741 Colonel Ledyard Highway  
Ledyard, Connecticut 06339  
TOWN OF LEDYARD  
Community Relations Committee  
Meeting Minutes  
Regular Meeting  
Wednesday, October 18, 2023  
6:30 PM  
Town Hall Annex - Hybrid Format  
REMOTE MEETING INFORMATION  
In -Person Location goes here  
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I
CALL TO ORDER  
the Meeting was called to order by Councilor Paul at 6:31 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 McGrattanTown Councilor  
S. Naomi RodriguezTown Councilor  
Paula Crocker Housing Authority Member  
Colleen Lauer Housing Authority Director  
Sheri FernandezHousing Authority Tenant  
Susan Lipinski Housing Authority Tenant  
Edward Murray Resident  
Eleanor Murray Resident  
Ginina DiazResident  
Nicole Cruz-GlackenResident  
Roxanne MaherAdministrative Assistant  
III.  
RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS  
Ms. Ginina Diaz, 1546 Route 12, Gales Ferry, attending remotely, stated that she  
wanted to provide a recap of the events that have taken place since the Community  
Relations Committee’s September 20, 2023 meeting regarding the Kings Corner  
Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility. She stated at the Housing Authority’s  
October 2, 2023 meeting there was no discussion about how to improve safety for the  
tenants who smoke. However, she stated that she appreciated the Housing  
Authority’s Chairman interest/suggestions to:  
ü Record the Board’s meetings by both audio and video.  
ü Hold an Open Forum type of meeting every couple of months to address the  
Tenants concerns.  
Ms. Diaz stated that she continued to have concerns regarding the safety of the Kings  
Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility Tenants. She stated after the last  
Housing Authority Board meeting a tenant stated that when one of the Board  
Members was exiting the property that they nearly ran the tenant over. She stated that  
this was not the first time this that the tenant was nearly hit because of how dark it  
was there. She stated last week that she cleared a pathway to the former Stonington  
Institute Building that was across the street from the Kings Corner Manor Senior  
Citizens Housing Facility. She noted that the building had a loading area with an  
awning, where people could stand under if it was raining to smoke. However, she  
stated it was a scarry feeling even during the daytime, noting that you could not see  
the area from the road and the loading area was quite steep. She stated if someone  
were to fall from the loading dock that she questioned how long it would be before  
they would be found because the area could not be seen from the road.  
Ms. Diaz went on to note her email dated October 13, 2023 in which she offered the  
following suggestions:  
· Hold an Open Forum to meet the candidates before the November 7, 2023  
Municipal Election.  
Ms. Diaz stated that this week she learned the chain of command for this type of  
event. Therefore, she stated she sent an email to the Chairman of both the  
Republican Town Committee and the Democratic Town Committee to request an  
Open Forum before the November 7, 2023 Election. She stated Ledyard had a  
low voter turn-out noting for the last Municipal Election only 31% of the  
residents voted. She stated that she did not know if this was due to the lack of  
interest, lack of options, or if residents felt like they were not being represented.  
Therefore, she stated that she would like to figure out a way to entice the 69% of  
the residents who did not vote to become more involved this time. She stated  
today she saw posts on Social Media about how little advertisement the October  
17, 2023 Referendum had regarding the Various School Projects, noting out of  
15,000 residents that only 230 people voted. She stated she also saw a complaint  
from someone who was looking for information on all of the candidates who  
were running in November. She stated they could only find the Republican Town  
Committee and the Democratic Town Committee. She stated when residents  
asked on the Ledyard Resource Page last week where they could find candidate  
information for the upcoming election that members of the Democratic Town  
Committee only listed the slate for the Democratic and Republican candidates.  
She stated the reason she was mentioning this was because both the Democratic  
and Republican Town Committee Members knew that there was also a Green  
Party Candidate running for Mayor, noting that they have her sign in their yard.  
She stated to not give residents all of the information regarding who they could  
vote for was problematic. She stated the town should focus on how to increase  
their voter turnout numbers.  
· Black History Month - 2024  
Ms. Diaz stated Councilor Rodriguez has conducted the Black History Month  
Essay Contest and Poster Contest the past few years, which was great. However,  
she stated no High School Students participated in the Contest last year.  
Therefore, Ms. Diaz stated with having two teenage kids she ran a couple of  
ideas past her kids that may attract some of the older students to participate; and  
that she wanted to share the following ideas with the Community Relations  
Committee.  
ü Essay Contest  
ü Open Mic Night to allow the students to be creative in talking about Black  
History Month, which could include things such as a poem, or if they were  
musical they could sing or team up with other students to do something musical.  
ü Braiding Workshop - To learn how to braid and the history about the art of  
braiding. Ms. Diaz stated that braiding hair was originally designed for uses  
such as maps or carrying things from one place to another; and not necessarily  
for fashion.  
The Community Relations Committee thanked Ms. Diaz for her comments.  
Ms. Gay Sonn, 60 Kings Highway, Apartment #19, Kings Corner Manor Senior  
Citizens Housing Facility, Gales Ferry. Ms. Sonn stated that she has lived at this  
address for a little over seven years and that she was present this evening to make the  
Community Relations Committee aware of a letter she sent Mayor Allyn, III, Town  
Council Chairman Kevin Dombrowski, and Town Councilor Gary Paul dated October  
9, 2023 to inform them that she has formally filed with the Department of Justice a  
claim against the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility, the Housing  
Authority, and their Executive Director, because she was owed over $1,100 in  
damages from BRD that occurred during the repairs to her home (Apartment #19);  
and $100 or $200 from King Corner Manor. She read her letter to the Department of  
Justice as noted below:  
From: Gay Sonn <glsonn@yahoo.com <mailto:glsonn@yahoo.com>>  
Sent: Monday, October 9, 2023 8:35:19 AM  
To: Ledyard Housing Authority <ledyardhousing@att.net  
<mailto:ledyardhousing@att.net>>  
Cc: Kevin J. Dombrowski <KJDom@ledyardct.org  
<mailto:KJDom@ledyardct.org>>; Gary Paul <gpaul@ledyardct.org  
<mailto:gpaul@ledyardct.org>>; Fred Allyn, III <mayor@ledyardct.org  
<mailto:mayor@ledyardct.org>>  
Subject: Other monies owed  
Good morning Colleen,  
Damaged items not related to BRD renovations:  
*Deductibles for damaged appliances from electrical surges, non-weather related  
per LHA maintenance.  
*Outdoor patio carpet damaged during mowing, 2022.  
The above have yet to be addressed or resolved. I have over 7 years of emails  
between LHA, CHFA, and myself regarding repairs and accommodations not done.  
These fall within a pattern of intimidation/ discrimination/ anti- sematism and/or  
select favoritism being demonstrated by LHA and you (Executive Director) now it  
was recurring with BRD, LHA and you.  
Trying to converse with the LHA Board or you has resulted in my receiving unasked  
for/unwanted applications to relocate me to other housing locations including  
congregant care; or being told, as have others here, the current LHA President will  
help pack us up so we can "move out."  
I find the above threatening, as I do the promise of no more maintenance being  
performed in response to the recent Accommodation submitted. You willfully ignored  
and altered ADA requests, as with apartment packing and renovation timing, and  
tenant Request wording to make it other than what was originally submitted, as with  
water pressure.  
Comments attributed to me at the September LHA Board meeting were publicly  
published and displayed by you; containing misleading, partial statements and  
statements I did not make; placing me in an adversarial, dangerous position within  
the community. The LHA President moved to accept these fraudulent minutes as  
read, and they continue to be left on display by you (meaning the Executive Director).  
Due to the above, I will be filing with the Department of Justice. Ledyard Police  
Officer Michael McKinney, Kevin Dombrowski and Mary McGrattan - Town Council  
members, and Ledyard Retired Postmaster Patricia Sargeant, can confirm illegal  
mail tampering and attempted theft, unapproved entry to my unit and damage to  
physical property, and attempted physical/emotional harm by current/past LHA  
Board members and employees.  
LHA needs to stop issuing threats for the duration of my residency at Kings Manor as  
I daily deal with continued loss of sight.  
The refusal by the LHA Board and you (Executive Director) to respond with  
appropriate, timely action for damages done only exacerbates the trauma and  
distress of the situation.  
Respectfully,  
Gay Sonn  
60 Kings Hwy #19  
Gales Ferry, CT 06335  
860-941-0566  
glsonn@yahoo.com <mailto:glsonn@yahoo.com>  
10/7/23”  
Ms. Sonn went on to state that she was supposed to move into Kings Corner Manor  
Apartment #19 on December 1st; seven years ago. She stated once it was found out  
that she was of the Jewish Religion that suddenly the Apartment was not ready and  
was not being worked on. She stated they changed her move-in date to December  
15th and wrote her a new Lease. She stated when December 15th came and went the  
Apartment was not ready. On December 31st, she was forced to move from where  
she was living; and when she arrived at the Kings Corner Manor, assuming that her  
Apartment would be ready, it was not ready and it still had the items from the  
previous tenant, who had died on the premises. She stated that she has photographs  
showing fesses on the toilet and on the wall of the bathroom. She stated she had  
nowhere to go; and it was New Year’s Eve. She stated on that day, she had to try to  
find where she could store her furniture, her clothing, and her computer. She stated  
that she finally moved into the Apartment on January 19th with no explanation other  
than the Executive Director, at that time, telling her that was how they do things. She  
stated she was never reimbursed for her computer that froze on the moving truck,  
noting the cost of her move doubled because of storage, at which point the resident  
who was acting as Treasurer, which was against the Housing Authority Rules; and  
the Executive Director, took their key and went into her mailbox; and she found out  
later that they had cut the amount of the Check by half assuming that she did not  
really need it, because she would have needed to pay half of the amount to move  
anyway. She stated this was all after she had been displaced for over a month. She  
stated that she has been physically threatened, she has had half of her deck stolen,  
hence the Ledyard Police, and she has been assaulted. She stated one of the threats  
was by the President of the Housing Authority, who literally tried to jump the table  
when she told him that she had been told by the Executive Director to buy her own  
ceiling fan, so she bought a ceiling fan, noting that she was an English Teacher, and  
took the statement at word value. She stated what she did not realize, was that the  
Executive Director expected her to give the money to the Executive Director to buy  
the ceiling fan. She stated Councilor McGrattan was at the meeting and witnessed  
this, noting that she had witnesses for all of this, and that she did not make this up on  
the spur of the moment. She stated CHFA told them that they had to fix her back  
deck and repair the backyard, noting that this goes back from when items were stolen  
from the deck, including the slate that it was built with. She stated it was finally fixed  
about a month ago when she told them to shorten the deck, and that she gave an air  
conditioner to the maintenance man as a thank you for doing it; because the Board  
and the Executive Director had done nothing for seven years. She stated that she was  
tired of this. She stated that she would not apologize for her religion, she was proud  
of both parts of it. She stated her father was Italian and her other was an Austrian  
Jew, noting that her mother lost half her family during World War II. She stated both  
of her parents fought during World War II, nothing the closest they got was Sioux  
Falls, South Dakota., but that they tried. She stated that she does not like to be  
picked-on, she does not like being intimidated, she does not like having to hide who  
she was, noting that one of the Police Officers said: “Why do you wear the Start of  
David, why don’t you hide it.” Ms. Sonn rhetorically questioned “why should she  
have to hide her religion… to appease the other people that were there, who were all  
Roman Catholic members of Our Lady of Lourds Church”. She stated her father was  
a Roman Catholic.  
Councilor Saums asked Ms. Sonn to stay on point regarding the Kings Corner Manor  
Senior Citizens Housing Facility.  
Ms. Sonn continued by stating that she was still being given paperwork to move out  
of the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Authority; she was still being  
offered other places to go to get rid of her, she was still getting things done to her  
property and to herself, noting that she still had Housing Authority Chairman Mr.  
Duzy threatening her saying that he would come to help her pack to move. She stated  
that she has asked for an Accommodation, noting that the wording of the  
Accommodation was changed by the current Executive Director. False statements  
attributed to her were posted on a board where her neighbors could look at it and  
think that she was some kind of freak. She stated that this has got to stop, and that she  
was not the only one that this was happening too.  
Councilor Saums stated to Ms. Sonn that her point was that she filed with the  
Department of Justice, correct? Ms. Sonn stated, as has the person who was sitting  
next to her this evening. Councilor Saums stated that they would wait to hear from  
the Department of Justice. Ms. Sonn thanked the Committee for their time.  
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  
Councilor Paul stated earlier this evening during Section III. Citizens Comments, that  
Resident Ms. Diaz reviewed her email. He stated the Agenda included some of the  
items Ms. Diaz mentioned in her correspondence, and that the Committee would be  
discussing those items later this evening. However, he stated that he would like to  
address Ms. Diaz’s comments about working to get more people out to vote, noting  
that she made a valid point, that Ledyard had a low voter turnout. He stated that he  
applauded her efforts, noting that issue concerning voter turnout has been discussed  
in the past.  
Councilor Saums stated except for the low voter turnout that each of Ms. Diaz’s  
suggestions were on tonight’s agenda. He stated the Committee to Review the Budget  
Process has been discussing the town’s low voter turnout for the annual budget and  
how information was communicated. He stated the most recent problem was that The  
Day Newspaper does not have a reporter assigned to Ledyard, and therefore, there  
were no articles regarding local issues happening in Ledyard being published in the  
newspaper. He also noted in years past that The Day Newspaper would either have  
someone talk with each Party and their Candidates and ask questions about their  
ideas, and what the issues were in Ledyard, etc. and publish an article in the  
newspaper; or they would host Moderated Forums for local elections. However, he  
stated because this was no longer happening they were reduced to social media, and  
the posting of legal ad’s in the newspaper every time there would be a town vote. He  
stated the Committee to Review the Budget Process talked about all the things that  
town was doing to get information out to the residents and despite all of the work and  
places information was made available (i.e. all public meetings were posted on the  
town’s meeting portal, information was available on the town’s website and social  
media page, legal ad’s were published in the newspaper, residents could sign up to be  
notified for announcements, information was published in the quarterly Events  
Magazine that was delivered to every household, etc.).  
However, he stated despite all these efforts, that they have a problem, noting as an  
example that they may have ten people show up the Budget Public Hearing. He stated  
times change, and that he was not blaming the newspapers, noting that people were  
getting their information from social media. He stated the date of October 17, 2023  
Referendum was posted on the town’s website along with a detailed description  
explaining the reason they were holding the Referendum, and that several Town  
Councilor’s posted the date of October 17, 2023 Referendum on their social media  
pages, however, he stated not everyone sees those, because of the way facebook  
worked. He stated although he did not have a solution, that he would agree that  
Ledyard has a problem with voter turnout, noting for the Annual Budget that only 2  
out of 30 people voted.  
Councilor Rodrigeuz stated for the Annual Budget Referendum that 2.5% voted; and  
for the October 17, 2023 Referendum to increase the funding for the Schools Various  
Projects to include the redesign of Heating and Ventilation (HVAC) System at the  
Juliet W. Long School that 2.3% of the registered voters turned out to vote.  
Councilor Paul stated that he agreed with Councilor Saums’ comments regarding the  
efforts being made to provide information to the public. He also noted the importance  
to provide information regarding the candidates who were seeking election.  
Councilor Saums stated to find out about the Annual Budget Referendum and other  
meetings that residents could sign-up for Website Updates, Calendar Updates, News  
Alerts, or Tax Department Notifications at: by clicking on the “Notify Me” Tab on  
the front page of the towns website, he stated they could receive text messages on  
their cell phones or emails or both depending on what type of notification they select.  
Councilor Paul suggested this information be shared on the Community Forum, and  
that Town Councilors share this information on their social media pages with the  
hope that residents would sign up for the Alerts. He stated they welcomed ideas to  
increase voter turnout from everyone.  
Councilor Paul went on to note that Ms. Diaz’s other suggestions were already listed  
on the Agenda and that the Committee would discuss her ideas during those portions  
of tonight’s meeting.  
Councilor Saums noted the following Resident’s Comments that were posted in the  
Zoom Meeting “Chat”:  
· Ms. Nicole Cruz-Glacken noted the Women’s League of Voters host moderated  
events to meet the candidates and to help get the vote out.  
· Ms. Ginina Diaz noted that she tried to reach out to The Day Newspaper to find  
out who replaced Reporter Erica Moser; and that she received a response stating  
there were no local stories out of Ledyard due to the lack of Reporters.  
Councilor Rodriguez stated The Day Newspaper had a new Publisher and that they  
have made a lot of changes.  
Councilor Paul thanked the Residents for their comments in the Zoom “Chat” and he  
stated that the Committee had some great ideas; and some great dialogue on these  
topics.  
1. Ms. Diaz email dated 10/13/2023 re: Suggestions and Ideas for Community Relations  
Committee Agenda Items.  
Councilor Paul stated earlier this evening during Section III. Citizens Comments, that  
Resident Ms. Diaz reviewed her email. He stated the Agenda included some of the  
items Ms. Diaz mentioned in her correspondence, and that the Committee would be  
discussing those items later this evening. However, he stated that he would like to  
address Ms. Diaz’s comments about working to get more people out to vote, noting  
that she made a valid point, that Ledyard had a low voter turnout. He stated that he  
applauded her efforts, noting that issue concerning voter turnout has been discussed  
in the past.  
Councilor Saums stated except for the low voter turnout that each of Ms. Diaz’s  
suggestions were on tonight’s agenda. He stated the Committee to Review the Budget  
Process has been discussing the town’s low voter turnout for the annual budget and  
how information was communicated. He stated the most recent problem was that The  
Day Newspaper does not have a reporter assigned to Ledyard, and therefore, there  
were no articles regarding local issues happening in Ledyard being published in the  
newspaper. He also noted in years past that The Day Newspaper would either have  
someone talk with each Party and their Candidates and ask questions about their  
ideas, and what the issues were in Ledyard, etc. and publish an article in the  
newspaper; or they would host Moderated Forums for local elections. However, he  
stated because this was no longer happening they were reduced to social media, and  
the posting of legal ad’s in the newspaper every time there would be a town vote. He  
stated the Committee to Review the Budget Process talked about all the things that  
town was doing to get information out to the residents and despite all of the work and  
places information was made available (i.e. all public meetings were posted on the  
town’s meeting portal, information was available on the town’s website and social  
media page, legal ad’s were published in the newspaper, residents could sign up to be  
notified for announcements, information was published in the quarterly Events  
Magazine that was delivered to every household, etc.). However, he stated despite all  
these efforts, that they have a problem, noting as an example that they may have ten  
people show up the Budget Public Hearing. He stated times change, and that he was  
not blaming the newspapers, noting that people were getting their information from  
social media. He stated the date of October 17, 2023 Referendum was posted on the  
town’s website along with a detailed description explaining the reason they were  
holding the Referendum, and that several Town Councilor’s posted the date of  
October 17, 2023 Referendum on their social media pages, however, he stated not  
everyone sees those, because of the way facebook worked. He stated although he did  
not have a solution, that he would agree that Ledyard has a problem with voter  
turnout, noting for the Annual Budget that only 2 out of 30 people voted.  
Councilor Rodrigeuz stated for the Annual Budget Referendum that 2.5% voted; and  
for the October 17, 2023 Referendum to increase the funding for the Schools Various  
Projects to include the redesign of Heating and Ventilation (HVAC) System at the  
Juliet W. Long School that 2.3% of the registered voters turned out to vote.  
Councilor Paul stated that he agreed with Councilor Saums’ comments regarding the  
efforts being made to provide information to the public. He also noted the importance  
to provide information regarding the candidates who were seeking election.  
Councilor Saums stated to find out about the Annual Budget Referendum and other meetings  
that residents could sign-up for Website Updates, Calendar Updates, News Alerts, or Tax  
Department Notifications at: by clicking on the “Notify Me” Tab on the front page of the  
towns website, he stated they could receive text messages on their cell phones or emails or  
both depending on what type of notification they select.  
Councilor Paul suggested this information be shared on the Community Forum, and  
that Town Councilors share this information on their social media pages with the  
hope that residents would sign up for the Alerts. He stated they welcomed ideas to  
increase voter turnout from everyone.  
Councilor Paul went on to note that Ms. Diaz’s other suggestions were already listed  
on the Agenda and that the Committee would discuss her ideas during those portions  
of tonight’s meeting.  
Councilor Saums noted the following Resident’s Comments that were posted in the  
Zoom Meeting “Chat”:  
·
Ms. Nicole Cruz-Glacken noted the Women’s League of Voters host moderated  
events to meet the candidates and to help get the vote out.  
· Ms. Ginina Diaz noted that she tried to reach out to The Day Newspaper to find  
out who replaced Reporter Erica Moser; and that she received a response stating  
there were no local stories out of Ledyard due to the lack of Reporters.  
Councilor Rodriguez stated The Day Newspaper had a new Publisher and that they  
have made a lot of changes.  
Councilor Paul thanked he Residents for their comments in the Zoom “Chat” and he  
stated that the Committee had some great ideas; and some great dialogue on these  
topics.  
V.  
APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
MOTION to approve the Community Relations Committee Minutes of September 20, 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:  
VI.  
OLD BUSINESS  
Discuss the 2024 Black History Activity/Contest.  
1.  
Councilor Rodriguez stated Councilor McGrattan told her that Assistant Librarian  
Stacy Burk would like to get involved with the Black History Month Program,  
noting that Ms. Burk worked with Youth Services. She stated that she has been  
communicating with Ms. Burk via email and that she sent Ms. Burk all the  
information on what the Community Relations Committee had done during the  
past two-years for the Black History Month Program. She noted that Ms. Burk  
suggested they also include the Adult Librarian if they wanted to include Adults in  
the Program. Councilor Rodriguez noted that she asked Ms. Burk to share her  
ideas for the Black History Month Program, however, to-date she had not heard  
back from Ms. Burk. She stated that she also told Ms. Burk that she was open to  
new ideas and that they did not have to stay with the format that had been done in  
previous years. She went on to state that she mentioned to Ms. Burk that the  
Program ideas they decide to choose would have to be reviewed by the  
Community Relations Committee.  
Councilor Rodrigez continued by noting that she liked Ms. Diaz’s suggestions that  
were provided in her email dated October 13, 2023 and presented under Section III  
Citizens Comments (see above) earlier this evening, to help increase the number of  
students to participate in the 2024 Black History Contest.  
Councilor Rodriguez addressed Ms. Diaz’s ideas as follows:  
ü Essay Contest - Councilor Rodriguez stated that last year the Community  
Relations Committee was disappointed that the High School Students did not  
participate in the 2023 Essay Contest. She stated that she did not know where  
the disconnect occurred, noting that the previous year (2022) a number of  
High School Students submitted Essays. She stated that she emailed High  
School Principal Amanda Fagin a couple of times and that she thought that  
the disconnect in communication was lost between Ms. Fagin to the  
Teachers, because she could not see a High School Student turning down the  
opportunity to win $100.00. She went on to note that for the Middle School  
Essay Contest the winners were awarded gift cards that were presented at a  
School Assembly and the students had their picture taken with Mayor Allyn,  
III.  
ü Open Mic Night - Councilor Rodriguez stated last year a student submitted a  
poem, and although the poem did not comply with the essays format that the  
Judges awarded the student a Honorable Mention and asked the student to read  
her poem at the Town Council’s March 8, 2023 meeting; at which time they  
also recognized the Contest Winners and awarded the prize money and  
certificates. Councilor Paul stated he liked the idea of music, etc. Councilor  
Marshall stated an Open Mic Night would be a forum where they could expose  
the community to the art and music of the culture. Councilor Rodriguez stated  
that perhaps they could have the Open Mic Night outside at a field.  
ü Braiding Workshop - Councilor Rodriguez stated the braiding idea was  
ingenious. To learn how to braid and the history about the art of braiding.  
Councilor Rodriguez continued by stating that she was open to new ideas and that  
she was looking forward to the 2024 Black History Program. She noted in past  
years that she heard students say that they were glad that they participated in the  
Program and she commented that it also made their parents proud. She suggested  
by offering different types of activities for Black History Month that perhaps they  
could have something each week during the month of February. Councilor Paul  
agreed with Councilor Rodriguez’s suggestion, noting that it would be a great  
way to support community involvement and to help people who do not know  
each other to get to know and learn about each other; and to know our neighbors.  
He stated it helped the community by meeting new people and learning new  
things.  
Councilor Paul thanked Councilor Rodrigeuz for all the work she had done on the  
Black History Month Program over the last two-years. He noted the ideas, different  
activities, and working to involve more participation by other groups, as discussed  
this evening, were all great. He stated as the Community Relations Committee said  
after the last Black History Contest (2023), that they wanted to encourage and  
support other groups to take part. He stated any Group could facilitate the Black  
History Month Program, noting that the Community Relations Committee’s role  
should be to support these types of community events, and to help them to grow,  
noting that it was not the role of the Community Relations Committee to organize  
these events.  
Councilor Paul stated having the students attend a Town Council meeting to  
recognize and shine a spotlight on their accomplishments in the community, meant a  
lot to the students and their families.  
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.  
2.  
Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee had some great  
success at the Farmers’ Markets this summer, noting that they held two  
Outreach/Informational Booths. He explained the third Outreach Event, which was  
scheduled for September 13, 2023 and planned to feature the Town’s Hometown  
Heros, such as their First Responders, Police Department and Fire Departments  
and the many of the Volunteers who serve on the Town’s committees was  
cancelled due to rain.  
Councilor Paul provided a recap of the following two Outreach Events they held  
this summer:  
· July 19, 2023 Mental Health Awareness  
Councilor Paul stated this was the second year the Community Relations Committee  
helped to facilitate an Outreach Event to bring awareness of the many Organizations  
and  
Programs that were available to residents pertaining to Mental Health. He stated  
many of the Organizations who participated last year (2022) came back again this  
year (2023), with the new addition of SERAC, who was a non-profit organization  
located in Norwich that served 41 communities in Eastern Connecticut. He stated  
SERAC provides programs and services to reduce the impact of substance abuse,  
problem gambling, and mental health challenges.  
Councilor Paul thanked the following Organizations for making the 2023 Mental  
Health Awareness Booth at the Farmers Market a success:  
ü SERAC located in Norwich  
ü Brian Dagle Healing Hearts Foundation located in Niantic  
ü Home heating fuel through Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA)  
and other assistance programs  
ü Utilities - Electric/Water Assistance  
ü Homeowners Assistance program that provided no interest loans to help people replace  
their furnace, roof or septic system, etc.  
ü Home meal delivery available for those who cannot get out to grocery shop through  
Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA)  
ü Linda C. Davis Food Pantry located in Ledyard Center;  
ü United Way located in Gales Ferry was a great resource;  
ü Connecticut’s Paid Family Medical Leave Program;  
ü Police Department “Green and/or Blue Envelope” for drivers with Autism or Hearing  
Impaired  
· August 30, 2023 - Library Services  
Councilor Paul stated the Farmers’ Market August 30, 2023 Theme was “Back to  
School” and that the Committee felt that the Library services were in-keeping with  
that  
Theme. He stated that Ledyard Libraries joined the Community Relations Committee  
under the Town of Ledyard Tent to sign folks up with Library Cards, to provide  
information regarding the many resources and diverse programs the Library provides  
for all age groups and to hand out clues for folks to participate a Special Scavenger  
Hunt at the Bill Library that evening. He stated Library Director Jennifer Smith and  
her Team have been doing an incredible job at the Libraries with engaging the  
community; and he thanked Ms. Smith and her Team for the great work they have  
been doing.  
Councilor Saums addressed the Hometown Hero’s Event and he stated although the  
Community Relations Committee was not able to attend the September 20, 2023  
Farmers Market, because of the Town Council meeting, that the town’s First  
Responders, the Firefighters and the Police Department attended the Market to  
provide information to residents that they would have provided at the September 13,  
2023 Market, was cancelled because of weather.  
Councilor Paul stated volunteers were what made their town run, and he thanked  
them for their commitment and service to their community. He encouraged residents  
who were interested in a career in firefighting or law enforcement to contact the Fire  
Departments  
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.  
3.  
Councilor Paul noted that the Committee was hoping to host 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 with the winter  
months approaching that he was getting into his busy season, and therefore, he may  
find it difficult to try to coordinate an event.  
Councilor Marshall addressed scheduling an Informal Gathering to showcase the  
Lantern Hill Waterfront Park; and he noted with the colder weather that they may not  
be able to get people out to attend he event.  
Councilor Saums noted Resident Ms. Ginina Diaz's suggestion for a General Forum  
to discuss ideas for the town. However, he stated that they would need to have a  
Moderator for that type of event, who may possibly be a Newspaper Reporter, noting  
they would need someone who was not a Town Council member, Board of Education  
Member or the Mayor.  
Councilor Rodriguez stated they could get a Moderator from the League of Women’s  
Voters, noting that they have been trained to Moderate events.  
The Committee discussed potential venues to hold a General Forum, noting that the  
High School Auditorium would be an appropriate space. They agreed that the first  
step would be to find someone to Moderate the Event before reserving the High  
School. Councilor Saums stated that he would contact Women’s League of Voters  
Mary Ellen Doblecki.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
Continued discussion regarding the possibility to schedule joint meetings with the  
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to discuss items of mutual interest.  
4.  
Councilor Saums stated that he has not had any communication with his  
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council contact.  
He suggested the Committee remove this item from their Agenda.  
COMPLETED  
RESULT:  
Continued review of status regarding the progress of improvements at the Park on East  
Drive.  
5.  
Councilor Paul addressed the Park on East Drive, and he provided some background  
noting in hearing residents’ concerns about graffiti, lack of lighting and other illicit  
behavior that was occurring at the Park that the Community Relations Committee  
held an Informal Gathering at the Park on July 20, 2022 with the residents in the  
area. He stated Parks & Recreation Director Scott Johnson, Jr. and many Town  
Councilors attended the event. He stated during their conversation with the  
residents that they discovered that there was a lot of miscommunication. He  
stated the residents did not know who to contact, or what was in the works.  
Councilor Paul thanked the concerted efforts of the Parks & Recreation  
Department, Public Works Department, and the Police Department, noting that  
the Park on East Drive was now beautiful. He stated it was well lite, the parking  
lot was done, and residents were enjoying the Park. He stated this was a great  
example of what the Community Relations Committee was all about, noting that  
they all came together for a positive outcome. He stated he has spoken to the  
Police Chief and that they have not had any issues at the Park on East Drive over  
the past year. He noted the Community Relations Committee has completed their  
work at the Park on East Drive.  
COMPLETED  
RESULT:  
Discussion to help foster a dialogue to improve the relationship at the Kings Corner Senior  
Citizens Housing Facility.  
6.  
Councilor Paul provided a recap regarding the Community Relations Committee  
efforts to try to help foster some dialogue between the Housing Authority and the  
Tenants on issues that were brought to the Town Council at their August 23, and  
September 13, 2023 meetings.  
Councilor Paul noted at their September 20, 2023 meeting the Community Relations  
Committee discussed with the interested parties of the Kings Corner Manor Senior  
Citizens Housing Facility the following:  
ü Roles and Authority - Councilor Paul stated the Committee explained to the Tenants  
that other than appointing members to the Housing Authority, per Connecticut  
General Statutes Chapter 128 Sections 8-40 and 8-41 the Town Council had no  
authority over the Housing Authority.  
o The Housing Authority hires an Executive Director, who worked under the  
Direction of the Housing Authority to manage the Kings Corner Senior Citizens  
Housing Facility.  
ü Procedures - Councilor Paul stated there were Procedures in-place, for the Tenants  
to submit Grievances, and to speak directly to the Housing Authority at their  
monthly meetings. He stated this discussion prompted the Housing Authority to  
consider obtaining some recording equipment or to perhaps move their meetings to a  
location where they could be recorded and/or offer remote participation using a  
platform such as Zoom to help with transparency.  
ü Cameras - Councilor Paul noted that some Tenants expressed concern about the  
Housing Authority using cameras to spy on them. He stated during the Community  
Relations Committee meeting that they explained that the Cameras were used for  
liability issues, to protect the tenants, staff, and everyone involved.  
ü Renovations and Safety Issues - Councilor Paul stated some Tenants had expressed  
concern regarding safety issues, specifically the handicap ramps. He stated the town  
secured nearly $3 million in grant funding for the much needed renovations to the  
Kings Corner Senior Citizens Housing Facility. He stated they all understand that the  
renovation was not convenient but that it was almost done and that the facility would  
be beautiful and the handicap ramps would meet the American with Disabilities Act  
(ADA) Regulations.  
ü Recording the Housing Authority Meetings: Councilor Paul stated that the Housing  
Authority was considering options to use the Zoom Meeting Platform to provide  
transparency and allow residents to attend the meetings remotely, noting that they  
discussed the following options:  
o
Move the Meetings to the Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex, where they  
already had the technology in-place to provide Hybrid Meetings (both in person  
and remote) noting that the technology was available (Owl Pro - Zoom, recording  
capability). However, there was concern about some of the Tenants not being able  
to drive to get to the Town Hall Annex.  
o
Obtain equipment to record and Zoom the Meetings from their current location,  
which was the Community Room at the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens  
Housing Facility.  
ü Smoking Policy - Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee also  
discussed with the Tenants the No Smoking Policy, and their concerns regarding  
safety. He stated this was going to be an on-going discussion between the Tenants  
and the Housing Authority. He stated the decision lied with the Housing Authority,  
regardless of the Town Council’s position, or how they felt about the Smoking  
Policy, noting that it was the Housing Authority’s decision to make. He stated the  
hope would be to keep the lines of communication open between the Housing  
Authority and the Tenants to continue to discus the Smoking Policy. He encouraged  
the Tenants to use the opportunity to bring their concerns to the Housing Authority  
during the monthly meetings, noting that the “Citizens Comments” portion of the  
Agenda was their three minutes to address the Board.  
Councilor Saums stated the Town Council had no authority over the Housing  
Authority, noting that they cannot direct the Housing Authority. However, he  
questioned whether the Community Relations Committee could ask the Housing  
Authority whether they were considering the following:  
·
·
Holding their meetings at another location.  
A solution for Smoking.  
Housing Authority Executive Director Colleen Lauer stated that the Housing  
Authority was sending a Survey to the Tenants with the following questions:  
·
Meeting Location:  
o Same Time, Same Location - No Changes  
o Same Time, Same Location- Voice Record  
o Same Time, Same Location-Zoom Video Conference Platform  
o Move the Meetings to Town Hall Annex- Same Day-Same Time  
o Move the Meetings to Town Hall Annex-Different Day-Different Time  
Ms. Lauer stated that the Housing Authority should have the Sealed Survey  
Responses at their November 6, 2023 meeting; at which time they would open the  
Surveys and would do what the Tenants want to do.  
Ms. Lauer noted that it was suggested that perhaps they could use the Senior Citizens  
Van to transport the Tenants to the Town Hall Annex for the meetings, noting that  
the Senior Citizens Center was not open in the evening, so the Van would be  
available.  
Councilor Saums questioned whether the Housing Authority could hold their  
monthly meetings at the Senior Citizens Center. Ms. Lauer stated that the Senior  
Citizens Center was not set up with recording equipment. Councilor Rodriguez  
added that they also do not have Zoom at the Senior Citizens Center. Councilor Paul  
stated holding the meetings in a Hybrid Format (in-person and remotely) was the  
best way to go, noting that transparency was essential.  
Ms. Lauer addressed Councilor Saums’ question regarding a solution for Smoking,  
noting that the Housing Authority was waiting on a confirmation regarding  
sidewalks. She stated Mayor Allyn, III, has spoken to Public Works Forman Shawn  
Ruszczyk about getting a quote to install sidewalks.  
Councilor Paul questioned whether there have been any discussions to provide better  
lighting along the driveway. Ms. Lauer stated that there were four poles for lighting,  
and they have talked with the Construction Company that was doing the renovation  
work at the Kings Corner Senior Citizens Housing Facility, about installing  
additional lighting on the four poles that were for lighting; noting that they were  
waiting for the Change Order.  
Councilor Rodriguez expressed concern regarding the sidewalk as a solution for the  
smokers noting in the winter that sidewalks can be Icey here in New England. She  
stated that she and the Mayor discussed a spot across from the carport, which was  
about 75 - 100 feet away from buildings, noting that they could put in an ADA  
cement pad with a covering for about $10,000.  
Councilor Paul stated that they discussed a lot of good ideas this evening. However,  
he stated they need to present the ideas/options to the Housing Authority, explaining  
that they were the authority who could make the decisions. He stated the Town  
Council does not have any authority. Therefore, he stated the hope was that the  
ideas that they have been talking about make their way back to the Housing  
Authority, and that they look into the options, noting that a lot of people have  
concerns.  
Councilor Paul concluded his comments by stating that the Committee’s work has  
helped to foster a dialogue between the Housing Authority and the Kings Corner  
Senior Citizens Housing Facility. Therefore, he stated the Committee completed  
their task and that they hoped and would encourage them to continue the dialogue.  
He stated that residents could attend the Community Relations Committee’s meeting  
and speak during the Citizens Comments portion of the meeting, should they feel  
they had a matter that they would like to bring to the Committee’s attention.  
COMPLETED  
RESULT:  
Any other Old Business proper to come before the Committee  
None.  
7.  
VII. NEW BUSINESS  
Review the outstanding action items contained in the memo dated October 26, 2023 as  
forwarded by Community Relations Committee of the Twenty-sixth Town Council.  
The Community Relations Committee agreed by consensus to provide for a seamless  
transition, to forward the following outstanding items of business to the incoming  
Community Relations Committee:  
(1) 2024 Black History Activity/Contest.  
(2) Community Outreach Informational Forums at the Ledyard Farmers Market  
regarding the services the town offers; how to access services, and the  
authority residents should direct concerns regarding services.  
(3) Host “Informal Conversations in the Park” to engage residents in discussions  
regarding their concerns and their ideas for potential solutions.  
COMPLETED  
RESULT:  
Any other New Business proper to come before the Committee.  
None.  
2.  
IV  
ADJOURNMENT  
Councilor Marshall moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Councilor Paul.  
VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.  
Respectfully submitted,  
Gary Paul  
Committee Chairman  
Community Relations Committee  
DISCLAIMER: Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the  
Town.