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

Special Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

6:00 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 Special Meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.

Chairman St. Vil welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. He stated for the members of the

Town Council and the Public who were participating that the video conference

information was available on the Agenda that was posted on the Town’s Website -

Granicus-Legistar Meeting Portal.

II.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

III.

Councilor William Barnes

Councilor April Brunelle

Councilor Jessica Buhle

Councilor Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Councilor Tim Ryan

Present:

Councilor Tony Saccone

Councilor Gary St. Vil

Councilor Kevin Dombrowski

Councilor Adrienne Parad

Excused:

Councilor Ryan stated that he would like to amend the Agenda as follows:

· Add Public Comment

· Reorder the Agenda to address the Old Business Items before the New Business Item.

By Consensus the Town Council agreed that the two items Councilor Ryan suggested be

addressed in two separate Motions as noted below:

v MOTION to amend the Agenda to add a Public Comment period for Residents and Property

Owners.

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Barnes

Discussion: Councilor Ryan noted that he sent Chairman St. Vil and the full Town Council

emails on October 24, 2025 and again on October 27, 2025 to request tonight’s Special Agenda

be amended to include “Public Comment”. He stated because he did not receive a response from

Chairman St. Vil regarding his request, that he was requesting the Agenda be amended this

evening to allow for “Public Comment”. He stated given the clear and enthusiastic public

demonstration both at Town Council meetings and in public forums regarding the proposed “An

Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission”; it seemed

prudent to provide public commentary; on what now seemed to be a completely new ordinance.

Councilor Ryan stated that the Town Council’s Rules of Procedure provides for two Agenda

formats; Regular Agenda and Short Agenda of which both include an item for Residents and

Property Owners.

Councilor Ryan continued by noting that he also emailed Councilor Buhle to request that the

Special Administration Committee Agenda, that was held earlier this evening, be amended to

include “Public Comment”. He thanked Councilor Buhle for taking the necessary steps to add

“Public Comment” to the Administration Committee’s Special Agenda.

Chairman St. Vil stated that he appreciated Councilor Ryan’s commentary and his motion this

evening, noting that he would have also appreciated a telephone call regarding his request. He

stated per the Rules of Procedure a Special Meeting does not require Public Comment. He stated

the two items on the Agenda set the foundation, for the next steps as follows:

· Schedule a Public Hearing, for which the Residents would have the opportunity to provide

comments.

· Override the Mayor’s Veto on a prior proposed Ordinance, which already received Public

Comment.

Chairman St. Vil went on to note that because the Residents had ample opportunity to comment

on the prior revision of the “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and

an Ethics Commission” and because they would an opportunity to comment on the newly

proposed Ordinance, that he did not agree with providing Public Comment at tonight’s Special

Meeting.

Chairman St. Vil continued by addressing Councilor Ryan’s request to change the order of

tonight’s Special Meeting Agenda, stating that he believed the order of the Agenda was the most

appropriate.

Councilor Ryan stated that tonight’s Special Agenda was in violation of the Town Council’s

Rules of Procedure and in violation of Roberts Rules of Order. He continued by addressing his

emails noting that during the same period of time (October 24 2025 & October 27, 2025 that

Chairman St. Vil sent and responded to other emails. Therefore, he stated that he did not

understand the reason that his email communication was not sufficient for these topics, but was

sufficient for other topics.

Councilor Brunelle stated that other members of the Town Council have told and instructed her

that Public Comments were not allowed for Special Meetings.

Councilor Buhle stated in response to Councilor Ryan’s request and feedback to allow for Public

Comment that she amended the Administration Committee’s Special Agneda that was held

earlier this evening to include Public Comment; however, she noted that she restricted the

amount of time allotted for Public Comment, because she wanted to make sure the Committee

had ample time to address all of the comments received. She stated the new “An Ordinance

Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” was not being

considered this evening for adoption; explaining that it was to move the new draft to a Public

Hearing, at which Residents were encouraged, invited, and welcomed to provide Public

Comment and to share their opinions. She stated in the new draft Ordinance that she addressed

all of the feedback they had received to-date. She also stated that the Administration Committee

made additional modifications at their meeting that was held at 5:00 p.m. this evening. She

stated that she was not interested in silencing their residents, noting that she believed that any

Public Comments that would be said at this Special Town Council Meeting could also be said at

the Public Hearing the Town Council would be scheduling later this evening.

Councilor Brunelle stated although the Administration Committee had limited Public Comments

to fifteen minutes at their meeting earlier this evening; that residents were allowed to continue to

provide comments throughout the meeting, as the Committee worked to address the comments

and suggestions that were provided. She stated although this was not procedurally normal that

the Administration Committee allowed residents to continue to speak.

Councilor Ryan questioned whether the Administration Committee solicited and/or received

comments from the Department Heads that were previously involved. Councilor Buhle stated

the Department Heads voiced their concerns during the Administration Committee’s Special

Meeting that was held at 5:00 p.m. this evening.

VOTE

3 - 4 Failed (Brunelle, Garcia-Irizarry, Saccone, St. Vil not in favor)

v MOTION to amend the Agenda to reorder the Agenda Items to move Items #2 & #3 to

address Old Business Items before the New Business Item to be listed as follows:

1.(2) MOTION to remove from Table the

MOTION to override the Mayor’s disapproval/veto dated October 16, 2025

and approved the “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of

Ethics And Ethics Commission” as approved by the Town Council at their

October 8, 2025 meeting.

2.(3) Discussion and possible action on the

MOTION to override the Mayor’s disapproval/veto dated October 16, 2025

and approved the “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of

Ethics And Ethics Commission” as approved by the Town Council at their

October 8, 2025 meeting.

3.(1) Discussion and possible action on the

MOTION to set a Public Hearing (Hybrid Format - Video Conference and

In-Person) to be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the

Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex, 741 Colonel Ledyard Highway,

Ledyard, Connecticut, to receive comments and recommendations regarding

a proposed ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of

Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission,” as revised on or about

October 27, 2025.

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Councilor Ryan stated in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order that Old Business

should be addressed prior to taking up New Business. Therefore, he stated because they a Motin

to Remove an item from the Table that those items of business should be addressed first. He also

noted that the Town Council’s Rules of Procedures specify regular agenda ordering in a similar

fashion. In addition their Rules of Procedure dictates that an Ordinance has to have a clear and

specific purpose. He stated he was not sure how they could put an Ordinance out to a Public

Hearing that had the exact same specific and clear purpose as an existing Ordinance that was

under consideration. He stated it only made sense to adjudicate the existing Ordinance first,

before taking action on a new Ordinance with the same specific purpose.

VO- 4TFEa3iled (Brunelle, Buhle, Saccone, St. Vil not in favor)

Chairman St. Vil stated the Agenda would stand as posted.

POST MEETING NOTE: In accordance with CGS 1-225 the Agenda of a Special Meeting

cannot be amended at the meeting. To Amend a Special Meeting Agenda it must be

amended/posted 24-hours prior to the meeting.

IV.

BUSINESS OF THE MEETING

Chairman St. Vil stated the proposed Ethics Ordinance has been in the works for an extended period

to time, noting in 2007 that Fred Allyn, Jr. originally asked the Administration Committee to begin

to review and to work on the matter of Ethics. He went on to note more recently, specifically during

the last three-months there has been a concerted effort to come to a decision; which included

receiving feedback from all the stakeholders in town and associated with the Town of Ledyard,

which included every department, the public at a public hearing, his two solicitations to the Town

Councilors for proposed amendments, from the Mayor via his October 16, 2025 Veto; and from the

Town Attorney.

Chairman St. Vil continued by thanking Councilor Garcia-Irizarry for taking that feedback and for

working through the weekend to come up with a document that they could all critique. He stated that

he also wanted to thank Councilor Buhle for taking that document and expeditiously getting

feedback from the Town Attorney and from residents earlier this evening, noting that it was not an

easy task to make amendments live. He noted during the Meet Candidates Events that were held

prior to the November 4, 2025 General Election that they heard from residents that they were

distressed because they potentially may not eat in a week or so. He stated that this Town Council

needed to come to a decision regarding the topic of the Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission so

they can begin to consider how to help the residents in their town that were in most need. He also

noted that he has received solicitations from the Bord of Education and Town Departments

regarding the needs of town. However, he stated this Town Council has been focused on a very

important document that was precluding its progress was the Town Council making a decision.

Therefore, he stated the sense of urgency was not an arbitrary date, such as an election, it was in

actuality that this Town Council needed to make a decision; to either implement “An Ordinance to

Establish a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” or not. He stated at the Town

Council’s October 22, 2025 meeting he asked the community “Not to listen to what they say was

right, but to watch what they do”. He stated the good news was that over the last week, he has seen

a lot more communication, and there were a lot of people on both sides of the aisle that recognize

that everyone was operating in good faith. He stated that his job and his goal was to continue to keep

this topic on the Agenda until they reached a decision.

Public Hearing- Legal Notice- November 10, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. “An Ordinance Establishing a

Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission,” as revised on or about October 29,

2025.

MOTION to set a Public Hearing (Hybrid Format - Video Conference and In-Person) to be held on

Monday, November 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.in the Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex, 741

Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, Connecticut, to receive comments and recommendations

regarding a proposed ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of

Ethics and Ethics Commission,” as presented in the draft revised on or about October 29,27

2025.

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: Councilor Barnes noted although a lot of concerns were addressed in the new draft

“An Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” and a

lot of edits were made over the weekend; and during the Administration Committee’s October

29, 2025 meeting earlier this evening; that he believed there was still room for clarification with

the Town Attorney. He stated in the spirit of progressing and preparing the draft “An Ordinance

Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” that it was more ready

than it had been. However, he stated that what they have now was not completely ready, noting

that there was still work to be done such as:

· Collecting and socializing additional feedback, including Town Employees who would be

impacted

· Reviewing all final revisions with the Town Attorney.

Councilor Barnes stated that he wanted to be sure that they were all committed to making this

happen before the November 10, 2025 Public Hearing.

Councilor Brunelle stated at tonight’s Special Administration Committee which was held prior

to this Town Council meeting was well attended, noting that a lot of people spoke and offered

great input; which the Committee incorporated into the most recent draft dated October 29,

2025. She stated they also reviewed the Mayor’s feedback that he provided in his October 29,

2025 letter; and they incorporated the appropriate amendments. She stated that she was confident

that the Town Council would receive more feedback at the November 10, 2025 Public Hearing

and that she would take it into consideration with the same due diligence as the Administration

Committee did at their meeting earlier this evening.

Councilor Ryan stated that he shared many of the same concerns that Councilor Barnes

expressed. He stated that his comments were more structural, noting that he had concerns about

the new “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics

Commission” that was presented over the last two-days; which was completely different from

the previous Ordinance. He stated that the new draft Ordinance did not achieve the goal in many

ways of being a non-partisan commission, noting there were some structural concerns he had

with that. He stated that he realized that this Motion was to set the Public Hearing date,

however, he stated that he wanted to highlight one of his major concerns as follows:

· Section 13. Ethics Commission

members in the manner provided in the Town Charter. Members of the Ethics

Commission shall be appointed by a minimum of (6) affirmative votes of the Town

Council.

Councilor Ryan stated in reviewing the Town of Glastonbury’s Ordinance, that they

required “(7) affirmative votes of their nine member Town Council.” He stated by

requiring “(7) affirmative votes of their nine member Town Council.” To appoint

members to the Ethics Commission, that they would be guaranteed to have a bipartisan

appointment.

Councilor Ryan stated because of these types of concerns and in reviewing the Town Attorney’s

October 28, 2025 email in which the Attorney stated: “I have no additional comments at this

time. After the meeting tomorrow ( 10/29/2025) Please send me a clean version so I can proof

read it one more time”. Therefore, Councilor Ryan stated that he did not think that they could

send this draft Ordinance out to a Public Hearing, without giving it to the Attorney for his

review. He stated if they wanted to be confident in what they were sending out to the Public

Hearing that they should honor the Town Attorney’s request and send the draft Ordinance back

to him prior to the Public Hearing.

Councilor Ryan stated to be clear, that he was not against having an Ethics Policy at all. He

stated that Waterford closed their Ethics Investigation and cleared the four employees that had

the Ethics Complaints filed against them. However, he stated the problem was that their

reputation has been marred; and that there was no consequence to the person who filed the

Ethics Complaint. He stated there was no protection for the trivial filing or abuse of filing of

Ethics Complaints, noting that this was concerning. He suggested they have an Ethics Policy,

which the Town Council could establish, and then have a separate Ad Hoc Committee to make

sure they have the best Ordinance possible to set-up an Ethics Commission, noting that was what

the majority of the Town Council would like to do. Therefore, he stated that they owed it to their

employees and their citizens that they have something that would address all of the concerns

appropriately. He stated while he did not personally feel that an Ethics Commission was

necessary, that as Councilor Barnes mentioned, he also felt that the new draft “An Ordinance

Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” was a lot closer, noting

that Attorney Ritter had a hand in drafting the Town of Glastonbury’s Ordinance. However, he

noted that Attorney Ritter also expressed concern regarding the subjectivity of some of the

wording that ended up in the Glastonbury Ordinance that was drafted twelve-years ago. He

concluded by stating that he thought there was some room for improvement before going to

Public Hearing.

Councilor Saccone noted as other Town Councilors have mentioned, this item was to set the

Public Hearing date for the new draft “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of

Ethics and Ethics Commission”. He also commented on the Ethics Complaint that occurred in

Waterford, noting that the employees’ reputations have been tarnished, noting that could happen

to anyone of them sitting here this evening. He stated that people could make accusations noting

that those things could happen with or without having an Ethics Commission.

Councilor Saccone went on to state that one of the concerns that was raised was the use of

town-owned vehicles by the Police Chief and Fire Chief, noting that those concerns have been

addressed in the draft Ordinance dated October 29, 2025; explaining that most Police Chief’s

and Fire Chiefs get a take-home vehicle. He stated that he would like to see this Motion be

approved to present the draft “An Ordinance Establishing A Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics

and Ethics Commission” to the residents at a Public Hearing.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that she read the news articles regarding the Ethics Complaints

that were filed in Waterford. She provided some additional information noting the employees

were in the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). However, she stated that Ledyard does not

have a Representative Town Meeting (RTM); and therefore, this type of scenario would not

happen, because per their Town Charter that elected officials cannot work

in the town. She stated that she understood Town Councilors’ comments about peoples

reputations, however, she stated that this was about Public Trust and she commented that right

now there was not a lot of public trust. Therefore, she stated that it was essential for them to

have a mechanism that was laid out for anyone in town to refer to when they had questions.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry continued by stating that she liked what occurred at tonight’s Special

Administration Committee, noting that she wished it had happened months ago. She noted that

the residents provided good recommendations; and they made suggestions throughout the

meeting which Councilor Buhle incorporated into the draft Ordinance. She stated that Councilor

Buhle allowed everyone to talk during the meeting. She went on to state that Town Clerk Patrica

Riley and Director of Human Resources mentioned that they would bring their comments to the

November 10, 2025 Public Hearing, because they did not have enough time to review the latest

draft Ordinance for tonight’s Administration Committee meeting.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry went on to explain in drafting the new “An Ordinance Establishing a

Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” that she did review the September 24,

2025 Public and the feedback they had received to make sure all of the concerns were addressed

such as:

· The process to submit Complaints to the Town Clerk’s Office.

· The process to seek Advisory Questions from the Commission.

Councilor Garica-Irizarry noted that the proposed “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of

Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” was necessary because it would apply to

everyone, noting that the Employee Handbook only applied to the employees and that it did not

apply to elected officials such as the members of the Town Council. She addressed the

comments at previous meetings about the Town Attorney not seeing the proposed Ordinance.

She stated aside from the amendments that were made during the Special Administration

Committee meeting that was held earlier this evening that the Town Attorney had probably seen

this Ordinance ten-times; and he provided comments to Councilor Buhle.

Councilor Buhle stated that she voted in-favor to amend tonight’s Special Town Council

Agenda; although she did not feel it was necessary, because they would be sending this new

draft “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” to

a Public Hearing. She stated that she did not support silencing their residents and she thought it

was important for their residents to have the opportunity to share their opinions; which was the

reason she was looking forward to the Public Hearing about this Ordinance.

Councilor Buhle stated that Councilor Garcia-Irizarry started the bones of this new draft

Ordinance from the Town of Glastonbury’s Ordinance. She went on to note her meeting with

Attorney Ritter on Monday, October 27, 2025 explaining that subsequent to their meeting that

Attorney Ritter reviewed the draft Ordinance. She noted a major complaint about the previous

draft Ordinance was the lack of oversight by the Town Attorney. She stated the Town Attorney’s

initial recommendation was to pick a town’s Ethics Ordinance and to start from there. She stated

because Attorney Ritter wrote the Town of Glastonbury’s Ethics Ordinance they decided to start

from there. She stated they have taken forward every change the Town Attorney recommended,

with the exception to change the language “Incompatible with the proper discharge of his or her

official duties”. Councilor Buhle stated that she understood that this was “legal speech” but that

the Ordinance does outline “what was incompatible and what was not incompatible”

Councilor Buhle stated that she has taken the feedback regarding the proposed “An Ordinance

Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” very seriously. She

stated there was never an intent to put an Ordinance through without feedback from their

residents, employees, town attorney, or from anyone. She stated that had Councilor Ryan

provided his feedback to her this morning, that she would have included them along with the

other amendments and would have asked the Town Attorney review them for tonight. She stated

that she sent the latest draft Ordinance to the Town Council asking that they reply to her only,

noting that Councilor Barnes emailed her to ask: “Who determined the penalties for a violation.”

Councilor Buhle stated in working with the Town Attorney that she proposed language that the

Town Attorney said he was okay with, noting that the language was put forward in the new draft

Ordinance.

Councilor Buhle went on to note during the Special Administration Committee meeting that was

held earlier this evening that they changed four or five sentences in the draft “An Ordinance

Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission”; and therefore, she

believed that the Ordinance was ready to be forwarded to a Public Hearing. She stated that she

would not pass an Ordinance without having those sections reviewed by the Town Attorney. She

stated that she has been intentional to make sure that the Ordinance that the Town Council

passes does not create a liability for the town, does not adversely affect their town; and was not

partisan. She stated that she was looking forward to thoughtful and respectful Public Comment,

noting that the Public Comment they received at the Special Administration Committee earlier

this evening was exceptional, and they were able to implement almost all of them.

Chairman St. Vil stated as mentioned by his fellow Councilors this evening, there had been

ample opportunity for each, and every Councilor provide proposed amendments. He stated in

spite of some individuals trying to separate them that there was a greater effort to collaborate,

noting that was going to be the philosophy would carry them forward. He stated the members of

the Town Council volunteer to make decisions on behalf of their residents. He asked that

residents do not get caught up in facebook posts, but that they watch how the Town Council

votes. He stated that the Town Council has given the proposed “An Ordinance Establishing a

Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” its due diligence. He stated that he

was pleased to see feedback from Mayor Allyn, III,; he was pleased to see Attorney Ritter

rearrange his schedule to make time for Councilor Buhle, on Monday, October 27, 2025. He

stated for those who were trying to sow division that he did not think that it had a place in

Ledyard, noting that he sees a town that was growing, developing, and working together.

Councilor Ryan addressed Councilor Buhle’s comment that she sent the draft “An Ordinance

Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” to the entire Town

Council and asked that they reply to her only with their comments. He stated that he did not see

the latest draft of the Ordinance until Tuesday morning, October 28, 2025, noting that it was

sent out on Monday night October 27, 2025. He stated they all have full-time jobs and

competing priorities, noting that he was dismayed when he began reviewing the October 27,

2025 draft, to then get an amended Ordinance, and then another amended version, noting that

amended versions continued to be posted until 3:00 p.m. this afternoon. He stated that it was

tough to keep up with all the amendment that were being made live and on the fly. He stated

that he was not sure that it was appropriate to continue to update the Agenda within the 24-hour

timeframe of the meeting. He stated that he would be happy to give Councilor Buhle all of his

comments, noting that some of them have been addressed. He stated that this was not about

trying to prevent an Ethics Ordinance, that it was about trying to implement an Ethics Ordinance

that does not harm people unnecessarily and was not rushed. He stated it took two years to get

the previous Ordinance to this point, noting that this new draft was done in the course of not

even three-days. He stated that met the definition of “rushed”; and he noted that the timing was

conspicuous.

Councilor Ryan addressed Chairman St. Vil’s comments stating that the Ethics Ordinance was

not holding up other Town Council business, noting that they could multi-task and address the

pressing needs of their residents. He stated their Agendas were able to accommodate multiple

things, noting that the Ethics Ordinance was only one item on their Agendas; and that they

continued to do regular business even with the Ethics Ordinance on their Agenda. He stated if

Chairman St. Vil was saying that the Ethics Ordinance was preventing the Town Council from

addressing business to support the rest of their residents needs that it was a red herring; noting

that they have been supporting the residents of their community. He stated that they should not

be telling the public that the Ethics Ordinance was preventing them from doing the business they

needed to do to support them. He stated although the new draft “An Ordinance Establishing a

Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” was better than the previous version,

that he did not think it was ready to be presented at a Public Hearing.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated during the two years that the Administration Committee worked

on the previous “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics

Commission” that they did not receive any feedback on the draft. She stated now that they were

trying to get the final draft to a Public Hearing they were being told that it was being rushed. She

stated that there was ample time for people to provide feedback on the previous Ordinance,

noting that Mr. Schroeder provided feedback a couple of times during the process.

Councilor Buhle stated that she wanted to clarify a statement regarding the timing, noting that

the documents that were added to the Agenda today, were sent to Administrative Assistant

Roxanne Maher with a request to print for the Town Council; and the question was asked

“Whether she wanted to attach the documents to the Legislative File on the Meeting Portal; and

for transparency reasons she responded “Why Not” noting that some members of the Town

Council liked to do things digitally. She stated that she did not see that as modifying the Agenda,

noting that she was providing the information for people to be able to read it. She stated that she

feels that the goal posts were constantly being moved. She stated that they were not voting to

adopt the proposed “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics

Commission” this evening. She stated that they were voting to set a Public Hearing date. She

stated they would have two-weeks to fully read the proposed Ordinance.

Councilor Brunelle addressed the comments regarding the “Timing was conspicuous”. She

stated that she wanted to point out that they have been working on the proposed “An Ordinance

Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics Commission” for a year and half, and

that there was no nefarious reason they wanted to get it to the finish line. She stated that they just

wanted to get the Ordinance to the finish line, noting that they felt that they have worked on it

long enough; and as Chairman St. Vil stated that there were other things that they would like

focus on. She stated that it was not to say that they could not work on things simultaneously,

noting that if they could finish a few things they would have more time to dedicate to the other

things. She stated that there was no conspicuous timing involved. She went on to state it was not

acceptable behavior to say that they have not read the draft Ordinance; and at the same time say

it was not ready. She stated if they did not have time to read the draft Ordinance for tonight’s

meeting that was fine, noting that they would have time to read it before the November 10, 2025

Public Hearing and to provide comments.

Councilor Barnes stated that he had to address Councilor Brunelle’s comment about a Councilor

not reading the draft “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics

Commission”. He provided clarification, noting that Councilor Ryan did not say he did not read

the proposed Ordinance. He noted that what Councilor Ryan described was that he did not read

the last draft, noting that he knows that Councilor Ryan reads everything. He stated it was fair to

say that they have to acknowledge as a group that what they have in-front of them today was not

complete and it was not final. He stated that the Town Attorney needed to look at the draft

Ordinance, and there would be further revisions. He stated he had faith in every member of this

group that in a period of time they would have the ability to bring it together. However, he stated

to use this as an opportunity to find fault with a Councilor Member, because they made a

statement that they had not read the last draft, noting the drafts continued to change throughout

the day, was ridiculous. Councilor Brunelle stated that it was ridiculous to say that it was

conspicuous timing.

Chairman St. Vil stated he had faith in their constituents that they see the truth, and they

understand the truth. He stated although they were presenting their opinions; that sometimes they

do that as if they were the facts. He stated for the residents that the Ethics Ordinance was

important, that he believed they could differentiate between the two. He stated division was not

helpful, noting that it was helpful to critique each other; and point out opportunities for

improvement. He stated to assume someone’s intent was not helpful; and that the greatest way

for others to know their intent was by their vote.

VOTE

6 - 1 Approved and so declared (Ryan not in favor)

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

April Brunelle

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Garcia-Irizarry, Saccone, and St. Vil

AYE:

Ryan

NAY:

Dombrowski, and Parad

EXCUSED:

Chairman St. Vil stated hearing no other Motions he called for a Motion to Adjourn

Councilor Ryan and Councilor Barnes noted that there were two more Items on tonight’s

Agenda.

MOTION to remove from Table the

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Barnes

Discussion: Chairman St. Vil stated because the Town Council has scheduled a Public Hearing

for the new “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics

Commission” for November 10, 2025; that he did not think removing this item from the Table

added any value.

VO- 5TEF2ailed (Brunelle, Buhle, Garcia-Irizarry, Saccone, St. Vil not in-favor)

A motion was made by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Barnes, that this be Motion

Failed to the Town Council. The motion failed by the following vote:

MOTION to override the Mayor’s disapproval/veto dated October 16, 2025 regarding “An

Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics And Ethics Commission” as

approved by the Town Council at their October 8, 2025 meeting.

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Barnes

Discussion: Chairman St. Vil stated because the Town Council has scheduled a Public Hearing

for the new “An Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics and Ethics

Commission” for November 10, 2025; that he did not think removing this item from the Table

added any value.

VOTE

2 - 5 Failed (Brunelle, Buhle, Garcia-Irizarry, Saccone, St. Vil not in-favor)

MOTION FAILED

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

William Barnes

SECONDER:

Barnes, and Ryan

Brunelle, Buhle, Garcia-Irizarry, Saccone, and St. Vil

AYE:

NAY:

Dombrowski, and Parad

EXCUSED:

MOTION to override the Mayor’s disapproval/veto dated October 16, 2025 regarding “An

Ordinance Establishing a Town of Ledyard Code of Ethics And Ethics Commission” as

approved by the Town Council at their October 8, 2025 meeting.

NO ACTION

ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Buhle moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Brunelle.

RESULT:

VOTE:

7 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.

_____________________________________

Transcribed by Roxanne M. Maher

Administrative Assistant to the Town Council

I, Gary St. Vil, Chairman of the Ledyard Town Council,

hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and

correct copy of the minutes of the Special Town Council

Meeting held on October 29, 2025.

____________________________________

Gary St. Vil, Chairman

DISCLAIMER:

Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the Town.

The Town Council's Official Agenda and final Minutes will be on file in the Town Clerk's

Office.