741 Colonel Ledyard Highway  
Ledyard, Connecticut 06339-1551  
(860) 464-3203  
TOWN OF LEDYARD  
Town Council  
council@ledyardct.org  
Meeting Minutes  
Chairman Kevin J.  
Dombrowski  
Regular Meeting  
Wednesday, October 25, 2023  
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/85198491132?pwd=ZwJ6tadc6yhvXm4MBJKtzE9aSWNoCm.1  
Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 851 9849 1132; Passcode: 838986  
CALL TO ORDER  
I.  
IC.hairman Dombrowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers,  
Town Hall Annex Building.  
Chairman Dombrowski welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. He 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.  
Chairman Kevin Dombrowski  
Councilor Bill Saums  
Present:  
Councilor Andra Ingalls  
Councilor Gary Paul  
Councilor Mary K. McGrattan  
Councilor S. Naomi Rodriguez  
Councilor Tim Ryan  
Councilor Whit Irwin  
Councilor John Marshall  
Excused:  
IV.  
PRESENTATIONS  
None  
V.  
RESIDENT & PROPERTY OWNERS (COMMENTS LIMITED TO THREE (3)  
MINUTES  
Ms. Ginina Diaz, 1546 Route 12, Gales Ferry, stated “Active participation and public life  
of a community in an informed and constructive manner with focus on the common  
good” was the definition of civic responsibility. She stated it was no secret that Ledyard  
has a history of low voter turnout. She stated for the last Municipal Election only 31% of  
eligible residents voted. She stated last week’s Referendum (October 17, 2023) only had  
about 230 voters turn out. She stated when residents asked on the Ledyard Resource Page  
last week where they could find candidate information for the upcoming election that  
members of the Democratic Town Committee only offered information on the  
Democratic and Republican candidates. She stated the reason she was mentioning this  
was because both the Democratic and Republican Town Committee Members knew that  
there was also a Green Party Candidate, noting that they have her sign in their yard. She  
stated that she found it a bit funny that one of the said individuals could choose to say  
that they did not think about it;or they forgot, when they had a sign in their yard. She  
stated when we choose not to provide residents with complete information we fail our  
community. She questioned how they would feel if they asked an Elected Board Member  
where they could find important information such as candidate information, to only find  
out that they only gave you two-thirds of the information. She stated that personally she  
would be pissed. She questioned why they chose to only provide some information but  
not all. She stated regardless of party affiliation she stated that she firmly believed that  
residents deserve to be aware of all candidates and be afforded the opportunity to  
question any and all candidates. So, she asked as a community, “How do we improve  
voter turnout”. She stated not all residents were on social media, not all residents were  
registered. She questioned whether we could be more productive throughout the year  
possibly holding an Open Forum yearly, even when it was not an election year; and hold  
Voter Registration Events throughout the year; or maybe even a Voter 101 Class for  
those who may not know where to start. She stated that she did not have all the answers,  
but that she hoped that her suggestions would get some wheels spinning. She stated when  
residents feel heard, valued, and like their concerns were addressed that they were more  
likely to participate. She stated let us also keep in mind the example that was set for our  
oldest youths, they were in the most literal form of our future. She stated we need to  
teach them by example the importance of civic engagement and responsibility. Thank  
you,  
Chairman Dombrowski thanked Ms. Diaz for her comments.  
Mrs. Karen Parkinson, 55 Rose Hill Road, Ledyard, stated that most of the members on  
the Town Council know her as the Tri-Town Trail Association President. However, she  
stated that she also had another passion, noting that she was a retired Social Worker, as  
she mentioned in her October 22, 2023 email, noting that her entire career was devoted  
to Child Welfare. She stated that she has written many programs and grants and  
provided direct services, noting that she was Ledyard’s first Social Services Worker and  
was hired by former Mayor Al Clark. She stated she later went on to work at Lawrence  
& Memorial Hospital in New London. She stated she was followed by Marge Fondulas,  
who moved on to work as Groton’s Social Services Director, who was followed by  
Ledyard’s Social Services Director Lee King. Mrs. Parkinson stated during all of this  
time that she was also an active member of the Ledyard Social Services Board, which  
she organized while she was employed by the Town, noting at that time Ledyard was  
one of the few towns that has a Social Services Board. She went on to explain when Lee  
King was Ledyard’s Social Services Director that she and Ms. King collaborated and  
began the work to establish the Youth Services Bureau Programs in the early 2000’s.  
She stated since then the Youth Services Bureau Programs were well established, noting  
that today almost every municipality now had a Youth Services Bureau, explaining that  
they all have different types of programs depending on the needs of the community. She  
stated Ledyard’s Youth Services Programs have always been clinically based to provide  
services to their children, youth, and families, stating that they were not connected to  
the School System.  
Mrs. Parkinson stated that she was present this evening to provide an addendum to her  
October 22, 2023 email regarding the proposed revisions to the Youth Services Director  
Job Description; as a passionate plea to support and continue to maintain the high  
quality of mental health service provided by the Youth Services Director and her staff.  
She stated in these times that she was sure everyone was aware of the great need for  
mental health services for troubled youths and their families. She noted that she spoke  
to one of the Tri-Town Trail Association Volunteers Kenneth DeFilippo, who was a  
Supervisor for CareAline, which was Emergency Services for youth, and he stated that  
the need for mental health services for kids has quadrupled in the last five years, with  
school shootings the Covid-19 Pandemic, etc. She stated many of these youths have  
dropped out of school, or have even been pulled from school by their parents, for  
perceived bullying or other issues. She stated that the Youth Service Bureaus provide  
many essential mental health services; and that we must not diminish the quality and  
professionalism that the Town of Ledyard has provided for twenty years.  
Mrs. Parkinson noted the following error in her October 22, 2023 email: stating that she  
did not state that the Interns each work 20 hours per week, 12 months for a total of over  
4,000 service hours (4x20x52= 41.60 hours @ $ 25/hour=$104,000) with an allowance  
for vacations etc., which was a value of $96,000; or at least two full time equivalents.  
She stated if the town does not have a Master’s Level Clinical License Practitioner they  
cannot supervise the Interns Students, and that the town would be able to have that  
Program, even if the Job Description stated “preferred”. She stated when you  
downgrade a job description, that it soon becomes The Job Description.  
Ms. Parkinson stated since she wrote the October 22, 2023 email that was included in  
the Town Council’s packet this evening that she reviewed the minutes of the October  
11, 2023 Administration Committee. She stated that there were errors in the  
Committee’s discussion because they may not have known and because no one was  
there to represent Youth Services. She noted the following examples: (1) The current  
Director had her Master’s Degree when she was hired. Mrs. Parkinson noted that the  
current Director received her Master’s Degree in May, 2008 and was hired by the Town  
in October, 2008; (2) The omission/recognition of the requirement of a Master’s Degree  
Licensed Practitioner to provide counseling to children and families (and supervision of  
graduate level interns) which was a basic service of a Youth Service Bureau; and (3)  
Ledyard currently has a Master’s Degree Licensed Practitioner available per diem 16  
hours/week, which was being paid out of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Federal  
funds that Councilor Rodriguez help to earmark for the addition of Clinicians.  
Mrs. Parkinson recommended the Town Council Table the motion to amend the Youth  
Services Director job description this evening and: (1) Restore the title to Director,  
which was changed and downgraded to Coordinator on July 1st for some reason; (2)  
Restore the supervision received from the Mayor, as a Department Head. Mrs.  
Parkinson noted the Mayor was the Director of Social Services, and that his Assistant  
was the Social Services Coordinator; (3) Any changes to the Job Description are to be  
reviewed and approved by the Social Service Board. Mrs. Parkinson stated the Social  
Services Board, nor the Director were aware of the proposed changes to the Job  
Description; and (4) Encourage the Director of Human Resources to meet with the  
Director of Youth Services and the Social Services Board so that she would have a  
better understanding of the scope of service and requirements. Mrs. Parkinson thanked  
the Town Council for their time this evening and she stated that she would be happy to  
answer any questions later this evening.  
Chairman Dombrowski thanked Mrs. Parkinson for her comments.  
Dr. Adrienne Parad, 5 Brich Street, Ledyard, attending remotely, thanked the Town  
Council for the opportunity to speak to them this evening. She stated that she would be  
speaking on the same issue as Mrs. Parkinson noting that she echoed her concerns  
regarding the changes to the Social Services Director’s Job Description. She stated as a  
Mother of three Teens and Tweens, in the Ledyard Public School System that every  
single day she hears about the stresses the children were going through. She stated that  
there were changes in their mental health, especially Post-Pandemic, noting that all of  
this has significantly escalated. She stated Ledyard’s Schools were doing a lot  
throughout the course of the school day, however, she stated Social Services were  
needed during the time when the children were not in school, which was actually the  
majority of their hours. She stated that she was a Family Physician and as a Medical  
Professional that she was concerned about the constant added expectations on our  
healthcare team. She addressed the proposed changes to the Social Services Director  
Job Description, noting that asking a Bachelor’s Degree Professional to do the work of  
a Master’s Degree Professional was asking for failure. She noted as an example that  
they could not have a medical assistant do a nurses job; and you can not have a nurse  
do a social workers job. She stated as a Navy Veteran, speaking to many veterans in this  
group, need she remind everyone of the importance of the “Chain of Command”  
structure. She stated she did not support changing the qualifications for this imperative  
town position. She stated a Master’s Level Clinician, at the Director Level reporting to  
the Mayor was the best way forward. Thank you.  
Chairman Dombrowski thanked Dr. Parad for her comments.  
VI.  
COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS  
None.  
VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS  
Councilor Paul noted Ms. Diaz’s comments (V. Residents & Property Owners -see  
above), and he stated Tuesday, November 7, 2023 was Election Day. He stated the Polls  
were open from 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and he encouraged residents to vote. He stated he  
did not care who folks voted for, Red, Blue, Green, Write-in, to please vote, stating that it  
was their right; and it was their town.  
Councilor Paul stated October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He noted that he lost  
his Grandmother to breast cancer; and that he knew a lot of families that have been  
devastated by this disease. He stated that 240,000 cases of breast cancer would be  
diagnosed this year in women and that 2,100 cases of breast cancer would be diagnosed in  
men. He encouraged folks to get screened, noting that early detection was their best  
defense for better survival.  
Councilor Ryan echoed Councilor Paul’s comments regarding Election Day on  
November 7, 2023. He stated it was important that everyone take the opportunity to have  
their voice heard. He stated it was their say in their Local Government. He stated it was  
important for everyone to get out and vote.  
Councilor Ryan went on to note that Halloween was right around the corner and that he  
hoped everyone would have a safe Halloween, He encouraged residents to exercise  
caution with their young kids in supervising anything they get from other households.  
Councilor Rodriguez stated Saturday, October 28, 2023 was Prescription Drug Take  
Back Day at the Ledyard Police Department, 741 Colonel Ledyard Highway. She stated  
residents could stop by and drop off their unused medications from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00  
p.m. and that she hoped everyone would clean out their medicine cabinets.  
Councilor Saums stated that he appreciated the residents who regularly attend the Town  
Council Meetings. He stated the Town Council liked to have residents attend their  
meetings because talking to each other in an empty room felt a little weird. He thanked  
everyone for coming out to attend their meetings.  
Councilor Saums went on note in the past that Ledyard has been accused of being a racist  
town because they did not have enough Affordable Housing. However, he stated on  
October15, 2023 the New London Day Newspaper published an article reporting that  
Ledyard scored higher than any other town in New London County. He explained that  
Ledyard has been trying to provide Affordable Housing, noting that the town had the  
infrastructure in-place, and they had the Planning and Zoning in-place to allow for  
Affordable Housing. He stated although the town was trying to get some Affordable  
Housing built, that they can not make it happen.  
Councilor Ingalls stated her family was approaching a very sad anniversary, and she  
wanted to provide the following two Public Service Announcements: (1) If you are  
Retired Military to please include a hard copy of your Military Separation Document  
(DD-214) in your estate papers for your family. She stated by having this documentation  
in place that they would save their family a lot of grief at a very sad time in their life; and  
(2) Write a Will.  
Councilor Rodriguez added to Councilor Ingalls comments that families should also have  
the name of their Attorney for their Will in a location where family members would  
know where to find it, like on a board in their kitchen.  
Councilor Irwin stated Councilor Marshall could not attend tonight's meeting. However,  
he noted on Sunday, October 22, 2023 Councilor Marshall wrote a beautiful email to the  
Town Council and in his absence that he would like to read the email this evening.  
“From: John C. Marshall <jcmar@ledyardct.org <mailto:jcmar@ledyardct.org>>  
Sent: Sunday, October 22, 2023 1:58 PM  
To: Town Council Group <TownCouncil@ledyardct.org  
<mailto:TownCouncil@ledyardct.org>>  
Subject:  
Greetings:  
As fate would have it, I'll be out of town this week and won't be able to attend the last  
council meeting before the election. This one was always special to me, you know, in the  
new, out with the old. I have something I wanted to share with everyone in person, but I  
guess I'll do it here instead.  
When we were growing up, just kids, maybe 8 or 9 or so, and you were playing with your  
friends in some empty lot or backyard, you might have been playing kick ball or building  
a fort together. Then the street lights came on and you all headed home. On that day, you  
didn’t know that this was the last time you would be together as a group. Life happens,  
dynamics change, people go in different directions. However, We have the unique  
distinction of knowing our group is changing.  
Bill: In the summer of 2021, there was a controversial issue within your party,  
concerning someone. It got a lot of air time, and a lot of people felt strongly about the  
subject. You were the only one to vote against your party, your peers. We've all seen that  
one "no" vote before, but this one struck me different. I thought that took a lot of courage  
to do that. It was really a defining moment for me.  
Andra: I enjoyed watching you run the admin meetings. When you talked to someone,  
you made them feel like you were the only ones in the room. You showed empathy and  
compassion, and wanted to hear every side of the story before you closed the books. It  
was a privilege sharing the bench with you, and I will miss you the most.  
Mary: In 2019, you gave me a book on the history of houses in the 1700 - 1800's as told  
thru a carpenters eyes. I can't remember the last time I was the recipient of a random act  
of kindness. The book wasn’t all that expensive, but the gift was priceless.  
Thank you , to the three of you, for sharing this time. I wish nothing but the best for all of  
you. John Marshall”  
Councilor Irwin noted that Councilor Marshall’s reflection showed that in a town like  
ours, people were the important thing. He stated that there was not much in the way  
politics as far as making decisions for the town. He stated this Town Council has been a  
very collegial group over the last two-years. He stated that it has been a privilege to serve  
with this Group. He stated that he hoped that he had the opportunity to serve the town  
again in the future with the people who have chosen to seek reelection. He stated he truly  
appreciated having the opportunity to spend this time with them.  
Councilor McGrattan stated going back many years ago to the First Ledyard Town  
Council, which was in 1971, that there was a situation similar to tonight’s and she stated  
the Chairman, who was Ed Shepard, stated “When you were the last in the line of  
speakers, Stand-up, say Hello and Sit down”. She stated that she often remembered that  
statement.  
Chairman Dombrowski echoed all of the Town Councilor’s comments this evening,  
noting that it has been a privilege serving on the Twenty-Fifth Town Council with all of  
them. He thanked all of those who have chosen to run for Office, regardless of their  
Party, regardless of the Office they were seeking, the Mayor, the Board of Education, and  
the Town Council. He stated it has been a pleasure to serve with them, noting that he has  
served with many of the members of the Town Council over the last twelve years. He  
stated that he would miss those who have chosen not to seek reelection, and that he  
wished them good luck and good fortune in their future. He stated for those who have  
chosen to seek reelection that he hoped to be sitting here with them again in December,  
2023. He stated that wished all the candidates good luck who have chosen to run for  
office. He concluded by stating to the voters that this was their opportunity to make their  
voices heard and to choose who they think should be leaders of their town. He  
encouraged everyone to get out and vote.  
VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
MOTION to approve the Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2023  
Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Irwin  
VOTE:  
8 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Tim Ryan  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Whit Irwin  
SECONDER:  
IX.  
COMMUNICATIONS  
Communications List - October 25, 2023  
Chairman Dombrowski stated a Communications List has been provided on the meeting  
portal for tonight’s meeting and he noted the referral listed.  
RECEIVED AND FILED  
RESULT:  
X.  
REFERALS  
XI.  
COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS  
Administration Committee  
1.  
Councilor Ingalls stated although the Administration Committee had not met since their last  
Town Council Meeting that the Committee has a number of items on tonight’s agenda.  
.
RESULT:  
Community Relations Committee  
2.  
Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee met on October 18, 2023 noting  
that they received some great comments from Ms. Ginina Diaz that sparked the following  
conversations during their meeting:  
·
Black History Month - Councilor Paul stated they discussed some good ideas, that  
included different activities and more participation with other groups. He stated as the  
Community Relations Committee said after the last Black History Contest, that they  
wanted to encourage and support other groups to take part. He stated Councilor  
Rodriguez has done an amazing job and has championed the Black History Month  
Contest over the last two-years. He stated the Committee’s hope was for other groups to  
get involved.  
·
·
Voting - Councilor Paul noted in response to Ms. Diaz’s comments regarding the low  
voter turn-out that the Committee discussed the possibility of having a Forum in the  
future. He stated they discussed ideas such as a Town Hall Forum or maybe an  
Informational Forum once a year where they could have a Moderator ask questions, etc.  
Housing Authority-Kings Corner Senior Citizens Housing Facility- Councilor Paul  
stated the Community Relations Committee was tasked to try to help foster some  
dialogue between the Housing Authority and the Tenants on issues that were brought to  
the Town Council at their August 23, and September 13, 2023 meetings. He noted at  
their September 20, and October 18, 2023 meetings the Community Relations  
Committee discussed the following:  
ü Roles and Authority - Councilor Paul stated the Committee explained to the Tenants  
that other than appointing members to the Housing Authority, per Connecticut General  
Statutes Chapter 128 Sections 8-40 and 8-41 the Town Council had no authority over  
the Housing Authority.  
o The Housing Authority would hire an Executive Director, who worked under the  
Direction of the Housing Authority to manage the Kings Corner Senior Citizens  
Housing Facility.  
ü Procedures - Councilor Paul stated there were Procedures in-place, for the Tenants to  
submit Grievances, and to speak directly to the Housing Authority at their monthly  
meetings. He stated this discussion prompted the Housing Authority to consider  
obtaining some recording equipment or to perhaps move their meetings to a location  
where they could be recorded and/or offer remote participation using a platform such as  
Zoom to help with transparency.  
ü Cameras - Councilor Paul noted that some Tenants expressed concern about the Housing  
Authority using cameras to spy on them. He stated during the Community Relations  
Committee meeting that they explained that the Cameras were used for liability issues,  
to protect both the tenants, staff, and everyone involved.  
ü Renovations and Safety Issues - Councilor Paul stated some Tenants had expressed  
concern regarding safety issues, specifically the handicap ramps. He stated the town  
secured nearly $3 million in grant funding for the much needed renovations to the Kings  
Corner Senior Citizens Housing Facility. He stated they all understand that the  
renovation was not convenient but that it was almost done and that the facility would be  
beautiful and the handicap ramps would meet the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)  
Regulations.  
ü Smoking Policy - Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee also  
discussed with the Tenants the No Smoking Policy, and their concerns regarding safety.  
He stated this was going to be an on-going discussion between the Tenants and the  
Housing Authority. He stated the decision lied with the Housing Authority, regardless of  
the Town Council’s position, or how they felt about the Smoking Policy, noting that it  
was the Housing Authority’s decision to make.  
Councilor Paul concluded his report regarding the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens  
Housing Facility by noting that the Community Relations Committee was tasked to help  
foster some dialogue; and that the Committee believed that they have. Therefore, he stated  
the Committee completed their task and that they hoped and would encourage that the  
dialogue would continue between the Housing Authority and the Tenants at the Facility.  
Councilor Paul addressed the Park on East Drive, and he provided some background noting  
in hearing residents’ concerns about graffiti, lack of lighting and other illicit behavior that  
was occurring at the Park that the Community Relations Committee held an Informal  
Gathering at the Park on July 20, 2022 with the residents in the area. He stated Parks &  
Recreation Director Scott Johnson, Jr. and many Town Councilors attended the event. He  
stated during their conversation with the residents that they discovered that there was a  
lot of miscommunication. He stated the residents did not know who to contact, or what  
was in the works. He thanked the concerted efforts of the Parks & Recreation  
Department, Public Works Department, and the Police Department, noting that the Park  
on East Drive was now beautiful. He stated it was well lite, the parking lot was done, and  
residents were enjoying the Park. He stated this was a great example of what the  
Community Relations Committee was all about, noting that they all came together for a  
positive outcome. He stated he has spoken to the Police Chief and that they have not had  
any issues at the Park on East Drive over the past year. He noted the Community  
Relations Committee felt that they also completed their work at the Park on East Drive.  
Councilor Saums addressed the suggestion to hold a Public Forum sand he stated that he  
reached out to the Women’s League of Voters. However, he stated because he has not heard  
back from them that he thought he would have to try another channel. He stated the idea was  
to have a moderated forum, where residents could talk about ideas and ask questions. He  
stated if the Public Forum was before the November 7, 2023 Election that it could also be for  
the candidates to speak and answer questions. He stated that he suggested that the Forum  
should be Moderated, noting that the Mayor, nor the Town Council, or the Board of  
Education could not run the Forum. He stated that they should have an Independent  
Moderator, like what was done at the national level. Therefore, he stated that he reached out  
to try to get a trained moderator and that he would follow up and get back to the Community  
Relations Committee on what he finds.  
Councilor Ryan stated the League of Women Voters moderate a number of debates  
throughout the State.  
.
RESULT:  
Finance Committee  
3.  
4.  
Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee has not met since the last Town Council  
meeting.  
.
RESULT:  
Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee  
Councilor Paul stated the LUPPW Committee conducted a Site Walk on October 20,  
2023 at 9:00 a.m. with Tri-Town Trail Association President Karen Parkinson to look at  
the Spicer Ruins. He stated as reported at the October 11, 2023 Town Council meeting  
that Mrs. Parkinson and Historic District Commission Member Earl (Ty) Lamb attended  
the LUPPW Committee’s October 2, 2023 meeting to discuss the possibility of taking an  
area of the Spicer Ruins to designate as a Registered Historical Site. He stated the  
LUPPW Committee hiked up the Clark Farm to walk the area of the Spice Ruins and to  
obtain some background. He stated the area was beautiful and that the LUPPW  
Committee planned to continue to discuss this subject at their next meeting on November  
6, 2023. He thanked Mrs. Parkinson for taking the LUPPW Committee to walk the site.  
.
RESULT:  
Board of Education  
Councilor Irwin stated the Board of Education met on October 17, 2023 and discussed  
the following: (1) Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget - The Board of Education kicked-off  
their Annual Budget Preparation Process; and was working to obtain projected estimates  
for the cost of electricity for next year because of the increase in rates that have climbed  
by more than 41%; (2) Menal Health Caseloads have increased at every school; (3)  
Multi-Media School Safety Grant was received and would be used to connect panic  
buttons and cameras directly to the Police Department, (4) Changes to the Law pertaining  
to Kindergarten State Date; (5) 2023/2024 School Calendar has been changed to  
recognize and close schools on Veteran’s Day on November 10, 2023. This change was  
in response to the number of student absences on Veteran’s Day in previous years; (5)  
School Trip to France for 2025 was approved.  
.
RESULT:  
Committee to Review the Budget Process  
Councilor Ryan stated the Committee’s Final Report was still in its draft stage. He stated the  
Committee has scheduled a special meeting for October 30, 2023 at which time they plan to  
finalize the Report and submit it to the Town Council  
.
RESULT:  
Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission Fiscal Year 2023/2024  
Councilor Rodriguez stated the Commission met on October 17, 2023, noting that the  
meeting went extremely well. She noted the Commission decided on a spending plan for  
the use of the $29,827 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding which was  
specifically distributed for Senior Citizen Centers. She noted the Spending Plan included:  
Peloton Bike; Rower; Elliptical; Dumbbell set and Bench, Rubber Flooring; Chairs (88)  
for the Dining Room; Card Tables (5) , 71” Table; Room Divider, Floor, Carpet,  
Refrigerator, Railing.  
.
RESULT:  
REPORT OF THE MAYOR:  
XII.  
Mayor Allyn, III, thanked the members of the Town Council for all the work they have  
done during the past two-years. He stated they were able to get a lot accomplished  
because “R’s & D’s” did not matter, noting that what mattered was what was best for the  
Town of Ledyard. He stated Ledyard has been able to maintain this working relationship  
over the years and he thanked them.  
Mayor Allyn continued by providing the following report: (1) Youth Services  
Coordinator Position- - Mayor Allyn noted Mrs. Parkinson’s comments earlier this  
evening during (V. Resident and Property Owners Comments see above) and her email  
dated October 22, 2023. He stated the Youth Services Coordinator was a union position  
and that the title of the position in the Supervisor’s Bargaining Group was “Youth  
Services Coordinator”. Therefore, he stated that the update to the title of the job  
description was to be consistent with the position listed in the union. He stated the  
Director of Human Resources Marisa Iannella-Rodriguez reviewed the proposed job  
description updates with the Youth Services Coordinator and with Nursing Administrator  
Karen Goetchuis, who was the Supervisor; (2) Cropp Walk for Hunger - October 8, 2023  
- Mayor Allyn stated he kicked-off the Event at the United Methodist Church in Gales  
Ferry, which was their 32nd year. He stated the rainy skies cleared just in time for the  
event, noting that they had a beautiful day and a nice turn-out; (3) Legislative  
Subcommittee - Taxation Issues pertaining to Commercial Businesses Operating at the  
Foxwoods & the Mohegan Sun Casinos - Mayor Allyn stated on October 17, 2023 that he  
presented Ledyard’s case to the 54 Member Committee at the State Capitol in Hartford.  
He stated the taxation issues that were being addressed was not to tax the Native  
Americans, but rather to tax the Commercial Businesses only for their business  
equipment; who were operating at the Casinos such as Nike, California Pizza Kitchen,  
Duncan Donuts, etc. He explained that it had nothing to do with any Structures, Property,  
Land, Buildings. He stated the Town of Montville Mayor Ronald McDaniel also gave a  
similar presentation. He stated after their last meeting, which was scheduled for  
November 14, 2023, the Legislative Subcommittee would draft their White Paper to  
submit to the February 7, 2024 Legislative Session for review and consideration; (4)  
Emergency Planning & Preparedness Initiative (EPPI) Drill - October 18, 2023 - Mayor  
Allyn stated he participated in the EPPI Drill that was held at Ledyard’s Emergency  
Operations Center (EOC) Light, which was a room at the Ledyard Center Fire  
Department. He explained the scenario for this State Drill involved a Freight Train  
Derailment in Gales Ferry that had a chemical spill and fire along with some sensitive  
issues. He stated the three-hour drill went well; (5) Affordable Housing Plan - October 18,  
2023 - Mayor Allyn stated he was a Panelist at the Connecticut College Affordable  
Housing Seminar. He stated the event was well attended noting that Ledyard’s Affordable  
Housing Plan received the highest score in New London County of 3.5 Houses out of 5  
Houses. He stated Ledyard’s Plan was very good and that there were some suggestions  
that the town could initiate quickly; however, he explained that there were other  
suggestions that would take time, such as creating an Account to fund Affordable  
Housing. He stated he would send the Summary of Ledyard’s Affordable Housing Plan,  
which included twelve suggestions, to the Town Council; (6) Up-Down Sawmill Repairs  
Bid Opening - October 19, 2023 - Mayor Allyn stated in response to the advertised Bid  
#2023-09 (Sawmill Repairs) the town only received one response. Therefore, he stated the  
Historic District Commission would be requesting a Bid Waiver to rebuild the retaining  
wall of the race and reset the steps to divert water away from the building at the Up-Down  
Sawmill at the Finance Committee’s November l, 2023 meeting; (7) Housing  
Rehabilitation Program - Mayor Allyn stated the Housing Rehabilitation Program  
provided no interest loans to qualified residents who met the income limits for critical  
home improvements such as heating system, septic system replacements and roof  
replacements. He stated a lien would be placed on the property and once the property  
owner paid the funds back to the Town of Ledyard that those funds would then become  
available to be loaned to another qualifying resident. He stated Ledyard issued three more  
loans this week, and he noted two were boilers/heating systems and one was for a new  
roof. Therefore, he stated that they would want to get these done before the fall/winter  
months; (8) Textile Recycling - Mayor Allyn stated Apparel Impact was the vendor who  
was recycling textiles through Southeastern Connecticut Resource Recycling Recovery  
Authority (SCRRRA). He stated Ledyard would have two bins (small sheds) noting that  
one Textile Bin would be located at the Transfer Station, which was open Tuesday,  
Wednesday and Saturday; and the other Textile Bin would be located at the Middle  
School, which would be available 24/7. He explained that there were some clothing  
articles that were not good enough to give to Good Will, which was the purpose of the  
Textile Recycling program. He stated residents could drop off items such as clothing,  
undergarments, old shoes, belts, towels, etc., which would be shredded and used for  
various fills; (9) Solid Waste Committee - Mayor Allyn stated that he was serving as the  
Chairman of the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) Solid  
Waste Committee and that they were working to draft a White Paper to submit to the  
State Legislature with recommendations on how to reduce Connecticut’s trash tonnage.  
He noted that local trash haulers truck Connecticut’s garbage in tractor trailers to a  
350-acre Landfill in Seneca Falls, New York, which can be seen from miles away, noting  
that this was not a solution to the problem. He stated three of Connecticut’s five  
Incinerator Plants were at capacity; noting that three of the Incinerators had the ability to  
have a second burner. However, he explained that the State’s Department of Energy &  
Environmental Protection (DEEP) process to obtain a second burner was so rigorous and  
took so long that it would take years to get a second burner in any of the three  
Incineratoars. Therefore, he stated one of the Solid Waste Committee’s recommendations  
was for the State to have way to fast track the process; (10) Local Transportation Capital  
Improvement Plan Grant Funding (LoTCIP) - Mayor Allyn noted that the Town received  
LoTICP Grant Funding for the Multi Model Pathway and the Extension of the Ledyard  
Center Sewer Line to the High School. He stated the Bid Opening for this project was  
scheduled for tomorrow (October 26, 2023). He stated six reputable Firms attended the  
Pre-Bid #L071-0001; and therefore, he did not expect that a bid waiver would be  
required; (11) Prescription Drug Take Back Day - October 28, 2023 - Mayor Allyn stated  
the Take It To the Box Campaign would be held at the Ledyard Police Station on Saturday  
from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. He stated last year 60 pounds of pharmaceuticals were  
dropped off. He stated it was a bad idea to flush old medications down the toilet because  
Ledyard had so many septic systems; and by not discarding the medications properly that  
they could end up in the wrong hands. He encouraged residents to drop off their old  
medications at the Box at the Police Department; (12) Deer Strikes - Mayor Allyn noted  
between September 1st and the end of December, 2022 there were 129 Deer Strikes in  
Ledyard. He stated just this week that four deer were struck by cars, which was dangerous  
for both the driver and the deer. He stated he has spoken to the State Department of  
Energy& Environmental Protection (DEEP) regarding the increase in the deer population.  
However, he noted that DEEP stated in looking at the data from 2019 that there did not  
seem to be a problem. He noted that he stated that he told DEEP that the problem was that  
DEEP was that they were looking at old data. He cautioned residents to drive carefully  
noting that the deer were moving around.  
Questions to the Mayor  
Councilor Irwin noted the Mayor’s report regarding the Legislative Subcommittee that was  
addressing Taxation Issues pertaining to Commercial Businesses Operating at the  
Foxwoods & the Mohegan Sun Casinos. He questioned when the Mayor gave his  
presentation at the October 17, 2023 meeting whether he had any sense on how the  
Legislators were leaning. Mayor Allyn stated some of the Legislators were very vocal  
about where they stood. He noted State Representative Toni Walker from the 93rd  
District (New Haven area) was very clear in stating that we have treated the Native  
Americans poorly for hundreds of years and if the towns had to bear the brunt now, so be  
it. Mayor Allyn stated that while he did not disagree with the relations that happened a  
long time ago, that he did not agree that both Ledyard and Montville had to bear the brunt  
today. He went on to state that he commended the Mohegan Tribe noting that they ended  
their presentation with a solution, which was to take $4 million off the top of the Pequot  
Fund and give both Montville and Ledyard each $2 million; and then distribute the  
remaining Pequot Fund Revenues to the rest of towns, including the towns of Montville  
and Ledyard equally. He stated although he thought the Mohegan Tribe’s proposal was a  
good solution, that there was some push back from some members of the Legislative  
Subcommittee because they recognized that it would have a potential adverse impact on  
the distribution of the Pequot Funding that their towns would receive. Mayor Allyn stated  
the Mohegan Tribe was prepared for that question and so they had the calculation ready,  
which would be a 1.6% reduction in the distribution of the Pequot Fund across the board  
to all towns. Mayor Allyn stated although this was not a big number that there was still  
push back. However, he stated that he believed that the Mohegan Tribe’s proposal was a  
fair approach to solve this long-term problem. He stated between both the Tribes that  
they have paid $8 Billion into the Pequot Fund since the Pequot Fund was established in  
1993. He stated this was a huge amount of money, and he commented that he did not  
believe the Mohegan Tribe’s proposal to take a couple million dollars from the Pequot  
Fund for the each of the two communities that Hosta Gaming Facility was an  
unreasonable approach, noting that it would solve the problem for the Tribes, and it  
would help to solve the problem for the host towns. However, he stated in looking for an  
equitable solution for all that the Legislators needed to understand that the Mohegan  
Tribe presented that solution.  
Councilor Rodrigeuz questioned whether the Legislators who were giving some push  
back to the Mohegan Tribe’s proposal were from the western part of the State. Mayor  
Allyn stated that some of the towns who were giving some push back to reducing their  
Pequot Fund revenue by 1.6% were not even remotely close to Ledyard. He noted as an  
example that the Town of Sommers received nearly twice the amount of funding from  
the Pequot Fund than Ledyard received because as part of the Pequot Fund Formula the  
Sommers Prison population was being counted in their community’s population.  
However, he stated this was not a fair formula because the prisoners were not using town  
services such as the school system, or the town’s infrastructure such as roads, or bridges,  
etc.  
Chairman Dombrowski stated the Mohegan Tribe’s Pequot Fund Distribution Proposal  
would evenly distribute the funding across the landscape of the Connecticut so that  
everyone was being treated evenly.  
Mayor Allyn continued to state that last year Senator Cathy Osten submitted a proposal  
that would have dramatically increase the distribution of the Pequot Fund to  
Municipalities. He explained when the Pequot Fund was originally established that 80%  
-85% of the funding was distributed to the Municipalities, and the State held back about  
15%- 20% of the revenue . However, he stated over the years the percentage distribution  
has been significantly changed, noting that today only 15% - 20% was being distributed  
to the Municipality and the State was holding back the rest of the revenues. He stated  
Senator Osten’s 2023 proposal was to go back to the original Pequot Fund Formula  
which was to distribute the bulk of the revenues to the Municipalities. He stated Senator  
Osten’s 2023 Pequot Fund Proposal came out of Subcommittee Joint Favorable noting  
that all 54 Members supported the Proposal. However, he stated that Governor Lamont  
vetoed the Proposal, because it would take away some of his Budgeting Flexibility.  
Therefore, Mayor Allyn stated even if the Legislature fully supported Ledyard’s position  
that they could be stuck, unless the Legislature decided to hold a Special Session to  
override the Governor’s veto.  
Councilor Ryan questioned what Ledyard’s State Delegation thought about the Mohegan  
Tribe’s Pequot Fund Proposal. Mayor Allyn stated that Senator Cathy Osten was the only  
Legislator from their area that was sitting on the 54 Member Taxation Issues Legislative  
Subcommittee, noting that the Members were from all across the State. He stated that  
there was still more work to be done.  
XIII. OLD BUSINESS  
None.  
XIV. NEW BUSINESS  
CONSENT CALENDAR  
MOTION to reappoint Mr. Eric Treaster (R) 10 Huntington Way, Ledyard, to the Board of  
Assessment Appeals for a four-year term ending December 5, 2027.  
*1.  
*2.  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
S. Naomi Rodriguez  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Andra Ingalls  
SECONDER:  
MOTION to reappoint the following members to the Library Commission for a two-year term  
ending November 7, 2025:  
·
·
·
·
·
Mr. John Bolduc (R) 14 Monticello Drive, Gales Ferry  
Ms. Ellin M. Grenger, (D) 15 Bittersweet Drive, Gales Ferry  
Ms. Barbara Candler (D) 3 Goulart Road, Ledyard  
Mr. Brian Cronin (U) 12 Erins Way, Ledyard  
Ms. Elizabeth Rumery (D) 2 Bluff Road, Gales Ferry  
Moved by Councilor Rodriguez, seconded by Councilor Ingalls  
VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
S. Naomi Rodriguez  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Andra Ingalls  
SECONDER:  
8
Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, McGrattan, Rodriguez, Ryan, and  
Irwin  
AYE:  
1
Marshall  
EXCUSED:  
Administration Committee  
MOTION to appoint Ms. Carol Schnider (D) 101 Inchcliffe Drive, Gales Ferry, as an Alternate  
Member to the Parks, Recreation, & Senior Citizens Commission to complete a three-year term  
ending June 28, 2025 filling a vacancy left by Ms. Winslow.  
3.  
Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan  
Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated that Ms. Schneider served on the Senior Citizens  
Commission for many years; and was interested in continuing to serve. However, she  
explained in combining/merging the Parks & Recreation Commission with the Senior  
Citizens Commission that the number of Commission members did not provide the ability  
for all of the members to move to the combined Commission. She went on to explain that  
because Ms. Marjorie Winslow was not comfortable driving to night meetings that she  
resigned from the Parks, Recreation, & Senior Citizens Commission. Therefore, she stated  
that Ms. Schneider would be appointed to fill Ms. Winslow’s alternate vacancy.  
VOTE: - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Andra Ingalls  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Mary K. McGrattan  
SECONDER:  
8
Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, McGrattan, Rodriguez, Ryan, and  
Irwin  
AYE:  
1
Marshall  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to approve proposed updates to the Director of Finance Job Description as presented  
in the draft dated October 11, 2023.  
4.  
Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin  
Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated because the Town Council would be addressing several job  
descriptions this evening that she wanted to provide a general comment, explaining that former  
Administrator of Human Resources Don Steinhoff had been working to update job descriptions  
before he retired. Therefore, she stated when Human Resources Director Mariss  
Iannella-Rodriguez came on staff in April, 2023 that she moved the job descriptions forward to  
the Administration Committee, noting that most of the changes were to provide consistent  
formatting, and update antiquated language, etc. noting that they would see the same changes  
across the board.  
Councilor Ingalls continued by addressing the updates to the Director of Finance job description,  
noting that the following antiquated language was removed from this job description and the all  
other job description:  
“The employee must be free from mental and physical disorders which would  
interfere with performance of duties as described and have the ability to maintain  
composure with the public and coworkers in everyday stressful and emergency  
situations.”  
VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared  
MOTION to approve proposed updates to the Director of Human Resources Job Description as  
presented in the draft dated October 11, 2023.  
5.  
Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Ryan  
Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated the following sentence was added to the Director of  
Human Resources Job Description:  
“Where necessary, work in conjunction with outside consultants or legal counsel for  
support in these areas.”  
VOTE: 8- 0 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Andra Ingalls  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Tim Ryan  
SECONDER:  
8
Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, McGrattan, Rodriguez, Ryan, and  
Irwin  
AYE:  
1
Marshall  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to approve proposed updates to the Administrator of Emergency Services Job  
Description as presented in the draft dated October 11, 2023.  
6.  
Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin  
Discussion: See General Comments regarding the Job Descriptions updates in New Business  
Item #4 above.  
VOTE: 8- 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Andra Ingalls  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Whit Irwin  
SECONDER:  
8
Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, McGrattan, Rodriguez, Ryan, and  
Irwin  
AYE:  
1
Marshall  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to approve proposed updates to the Building Official as presented in the draft dated  
October 11, 2023.  
7.  
Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan  
Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated the Supervision received was changed from the Mayor  
to the Land Use Director.  
Councilor Saums noted that the change in supervision has been the practice for some time  
now. However, he stated it appears that the job description had not been previously updated  
to reflect the change.  
VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Andra Ingalls  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Mary K. McGrattan  
SECONDER:  
8
Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, McGrattan, Rodriguez, Ryan, and  
Irwin  
AYE:  
1
Marshall  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to approve proposed updates to the Zoning and Inland Wetland Official Job  
Description as presented in the draft dated October 11, 2023.  
8.  
Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin  
Discussion: The Town Council noted that the updates to the Zoning and Inland Wetland  
Official job description were boiler plate changes.  
VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Andra Ingalls  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Whit Irwin  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
8
Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, McGrattan, Rodriguez, Ryan, and  
Irwin  
1
Marshall  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to approve proposed updates to the Youth Services Coordinator as presented in the  
draft dated October 11, 2023.  
9.  
Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin  
Discussion: Councilor Ingalls noted Mrs. Parkinson’s comments in her email dated October  
22, 2023 and her verbal comments earlier this evening (V. Residents & Property Owners  
Comments - see above) regarding changing the “Education Requirements from the  
possession of Master’s Degree to preferred”. Councilor Ingalls stated although she agreed  
with Mrs. Parkinson’s concerns that without a person with a Master’s Degree that the town  
would lose out on a huge opportunity to utilize/supervise interns, which would be terrible  
loss; however, she stated it would also be a loss if they did not have a Youth Services  
Coordinator at all.  
Councilor Ingalls went on to explain in discussing the education requirement that during the  
October 13, 2023 Administration Committee meeting they decided to make the education  
requirement of a Master’s Degree a strong preference, because the hiring climate has  
changed. She stated in working to add temporary clinicians using the American Rescue Plan  
Act (ARPA) funding that the town had a hard time finding people, noting that the Mental  
Health field was over stressed right now. She stated that they were not trying to downgrade  
the Youth Services Coordinator.  
Councilor Ingalls continued to explain that the update to the title of the Youth Services  
Director Coordinator Job Description was to be consistent with the job title that was  
included in the Supervisor Union, which this employee was a member of. She also addressed  
Mrs. Parkinson’s comment regarding the Youth & Social Services Board reviewing and  
approving the proposed updates to the Youth Services Coordinator Job Description. She  
explained that the role of volunteers did not include administrative functions such as  
addressing job descriptions, noting that this was a function of the town’s Human Resources  
Department, the Mayor, and the Town Council.  
Councilor Paul questioned the reason they were changing the General Supervision from the  
Mayor to the Nursing Administrator. Mayor Allyn stated although the town dissolved the  
Ledyard Visiting Nursing Association (LVNA) that they continued to have Nursing  
Administrator Karen Goetchuis on staff. Therefore, he stated that Mrs. Goetchuis had more  
time on a daily basis than he had, because she did not have nurses to supervise. Therefore, he  
stated because Mrs. Goetchuis was located on the same floor as the Youth Services  
Department that it made sense to have her in this supervisory role.  
Councilor Rodrigeuz stated it was her understanding that Mrs. Goetchuis was going to retire  
or supervise the school nurses. Mayor Allyn stated that there was some uncertainty regarding  
the school nurses because Ledyard Public Schools would be launching their own United  
Community & Family Services (UCFS) School Based Health Facility (SBHF) at Ledyard  
High School (to serve as the HUB) on November 1st. He explained that currently they do not  
know how the UCFS School Based Health Facility would impact the workload, noting that  
they have been reviewing the data over the past few months; and have found that currently  
the workload was fairly light. He stated everyone who attended Ledyard Youth Services was  
a Ledyard School Student; and that the students may obtain services from the UCFS School  
Based Health Facility. He stated if children at other Ledyard Public Schools needed mental  
or physical health services that they could be brought to the UCFS School Based Health  
Facility located at the High School for services, noting that UCFS would be available until  
8:00 p.m.  
Councilor Rodriguez stated she attended the Youth & Social Services September  
19, 2023 at which they received a presentation regarding School Based Health  
Centers (SBHC) from Child & Family Agency Representatives Ms. Anne Goddard, who  
was a Managing Director for Medical Services and Performance and Quality Improvement  
and Ms. Tanya Pegnataro who was a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner by trade. Councilor  
Rodriguez noted during the meeting she questioned whether there would be any cross  
over; and that she was told that there would not be any cross over in providing the  
services that the Ledyard Youth Services was currently providing to their clients.  
She also noted that she specifically questioned the hours of the UCFS School  
Based Health Facility, and she noted that Ms. Goddard explained that a full-time  
Behavioral Health Clinician would be in every school; the High School would have a  
part-time Nurse Practitioner and a full-time Behavioral Health Clinician; and that  
there would also be a full-time Medical Assistant to assist with all four locations with  
administrative tasks.  
Councilor Rodriguez went on to note that she also questioned the availability of  
family sessions after school hours and was told by Ms. Goddard that Clinicians  
would be at the Middle School and High School until 3:30 p.m. and at the  
Elementary Schools until 4:00 p.m. noting that they had night meetings. She stated  
that Ms. Goddard stated after school hours would have to go thru the Ledyard  
Youth Services. She went on to note that Ms. Goddard stated that UCFS operated  
School Based Health Centers in other districts that also have Youth & Family  
Service Departments with Behavioral Clinicians providing services and that they had  
a full caseload. She also stated that SBHC Funding does not normally replace  
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding; and that although they do provide  
some cross-over they make sure that they do not provide services to the same  
clients. Councilor Rodriguez stated that Youth & Social Services Board Member Mr.  
Dan Grimm questioned because the SBHC Funding was only for children services,  
whether the ARPA Funding could be used to support services for adults.  
Mayor Allyn stated the hours of the SBHC that Councilor Rodriguez mentioned this  
evening were interesting because they were counter to the information the Board of  
Education had told him. He stated he would get a clear understanding of the hours  
at the November 1, 2023 SBHC Ribbon Cutting. He went on to note that except for  
the Interns, who were at the Town Hall unsupervised, that Ledyard Youth Services  
does not do anything after 4:45 p.m. which was when the union supervisor goes  
home; and he noted that this disconnect needed to be resolved. Councilor  
Rodrigeuz stated that she was told that Ledyard Youth Services had meetings for  
families after hours. Mayor Allyn stated that those meetings were handled by the  
Interns, and that the Interns need to be working under supervision.  
Councilor Saums stated that although he fully understands and agreed with Mrs.  
Parkinson’s concern about the need for the Youth Services Coordinator to have a  
Master’s Degree that he also he agreed with the language change of “Master’s  
Degree preferred”. He stated if the town holds out for a Master’s Degree and no one  
was applying, then the town would not have anybody. He addressed changing the  
Supervision from the Mayor to the Nursing Administrator explaining that if the town  
was trying to attract applicants in a field where there where there were limited  
candidates; that reporting to a higher level such as the Mayor would make the job  
more attractive. He stated the Town Council should learn more about the union  
issues before making a decision regarding the job description update.  
Councilor Rodriguez stated prior to tonight’s meeting that she had not spoken to  
Nursing Administrator Karen Goetchuis, or Youth Services Director Kate  
Sikorsky-Maynard, or Mrs. Parkinson. She stated in reading the Youth Services  
Director Coordinator job description that she questioned why the position was  
being changed from a Director to a Coordinator and that it was her opinion that the  
Nursing Administrator should be reporting to the Youth Services Director. She  
stated it was unfathomable that Ms. Sikorsky-Maynard would have to receive  
General Direction from the Nursing Administrator. She stated with regard to using  
the word “Master’s Degree preferred” that she believed that a “Master’s Degree  
should be required”. She stated for the past year they have been hearing that it  
was hard to get licensed professional clinicians to apply for these jobs, and yet they  
have. She stated she did not want the town to have subpar services for the mental  
health of Ledyard’s Youth, noting that it was reckless. She stated mental health was  
serious, and that she could not vote in the affirmative on the proposed job  
description update as presented in the draft dated October 11, 2023.  
Councilor Ryan stated in the work that he issues a lot of requisitions and that they  
use the same language of “preferred” because it allowed them to have a bigger  
sample size. He stated sometimes they receive applicants that had Master’s  
Degrees and applicants that had Bachelor's Degrees; and that through the interview  
process that they sometimes find the Bachelor’s Degree Candidate was far more  
impressive than the Masters’ Degree Candidate. He stated having a Master’s  
Degree does not make someone better at a job. However, he stated that he  
understands what Mrs. Parkinson was saying that without a Master’s Degree the  
town would not be able to utilize the Intern Program, which was a problem for him.  
However, he stated when they use the word “preferred” if all they received were  
applicants with Bachelor’s Degrees that it did not mean that they were required to  
take a person from that pool of candidates. He stated using the word “preferred”  
allowed them to widen the net; and for that reason he did not have a problem with  
using the word “preferred”. Councilor Ingalls added that they may have candidates  
who were close to completing their Master’s Degree, but did not have it at the time  
they submitted their application for the position.  
Councilor Rodriguez stated that she did not have problem with candidates who  
were close to completing their Master’s Degree, as Councilor Ingalls described.  
However, she stated unless you have studied Mental Health that it was very  
different from a Nursing Administrator. Therefore, she stated that she was not  
certain that the people who looked at the job description updates had the  
background to understand what mental health involved.  
Councilor Saums questioned whether there was any urgency to update the Youth  
Services Director Coordinator. Mayor Allyn stated that there was no sense of  
urgency; however, he stated the title of the position needed to be consistent with  
the position in the Supervisor’s Union, which was Youth Services Coordinator.  
Councilor Rodriguez questioned how long the individual has worked under the job  
description titled Youth Services Director. Mayor Allyn stated that the employee has  
been in the position for years; however, he did not know when the job title was  
changed to Director. Councilor Rodriguez stated for years the employee has had  
the title of Youth Services Director, and there was not an issue with supervision.  
Mayor Allyn stated many of the job descriptions were old and out of date. Councilor  
Rodriguez stated at the Youth & Social Services Board September 19, 2023 noting  
that Mrs. Karen Goetchuis introduced herself as the Youth Services Director. Mayor  
Allyn stated that Mrs. Goetchuis was the Director of Nursing and that she was filling  
the role of the Youth Services Director, noting that she was the Acting Director. He  
stated in terms of BAN width that Mrs. Goetchuis had the BAN width to take this on  
at this time, noting his workload. Therefore, he stated Youth Services Coordinator  
was better served by having someone who was ready and available to provide  
oversight to her.  
MOTION to Table the  
MOTION to approve proposed updates to the Youth Services Coordinator as presented in the  
draft dated October 11, 2023, pending further review by the Administration Committee.  
Moved by Councilor Irwin, seconded by Councilor Saums  
VOTE: 8- 0 Approved to Table  
Chairman Dombrowski referred the updates to the Youth Services Coordinator back to the  
Administration Committee.  
Andra Ingalls  
Whit Irwin  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
MOTION to approve Assistant Librarian I- Adult Services job description as presented in the  
draft dated October 11, 2023.  
10.  
Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin  
Discussion: Councilor Ingalls explained the update to the Assistant Librarian I- Adult Services  
job description was to change the title of the position because there were a couple of job  
description titles that were very similar, and were therefore, causing confusion. She noted  
one job description was titled Assistant Librarian and the other job description was titled  
Librarian Assistant.  
VOTE: 8- 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Andra Ingalls  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Whit Irwin  
SECONDER:  
8
Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, McGrattan, Rodriguez, Ryan, and  
Irwin  
AYE:  
1
Marshall  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to approve the Library Associate job description as presented in the draft dated  
October 11, 2023.  
11.  
Discussion: Councilor Ingalls explained the changes to the job description was to update to the  
title of the position from Assistant Librarian to the Library Associate. She explained that the  
Assistant Librarian could serve in the absence of the Library Director; however, the Library  
Associate was more of a supporting role.  
VOTE: 8 -0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Andra Ingalls  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Mary K. McGrattan  
SECONDER:  
8
Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, McGrattan, Rodriguez, Ryan, and  
Irwin  
AYE:  
1
Marshall  
EXCUSED:  
General Business  
Discuss Work Session Items as time permits.  
None.  
12.  
XV. ADJOURNMENT  
Councilor Rodriguez moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Paul  
VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.  
_______________________________  
Transcribed by Roxanne M. Maher  
Administrative Assistant to the Town Council  
I, Kevin J. Dombrowski, 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 October 25, 2023.  
_______________________________  
Kevin J. Dombrowski, 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.