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

Organizational Meeting

Monday, December 1, 2025

7:00 PM

Town Hall Council Chambers

In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex

Remote: Information noted below:

Granicus/Legistar Meeting Portal

Join Zoom Meeting from your Computer, Smart Phone or Tablet:

https://ledyardct.zoom.us/j/89795087718?pwd=JjIZPiI6Rij52BqqgFL9PXM3mzJd9b.1

Or by Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 897 9508 7718; Passcode:

004301

CALL TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR

Mayor Fred Allyn, III called the Organizational Meeting of this Twenty-seventh

Town Council to order at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Allyn welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting, noting that tonight’s

meeting format would provide for both in-person and remote participation

via Video Conference. He noted that the remote meeting information for

members of the Public to participate in this evening’s meeting was available

on the Agenda that was posted on the Town’s Website - Granicus-Legistar

Meeting Portal.

II.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III.

SWEARING IN OF THE TWENTY-EIGHTH TOWN COUNCIL BY TOWN CLERK

Town Clerk Patricia Riley administered the Oath of Office to the members of

the Twenty-eighth Town Council.

Mayor Allyn, III congratulated the Town Council.

ROLL CALL

IV.

Town Councilor William Barnes

Town Councilor April Brunelle

Town Councilor Jessica Buhle

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Present:

Town Councilor Ty Lamb

Town Councilor Adrienne Parad

Town Councilor James Thompson

Chairman Gary St. Vil

Tim Ryan

Excused:

ELECTION OF A CHAIRPERSON

Mayor Allyn, III called for a nomination for Town Council Chairman.

MOTION to nominate Councilor Gary St. Vil for Chairman.

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor

MOVER: Jessica Buhle, Town Councilor

SECONDER: April Brunelle, Town Councilor

MOTION to close nominations

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

VOTE:8 - 0 Approved and so declared

RESULT: ADOPTED 8 - 0

MOVER: Jessica Buhel, Town Councilor

SECONDER: April Brunelle, Town Councilor

AYES: Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Garcia-Irizarry, Lamb, Parad, St. Vil, Thompson

EXCUSED: Ryan

Mayor Allyn, III called for the vote on the Chairman.

VOT8E-:0 Approved and so declared

RESULT: ADOPTED 8 - 0

AYES: Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Garcia-Irizarry, Lamb, Parad, St. Vil, Thompson

EXCUSED: Ryan

RESULTS OF VOTE: Mayor Allyn, III announced that Councilor St. V il has been

elected Chairman of the Twenty-eighth Town Council. He congratulated Chairman

St. Vil and turned the meeting over to him.

VI.

ADOPTION OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE

Chairman St. Vil thanked the Town Council for their support. He went on to note

in accordance with Chapter III; Section 3 of the Town Charter “Town Council”

the first Order of Business was to Adopt the Town Council’s Rules of Procedure.

He stated a Draft Resolution was provided for tonight’s meeting which included a

few revisions from the last Resolution to provide for additional clarifications. He

note the revisions were noted in blue italic font.

MOTION to adopt a Resolution Establishing the Rules of Procedure for the Twenty-eighth

Town Council.

DRAFT: 11/08/2025

Res: 001-2025/Dec 01

RESOLUTION

ESTABLISHING THE RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEDYARD TOWN COUNCIL

BE IT RESOLVED: that the Twenty -eighth Town Council of the Town of Ledyard

adopts the following Rules of Procedure:

RULES OF PROCEDURE

1. Regular meetings of the Town Council will be held in the Ledyard Town Hall Annex,

Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

2. Special meetings of the Town Council may be called by the Town Council Chairperson or

upon written request to either the Town Council Chairperson or the Administrative

Assistant by three (3) Town Council members.

3. The Town Council Chairperson may, with the consensus of six (6) Town Councilors, cancel

any regularly scheduled meeting should the need arise.

4. All meetings of the Town Council for the transaction of business will be open to the public

and the votes will be recorded as prescribed by Section 1-225 of the General Statutes of

the State of Connecticut (CGS), as amended.

5. Six (6) Town Council members constitute a quorum, but no ordinance, resolution, or vote,

except a vote to adjourn or to fix the time and place of the next meeting, will be adopted

by less than five (5) affirmative votes.

Members of the Town Council may participate in a meeting remotely by means of

electronic equipment in accordance with CGS Section 1-200; and strictly adhere to the

rules set forth in the “Town Council Policy Guidelines Remote Meeting Participation”

In the absence of a quorum at a regular or special meeting of the Town Council, no business

will be transacted, but the following actions may be taken and will be binding on the

Town Council:

a. Fix the time at which to adjourn.

b. Recess to contact absent Town Council members.

c. Adjourn.

The Town Council Chairperson will preside at all meetings of the Town Council and at the

stated hour and upon the appearance of a quorum, will call the Town Council to order.

The Chairperson will also perform all the duties and accept all responsibilities of a

Councilperson.

8. It will be the duty of the Town Council Chairperson to preserve order, to conduct Town

Council business in accordance with these rules, to recognize and grant the floor to

members wishing to speak and to declare all votes.

9. The Town Council Chairperson may speak on and will decide questions of parliamentary law

and Town Council procedure, subject to appeal to the Town Council by a motion duly

seconded. Such appeals to the Town Council will be entertained by the Town Council

Chairperson and has precedence provided they are made at the time of the ruling by the

Town Council Chairperson, and no debate or business has intervened between the ruling

and the motion to appeal.

10. The regular agenda will be ordered as follows:

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions

Committees, Commissions & Boards Reports

Comments of Town Councilors

Review and Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes

Communications/Referrals

Sub-Committee/Liaison Reports

Report of the Mayor

Old Business

New Business

Adjournment

There will be a Consent Calendar and those items on the “Consent Calendar” will be

listed under New Business with an *asterisk preceding its number. Any item(s) objected

to by a Town Council member shall be removed from the Consent Calendar, but will

then automatically be considered under New Business.

Communications published with the Agenda shall consist of written correspondence

formally submitted to the Town Council for the record.

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

a. Communications that contain confidential personnel or protected information;

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

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

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

A short agenda will be optional as follows:

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions

Committees, Commissions and Boards Reports

Communications/Referrals

New Business/Business of the Meeting

Adjournment

A special agenda will contain only those items related to the stated purpose of the

meeting and may follow the format below. Additional non-business items may be

added at the discretion of the Chairperson.

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

Business of the Meeting

Adjournment

The Town Council Chairperson will cause to be prepared and have posted, the Town Council

agenda not less than twenty-four hours prior to the regular Town Council meetings in

accordance with CGS Section 1-225 (c). The agenda will also be electronically posted on

the town’s internet web site.

12. There will be the following standing committees of the Town Council:

a. Administration Committee

b. Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

c. Finance Committee

d. Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

The Town Council may establish additional standing committees and may dissolve

standing committees by a two-thirds vote.

Additionally, there will be the following standing liaisons:

Agricultural Commission

b. Board of Education

c. Conservation Commission

d. Economic Development Commission

e. Gales Ferry Fire Company

f. Historic District Commission

g. Inland Wetland/WaterCourses Commission

h. Ledyard Fire Company

i. Ledyard Beautification Committee

j. Ledyard Farmers’ Market Committee

k. Ledyard Housing Authority

l. Library Commission

m. Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission

n. Permanent Municipal Building Committee

o. Planning & Zoning Commission

p. Public Safety Commission

q. Retirement Board

r. Youth & Social Services Board

s. Water Pollution Control Authority

t. Zoning Board of Appeals

13. The Town Council Chairperson will appoint members of the Standing and Ad-Hoc

Committees of the Town Council and the Standing Liaison Assignments. The Town

Council Chairperson will be a member ex-officio of all Town Council Committees. The

Town Council Chairperson will appoint the Committee Chairpersons.

14. Each Town Council Committee will consider matters referred to it by the Town Council

Chairperson or by a majority vote of the Town Council, and will report to the Town

Council respecting such matters and submit resolutions or ordinances when necessary to

carry out

Committee recommendations. In order that business may be handled in an expeditious

manner, the Town Council Chairperson may refer items to a Committee at any time.

For any item referred to two or more Town Council Standing Committees that may result

in a proposed ordinance, the Committees should resolve any differences before the

proposed ordinance is recommended to the Town Council for the setting of a public

hearing date.

15. Each Committee agenda will be prepared and posted not less than twenty-four hours prior to

the regular meetings in accordance with CGS Section 1-225 (c).

Each Committee Chairperson will ensure that written minutes are submitted and

electronically distributed to all Town Council members using the town’s internet

website. Roberts’s Rules of Order will govern minority reporting. Committee

Chairpersons will provide written reports using the meeting portal and give a verbal

synopsis or outline of the report during the Committee Reports of the Town Council

meeting.

Committees may conduct all of their in-person meetings in a Hybrid Format enabling both

in-person and remote participation, providing the appropriate technology and equipment is

available at the physical meeting location, in accordance with Policy #2022-03-23-01

“Policy and Guidelines for Meeting Participation”.

16. All voting for the transaction of business and the setting or staying of rules of procedure will

be by roll call taken alphabetically, but starting at a random name established by the

Town Council’s Administrative Assistant at each meeting.

17. In the absence of the Town Council Chairperson, a Town Council Chairperson Pro-tem, will

be appointed on a lottery basis and as Town Council Chairperson Pro-tem, will sign all

ordinances or resolutions passed at the meeting over which they preside. They will also

perform all other duties of the Town Council Chairperson at that meeting.

Should the Town Council Chairperson step down from the position, the Town Council

shall elect a Chairperson at their next Regular or Special Meeting.

18. All ordinances and resolutions will be confined to one subject which will be clearly stated in

the title.

19. All ordinances and resolutions will be presented to the Town Council in writing by the Town

Council member introducing such items.

20. The Town Council may, by majority vote, limit remarks of all members to a specified length

of time in debating a particular subject.

21. When an Executive Session is necessary, reasons for such a session and all persons who will

be in attendance will be publicly stated and all other requirements of the Freedom of

Information Act will be adhered to. A two-thirds vote of the Town Council members

present will be necessary to go into Executive Session.

22. Members will confine their remarks in debate to the pending question and must avoid

personalities or improper motives.

23. The Administrative Assistant will be the custodian of all papers, correspondence,

magnetic/electronic media and records of the Town Council and will keep for public

inspection a journal of its proceedings, including all roll call votes by the Town Council

and such further details of the proceedings of the Town Council as may be approved by a

majority vote.

In the event the Administrative Assistant is not present at the Town Council meeting

when the Chairperson calls a meeting to order, the Town Council Chairperson will

appoint an Administrative Assistant Pro-tem to keep the minutes of that meeting.

The Administrative Assistant will file the record (minutes of each meeting) with the

Town Clerk. All meeting records will be authenticated by the signature of the

Administrative Assistant and the Town Council Chairperson or the Town Council

Chairperson Pro-tem and will be posted on the town’s internet meeting portal web site.

24. All requirements of the Charter of the Town of Ledyard with respect to the proceedings of

the Town Council are to be strictly followed and no rules will ever be adopted by the

Town Council which will be in conflict with the Charter.

25. The rules of the Town Council, except those specified in Chapter III, Section 3 of the Charter

of the Town of Ledyard, may be altered, extended or repealed by an affirmative vote of

five (5) members of the Town Council at any meeting of the Town Council, providing a

descriptive notice of the proposed changes will have been given in writing at a preceding

regular meeting.

26. Any single rule may be suspended for the proceedings of any meeting of the Town Council

upon an affirmative vote of seven (7) members present, the motion for suspension

detailing the specific rule to be suspended and the reason for suspension.

27. The Town Council Chairperson or any Standing Committee Chairperson may be

removed from their position of authority by an affirmative vote of at least six (6) other

Town Council members. Such removal will in no way serve to restrict that person’s

duty, authority or responsibility as a Town Council member.

28. Beyond the aforementioned rules of procedure and for all situations not specifically covered

therein, the Rules of Procedure for the Town Council and its Standing Committees will

be those stipulated in Roberts Rules of Order.

Adopted by the Ledyard Town Council on: ____

___________________________

, Chairman

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Thompson

Discussion: Councilor Lamb addressed Item #10 specially the paragraph

pertaining to the “Special Agenda” format noting the following:

“A special agenda will contain only those items related to the stated

purpose of the meeting and may follow the format below. Additional

non-business items may be added at the discretion of the Chairperson.

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

Business of the Meeting

Adjournment”

Councilor Lamb stated that he would like to see the Special Agenda Format

include “Residents and Property Owners Comments”. He stated that all of the

Town Council meetings should include a portion for Residents and Property

Owners Comments and that it should not be at the desecration of the Chairman.

v MOTION to amend the “Resolution Establishing the Rules of Procedure for the

Twenty-eighth Town Council” paragraph 10; to include a provision for

“Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” in the Special Agenda Format as

follows:

“A special agenda will contain only those items related to the stated

purpose of the meeting and may follow the format below. Additional

non-business items may be added at the discretion of the Chairperson.

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions

Business of the Meeting

Adjournment

(friendly amendment to Councilor Lamb’s “Amendment”

proposed by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, please see discussion

below)

· For Special Meetings “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions”

be restricted to the topic of the meeting.

· Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” would be excluded from

Executive Session Meetings”

Moved by Councilor Lamb, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: Councilor Lamb stated during the last Town Council’s term there

were a lot of special meetings called. He went on to not that there was no

opportunity during those special meetings for the people who elected the Town

Council to express their thoughts during the special meetings.

Chaiman St. Vil addressed Councilor Lamb’s proposed “Amendment” noting that

the language regarding the format of the Special Agenda stated; “May follow the

format as noted below. Additional non-business items may be added at the

discretion of the Chairperson” He stated the words “may follow” contained the

core elements that were required by the State’s Freedom of Information Act

(FOIA). He stated including “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” as part of

the Special Agenda format would potentially complicate the intended purpose of

the Special Meeting. He stated that he would recommend they not approve the

proposed “Amendment” because there was no preclusion of adding a “Residents’

& Property Owners Petitions” to the agenda that the draft Resolution as presented

this evening would leave adding “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” to a

Special Agenda to the Town Council to make that decision.

Councilor Buhle stated that she was always in support of hearing from the their

residents during the “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” portion of their

meetings. However, she stated the Town Council’s Special Meeting were

typically to address specific items of business such as “Executive Session” items;

or to approve a Grant Application in working to adhere to an application

deadline. Therefore, she stated to require “Residents’ & Property Owners

Petitions” as part of the Special Agenda format would create more of a problem,

noting that as the Resolution was written for tonight’s consideration that it did not

prohibit them from adding “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” to a

Special Agenda; stating when making major decisions that there would be value

in adding this portion to a Special Agneda.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry addressed the purpose of a Special Meeting, explaining

that they occurred outside of their Regular Meeting schedule, because they were

to address pressing matters. Therefore, she suggested should the Town Council

decide to add Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” to the Special Agenda

format that they may want to consider the following:

· For Special Meetings “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” be restricted

to the topic of the meeting.

· Include langue that would state the Special Agenda format would include

“Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” excluding Special Meetings

pertaining to “Executive Sessions”

Councilor Barnes noted a Special Town Council Meeting that was held in July at

which an former Mayor, who because of some physical ailments had difficulty

traveling, attend the meeting. He stated the resident was not afforded the

opportunity to speak, because “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” was not

on the agenda. He stated regardless of the decision they make this evening, that

he hoped that they would not have a situation like that again. He stated if an

individual attended a Special Town Council meeting they should have had an

opportunity to speak; and the Town Council have the opportunity to hear their

comments. He stated they should have done better at that time, noting that they

did a disservice to an individual who served this town for a number of years; and

that the hoped this Town Council would do better.

Chairman St. Vil noted for clarification, that a Special Agenda was constrained,

and was very different from a Regular Meeting format. He stated a Special

Agenda could not be modified during the meeting.

Councilor Lamb stated during Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget process that there

were a lot of residents that wanted to revoice their comments. He stated although

residents attended all of the Special Meetings that occurred after the budget

failed, the residents were not allowed to have their voices heard; and they were

frustrated that they were shut down. He stated that they needed to allow the

residents who elected them to have a voice. He stated that he liked Councilor

Garcia-Irizarry’s suggested language to his proposed “Amendment”.

The Town Council agreed to Councilor Garcia-Irizarry’s suggested language as

noted below and above as a “friendly amendment”

· For Special Meetings “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions”

be restricted to the topic of the meeting.

· Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” would be excluded from

Executive Session Meetings”

Chairman St. Vil noted that Mayor Allyn, III; and Administrative

Assistant Roxanne Maher have some history, and he asked them to

comment.

Mayor Allyn, III, stated that he agreed that they could not have “Residents’ &

Property Owners Petitions” at Executive Session Meetings. He stated for Special

Meetings they could allow for “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions”.

However, he stated that he would agree it should be at the desecration of the

Town Council Chairman.

Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher stated as the proposed Resolution was

drafted it would not preclude the Town Council from adding Residents’ &

Property Owners Petitions” to a Special Agenda, noting to add that portion to the

agenda would be at the Town Council Chairman’s desecration. She explained by

changing the language to include “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” in

the Special Agenda format that they would be required to include that at every

Special Meeting.

Chairman St. Vil stated by requiring “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions”

be included in the Special Agenda format that the Rules of Procedure would be

deviating from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requirements.

Councilor Parad stated that she heard her fellow Town Councilor’s comments

that there should be an opportunity for “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions”

at many meetings to occur. However, she stated amending the proposed language

in the draft “Resolution Establishing the Rules of Procedure for the

Twenty-eighth Town Council” presented this evening would limit the Town

Council’s ability to have some quick meetings that were necessary to keep the

business of the town moving forward. She stated as currently proposed that the

Town Council was saying that they would like Chairman St. Vil to add

“Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” to as many meetings as possible,

without them having to do that every time.

Councilor Buhle stated that she recalled the Special Meeting that Councilor

Barnes noted (see above). She stated the meeting was a Special Meeting to

approve the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget and to set the Mil Rate after the two

Budget Referenda had failed. She stated as a member of the Finance Committee

that they had several meetings at which time for “Residents’ & Property Owners

Petitions” was provided, noting that they probably had nine meetings at which no

members of the public attended. She also noted that only five members of the

public attended the April 21, 2025 Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Public Hearing. She

stated there was ample time for the public to comment. She stated that she was

disheartened that their residents who do come to speak did not feel they had the

right opportunity. She stated because that meeting was a Special Agenda that they

did not have the ability to modify the agenda the during the meeting. She stated

that she did not foresee Chairman St. Vil not including “Residents’ & Property

Owners Petitions” on an Agenda regarding the Budget. She stated forcing

“Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” or restricting public comment only to

the topic at hand on a Special Agenda at which the Town Council would be

addressing issues such as a Grant Application or Bid Waiver, would become

more complicated. Therefore, she stated that it made sense to leave the language

as proposed in the draft “Resolution Establishing the Rules of Procedure for the

Twenty-eighth Town Council” presented this evening; and not to bind themselves

to that requirement.

Councilor Brunelle stated that she sees all sides; and the challenge of

pigeonholing them into a corner. She stated because the Town Council always

wanted to be transparent and invite “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions”.

Therefore, she stated that she was leaning toward including Councilor Lamb’s

proposed amendment, with the exception of “Executive Sessions” meetings.

Chairman St. Vil called for a vote on the proposed Amendment as follows:

v MOTION to amend the “Resolution Establishing the Rules of Procedure for the

Twenty-eighth Town Council” paragraph 10; to include a provision for

“Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” in the Special Agenda Format as

follows:

“A special agenda will contain only those items related to the stated

purpose of the meeting and may follow the format below. Additional

non-business items may be added at the discretion of the Chairperson.

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions

Business of the Meeting

Adjournment

(friendly amendment to Councilor Lamb’s “Amendment”

proposed by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, please see discussion

below)

· For Special Meetings “Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions”

restricted to the topic of the meeting.

· Residents’ & Property Owners Petitions” would be excluded from

Executive Session Meetings”

Moved by Councilor Lamb, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

VOTE:

4 - 4 Motion Failed ( Buhle, Parad, St. Vil, Thompson not in favor)

Chairman St. Vil asked whether there were any additional comments on the Main

Motion. He asked Councilor Lamb to provide his administrative editorial

corrections to Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher, noting that they were not

substantive changes to the “Resolution Establishing the Rules of Procedure for

the Twenty-eighth Town Council”.

Chaiman St. Vil called for a vote on the Main Motion as follows:

MOTION to adopt a “Resolution Establishing the Rules of Procedure for the

Twenty-eighth Town Council” as presented in the draft dated November 8, 2025.

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Thompson

VOTE:7 - 1 Approved and so declared (Lamb not in favor)

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Jessica Buhle

MOVER:

James Thompson

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Garcia-Irizarry, Parad, Thompson, and St. Vil

AYE:

Lamb

Ryan

NAY:

EXCUSED:

Conduct Lottery for Chairperson Pro-Tem.

Chairman St. Vil explained in the absence of the Town Council Chairman that members

of the Town Council would each serve in the capacity of Chairman Pro-tem. He

stated as part of their Organizational Meeting the Town Council conducts a

Lottery for Chairperson Pro-tem to determine the order of rotation in which the

assignment of duties would be delegated. He asked that each Town Councilor

draw a number.

The results of the Chairman Pro-Tem Lottery were as follows:

2025-2027 Lottery for Chairperson Pro-Tem

1. Councilor Ryan

2. Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

3. Councilor Parad

4. Councilor Thompson

5. Councilor Buhle

6. Councilor Brunelle

7. Councilor Lamb

8. Councilor Barnes

Chairman St. Vil explained the order of the Chairman Pro-tem list will rotate

successively. He stated in the absence of the Town Council Chairperson, the Town

Council Chairperson Pro-tem, would sign all ordinances or resolutions passed at the

meeting over which they preside; and that they would also perform all other duties

of the Town Council Chairperson at that meeting.

VII. APPOINTMENTS

MOTION to appoint Mr. Ian Stammel as the Town Treasurer.

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Buhle

Discussion: None.

VOTE:

8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Garcia-Irizarry, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, and

St. Vil

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appoint Ms. Roxanne M. Maher as the Administrative Assistant to the Ledyard

Town Council.

Moved by Councilor Lamb, seconded by Councilor Buhle

Discussion: Councilor Lamb noted that Ms. Maher has always been very helpful,

noting that she does an outstanding job. He stated that the town benefits from

her work in the Town Council Office.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Ty Lamb

RESULT:

MOVER:

April Brunelle

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Garcia-Irizarry, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, and

St. Vil

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appoint the Twenty-eighth Town Council as the Flood/Erosion Control Board.

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: Chaiman St. Vil stated the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS)

grant local towns the authority to establish Flood and Erosion Control Boards

(FECBs). He went on to note that it has been the town’s practice for the

Town Council to serve as the Flood/ Erosion Control Board. This Board

would meet on an “As Need Basis”. To his knowledge, in the past they have

never had to meet.

VOTE:

8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Jessica Buhle

April Brunelle

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Barnes, Brunelle, Buhle, Garcia-Irizarry, Lamb, Parad, Thompson, and

AYE:

St. Vil

Ryan

EXCUSED:

VIII. APPOINTMENTS TO STANDING COMMITTEES AND LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS

Appointment of members to the Standing Sub Committees

Chairman St. Vil announced the 2025 - 2027 Standing Committee Assignments as

follows:

STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE

LEDYARD TOWN COUNCIL

2025-2027

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Chairman Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Councilor Barnes

Councilor Brunelle

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Chairman Councilor Brunelle

Councilor Lamb

Councilor Parad

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Chairman Councilor Buhle

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Councilor Ryan

LAND USE/PLANNING/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Chairman Councilor Thompson

Councilor Buhle

Councilor Lamb

COMPLETED

RESULT:

Town Council Liaison Assignments

Chairman St. Vil announced the 2025 - 2027 Liaison Assignments as follows:

TOWN COUNCIL LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS

2025-2027

Commission/Committee Board

Town Councilor

Agricultural Commission

Beautification Committee

Board of Education

Councilor Lamb

Councilor Brunelle

Councilor Barnes

Conservation Commission

Economic Development Commission

Gales Ferry Fire Company

Historic District Commission

Councilor Buhle

Councilor Lamb

Inland Wetland/WaterCourses Commission

Ledyard Farmers’ Market Committee

Councilor Thompson

Councilor Brunelle

Ledyard Fire Company

Ledyard Housing Authority

Library Commission

Councilor Buhle

Councilor Ryan

Councilor Parad

Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Chairman St. Vil

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Planning & Zoning Commission

Public Safety Commission

Permanent Municipal Building Committee

Retirement Board

Councilor Ryan

Councilor Parad

Councilor Thompson

Councilor Ryan

Social Services Board

Water Pollution Control Authority

Zoning Board of Appeals

IX.

COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

New Chairperson Comments

Chairman St. Vil stated before they begin the work of this new term, that he

wanted want to start with a simple word that carries a lot of meaning tonight:

“Gratitude” . He thanked the residents of Ledyard for placing their trust in

them once again. He stated that their vote was not just an endorsement; it was

a responsibility. He promised that this Town Council would honor that

responsibility with transparency, with ethical leadership, and with a steady

commitment to doing what was right for this community.

Chairman St. Vil continued by addressing his returning colleagues, stating

“Welcome back”; and he stated to their newly elected Town Councilors

“Welcome aboard”. He stated that they each bring experiences, perspectives,

and the passion that Ledyard truly needs. He stated the work ahead would

require all of them, and that he was grateful to be serving alongside them.

Chairman St. Vil also recognized the outgoing Town Councilors for their

service. He stated that public office was not easy, and their contributions

helped carry the town forward; and for their efforts they thank them.

Chairman St. Vil went on state that tonight begins the work of the 28th

Ledyard Town Council. He stated the last term was, at times, contentious,

noting that processes were tested, relationships were strained, and trust - both

among Councilors and from the Public was challenged. However, he stated

that tonight was a new beginning; and in setting the foundation for how this

Town Council would conduct itself that they would work openly, respectfully,

and always with Ledyard’s best interest at heart.

Chairman St. Vil stated in that spirit, that he wanted to offer a heartfelt and

very deliberate acknowledgment of Councilor Jessica Buhle. He stated as the

highest vote-getter in this election, Councilor Buhle had every right, and

every qualification to seek the Chairmanship. He stated that Councilor Buhle

was capable, experienced, and deeply committed to their town. But instead,

she made a choice that speaks volumes about her character and her approach

to governance. He stated that Councilor Buhle stepped back from a position

she absolutely earned because she believed for this term that he was the right

person to lead this Town Council. Chairman St. Vil stated that kind of

humility, that kind of partnership, and that kind of commitment to the greater

good was exactly the standard they should all aspire to. He thanked Councilor

Buhle stating that she sets the tone for the culture they would build together -

one grounded not in individual authority, but in shared purpose and shared

responsibility. He stated that this was how they would restore trust; how they

would move from contention to collaboration; and how they would serve

Ledyard with integrity.

Chairman St. Vil stated as Chair, that he would do everything he could to

foster an atmosphere where every voice was heard, every viewpoint was

respected, and every decision was made with transparency and fairness. He

stated that they would not always agree - but they would always conduct

themselves with professionalism and with a focus on what moves Ledyard

forward. He stated the Town Council was here to do the people’s work; to

protect their confidence in local government; to show that leadership, even in

disagreement, could be honest, civil, and constructive.

Chairman St. Vil concluded his remarks by stating as they begin this term,

that his hope was simple: “That we approach our work with clarity, respect,

and a shared commitment to serving the people who placed their trust in us”.

He stated that they have an opportunity tonight to set a tone that reflects the

very best of Ledyard - steady, thoughtful, and united in purpose. He stated

that he was honored to serve with each member of the Town Council and he

looked forward to what they would accomplish together. Thank you.

Members of the Twenty-eighth Town Council Comments

Councilor Barnes stated he was excited about the Town Council’s upcoming

term. He noted as Chairman St. Vil mentioned they learned a great deal about

a number of issues; and they tested their relationships, tested the trust of the

town. He stated he was optimistic of this new beginning. He stated it was a

pleasure to serve with those who were on the last Town Council, for the short

time he served with them. He also welcomed the new members of the Town

Council noting that they would find serving town was an awesome

experience. He congratulated Chairman St. Vil noting that he believed that he

would lead the Town Council well in the coming term.

Councilor Brunelle stated that they were in the midst of the Holiday Season

for many different cultures. She noted the Linda C. Davis Food Pantry could

use a little more help this time of year. She congratulated all those who were

elected to serve on the Twenty-eighth Town Council noting that she looked

forward to working with all of them. She encouraged residents to attend their

meetings noting that she was interested in hearing what was on their minds,

what they would like to see the town do; and what they would not like to see

the town do.

Councilor Thompson stated that he was grateful and to be serving on the

Town Council, noting that it was a privilege. He stated that he appreciated the

work that the Town Council has done and that he was looking forward to

working with the members of the Town Council, working with Mayor Allyn

and Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher and working with the public.

He thanked the residents for their good faith.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry thanked the residents who attended their meetings

and who voted in the November 4, 2025 General Election, noting that it was

one of the highest voter turnout Ledyard has had for a local election; and she

hoped that trend would continue. She stated that she was exciting about their

upcoming term, and to work with the members of the Town Council. She

noted with the addition of Councilor Lamb who comes to the Town Council

from the Board of Education that she hoped he would bring his insight into

the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget preparation. She went on to state

that she was looking forward to working with Councilor Thompson, noting

his experience and perspective from his service on the town’s Land Use

Commissions. She stated she was happy to be serving on the Town Council

once again.

Councilor Lamb stated that he was glad Chairman St. Vil assigned him to the

Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. He

stated in talking with Councilor Brunelle that they shared a similar vision. He

noted the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget preparation, stating that

the Board of Education has prepared their Capital Improvement Plan for the

coming year. He stated the Town Council needed to build a partnership with

the Board of Education, noting that he would like to understand the Town

Council’s vision regarding the capital needs for their school buildings and the

importance to put a plan in-place. He stated the Board of Education has

projected a $56 million issue that would require bonding (borrowing); noting

the Middle Schol Cafeteria Project. He stated during the November 4, 2025

General Election that the Democrat ran on establishing an Ad Hoc Committee to

develop the end to end process for capital building projects. He stated these were all

issues that they needed to start working on. He stated, “They were elected to serve,

so let’s start serving”. He concluded his comments by pointing out concerns that

some past members of the Town Council did not attend the meetings of their Liaison

Assignments. He pledged to attend the meetings of his Liaison Assignments; and

that he was hopeful that the members of this Town Council would do the same. He

stated that he looked forward to serving the town.

Councilor Parad stated that she was happy to be sitting here today, noting that

it was exciting to see this group of people; and to have some hope in the

things they could accomplish together. She stated the Town Council can not

do their work alone, noting that they could not make up ideas and execute

them without the support of the members of their community. She stated she

looked forward to hearing what people would like to accomplish over the next

two-years and beyond. She stated that she was excited about her assignments

noting as a Physician that Social Services was important to her; and that she

also looked forward to serving as the Liaison to the Library Commission as

well. She thanked the residents for the opportunity to serve them.

Councilor Buhle stated the she echoed Chairman St. Vil’s comments. She

stated that several people asked her if she wanted to serve as the Town

Council Chairman. She stated that while she thought that Chairman St. Vil

was amazing; which was the reason she nominated him; that she also thought

that she could do the work of the Town Council Chaiman. However, she

stated that her heart was in the Finance Committee, noting that was where her

educational background and goals lied, noting that finance was her passion.

She stated that finance makes her happy and brings her joy, noting that she

was looking forward to working on their goals. She addressed the importance

to seek support from their residents, noting that she planned to follow-through

on the things she said during her last term on the Town Council, and being

more vocal at other levels to make sure they were getting the funding needed

for their town; and they were looking at every possible revenue stream. She

stated they could make lists of everything the school buildings need.

However, she stated they had to have the money to do those things; noting

that the money would have to come from either the taxpayers or from

somewhere else, noting that she wanted to work on the “somewhere else”.

Councilor Buhle concluded her remarks by stating that serving on the Town

Council should not feel like a punishment, a chore, or something they felt like

they had to do. She stated that they were all grateful to be serving the

residents of their community. She stated the voices of each member of the

Town Council carried weight and value, noting that they all have important

things to say, the come to the Town Council with diverse backgrounds and

viewpoints. She commented on the members who have lived in different

locations, noting that they get to experience different life viewpoints from

different towns, with regard to what liked or disliked from other areas; while

those who have been lifelong Ledyard residents had a history and background

that was deep and rich in their community. She stated that she was grateful for

their Liaison Assignments because they would enrich all of them, and bring

their strengths to right places to make sure their town gets the best service.

Thank you.

Chairman St. Vil provided an overview of all the Town Councilor’s

comments noting the best way they could support each other was by writing

down where their focus for the upcoming year. He asked for their first

Regular Meeting scheduled for December 10, 2025 that each member of the

Town Council identify one initiative that they would like to focus on; noting

that it would provide this Town Council the Vision that Councilor Lamb

identified, as well as the support of the community. He stated that it would

also give them a marker to check themselves this this time next year.

MEETING SCHEDULE

MOTION to set the Town Council’s Regular Meeting schedule for the 2026 Calendar Year

to be the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. as follows:

January 14, 28

May 13, 27

February 11, 25 March 11, 25

June 10, 24 July 8, 22

April 8, 22

August 12, 26

September 9, 23 October 14, 28

January 13, 27, 2027

November18*, 25^ December 9, 23^

Flood/Erosion Control Board

This Board will meet on an as needed basis.

^ Denotes meeting cancelled due to holiday

* Denotes regular meeting date scheduled is different from regular schedule

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Chairman St. Vil noted the "Rules of Procedure” the Town

Council was required to set its regular meeting date for the second and fourth

Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. He stated the Town Council and its Sub

Committees’ meetings would be held in a Hybrid format (in-person and

remote) in accordance with Policy #2022-03-0 “Policy and Guidelines for

Remote Meeting Participation”.

VOTE:

8- 0 Approved and so declared

XI.

ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Barnes, moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Buhle

VOTE:8 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 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 Town Council

Organizational Meeting held on December 1, 2025.