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, November 13, 2024

WORKING DRAFT

5:30 PM

Town Hall Annex- Hybrid Format

In -Person: Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex Building

Remote Participation: Information Noted Below:

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322373

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

Kevin Dombrowski

April Brunelle

Present:

In addition, the following were present:

S. Naomi Rodriguez Town Council Chairman

Jessica BuhleTown Councilor

Brendan Graber Board of Education Member

G. Scott MacGregor Resident

Roxanne Maher Administrative Assistant

III.

IV.

RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS

None.

PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

None.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Administration Committee’s Regular Meeting Minutes of October

9, 2024.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

VI.

OLD BUSINESS

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

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry went on to note at a previous Administration Committee

meeting, that it was mentioned that a Code of Ethics and an Ethics Commission were

not needed for the following reasons:

· Fraud Policy

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry went on to note that it was important to highlight

that unethical behavior was not always criminal or constituted fraud, hence a

Fraud Policy was not a substitute for a Code of Ethics.

· Employee Handbook.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated while the town had an Employee Handbook,

the Handbook does not apply, to best of her knowledge, to the members of the

Town Council, members of the Board of Education members, and town

commissions/committees. Hence, the employee handbook was not a

substitute for a Code of Ethics.

· Town Charter

ü Chapter III; Section 9 “Investigation”

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted “The Town Council shall have power to

investigate all offices and agencies of the Town and for such purposes shall

have the power to call witnesses to appear before the Town Council to testify

on any matter under investigation. The Chairman, or chairman pro-tempore,

upon authorization of the Town Council, shall have the power, for such

investigation, to issue subpoenas, and, at his request, any judge of the

Superior Court may compel the appearance of witnesses and the production

of books, records, and papers”.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that she wanted to highlight that the Town Charter

does not say that only the Town Council could conduct an investigation. She noted

that the Town Charter stated that the Town Council had the power to conduct an

investigation. Sent went on to note, in addition, if we assumed that only the Town

Council could do an investigation, did that mean that the Mayor could not do an

investigation regarding matters happening in his office?

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry went on to note as an example that Section 3 of the Fraud

Policy, stated “Each member of the management team will be familiar with the types

of improprieties that might occur within his or her area of responsibility, and be

alert for any indication of irregularity. Any irregularity that is detected or suspected

must be reported immediately to the Mayor, who coordinates all investigations with

the Town’s legal counsel, and other affected areas, both internal and external.” She

stated that nowhere in this Section does it say that the Town Council was the one that

was supposed to do the investigation based on some interpretations of the Town

Charter. She stated if we follow the interpretation that only the Town Council had the

power to do investigations, was the Fraud Policy in violation of the Town Charter?

She noted the Town Charter stated all Offices and Agencies of the Town, noting that

the Mayor’s Office was one of the Offices of the Town. Therefore, she questioned

whether this also meant that the Planning & Zoning Commission could not do

investigations regarding zoning violations or that the Town Planner cannot do

investigations regarding land use?

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry went on to note Chapter IX; Section 6 of the Town Charter

as follows::

Chapter IX; Section 6 “ Conflicts Of Interest”

“Any elected or appointed officer or any employee of the Town who has a

financial interest or personal benefit, direct or indirect, in any contract,

transaction, or decision of any board or commission to which the Town is a party,

shall disclose publicly that interest to the appropriate board or commission and

the Town Council in advance of discussion or action on the matter, which shall

record such disclosure upon the official record of its meetings. The Town Council

may by ordinance specify what is, or what is not, a conflict of interest for

officials and employees of the Town.

Willful violation by any such officer or employee of the provisions of this section

shall be grounds for his removal. Violation of this section with the knowledge,

express or implied, of any person or corporation participating in such contract,

transaction, or decision shall render the same voidable by the Town Council, or

by a court of competent jurisdiction”.

In addition, Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that CGS Section 7-148h. Ethics

Commission; establishment and powers. Interest in conflict with discharge of

duties” specifically stated, “Any town, city, district, as defined in section 7-324, or

borough may, by charter provision OR ordinance, establish a board, commission,

council, committee or other agency to investigate allegations of unethical conduct,

corrupting influence or illegal activities levied against any official, officer or

employee of such town, city, district or borough.”

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry went on to state as specified in the Draft Ordinance that

was presented at the Administration Committee’s September 9, 2024 Meeting, an

Ethics Commission “shall be comprised of five regular members and two alternates

of whom shall be electors of the Town….Political minority rules shall apply for the

membership of this commission.” She stated in other words, this Commission

would have members of both parties with the purpose of minimizing, if not

completely avoiding politically motivated accusations.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that it was her hope that all the members of the

Administration Committee and other Offices, Commissions/Committees of the Town

would help make the proposed Ordinance a reality by, but not limited to, helping with

the drafting of the Ordinance, by giving feedback about the language used, the

sections included, etc.

Councilor Dombrowski suggested they not confuse what they put in an Ordinance

against what was authorized in accordance with the Connecticut General Statues

(CGS). He noted Councilor Garcia-Irizarry’s comment that only the Town Council

could conduct an investigation, but that the Zoning Commission could not conduct

an investigation, noting this was specifically a statutory requirement, which was

different.

Councilor Dombrowski asked that they determine what the Code of Ethics should

look like, before they determined whether they wanted to have an Ethics

Commission to up hold the Code. He stated the Code of Ethics and the Ordinance

Establishing an Ethics Commission should be two separate documents.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the proposed Ordinance included provisions for both

the Code of Ethics and the Ethic Commission. Councilor Dombrowski stated that

would be like saying that the Zoning Regulations should live in the Ordinance that

created the Zoning Commission. Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated in reviewing Ethic

Commission Ordinances in other Connecticut towns that they had the Code of Ethics

and the Establishment of the Ethics Commission in one document. She stated about

160 of the Connecticut’s 169 towns have an Ethics Commission or a Code of Ethics,

noting that Ledyard was one of the few towns does not.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that she understood the comment that Ledyard does

not need an Ethics Commission; and she stated that she hoped that the town would

not need to use the Ethics Commission. However, she stated having an Ethics

Commission was like having Homeowners Insurance, noting that you have

insurance, and hope that you would never need to use it. She stated having the

insurance would provide them with the opportunity, should something happen, to fix

it. She noted that the same would be true with having an Ethics Commission for the

town. Therefore, she questioned why not have an Ethics Commission.

Councilor Dombrowski responded to Councilor Garcia-Irizarry’s question about why

the town should not an Ethics Commission, noting that he thought it sounded like a

solution looking for a problem. Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that 160 Connecticut

towns have an Ethics Commission. Councilor Dombrowski questioned how many

actions have been taken by the Ethics Commissions in all of the municipalities that

have an Ethics Commission. Councilor Garcia-Irizarry responded, noting that she did

not know how many towns have used their Ethics Commission.

Councilor Brunelle stated that she hoped that the municipalities that had an Ethics

Commission would have no actions. She went on to state that having an Established

Code of Ethics would not hurt anyone. She stated by having a Code of Ethics that it

would provide a list of how they should be ethically in their professional role. She

stated that she would like to read the Code of Ethics and know that she was

following it. She stated as a new member of the Town Council that they should all

know what was expected of them in their roles. She stated a Code of Ethics was

noting but a guideline; and she questioned how they could argue about having a road

map in place.

Councilor Brunelle continued by stating that an Ethics Commission would make sure

people were ethical. She stated not having an Ethics Commission would be like

saying that we should not have a Police Department because everyone in town was

perfectly good and that no one breaks any laws, when they know that was not case;

and therefore, the town had to have a Police Department just in-case something goes

wrong or a law was broken. She stated building an Ethics Commission would not

cause problems, noting that it would be there to prevent problems; and to be prepared

in case a problem happens.

Councilor Dombrowski stated that he was not against having a Code of Ethics and

that he was not opposes to ethics. He stated to clarify his position, he stated anyone

at any level in the town government should act ethically, noting that people were

required to act ethically in their professional employment, as well as in their

volunteer roles serving the town government. However, he stated that he did not see

the need for an Ethics Commission. He stated the way the proposed draft Ordinance

was currently written that it was a finger pointer.

Councilor Brunelle questioned if they had a Code of Ethics and people were breaking

the rules, how would they would address the violation if they did not have an Ethics

Commission. Councilor Dombrowski stated the town already had documentation and

polices in place to address poor ethical behavior. He stated the Town Charter allowed

the Town Council to act on issues; and to create a Code of Ethics. Councilor

Garcia-Irizarry questioned the procedure to bring an issue forward. Councilor

Dombrowski stated prior to his involvement in town government that he was aware

that the town successfully exercised the provisions that were already in place three

times which resulted in prosecutions for several counts that included embezzlement

of funds. Councilor Brunelle questioned the process used. Councilor Dombrowski

stated that he believed the Town Charter and Fraud Police was used. He again stated

that he was not opposed to creating a Code of Ethics, noting that he was opposed to

an Ethics Commission. He stated the way the proposed draft Ordinance was worded

that it violated State Statute in several cases.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted as she stated in the closing of her earlier statement

that she was looking for feedback regarding the draft Ordinance. Councilor

Dombrowski stated that he was providing feedback, noting that there was language

in the proposed Ordinance Establishing an Ethics Commission that violated State

Statutes. He stated that he would not support the proposed Ordinance Establishing an

Ethics Commission.

Councilor Brunelle noted that all the other towns in the State have an Ethics

Commission. Councilor Dombrowski stated not all the other towns have an Ethics

Commission; and just because other towns have an Ethics Commission does not

necessarily mean that Ledyard had to have one.

Councilor Brunelle stated that having an Ethics Commission would make the citizens

know that the Town was being transparent and following the rules. Councilor

Dombrowski stated during the past 14-years that he has served on the Town Council

that they have been following the rules, noting that at lease he has been. He stated

establishing an Ethics Commission was a solution looking for a problem. Councilor

Brunelle stated that she respectfully disagreed with Councilor Dombrowski’s

comments.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that if someone had a question as to whether

something was ethical or not ethical that they could read the Code of Ethics and the

Ethics Commission would also be able to advise people who had questions. She

stated an Ethics Commission would not be established to point fingers or to create

havoc, noting that it would be to serve as a resource.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that this was her first time serving as an elected

official and in reading other towns Ethics Commission Ordinances that it made her

realize what kinds of things would be a conflict of interest. She provided the

following examples:

· Parks and Recreation Summer Camp Program - Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted

that her son was looking for a summer job. She questioned whether it would be

okay for her son to apply to work as a Summer Camp Counselor because she was

serving on the Town Council. She stated because she did not know the answer as

to whether it was ethical or not ethical, that her son did not apply for the job.

Councilor Dombrowski stated that Councilor Garcia-Irizarry should have asked

Town Staff, the Mayor ‘s Office, or another Town Councilor, noting that her son

could have applied for the Parks and Recreation Summer Camp job. He stated

that she could have also asked the State Ethics Commission. He stated because

her son would be paid the same as the other Camp Counselors that he could

have worked at the Parks and Recreation Summer Camp. He explained that the

only ethical issue would have been if she had any direct involvement in

approving their pay or in his being hired. He noted as an example that a former

Town Councilor’s wife worked as the Animal Control Officer. Therefore, he

stated that the Town Councilor had to recuse himself from any budget decisions

regarding the Police Department, because the Animal Control Officer was a

member of the Police Department.

· Ledyard Educational Advancement Fund

(LEAF) Trustee - Councilor

Garcia-Irizarry stated a teacher at the High School reached out to her son to see if

he would be interested in serving as the Student Representative on LEAF.

However, she stated because she was the former President of the LEAF; and

because she was now serving as an elected official on the Town Council that she

did not know if her son could serve on LEAF; and therefore, she told him that he

could not serve as the Student Representative on LEAF.

Councilor Dombrowski noted the State Ethics Code was all about financial gain.

He questioned whether her son would be paid to volunteer to serve on LEAF.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that her son would not be paid to volunteer on

LEAF. Councilor Dombrowski stated because there was no financial gain that he

could have served on LEAF as the Student Representative.

Councilor Dombrowski concluded by stating if people do not know, that they

have to ask questions, noting that just because they do not know, does not mean

that they have to form a Ethics Commission.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that she was providing some examples of the

types of questions that arise. She stated the Ethics Commission was not only for

those involved in the town government, but that it was also for the residents as

well. She noted that residents assume that certain behaviors from their elected

officials were wrong; when they were in fact not wrong decisions. She stated the

way people see the room from this side was a different perspective from how

people see the room from the other side. She stated residents do not understand

how things proceed and how they go, noting that an Ethics Commission would

provide residents with the opportunity to ask questions and to seek their advice.

She stated an Ethics Commission would build trust and benefit the whole town.

Councilor Dombrowski stated that his assumption was that he was not going to

sway Councilor Brunelle’s or Councilor Garcia-Irizarry’s position on establishing

an Ethics Commission; and that they were not going to be able to change his

position either. He stated that he was not opposed to developing an Code of

Ethics; however, he was opposed to establishing an Ethics Commission. He

explained with an Ethics Commission that they would be appointing five

volunteers, who would also know nothing and would have a steep learning curve,

as well as any town official.

Councilor Brunelle stated that she was not concerned about the learning curve.

She stated what she was concerned about was that they have had a lot of citizens

ask for an Ethics Commission for transparency so that they could trust their local

government and leadership. She stated what they were asking for was not

outlandish, noting that an Ethics Commission was standard and doable. She

stated that she was representing the people and what they were asking for. She

noted the following:

· Establishing an Ethics Commission was a reasonable request.

· She understood the request for an Ethics Commission.

· Was there a need for an Ethics Commission - Councilor Brunelle stated “Yes,

and No”. She stated the town does not currently have problems, however, she

stated that was not the main issue. She stated as Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

stated, that an Ethics Commission would be like an insurance policy.

· Would it be a bad thing to have an Ethics Commission - Councilor Brunelle

stated “No”.

· Would having an Ethics Commission create issues - Councilor Brunelle

stated that she did not see how having an Ethics Commission would create

issues, unless someone were to make issues out of it. She stated should that

occur that they would have to deal with it at that point.

Councilor Brunelle stated that she was not going to be afraid of something because

of the “What If’s” or because of the learning curve, noting that she has a learning

curve just sitting here as an elected official of the Town Council. She stated that she

has been listening to Councilor Dombrowski’s comments and that she did not

appreciate him saying that he was not going to change her mind. She noted anyone

could change her mind.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated in making appointments to the town’s various

commissions and boards that the Town Council looked at the Applicant’s resume,

their background, experience, etc., and that they would do the same to appoint

members to the Ethics Commission. She stated an Ethics Commission would protect

their elected officials their residents.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that more work was needed on the proposed

Ordinance to Establish an Ethics Commission, noting that the Administration

Committee would continue to keep this on their Agenda.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Any other Old Business proper to come before the Committee

None.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

MOTION to appoint the following as Regular Members of the Planning and Zoning

Commission:

Ms. Beth Ribe (U) 129 Rose Hill Road, Ledyard, to complete a three (3) year term

ending October 31, 2026 filling a vacancy left by Ms. Cobb;

Mr. Matthew Miello (R) 12 Cardinal Lane, Gales. Ferry, to complete a three (3) year

term ending October 31, 2027 filling a vacancy left by Mr. Capon.

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski

Discussion: It was noted that Ms. Ribe and Mr. Miello were currently Alternate

Members on the Planning & Zoning Commission. With the resignation of Mr. Capon

and Ms. Cobb the Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman requested these two

members be appointed as Regular Members.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that Mr. Capon and Ms. Cobb were two great assets

to the Planning & Zoning Commission and that she was sad to see them step down

from the Commission.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

RESULT:

April Brunelle

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry, Dombrowski and Brunelle

AYE:

MOTION revisit the Administration Committee’s action of November 13, 2024 to revise and

act on the Motion as follows:

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

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

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

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski

Discussion: Councilor Dombrowski thanked Ms. Sokolski for her service to the

Town noting the many years she served on the Senior Citizens Commission.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry, Dombrowski and Brunelle

AYE:

The Administration Committee by consensus agreed to add and act on the following

Motion and to renumber the remaining items accordingly:

MOTION to appoint Mr. Michael Marelli (D) 4 Lee Brook Road, Ledyard, to the Inland

Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, as a Regular Member of the Inland Wetland and

Watercourses Commission to complete a two (2) year term ending October 31, 2025 to fill a

vacancy left by Mr. Maugle.

Moved by Councilor Dombrowski, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: Councilor Dombrowski stated at the Town Council’s October 23, 2024

meeting Mr. Marelli was appointed as an Alternate Member of the Inland Wetland and

Watercourses Commission. He noted with the passing of Mr. Maugle that Inland

Wetland and Watercourses Commission Chairman Justin DeBrodt requested in an email

received today (11/13/2024) that Mr. Marelli be moved/appointed as a Regular Member

to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Maugle.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Kevin Dombrowski

RESULT:

MOVER:

April Brunelle

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry, Dombrowski and Brunelle

AYE:

MOTION to appoint Mr. Robert Graham (U) 72A Long Pond Road, South, Ledyard, to the

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, as a Alternate Member of the Inland Wetland

and Watercourses Commission to complete a two (2) year term ending October 31, 2026 to fill a

vacancy left by Mr. Marelli.

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that Mr. Graham has been an active

participant in the community. He was has been a member of the Lantern Hill Valley

Alliance for many years and that he was also a member of the Alliance for the Mystic

River Watershed and a member of the Water Quality Committee. She stated that Mr.

Graham would be a good addition to the Inland Wetland and Watercourses Commission.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry, Dombrowski and Brunelle

AYE:

MOTION to appoint Mr. Michael Roman, (R) 7M Lakeside Drive, Ledyard, to the Inland

Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, as an Alternate Member of the Inland Wetland and

Watercourses Commission to complete a two (2) year tem ending October 31, 2025 to fill a

vacancy left by Mr. St. Vil.

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that Mr. Roman’s Appointment Application

did not demonstrate his ability to be a viable contributor to the work of the Inland

Wetland and Watercourses Commission. She stated that she appreciated that Mr. Roman

wanted to get involved in the community; however, she stated that she would like to

know more about his background and credentials and how they would be of help to the

Inland Wetland and Watercourses Commission.

Councilor Dombrowski stated that he agreed with Councilor Garcia-Irizarry’s comments.

He stated thanked Mr. Roman for submitting an Application and for being interested in

serving the community. However, he stated that he did not see anything on Mr. Roman’s

Application that would warrant that he had the experience to serve on the Inland Wetland

and Watercourses Commission, noting that it was a heavy regulated Commission.

The Administration Committee agreed that they would reconsider Mr. Roman’s

Application should he like to resubmit and provide some additional background

information regarding his education and experience and how it would lend to the work of

the Inland Wetland and Watercourses Commission (IWWC).

VOTE: 0 - 3 Motion Failed

MOTION FAILED

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry, Dombrowski and Brunelle

NAY:

MOTION to appoint Mr. George S. MacGregor (R) 47 Rose Hill Road, Ledyard to the Inland

Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, as an Alternate Member of the Inland Wetland and

Watercourses Commission to complete a two (2) year term ending October 31, 2025 to fill a

vacancy left by Mr. Persano.

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted as with Mr. Roman’s Application that Mr.

MacGregor’s Appointment Application did not demonstrate his ability to be a viable

contributor to the work of the Inland Wetland and Watercourses Commission.

The Administration Committee agreed that they would reconsider Mr. MacGregor’s

Application should he like to resubmit and provide some additional background

information regarding his education and experience and how it would lend to the work of

the Inland Wetland and Watercourses Commission (IWWC).

Mr. G. Scott MacGregor, 47 Rose Hill Road, Ledyard, stated that he was a lifelong

resident of Ledyard, and that he would like to become involved in the community. He

stated that he thought by starting as an Alternate Member on the Inland Wetland and

Watercourses Commission that it would provide him an opportunity to learn about the

IWWC Regulations and governing state statutes.

Councilor Dombrowski thanked Mr. MacGregor for wanting to volunteer to serve the

Town. However, he stated that there was nothing on his application that indicated that he

had any knowledge or experience about wetlands, noting that Inland Wetland and

Watercourses was heavily regulated, and required the review of site plans, and other

technical documentation. He suggested Mr. MacGregor reapply to add information that

would amplify his background and show that he was suited for a role on the Inland

Wetland and Watercourses Commission.

Mr. MacGregor stated that he did not have experience in Inland Wetlands and

Watercourses, but that he was a critical thinker, and that he had knowledge of septic

systems and wells. He stated that serving as an Alternate Member on the Inland Wetlands

and Watercourses Commission would be a good way to get his foot in the door and learn.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry explained to Mr. MacGregor the role of an Alternate Member,

noting that they were expected to attend all of the meetings and in the event that a

Regular Member was absent from a meeting that the Alternate Member would be seated

and would be expected to participate in the discussion and vote on the business before

the Commission. She went on to explain that the Land Use Commissions needed to have

members who had some knowledge, background, and understanding of the governing

documents and regulations. She suggested MacGregor attend the Inland Wetland and

Watercourses Commission meetings as a resident and reapply at a later time. She also

noted that the town had vacancies on other committees that Mr. MacGregor may want to

consider serving on.

The Administration Committee thanked MacGregor for his interest in wanting to

volunteer and serve the town. They explained that they would reconsider Mr.

MacGregor’s Application, along with other Applications received, should he like to

resubmit and provide additional background information regarding his education and

experience and how it would lend to the work of the Inland Wetland and Watercourses

Commission (IWWC).

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry thanked Mr. MacGregor for attending tonight's meeting and for

talking with the Committee.

VOTE: 0 - 3 Motin Failed

MOTION FAILED

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry, Dombrowski and Brunelle

NAY:

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that the Town Council received three Appointment

Applications to fill one vacancy on the Library Commission. She suggested that the

Administration Committee review all of the Applications and then vote on each of the

candidates.

MOTION to recommend the Town Council appoint one of the following as a member to

the Library Commission to complete a two (2) year term ending November 7, 2026 to fill

a vacancy left by Ms. Nash.

· Wendy Hellenkson (D) 14L Lakeside Drive, Ledyard

· Ms. Gillian Thorne ( R) 3 Adios Lane, Ledyard

· Mr. Steven Finegan (R) 131 Baldwin Hill Road, Gales Ferry

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry explained that all of the candidates were endorsed

by their respective parties and were included on tonight’s agenda for consideration,

noting that each of the candidates offered an extensive educational background and

experience.

Councilor Brunelle stated in reviewing all of the Appointment Applications she noted

that Ms. Hellekson was currently working as a Librarian, and had the experience to serve

on the Library Commission. However, she stated that she was not saying that the other

Applicants were bad.

Councilor Dombrowski stated that he also noted that Ms. Hellekson had library

experience and would be a fine addition to the Library Commission. He went on to note

that Ms. Thorne’s Application also stood out stating that she had a Doctorate in teaching

and in curriculum, which would also be beneficial to the Library Commission. He stated

although Mr. Finegan had an extensive history with the Coast Guard that he did not see a

connection that would lend to the work of the Library Commission, other than his

willingness to serve the community. He stated although he was torn between two of the

Applicants that he was leaning toward the one who had a Doctorate Degree.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that all of the Applicants had good credentials. She

stated in serving as the Liaison to the Library Commission that she attended their

meetings and she noted that they have a lot of programs for the kids, such as the Toy

Library. She stated because Ms. Hellekson was the Librarian at the Gallup Hill School

that she thought that it would be beneficial for Ms. Hellekson to serve on the Library

Commission noting that it would be a complementary situation, noting that both the

Town and School Library could benefit from each other’s knowledge.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry continued by stating that Ms. Thorne had a lot of experience

with education; and that she would also be a valuable asset to the Library.

Councilor Dombrowski addressed Ms. Hellekson’s interest to serve on the Library

Commission. He stated he understood the synergy that Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted

between the Town Library and the Gallup Hill School Library. However, commented on

volunteering at night to do essentially the same type of work you do during the day,

noting that after designing submarines during the day that he did not think that he would

want to volunteer to design submarines at night as a hobby. Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

noted the Library Commission only met once a month; and she commented that she

loved the Library Commission. She also noted that Library Director Jennifer Smith had a

lot of vision and ideas.

Councilor Dombrowski stated either Ms. Hellekson or Ms. Thorne would be a benefit to

the Library Commission.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted Mr. Finegan’s background, community involvement,

experience in promoting boating safety and his knowledge pertaining to regulations

regarding Connecticut waters. Therefore, she stated that he may be a good candidate for

the Inlands Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, if he was interested and would like

to reapply to serve on the Inlands Wetlands and Watercourses Commission.

The Committee agreed to vote on each of the Candidates as follows:

· Ms. Wendy Hellekson (D) 14L Lakeside Drive, Ledyard

VOT2E-:1 Approved and so declared (Dombrowski not in favor)

· Ms. Gillian Thorne ( R) 3 Adios Lane, Ledyard

VOTE:1 - 2 Failed (Brunelle, Garcia-Irizarry not in favor)

· Mr. Steven Finegan (R) 131 Baldwin Hill Road, Gales Ferry

VOT0E-:3 Failed (Brunelle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry not in favor)

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that the Administration Committee would forward Ms.

Hellekson’s name to the Town Council for appointment to the Library Commission.

MOTION to appoint Ms. Wendy Hellekson (D) 14L Lakeside Drive, Ledyard, to the Library

Commission to complete a two (2) year term ending November 7, 2026 filling a vacancy left by

Ms. Nash.

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

RESULT:

April Brunelle

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry and Brunelle

Dombrowski

AYE:

NAY:

MOTION to appoint Ms. Gillian Thorne ( R) 3 Adios Lane, Ledyard, to the Library

Commission to complete a two (2) year term ending November 7, 2026 filling a vacancy left by

Ms. Nash.

MOTION FAILED

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Dombrowski

AYE:

NAY:

Garcia-Irizarry and Brunelle

MOTION to appoint Mr. Steven Finegan (R) 131 Baldwin Hill Road, Gales Ferry, to the

Library Commission to complete a two (2) year term ending November 7, 2026 filling a vacancy

left by Ms. Nash.

MOTION FAILED

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Garcia-Irizarry, Dombrowski and Brunelle

NAY:

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

Unofficial-Third-Party Flags on Town Property.

10.

Councilor Brunelle noted that she has been researching Ordinances regarding the flying

of third-party flags from other communities; and that she hoped to present a draft

Ordinance at the Administration Committee’s December 11, 2024 for the Committee to

review and discuss.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that the Committee would continue to discuss this item

at their December 11, 2024 meeting.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Any other New Business proper to come before the Committee.

None.

11.

ADJOURNMENT

The Meeting Adjourned at 6:31 p.m.

DISCLAIMER: Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the

Town.