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, April 9, 2025

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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CALL TO ORDER

the Meeting was called to order by Councilor Buhle at 5:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers

Town Hall Annex Building.

Councilor Buhle 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

Kevin Dombrowski

Jessica Buhle

Present:

April Brunelle

In addition, the following were present:

S. Naomi Rodriguez, Town Council Chairman

Carman Garcia-Irizarry, Town Councilor

Elizabeth Burdick, Land Use Director/Town Planner

Brandon Graber, Board of Education Member

Deborah Edwards, Resident

Allyssa Siegel-Miles- Resident

Roxanne Maher, Administrative Assistant

III.

RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS

Ms. Deborah Edwards, 30 Bluff Road-West, Gales Ferry, stated that she wanted to

address the following subjects:

(1) Flying Third-Party Flag Ordinance - Ms. Edwards stated that she was opposed

to any other flags other than the United States American Flag and the State of

Connecticut Flag. She stated that she could reiterate what she has said at previous

meetings and all of the great material the Administration Committee has already

received from other residents. However, she stated in the interest of time, that she

just wanted to make sure the Committee understood that she was against the

proposal, because it opens up a lot of legal issues. She noted in reading the

Administration Committee’s past meeting minutes that Mr. Peeler pointed out the

legal problems that could come of this.

(2) Ethics Commission - Ms. Edwards stated that Ledyard needed to have an Ethics

Commission and a Code of Ethics, and she questioned how long this could go on.

She stated that the Administration Committee has received some wonderful

letters over the last ten more months providing the reasons the town needed to

have an Ethics Commission. She noted the Gales Ferry District’s April 9, 2025

letter stating that she wholeheartedly agree with it. She also noted Mr. Carlo

Porazzi’s April 8, 2025 and December 11, 2024 emails in which he suggested a

couple of changes to the current draft Ordinance and pointed out a few things.

She stated that she agreed with Mr. Porazzi’s suggestion to extend the time for

former town employees from one-year to three years .

Ms. Edwards noted Section 3 “Definitions” (7) Gifts; and she stated that she

thought “Gifts exceeding a $100.00” was high and she suggested Gifts be

restricted to $25.00. She stated that it about the thought that counts, noting that

$25.00 in this day and age may seem low to others, therefore, she stated that

perhaps they could find something in the middle.

Ms. Edwards stated she appreciated the work that has gone into drafting the

proposed “Ordinance Establishing an Ethics Commission”; and she stated that it

was unfortunate that it was on the shoulders of two people. She stated that she did

not like to see responsibilities fall on just two people. She stated if residents were

going to be on a commission that they participate in the commission, and all of

the work and tasks that were before them.

(3) Mr. Edwin Murray’s Appointment Application - Ms. Edwards stated that she

was on Social Media and that she reads things from all kinds of people. She

stated that she was disappointed to see once again the responsibility to move Mr.

Murray’s Appointment Application to serve on the Planning & Zoning

Commission forward to the Town Council fell on just two people. She noted that

Mr. Mike Cherry spoke in favor of Mr. Murray, noting that he thought Mr.

Murray could be fair. She stated that Mr. Cherry brought up the fact that everyone

does have opinions; and that everyone has biases. However, she stated as Mr.

Cherry stated that it was the Commission Member’s responsibility to check those

biases at the door when they go into a into a meeting; and she stated that she

agreed with those comments.

Ms. Edwards went on to state that what she found disappointing during the

Administration Committee’s March 12, 2025 meeting was their reason to decline

on moving Mr. Murray’s Appointment Application forward because one of the

Councilor’s saw remarks on social media. Ms. Edwards stated that she thought

that was unfair, and she stated what made it doubly unfair was listening to a very

long, what she would not even call a conversation. She stated denying someone

because of social media comments was unfair. She stated if the Committee felt

that they could not vote for Mr. Murray, that they could have forwarded Mr.

Murray’s Appointment Application with no recommendation, either for or

against, and let a larger group of people consider Mr. Murray’s Appointment

Application to the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Ms. Edwards continued by stating that she did not know what it was, but that

she felt like they were being schooled where the opinions of the two Town

Councilors evolved into a discussion about LGBTQ+ Rights. She stated the

commentary went on forever. Therefore, she stated the subject of Flying

Third-Party Flags no longer became about all other kinds of groups. She stated

although there were a couple of other groups that were mentioned in passing,

that it turned into a LGBTQ+ issue. She stated the Administration Committee

had to approve their minutes; and she stated if they read the March 12, 2025

minutes that there were pages and pages devoted to that one topic. She stated to

her that was bias; and that Councilor did not check their bias at the door, noting

that the meeting turned into a rally for LGBTQ+ Rights, of which she stated

that honestly, she was behind them. However, she stated that this was just not

the place, noting that it showed bias; and it showed hypocrisy.

Councilor Buhle thanked Ms. Edwards for her comments this evening.

IV.

PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of Marach 12, 2025.

Moved by Councilor Dombrowski, seconded by Councilor Buhle

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

VI.

OLD BUSINESS

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

Councilor Buhle stated after hearing a lot of support and great concerns from our

residents to create an Ethics Commission that she personally wanted to move

forward with a proposal. She noted that the residents feel that having an Ethics

Commission would protect them, and protect the town. However, she stated that she

wanted to make sure that the Administration Committee could all come together to

draft the Ordinance, noting that she did not want to create unnecessary legal burdens

for the town. She suggested the Administration Committee schedule a Special

Meeting dedicated to only drafting “An Ordinance Establishing an Ethics

Commission for the Town of Ledyard”. She stated because Councilor Dombrowski

did not support creating an Ethics Committee that she was interested in his thoughts.

Councilor Dombrowski stated that he would reiterate that he was not 100% in

support of creating an Ethics Commission because the town already had provisions

to address fraud, financial improprieties, and conflicts of interest. However, he stated

if they were going to move forward with creating an Ethics Commission that in

reviewing the proposed draft Ordinance, it was his opinion, that there was language

in the draft Ordinance that was in direct contradiction of what Connecticut General

State Statute allowed for an Ethics Commission.

Councilor Dombrowski noted the draft Ordinance pointing out the following:

Filing of Complaints - Councilor Dombrowski stated the draft Ordinance called

for Open Public Hearings where accusations can be made against an employee, or

elected officials, or a town volunteer who was serving on a committee. He noted

in accordance with State Statute that accusations were supposed to be held in

confidentiality. He stated from the time that the Complaint was filed that it was

supposed to be heard in an Executive Session by the Ethics Commission. He

stated that all Hearings were supposed to take place in Executive Session unless

the accused requested it to be conducted in a Public Hearing. However, he stated

the way draft Ordinance was currently that was not what was going to happen.

· Financial Gains - Councilor Dombrowski stated the Connecticut General State

Statute limits the authority of an Ethics Commission to Financial Gain which

would include things that would involve either an individual or their family my

benefit financially. He explained that the authority of the Ethics Commission

would basically be for somebody who was embezzling money, or somebody was

using their position of power for a financial gain.

Authority - Councilor Dombrowski stated per Connecticut General State Statute

that the Ethics Commission role did not include hearing Complaints because

someone did not agree with the decision that somebody made, or they did not

agree with a decision made by a Board or Commission, explain that would require

a whole separate Appeals Process, noting that it was not the purpose of the Ethics

Commission.

Councilor Dombrowski continued by stating the things he mentioned was not how

the draft Ordinance was worded. Therefore, he stated that there were some conflicts

between the how the draft Ordinance was written, versus what the State Statute

allowed.

Councilor Buhle stated that Councilor Garcia-Irizarry did a lot of work on the draft

“Ordinance to Establish an Ethics Commission” and that she had some comments.

Therefore, she stated that she was going to have Councilor Garcia-Irizarry speak and

that she would also like to hear Councilor Brunelle’s comments as well.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry provided an overview of the draft “Ordinance to Establish

an Ethics Commission” noting the following:

· Filing of Complaints - Councilor Garcia-Irizarry explained when somebody was

going to make a Complaint that they would have to go to the Town Clerk and sign a

Form in front of the Town Clerk, or a Judge or a Notary. She stated that the Form

would then go to the Ethics Commissions for them to determine if they have

jurisdiction over the matter. She stated after the Ethics Commission determined if

they have jurisdictions, then they go to a Hearing for Probable Cause. She stated at

that Hearing the Ethic would decided if there was Probable Cause. She stated that all

of this was confidential. She stated that the draft Ordinance stated if the Ethics

Commission finds that there was No Probable Cause then everything gets sealed and

it was sent away, noting that it would not come out to the public. She stated that the

Public things were the Hearings in which they would present evidence, and all the

other stuff.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that it was expressly written in the draft Ordinance

that everything was Confidential up, until the last Step where the Ethics

Commission would hear the evidence, and then they would decide if there was

actually, you know. She stated according to State Statute all that was going to happen

in a Confidential Executive Session. She stated that the only part that was not done

in a Confidential Executive Session was the final decision as to whether the Ethics

Commission agreed or they agreed to disagree.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated when she drafted the Ordinance that she used a

document from the State and that she included all their recommendations, noting that

she could send the document to everyone. She stated that if there was anything in the

draft Ordinance that was in violation with the Connecticut State Statues that they

could fix it. She stated that she wanted to provide clarification noting that basically

almost the whole process was confidential.

Councilor Brunelle stated that she agreed with Councilor Dombrowski, noting that if

the draft Ordinance does not comply with State Statutes then they had to fix it. She

stated that she did not know the state statutes per se and she asked Councilor

Dombrowski if he could share the Chapter of the State Statutes that pertain to Ethics

Commissions. She addressed the role of the Ethics Commission that Councilor

Dombrowski noted, and she stated she was fine with the Commission only having

oversight of Financial Gain, stating that it made sense. However she stated that she

agreed that Ledyard needed to have an Ethics Commission. She stated that the

proposal to establish an Ethics Commission was never intended to be a pointing

match such as “You don't like me type of thing”. Therefore, she stated that the

Administration Committee needed to get their hands on those actual State Statutes so

that they could compare and contrast, and make sure that Ledyard’s Ordinance was

rock solid and does not violate anything.

Councilor Dombrowski stated although he was not in favor of Establishing an Ethics

Commission that if they were going to make it work that they needed to make sure

that it was consistent with what State Statute allowed. He stated that he understands

there were a lot of the concerns that he was against an Ethics Commission; noting

that he did not want it to be a political finger pointing tool; or to be used for someone

to go after people they do not like, or anything like that.

Councilor Buhle stated as she has said before, that the time to create an Ethics

Commission was when they think they do not need one. She noted that they have

heard comments that Ledyard does not need an Ethics Commission, we have never

needed one, however, she stated that was the time to make one, because she has also

heard that they cannot use an Ethics Commission to go after people for things that

have already happened. Therefore, she stated that if things happen in the future that it

would be nice to have an Ethics Commission, just in case.

Councilor Buhle suggested the Administration Committee work together to draft an

Ordinance to move the initiative forward. Therefore, she suggested the Committee

schedule a Special Meeting designed specifically to only work on drafting the

Ordinance, noting that they would not address any regular business at that meeting.

The Administration Committee agreed to schedule a Work Session on May 14, 2025

at 5:00 p.m. to work on the draft Ordinance Establishing an Ethics Commission; and

to cancel their Regular Meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. that same evening.

Councilor Buhle asked that the Committee be prepared to review the current draft

and the Connecticut State Statutes and to bring their suggested changes to the May

14, 2025 Work Session for discussion.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

MOTION to remove the discussion to draft an Ordinance regarding the raising of

Unofficial-Third-Party Flags on Town Property for future Administration Committee

Agendas.

Councilor Brunelle stated that she has been giving the idea about drafting an

Ordinance to address the Flying of Third Party-Flags a lot of thought. She stated that

she loved the fact that they had so many people come out to speak about the proposal.

She stated although she had her personal opinion on it, that a lot of people do not

share her opinion and that was totally fine. Therefore, she stated at this point that she

thought that she, would just like not to move forward with it. She stated that she

thought the Administration Committee had other things like the Ethics Commission

and other things that they needed to focus on, and seeing as how she has heard a lot

of people for and against the proposal to draft an Ordinance to Fly Third Party Flags,

more against than for it, that she personally wanted to be able to represent more

people than just herself. Therefore, she stated that she thought for right now that they

do not need to move forward with this draft Ordinance for Flying of Third Party

Flags because there are other ways that we could help show their support and

welcome our community. She stated that it was frustrating for many people and that

she thought that they could find a more equitable way to address those issues.

Councilor Buhle thanked Councilor Brunelle for all of the work she put into drafting

the proposal, noting that it was extremely important to her.

MOTION to remove the discussion to draft an Ordinance regarding the raising of

Unofficial-Third-Party Flags on Town Property” from the Administration

Committee’s future Agendas.

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski

Discussion: (see Above).

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Buhle and Brunelle

AYE:

Discussion and possible action to draft a resolution establishing a Sustainable CT Ad-hoc

Committee.

Councilor Buhle stated that a draft “Resolution Supporting their Continued

Participation in the Sustainable CT Municipal Certification Program And Establishing

A Sustainable CT Ad Hoc Committee” was provided for review and discussion this

evening.

Land Use Director/Town Planner Elizabeth Burdick stated she was in a training today

and that she just received the draft Resolution today, therefore, she did not have the

opportunity to review the proposal. She provided some background explaining that five

years ago the town embarked on obtaining a Sustainable CT Certification, however, she

stated that due to the Covid Pandemic and limited staffing the submission of paperwork

stalled. However, she stated that the town continued with a number of Sustainable CT

qualifying initiatives which included converting our streetlights to Light-Emitting Diode

(LED) light bulbs saving both energy and our taxpayers dollars; the construction of the

Multi-Use Pathway from Ledyard High School to Ledyard Center to provide safe

transportation for pedestrians and bicyclists; extending the sewer line providing

infrastructure for both affordable housing and business development; improvements to

the Linda C. Davis Food Pantry, and improvements to the Town Green providing

handicap access to Ledyard’s Farmers’ Market. She stated that per the Sustainable CT

Program that for initiatives to qualify for points toward the Certification that they needed

to be done within three years of their Application Process. However, she stated that

because of the Covid Pandemic that they could talk to the Sustainable CT

Administrators to see if whether any of these projects could be used toward their

Certification.

Ms. Burdick went on to state because the Land Use Department had a very small staff

that it would be a challenge for them to take on the Sustainable CT Certification

Process, noting that it was a lot of work. She stated when she worked in the Town of

Montville, that their Sustainable CT Committee, which was comprised of town

employees, handled the process. However, she stated that she talked with the Mayor

to ask if they could hire a Consultant using some of the Land Use Department’s

Consulting funds to assist the Sustainable CT Ad Hoc Committee with this process.

She also noted that Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG)

typically had Interns explaining that they have helped towns with the legwork to

organize their Sustainable CT initiatives and the required paperwork, noting that

Montville used the SCCOG Interns, stating that they were wonderful, and there was

no cost to the town,. She stated that the SCCOG Interns s were college student, who

work during the summer months, that come in, and help put all of the paperwork

together.

Ms. Burdick stated that she was in favor of the Town seeking the Sustainable CT

Certification; and she provided an overview of the Sustainable CT Certification

Process noting that the first step was to obtain the Bonze Certification. She stated

although it was a lot of work, that with the assistance of an Intern, or perhaps a

Consultant, or a part time Planner that she thought the Sustainable CT Ad Hoc

Committee could get a lot accomplished.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated she has spoken to people at Sustainable CT and

although the information was not included with tonight’s Agenda Packet that it was

her understanding that they had a dedicated Fellow named Summer Mitchell that

could meet with Ledyard’s Sustainable CT Ad Hoc Committee to help them get

started.

Councilor Dombrowski addressed the draft “Resolution Supporting their Continued

Participation in the Sustainable CT Municipal Certification Program And Establishing

A Sustainable CT Ad Hoc Committee” and he noted that the proposed make up of the

Committee was comprised of volunteers who were currently serving on other Town

Committees. He questioned whether anyone talked to them about whether they were

interested in supporting another Town Committee. He also explained that Resolutions

were typically set up for a certain period of time (time limit), noting that the draft

Resolution was calling for two years, with provisions for reappointments. Therefore, he

stated that the draft Resolution did not conform with the typical provisions to sunset.

However, he noted that the Ledyard Center Committee, which was established by a

Resolution, went on for almost 8-years, and they had to keep extending their Resolution.

Councilor Buhle noted Councilor Dombrowski’s comments regarding the term of the

Sustainable CT Ad Hoc Committee, stating that she agreed that it would be a short-term

Committee. She stated that the Sustainable CT Program accepts Applications in the

months of April and August. Therefore, she stated they could not meet the

Application deadlines this year, stating that they should plan to try to submit their

Sustainable CT Application in 2026. She stated providing a two-year term that the

Ad Hoc Committee should have enough time to develop sustainable initiatives and

completed the required paperwork.

Ms. Burdick addressed the proposed two-year term for the Volunteer Ad Hoc

Committee and she stated when Montville sought their Sustainable CT Certification

that their Committee was made up to town staff, noting that they met during the day.

She stated that it was comprised of the Mayor, Assistant Planner, Parks & Recreation

Director, Social Services Director and the Senior Citizens Director.

The Administration Committee discussed the proposed composition of the

Sustainable Ad Hoc Committee, and questioned whether it should have nine

members verses seven members; and the ability to obtain a quorum at meetings. They

also discussed the importance to include representatives of the land use commissions

(Planning & Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands & Water Courses Commission,

Conservation Commissions, Economic Development Commission, Parks &

Recreation, Public Works Director) and others on the Ad Hoc Committee; noting the

challenge not to leave out any key representation. They also discussed the size of the

Ad Hoc Committee and Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the Sustainable CT Program

required that the Committee needed to be comprised of at least three members, one

member had to be an Elected Official, or a Staff Member. She stated that the Ad Hoc

Committee could also have Subcommittees dedicated to work on specific

initiatives/projects.

The Committee agreed that the Sustainable CT Ad Hoc Committee should be

comprised of nine members. In addition, they would contact the potential

Commissions and Staff Members for their availability to serve on the Ad Hoc

Committee. The Committee noted that they would continue to work on the draft

Resolution Supporting their Continued Participation in the Sustainable CT Municipal

Certification Program And Establishing A Sustainable CT Ad Hoc Committee” with the

hope to move it forward to the Town Council in June for approval.

Any other Old Business proper to come before the Committee

None.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

MOTION to appoint Ms. Vanessa Sotelo (D) 8 Cedar Ridge Road, Ledyard, and an Alternate

Member of the Parks, Recreation, & Senior Citizens Commission to complete a three (3)

year term ending June 28, 2027, filling a vacancy left by Ms. Hawes.

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski

Discussion: None.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

MOTION to appoint Mr. Christian Allyn (U) 1010 Shewville Road, Ledyard, to the

Cemetery Committee as a Regular Member, of for a three (3) year term ending April 26,

2028, filling a vacancy left by Ms. Staley.

Moved by Councilor Dombrowski, seconded by Councilor Buhle