741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339-1551

(860) 464-3203

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Town Council

council@ledyardct.org

Meeting Minutes

Chairman Gary St. Vil

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

7:00 PM

Town Hall Council Chambers

In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex

Remote: Information noted below:

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CALL TO ORDER

Chairman St. Vil called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers, Town Hall

Annex Building.

Chairman St. Vil 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.

Town Councilor William Barnes

Town Councilor April Brunelle

Town Councilor Ty Lamb

Present:

Town Councilor Adrienne Parad

Town Councilor James Thompson

Chairman Gary St. Vil

Town Councilor Tim Ryan

Town Councilor Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Town Councilor Jessica Buhle

Excused:

IV.

PRESENTATIONS

Board of Education Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Capital Improvement Plan

School Superintendent Jason Hartling thanked the Town Council for the opportunity to present

the Board of Education’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). He

began by introducing Board of Education Director of Facilities Mr. Wayne Donaldon, who has

been with them for about nine-years; and has been instrumental in putting their Capital

Improvement Plan (CIP)together. He also noted that Board of Education Chairman Jennifer

Reguin was attending tonight’s meeting remotely via Zoom. He stated the Capital Improvement

Plan (CIP) has been a topic of discussion for quite a while and that he appreciated Chairman St.

Vil and Chairman Reguin working together to set up tonight’s meeting so they could have this

conversation directly.

Mr. Harting proceeded by reviewing a PowerPoint of the Board of Education’s proposed Fiscal

Year 2026/2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

· High School Facilities Needs Assessment Study

Superintendent Hartling stated at their February 10, 2026 meeting the Board of Education

provided authorization for him to move forward with preparing and soliciting Request for

Proposals (RFP) a Facilities Assessment Study for the High School (built 1963-1966); and

authorized the use of $75,000 from their Capital Funding to pay for the Facilities Assessment

Study. He stated the Study would not be about programmatic spaces, explaining that it was

about the physical plan of the High School as it exists today such as: Thermal Scanning for

efficiency; Building Envelope; Roof, Windows, Masonry Integrity; Life Safety; Code

Compliance, and Walls. He noted when the bathrooms were renovated they had to open the

walls because the cast iron piping had rotted out, The Study would provide an idea regarding

the prioritization, overall cost, and the extent of what they were looking at. They expect the

Study to be completed around the June/July, 2026.

Mr. Hartling explained the Facilities Needs Assessment Study would help them determine

the following:

· Price Tag and how that investment should move forward:

o Repair

o Renovate

o Build New

· State Grant Reimbursement would require the following:

o Enrollment Study

o Ten-year look at enrollment projections

· State Grant Reimbursement could dictate a number of things such as:

o Whether they would support repairs

o Whether they would support Renovate-As-New

o New Construction - Size

· Agricultural Science High School

Mr. Hartling explained because Ledyard was an Ag-Science School they may be eligible

for additional State Grant Reimbursement, noting that instead of looking at 62% state

grant reimbursement, they may be looking at 82% state grant reimbursement. However,

he stated that more work was needed to investigate the options.

Councilor Lamb addressed the importance to have an overall Community Capital

Improvement Plan that included a time phase, and he questioned whether the Board of

Education has prioritized their needs. Mr. Hartling stated that the Board of Education has

prioritized their Capital Needs. However, he stated the $75,000 for the Facilities Needs

Assessment Study would only address the High School. He stated the idea of a Community

Capital Improvement Plan was something they could all talk about; however, he stated that it

was out of his purview. He stated the Facilities Needs Assessment Study for the High School

was their first step to plan any path forward. He stated that he did not want to use community

resources to make significant spot repairs to only realize 5-6-years down the road that the

short-term BanAides were not going to work for the long term.

Councilor Parad stated that she went through the process and saw the Renovate-As-New

improvements to the Gallup Hill School and the Middle School. She state that there seemed

to be a miscalculation regarding the student enrollment numbers for the school facilities,

noting the kids were packed in; and there was not enough room in the Middle School

Cafeteria. She questioned how they would plan for an influx in the number of students that

would be attending their schools. Mr. Hartling explained the Student Enrollment Study for

the Gallup Hill School and Middle School was done as part of the Project(s) Referendum

process; working through all of the stages, and had assumptions which he could not speak

to because all that work was done before his arrival in Ledyard. He stated they did have a

space challenge at the Middle School, noting that he thought that it was less dictated by the

Enrollment Study; and more dictated by the decisions that were made relative to the State

Grant Reimbursement Funding, explaining that the State would provide reimbursement

funding on certain spaces; and not provide reimbursement funding on other spaces. He stated

spaces that were not eligible for State Grant Reimbursement; or for a lesser amount of Grant

Reimbursement, were sized down to keep the project within the approved Referendum

amount. He stated because the Middle School Cafeteria was sized for about 152 kids, that

they cannot fit one grade level in the Cafeteria, which meant that the Middle School was

running 4-5 Lunch Waives to accommodate the school population, noting that it creates

operational havoc. He stated the Middle School Auditorium was also sized down, noting that

they cannot fit two-grades let alone the entire school; and that the Gymnasium was also sized

down, explaining that those decisions were not dictated by the Enrollment Study, but rather

by the hard choices the community had to make between reimbursable items; the approved

referendum dollar amount of $65,835,000 ; and cost of what the Schools Consolidate -

Renovate-As-New Project(s) (Middle School and Gallup Hil School) came in at. He stated at

the time he arrived in Ledyard, in 2016, they were getting ready to go out to Bid; and he

explained because the budget was so tight they removed the Air Conditioning from the

School(s) Projects, noting that the Bid Request included an “Add Alternate with Air

Conditioning”.

School Superintendent Hartling went on to state for the High School that the Enrollment

Study was going to be challenging because they have to take into account the 13 towns who

feed into the Ledyard Agriculture Science Program. (Ag-Science). He stated every school in

the State has seen a decline in Student Enrollment. He stated although they do not have a

crystal ball, that he wanted to make sure that they had an open and transparent process as

they work through all of the required steps, to allow them to make the best long-term and

short-term challenge points, in making the best decision for their community.

Chairman St. Vil stated as stewards of the town resources that the most cost prohibited thing

they could do was wait for something to break before they decided to fix it. He stated that he

applauded the Board of Education and Superintendent Hartling’s efforts to identify the

critical path forward for the School District’s Capital Expenditures. He stated that High

School Facilities Needs Assessment Study appeared to be Step One in that critical path.

Therefore, he questioned what the Town Council and/or the Mayor could do to support them

in conducting the Needs Assessment; and when could they expect to hear more on the

process. Mr. Hartling stated that his hope was to advertise the Request for Proposals for the

High School Needs Assessment Study early, so they could potentially contract a Firm before

the summer. He stated the work for the Town Council and Mayor would begin once they

receive the High School Facilities Needs Assessment Study. He explained at that they would

then need to have an open and honest dialogue about the path forward; what that would mean

for the students, what that would mean to the community; and what that would mean to

taxpayers in a broader sense. He stated that the Board of Education has had Capital

Improvement Plan with Projects projected out for ten-years. However, he stated that the

community has not had the resources to address many of the projects, and therefore, they

continued to get kicked-down-the-road. He stated they were now at that critical place

particularly with the High School.

School Superintendent Hartling continued to note the following two Bondable Projects in the

Board of Education’s Capital Improvement Plan:

· Middle School Cafeteria Expansion $600,000 (Bondable Project)

Mr. Harting stated he hoped that through State Legislative Action that Ledyard could receive

State Grant Reimbursement for this project; which would leave an estimated projected

town-share of $227,160 for the taxpayers. He noted that State Grant Reimbursement was not

a given, and that he has been working with State Senator Cathy Osten.

· Juliet W. Long School Window Replacement $1,200,000 (Bondable Project)

Mr. Harting stated he hoped that through State Legislative Action that Ledyard could receive

State Grant Reimbursement for this project; which would leave an estimated projected

town-share of $454,320 for the taxpayers.

· Juliet W. Long School Pavement Projects - $1,000,000 (Bondable Project)

Mr. Hartling stated the estimated cost for the Juliet W. Long School Parking Lot

Repavement was $500,000 and estimated cost to pave other areas around the school was

$500,000. He stated that these pavement projects have been included in the Bondable Capital

Projects and that State Grant Funding would not be available for these pavement projects.

· Critical Capital Improvement Projects - Tax Levy

o Safety & Security Plan

ü Public Address (PA) System Replacements - Systems were antiquated and parts to repair

them were no longer available.

High School $10,000

Juliet W. Long School $6,000

Gales Ferry School $6,000

o Juliet W. Long School Classrooms Infrastructure Renewal $140,000

o Maintenance Truck Replacement - $80,000

o Gallup Hill School Artificial Surface - $47,000- Mr. Hartling stated the kids do not have

enough space to play outdoors, noting the grassy area has become a dirt pit and after it rains

it’s a mud pit. He stated an artificial surface would enable the 600 students at the Gallup

Hill School to have a place to play, even after it rains.

o High School Ag-Science Bathrooms $20,000

Mr. Hartling concluded his presentation by stating the Board of Education’s Capital

Improvement Plan was a living document and changes from year to year, noting as an

example things such as Gallup Hill School Playground Replacement was not on their radar

two-years ago. He stated for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026/2027 the Board of Education’s

Tax Levy Capital Projects were in the total amount of $269,000. He provided each member

of the Town Council with the Board of Education’s Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Capital Needs

Report noting that it was divided into the following four categories noting that it included a

full description, ranking, funding source, evaluation; and projected escalation cost for each

project as follows:

· Bondable - Escalation costs not built into the Bondable Projects

· Capital

· Operating

· Ag-Science

Councilor Ryan thanked Mr. Hartling for his presentation and the detailed Board of

Education’s Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Capital Needs Report. He noted in comparing some of

the Bondable Projects to prior year cost projections that a number of them have significantly

increased by tens of millions of dollars; such as the Roof Replacements, and the Heating

Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems, noting in last year’s (fy 25/26) Capital

Plan the High School Heating System Replacement was listed as $5 million; and for the

coming fiscal year (26/27) the same project was estimated to cost $20 million. He asked

Superintendent Hartling to explain why the numbers have increased so much since last year.

Board of Education Director of Facilities Wayne Donaldson explained as they get closer to

the year for those projects that he would contact architects and engineers to see if the cost

estimates were still good or whether they needed to be updated due to inflationary costs;

noting that he does not worry about projects that were slated for 2036, etc. Councilor Ryan

stated that he appreciated the escalations which were about 3% per year. However, he stated

that they needed to do a better job estimating costs, noting that they have discussed this issue

with their Operating Budgets and that they also need to have a serious conversation about

better estimating Capital Expenses for a Facilities Master Plan for future years; if they were

going to take the High School Facilities Needs Assessment seriously, and they were going to

bond the project that they needed to have better cost estimates, especially if the town was

going to take on the interest costs that come with bonding (borrowing money) to facilitate the

projects. Mr. Hartling stated that Councilor Ryan’s comments supported the need to fund

hiring professional engineers to prepare an assessment and cost estimates. He stated as the

town has seen costs for fire apparatus escalate that the same type of cost escalations have

occurred for things such as boilers. He stated that he would appreciate the Town Council’s

support and resources for the Board of Education to obtain professional cost estimates for the

replacement of the High School Boiler.

Councilor Ryan addressed Mr. Hartling’s comment regarding the replacement of the fire

apparatus explaining that the difference between the Fire Departments and the Board of

Education was that the Fire Departments fund their Capital Plan every year; and the Town

Council supports that funding request. Therefore, he stated when the Fire Departments have

large expenses they had a significant amount of funding available to support those capital

costs. He stated the reason he brings up the Fire Departments, and the Police Department

was because they were great examples for Long-Term Planning for Capital Expenses. He

stated that he would go on the record this evening stating that when the Facilities Capital

Plan comes out, that if it was a sound Plan that he would commit himself to finding a way

for them to continuously fund budget lines to feed this Capital Account in a responsible way

for the taxpayers and responsible for the schools; to start to build up a Capital Fund; so that

they were not dealing with huge expenses that surprise them a year out.

Superintendent Hartling stated that the Town Council has been exceptional at making sure

that $300,000 in Capital Funding goes to fire apparatus each year, and they did the same

thing with public works trucks, stating that it was smart to have those sinking funds.

However, that level of funding resources has not been assigned to the Board of Education for

a variety of reasons. He thought it would be great to establish that level of investment to

permit the smoothing of capital expenses. However, he stated that they cannot allocate

$200,000 a year into a Capital Sinking Fund and expect to smooth a $50 million hole for

something such as replacing the boilers at the High School before the units were completely

gone. Councilor Ryan stated that there had to be a way to blunt those costs. He went on to

note that the Capital Projects using the Tax Levy did not seem to follow the same level of

escalation as the Bondable Projects did; stating that he wanted to make sure that they were

dealing with accurate numbers.

Councilor Lamb addressed the importance to get serious with the development of a Strategic

Capital Improvement Plan for both the School Facilities and the Town Facilities. He

addressed the Board of Education’s February 10, 2026 approval to use $75,000 from their

Capital Account to pay for the High School Facilities Needs Assessment Study. Therefore, he

questioned the reason the Board of Education has included $75,000 in their Fiscal Year

2026/2027 Capital Improvement Plan, and he asked whether they were looking for the Town

Council to allocate $75,000 to reimburse the Board’s Capital Account. Superintendent

Hartling stated the Board of Education made a decision to use their Capital Non-Recurring

Funds to move the High School Facilities Needs Assessment Study forward. He stated the

Board of Education has not discussed asking the Town Council to reimburse those funds,

noting that they have asked for a number of capital items that needed to be addressed.

Councilor St. Vil thanked Superintendent Hartling for his time and for presenting the Board

of Education’s proposed Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2026/2027. Mr. Hartling

stated that he appreciated the conversation. He left the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

RESIDENT & PROPERTY OWNERS (COMMENTS LIMITED TO THREE (3)

MINUTES

Chairman St. Vil stated before they moved into Residents and Property Owners Comments

that he wanted to acknowledge what has been happening over the past week. He stated many

of them have read the Article, comments, and emails that followed. He stated that he has

received messages from residents who were proud of members of this Town Council, and

also received messages from residents who were frustrated or disappointed with members of

this Town Council. He stated that both perspectives were real and both come from people

who care deeply about Ledyard. He stated they were a community with different viewpoints,

but what was important was how they handled those differences. He stated as Chairman that

his role was not to take sides in political disagreements; and that his responsibility was to run

meetings fairly, follow their Rules of Procedure, follow the Town Charter, and to make sure

every resident is heard. He stated if residents support the actions of certain Town Councilors

that they would be heard; and if residents disagreed strongly with the actions of certain Town

Councilors that they would be heard. He stated equal voices matter in this Chamber; and that

he would set the following expectations: This was a Public Meeting of a Local Governing

Body, it was not a debate period; the Town Council would not engage back and forth during

Public Comment; this was the Residents time to speak and the Town Council’s time to

listen. He also asked that everyone maintain decorum, noting that strong opinions were

welcome, passion was understandable, however, he would not allow profanity in this

Chamber, including reading profanity from Social Media posts, or other communications

written outside of this room. He stated that he believed that they could express themselves

clearly and firmly without crossing that line.

Chairman St. Vil continued by stating that he wanted to address an idea to remove Elected

Officials which was raised in several emails. Chairman St. Vil stated under Ledyard’s

system of government the Town Council does not have the authority to remove a duly

elected member because of their speech or their political expressions. Councilors were

elected by the voters; and they remained accountable to those voters. He stated tonight that

he would ask residents to speak honestly, and clearly, but remember the person they disagree

with was still their neighbor.

Mr. Steve Munger, 12 Nutmeg Drive, Gales Ferry, noted as he says every time he addressed

the Town Council, that he appreciated all of their efforts, noting that he was always polite to

everyone; and he always thanked everybody. However, he stated that tonight he was only

going to thank six members of the Town Council. He continued by addressing the following:

· Pledge of Allegiance - Mr. Munger noted the comments that members of the Town

Council had the right not to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, noting as town

representatives that they did not have that right. He stated if they were residents sitting in the

audience at a Town Council meeting that they had the right not to stand for the Pledge of

Allegiance. He stated by not standing for the Pledge of Allegiance at an official meeting was

a form of protest, explaining that they could not protest at an official meeting. He stated that

if they allowed one person to protest at an official meeting then they would have to allow

everyone to protest at an official meeting. He stated hundreds of thousands of people have

died since this country was founded defending the American Flag. He asked that members of

the Town Council show respect to the military members and everyone that defend the

American Flag. He stated that they should at least stand up, if they do not want to recite the

Pledge of Allegiance that was on them. However he stated he was asking, as a resident, that

they show some respect toward the American Flag and that they stop protesting during a

Town Council official meeting.

· Social Media Post - Mr. Munger noted that he agreed that everyone had the Freedom of

Speech to say what they want to say. However, he stated that there were consequences in

what they say, noting that a formal apology should be made.

Mr. Munger concluded his comments by stated that both of these were serious issues; and he

would like a response as to whether the protest at Town Council meeting was going to be

allowed to continue.

Mr. Jeff Eillenberger, 2 Village Drive, Ledyard, submitted a written response regarding a

Social Media post from Pastor Kyle Dykes of the Gallup Hill Baptist Church.

Ms. Karyn Collins, 37 Chriswood Trace, Ledyard, stated that she was a long time resident of

Ledyard and that her family members were all Veterans. She stated that she was proud of

every one of them. She stated that she was present this evening to comment on the following:

Pledge of Allegiance - Ms. Collins stated that Ledyard had roughly 6,500 active duty military

members; 1,200 Veterans; and more than 12,000 military family members spread throughout

New London County. This area’s military presence goes back to the American Revolutionary

War, most notable the 1781 Battle of Groton Heights. This Town was named from Colonel

William Ledyard who died defending Fort Griswold. Their School Mascot was the Colonels;

service was in their DNA. She stated when members of the Town Council chose not to stand

for the Pledge of Allegiance it does not come across as thoughtful protest; noting that it

comes across as a rejection of the people of who defend the freedoms they enjoy. She stated

standing for the American Flag was not about blind politics, it was about respect, unity, and

honoring those who serve, and those who never came home. She noted that Councilor

Brunelle and Councilor Thompson stated that they refused to stand for the Pledge of

Allegiance in protest because of the Immigration Policy. She stated town hall meetings were

not the placefor symbolic virtue signaling. She stated they were not Federal Policy makers,

noting that they were local representatives and their job was to serve all residents of Ledyard,

not just the ones that agree with them. She stated when they stay seated during the Pledge of

Allegiance they were not speaking for the town; they were speaking only for themselves. She

asked that they act appropriately when representing the entire town.

· Social Media Post - Ms. Collins stated although Councilor Buhle did not sit for the

Pledge of Allegiance that her recent Social Media Post caught the attention of the New

London Day Newspaper and other media platforms. She stated that Councilor Buhle’s post

was filled with profanity stating that she had no interest in speaking to or engaging with

constituents or anyone who did not agree with her. She openly dismissed accountability and

told residents who thought differently to essentially go away. Ms. Collins stated that this was

not leadership, it was not service; it was not representation; and it was an embarrassing

moment for Ledyard. She stated that leadership required maturity, emotional discipline, and

the ability to listen, engage, and to serve across differences. For these reasons Ms. Collins

stated that she was formally calling for the resignation of Councilor Jessica Buhle, because

her actions demonstrated that she was unwilling to represent the entire town of Ledyard with

the dignity, seriousness and the respect that this office required.

Ms. Collins concluded her comments by stating that they deserve leaders that stand for our

American Flag, our history, our service members, and for all of Ledyard.

Mr. Drew Chappelle, 14 Sherwood Trace, Ledyard, stated that he appreciated the work,

time, and efforts the members of the Town Council do for their town. He stated that he

understands that they had a lot of military service members in their town and in their country;

and that he appreciated them standing by the values that their country and what their Pledge

of Allegiance was about. He stated when they see that twisted and changed into something

that it was never meant to be; and when members of the Town Council was called out in

hatred because of their skin or their accent that it was hurtful. He stated that he loved this

town, and he appreciated their leadership and passion; however, he stated he hated the

divineness that he was seeing. Thank you.

Mr. Dave Collins, 37 Chriswood Trace, Ledyard, stated he served in the United States Navy

for thirty-years and he chose to live Ledyard in 2000; when he could afford to buy a house,

noting that he retired in 2013. He stated all of his children attended Ledyard schools and

graduated from Ledyard High School. He stated that he only learned today that serving on

the Town Council was a voluntary commitment and they were not paid Elected Officials. He

noted that many of the members on the Town Council had careers outside of the work they

do for the town; and he thanked them for their public service to the town. He stated Public

Service means serving everyone they represent, noting that when he was in the military that

meant serving the 360,000,000 people in the United States; and for the members of the Town

Council that was everybody in Ledyard. He asked the Veterans in Chambers this evening to

raise their hand, and he noted that the show of hands was a lot of people. He noted in public

service that they have to put their personal opinions aside in order to serve those they worked

for, which for the Town Council was the residents in Ledyard. He stated that he was a

fervent advocate for both the First and Second Amendment; however, he stated when they

serve on the Town Council that they represented their residents and not themselves. He

stated although he did not know the words of the Oath of Office the Town Council takes that

he could bet that it did not say they could choose when to serve, and when not to serve. He

stated that he wished Councilor Buhle was present this evening, because he would have liked

to impart some words of wisdom. He stated if Councilor Buhle thought her actions would

not affect her husband’s job, that it might, relative to security clearance, which was about

trust worthiness and being able to rely on not only the Service Person, but the people that

affect the Service Person.

Mr. Collins concluded his comments by stating the American Flag represented 360,000,000

people in the United States, noting the colors were important to him; and hopefully important

to everybody here. He asked that they please honor the America Flag.

Ms. Wendy Hellenkenson, 14 - L-Lakeside Drive, Ledyard, noted her February 9, 2026

email to the Town Council. She stated that there was nothing that Councilor Brunelle or

Councilor Thompson could have done that everyone in the room would have agreed with.

She stated if they had worn pins, or if they had put magnets on their cars; that would have

affirmed their right to protest, that there were some that would have disagreed with their

protest. She stated that she did not think there was anything they could have done that people

would not have complained about. She stated that she appreciated what they did, because this

country was in a lot of trouble.

Mr. Jacob Hurt, 6 Nugget Hill Drive, Gales Ferry, stated that he was speaking for himself

this evening; and that he wanted to address the following procedural items:

· Roberts Rules of Order relative to an elected official speaking in a personal capacity; and

even during the public comment portion. Mr. Hurt stated that Mr. Chair talked about using

the rules and that he thought that this one may be worthwhile.

· Elected Officials made a principled stance on something others did not agree with. Mr.

Hurt stated that they recently witnessed a manufactured controversy over something that

affected the entire community when some of their Elected Officials made a principled stance

on something others did not agree with. He noted that he was referring, of course, to last

year's Budget Vote (fy 25/26).

· Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Mr. Hurt thanked the Councilors for

calling attention to the recent issues and events of Immigration and Customs Enforcement,

even if they did it in a way that others might not agree with. He stated that this was a town

issue and he asked the Town Council use the Community Relations Committee for Diversity,

Equity & Inclusion to help residents understand how their police and schools were dealing

with that organization; what policies were in place, or what should be put in place; to make

sure their police can continue to do their jobs with the trust and confidence they enjoy today;

and that their educators and students have the safest educational environment they can. He

stated if the stories that broke today were true, noting that ICE was looking to build

warehouses in this state and elsewhere, that this was probably something they should look

into.

· Oath of Office - Mr. Hurt stated in the last couple weeks he has also seen and heard some

things that made him need to address those who took an Oath to the Constitution; and who

were either piling on this manufactured controversy, or failing to speak out in hopes it

would benefit them somehow. He stated anyone who recently confused dissent with

disloyalty should go home, and reread that Oath of Office; or read it if they had not read it

before. He stated the Oath of Office was to the Constitution, the country whose course it

directs, and the rights that are spelled out; including those in the Bill of Rights. He stated the

Flag was nowhere in the Oath of Office, noting that the Flag was a symbol. He stated that

people use the Flag everywhere, as a means of political expression, and that some candidates

use stickers on their car and for their campaign paraphernalia. He turned to the audience and

questioned how many of you walked by those today without getting triggered on your way to

pick on a couple of peaceful protesters?

Members of the audience asked Mr. Hurt to address the Town Council. Mr. Munger and Mr.

Sabbag said that Chairman St. Vil has control of the Council Chambers and they asked that

the residents allow Chairman St. Vil to speak.

Chairman St. Vil called Order in the Council Chambers, and asked that they pause for a

moment. He stated when others spoke this evening that he did not hear commentary from the

audience.

Councilor Ryan stated that he agreed with Chairman St. Vil regarding decorum. He asked

that decorum be represented by all speakers this evening, noting that he did not believe that

decorum was represented with this speaker, and that perhaps some of the commentary has

been incendiary; unlike some of the other comments that have been made. He stated that he

would appreciate the speaker to perhaps tone back the incendiary nature of their comments,

especially when it's turned towards the audience. Thank you.

Chairman St. Vil stated that he respected Councilor Ryan’s opinion; and he respected the

opinions of the audience. He stated at the onset of tonight’s meeting he stated that every

opinion, and every voice would be heard. He stated whether he thought the comments were

incendiary, that it did not matter. He stated that there were people that serve, and there were

people that fought, so that that person’s voice could be heard, unfettered. He stated during

his life that he has been treated unfairly; and that he would not do that to others. He stated

whether he agreed; or he disagreed, that he learned throughout his life to hear him out; and to

listen. That was what an orderly meeting was required to be by the Roberts Rules, and it was

that simple. He stated if others cannot do that; there was a means of dealing with it, which he

did not want to do. He stated that they could judge him and they could vote him out.

However, he stated that he had to let everyone speak for their 3-4 minutes. He asked Mr.

Hurt to please continue his comments.

Mr. Hurt stated his point was that the Flag was used in various ways, and that peaceful

protest was something that anyone who served in any capacity and has taken any Oath; and

fought to serve, and fought to protect. He stated as long as the rights they were protecting

were being peacefully exercised by the people they protect, that they should be fine. He

stated next time someone sees something they did not like that maybe they should mind their

own business. He stated they should not grab a personal Facebook page post, spread it all

over the place; and alert the media, and manufacture a self-serving tantrum. He stated just

mind your business next time. Thank you.

Mr. Gary McKeon, 15 Elizabeth George Drive, Mashantucket, stated he was on travel, and

therefore, he questioned what they were protesting. He stated it seemed like they always had

something to protest, whether it was the Flag, or something else. He stated that his Father

received the Purple Heart serving in North Korean War; and that he was a Law Enforcement

Officer in Ledyard for 11-years. He questioned whether they were protesting the shooting of

Rene Good in Minnesota, who was shot by the ICE Officer that she tried to run over, noting

that he could assure them that if anyone of them were in that position they would have done

the same thing; or whether they were protesting the shooting of Alex Pretti who was

involved in an ICE Protest and was carring a weapon. He stated that ICE Officer’s job was to

remove Illegal Immigrates from this country; noting that they do not go after US Citizens. He

stated people have to stop being victims, noting that nothing happens to you, it happens

because of you. He stated that cops were not looking to stop people because of the color of

their skin, etc., they were enforcing the law.

Mr. Brandon Sabbog, 16 Nutmeg Drive, Gales Ferry, thanked everyone for volunteering

their time. He noted when he was in College that he was the Vice-President of the College

Democrats and that he led a 2,000 person protest at the Boston Commons. He stated they all

wore white, they laid down in the Boston Commons and called it a “Die-in” for the Genocide

that was happening in Sudan, noting that they made the front page of the Boston Globe

Newspaper. He stated that he loved the right to protest and that he supported the two Town

Councilors in their desire to protest. However, he stated that he did not think the Town

Council Meeting was the forum to do that. He stated when they take the Oath of Office that

they represent everyone in their town. He stated although there may be 40%; 50%; or 60% of

residents that may agree with what was being done in this Chamber; or with what they saw

on-line that there was also people who do not agree. He stated that he was fine with pins or

other passive protest items. He read the following fictious story: “When the bell rang at the

Ledyard Middle School one morning the students rose for the Pledge of Allegiance, all

except for one, Jake, a quiet eight grader who stayed in his seat. He wasn’t trying to be

disrespectful, he just didn’t think it mattered. After class Mr. Daniels, a history teacher and

retired Navy Officer, quietly walked over to Jake and sat down next to him. He did not yell,

he did not scold, he simply asked Jake do you know why we stand? Jake shrugged, It was

just something people do” he said. Mr. Daniels nodded slowly, let me tell you something, he

rolled up his sleeves and showed Jake faint scars from an explosion overseas. I’ve seen men

who never made it home, men who gave up their future so that kids like you could grow-up

in a country where you could choose to sit or stand. The Pledge was not about agreeing with

politicians, it’s not about who was in Office, like them or not, its about honoring the people

who paid the price so that you could live for free. Jake looked down at his shoes, while Mr.

Daniels continued, when you stand you recognize that Freedom is not Free, when you Stand

you are showing Respect not to the Government but to the sacrifice to the idea that this

Country even with all of its’ flaws is worth Standing For. The next morning the bell rang;

and Jake Stood, not because he was forced to’ but because he finally understood what he

was Standing for.”

Mr. Sabbag noted the following numbers of Solders died in fighting in Wars during the last

100 years: World War II - 418,500; Korea War - 36,574; Vietnam War-58,220; Gulf War

294; Afghanistan War - 2,462; Iraq War 4,419. He concluded his comments by stating that

they owe it to their Service Members who died; and to those who were still with them, to

Stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you.

Mr. Whit Irwin, 2 Winfield Way, Ledyard, attending remotely via Zoom, stated on Monday,

February 9, 2026 the Town of Ledyard, specifically Councilor Buhle, made the front page

of The Day Newspaper and brought great discredit to the Town. He stated that Councilor

Buhle’s public pronouncement, her “F……ICE” pronouncement, was nothing short of a

childish tantrum. He stated had Councilor Buhle been a private individual this would have

been a gross misrepresentation of the Federal Government and another cry of the leftist

operation. However, he stated that Councilor Buhle was an Elected Representative of

Ledyard; and as such, Councilor Buhle should know that her words reflect on the Town of

Ledyard and its constituents. Yes, she represented all of them, and in this case poorly. He

stated her pathetic outrage was combative and showed that she cannot and will not

effectively listen to concerns of some significant segment of the people of the town that she

represents. This was particularly unconscionable for the an elected Town Councilor. He

stated while ordinarily private speech was protected from criminal prosecution under the

First Amendment, with the most notable exception being “Shouting Fire in a Crowded

Movie Theater” it does not mean that all expression was held in violent repercussions. Mr.

Irwin stated that he echoed the call for Councilor Buhle’s resignation for unfitness to serve;

and he requested the Town Council take action to distance themselves as a body, from her

belligerence. Councilor Buhle’s comments regarding ICE seemed to be such an allegiance

that it appeared that she had a genuine conflict of interest in her representation of the

townspeople of Ledyard; and as such she should be investigated under Chapter IX; Section 6

of the Town Charter. He stated it was his opinion that she was unfit to serve and that she

should resign in lieu of that resignation, the Town Council should take steps to censure her.

Thank you for your attention.

Mrs. Karen Parkinson, 55 Rose Hill Road, Ledyard, stated that she stood for the Pledge of

Allegiance this evening in respect for her deceased husband who spent 12-years under water

serving in the US Navy, and away from his family; along with all the other Service Members

who have served their country in the military forces. She stated for those who really do not

understand what they were saying, that she would deeply appreciate that they change their

view. She stated that she was begging them to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, and to

protest differently.

Mrs. Parkinson continued by stating that she was newly elected as the Historic District

Commission’s Chairman. She stated that she was also President of the Tri-Town Trail

Association; and she was a retired Social Worker, who had a Code of Ethics that followed

them their entire life, even after they have retired. She stated that she grew up on a Pig Farm

in Iowa; and as a kid she slopped pigs and chased rats. She stated as an adult that part of her

was still a kid, so she could still butcher a chicken; and she could still seek out rats, noting

that was intended as a metaphor.

Mrs. Parkinson stated the reason she was present this evening was to address New Business

Item # 5 regarding the Preservation of the Spicer Homestead Ruins. She stated it was a

“Homestead” not a “House”; explaining that a Homestead was the house, the out buildings

and the land, noting that it was not only the house; and that there has been some

disagreement about that. She stated Dr. Ammie M. Chittim; who was a Registered Professional

Archaeologist (RPA) and the Historic District Commission’s Director of Archaeological Research

and Preservation; submitted a letter dated January 5, 2026, which was included in tonight’s Agenda

Packet. She stated Dr. Chittim’s letter talked about the reasons 4.4-acres should be preserved as

the Spicer Homestead Ruins. Mrs. Parkinson noted the following preserved properties:

Nathan Lester House, its museum and surrounding out buildings and land was 134-acres; and

the Up-Down Sawmill was 11.6-acres. She stated the Historic District Commission was

looking to preserve 4.4-acres for the Spicer Homestead Ruins, noting that there was some

mysterious reference to an acre or 0.73-acres but that has never appeared on any Agenda

item. She stated that she has been working to preserve the Spicer Homestead Ruins for

six-years, and it has been on the Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee Agenda for

thirty-months, noting that she has been attending meetings for a long time to get the area

preserved. She stated she spent two-days reviewing Minutes, trying to find a reference of the

1-acre or 0.7f3-acreas, stating that it did not exist, except in the most recent January 5, 2026

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Minutes in which Councilor Buhle mentioned the

0.73-acres and the Town Planner mentioned 1-acre. She stated the Historic District

Commission was looking to preserve 4.4-acres for the Spicer Homestead Ruins. She stated

the Historic District Commission worked under Ordinance #300-019 “An Ordinance

Establishing Historic District Boundaries And Establishing A Historic District Commission

for the Town of Ledyard”; which was established in accordance with Connecticut General

Statutes. She stated that the Historic District Commission gets it authority from State

Statutes; and was comprised of five regular members and three alternate members, noting

that the Commission was not political and was bipartisan. She asked that the Motion on

tonight’s Agenda be revised to the Motion that was acted on by the Land

Use/Planning/Public Works Committee at their January 5, 2026 meeting and forwarded to

the Town Council, stating that it was different wording. She stated per State Statute that Step

1 was for the Legislative Body, not the property owner, to appoint a Historic Property Study

Committee; noting that they were asking that Historic District Commission be appointed as

the Study Committee. She stated all the other things that have been added into New Business

Item #5 was defined under the State Statute. She stated the A2 Survey was not required until

the end of the process, which was when they would revise Ordinance #300-019 to include

the Spicer Homestead Ruins; and that was when they would need the A2 Survey to file in the

town’s land records.

Chairman St. Vil thanked Mrs. Parkinson for her comments, and he asked her to remain at

tonight’s meeting, noting that the Town Council would be discussing New Business Item #5

later in the Agenda.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

None.

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

Councilor Barnes thanked all those who attended tonight’s meeting both in-person and

on-line; and he thanked all the residents who spoke this evening. He stated that he and

Chairman St. Vil do not always agree on everything, however, he stated that they do both

agree that everyone had a voice. He stated there was a lot of discussion this evening; and that

he wanted to share the following points:

· Pledge of Allegiance - Councilor Barnes stated that he personally would appreciate if all

Town Council Members would stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. He stated that he agreed

and understands that the things they were seeing in their country were very uncomfortable;

and concerning. He stated Liberty and Justice for All meant a lot to him; and it did not mean

that they were there. He stated as a Nation they have never been there; but that was what they

were striving to achieve.

· Councilor Buhle’s Social Media Post - Councilor Barnes stated because Councilor Buhle

was not present this evening, that he was not going to go into detail; and he would like to

give Councilor Buhle an opportunity to respond. However, he stated her comments were an

embarrassment. He stated her comments may not have been intended for public discourse,

but they became public discourse and were in a tone and language that was not appropriate

for the community.

· Good Thing - Bad Thing- Councilor Barnes stated during dinnertime his wife instituted

something to engage their children in conversation that they called Good-Thing-Bad Thing.

He stated that he mentioned two Bad-Things this evening; and therefore, he wanted to share

the following Good-Thing this evening. He thanked their Public Works Department for their

hard work in keeping their roads clear and safe during the snowstorms this winter. He stated

that he hoped the weather was in their favor going forward and that the Public Works Crew

could get some rest. He asked Mayor Allyn, III to express their deepest gratitude to the

Public Works Department.

Councilor Brunelle thanked everyone for coming to tonight’s meeting whether they liked her

or not. She addressed those who were offended, angry, or ruffled by her choice to sit during

the Town Council’s Pledge of Allegiance, and that she wanted to note the following:

· First Amendment Protection - Councilor Brunelle stated that the Supreme Court

confirmed that individuals could not be compelled to stand or salute the flag. Choosing not

to stand was a form of symbolic speech, that was protected the by the First Amendment. It

was not illegal, it was not against the law to sit during the National Anthem, and it was not

punishable by law. It was a valid expression of the freedoms the flag itself represents.

Councilor Brunelle stated that she was an Elected Official; does not get paid to do this; and

that she volunteered to be elected; and was elected. She stated to believe that all of them to

sit up here and should be puppets and mindless drones was ridiculous. She stated that she

had integrity, which was defined as: Quality of being honest, and having strong moral

principles, moral uprightness. She stated that Moral Uprightness was defined as: Having the

quality of possessing strong ethical principles, integrity, and consistent honest behavior; it

represents a firm commitment to doing what was right; acting with virtue, accountability,

and fairness regardless of consequences, or convenience. She stated that she knew that

people would be mad, angry, rood, and even hostile to her for sitting during the Pledge of

Allegiance. She stated that she knew that it would make her life complicated and hurt her

emotionally and be inconvenient, but she did it anyway, because she had integrity. She stated

that she did not sit during the Pledge of Allegiance to grandstand, or for favorable attention,

noting that she knew that unfavorable attention would be aimed at her; as shown here

tonight. She stated that she did not sit during the Pledge of Allegiance for media attention,

noting that The New London Day Newspaper reached out to her, noting that she had no

intention for that. She stated as someone with integrity, that she would not say something to

say something. She stated that she would not say Liberty and Justice for All; because she

knew that was not true right now in this country; noting that she wanted it to be true, but it

was not.

Councilor Brunelle continued by stating that Immigration Control Enforcement Officers

(ICE) were breaking and treading over their Constitutional Rights. Their sitting President

speaks of violence against those who disagree with him over policy, he was interwind in a

massive pedophile debacle; posted highly racial facebook post about a former President and

he refused to apologize for it. She stated that people will say that they were respectful of the

flag and they were respectful the President, even if they do not like him. However, she stated

that they do not stand up and talk bad when the current sitting President was disrespecting a

former President; and being racist.

Councilor Buhle went on to note that she has read letters and heard comments crying out

against one of her colleague’s facebook posts that had some profanity; and she questioned

where those residents outrage was for the President’s facebook post; and for his betrayal of

President Barack Obama and his wife. She stated that she could see all of them, for who they

were by their actions, noting that she could see if they had integrity or not. She stated for the

call for her to focus on their town, that what was happening in our nation was important to

their town and to every individual in it. She stated to ignore it would serve no one. She stated

integrity would not let her ignore it. She stated as she has said at previous meetings that she

did not know what to do about the policies at the top, but being silent was not an option.

Councilor Thompson stated that he appreciated all of the residents who were present and

spoke this evening; and he appreciated all those who have spoken at other public forums and

who have written a letter. He stated a part of him appreciated the outrage, but that he

believed the outrage was misdirected. He stated he sat during the Pledge of Allegiance

in-part to protest Immigration Control Enforcement Officers (ICE). He noted that he

disagreed with Mr. McKeon’s comments that the ICE Officers were cops. Councilor

Thompson stated that the cops he knew were well trained, had discipline, and self-control;

noting that ICE Officers have not demonstrated any of those qualities. He stated when he sits

during the Pledge of Allegiance it was because he was disappointed. He asked that residents

not allow what was happening in their country right now to become normal, and that they do

not become desensitized to what was going on, because what was going on in their country

was abnormal, it was ugly, and it was wrong. He stated he compiled a list of the things that

ICE has done over the last few months and that he had to stop because it was a bit too much.

He stated Rene Good and Alex Pretti were executed, a seven year old child was taken 1,200

miles away from her mother to a detention camp in Texas; noting legal or illegal this was

wrong. He stated the American Flag stands for a lot of things to a lot of people, it was

subjective. He thanked everyone in this room; and their family members who have served

their country; noting that his Farther was a Naval Aviator during the Vietnam War and was a

Prisoner of War (POW); both of this Grandfathers fought in World War II; one flew B-17

flying fortress and stay for the Berlin Airlift, and his other Grandfather had half his face

caved-in by a Howitzer Recoil; his Step-Father was Special Forces and a POW, noting that

someone does not walk away from that experience normal. He stated that he could trace his

family’s military tradition back to the Revolutionary War, noting that everybody he has

talked to say they served to protect their rights; then they have also fought to protect his

right, and Councilor Brunelle’s right to sit down during the Pledge of Allegiance. He stated

that he sits down during the Pledge of Allegiance with no disrespect in his heart to anyone

who has served this country. He stated as he has said at prior meetings: “You can love

something and still be disappointed in it”. He stated the reason he was sitting down during

the Pledge of Allegiance was because right now what was happening in his country

disappointed him. He stated this was not the country he grew up in; and that this was not

normal, and he begged them again not to become desensitized to this. He stated people who

were present this evening and stood up, and said something; or even those who did not say

something, the fact was that they were thinking awful things about them and about what they

were doing.

A resident shouted that they could know what people were thinking in their thoughts, stating

he was not a mind reader. He asked if there was a three minute rule for the Councilor to

speak. Chairman St. Vil asked resident to leave the meeting. He asked Councilor Thompson

to continue.

Councilor Thompson continued by stating regardless of what residents thought of him, that

he appreciated the fact that they were here, because that meant that the conversation has

already begun. Thank you.

Councilor Ryan stated that he appreciated everyone who attended tonight’s meeting and the

comments from both sides of the aisle. He stated as Local Elected Officials that they

represented all of their residents, and therefore, he needed to hear all perspectives and that he

needed to respect all perspectives; noting that he takes that into account with every decision

he makes on the Town Council.

Councilor Ryan continued addressing the following:

· Winter Operations - Councilor Ryan stated that he echoed Councilor Barnes’ comments

regarding the Public Works Department during the snowstorms; noting that he appreciated

the work they do.

· Pledge of Allegiance - Councilor Ryan stated that he has always stood for the Pledge of

Allegiance not because he does not know what it means, not because it was compulsory,

noting that he had miliary service in his family. He stated that he respects what the American

Flag stands for them, and the sacrifice they made for him to be where he was now, in

arguably a privileged position, representing all of you. He stated one of the things he loved

about living in Ledyard, specifically Gales Ferry, was that every morning at 8:00 a.m. he

hears Reville, noting that he loves that. He stated through his employer he had the

opportunity to work at the New London-Groton Sub Base and at 8:00 a.m. everybody froze,

stopped, and paid their respect. He stated no matter where they stood, where they were, what

their beliefs were, it was a single unifying symbol. He stated to him that was powerful; and it

was something that endures Presidencies, it endures Congressional Seats, it endures time. He

stated this year was their Country’s 205th Anniversay and that Flag in various iterations, as

their country expanded, has stood for one thing and one thing only which was “We are the

United States of America”. He stated that he would continue to stand for the Pledge of

Allegiance; when he was outside he would stop at 8:00 a.m. and face the Flag on his

property to pay his respects.

· Social Media Post - Councilor Ryan stated because Councilor Buhle was not present this

evening he would not direct any specific comments toward her. However, he noted that he

would state how he conducted he own behavior. He stated this was his third term serving on

the Town Council; and that he conducted himself with the expectation that he represents the

community of Ledyard at all times; at work, at home, on-line, regardless of whether you

think it or not, the internet lives forever, it was not private space, it was a public service, end

of story. He stated as Local Elected Officials that members of the Town Council represented

all of their residents locally, at all times. He stated agnostic of his beliefs; agnostic of any one

single perspective that exists. He stated for those who have followed him that his votes on

the Town Council have not been party line, they have been rationale; and they were decisions

that he thought were the best for the majority of the citizens they represent as Local Elected

Officials. He stated that he would continue to do that, because that was what they were

elected to do. He stated that they were not elected to provide their own perspectives of what

was going on at the Federal Level; noting that they were not going to change that here on the

Town Council. However, he stated what they could change was the quality of life for their

residents locally, and that was how he would focus his energy.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated at every Town Council meeting they stand up for the Pledge

of Allegiance. She stated for many, when they say those words, they really mean what they

were saying. She stated they were Pledging Allegiance to their country because they trust in

their country there is and would always be Liberty and Justice for All; but as Councilor

Barnes said, in history there were very few instances in which everyone has enjoyed Liberty

and Justice for All. She noted up until the 1960 there was Segregation in which many of

them grew up watching the Civil Rights Movement unfold. She stated their Government was

who they entrusted with the duty to guarantee Liberty and Justice for All. However, she

stated when their Government was not holding up their side of the bargaining than those

words lose their meaning and purpose because the country from the Pledge of Allegiance

does not exist in that specific moment in time. She stated the reason she stands for the

Pledge of Allegiance was because she was holding on to the hope that those words would

come true. She stated there was a five-year old in Minnesota who probably recited the Pledge

of Allegiance every single day in school; and for what, for the country that he Pledged

Allegiance to; to use him as bait and to treat him as if he was nothing. He stated that she

supported her fellow Councilors for exercising their First Amendment Rights and for

standing up; or in this case for sitting down; for what was right and for bringing up an issue

that was happening in Minneapolis today, but tomorrow could happen here in Ledyard. She

stated that she supported the rights of all of Ledyard’s residents, and while she may not agree

with some of them, that she does appreciate every comment and email they have received.

She stated that she understands that some feel that this act of protest devalues the sacrifices

of their Troops and Veterans. She stated that she knows how passionate people can get about

this noting that her Grandfather was a Veteran, her Uncle sacrificed his life in the Vietnam

War noting that he was one of the 58,220 soldiers that died. She stated that her Uncle

sacrificed his life to uphold the rights that ideally we should all enjoy. She stated the

interesting thing was that although her Uncle sacrificed his life for his country that because

he lived in Puerto Rico he never had representation in Congress. She explained that because

Puerto Rico a U.S. Territory, Puerto Rico does not have voting representation in Congress,

meaning its residents cannot vote for voting members of the House of Representatives;

Senators or the President. However, she stated Puerto Rico citizens enlist and fight for this

country. She stated that they were fighting with the hope that someday they would be treated

the same as the people who live in the mainland were treated. She stated their sacrifice and

the sacrifice of many needed to mean something. She stated that she knows that they all

disagree about some things; however, she stated that they should respect everyone’s rights to

exercise their Rights. She stated that she respected everyone, and appreciated every single

person that stands up, and that she appreciated what Councilor Brunelle and Councilor

Thompson were doing, whether she agreed with them or not; that she appreciated that they

could exercise their Rights.

Councilor Garcia-Irizary continued by noting that she agreed with Councilor Barnes’ and

Councilor Ryan’s comments regarding the Public Works Department, noting that they have

not seen a winter like this one in a decade. She stated in reading the newspaper that many

towns were in the same situation as Ledyard, noting that the salt supplier did not expect this

type of winter, and that some towns were using sand on their roads. She asked that they all

help the town by not shoveling their snow into the roads; and that they try to keep the snow

on their own property.

Councilor Lamb thanked everyone for attending tonight’s meeting. He noted the number of

hands that were raised when asked if there were any military service members in the

audience this evening. He stated that he was a 19 Delta Scout serving in the Army in the 24th

Infantry Division. He stated as Councilor Thompson mentioned many of them have family

members who served in the military, noting that he was a fourth generation stating that

Timothy Lamb served in the 1754 Conflict with the French. He stated he loved Councilor

Ryan’s comment regarding being able to hear the Reville.

Councilor Lamb continued by addressing the false narrative that was heard during the

November 4, 2025 General Election that the town was run into the ground; and they had

problems with the schools, and the atmosphere that the town was terrible. He stated that

Ledyard was a great town, and it was not run into the ground. He noted ever since the

original Villages (Gales Ferry Village, Lambtown Village, Ledyard Center and the Rogerene

section) came together that Ledyard has been a great town. He continued by commenting on

the following:

· What makes Ledyard a great Town- Councilor Lamb stated the community and the

volunteers who serve on all of the Town’s committees/commission/boards make Ledyard a

great town. He noted volunteers like Historic District Commission Members Doug Kelley

and Karen Parkinson do a great job for the town.

· Staff and town workers - Councilor Lamb stated that Ledyard’s Staff and Town Workers

do a great job. He stated all of his interactions with them have been great.

· Board of Education & Ledyard School District - Councilor Lamb stated the Teachers,

Staff, Paraprofessionals, the Substitutes were all great. He stated that this Board of Education

was a great model. He noted that Board of Education Chairman Jennifer Reguin did a great

job in putting the right people in the different leadership positions, not based on political

party. He stated that was the type of model the Town Council should be considering.

· Fire Departments and Police Department - Councilor Lamb stated that he would not

support anyone suggesting that they defund the Police Department. He stated he ran into a

member of the Police Department who said that they felt bad that the Town Council did not

support them. He stated that this cannot continue.

· Mayor Allyn, III - Councilor Lamb stated that Mayor Allyn, III has been serving the

Town for about 12 years. He stated Mayor Allyn’s guidance, working with the residents and

supporting this town has been outstanding. He stated the community should celebrate their

leaders like Mayor Allyn and School Superintendent Hartling.

· Town Council - Councilor Lamb stated the Town Council should shape-up and start

supporting their Volunteers, Town Staff and everyone he mentioned this evening.

· Ledyard Fair Initiative - Councilor Lamb stated in early March there would be a Kick-Off

Meeting to look at establishing a 501(c ) non-profit status and bylaws, noting that this would

be a non-partisan effort and an opportunity for everyone to come together. He stated that his

intention was to be a facilitator, noting that eventually they would have a Ledyard Fair

Board.

· Illegal Immigrant - Councilor Lamb stated he married an Illegal Immigrant. He stated

that he used that term because that was what his wife said she was. He stated his wife went

through the process to become a US Citizen, noting that the process took about 15-years. He

stated that he was going to suggest they use the Community Relations Committee for

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to get some insight into their immigrant community. However,

he stated that he was now saying that they should privately. He stated anyone on this Town

Council who would like to learn more about the concerns of the immigrant community that

he could help them connect with people to have these types of conversations. He stated that

if they wanted to volunteer that he could hook them up. He stated the type of work Councilor

Thompson does as the kind of stuff they could do for those who were interested.

Councilor Lamb stated that he thought they could do better and that he hoped they do; and

that he could do better; and he hoped that he do.

Councilor Parad commented on the following:

· Measles and Mumps Cases were on the rise - Councilor Parad stated that

Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) was a combination vaccine. She stated if they skipped the

MMR Vaccine that more illness would come about. She stated that the United States might

be loosing their Status of Disease Free soon.

· Cajun Cook-Off - Sunday, February 15, 2026 - Councilor Parad stated the Ledyard

Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF) would be hosting their 2nd Annual Cajun

Cook-Off on Sunday, February 15, 2026 to coincide with Mardi Gras. The Event would take

place from 3-5 p.m. at the Gales Ferry Fire Company. Contestants could sign up on line. She

stated that they had a good amount of entries, but it would be great if more cooks and bakers

wanted to enter. She state the High School Wood Shop students made some amazing plaques

for the winners; and the Elementary School students made all of the decorations. She stated

this was a good opportunity to bring everyone together to do something fun for their

community and support Ledyard Schools.

· Councilor Buhle’s Statement - Councilor Parad stated that she was given a statement

from Councilor Buhle to read this evening, noting that she just received it and has not read it

until just now:

“2/11/2026

I’d like to apologize for missing this meeting. I am out of state on a vacation I

planned in early January.

There has been a lot of controversy in differences of opinions in the last few

weeks. In late January, I posted a Facebook post to my personal Facebook page.

This post was not intended to be posted to the public, though, as a millennial, I

know that everything on the internet is eventually public.

I am being strongly criticized for my use of vibrant and passionate adult

language. Those who know me personally as a friend know that I use whatever

words I’d like when I’m among friends, and conduct myself differently in a

professional environment. Those words were not intended to be addressed to the

public as a councilor comment, and the statement of “don’t speak to me again”

was to imply that I cannot consider you a friend if you support the actions of the

federal administration that are eroding constitutional rights.

In the aftermath of the public posting of my personal post, I received dozens of

supportive private messages, and an outpouring of supportive comments saying

that I was expressing their unheard rage. While many in our community are

policing my language, others are passionately supportive of the genuine and

empathetic anger I have.

While acting as a town councilor for the public, I have always conducted myself

in a professional and far less profane matter. My actions and intentions as a

councilor have always been to continue working for a vibrant, safe, and

inclusive community.

The paradox of tolerance states: if a society extends its tolerance to those who

are intolerant, the tolerant society will be destroyed. To create an inclusive

environment in our town for all of our neighbors - immigrants, Americans, and

otherwise - it is important that we continue to stand up against those who cheer

for their demise.

To those who say that federal issues are not town issues, I encourage you to

question how many of your friends are immigrants. How many of your friends

and neighbors are people of color, full blooded Americans who are being

targeted for the color of their skin? Privilege is saying it’s not a problem

because it isn’t happening to you personally, and if you are still feeling that

federal problems are not in our purview, I encourage you to talk further with

neighbors of different viewpoints and recognize that these are local issues, even

if they are beyond our jurisdiction.

Thank you to all those who have supported me and know that I will continue to

support what makes our community and town beautiful.”

Chairman St. Vil stated that tonight has been interesting and definitely the hardest job that he

has not been paid for. He stated that he has access to a panic button and at one point tonight

he thought that he may have had to use it. However, he stated during that moment that Mr.

Munger and Mr. Sabbag spoke-up and said let’s give things a minute. He stated had they not

spoke-up; that he thought this Chambers may have spiraled, and that the Group may have

taken over, and he may have had to hit the panic button. However, he stated the temperature

was lowered; and that he genuinely appreciated what they did in that moment. He stated the

reason he was sharing this was because there were people who do not have a voice; and were

relying on those who do, to speak up for them. He stated when they see someone speak up or

protest, that they were Mr. Munger and Mr. Sabbag this evening, noting that they were

advocating for people other do not listen too because there were not a member of their

community.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Town Council Minutes of January 28, 2026

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications List for February 11, 2026

Chairman St. Vil noted that a Communications List has been provided on the meeting portal

for tonight’s meeting, and he noted there were referrals were listed.

Councilor Ryan noted that the Town Council received communications that were not

included on tonight’s Communications List; such as Pastor Dyke’s letter, noting that he

wanted to make sure those communications were in the record. Chairman St. Vil explained

the Twenty-eight Town Council’s Rules of Procedure that were adopted at their December 1,

2025 Organizational Meeting included the following:

“Communications published with the Agenda shall consist of written

correspondence formally submitted to the Town Council for the record.

The following will not be published with the Agenda, but will remain public records:

a. Communications that contain confidential personnel or protected information;

b. Social media posts, screenshots, or online commentary;

c. Communications containing profanity, threats, or defamatory statements;

d. Communications unrelated to items within the Town Council’s legal

jurisdiction.”

Chairman St. Vil went on to note that they had Freedom of Information Act Training (FOIA)

last night, and he explained all the communications they received were in the record, and that

if someone were to ask for those communications that they would be available. He stated

based on the Rules of Procedure that he did not include the communications regarding the

social media post.

RECEIVED AND FILED

RESULT:

REFERALS

XI.

COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS

Administration Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the Administration Committee met earlier this evening

noting they discussed the following: (1) Proposed “Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard

Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” was forwarded to the Town Council to set a Public Hearing

date; (2) Res#001-2023/Feb 22 “Resolution Establishing Administrator Department Head

Benefits”; (3) Discussed Establishing an Ad Hoc Committee to Evaluate the Planning &

Zoning Commission to determine if the two Commissions should be separate.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Report- Fiscal Year

2025/2026

Councilor Brunelle stated the Committee would be meeting on February 18, 2026.

Chairman St. Vil noted that the Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity &

Inclusion would be hosting the 2026 Black History Month Contest. He stated that they were

once again partnering with Ledyard Public Schools to offer a voluntary contest; noting for

Elementary School the students had the opportunity to make Posters, and the Middle School

and High School students could write Essays to reflect on the significance of Black History

Month. He stated there were monitory prizes for the winners, noting that Contest information

was available at each of the schools and was also posted on the Town’s Website.

RESULT:

Finance Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted on February 4, 2026 the Finance Committee had the

following two meetings: (1) Regular Meeting at which Auditors Clifton/Larson/Allen

presented the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025 Annual Audit, noting that it was a good

Report. She also noted that the Finance Committee had one item on tonight’s Agenda that

they would discuss later this evening; and (2) Joint Meeting with the Board of Education’s

Finance Committee at which they discussed a lot of items regarding the schools and the

upcoming preparation for the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget.

RESULT:

LUPPW Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Thompson stated the LUPPW Committee met on February 2, 2026 noting that the

meeting was well attended by residents. He noted the LUPPW Committee primarily

discussed the Spicer Homestead Ruins. He stated it was a lively discussion, noting that

Councilor Lamb made an impassioned plea.

RESULT:

Liaison Reports

Board of Education Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Barnes reported on the following: (1) Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget- At their

February 10, 2026 meeting the Board of Education approved the Proposed Fiscal Year

2026/2027 Budget recommendation in the amount of $41,932,335; (2) Signage at a Sledding

Area at the Middle School - Councilor Barnes stated at the Town Council’s January 28, 2026

meeting he was asked to follow-up with the Board of Education regarding this suggestion.

He stated the Board of Education’s purview was that the property was managed by the Parks

& Recreation. He stated the Board of Education was not opposed to the signage; and they

were not endorsing the signage. He stated the Board of Education referred it back to the

Town for the decision as to whether signage would be appropriate or not.

Councilor Lamb commented on the Board of Education’s interpretation of the new State

Statute regarding their Capital Non-Recurring Account. He stated that the Board of

Education has created a sub-account under the new account.

RESULT:

Ledyard Center Fire Department Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Barnes stated the Fire Department addressed the following: (1) Fiscal Year

2026/2027 Budget included minor increases in the following accounts: (a) Incentive for

Volunteers responding to fire emergencies; and (b) Fleet Maintenance Account; (2) Joint

Radio Policy - Councilor Barnes stated the Ledyard Center Fire Department and the Gales

Ferry Fire Department were collaborating to establish a Joint Radio Policy.

RESULT:

Farmers Market Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Brunelle stated the Farmers Market Committee met on February 4, 2026 and

discussed the following: (1) Purchase a laptop, printer, and a laminator; (2) Weekly Market

Themes for the 2026 Season; (3) Increasing the number of Vendors at the Market; and (4)

Fees may increase for the Food Vendors, but not the Regular Vendors to cover expenses.

RESULT:

Beautification Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Brunelle stated the Beautification Committee met on February 3, 2026; however,

she was unable to attend due to a schedule conflict. However, she stated that she would

review the Committee’s minutes and report back.

Inland Wetlands & Water Courses Commission Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Thompson stated the IWWC met on February 3, 2026 and discussed a property on

Christy Hill.

RESULT:

Councilor Ryan stated that he did not have a Liaison Report; however, he stated that he wanted

to go back to the Town Council’s Communications List and he questioned whether Chairman St.

Vil could point to the section in the Twenty-eight Town Council’s Rules of Procedure he cited

earlier this evening.

Chairman St. Vil suggested they take a 10-minute recess to look up the Twenty-eight Town

Council’s Rules of Procedure.

Entered into Recess at 9:16 p.m.

Came out of Recess 9:25 p.m.

Chairman St. Vil called the meeting back to order at 9:25 p.m.

Councilor Ryan apologized for wasting everyone’s time, noting that he was not aware of the new

Town Council Rules of Procedure, noting that he should have done his due diligence.

(Liaison Reports Continued)

Permanent Municipal Building Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry the PMBC had to cancel their February 9, 2026 because they did not

have a quorum.

Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated because of the schedule conflict she was not able to attend the

Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission February 10, 2026 meeting. She stated that she

would review the Commission’s minutes and report back at the next Town Council meeting.

Historic District Commission Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Lamb stated the Historic District Commission’s January 28, 2026 was cancelled due

to the snow storm. However, he stated the Commission attended the Land Use/Planning/Public

Works Committee’s January 5, 2026 and February 2, 2026 meetings. He stated at the February 2,

2026 meeting there were about 30 residents in attendance along with members from the State

Historic Preservation.

Councilor Lamb stated during the LUPPW Committee’s February 2, 2026 meeting that

Councilor Thompson, as the Subcommittee Chairman conducted himself well. He stated that he

took and executed a commitment. He stated the residents appreciated that Councilor Thompson

was willing to listen to them and move things forwards.

Councilor Lamb went on to note that the Historic District Commission met on February 9, 2026

and held their Annual Meeting ad addressed the following: (1) Election of Officers noting the

following: Chairman - Karen Parkinson; Vice-Chairman- Doug Kelley; Clerk - Kelly Lamb,

noting that they were all present this evening. He congratulated the Officers, and thanked them

for their service and work that they do; stating that they appreciated them volunteering; and (2)

Reviewed their Rules of Procedure.

Agricultural Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Lamb noted the Agricultural Commission met on January 20, 2026, and he noted their

next Regular Meeting was scheduled for February 17, 2026. He stated the Agricultural

Commission and the Conservation Commission were already working on the Plan of

Conservation & Development (POCD) which was not due for another three-years. He noted the

Agriculture Commission’s next Quarterly Joint Land Use Meeting was scheduled for April 21,

2026. He suggested Chairman St. Vil or another Town Councilor attend the Quartetly Meeting to

see that operation and what was going on there.

Conservation Commission Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Lamb stated the Conservation Commission met on February 10, 2026 and were

working on the following: (1) Pollinator Gardens and Water Gardens on one of Groton Open

Space Association’s (GOSA) property. He stated that they were working to have small gardens

along the trails with signs where people could have lunch, noting it was a great way to connect

their community.

Councilor Lamb stated although he was not assigned that he also attended the following

Meetings: Board of Education Facilities Committee; Finance Committee; Public Work Shop;

Social Services Board; America 250 Planning Committee Meeting was cancelled; Permanent

Municipal Building Committee (PMBC) did not have quorum, which was part of the end-to-end

process of delaying things. He stated if Town Councilors cannot make their Liaison Assignment

Meetings to let him know; because he would show up. He stated that the members serving on

their Volunteer Committees appreciate having a member of the Town Council attend their

meetings. He stated there was a list of Committees that he does not hear Councilors Report on;

noting those Committee also deserve to have a Report.

Library Commission Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Councilor Parad stated she could not attend the Library Commission’s February 9, 2026 meeting

because she had a pre-existing Ledyard Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF) meeting

that was scheduled a the beginning of the school year. She stated had she know that she would

have tapped Councilor Lamb to fill her place on Monday. She reported that the Library

Commission does have a 2026 Pi Day sale coming up on Saturday March 26, 2026 at which they

would be selling desert pies.

Councilor Parad went on to note that Ledyard Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF)

would also be doing a Pi Day at all of the Pizza Restaurants in town.

XII. REPORT OF THE MAYOR

Mayor Report Fiscal Year 2025/2025

Mayor Allyn reported on the following: (1) Snow Storm - Mayor Allyn stated they had

another long duration snow storm this past weekend, noting that the Public Works Crew was

in for 16-hours to handle the 6.5 inches of snow. He noted the Department was down

two-drivers and he addressed the very cold temperatures explaining that the salt does not

work at temperatures below 20-degrees. He stated they had a hiring request out since

October, and that they now have a replacement who has their CDL License, and would be

starting in two-weeks; (2) America 250 Planning Committee Meeting - Mayor Allyn stated

the February 10, 2026 meeting was cancelled because he had a meeting with the Roofing

Contractor who did the work at the Gales Ferry School and the Board of Education Central

Office. He stated also at the meeting with the Contractor was the Architect and the Owners

Representative to try to come to some resolution. He stated they did arrive at a level of

resolution for the Board of Education Central Office; however, he stated the elephant in the

room was Photovoltaic (PV) Roofing System that has never been installed on the Gales Ferry

School. He stated the Gales Ferry School Roofing Project was supposed to be done and

delivered at the end of August, 2024. He stated there would be more to come on this legal

matter; (3) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Training - Mayor Allyn stated he attended

the February 10, 2026 Training with State FOIA Director of Education and Communication

Russell Blair, noting that the session was outstanding. He noted they held two sessions one at

3:30 p.m. and one at 6:00 p.m. and that Mr. Blair provided a tremendous amount of

information for everyone; (4) February 10, 2026 Freezing Rain and Sleet created hazardous

conditions - Mayor Allyn stated half the Public Works Crew was called-in and worked over

night to salt the roads. He stated that they were running low on their salt supply and that all

the towns and the state were also running low. He stated Ledyard had submitted a Salt Order

for 300-tons; however, he expressed concern that the State was trying to abscond with their

entire salt load. He stated this was unconscionable because Ledyard has had their Salt Order

in, as has many other towns, for weeks on end. He stated if the State takes the whole Salt

Order that Ledyard would have a problem, because they only had enough salt for two

plowable or icey events; (5) Mayor’s Executive Assistant Replacement Interviews - Mayor

Allyn stated he has hired Jessica Michard, noting that she would start on February 23, 2026.

He stated that he looked forward to Ms. Michard joining the town; (6) Federal

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Water Service Line Inspections - Mayor

Allyn stated today they met with Groton Utilities about the Federal EPA Lead Water Service

Line Inspections. He stated that they were 99.5% sure that Ledyard had no Lead Water

Service Lines, because their water system was new, unlike surrounding towns like Norwich,

New London and Groton. But nonetheless the Federal EPA was requiring them to dig at the

street and to also go into the house to inspect where the waterline connects into the meter. He

stated they were looking at $750,000 to dig all the test holes to show that there were no lead

water lines. He stated they were working with a Contractor and that Groton Utilities was

helping to assist with a solution with the Contractor; (7) Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget -

Mayor Allyn stated they were fully into budget season, noting that the Board of Education’s

proposed Budget was due to his Office on Monday, February 23, 2026 in accordance with

the Town Charter. He stated that he would deliver a proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 to the

Town Council on Monday, March 2, 2026; (8) Ordinance #300-029 “An Ordinance

Regarding Control of Alcoholic Beverages At Town of Ledyard Facilities” - Mayor Allyn

stated that he would be assisting the Farmers Market Committee to amend Ordinance

#300-029. He stated the Farmers Market has been very successful at the Lower Town Green.

However, he stated there is a Policy that prohibits glass containers, noting that the Farmers

Market has a Salsa Vendor, Pasta Sauce Vendro, they have jellies, jams wines and ciders

which were packaged in glass containers. He stated as the Ordinance was currently written

all of these products could not be at the Farmers Market. He stated that Farmers Market

Committee Chairman Pam Ball was working on some language to amend the Ordinance. He

stated that he would be looking for the Town Council’s assistance to get the Ordinance

Amendment to the finish line, noting that it was a huge and successful Market, noting that

the town was proud of their Farmers Market and did not want to see it diminished; (9) Town

Attorney Budget - Mayor Allyn stated he would be coming to the Finance Committee next

month to obtain authorization to overspend the Attorney/Legal Fee budget line. He stated

with the billing through October 31, 2025 that $7,109 was spent on the proposed Ethics

Ordinance Reviews. He stated this budget line had a $473 balance with about 67% of the

fiscal year unbilled. He stated he had $20,000 in his budget for Legal Fees and as he has said

that they need to be mindful in how they spend their legal dollars. He stated that they needed

to exercise caution. He stated they have been through three iterations of the proposed Ethics

Ordinance, noting that the most recent draft dated February 9, 2026 was the best one he has

seen yet. He stated that they also had some lead hazards at the Nathan Lester House that they

had to address, which was part of that billing cycle. He stated that sometimes they have

unusual issues that they did not know were coming. He stated that they needed to budget

accordingly; or split the Town Attorney/Legal Fees budget line; or the Town could have a

Town Attorney budget line, (10) Social Media Post - Mayor Allyn stated the Ledyard Police

Department also saw Ms. Buhle’s social media post. He stated that the Police would be

submitting a formal request that they do not want either Councilor Buhle or Councilor

Brunelle to be involved with the negotiations of the contract; or involved in the vote on the

contract. He stated that their view was that these two Councilors were biased toward federal

law enforcement officials; and it could be a bias toward local law enforcement. He asked that

they understand what their words mean and it’s impacts. He stated the Town Council was

here to do the business of the Town of Ledyard; and he asked that they focus on the Town of

Ledyard. He stated if they aspired to the State or Federal Offices that was fantastic; however,

he stated that they needed to focus on their town.

Questions to the Mayor:

Councilor Ryan questioned whether the town had been invoiced for the 300 tons of salt and

if so; how the State could take the delivery of the Salt. Mayor Allyn stated that the town had

a Purchase Order in for 300 tons of Salt, noting because they were in the system, the State

was aware of their Salt Order.

Councilor Ryan addressed the Town Attorney/Legal Fees budget line, and he asked whether

it was possible for the Town Attorney to identify the purpose and the person engaging for

each of the charges. Mayor Allyn stated that Shipman and Goodwin Invoices were itemized.

He noted at one point 4 or 5 different Town Councilors all reached out to the Town Attorney

regarding the same subject; noting that the Town Attorney was duplicating his efforts times

five. Councilor Ryan suggested Chairman St. Vil streamline how the Town Council engages

the Town Attorney so that they had a little more control in how the funds were being used.

Mayor Allyn stated their Discounted Municipal Rate for Ledyard was $295.00 per hour.

Councilor Ryan thanked Mayor Allyn for sharing the feedback from the Ledyard Police

Department; noting that they all need to take that into account.

Chairman St. Vil stated the Town Council’s point of contact for the contract negotiations

was set prior to this, stating that it would be inappropriate for him to share who that was,

noting that it was not going to change. He stated that he would like to see the Police

Department’s opinion in writing. He stated once they received that the Town Council would

respond.

Chaiman St. Vil stated at the Town Council’s January 28, 2026 meeting they had a heated

discussion regarding a request to overspend an account. He stated that Councilor Lamb

questioned the process to overspend a budget line. Councilor Lamb stated his experience in

serving on the Board of Education was that when a request was submitted to overspend an

account that in the same motion they identified the source of funding to balance that over

expenditure; and he questioned whether the Town followed that same process. Mayor Allyn

stated that the Town typically does follow the process Councilor Lamb noted. He went on to

explain in the case of something such as the Winter Operations that because it was a moving

target, that it was difficult to project what that amount was going to be. However, he stated

when they do authorize to overspend the Winter Operations Budget that they may get lucky,

and they may see Spring; and money would not be moved.

Chairman St. Vil stated when the Town Council acted on the request to overspend the

Winter Operations Budget that Councilor Buhle took the action to provide regular updates on

where the Winter Operations Budget stood. He asked Councilor Barnes whether he was

satisfied with Councilor Buhle’s action and the Mayor’s explanation of how the request to

overspend accounts was typically handled.

Councilor Barnes stated at the January 28, 2026 Town Council meeting that his concern was

that the request to overspend the Winter Operations budget came without a limit. He stated

when they set the Winter Operations budget that they had a number in mind; and therefore,

when they submit a request to overspend an account that it should include an “up-to

amount”. He stated because they were not prepared with a number in-mind at that meeting;

Finance Committee Chairman Councilor Buhle agreed to provide updates regarding the

Winter Operations budget expenditures. He stated that he was comfortable with the

approach, noting that whenever they can that an overspending request should come with an

increase to a certain amount. He stated when they cannot provide an amount that it was the

obligation of the Finance Committee to ensure that they were monitoring what that increase

was. He stated that he was satisfied with the explanation regarding the town’s process to

overspend a budget line.

Councilor Ryan stated during his first year on the Town Council that he had the same

comments that Councilor Barnes was making this evening; and that he made at the Town

Council’s January 28, 2026 meeting. However, he stated that his concerns were regarding

authorization to overspend the Town Attorney Fees; noting that he questioned the reason

they could not budget what they thought they were going to need. He stated as explained to

him at that time he fully understood in the case of the Town Attorney Fees it was more of a

strategic move. He stated as everyone knows that liked having finite numbers to work with;

but in the case of the Attorney Fees they did not want to tip their hand on how much they

were willing to spend, otherwise they might be taken advantage of.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry questioned if the town ran out of salt for the roads whether they

could use sand. Mayor Allyn stated that they could use sand, however, he stated it was quite

messy and it would require more wear and tear on the new street sweeper; and it was a

hazard for bicyclists, motorcycles, etc. He also explained that sand was not nearly as

effective as the treated salt, and the state does not like them to use sand because of the MS4

Drainage Requirements. He stated when the sand gets washed into the catch basins the town

would then have to clean the catch basins out and that the State then considers the sand

hazardous waste He stated as an alternative to treated salt they would use the rock salt; which

was available. He stated their preference was the treated salt because it interfaces with the

cold surface and the snow and ice much better than the rock salt.

Councilor Garica-Irizarry addressed the hiring of an employee in the middle of the budget

year relative to salary, noting in reviewing the Resolution - Res#001-2023/Feb 22

“Resolution Establishing Administrator Department Head Benefits” this subject was brought

up. Mayor Allyn explained when a position was advertised, whether it was a union position

or non-union position, that it was posted with Salary Range; so the Applicants were

responding to a job posting within a salary range. He stated when a candidate was selected

the town offered a salary within the range based on education, degree level, certifications,

experience, etc. He stated the candidate may accept or they may counter. Councilor

Garcia-Irizarry stated when the Budget has been established whether a candidate could be

hired at a higher salary that the amount in the budget. Mayor Allyn stated that the salary

offered could be up-to the amount at the top of the range.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted the February 10, 2026 Freedom of Information Act Training,

stating that she liked the FOIA pocket guide that summarized the most important points of

laws that Mr. Blair handed out.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry addressed the Attorney/Legal Fees, and she stated that she and Attorney

Matt Ritter spoke for one-hour regarding the proposed Ethics Ordinance. She stated they reviewed

the entire Ordinance and that she hoped they would not have to talk to Attorney Ritter again on this

topic.

RESULT:

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Administration Committee

MOTION to appoint Ms. Yvonne Walsh (U) 38 Fairway Drive, Ledyard, to the Ledyard

Beautification Committee to complete a three (3) year term ending October 26, 2026 filling a

vacancy left by Ms. Bingham.

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the Administration Committee had the opportunity

to talk with Ms. Walsh during their January 28, 2026 meeting, noting that Ms. Walsh attended

the meeting remotely via Zoom. She stated that Ms. Walsh was excited about joining the

Beautification Committee.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, St. Vil, Ryan, and

Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

Buhle

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appoint Mr. James Harwood (D) 10 Eska Drive, Ledyard to the Sustainable CT Ad

Hoc Committee to complete a two (2) year term ending December 15, 2027.

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that Mr. Harwood was a member of the

Conservation Commission and he was passionate about the environment. She stated he would be

a good addition to the Sustainable CT Ad Hoc Committee.

Councilor Barnes stated as the Town Council Liaison to the Conservation Commission that he

had the opportunity to work with Mr. Harwood. He noted that Mr. Harwood was a tremendous

asset to the town. He stated that he enthusiastically supported Mr. Harwood’s appointment to the

Sustainable CT Ad Hoc Committee.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, St. Vil, Ryan, and

Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

Buhle

EXCUSED:

MOTION to adopt a Resolution Establishing an Ad Hoc Committee to Develop Process for

Capital Improvement Building Projects”.

DRAFT: 12/10/2025

Res: 002-2026/Feb 11

RESOLUTION

ESTABLISHING AN AD HOC COMMITTEE

TO DEVELOP A

PROCESS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUILDING PROJECTS

FOR THE TOWN OF LEDYARD

WHEREAS: the Ledyard Town Council recognizes the Permanent Municipal Building

Committee’s efforts to execute and supervise the design, construction, renovation, demolition

and removal of Town and Board of Education assigned buildings that fall within the approved

budget, as well as any significant installation, renovation or upgrade of service equipment and

major systems as assigned by the Town Council.

WHEREAS: The Permanent Municipal Building Committee and the Board of Education have

requested the Town Council establish an Ad Hoc Committee comprised of key stakeholders that

play a role in the building project process.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that there is hereby established an Ad Hoc

Committee to Develop A Process For Capital Improvement Building Projects for the Town of

Ledyard to be composed of seven (7) members appointed by the Ledyard Town Council.

Those members shall, as much as possible, be representative as follows:

· One member from the Permanent Municipal Building Committee

· One member from the Board of Education

· Board of Education Director of Facilities

· Public Works Director/Town Engineer

· Finance Director

· One member from the Community-at-Large with Construction Management Experience

· One member from the Town Council

The Committee shall hold its Organizational Meeting no later than 30 days after its appointment

and shall elect a Chairman, and Recording Secretary.

The Committee Members shall serve for a six (6) month term. Any vacancies on said committee

shall be filled by the appointment of the Ledyard Town Council with priority given to

maintaining as much as possible the structure above.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said Ad Hoc Committee shall:

1. Review the process for Town and School Building Projects.

2. Review Building Blocks and workflow for Building Projects.

3. Review Building Projects - Municipal Check List -1990.

4. Review Ordinance #100-015(rev1) “An Ordinance Establishing a Permanent Municipal

Building Committee for the Town of Ledyard”

5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Permanent Municipal Building Committee and options for

the Town and Board of Education to better facilitate Capital Improvement Building Projects.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said Ad Hoc Committee is authorized to:

Develop an end-to- end Process and Timeline/Schedule for assigned Municipal and Board of

Education Capital Improvement Projects to include but not be limited to the following:

For example:

a. Preliminary Design and Cost Estimates for Project.

b. Present Project to Town Council and request seed money for the town to hire

Architects/Engineering Design Professionals.

c. Prepare, Advertise, Evaluate, and Recommend Selection for Requests for Qualification/

Requests for Proposals (Architects/Engineering Design, Owners Representative,

Construction Components, etc. to facilitate the project).

d. Present proposed Project with cost estimates to the Town Council to request funding to

support the Project (i.e. Bond/Borrowing Documentation and/or Grant Funding).

· If Bond/Borrowing is required work with Finance Department to provide information

needed for Bond Council to prepare Bond Authorization documents.

· Work with Town Council and Departments to present the Project at a Special Town

Meeting in preparation for Referendum, in accordance with Town Charter, Chapter VII:

Section 9.

e. Identify other funding sources such as Grant Funding.

· Work with Town and/or Board of Education and Professional Consultants to complete

required Applications and Forms and to submit Grant Applications according to Grant

Schedules.

f. With the approval of funding proceed to execute and supervise the design, construction,

renovation, demolition and removal of Town and Board of Education buildings that fall

within the approved budget, as well as any significant installation, renovation or upgrade of

service equipment and major systems to include the following:

· Work with Owners Representative, to provide oversight of construction and schedules to

ensure work is progressing at a at school facilities was not being done while students

were in the buildings.

· Work with contractors and staff to review and approve payment of invoices in a timely

manner.

· Formally close out project with a letter to the Town Council and other stakeholders.

· Provide a final report to the Town Council.

g. Develop a process for Problem Resolution for issues that arise during the construction such

as non-performance, improper installation/work, and to address warranty items.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said Ad Hoc Committee shall provide a report of their

recommendations to the Town Council upon completion of their assignment, no later than six

months from its Organizational Meeting.

Adopted by the Ledyard Town Council on: _________

__________________________

Gary St. Vil, Chairman

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Lamb

Discussion: Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the purpose of creating his “Ad Hoc Committee to

Develop A Process For Capital Improvement Building Projects for the Town of Ledyard” was to

look at the entire process for a building project. She noted as an example the School Project

noting that would look at what when right and what went wrong; and why the project was

delayed; which cost the town more money. She stated this Ad Hoc Committee would create a

step by step process that would save the town money.

Councilor Lamb stated one of the reasons he ran to serve on the Board of Education was because

of all the issues regarding the school facilities; and because of the delays that increased the costs

of the building projects. He noted that both former Board of Education Chaiman Anthony Favry

and Permanent Municipal Building Committee Chairman Joe Gush submitted letters supporting

the establishment of this Ad Hoc Committee to develop an end-to-end process because they

believed there was ways to improve the process. He noted School Superintendent Jason

Hartling’s presentation earlier this evening regarding the large Board of Education Capital

Improvement Projects that were coming up. Therefore, he stated that it behooved the town to

look at the whole process in how they identify projects all the way through the execution of

projects, and the close out of contracts. He stated that this Committee would provide a

recommendation.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Ty Lamb

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, St. Vil, Ryan, and

Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

Buhle

EXCUSED:

Finance Committee

MOTION to approve a Connecticut DOT Local Bridge Program Grant Application for

replacement of Lantern Hill Road Bridge No. 137001 for 50% of eligible costs, the total of

which is presently estimated to be nearly $2.8 million;

In addition, approve the proposed “ Resolution Local Bridge Program State Project No.

9071-9001

Bridge Number: 137001 Lantern Hill Road Over Whitford Brook In The Town Of Ledyard’ as

presented in the draft dated January, 28, 2026 authorizing the Mayor to submit the Grant

Application.

DRAFT: 1/28/2026

RESOLUTION

LOCAL BRIDGE PROGRAM

STATE PROJECT NO. 9071-9001

BRIDGE NUMBER: 137001

LANTERN HILL ROAD OVER WHITFORD BROOK

IN THE TOWN OF LEDYARD

BE IT RESOLVED, that Fred Allyn, III , Mayor of the of the Town of Ledyard, is authorized

to sign the LOCAL BRIDGE PROGRAM SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION and any

associated agreements between the State of Connecticut and the Town of Ledyard for the

Lantern Hill Road Bridge over Whitford Brook; Bridge No. 137001.

Adopted by the Ledyard Town Council on: ______________

_____________________________

Gary St. Vil, Chairman

Ledyard Town Council

**************************************************************************

I, Patricia A. Riley, Town Clerk of the Town of Ledyard, a municipality organized and existing

under the laws of the State of Connecticut, hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the

resolution adopted by the Ledyard Town Council of said municipality at its Regular Meeting

held on February 11, 2026

I DO FURTHER CERTIFY that the above resolution has in no way been altered, amended or

revoked, and is in full force and effect.

AND I DO FURTHER CERTIFY that Mayor Frederic B. Allyn, III is the Mayor of the Town of

Ledyard, and has been since May 1, 2017.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Town of

Ledyard this ______ day of ____________________, 2026

______________________________

(Seal)

Patricia A. Riley, Town Clerk

Town of Ledyard

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Councilor Ryan stated the planning for the replacement of Lantern Hill Road Bridge

over Whitford Brook has been in-process for several years. He stated a $3 million Special Grant

was previously obtained for infrastructure needs for the Whitford Brook watershed. He stated

this Local Bridge Program Grant would pay for the balance (or 50%) of the cost for the

replacement of the Lantern Hill Road Bridge, noting that no local funding would be required for

this project, and therefore, it would be no cost to the taxpayers, which was great.

Mayor Allyn, III stated that Public Works/Town Engineer Steve Maslain became aware that

Ledyard could apply to the State Local Bridge Program, however, they could not use local

funding to get the 50% Grant Funding for the replacement of Lantern Hill Road Bridge over

Whitford Brook. He stated because the Town was not using local funding they qualified for the

State Local Bridge Program. He stated that this would allow the town to save some of the Grant

Funding the Town received, complements of Senator Cathy Osten, which was great, because

they also had a second bridge on Lantern Hill Road that needed work.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, St. Vil, Ryan, and

Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

Buhle

EXCUSED:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

MOTION to hereby appoint the Ledyard Historic District Commission to serve as the Historic

Properties Study Committee for the Spicer Homestead ruins pursuant to CGS §7-147q. The

study shall be limited to the parcel defined in the Town-commissioned survey dated January 14,

2025, unless otherwise authorized by the Town Council. This appointment is for study and

recommendation purposes only, and does not constitute approval of any designation or

ordinance.

Moved by Councilor Thompson, seconded by Councilor Barnes

Discussion: Chairman St. Vil stated as they heard earlier this evening this effort to obtain a

Historic Designation of the Spicer Homestead Ruins has been going on for quite some time. He

stated during his first term on the Town Council he walked the area with Mrs. Parkinson, noting

that it was relevant to the history of Ledyard, and he thought it was a worthwhile effort to

preserve it . He stated the State has a process by which a Historic Property within the Town

could be designated as such and there was a potential to eventually petition the State or Federal

Government for additional funding. He stated during the time he served as the Land

Use/Planning/Public Works Committee Chairman that they laid out a Plan to seek a Historic

Designation which included compiling the study work that had already been done into a

document, conduct an A2 Survey, proceed to submit the data to the State and/or Federal

Government to begin the Official Process to designate the site as being of historical significance.

He noted that work took a long time, and during that time Mayor Allyn, III provided some

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding to pay for the A2 Survey; which he had this

evening, noting that the A2 Survey Map outlined the footprint of the Spicer Homestead Ruins,

which was more or less 0.7- acres. He stated that it was valid for the Town Council to consider

this Motion this evening; explaining that initially they did not think a Motion such as the one

presented this evening was required because the Town has a Historic District Commission.

However, he stated the Commission was for a “District” and Connecticut General Statue 7-147q

was for a property. He stated that his understanding was wrong and that the Historic District

Commission was right; and therefore, he stated they should Designate the Historic District

Commission to Study the Spicer Homestead Property. He stated once appointed, the implications

were that the Study Committee could go directly to the State and make recommendation on what

the Spicer Homestead Ruins should look like. He stated that they should leverage the work and

the A2 Survey that has already been done, because the Study Committee would not have to

spend additional funds to conduct another A2 Survey, He stated during the course of their work

if the Study Committee finds that the boundary should be expanded that they would come back

to the Town Council to request an expanded boundary. He stated either way, the Clark Farm

Property would remain town-owned property; and had potential value for use in the future. He

stated that he was an advocate to preserve historic pieces of property and that he was also an

advocate to follow the process; and using the data as previously laid out.

Mayor Allyn, III stated in looking at their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Accounting that on August 27, 2025 an entry was added to allocate $2,500 to conduct the Spicer

Homestead Ruins A2 Survey, noting that the previous Town Council authorized 1-acre. He

stated when the A2 Survey was conducted the Surveyor used some boundary walls and the

survey came out to 0.73-acres; which they accepted. He suggested that they start working with

what they have and if they find there was something more there, that the Study Committee could

come back to the Town Council to seek additional areas to be preserved.

Councilor Lamb noted the First Step was for the Legislative Body to say that the Historic

District Commission was the Study Committee for the Spicer Homestead Ruins. He stated

during the Historic District Commission and Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

discussions the Historic District Commission agreed to make a Process Map to provide updates

as they completed the information. He went on to state that the process also required review by

Planning & Zoning Commission; and when they get to the end of the process that there was a

Step in which the Owners, who were the taxpayers, could say “Yes - or - No” or modify the

Plan. He stated the A2 Survey was not needed until they get to the end of the Process.

Councilor Lamb stated they should let the Study Committee do their work, and provide their

recommendation. He noted the Spicer Rock was five-feet from the A2 Survey 0.73-acres

boundary line, noting that the Spicer Rock was important to the site. He stated that he could

guarantee that they would be able to get outside money, from donations, etc. to pay for another

A2 Survey; which would not need to be done until the end of the process

Councilor Lamb proposed the following amendment:

MOTION to amend the Motion to strike the following language:

The study shall be limited to the parcel defined in the Town-commissioned survey

dated January 14, 2025, unless otherwise authorized by the Town Council. This

appointment is for study and recommendation purposes only, and does not constitute

approval of any designation or ordinance.

Moved by Councilor Lamb, seconded by Councilor Barnes

Discussion: Councilor Ryan requested clarification on what the 4.4-acres was based on.

Councilor Lamb stated the 4.4-acres was just a number the Historic District Commission and the

petitioners of this Motion threw out there. He stated CGS §7-147q lays out the steps for the

process to seek and obtain a Historic Designation, noting that the A2 Survey was not needed

until they get to the last step. He stated they should let the Study Committee do their work and

adjudicate what the area should be. He stated that he had Mr. Stefon Danczuk and Ms. Stacy

Vairo from the Preserve Connecticut attend the Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee’s

February 2, 2026 meeting, noting that they said if they appointed a Study Committee that they

had no commitment or liabilities because they had to go through the Process, which required the

proposal to go through the Zoning Commission and the Owner. He stated that there was no

down side to appointing the Study Committee.

Chairman St. Vil stated the risk was that once they designate a Study Committee they were off

on their own; and could proceed with a Study that the Town Council was not aligned with. He

stated in accordance with CGS §7-147q the Study Committee could go directly to the State

Historic Office with their Report/Study and say that they thought there was 50-acres within the

Clark Farm that was part of the Spicer Homestead Ruins. He stated that they would still need to

come back to the Town Council to approve the 50-acres; however, he stated that Town Council

would then need to determine the area for the Spicer Homestead Ruins to preserve, noting that

the Town Council may say it was not 50- acres, it was 20; 30; or 40-acres,etc. He stated as Mrs.

Parkinson has stated, the work has been done to determine the historical significance of the

Spicer Homestead Ruins site.

Chairman St. Vil went on to state that he walked the property with Mrs. Parkinson, noting that

he saw a footprint of a building; and therefore, the 0.7-acres made logical sense. He stated the

town has paid for the A2 Survey, the Town Planner and the Mayor were aligned with the A2

Survey. He stated nothing precluded the Study Committee from coming back to ask that the

boundary be changed.

Councilor Lamb stated CGS §7-147q laid out the Steps noting that the Study Committee would

have to go to Zoning that the Owner had to submit their request to the State.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry questioned whether the Historic District Commission met with

Surveyors Dietter & Gardner to talk about the A2 Survey. Councilor Lamb stated at the time he

was the Historic District Commission Chairman; however, he was unavailable, and that former

Town Council Chairman Rodriguez and Mayor Allyn, III gave the direction for the A2 Survey.

He stated it was a minor cost to change the A2 Survey from 0.73-acres to 4.4-acres. He stated the

Historic District Commission did not provide direction to the Surveyor for the A2 Survey.

Historic District Commission Chairman Karen Parkinson stated that she personally carried the

4.4-acre map down to Mr. Gardner before he went out to the site to conduct the A2 Survey for

the Spicer Homestead Ruins. She noted that Administrative Assistant sent Mr. Gardner an email

on December 5, 2024; which included several attachments, noting that one of the attachments

was the 4.4-acre map. She stated that all of these attachments were included in Legislative File

#23-2143 which has been on the Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee’s Agenda for

thirty meetings. Therefore, she questioned how the Town Council could approve the $2,500

ARPA Funding for the A2 Survey when there was an attachment of a map that was 4.4-acres.

Councilor Brunelle questioned if they voted on the Main Motion, as presented this evening, the

Study Committee could come back to the Town Council and ask for the more space. Chairman

St. Vil stated that they could.

Councilor Ryan stated in reading CGS §7-147q that Chairman St. Vil was correct in that the

Study Committee would submit a copy of their Report and Recommendations to the State; a

Public Hearing would then held on the Report and Study; after the Public Hearing, as Councilor

Lamb stated; the Owners of the Property, which in this case was the Town, could reject the

findings of the Report, by the majority vote of the body. He stated the CGS §7-147q was a little

convoluted because it assumed that the owners were private owners. Therefore, he stated the

Petition would be submitted to the Legislative Body, which was themselves. He stated by the

majority vote of the Town Council they could reject the findings of the Report.

Chairman St. Vil stated the risk they were taking was the size of the area to be designated as a

Historical Site; the cost to do rework, the Town would assume some level of liability with a

scope that exceeds an already documented and agreed upon boundary, as stated on the A2

Survey Map. He stated he just received a copy of the A2 Survey, noting that there were notes on

the A2 Survey acknowledging that Mr. Lamb, in his capacity as the Historic District

Commission Chairman, received a copy of the A2 Survey. He stated during this process he

begged Mrs. Parkinson to meet with the Mayor with Town Planner Ms. Burdick to come up with

a resolution. He stated that he had extreme concerns regarding the boundary, noting that this

could have been rectified a long time ago, noting that the A2 Survey was done a year ago

(January 14, 2025). He stated all concerned parties have known about the A2 Survey for a year;

yet nobody has talked to each other; and now the Historic District Commission is asking to go

directly to the State with a Package that they were saying has a boundary of 4.4-acres. Chairman

St. Vil questioned the reason they were saying the boundary was 4.4-acres on a site that had

potential use for this town for alternative uses in the future, noting that the 4.4-acres t could

impede those potential uses in the future. He questioned why they would want to assume that

risk.

Councilor Lamb stated because someone jumped the gun in conducting the A2 Survey that it had

no relevance, because the A2 Survey was supposed to be the last Step in the Process. He stated if

the 4.4-acre area was designated as a Historic Site that the Town owned the property; and they

could take back the Administrative Control.

Councilor Barnes stated having walked the grounds of the Spicer Homestead Ruins that the area

that was less than 1-acre does not take into effect many aspects of the Homestead Ruins. He

stated that it was his belief that the map that Mrs. Parkinson has shared, was a more accurate

reflection of the area. He stated that it also included the Spicer Rock, and it wrapped around the

edge of the existing Tri-Town Trail, noting that all this would be to the west of the Clark Farm

Property. He stated because the A2 Survey was done using the ARPA Funding that it may have

moved along more quickly because of the time constraint for the use of the ARPA Funding. He

stated that he was advocating that the 4.4-acres become the basis for tonight’s Motion.

Chairman St. Vil stated that he was advocating that they work with Town Departments to

definitize the boundary of a potential Historic District ahead of committing town resources and

volunteers time, and efforts that potentially may have to be undone in the future. He noted the

time that their Director of Land Use Elizabeth Burdick has spent attending Land

Use/Planning/Public Works Committee Meetings, time she has spent writing emails, printing

history, etc.

Chairman St. Vil called for a Vote on the Amendment as follows:

v MOTION to amend the Motion to strike the following language:

The study shall be limited to the parcel defined in the Town-commissioned survey

dated January 14, 2025, unless otherwise authorized by the Town Council. This

appointment is for study and recommendation purposes only, and does not constitute

approval of any designation or ordinance.

Moved by Councilor Lamb, seconded by Councilor Barnes

VOTE: 3 - 3 - 2 Motion Failed (Brunelle, St. Vil, Thompson not in favor) (Garcia-Irizarry,

Parad abstained)

Chairman St. Vil called for additional discussion on the Main Motion

Hearing none. Chairman St. Vil called for a Vote on the Main Motion as follows:

MOTION for the Town Council to hereby appoint the Ledyard Historic District Commission to

serve as the Historic Properties Study Committee for the Spicer Homestead ruins pursuant to

CGS §7-147q. The study shall be limited to the parcel defined in the Town-commissioned

survey dated January 14, 2025, unless otherwise authorized by the Town Council. This

appointment is for study and recommendation purposes only, and does not constitute approval of

any designation or ordinance VOTE:6 - 1- 1 Approved and so declared (Ryan not in favor)

(Garcia-Irizarry abstained)

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

James Thompson

RESULT:

MOVER:

William Barnes

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, St. Vil, Ryan, and

Garcia-Irizarry

AYE:

Buhle

EXCUSED:

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Barnes

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.

_____________________________________

Transcribed by Roxanne M. Maher

Administrative Assistant to the Town Council