741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Community Relations Committee

Meeting Minutes

Chairman

Kevin J. Dombrowski

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

6:30 PM

Town Hall Annex - Hybrid Format

In -Person Location goes here

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CALL TO ORDER

the Meeting was called to order by Councilor Paul at 6:30 p.m. at

the Council Chambers - Town Hall Annex Building.

Councilor Paul welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. He stated for the Town Council

Community Relations Committee and members of 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-Insite Meeting Portal.

II.

ROLL CALL

Bill Saums

Gary Paul

Present:

John Marshall

In addition, the following were present:

Mary McGrattan Town Councilor

S. Naomi Rodriguez Town Councilor

Charles Duzy Housing Authority Chairman

Paula Crocker Housing Authority Member

Colleen Lauer Housing Authority Director

Sheri Fernandez Housing Authority Tenant

Susan Lipinski Housing Authority Tenant

Edward Murray

Eleanor Murray

Resident

Ginina Diaz Resident

Sheila Vincent Resident

Tammy Jones Resident

Roxanne Maher Administrative Assistant

III.

RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS

Mr. Edward Murray, 16 Chapman Lane, Ledyard, stated this was the fourth time he

had the opportunity to speak at a public meeting regarding issues concerning the

Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility. He stated after the Housing

Authority’s September 5, 2023 that the atmosphere at the Town Council’s September

13, 2023 meeting was very different noting Mr. Dombrowski had the entire

Ordinance and associated documentation pertaining to the Kings Corner Manor

Senior Citizens Housing Facility from start to finish. He stated the conversation was

not very friendly, and that it was made very clear that the Town Council could not,

and would not, do anything about the issues regarding the Kings Corner Manor

Senior Citizens Housing Facility that the residents had presented. Therefore, he

questioned the purpose of tonight’s meeting.

Mr. Murray went on to state when they opened the Agenda for tonight's Community

Relations Committee meeting it looked like there was the history of the Housing

Authority. However, he stated he did not understand the purpose of tonight's meeting.

Councilor Paul addressed Mr. Murray’s question, explaining in hearing residents

comments regarding the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility, at the

August 26, 2023 Town Council meeting, that Chairman Dombrowski suggested the

Community Relations Committee try to foster some dialogue. He went on to address

to Chairman Dombrowski’s comments at the September 13, 2023 Town Council

meeting in which he tried to explain per the State Statutes that other than appointing

members to the Housing Authority that the Town Council did not have any other

authority pertaining to the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility.

However, he stated the idea to refer the matter to the Community Relations

Committee was to try to help foster some dialogue between the tenants and the

Housing Authority. He stated the matter was on tonight’s agenda under New

Business, which the Committee would discuss later this evening.

Mr. Murray continued by stating his position, and the most important thing was that

they could and should be doing better for the folks at Kings Corner Manor Senior

Citizens Housing Facility. He stated that he understood the Housing Authority had

their position, but that he still thought they could do a better job for the tenants.

Ms. Ginina Diaz, 1546 Route 12, Gales Ferry, stated “The particular state of affairs

in an area where there was potentially conflicting ethic, religious, cultural, political,

monolithic group live together. The social engineering, or mediating work between

conflicting groups.” She stated these statements were the definitions of community

relations. She asked that the Committee keep these definitions at the forefront of

their minds during tonight's meeting. She stated as many know, in recent months

there has been an increase of residents comments and concerns at public meetings.

She stated tonight she would focus on the safety and rights of our community’s

disabled and senior demographics. Whie the Ledyard Housing Authority had the right

to create a smoke free property, that the State of Connecticut and the Department of

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) set the standard at 25-50 feet from

buildings, entrances, exits, common areas, and windows and it also suggested safe

alternative smoking areas. Our disabled residents also have rights. Per the American

Disabilities Act (ADA) disabled residents have the right to reasonable

accommodations, allowing them to live in, utilize and enjoy housing as much as an

able body resident. Recent responses from elected officials make it clear that the

Town has nothing to do with the Housing Authority and show a clear annoyance

when the topic was brought up by concerned residents at public meetings, to the point

of some throwing their hands up as if they were disgusted. This was another missed

chance for leaders to lead, for leaders to advocate for our senior’s safety, a chance to

show a vulnerable demographic that at a minimum their safety and wellbeing meant

something to the people who may have voted for them, a chance to lessen the

confusion and frustration with regard to helping our seniors understand their rights.

Instead, local leaders abandon them with a gross disregard and demoralizing

negligence for their physical safety. She stated helping someone was free, being kind

was free, sharing knowledge was free, being a voice for our vulnerable demographics

was free. Throwing our hand up and abandoning tax paying residents was not only

embarrassing, but it was inappropriate and inhumane. These were not the qualities

and or behaviors that foster a positive climate. Thank you.

Councilor Paul thanked Ms. Diaz for her comments.

Mrs. Eleanor Murray, 16 Chapman Lane, Ledyard, stated she was surprised to see

the encyclopedia of information that was being shared with the Committee for

tonight’s meeting, noting that she found it off-putting and slanted, she noted in

particular an email dated September 9, 2023 that she sent to the Mayor. She stated

that she was going to provide three more emails that she sent to the Mayor, and she

asked that they also be included in the minutes. She stated that she had been trying to

foster a relationship with the Mayor and that she asked the Mayor for his to help her

get an audience at the Housing Authority’s meeting, and that she thought that he did.

She stated the last email she sent to the Mayor was the one that was included in the

packet for tonight’s meeting, noting at that point she was angry, she was upset, and

she was terrified for the Kings Corner Manor Senior Housing Facility’s tenants,

particularly for the tenants who were in wheelchairs and needed oxygen. She stated

a storm was coming and she stated if they had lost power that they could not share a

generator in the middle of the Community Room, noting that they cannot get there,

they cannot share it, they cannot carry their oxygenators.

Ms. Murray continued by noting that there was now a ramp at the end of the sidewalk

for a double amputee who used a wheelchair that was inadequate. She stated when

she addressed the Housing Authority at their meeting that the minutes were blank for

a while, until she brought it up on Social Media and then suddenly the minutes

appeared. She noted the minutes incorrectly stated that she got her information from

one person. She stated at the Housing Authority’s September 7, 2023 meeting that

she clearly said that she got her information from a number of residents. She stated

that she does not lie, noting that the minutes stated that they knew who she had talked

to. She stated it was her understanding that punishment was metered out from that

meeting. She stated there was punishment to the tenants if they criticized, if they

complained, if they talked to authorities, if they called anyone, if they talked to her, or

if they talked to Senator Cathy Osten. She stated the tenants were terrified.

Ms. Murray went on to state that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability

Act (HIPAA) Law was constantly being broken. She stated to the Community

Relations Committee that she did not know if they knew what the HIPPA Law was,

noting that if someone went to the doctors and then the nurse told her friend that you

were there because you broke your leg, and then her friend told a neighbor, and so on,

that it was a violation of the HIPPA Law. She stated the HIPPA Law protected your

personal information. She stated if anyone at the Kings Corner Manor Senior

Housing Facility called Emergency 911 that the Dispatch Center then called the

Housing Authority’s Executive Director and tells her why the tenant called them,

noting that was against the federal law to do that. She also noted that the Wage and

Hour Law was being broken, as well as the Open Meeting Law, and she commented

that we will see if the Housing Authority ever has another open meeting. She stated

so far the Housing Authority has only had one open meeting out of every four

meetings. She stated the Community Relations Committee knows the law, noting that

closed meetings could be held if they needed to have a closed meeting; however, she

stated there was no need to have as many closed meetings as they have. She stated

that she would be going to every open meeting, commenting that she was sure that

she would not be welcome, but that she would be there.

Ms. Murray stated that she was glad to be here this evening and she was glad to see

that the Community Relations Committee was extending a hand to the Housing

Authority, noting that she could assure the Committee that the tenants at the Kings

Corner Senior Citizens Housing Authority were waiting for help. She stated the

Lease, which used to be 22-pages was now 11-pages because the type was smaller

and the Executive Director added a Handbook at the end, was all the same material.

She stated if the Community Relations Committee read the Lease, which was quite a

document, was looking for opportunities to punish, terrify, and threaten. She stated

that she appreciated the time this evening and she stated that she wanted to politely

thank them.

Councilor Marshall asked Ms. Murray to provide more information about the ramp

for the tenant who was in the wheelchair. Ms. Murray stated until two weeks ago the

ramp went down the driveway where the double amputee tenant could go down to the

smoking area, when it was legal, or go to the Community Room, or go to the location

where the van would pick her up to transport her to medical appointments, noting that

tenant with the wheelchair does not drive and does not have a car. She stated the

ramp has been demolished, and what now existed was a piece of blacktop located off

the edge of sidewalk, which was not ADA Compliant, not the right grade and not

wide enough, noting that the tenant was afraid to use the ramp. Ms. Murray stated

that she no longer had anything to do with the handicapped tenant because the tenant

was terrified to talk to her; and therefore, Mrs. Murray stated that she has not had

anything to do with her. She stated the wheelchair was not designed to be used on the

road, stating the wheels were not meant to be used on the road. She stated the tenant

had to go over to the Stonington Institute Building to smoke. She stated although she

has not talked to the handicapped tenant in weeks, that she was told that the current

ramp was not going to be replaced, stating that she has had no email, no text, no

nothing, since the tenant has been threatened with eviction.

Councilor Marshall stated there was construction work going on a that the Kings

Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility, and that they would find out if the

handicap ramp was going to be replaced.

Ms. Ginina Diaz stated she had photographs of the handicap ramp.

Councilor Paul stated this portion of the meeting was to receive Residents Comments

and that residents could provide photographs and other documentation at the end of

the meeting.

Councilor Paul asked if there was anyone else who would like to speak. Hearing no

further public comments he thanked the residents for their comments.

IV.

PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

None.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes of August 16,

2023

Moved by Councilor Marshall, seconded by Councilor Saums.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

John Marshall

RESULT:

MOVER:

Bill Saums

SECONDER:

VII. NEW BUSINESS

Discussion to help foster a dialogue to improve the relationship at the Kings Corner Senior

Citizens Housing Facility.

Councilor Marshall stated in 2016 the State of Connecticut banned smoking in public

buildings, noting that the grounds were a different situation. However, he stated per

Ordinance #100-101 (rev. 1) “Ordinance Establishing a Housing Authority for the

Town of Ledyard and Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement for the Town of Ledyard”

which stated in accordance with CGS 128 Sections 8-40 and 8-41 that the Housing

Authority had the authority to make policy. He stated currently the State of

Connecticut does not ban smoking on their grounds; but that the Housing Authority

had the power to implement a policy to ban smoking on the grounds. Therefore, he

stated this was where they need to find some common ground.

Ms. Diaz stated she went on the Housing Urban & Development (HUD) which was

where she found the information regarding the smoking ban, as she noted during her

comments earlier this evening. She stated the carport, which was the Kings Corner

Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility’s former designated smoking area for many

years, was at least 25-feet away from the buildings. She stated the other night that she

drove to the abandoned Stonington Institute Building where the tenants were told

they could smoke. She stated in turning off her headlights on her car that it was pitch

black, noting that it was so dark she could not see her hand in front of her face. She

stated that she had concerns that tenants going down the Kings Corner Manor Senior

Citizens Housing Facility driveway and crossing the road to the area where they

were told to smoke that someone was going to get hurt.

Councilor Paul stated that he believed the whole Town Council does appreciate their

senior citizens. He stated his mother lives in a senior housing facility, and therefore, he

knows what she goes through, and how it worked. He stated he believed in

communication and that he has listened to what everyone has said. He stated

communication and talking was the breadth that made everything work. He stated that he

apologized if the residents felt that this Town Council did not care, noting that they

really do care. However, he explained there were procedures providing a way to go

about getting things done. He stated he was an ex-smoker, noting that he quit smoking

seven-years ago; and so he had some sympathy for smokers.

Councilor Paul continued by stating that what was concerning to him regarding this

matter was those who have been calling out people on social media sites, who had

nothing to do with certain things. He stated he found doing so very disrespectful and it

was disgusting. He stated Housing Authority Executive Director Colleen Lauer has been

mentioned several times in the social media sites. He stated Ms. Lauer was hired by the

Housing Authority to oversee the day-to-day operation of the Kings Corner Manor

Senior Citizens Housing Facility. He stated Ms. Lauer does not set the policies, or

make the rules, noting that there were procedures in-place. Therefore, he stated in order

to create dialogue that they had to straighten a few things out first. He noted as an

example if a Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing tenant had an issue with

something that they could file a grievance, stating that there was a procedure in-place to

do that. He stated if the tenant was not satisfied with the answer Ms. Lauer provided in

working within the parameters of the rules or policies that were in place, that the tenant

could take their issue to the Housing Authority.

Councilor Paul went on to address some of the issues that were raised at the Town

Council’s meetings of August 23, 2023; and September 13, 2023 which included

cameras at the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility. He stated

everywhere you go today that they have cameras for several reasons which included

insurance, liability, safety, etc. He stated the company he worked for had cameras in the

oil trucks, noting that his drivers could say that he wanted to spy on them. However, he

stated from a business perspective that the cameras would help to protect the driver, and

their liability should someone cut-off the driver, etc. He stated everywhere you go they

have rules and policies, noting as an example, some stores say “No Shirt, No Shoes, No

Service” or in the COVID world “Masks Required”. He stated if he did not want to wear

a mask then he would not go to that business, noting that those business had the right to

make their own rules and policies and it was their right to protect their employees. He

stated all of this was no different from why they have elections and referendums, noting

that although some people may complain about a budget, if it passes the budget was

implemented.

Councilor Paul stated the Housing Authority was made up of five residents, with one

being a tenant of the housing facility; and that their Job was to run the Kings Corner

Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility. He continued by addressing the No Smoking

Policy and he questioned whether the residents who have spoken very elegantly at

several meetings brought up their concerns or gave a presentation at the Housing

Authority meetings when they were discussing the adoption of the No Smoking Policy;

and whether they have gone through the processes in place.

Ms. Diaz stated that she did not know any of the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens

Housing Facility tenants or anything about the No Smoking Policy until she saw the

situation on social media. She stated when she attended a Housing Authority Meeting

that she was appalled with the note passing between a resident and the Executive

Director, laughing at the female tenants comments in which they “asked if they could do

something about how the maintenance man entered their apartment, noting that

sometimes they were in their nightgown, and that they felt uncomfortable”; or when a

disabled tenant who had to go across the street in their wheelchair to smoke was

“accused of soliciting and exchanging money for sex because they heard it on the

scanner”.

Councilor Paul noted there were thirty-units at the Kings Corner Manor Senior

Citizens Housing Facility; however, he has only seen a few tenants attend meetings and

only one tenant has spoken about the No Smoking Policy. Ms. Diaz stated that three

people spoke about the Smoking issue at the last Housing Authority Meeting; and she

noted that during the Housing Authority meeting one tenant verbally attacked them,

stared them down for the remainder of the meeting and accused them of taking money.

She stated the tenant was screaming so much that her face turned bright red, and that it

was allowed. She stated when Mr. Edward Murray stood up and said “Don’t talk to me

that way” that the Housing Authority Chairman yelled at him and told him “to sit down

and shut his mouth, that he would speak when he was spoken to”. Housing Authority

Member Paula Crocker stated what Ms. Diaz stated was not true, noting that she had an

audio recording of the meeting. Councilor Paul stated that recording the meetings was

much better than trying to summarizing.

Councilor Saums stated they need to have one person speak at a time. He stated

Councilor Paul was the Chairman of this meeting. He stated that this was a “Public

Meeting, not a Meeting held in Public” for everyone to yell at each other.

Councilor Rodrigeuz stated that because she first heard rumblings in July, 2023 that she

attended the Housing Authority’s Special meeting on July 6, 2023, noting that

Councilor McGrattan also attended. She stated at the meeting they were providing an

update regarding the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility renovation

project. She stated a number of tenants spoke to her that day complaining about the

renovation work, which they could not do anything about. She stated Executive Director

Colleen Lauer said the renovation work was scheduled to be completed in November,

but that realistically the construction work would most likely not be completed until

December, 2023, because of the demand in supplies, which they all understood.

Councilor Rodrigeuz went on to note at the July 6, 2023 Housing Authority meeting that

several tenants also talked to her about their concerns regarding the Smoking Policy,

which was going into effect in August, 2023; and their concerns. She stated because the

July meeting was a special meeting they could only talk about the items that were listed

on the agenda. She stated when tenants tried to speak the Housing Authority Chairman

reiterated that because it was a special meeting they could only speak about the items

listed on the agenda. She stated the Housing Authority did not hold a meeting in June,

2023 and that she did not know what happened at April or May meetings, but that it was

her understanding that the Housing Authority voted on the No Smoking Policy at their

March 6, 2023, meeting with an implementation date of August 1, 2023. She stated that

she knew that there were procedures in place, noting that tenants could file a grievance,

but that she did not know how many people did that. She stated the July 6, 2023

Housing Authority was the first that she caught wind of the Smoking Policy.

Councilor Rodriguez stated after the meeting that she drove by the Kings Corner Manor

Senior Housing Facility during the rain, at night, and during the day. She stated she saw

a tenant who was a double amputee in a wheelchair at the Stonington Institute Building

and that she went and spoke to her. She stated while she was there she walked around

the Housing Facility and she stated the distance between the Housing Facility to the

street was longer than 300-feet and that it was all downhill. She stated rain and snow

was going to be a problem for anyone with ambulatory problems and in a wheelchair.

She stated when she walked to the corner that it was all curbing, noting that there was no

American Disabilities Act (ADA) approved ramp to get onto the town property that was

next to the street, which was all grass. She stated there was no way for a person in a

wheelchair to get in, noting the person would have to go down the hill, onto the street,

then cross the street to get to the Stonington Institute Building which was overgrown.

She stated this was not a good scenario and not safe. She stated she had concerns

regarding safety and liability, noting at night she could barely see. She stated that she

wished they had a plan set up for the safety of the tenants who cannot stop smoking so

that they had a safe place to smoke. She stated she hoped in the future there could be

some mediation through the Mayor and the Housing Authority to come up with a

compromise or negotiation, with some input from the town. She stated the carport was

25-feet away from the Housing Authority apartment buildings. She stated beyond the

carport that there was a fence and she suggested that perhaps they could make an

overhang that would meet ADA approval so that a wheelchair could get in, which would

cost about $10,000. She stated that the appearance made them all look like they were

cruel, noting that they were not. She stated she did not believe for one-minute that the

Housing Authority or the Town Council or the people of Ledyard were cruel, we are not.

However, she stated they have a situation in which she wished that all parties had come

together to talk about smoking in a civil manner and that they did not have this

discussion on social media. She stated the first time she saw the situation it made her

cry. She stated this was a safety and liability concern and that she recommended

mediation.

Mrs. Eleanor Murray stated there was not just one person at the Kings Corner Manor

Senior Citizens Housing Facility that used a wheelchair. She stated that there were 2

tenants who used a wheelchair and 3 tenants who used scooters.

Councilor Marshall stated that they have identified the problems, and he explained to

move forward that they need to work out solutions. He asked to hear from the

Housing Authority members.

Mr. Edward Murray stated that he appreciated what Councilor Rodriguez stated,

noting that there was an appearance here. He stated there was a diagnosis in one of

the smoking manuals noting that there was a Nicotine Use Disorder that was

generally found in all people.

Councilor Paul questioned Mr. Murray’s involvement at the Kings Corner Manor

Senior Citizens Housing Facility, noting that he did not live at the facility. Mr.

Murray stated he and his wife moved to Ledyard about one-year ago. He stated that

they like to get involved in their town. He stated initially they had some difficulty

because they did not know anyone in town. Councilor Paul questioned whether the

Murray’s was a friend with a tenant who lived at the Kings Corner Manor Senior

Citizens Housing Facility. Mr. Murray stated that he would not call him a friend to

the tenants, but that when they found from their standpoint, that there was not the

compassion that he thought there should be for the people who were in a position,

where they basically had no control, they got involved. He stated that he knows that

the smokers were offered the opportunity to quit smoking. He stated in looking at the

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data it would tell them that about

one-third of the people who try to quit smoking were able to do so. Councilor Paul

stated that we all synthesize with the smokers to some degree.

Ms. Paula Crocker, Route 12, Gales Ferry, Housing Authority Member, stated her

mother lived in the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility for

seventeen years, stating at that time the tenants could smoke inside the apartments.

She stated her mother was a smoker, and was on oxygen, and continued to smoke.

She also stated at that time that she was also a smoker, noting that she quit smoking a

week after her mother passed away. She stated her mother passed away at 91 years

old and did not pass away from smoking. She stated it her two-weeks to clean her

mother’s apartment, noting that it was disgusting and that she believed that even after

she cleaned the apartment that the Housing Authority had to do more work to clean

the apartment. Therefore, she stated that she thought long and hard when the Housing

Authority was going to vote on the Smoking Policy. She stated her reason for voting

to put smoking off the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing property was for

the tenants who lived there that did not smoke. She stated you can smell cigarette

smoke whether they smoked inside the apartments or not. She stated the smoke gets

on everything and that was the reason she voted for no smoking on the property. She

stated that she did feel sorry for the people who smoke, noting that it took her a long

time to quit smoking. However, she stated the Smoking Policy was for the safety,

health, and welfare of the entire Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing

Community, not just for the five tenants who smoke.

Ms. Colleen Lauer, 19 Nutmeg Drive, Gales Ferry, Housing Authority Executive

Director, stated that she runs the day-to-day operations for the Kings Corner Manor

Senior Citizens Housing Facility. She stated the facility has 31-tenants, with five

tenants that smoke. She stated the Housing Authority has had to clean a couple

apartments that were occupied by smokers. She stated the Housing Authority has

done a lot of research and checked with other Housing Authorities noting that there

were several Housing Authorities in the area that do not allow smoking on the

property at all. She stated it has been their intention to put a smoking area down near

the street, however, they learned that the area they were considering was actually the

Housing Authority’s property. She stated they have been talking with the Town to try

to have a sidewalk installed to provide a safe area for the smokers to go to. However,

she stated it was not something that was required, nor do they have to allow smoking,

based on any State or American Disability Act (ADA) Ruling. She stated the Housing

Authority did their research and made the decision to go Non-Smoking at their March

6, 2023 meeting. She stated that she walked around the facility to deliver the Notice

to all the tenants. She stated that she specifically spoke with one tenant who was very

upset and got very vocal with her. She stated tenants attended the Housing

Authority’s April 3, 2023 meeting, noting that their meeting were open for tenants to

attend, and she stated not one single tenant commented on the Smoking Policy. She

stated there was some talk of a petition, that the smokers asked other tenants to sign

that stated that they did not mind smoking, noting that she has never seen the petition.

She stated the Housing Authority did not receive any documentation

correspondence prior to the August 1, 2023 implementation of the Smoking Policy.

Ms. Lauer addressed the comments regarding the sidewalk/ramp explaining that it

was initially installed in 1986, and that it was not an American Disability Act (ADA)

approved ramp. She stated the ramp that was currently there was a temporary asphalt

ramp, explaining as part of the renovation work to the Kings Corner Manor Senior

Citizens Housing Facility that the ramp has been redesigned for engineering and

ADA compliance. She continued to explain that the new ramp would be regraded, the

parking area would have a Handicap Parking spot painted hashmarks, stating that it

would be appropriate.

Councilor Marshall questioned whether it was possible to Grandfather-In the five

tenants who smoke for the remainder of their life in a designated area, and then going

forward not allow any new tenants moving into the facility to smoke. Executive

Assistant Colleen Lauer responded to Councilor Marshall’s suggestion stating that

would be the Housing Authority’s decision, explaining that was not her decision.

Councilor Marshall questioned whether this was something the Housing Authority

would consider. Ms. Lauer stated the full Housing Authority was not present this

evening; and she explained the Smoking Policy was on the Housing Authority’s

August 7, 2023 and September 5, 2023 Agendas, and that the Authority voted to keep

the Smoking Policy as it was discussed and voted on at their March 6, 2023 meeting.

Councilor Marshall questioned the purpose of the cameras at the Kings Corner

Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility. Executive Assistant Colleen Lauer stated

the cameras were to protect the property. She stated when she took the job that she

talked with other Housing Authorities, and she stated that the majority of them have

some type of security system. Therefore, the Housing Authority decided to put up

cameras for insurance purposes. She stated god-forbid someone has fallen that they

would have the security cameras footage. She stated they had an incident in which

some children had damaged some items in the area of the path between Kings Corner

Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility and the Senior Citizens Facility, noting that

they were able to catch the kids from the footage captured on the camera. Councilor

Marshall questioned whether any of the cameras were pointing at the residences and

if they could see inside the apartments. Ms. Laurer stated that the cameras were

pointed toward the buildings but that they could not see inside the apartments. She

stated the cameras only cover the area outside of the buildings, noting that they were

not sophisticated stating that they only provided video and that they did not have

audio. She stated that they also had one camera in the Community Room.

Ms. Susan Lipinski, 60 Kings Corner Manor, Apartment #1, attending remotely by

phone, stated that she was sitting at the white building having a cigarette, because

she wanted to show everyone how dark and dangerous it was there. The Community

Relations Committee stated that they could hear Ms. Lipinski but that there was no

video. Ms. Lipinski stated that she has been a resident at the Kings Corner Manor

Senior Citizens Housing Facility for 23-years explaining that she moved to the

housing facility after she was hit by a drunk driver, and she lost both of her legs. She

stated that luckily she had a place to go, stating that she was grateful that there was a

place for her to live. She stated that she never smoked in her apartment, and when the

facility went non-smoking and provided a designed smoking area that she did not

have a problem with that, but that a couple people did; and those people continued to

smoke in their apartments. She stated they had Rules which stated if the tenant had

three strikes that they would be evicted. She stated because the Housing Authority

did not obey the Rule to evict one tenant continued to smoke in their apartment. She

stated the Housing Authority spent about $1,000 to help that person cleanup their

apartment, but that the tenant continued to smoke in the apartment. She stated the

Housing Authority should punish the one person who was not following the rules, not

punish all of them. She stated they kept a clean smoking area, noting that she

provided all of the ash trays, noting that not one cigarette but was found and that they

were 25-feet away from the buildings. She stated the $21,000 electric wheelchair she

was in was not made for the street or road and it could only be replaced every

five-years. She stated because of the constant back and forth on the street that the

wear and tear on the wheelchair was a lot quicker than it should be. She stated that

she was an outside person, noting that she was outside all the time, she smoked

outside with her dog and that she did not bother anybody. She stated that she was the

tenant that had the petition signed and that it was in her presence. She stated she

spoke with Housing Authority Executive Director Colleen Lauer about her issues

regarding the Smoking Policy and the tenant that did not follow the rules and that Ms.

Lauer stated that she could not talk about another tenant; but if they could take care

of the issue with the tenant that the Housing Authority was not going to make the

tenants smoke off the property. Ms. Lipinski stated that she said to Ms. Lauer that

was good that they were going to take care of the one tenant because all of the others

have been following the rules.

Ms. Lipinski continued to state that she filled out the paperwork for “Special

Accommodations” and that when they had bad weather that she would smoke out her

window to make sure no smoke went into the apartment. She stated if it had bothered

any of her neighbors that she would have moved. She stated with living at the Kings

Corner Housing Facility for 23-years that the history she knew about the place was

unbelievable. She stated the cameras did not save people’s lives. She stated because

she was outside all the time that she saved six people’s lives, stating that she had the

cards to prove it, noting they happened to get hurt outside in the middle of the night

and she happened to be outside smoking. She stated the Housing Authority only

knows of five-smokers, noting that people say they do not smoke but they do.

Ms. Lipinski addressed the issue regarding the cameras at the Kings Corner Senior

Citizens Housing Facility. She stated one tenant met State Senator Cathy Osten at an

event and they told her what was going on at the facility. She stated Senator Osten

visited the Housing Facility on a Sunday and the tenant walked her around the

facility. She stated the next day (Monday) Executive Director Colleen Lauer knew

that Senator Osten had visited the housing facility because their Tenant

Commissioner, who was a friend of Ms. Lauer calls Ms. Lauer at her home all the

time to report when the tenants were doing any kind of activity that was out of the

ordinary, stating that they were not a prison. She stated when Ms. Lauer received the

Tenant Member’s telephone call stating that someone, who looked important, was

walking around the property with another tenant that Ms. Lauer immediately got on

her home telephone and looked at the cameras to see who the tenant was walking

around with. She stated that was not what these cameras were for; and that she would

swear by that to the day she dies. Ms. Lipinski stated the rules state that the tenants

were supposed to vote-in the Tenant Member to serve on the Housing Authority, but

that their Tenant Board Member was not voted in by the tenants, they were voted in

by the Board. She stated she has lived in Ledyard since she was 12-years old and that

she remembered when the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility was

built. She stated that she knew for a fact that they have never had any break-ins; not

even a car break-in at the housing property, noting that nobody bothers with them.

She stated it was dark, it was lonely, and nobody came up there. She stated Ms. Lauer

did a survey asking 125 Housing Authorities what their position was regarding

smoking. She stated that 93% still smoke on housing property, but they do not smoke

in their homes. Ms. Lipinski stated that she would provide a copy of the survey to

whoever was in-charge there. She stated that she did not smoke in her apartment, and

therefore, she questioned why she should be punished. She stated that she has also

done some research and she stated that other Housing Authorities have the Board

Members, before they join, do some kind of training. She stated the Board Members

do not know the American Disabilities Act (ADA) Laws; they do not know the

Roberts Rules of Order, noting that she knew them. She stated that she did not think

they were trying to hurt the tenants in any way, but that she thinks that sometimes

they just do not know. She stated she was glad to be at the Kings Corner Manor

Senior Citizens Housing Facility and that she did not want to leave. She stated the

renovation work was an inconvenience for all of them, including Ms. Lauer and the

Board Members, but that she was glad the work was being done. She stated that she

hoped they could come up with a solution so they could all live in harmony, noting

there were only 31 tenants.

Councilor Paul thanked Ms. Lipinski for her comments.

Councilor Saums stated he wanted to address the suggestion that the Town Council

does not care. He stated that he rememberd Ms. Lipinski writing a letter to the Town

Council and sending a photograph of a vine growing into her shower. He stated not

too long ago the Housing Authority was replacing the windows, three at a time,

because they did not have any money for capital improvements. He stated the one

reason the Housing Authority did not have any money was because the former

Executive Director never raised the rents. He stated while the rents at the Kings

Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility were low they could not be as low as

they were because if the Housing Authority cannot set-a-side funding for capital

improvements they could not maintain the facility, which was why all this was

happening and the reason a vine was growing in Ms. Lipinski’s shower.

Councilor Saums continued by stating although the Town Council could not do

anything with regard to the vine growing in the shower or for the replacement of

windows because they do not have any authority; that what the Town Council was

able to do was work with the Housing Authority to secure $2.8 million of State Grant

Funding through the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) and the

Housing of Urban Development (HUD) for the extensive improvement/renovation

work that was currently underway at the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens

Housing Facility. He stated he realized that the current renovation work was

inconvenient, but that it was $2.8 million dollars of State Grant Funding the Housing

Authority was able to get with the support of the Town Council. He stated the Town

Council does care, noting that if the Town Council had not paid attention to the

condition of the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility and they did

not work with the Housing Authority the apartments would still be in the state of

disrepair like when Ms. Lipinski sent the Town Council the picture of the vine

growing in her shower eight years ago. He stated that he hoped the residents could

take this into perspective with regard to whether the Town Council cared or not.

Councilor Saums addressed the comments about all of the information that was

provided for tonight’s Community Relations Committee meeting. He stated the

information was not intended to bore or to intimidate you, it was to provide the

background and understanding of why the Town Council Chairman keeps saying that

the Town Council cannot do anything, because they do not have any authority.

Councilor Saums questioned whether anyone has filed any grievances with the

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) on behalf of the Kings Corner

Manor Senior Citizens Housing Tenants. Ms. Diaz stated that she only received the

information regarding the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) at last

week’s meeting. She stated that she has not filed any grievances, noting that she felt

her position was to support the tenants, not to do it for them. She stated she had given

to the Tenants the following information: (1) CHFA Grievance Process; and (2)

Tenants Rights to Reasonable Accommodations. Ms. Lipinski stated that she filed a

Grievance with the CHFA. Councilor Saums stated that this was the proper process

to file their complaints. He went on to note as Councilor Paul stated this evening, that

this Committee was trying to help them establish a dialogue. He stated the

Committee understands everything they were saying and they understand there was a

lot of disagreement about what was being said; however, he stated were still not

going to do anything about it. He stated that they would do what they could to

support, but that they do not have the authority.

Councilor Paul stated that it was getting late, and what Councilor Saums said was

correct. However, he stated as they wrap-up tonight’s discussion regarding the Kings

Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility, with the Tenants and the Housing

Authority that he would like to note the following:

· Importance to follow procedures in order to move forward in the right direction.

ü Grievance - The Housing Authority had a grievance process. Councilor Paul

stated tenants could file a grievance. The Executive Director would try to

resolve the issue. He stated if the Director was not able to resolve the matter

in fifteen days, that it would be submitted to the Housing Authority to make a

decision regarding the grievance. He stated should the tenant did not agree

with the Housing Authority’s decision that they had the opportunity to have

another hearing.

· Renovation/Improvement Project - Councilor Paul stated they all recognized that

the construction work has been inconvenient for everyone. However, he stated the

work was almost complete and that it was going to be a great improvement. He

stated this was an incredible positive for the tenants and the Kings Corner Manor

Housing Facility.

· Executive Director - Councilor Paul stated it was his opinion that the Director has

done a great job managing the Renovation/Improvement Project.

· Social Media - Councilor Paul stated whether they liked the Executive Director or

the Housing Authority Members that there was a proper way to go about

addressing concerns. He stated going on social media or accusing one person was

very disrespectful. He stated putting someone a Facebook Blast was absolutely

wrong; and that he could not respect anyone who does that. He stated using social

media was not the process to address issues at the Kings Corner Manor Senior

Citizens Housing Facility.

· Housing Authority Meeting Location - Councilor Paul stated the meetings should

be held at a location where the meetings could be video and audio recorded. He

stated this would allow the Housing Authority to engage residents in a better

format where residents could talk. He stated although he may not agree with what

everyone had to say that he liked to listen, and that the tried to put himself in

those people shoes.

Councilor Paul stated that he did not think the issues that they were discussing could

be resolved this evening. However, he stated that he hoped tonight’s discussion

would help them start to think about how they could better communicate with the

right people. He encouraged tenants to read the agendas, minutes, attend the

meetings and speak when they had the opportunity to speak at the meetings.

Mrs. Eleanor Murray stated that she would like to leave the Community Relations

Committee w

Any other New Business proper to come before the Committee.

None.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

VI.

OLD BUSINESS

Discuss the 2024 Black History Activity/Contest.

Councilor Rodriguez stated Councilor McGrattan told her that one of the Ledyard

Librarians would like to get involved with the Black History Month program. She

stated that she would contact the Librarian to exchange some ideas and would report

back to the Committee.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Continued discussion and possible action draft a schedule for Public Information Forums to

present to residents the types of services the town offers; how to access services and the

authority residents should direct concerns regarding services.

Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee had some great

success at the Farmers’ Markets this summer. He stated unfortunately the

September 13, 2023 “Hometown Heros” Farmers’ Market was cancelled due to

weather. He stated the Community Relations Committee had planned to participate at

the event to thank and to bring awareness to the work and dedication of our First

Responders (Fire Departments and Police Department) as well as the over 200

community volunteers who serve on the Town’s Committees/Commissions/Boards,

noting that they were all instrumental in how our town works. He stated that he was

thankful for the people who were willing to participate in the event, noting that it was

unfortunate that the weather did not cooperate.

Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher stated the Ledyard Beautification

Committee was at the Farmers’ Market this evening. She stated when Committee

Chairman Jennfier Eastbourne picked up the Town of Ledyard tent that she was

willing to bring the flyers and other information the Community Relations Committee

had prepared to handout at the September 13, 2023 Farmers Market for interested

residents to learn how they could volunteer to serve on a town committee. Councilor

Paul stated the materials also included a QR Code for residents to scan to bring them

to the new portal where they could submit their Appointment Application on-line.

Councilor Paul went on to state the Community Relations Committee participated

with Ledyard Libraries at the August 30, 2023 Farmers Market, noting that the theme

was “Back to School”. He stated it was great to see the Library Staff interact with the

kids He stated the Library was also planning to hold a presentation later this Fall.

However, he stated because they were short-staffed they decided to postpone the

presentation until they were back to being fully staffed.

Councilor Paul noted tonight was the last Farmers Market for the 2023 Summer

Season. Councilor Marshall questioned whether there was going to be a Winter

Market this year. Councilor Paul stated that there would not be a Winter Farmers'

Market.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Continued discussion and possible action to identify various town venues to host “Informal

Conversations in the Park” to engage residents in discussions regarding their concerns and

their ideas for potential solutions.

Councilor Paul noted that the Committee discussed hosting an Informal Gathering at

the new Lantern Hill Waterfront Park, which was the property Mr. and Mrs. Graham

donated to the town (leased for $10 per year) . However, he stated he has not been

able to reach out to anyone to try to coordinate an event.

Councilor Rodriguez stated that she thought the Committee also discussed working

with Parks & Recreation to schedule a tour to visit all of the town’s recreational

parks. Councilor Paul stated that they have been discussing a tour of all the parks in

town. However, he stated that he has not heard from the Director of Parks,

Recreation, & Senior Citizens Commission, noting that the newly combined

Commission held their first regular meeting on September 19, 2023.

Councilor Rodriguez, Liaison to the Parks, Recreation, & Senior Citizens

Commission, stated that the Park Tour was on their Agenda last night. However, the

Commission received a presentation regarding the State Park from a Boy Scout and

that two residents talked about Pickleball. Therefore, she stated there were some

items on the agenda that the Commission was not able to get to.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Continued discussion regarding the possibility to schedule joint meetings with the

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to discuss items of mutual interest.

Councilor Saums stated that he has not had any communication with his

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council contact.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Continued review of status regarding the progress of improvements at the Park on East

Drive.

Councilor Paul stated he has been waiting for the Parks, Recreation, & Senior

Citizens Commission to schedule the tour of the town’s parks, noting that he had

hoped the tour would begin at the Park on East Drive. He stated that he has not heard

that there were any recent issues at the Park.

Councilor Rodriguez stated that she spoke with Mrs. Jamison about a month ago, and

she noted that Mrs. Jamison stated that they did not have any complaints and that

they were happy with the new lights and other work that was done. Councilor

Rodriguez stated that the Park on East Drive was a beautiful park.

Councilor Paul expressed his appreciation to Chief Rich and the Police Department

for their diligence, to Parks & Recreation, the Public Works Department and the