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, January 14, 2026  
7:00 PM  
Town Hall Council Chambers  
In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex  
Remote: Information noted below:  
Join Zoom Meeting from your Computer, Smart Phone or Tablet:  
https://ledyardct.zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=b6cccf9e-0dee-4e54-bdd2-124158526ddd  
Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 865 7678 0439; Passcode: 501451  
I.  
CALL TO ORDER  
IC.hairman St. Vil called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers, Town  
Hall Annex Building. He noted that he was present remotely this evening via Zoom. He  
stated because he was unable to attend the meeting in-person this evening pursuant to  
Policy:#2022-03-23-01 “Policy And Guidelines For Remote Meeting Participation” he was  
designating Councilor Buhle to serve as Acting Chair and to preside over tonight’s Town  
Council Meeting.  
Chairman Pro-tem Buhle welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. She 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 Jessica Buhle  
Town Councilor Ty Lamb  
Present:  
Town Councilor Adrienne Parad  
Town Councilor James Thompson  
Chairman Gary St. Vil  
Town Councilor Tim Ryan  
Excused:  
Town Councilor Carmen Garcia-Irizarry  
IV.  
PRESENTATIONS  
Ms. Carli Herz, United Way Community Impact Director- Asset Limited Income  
Constrained, Employed (ALICE Report)  
Executive Assistant to the Mayor and Social Services Coordinator Ms. Kristen Chapman introduced  
United Way Representatives Ms. Carli Herz Community Impact Director; and Ms. Lisa-Anne Curtis,  
Resource Development Manager. Ms. Curtis also connects with the people in community about  
engagement. Ms. Chapman noted with the most recent ALICE Report available that Chairman St.  
Vil requested United Way be invited to present the data this evening.  
Ms. Carli Herz, United Way Community Impact Director, provided a handout noting the ALICE  
Report was done on an annual basis. She explained that the Report for 2025 was based on 2023 data  
and she proceeded by reviewing the attached PowerPoint Presentation.  
The Town Council and United Way Representatives discussed the following:  
·
·
$1,700 Housing Costs for ALICE Families and whether Ledyard had housing units available for  
$1,700 per month.  
64% of individuals under the age 25 fall within the ALICE income; and 48% of their Senior  
Citizens (over the age of 65) living on fixed incomes fall within the ALICE income.  
·
·
·
Accessing resources available to assist ALICE income families and individuals, and the barriers  
to access resources; such as transportation.  
Lifelong residents and young families were moving out of Connecticut and specifically Ledyard,  
because they can no longer afford to live here.  
Homeless Hospitality Center in New London has 40-beds, and outreach programs such as  
warming centers, and grant programs, and affordable housing to move individuals into rental  
properties/homes.  
·
ALICE Families bridge the gap by working overtime or two jobs to make ends meet. Because of  
child care costs some ALICE Famlies go down to one income. The income numbers in the  
presentation were based on the 40-hour work week. United Way was working on an initiative  
with the Child Care System to create affordable options so parents could work.  
·
·
United Way has Pipeline and Career Support to prepare young people to graduate with the  
ability to get a job paying a livable wage.  
Credit Card providers prey on those with limited income, as they may rely on credit cards to pay  
for unanticipated expenses such as car repairs, illness, etc. Predatory Lenders were among the  
biggest factors for those who were living within the margins of economic viability.  
·
Now that they have the data, how do they move forward. Instead of continuously supplementing  
they should look to see how they could build people up by developing subsets to work on how to  
substantially make things better, with preventative measures, and programs for emergencies. As  
an example: (1) Councilor Parad was working on an initiative Primary Care for All.; (2) Linda  
C. Davis Food Pantry - Increase accessibility by loosening criteria for residents to access the  
Food Pantry; (3) Farmers Market provide coupons to Senior Citizens to purchase fresh produce  
at the Market. The coupon would be given to the vendor to be used as cash, and then the town  
would reimburse the Farmers Market.  
·
Encourage local businesses in Ledyard to increase their hourly wages for their employees. The  
Businesses could be publicly recognized by thanking them on the town’s digital message signs.  
·
·
It only takes one bad thing to happen for someone to find themselves in a Homeless Shelter and  
in need of assistance, such as a Stroke, Heart Attack, Car Accident. These types of incidents can  
change someone’s life in an instant.  
Personal Care Aides who live in the home and have taken care of someone for many years may  
find themselves homeless and in need of support, when the person they were taking care of  
passed away; and the family decided to sell the house, leaving the Personal Care Aides with no  
place to live.  
·
·
New London Homeless Hospitality Center provides a lot of services by coordinating with  
Veteran Affairs, Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens, Section 8 Housing, etc. They were all in this  
together, their tax dollars pay to help members of their communities, and their neighbors. There  
were no easy solutions, and much more needed to be done. They have seen an increase of people  
living on the edge of that economic threshold; and have seen homelessness increase along with  
the need for services.  
Income Gaps between the ALICE Workers earning $17.00 - $18.00 per hour; and Workers who  
were earning $250.00 per hour. Our society has created a wealth of disparity; which was the  
reason more people were falling into the ALICE threshold. The very rich were moving further  
away from the ALICE threshold, however, the wealthy were not paying their fair share of taxes  
to help with programs such as Child Care, and Healthcare, etc. Unless there was some  
meaningful change in how they decided they wanted to be as a society; they did not see how the  
ALICE Data would get better.  
·
Skewed ALICE Data for Ledyard due to a Military Community - One of the fortunate benefits of  
being Active Military was that about 50% of their pay was not reported on their W-2 Tax Form,  
because they received a number of Allowances such as Housing Allowance which Active  
Military Families did not pay taxes on. Therefore, in looking at W2 Form numbers many  
Military Families fall into the ALICE Statical Data. However, in looking at Active Military  
Families actual income numbers they were not an ALICE Family. It would be interesting to  
know if the ALICE Data Set took into consideration the variables of Military Communities such  
as Ledyard and Groton in their Reporting. These questions were not to diminish the ALICE  
numbers, however, they should acknowledge that there may be a percentage of  
individuals/families that were included in the ALICE Report for this region, that were Military  
Families whose actual total income did not necessarily fall into the ALICE category. This does  
not mean that some Military Families were not struggling, or that the cost of living has not gone  
up.  
Ms. Herz noted that the Skewed ALICE Data was a good question. She explained that the data  
was collected by Rutgers University in partnership with United Way of New Jersy. She stated  
that she does have more detail regarding the sources that they were collecting the data from; and  
that she would look into the sources.  
·
·
The Town Council has the following opportunities to consider their residents who were living  
within the margins of economic viability by: (1) The Annual Budget that they set; (2) How they  
allocate the various budgetary line item ; (3) How the budgetary lines either hurt or help their the  
most vulnerable individuals in their community; and (4) How they were supporting their  
residents who were living paycheck to paycheck.  
Who can the Town Council contact to get ideas on how they could help folks in their  
Community.  
Ms. Herz stated the Town Council could reach out to United Way, noting that they support  
Agencies such as the New London Hospitality Center, Madonna Place, Catholic Charities,  
Mobile Health Hub, Mobile Food Pantry, etc. She stated that they had a plethora of contact  
information that they could provide to the Town Council.  
By getting involved in the community that they would make connections with others who were  
helping in town with things such as collecting furniture to warehouse for when someone needed  
furniture, etc.  
Ms. Curtis stated as the town discusses this data; or should they decide to create some subgroups,  
that United Way was in Gales Ferry; and that they would be happy to have an informal  
conversation and provide some recommendations and resources.  
The Town Council thanked Ms. Herz and Ms. Curtis for their informative presentation, their  
efforts to raise awareness, and for the work they do in their community.  
Chairman St. Vil thanked Executive Assistant/Social Services Coordinator for facilitating this  
discussion.  
Ms. Ms. Kristen Chapman, Executive Assistant to the Mayor/Social Services Coordinator  
Ms. Chapman provided an overview of Ledyard Social Services Programs (see attached).  
Ms. Chapman stated that the Linda C. Davis does have income limits and she noted that the  
Food Pantry works with Connecticut Food Share. She stated the income limit for a family of  
four was $94,000. She stated that there were a lot of Ledyard Residents that were eligible,  
but were not taking advantage of the Food Pantry; noting that she believed that it was due to  
pride. She stated that the Town Council could let residents know about the Food Pantry  
because they may qualify. She stated as a small community that the Food Pantry could serve  
more people noting that they also received monetary donations. She stated with the recent  
SNAP and Government Shut Down that they used the monetary donations to give Food  
Pantry Clients gift cards to the Village Market.  
Chairman Pro-tem thanked Ms. Chapman for the information she provided and the work she  
does for their community.  
V.  
RESIDENT & PROPERTY OWNERS (COMMENTS LIMITED TO THREE (3)  
MINUTES  
Ms. Diane Contino, 231 Lambtown Road, Ledyard, noted that she did not like the comments  
she has been reading on Social Media in which people were saying that their Veterans do not  
deserve their tax breaks. She as a Military Family her family has sacrificed; noting that  
Ledyard was a Military Community and that she did not like to read a veteran’s comment in  
which they stated “Applying for the Veterans Tax Exemption was not worth it because of the  
questions they were asked when they went to the Tax Assessors Office”. Ms. Contino stated  
that this has got to stop.  
Ms. Contino went on to state that the millionaires in Ledyard get all the breaks. She stated  
there were seventeen mobile home communities in Ledyard; and that the taxpayers pay for  
the trash to be picked up at the mobile home parks. She stated the millionaire mobile home  
park owners were not paying for the trash to be picked up at the mobile home park. She  
stated that she and her husband have been in the mobile home park business for over 55  
years. She noted that there were some mobile home owners who owed back taxes, stating  
that someone forgave $10,000 in back taxes, so that a multi-millionaire could bring in  
another mobile home and make $80,000. She stated that was not right; and that this was  
going to stop because she was going to attend every single Town Council meeting and that  
she was going to break chops.  
Ms. Contino questioned what happened to the $90,000 that was foreclosed on for a 91-year  
old man, who had multiple strokes. She stated the town placed a $28,000 lien on this  
gentleman’s property; and then they charged him $100.00 per day. She stated that the bills  
were sent to a Mobile Home Park at 210 Bundy Hill Road, noting the gentleman was not on  
the lease. Mayor Allyn, III responded to Ms. Contino stating the gentleman received the  
town’s notices that were sent to him, noting that he had three-years to clean-up that property.  
Ms. Contino stated that the town could have given the gentleman a Community  
Development Block Grant and put a lien on the property and the town could have sold the  
property, like they had done for other town properties. However, she stated the person who  
thought the gentleman bought the property at auction, went ahead without getting a clear title  
and put it up for sale for over $130,000; therefore, she questioned where the $90,000 went.  
Mayor Allyn stated that Ms. Contino was not speaking properly on this situation. He  
explained that the owner signed an Agreement with a New York based Real Estate Broker,  
who then tried to do a flip and put the property on the Market to make some money, noting  
that the town had screen shots of all of that. She stated there were realtors in town, and that  
every day they can see the properties that were sold in town. She stated with the 2025  
Property Revaluation that mobile homes were valued at $50,000 per lot, stating that the  
Revaluations were not consistent. She questioned the reason their assessments were so low,  
noting that they were not looking at all of the problems. She stated with CGS 8-30g  
(Affordable Housing) that there were going to be more mobile home parks coming, because  
the town can not stop them. She stated when the big property owners who have farms with  
water up their property decide to sell, that those properties were going to become 8-30g  
homes. She stated that she was not going to say that was bad, however, she stated that she  
gave up a contract to sell 8-30g homes because the Developer was taking people who had  
two and three incomes, because their people were the managers of the 8-30g Program, and  
the out of towners give them what they want.  
Mayor Allyn, III addressed Ms. Contino stating that he would extend his offer that he  
extended to her years ago; which was that if she would like to buy the tax liens for the  
mobile homes in the Town of Ledyard, that the town would be happy to sell them to her. Ms.  
Contino stated that the town should put them up for sale, because that the $5,000 piece of  
crap was now worth $40,000 and was being renovated. She stated the reason she knew this  
was because her kids renovate them and sell them for $115,000; because they can get  
financing. She stated when Mobile Home Park Owners were telling her things that was  
against the law that she could call Housing Urban Development (HUD) in Washington, D.C.  
She stated this has got to stop. She stated some say “Oh those poor mobile home people, they  
got a live like that”…. She said wrong, some of them owe back taxes and they have kids that  
went to school in Ledyard. She stated that they were not teaching them to stop cheating,  
noting that it was the millionaires in this town that were cheating.  
Chairman Pro-tem Buhle thanked Ms. Contino for her comments, and she stated that she  
would look into Ms. Contino’s questions.  
VI.  
COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS  
None.  
VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS  
Councilor Barnes stated since the last Town Council meeting there were many things that  
have happened in the world, noting that he thought other members of the Town Council may  
talk about them this evening. However, he stated that he would like to address one topic, and  
he hoped that others would not think poorly of him. He went on to state while it remained  
their First Amendment Right to choose not to stand to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, that  
when people choose not to; that it worried him. He stated that he spent thirty-years of his life  
wearing the uniform for his country. He stated they recite the Oath of Office when they take  
the role they were in to serve on the Town Council. He stated that it was an Oath to the  
Constitution of the United States, it was an Oath to the Constitution of the State of  
Connecticut; noting that the American Flag was neither of those. He stated that he wished  
people would think hard about their choice not to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. He stated  
although students in school were not required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance that they  
were encouraged to; and that he encouraged his children to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in  
school. He stated although it was their First Amendment Right not to recite the Pledge of  
Allegiance that when people choose not to; that it was concerning to him, and so he asked  
people to think hard about it in the future.  
Councilor Burnelle noted that she did not rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance this evening,  
noting that she has recited the Pledge of Allegiance at all of the Town Council Meetings and  
that she has sang the National Anthem many times in her life. However, she stated the reason  
she did not stand this evening was because she felt that she must protest what was happening  
at the top. She stated that she realized that she was here on the Town Council to represent  
their town and their local needs. She stated that they cannot pretend that something bigger  
was happening around them; stating that it would find them. She shared an impactful  
experience she had when visiting the Holocaust Museum while on a Middle School Field  
Trip. She stated today the United States of America was now being run by Fascists, noting  
that they had a group of masked thugs with no badges and no accountability, with very little  
training that were killing/murdering/assaulting people. She stated that their new thing was  
“Comply or Die” as they were now going door to door, which was against their Fourth  
Amendment. She stated on January 7, 2026 Renee Good, an American Citizen, was fatally  
shot in Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agent Jonathan Ross.  
She stated that military type people were now targeting American Citizens. She stated on a  
recent Homeland Security Podium the phase “One of Ours..All of Yours” was purposely  
visible, noting that this statement was coined in Germany, when a secret security officer and  
everyone in that village was killed. She stated the phase “One of Ours..All of Yours” cannot  
be taken out of context, noting that it was purposely displayed on the Homeland Security  
Podium. She stated that they were not safe with this President; they were not safe with his  
rhetoric, they were not safe with his policies, they were not safe. She stated that this goes  
beyond political parties, stating that this was morality. She stated that this was their Fourt  
Amendment Right, their Rights as Citizens. She stated that she did not know what to do  
about all of this, but that she would not stay silent, which was her reason for not standing to  
recite the Pledge of Allegiance this evening. She stated she was on the Town Council to  
represent their town and their people, and to help where they could, however, she stated that  
she has lost almost all of her faith with their higher up. Thank you.  
Councilor Thompson stated about a year ago his daughter got in trouble in school because  
she had joined with some other girls to pick on another kid. . He stated that this was an  
uncharacteristic act of meanness, noting that his daughter was an incredibly sweet and kind  
kid. He stated that he was very disappointed in his daughter’s behavior and he told her that.  
However, he stated that not for on second did he stop loving his daughter, noting that it was  
because of his love for her that he was so disappointed in her. He stated that you could love  
your country and be disappointed with it. He stated that he does not recognize a lot of their  
country anymore because of the reasons Councilor Brunelle described this evening. He stated  
they were living in a very scary time right now, and that he was disappointed with a lot of  
what his country was doing. However, he stated he still loved his country, even though he  
was disappointed with it.  
Councilor Lamb addressed the far left conversations and the far right conversations, noting  
that although they were the minority, that both sides had very strong voices that were killing  
the 90% of the voices that were in the middle. He stated that he hoped that all of them here  
on the Town Council and on the Board of Education could continue to look at watering  
down these voices on the far left and far right that were hurting them. He noted that many of  
Ledyard’s elected officials were young; and therefore, they may not remember Tip (Thomas)  
O’Neil from Massachusetts, who served as the 47th Speaker of the House of Representatives  
from 1977 - 1987 in Washington, D.C. He stated during Congressman O’Neil’s era the  
Democrats and the Republicans could sit down have a great conversation and come to a  
consensus; and then go out to eat together. He stated that Councilor Brunelle was bringing  
attention to a bipolarization of what was currently going on in their country today; noting  
that the few were taking the conversation to the far left and far right. He stated as humans  
that they should work together and try to get back to the middle.  
Councilor Lamb questioned whether Chairman St. Vil’s intention this evening was for the  
members of the Town Council to each put forward one item that they would try to help the  
town with. Chairman St. Vil noted the item Councilor Lamb was referring to was Item #13  
on tonight’s Agenda. However, he stated that he would be tabling the item to their next  
meeting, based on time and the number of topics to be discussed.  
Councilor Lamb stated that there were a lot of things that he hoped they could do. He stated  
that he believed that he was getting some traction with the Land Use/Planning/Public Works  
Committee understanding with regard to the following: (1) The need to look at a Long Term  
Strategic Plan for all of their facilities; (2) Historic Designation of the Spicer Homestead  
Ruins; (3) Affordability Issues and the pressure placed on residents with increased taxes; and  
(4) Initiative to focus on eventually making a Planning Committee.  
Councilor Lamb stated when he served on the Board of Education that he begged for the  
Town Council and the Board of Education to start making bridges together. He stated that it  
looked like the Board of Education was willing to work together. He stated that his position  
was to put Ledyard first and to forget about Parties.  
Councilor Parad stated there was a lot going on nationally, however, she stated as Councilor  
Lamb suggested, that their role was to focus on what they could do locally. She commented  
on the following: (1) Flu Season - Councilor Parad noted that Nationally there has been a  
shake up on medical advice and vaccine recommendations. She stated as a Physician that she  
would suggest that folks get their Flu Shots, noting that they were in the midst of a terrible  
Flu Season. She also advised that people take their vaccine recommendations from their  
Doctors, the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics,  
noting that they were giving non-biased scientific, education based recommendations; (2)  
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 this was a good opportunity to bring everyone together to do something  
fun for their community  
Chairman St. Vil, attending remotely via Zoom, provided the following comments: (1) 139th  
District Special Election - Chairman St. Vil congratulated Larry Pemperton on his recent  
election to represent the 139th District which included portions of Ledyard; (2) Annual  
Budget Preparation Fiscal Year 2026/2027 - Chairman St. Vil stated School Superintendent  
Jason Hartling presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Education Budget to the  
Board of Education at their January 13, 2026 meeting. He stated the proposed budget would  
now be reviewed by the Board of Education. He stated the Annual Budget Preparation was a  
public process and he invited and encouraged their constituents to attend the Board of  
Education and the Town Council’s Budget Work Shops to listen to the details and the  
substantiation provided by the people who developed the various budgets.  
Chairman Pro-tem Buhle stated that she wanted to echo Chairman St. Vil comments as  
follows: (1) 139th Special Election - Chairman Pro-tem congratulated Representative-Elect  
Larry Pemperton on his recent election, noting that she was hopeful that Representative-Elect  
Pemperton would bring forward the perspectives that need to be heard in Hartford; (2) Fiscal  
Year 2026/2027 Annual Budget Preparation - Chairman Pro-tem Buhle stated the Board of  
Education’s Budget Work Shop was scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026. She noted the  
Town Council Finance Committee’s Budget Work Sessions were scheduled for March 5, 9,  
12, 2026 and she encouraged residents to attend and participate in the process. She stated the  
Work Sessions were fun and boring at the same time, noting if you liked numbers they were  
fun, if you do not like numbers they were boring  
VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
MOTION to approve the Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes of December 10, 2025.  
Moved by Councilor Thompson, seconded by Councilor Parad  
VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
James Thompson  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Adrienne Parad  
SECONDER:  
IX.  
COMMUNICATIONS  
Communications List - January 14, 2026  
Chairman Pro-tem Buhle a Communications List has been provided on the meeting portal for  
tonight’s meeting, and she noted there were referrals were listed.  
RECEIVED AND FILED  
RESULT:  
X.  
REFERALS  
XI.  
COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS  
Administration Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
1.  
Councilor Brunelle stated the Administration Committee Meeting that was scheduled for  
tonight was cancelled. She noted the Committee would be meeting on January 28, 2026.  
.
RESULT:  
Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Report- Fiscal Year  
2025/2026  
2.  
3.  
Councilor Brunelle stated the Committee would be meeting on January 29, 2026.  
.
RESULT:  
Finance Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
Chairman Pro-tem Buhle noted the Finance Committee had a few items on tonight’s agenda  
that they would discuss later in the meeting. She stated that the Finance Committee would be  
working on the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget in the coming weeks.  
.
RESULT:  
LUPPW Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
4.  
Councilor Thompson stated the LUPPW Committee met on January 6, 2026 and discussed  
the following: (1) Historic Preservation of the Spicer Homestead Ruins - Councilor  
Thompson stated the LUPPW Committee received a letter dated January 2, 2026 from  
Historic District Commission Member Ammie M. Chittim, who was the Historic  
Commission’s Director of Archaeological Research and Preservation. He stated the LUPPW  
Committee would continue to talk about the Spicer Homestead Ruins; (2) Blight Property  
Report - Councilor Thompson stated that the Land Use Department current had 14 Blight  
Issues that were being resolved and 6 properties sites were being monitored; (3) Leasing of  
Town-Owned Land - Councilor Thompson stated the LUPPW Committee has been  
discussing securing a new Lessee for the 102 -acre Clark Farm Property. He stated that they  
were hoping to find someone who would maintain the agricultural integrity of the property  
with the planting of crops such as hay which would have the least impact on the soil and was  
not invasive.  
Councilor Lamb ask the following questions: (1) Whether the Land Use/Planning/Public  
Works Committee would allow the Board of Education to present their Fiscal Year  
2026/2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to them or to the full Town Council. Councilor  
Thompson stated that he has been talking with School Superintendent Jason Hartling;  
however, he stated that they do not have anything definite. Chairman St. Vil stated that  
Superintendent Hartling has agreed to present the Board of Education’s proposed Fiscal Year  
2026/2027 Capital Improvement Plan and Budget to the full Town Council. He asked  
Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher to coordinate with Mr. Hartling’s Office to  
schedule the Board of Education’s Capital Improvement Plan Presentation at the next earliest  
available Town Council Meeting; (2) Spicer Homestead Ruins Study Committee - Councilor  
Lamb noted at the January 5, 2026 Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee Meeting  
they passed a Motion to forward to the Town Council to appoint Historic District  
Commission as the Study Committee for the Spicer Homestead Ruins. He questioned  
whether Councilor Thompson would work with Chairman St. Vil to include that Motion on  
the next Town Council Agenda. Councilor Thompson replied “Yes”.  
.
RESULT:  
5.  
Liaison Reports  
Board of Education Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
1.  
Councilor Barnes stated to-date he attended two Board of Education meetings noting the  
following: (1) Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Elementary School  
Students shared their experience. Councilor Barnes stated that it was great to see the students  
excitement and he thanked the Faculty for their work; (2) Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Education  
Budget - Councilor Barnes stated that School Superintendent Jason Hartling presented his  
proposed Education Budget to the Board of Education at their January 13, 2026 meeting which  
included the following: (a) Proposed Increase $1.4 million or 3.48% above the current budget  
year (fy 25/26); (b) $1.08 million of the $1.4 million was contractual labor increases, which were  
previously approved through labor contracts in prior years; (c) $325,000 which was for major  
inflationary categories: such as heating, transportation, etc.; (d) Reduction of $277,000 for things  
that were in the current year’s budget (fy 25/26) that do not need to occur again in the coming  
budget year because they were one-time expenses; and for other priority adjustments. He stated  
that he thought the Board of Education was off to a good start for a vibrant process that the  
Town Council’s Finance Committee would oversee.  
.
RESULT:  
Farmers Market Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
2.  
Councilor Brunelle stated the Farmers Market met on January 7, 2026 and addressed the  
following: (1) Reviewed last year’s Season and began preparations for the 2026 Market Season;  
(2) June 3, 2026 would be the Kick-Off for this year’s season; (3) Purchase a Laptop Computer  
and Printer for the Committee’s use; (4) Discussed using a Venmo Account; which would allow  
the Farmers Market to send and receive money, pay bills, etc. The Farmers Market was currently  
using PayPal and other means; (5) Agreed to keep the number of Market Weeks the same as last  
year; (6) Vendor Prices; (7) Will use some money to fix the fence by the Congregational Church,  
because they use the fence.  
.
RESULT:  
Agricultural Committee Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
3.  
Councilor Lamb noted the Agricultural Commission met on December 16, 2025 and discussed  
the following: (1) Developed a recommendation to get the Clark Farm back under lease for  
Agricultural purposes. The Committee would be working with the Mayor’s Office to solicit  
Request for Proposals (RFP); (2) Quarterly Joint Land Use Meetings - Councilor Lamb stated  
the Agricultural Commission hosts a Quarterly Joint Meeting in which volunteers from the  
town’s land use commissions meet and discuss how they could coordinate and help each other;  
(3) Agricultural Commission was discussing how they could expand their role to help the town  
more.  
Historic District Commission Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
4.  
Councilor Lamb stated the Commission met on December 5, 2025 and continued their work on  
the Spicer Homestead Ruins Historic Designation as follows: (1) Motion to name the Historic  
District Commission to be the Study Committee for the Spicer Homestead Ruins - Councilor  
Lamb noted as he mentioned earlier this evening that a Motion would be on the next Town  
Council Agenda to give the Historic District Commission permission to be the lead on the  
initiative to seek an historic designation of the Spicer Homestead Ruins. He stated the Historic  
District Commission felt that a Town Council action to give them permission was needed.  
Therefore, he thought why not just give them the permission, noting that he did not understand  
the argument between “They already had the permission per Ordinance #300-019 “An  
Ordinance Establishing a Historic District Commission”” , verses “Giving them the permission  
needed”. He stated that the Town Council should just give the Commission the permission;  
noting that he would be backing that Town Council action; (2) Flow Chart - Councilor Lamb  
stated that the Commission would also be developing a Flow Chart of their path forward, so they  
could provide updates as they go; (3) A2 Survey of the Spicer Homestead Ruins - Councilor  
Lamb stated the Historic District Commission would like to adjudicate what the actual space  
might be; (4) Celebrate 250 - Councilor Lamb stated the Historic District Commission was also  
working with the Celebrate America 250 Planning Committee for the Commemoration of the  
Signing of Declaration of Independence and the birth of our Country on July 4th. He stated the  
volunteers that serve on their town committees were the Team that they should celebrate.  
.
RESULT:  
Social Services Board Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
Councilor Parad noted because they heard from Social Services earlier this evening, that she  
would not report on their activities.  
.
RESULT:  
Library Commission Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
6.  
Councilor Parad stated the Library Commission met on Monday, January 12, 2026 and she  
reported on the following: (1) Ms. Vivan Zoe, a Ledyard resident gave a presentation, noting that  
Ms. Zoe’s parents were Holocaust Survivors. She noted that Ms. Zoe talked about her research  
work to piece the history together, because people were quiet about their history. She stated that  
it was a wonderful and interesting presentation, noting that she took her children to the  
presentation; (2) Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget - Councilor Parad stated the Library has put  
together a sensible budget for the coming year. She stated their new Library Director Jessica  
Franco has only been on the job for one month, but that she has already taken an inventory of  
everything; and she has sharpened the tack.  
.
RESULT:  
Economic Development Commission Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
7.  
Chairman Pro-tem Buhle stated the EDC met on January 6, 2026 and she reported on the  
following: (1) Route 12 Streetscape Action Plan - Chairman Pro-tem Buhle stated that the EDC  
would be working on a Streetscape Action Plan for Route 12 because Grant Programs look for  
shovel ready projects. She stated that the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP)  
Grant was probably the easiest grant to seek for the Gales Ferry Route 12 Corridor  
Improvements. However, she stated even if the STEAP Grant Applications opened up that  
Ledyard would not be eligible to apply this year because they were still tied up with the  
Playscape Projects that they received the STEAP Grant for last year; and (2) Discussed Other  
Properties for Development.  
.
RESULT:  
XII. REPORT OF THE MAYOR  
Mayor Report Fiscal Year 2025/2025  
Mayor Allyn, III, reported on the following: (1) MS4 Drainage Audit - Mayor Allyn stated  
all of Ledyard’s storm drains were audited, noting that this was in response to the  
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) unfunded mandate. He  
congratulated Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin stating that Ledyard  
essentially received an “A” noting that the Department of Energy and Environmental  
Protection (DEEP) would be issuing Ledyard a new Five-Year Permit; (2) Police Chief John  
Rich would be retiring on June 30, 2025 - Mayor Allyn stated he could not thank Chief Rich  
for all his work over the past ten-years to get Ledyard’s Independent Police Department off  
the ground. He stated they would be starting the process to look for a new Police Chief  
soon; (3) Executive Assistant to the Mayor/Social Services Coordinator Kristen Chapman  
has resigned her position to be effective on January 22, 2026. He stated although he was  
disappointed that Ms. Chapman would be leaving, that she had an excellent opportunity to  
take a position in the Mohegan Tribal Government. He stated that he appreciated the work  
that Ms. Chapman has done for his Office and that he knew that she would do amazing  
things in her new position; (3) New Library Director Jessica Franco - Mayor Allyn noted as  
Councilor Parad mentioned, that Ms. Franco has hit the ground running and was pulling her  
Team together. He stated that Ms. Franco comes to Ledyard from the Norwich Library  
stating that she had excellent experience, noting that she was a Ledyard resident; (4)  
Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) Legislative Meeting - Mayor  
Allyn stated that seven State Representatives and three State Senators attended their January  
6, 2026 meeting. He noted that the twenty-two SCCOG Municipalities presented their  
Legislative Agenda which was as follows: (a) Reduce Early Voting Days from 14-days to 7  
days; (b) Soid Waste Solution which included increasing two of their Waste Energy Plants  
(Wheelabrator in Lisbon; and The Reworld (formerly Covanta) in Bristol). He stated that  
both of these Plants were ready for a second burner and because the State of Connecticut was  
currently trucking and taking by rail 800,000 tons of trash a year and dumping it in Senica  
Falls, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio; that the second burners were a good solution. He  
stated what Connecticut was doing to other states was awful, and it was not a solution; (c)  
Increase the Special Education Funding; (d) Discussed the Veterans Tax Exemption that was  
provided by Public Act 24-46 “An Act Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for Veterans  
Who Have a Service-Connected Permanent and Total Disability Rating”. Mayor Allyn stated  
that unfortunately the data that the State Legislature worked with was terribly wrong, which he  
repeatedly reported during the Legislative Session before the Act was adopted. He stated the  
State Legislature data said that Ledyard had a total of 19 Veterans that met the exemption level,  
noting that Ledyard currently had 113 Veterans that meet the exemption level with another 30  
Pending Applications, explaining that they were at the threshold of about $1 million tax dollars  
that were foregone with this Tax Exemption Program. He stated that he supports the tax  
exemption; however, he stated what he did not support was the State passing this down to the  
Municipalities and to their local tax payers, and then patting themselves on the back, leaving the  
towns and cities to figure it out; (e) Discussed the more than 1,400 Unfunded Mandates in  
Connecticut that hit cities and towns. He stated that SCCOG asked their State Representatives  
that for every new Unfunded Mandate the State passes that they remove two Unfunded  
Mandates from the books; (e) Proposed a Sales Tax Reallocation - Mayor Allyn stated the  
SCCOG Municipalities asked that the State take 1% of the 6.35% Sales Tax and give half of that  
to the Municipalities across the board to help off-set costs, noting that towns could direct the  
funding toward capital or other expenses; and that the other half of the 1% go toward Workforce  
Development for the State of Connecticut as a whole. Mayor Allyn stated a lot of SCCOG’s  
ideas were received fairly well. He stated that this year was a Short Session noting that it  
would start the first week of February and end the first week of June, 2026; (5) Deer Strikes -  
Mayor Allyn stated they ended the 2025 year with 64 deer strikes. He stated so far for 2026  
they have had five deer strikes. He stated they were looking for a meeting with the  
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to determine what they could  
do, noting that it may be possible that the deer population in Ledyard was too big; (6) Winter  
Operations - Mayor Allyn stated that Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin  
does an amazing job tracking the statistics of their Winter Operations. He stated year-to-date  
that this year’s Winter Operations costs were currently tracking higher than their 10-year  
average, considering they have only received a total of about 12 inches of snow. However, he  
stated the snowstorms they have had were on weekends and holidays incurring higher costs.  
He stated they were hopeful that they would see a break in the winter weather; (7) Lantern  
Hill Road Bridge - Mayor Allyn stated that the Towns of Ledyard and Stonington shared two  
bridges: (a) Lantern Hill Road Bridge; and (b) Wolf Neck Road Bridge. He stated they have  
received Grant Funding for the Lantern Hill Road Bridge. He stated that the Town of  
Stonington would be taking the lead for the repairs to the Lantern Hill Road Bridge, noting  
that he and Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin met with the Town of  
Stonington to discuss and plan for the cost sharing; which would be allocated over the next  
two budget years. He stated that Ledyard had one other shared bridge that was with the Town  
of Preston, noting that it was located at the end of Avery Hill Road near Route 2; (8)  
Property Revaluations - Mayor Allyn stated that the Revaluation work was starting to wind  
down, explaining that there were still appeals to be heard, adjustments to be made, and the  
Motor Vehicle List was not yet finalized. He suggested residents visit the VGSI.com to view  
their new assessment. He stated the Assessments were also mailed to every Property Owner.  
He stated if Property Owners feel that their Assessment was incorrect they have the right to  
an Assessment Hearing, noting that Appeal Applications were being accepted until February  
19, 2026; (9) Firefighter Radio Interoperability $290,000 Grant - Mayor Allyn stated that  
Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield secured this Grant Funding to upgrade  
the town’s radios. He stated that it took the State one-year to program Ledyard’s radios,  
noting that it was good news that the radios were finally done; (10) Capital Improvement  
Plan (CIP) - Mayor Allyn stated that he wanted to clarify statements regarding the Capital  
Improvement Plan, noting in accordance with Chapter VII; Section 4 of the Town Charter  
that Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was to be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning  
Commission; not the Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee. He stated if they wanted  
them to bring the Capital Improvement Plan to the LUPPW Committee that they could,  
however, he stated the Town Charter required the Capital Improvement Plan to go to the  
Planning & Zoning Commission.  
Questions to the Mayor  
Councilor Lamb addressed the Property Revaluation and the Appeals Process. He questioned  
whether Property Owners would be notified of any adjudication. Mayor Allyn, III explained  
the process noting the following: (1) Property Owners would file the Appeal Application; (2)  
Have an Appeal Appointment; (3) Within some period of time the Property Owner would  
receive a letter that stated either they made an adjustment or that the appeal was denied.  
Councilor Lamb questioned whether that was the final say. Mayor Allyn stated if the  
Property Owners were dissatisfied with the Board of Assessment Appeals result that they  
could appeal to the Superior Court.  
XIII. OLD BUSINESS  
None  
XIV. NEW BUSINESS  
MOTION to amend the Agenda to Table Item #13 to the next Town Council Meeting as follows:  
Each Town Councilor to identify one priority to accomplish in 2026  
Moved by Chairman St. Viil seconded by Chairman Pro-tem Buhle  
VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved to Table  
CONSENT CALENDAR  
MOTION to reappoint the following members to the Historic District Commission for a five (5)  
year term ending December 3, 2030.  
*1  
·
Mr. Douglas Kelley (D) 40 Pinelock Drive, Gales Ferry (Regular Member)  
·
Mr. Kenneth Geer (U) 23 Thomas Road, Ledyard (Alternate Member)  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
RESULT:  
MOTION to reappoint Ms. Sharon Wadecki (D) 44 Fanning Road, Ledyard, to the Retirement  
Board for a three (3) year term ending January 20, 2029.  
*2.  
*3.  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
RESULT:  
MOTION to reappoint Mr. Greg Lockhart, (D) 30 Tanager Lane, Gales Ferry, as an Alternate  
Member, to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a three (3) year term ending December 31,  
2028.  
Moved by Councilor Parad, seconded by Councilor Thompson  
VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Adrienne Parad  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
James Thompson  
SECONDER:  
2
Ryan, and Garcia-Irizarry  
EXCUSED:  
Administration Committee  
MOTION appoint Mechelle Barber (D) 20 Quakertown Meadows, Ledyard, to the Ledyard  
Beautification Committee to complete a three (3) year term ending October 26, 2028 filling a  
vacancy left by Ms. Brousseau.  
4.  
Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Thompson  
Discussion: None.  
VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
April Brunelle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
James Thompson  
SECONDER:  
7
2
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, and St. Vil  
Ryan, and Garcia-Irizarry  
AYE:  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to appoint Michelle Hagerty (D) 6 Greyston Court, Ledyard, to the Ledyard  
Beautification Committee to complete a three (3) year term ending October 26, 2027 filling a  
vacancy left by Ms. Holdsworth.  
5.  
Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Barnes  
Discussion: None.  
VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
April Brunelle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
William Barnes  
SECONDER:  
7
2
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, and St. Vil  
Ryan, and Garcia-Irizarry  
AYE:  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to appoint Ms. Rebecca Watford (R) 429 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard as a  
Regular Member to the Historic District Commission to complete a five (5) year term ending  
December 6, 2027 filling a vacancy left by Mr. Lamb.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Parad  
Discussion: None.  
VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
April Brunelle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Adrienne Parad  
SECONDER:  
7
2
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, and St. Vil  
Ryan, and Garcia-Irizarry  
AYE:  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to appoint Ms. Anne Roberts-Pierson (U) ) 4 Andersson Drive, Gales Ferry as an  
Alternate Member to the Historic District Commission to complete a five (5) year term ending  
December 6, 2028 filling a vacancy left by Ms. Watford.  
Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Barnes  
Discussion: None.  
VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
April Brunelle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
William Barnes  
SECONDER:  
7
2
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, and St. Vil  
Ryan, and Garcia-Irizarry  
AYE:  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to appoint Councilor Jessica Buhle (D) 65 Pheasant Run Drive, Gales Ferry, as the  
Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee Member to the Sustainable CT Ad Hoc Committee  
to complete a two (2) year term ending December 15, 2027 filling a vacancy left by Councilor  
Garcia-Irizarry.  
Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Thompson  
Discussion: None.  
VOTE: 6 - 0 - 1 Approved and so declared (Buhle abstained)  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
April Brunelle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
James Thompson  
SECONDER:  
7
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, and St. Vil  
AYE:  
2
Ryan, and Garcia-Irizarry  
EXCUSED:  
Finance Committee  
MOTION to appropriate and transfer $157,133 from Account #10188210-59300 (Transferred  
Funds) to Account #22570101-58250 (BOE CNR Reserve Fund);  
9.  
In addition, appropriate $157,133 to Account #225670101-58250 (BOE CNR Reserve Fund)  
..end.  
Moved by Chairman Pro-tem Buhle, seconded by Councilor Parad  
Discussion: Chairman Pro-tem Buhle provided some background noting that funding from the  
Federal Government was unpredictable. She explained that the town received an additional  
$157,133 from Impact Aide; and therefore, the Board of Education has requested these funds be  
transferred to their Capital Account to be used for one-time capital projects. She stated in his  
December 2, 2025 letter that School Superintendent Jason Hartling noted the funding would be  
used for the following projects:  
Project  
Replacement Fire Doors LHS  
FM System LMS $90,000  
Music Room Renovations LHS  
Building  
Estimated Cost  
$40,000  
Notes  
Will Replace remaining Fire Doors  
Install FM System for Hearing Impaired  
Upgrade Music Room LHS  
$27,000  
Chairman Pro-tem Buhle stated that these projects were shovel ready and could be completed  
before the next school year.  
VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Jessica Buhle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Adrienne Parad  
SECONDER:  
7
2
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, and St. Vil  
Ryan, and Garcia-Irizarry  
AYE:  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to authorize the expenditure of $4,645 for the purpose of removing firefighting foam  
and cleaning the foam system on Gales Ferry Engine 21.  
10.  
Moved by Chairman Pro-tem Buhle, seconded by Councilor Parad  
Discussion: Chairman Pro-tem Buhle stated the Gales Ferry Fire Company was eligible to  
receive Grant Funding for the cost to remove the firefighting foam and to clean the foam system  
on Gales Ferry Engine 21. She stated that they solicited and received three quotes from  
remediation contractors for the work, noting that Moran Environmental Recovery, LLC (MER)  
was the low quote in the amount of $4,645. She stated that this was a reimbursable grant  
program, explaining that the town had to spend the money first and then submit the receipts to  
receive the Grant Funding.  
Mayor Allyn, III stated that the existing Legacy Firefighting Foam has been found to have  
Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the product. He stated that changes to State Laws  
and awareness in industry have resulted in new “Clean Foams’’ becoming the industry standard.  
He explained that the State of Connecticut has allocated funding to support Departments in the  
state, including the payment of hazardous waste contractors, to remove the old foam and clean  
the foam systems in the apparatus in order to prevent and protect firefighters exposure and  
environmental exposure to PFAS. He stated because the low quote was below the $5,000  
threshold provided in Ordinance #200-001 “Purchasing Ordinance” that this item technically  
did not need to be approved by the Town Council. However, he stated when they started this  
process to apply for the State Grant Funding that the Gales Ferry Fire Department only had one  
quote which was $7,700. Therefore, he stated the Finance Committee asked Gales Ferry Fire  
Chief Jeff Erhart to obtain three quotes. He stated in doing so; that they were able to obtain the  
quote from Moran Environmental Recovery, LLC (MER) in the amount of $4,645.  
VOTE: 6 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Jessica Buhle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Adrienne Parad  
SECONDER:  
6
3
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, and Thompson  
St. Vil, Ryan, and Garcia-Irizarry  
AYE:  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to authorize the Mayor to issue a “Letter of Commitment” to Avalonia Land  
Conservancy, Inc., in response to their request of $98,000 from Account  
11.  
#210-101210-12101-58920 (Open Space Fund) to provide financial support/town share with the  
acquisition of 173-175 Stoddard’s Wharf Road, 30.30+/- acres of Open Space; to be payable to  
Avalonia Land Conservancy, Inc, Seller or closing law firm at the time of the closing.  
Moved by Chairman Pro-tem Buhle, seconded by Councilor Parad  
Discussion: Mayor Allyn, III explained that 173-175 Stoddards Wharf Road was about a 30-acre  
parcel that was located at the intersection of Avery Hil Road Extension and Stoddards Wharf  
Road. He stated at a Special Town Meeting held on November 12, 2025 the townspeople  
approved to transfer 19 Avery Hill Road Extension, known as the “Kettle Hole” to Avalona  
Land Conservancy. He stated acquiring 173-175 Stoddard’s Wharf Road would be all the land  
surrounding the Kettle Hole property. He stated that Avalonia Land Conservancy has also  
acquired a piece of property across the street, which was closer to the Tri-Town Trail. He  
reviewed the map (attached) to describe the connectivity with the hope of bringing the trail all  
the way down to the Thames River.  
Mayor Allyn continued by stating that Avalona Land Conservancy were great stewards of Open  
Space, noting that they do more than the Town could ever budget to do. He stated the town  
commitment of $98,000 for the acquisitions of 173-175 Stoddard’s Wharf Road and $80,000 for  
1069 Colonel Ledyard Highway (Item # 5; see below) would leave a balance of $298,702.95 in  
the town’s Open Space Fund which the Town Council established in 2008. He stated the Open  
Space Fund grows by about $50,000 annually from the conveyance of real estate property. He  
noted in accordance with Ordinance #200-009 “Ordinance Providing for the Transfer of  
Revenue from the Real Estate Conveyance Tax to the Park and Recreation Capital and  
Non-Recurring Expense Fund”:  
· Forty percent (40%) of the money received from the Real Estate Conveyance Fees goes to  
the Parks and Recreation Capital and Non Recurring Expense Fund;  
· Forty percent (40%) goes to the town’s Capital and Non Recurring Funds, to be used only  
for capital/infrastructure expenses; and  
· Twenty percent (20%) goes to the Capital and Non Recurring Funds for the Acquisition of  
Open Space.  
Avalonia Land Conservancy President Mr. Dennis Main, attending remotely via Zoom, stated  
that Mayor Allyn did a good job explaining how acquiring this parcel would help them to  
continue the connectivity to bring the trails to the Thames River with the current work that was  
being done. He stated that he was present to answer any questions the Town Council may have.  
He mentioned that after 20-years Avalonia Land Conservancy has moved their operations to 756  
Colonel Ledyard Highway, which was across from the Town Hall. He stated in 2005 the town  
transferred 8 open space parcels to Avalonia Land Conservancy and in 2014 the town transferred  
another 8 open space parcels. He stated that they also transferred several others including the  
Founders Preserve in 2020. He stated that Avalonia Land Conservancy has worked to  
strategically pick parcels that connect to each other. He stated during the Covid Pandemic these  
trails were a great place for people to have outdoor recreation where they could be separate.  
Councilor Lamb asked Mayor Allyn to talk about the difference between the mechanism for the  
town to convey property and what they were doing this evening.  
Mayor Allyn stated that Items # 11 & # 12 on tonight’s Agenda were similar to a Public-Private  
Partnership. He explained that the Town was not the buyer, noting that Avalonia Land  
Conservancy was the buyer. He stated the Town was offering funds from their Open Space Fund  
to assist Avalonia Land Conservancy to acquire the properties. He stated that the Town also  
participated in a Public-Private Partnership with Avalonia Land Conservancy and Groton  
Utilities for the Atkins Property on Long Cove Road in Glaes Ferry.  
Mayor Allyn went on to explain that when the Town conveys town-owned property to Avalona  
Land Conservancy as Open Space, such as the Founders Preserve that the town conveys the  
property for $1.00 and included in the Deed was an Agreement that should Avalonia Land  
Conservancy choose not to have that parcel in their land inventory that Avalona Land  
Conservancy would convey the property back to the Town, if the town so chooses, for that same  
$1.00. He stated should that occur that the Town would pay for the legal fees and other  
associated expenses just as Avalonia Land Conservancy has paid those fees when the property  
was conveyed to them. He also explained when the town conveys property to Avalonia Land  
Conservancy that a Public Hearing and a Special Town Meeting was required for the  
townspeople to vote on the property conveyance.  
VOTE: 6 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Jessica Buhle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Adrienne Parad  
SECONDER:  
6
3
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, and Thompson  
St. Vil, Ryan, and Garcia-Irizarry  
AYE:  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to authorize the Mayor to issue a “Letter of Commitment” to Avalonia Land  
Conservancy, Inc., in response to their request of $80,000 from Account  
12.  
#210-101210-12101-58920 (Open Space Fund) to provide financial support/town share with the  
acquisition of 1069 Colonel Ledyard Highway; 20.23 +/- acres of Open Space to be payable to  
Avalonia Land Conservancy, Inc, Seller or closing law firm at the time of the closing.  
Moved by Chairman Pro-tem Buhle, seconded by Councilor Parad  
Discussion: Mayor Allyn, III stated that this was similar to Item #11 (see above) explaining that  
1069 Colonel Ledyard Highway abuts 1087 Colonel Ledyard Highway which the town acquired  
when the Norwich State Hospital was closed. He stated 1087 Colonel Ledyard Highway was the  
Trailhead of the Tri-Town Trail. He stated that 1069 Colonel Ledyard Highway was diagonally  
across the street from the Rose Hill Wildlife Management Area, which was several hundred  
acres and he referred to the map (see attached). He stated that Dave and Deborha Vessells, who  
owned AA Lock and Key, attended the Finance Committee’s January 7, 2026 meeting via Zoom  
to express their support for the town to assist Avalona Land Conservancy to acquire this 20-acre  
parcel for the natural habitat, noting of equal importance that this parcel was wetland soils and a  
flood basin. He also stated the reason these wetland parcels were important was for when they  
have flooding waters to help prevent the water the waters from going onto residential properties.  
VOTE: 6 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Jessica Buhle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Adrienne Parad  
SECONDER:  
6
3
Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Lamb, Parad, and Thompson  
St. Vil, Ryan, and Garcia-Irizarry  
AYE:  
EXCUSED:  
General Business  
Tabled (see above)  
Each Town Councilor to identify one priority to accomplish during 2026.  
13.  
XV. ADJOURNMENT  
Councilor Barnes moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Brunelle.  
VOTE: 6 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.  
_____________________________________  
Transcribed by Roxanne M. Maher  
Administrative Assistant to the Town Council  
I, Jessica Buhle, Chairman Pro-tem of the Ledyard Town Council,  
hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and  
correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Town Council  
Meeting held on January 14, 2026.  
____________________________________  
Jessica Buhle, Chairman Pro-tem  
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.