrs. Parkinson was an active member of the  
community, noting that she has been instrumental in the Tri-Town Trail (Bluff Point to Preston  
Plains Park). She stated that Mrs. Parkinson could out walk her any day. She noted Mrs.  
Parkinson’s background, enthusiasm, and energy, stated that she was an amazing woman for her  
age; and that she would be a great addition to the Historic District Commission  
Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher explained that Mrs. Parkinson was currently serving as  
an Alternate Member on the Historic District Commission; and that tonight’s action would move  
her to a Regular Member.  
VOTE:  
9 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Kevin Dombrowski  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Gary St. Vil  
SECONDER:  
9
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan,  
Saccone, and St. Vil  
AYE:  
MOTION to appoint Ms. Lauren Hawes, (U) 8 Warbler Way, Gales Ferry, as a Regular Member  
to the Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission to complete a three (3) year term ending  
June 28, 2025 to fill a vacancy left by Ms. Cobb.  
5.  
Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski  
Discussion: Councilor Buhle stated that Ms. Hawes was her neighbor, noting the amount of  
energy she had. She stated that she was pleased Ms. Hawes was interested in being involved in  
their community.  
VOTE:  
9 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Jessica Buhle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Kevin Dombrowski  
SECONDER:  
9
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan,  
Saccone, and St. Vil  
AYE:  
MOTION to appoint Mr. Nathaniel Woody (U) 770 Long Cove Road, Gales Ferry, as an  
Alternate Member to the Planning & Zoning Commission to complete a three (3) year term  
ending October 31, 2026 filling, vacancy left by Mr. Miello.  
6.  
Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski  
Discussion: Councilor Dombrowski noted Mr. Woody’s education and background experience,  
noting that he previously served with Mr. Woody on the Planning & Zoning Commission for  
many years.  
Chairman Rodriguez noted that Resident Eric Treaster raised concerns to her that because Mr.  
Woody was a registered Unaffiliated Voter that he was not interviewed prior to his Appointment  
Application moving forward to the Administration Committee and onto the Town Council.  
However, she stated that Administrative Assistant Roxane Maher reviewed the Appointment  
Applications submitted by residents who were registered as Unaffiliated Voters and that she  
would alert the Administration Committee if there was any question regarding the Applicant’s  
qualifications. She also noted that although Unaffiliated Applicants are not interviewed by one  
of the town’s parties, that the Administration Committee Chairman may also call the candidate  
to discuss their background to determine if they were a good fit for the Committee they applied  
for.  
Chairman Rodrigeuz went on to note that she served on the Planning & Zoning Commission for  
several years, and that she served as Mr. Woody’s Vice-Chairman during that time. She stated  
that Mr. Woody is qualified to serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission; and that the Town  
Council should move his appointment forward this evening.  
VOTE:  
9 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
April Brunelle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Kevin Dombrowski  
SECONDER:  
9
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan,  
Saccone, and St. Vil  
AYE:  
MOTION to appoint Ms. Sherry Gruzkowski ( R) 26 Saw Mill Drive, Ledyard, to the Ledyard  
Housing Authority Road, Gales Ferry, to complete a five (5) year term ending March 31, 2028  
filling a vacancy left by Ms. Crocker.  
7.  
Moved by Councilor Dombrowski, seconded by Councilor Brunelle  
Discussion: None.  
VOTE:  
9 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
RESULT:  
Kevin Dombrowski  
April Brunelle  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
9
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan,  
Saccone, and St. Vil  
AYE:  
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.  
8.  
Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Saccone  
Discussion: Councilor Ryan stated that Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin  
attended the Finance Committee’s February 19, 2025 meeting. He stated that Mr. Masalin  
provided data and spreadsheets regarding the Winter Operations expenses to date, as well as  
historical data. Councilor Ryan stated having the data was helpful, explaining that this year’s  
winter season started with limited snow and ice management needs; however, he stated the  
trajectory changed, and the costs were now projected to be very close; and could exceed the  
budgeted amounts, if we get more snow. He stated although the Winter Operations Budget was  
not yet over expended that Mr. Masalin wanted to obtain authorization to overspend in case they  
have another snow event. He stated that Mr. Masalin did not want to find himself in a position  
where the Town Council would need to call an emergency meeting to enable the Public Works  
Department to proceed with snow removal/winter operations.  
VOTE:  
9 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Tim Ryan  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Tony Saccone  
SECONDER:  
9
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan,  
Saccone, and St. Vil  
AYE:  
MOTION to overspend 10120101-51630 (Public Safety Employees) to allow for the hiring of  
one police officer candidates in FY25 to replace two officers planning retirement in FY26.  
9.  
Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Ryan  
Discussion: Councilor Ryan explained with the upcoming retirement of two Police Officers the  
Police Department had two candidates apply. However, he stated in going through the qualifying  
process one candidate did not make it through; therefore, only one candidate would be moving  
on to the Police Training Academy. He explained because of the time involved with recruiting  
and qualifying that the Police Department would not be able to have a second candidate ready to  
start the Academy in March.  
Councilor Ryan suggested the following as a “friendly amendment” “……hiring of two one  
police officer candidate…..”. The Town Council agreed to the update as a “friendly amendment”  
as noted above.  
Councilor Ryan stated because two Police Officers were retiring and the time involved to go  
through the Police Training Academy, that the Police Department would be down by one  
Officer, unless they were able to recruit a Police Officer from another Department which would  
come in as a lateral move and would not require as much training.  
VOTE:  
9 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Jessica Buhle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Tim Ryan  
SECONDER:  
9
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan,  
Saccone, and St. Vil  
AYE:  
MOTION to approve a revised Appendix A- Qualifying Income Schedule in accordance with  
Ordinance #200-005 (rev. 1) “An Ordinance to Provide Property Tax Relief for Certain  
Homeowners Age Sixty-Five or Over or Permanently and Totally Disabled (rev.1)” for the filing  
period of February 1, 2024 - May 15, 2024.  
10.  
Moved by Councilor Saccone, seconded by Councilor Ryan  
Discussion: Mayor Allyn, III, explained in addition to the State, the town provides tax relief to  
qualifying homeowners thru the adoption of Ordinance #200-005 (rev. 1) “An Ordinance to  
Provide Property Tax Relief for Certain Homeowners Age Sixty-Five or Over or Permanently  
and Totally Disabled.  
Mayor Allyn noted that provisions of the Ordinance require the town to annually update the  
“Qualifying Income Schedule” to be consistent with the State’s Qualifying Income, (Cost of  
Living Adjustment) which was based on the United States Social Security Administration  
Program.  
Mayor Allyn noted in accordance with Ordinance #200-005 (rev.1) Paragraph 3  
“Qualifications”; paragraph (e) "Persons qualified for tax credit or deferment benefits under this  
Ordinance are those whose maximum income during the calendar year preceding the year in  
which application is made for the tax credit does not exceed the Qualifying Income Schedule, as  
hereby incorporated in the ordinance as though fully set forth herein. A copy of the approved  
Qualifying Income Schedule shall be filed with the Town Clerk when established and when  
amended. The income guidelines provided in the Qualifying Income Schedule (Appendix A)  
shall be adjusted to reflect a cost of living increase issued by the United States Social Security  
Administration, pending the approval of the Town Council prior to the first of January of the  
year of application.”  
Mayor Allyn went on to explain that because the “Qualifying Income Schedule” was an  
Appendix to the Ordinance, and because they were not changing the Ordinance itself, a public  
hearing was not required. He stated that annually updating the “Qualifying Income Schedule” for  
the town’s Tax Relief program was an administrative action.  
VOTE:  
9 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Tony Saccone  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Tim Ryan  
SECONDER:  
9
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Rodriguez, Ryan,  
Saccone, and St. Vil  
AYE:  
General Business  
Discussion and possible action on a Resolution Concerning Public Benefits Charges on Electric  
Bills to Consumers.  
11.  
Councilor Ryan stated as he was sure that all know that since July of 2024, our electric bills  
from Eversource have ballooned in cost due to the much maligned “Combined Public Benefits  
Charge”. He stated that this charge has represented a large portion of consumer’s bills, around  
30%, forcing many residents to reconsider priorities. It has instigated intense pushback by the  
public and a petition garnering over 72,000 signatures to remove the charge, developments  
which have brought the support of many state legislators, manifesting in a number of proposed  
state bills.  
Councilor Ryan stated with that being said, however onerous the “Combined Public Benefits  
Charge” has been, it is due to sunset at the end of April, 2025. What concerned him as much as  
the charge, however, was the root cause, which was that a regulating agency (PURA) has  
detrimentally loosened procedural rules, and the absence of legislation limiting the types of fees  
that utilities can impose on consumers. Luckily, he stated that there were a number of proposed  
State Bills, both in the house and senate, that address not only the charge directly, but the  
aforementioned root causes, including but not limited to:  
S.B. 647 - An Act Concerning Protections for Consumer Access to Affordable Electricity  
· S.B. 598 - An Act Prohibiting Electric Distribution Companies from Collecting Fees other  
than Fees for the Purchase or Delivery of Electricity  
· H.B. 5923 - An act establishing a task force to study electric distribution company  
accountability and electric distribution competition and infrastructure  
· H.B. 5404 - An act concerning the composition and conduct of the public utilities regulatory  
authority (PURA)  
Councilor Ryan stated that all of these Bills endeavor to protect the consumer and make  
electricity more affordable for Connecticut residents and businesses by recommending changes  
to the general statutes and augmenting the way fees are implemented and assessed. It is in that  
spirit, with the focus on protecting residents from future fees such as the “Combined Public  
Benefits Charge”, that at least one municipality’s town council - The Town of Southington - has  
introduced a resolution supporting these various bills, many of which are co-sponsored by a  
majority of Ledyard’s own state house representatives.  
Councilor Ryan stated that he believed that it would be worthwhile for the Ledyard Town  
Council to consider adopting a similar resolution, as it would be an impactful signal that State  
Legislators have the support of our great town as they pursue these efforts that will not only  
serve to help Ledyard residents, but residents state-wide.  
Councilor Ryan stated to that end, he was volunteering to draft such a resolution for  
consideration by the Town Council at a future meeting and the intent of this discussion is to  
simply broach the topic to solicit any input other councilors might have.  
Chairman Rodriguez stated at the February 12, 2025 Town Council meeting a resident was in  
attendance and talked about the Public Benefit Charge that was on her electric bill. However, she  
stated that she explained to the resident that the Town Council would be deferring their  
discussion to tonight’s meeting because Councilor Ryan was taking the lead on the subject.  
Chairman Rodriguez stated that her home has electric heat and with the Public Benefit Charge  
(PBC) her electric bill this month was $1,500 and that with the colder temperatures the month  
before it was $1,700. She stated this was not sustainable, especially when your electric bill was  
as much as your mortgage, and you have a son in college. She stated that she appreciated that  
Councilor Ryan has taken this on.  
Councilor St. Vil stated that he echoed Chairman Rodriguez’s comments in that he appreciated  
Councilor Ryan taking the lead on the Public Benefit Charges. He stated that it was good to put  
in writing the Town Council’s position and their concerns. He questioned whether the  
Resolution would focus on the sunsetting of Public Benefit Charge (PBC) or the way that it  
became effective.  
Councilor Ryan stated the Resolution would include all of the factual intakes of the Public  
Benefit Charges. He went on to explain that the Resolution would state the Town Council  
support, noting that he has not thought about how he wanted to craft a section of the Resolution,  
but that it would be under the guise to address all of the Bills that address Public Benefits  
Charge(PBC) as well as their root causes.  
Councilor Dombrowski stated that it was his understanding that the Resolution was going to say  
that if a Public Benefit Charge was going to be added that it should be proposed, debated, and  
approved through the Legislature, with the proper votes, stating that it should be approved by the  
Legislature and not only by a Regulatory Body.  
Councilor Buhle stated that the Public Benefit Charge (PBC) was not just a charge, noting that  
there were a lot of things baked into it. She stated what was concerning was the manner in which  
the Public Benefit Charge (PBC) was implemented. Fees such as the Public Benefit Charge  
(PBC) should be implemented by a State Statue, instead of a Regulating Agency voting to pass  
it. The Public Benefit Charge (PBC) was supposed to be sunsetting; therefore, she stated that  
they need to focus on how they could prevent this from happening again.  
Councilor Ryan encouraged the Councilors to provide him with their feedback, and specific bills  
that they would like to see called out, as he worked to draft the Resolution, noting that the Town  
Council would review and make changes to the Resolution once it has been drafted to develop  
the final Resolution for adoption by the Town Council.  
Councilor Buhle stated that she agreed with calling out the planned sunsetting of the Public  
Benefits Charges (PBC). She noted during the February 12, 2025 Town Council meeting that she  
talked about the Public Benefit Charge (PBC) sunsetting. She stated that she also mentioned that  
the Public Benefits Charge (PBC) went to a multitude of different programs. She stated the  
reason she wanted to make these comments again this evening was because they consistently see  
on the Internet and on Social Media, and even hear in public conversations that people were tired  
of paying higher electric bills to pay for people who did not pay their bills. However, she stated  
that they have to recognize that 77% of the Public Benefits Charge (PBC) pays to keep the  
Millstone/Dominion Nuclear Power Facility open. She noted that we all have neighbors and  
residents who work at the Millstone/Dominion Facility; therefore, she stated that it was  
important that we continue to have a nuclear power plant in our community. She stated part of  
the Public Benefits Charge (PBC) was supposed to be a 10-month plan which started in July,  
2024, noting that this should be the last month for a portion of the Public Benefit Charge (PBC).  
She stated that she agreed that they should have a better plan for implementing things such as  
Public Benefit Charges, than the way this electric Public Benefit Charge was implemented.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
XV. ADJOURNMENT  
Councilor Buhle, moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry.  
VOTE:9 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 8:36 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 February 26, 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.