741 Colonel Ledyard Highway  
Ledyard, Connecticut 06339  
TOWN OF LEDYARD  
Community Relations Committee  
Meeting Minutes  
Chairman  
Kevin J. Dombrowski  
Regular Meeting  
Wednesday, September 21, 2022  
6:30 PM  
Town Hall Annex - Hybrid Format  
In Person - Council Chambers- Town Hall Annex Building  
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I
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  
Excused:  
In addition, the following were in attendance:  
Mary McGrattanTown Council  
S. Naomi Rodriguez Town Council  
John Rich Police Chief  
Roxanne Maher Administrative Assistant  
III.  
IV.  
CITIZENS COMMENTS  
None.  
PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS  
None.  
V.  
APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
MOTION to approve the Community Relations Committee Regular Meeting Minutes of  
August 17, 2022.  
Moved by Councilor Paul, seconded by Councilor Saums  
VOTE: 2 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Gary Paul  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Bill Saums  
SECONDER:  
2
1
Saums and Paul  
Marshall  
AYE:  
EXCUSED:  
VI.  
OLD BUSINESS  
Continued discussion regarding Black History Month and update on the 2023 Black History  
Activity/Contest.  
1.  
Councilor Rodriguez stated that she has begun working on the details of the Black  
History Month 2023 Activity/Contest and she noted the following:  
·
The Contest would be an Essay and Poster Contest.  
o The activities would once again be on a volunteer basis.  
o The activities would include an essay contest for Ledyard Middle School and  
Ledyard High School, and a poster contest for the elementary schools.  
·
Judges would include the following:  
o Board of Education Representative - The BOE has requested a representative to  
serve as a judge  
o Police Sergeant Mike McKinney  
o Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council Member Crystal Whipple  
o Community Relations Committee Chairman Councilor Paul  
o Councilor Rodriguez  
·
·
Would not have grant funding in-time for the 2023 Black History Month Program;  
and hope to have grant funding for the 2024 Black History Month Program.  
Timing of Contest to be held during the month of January with Contest Winners  
being announced in February.  
The Committee suggested the 2023 Black History Month Contest:  
·
·
·
Provide a theme for educational purposes such as a segment focusing on a local  
person.  
Engage residents using social media. Perhaps the Judges could post their favorite  
posters and essays on-line and ask residents to weigh-in.  
Display last year’s (2022) posters around town to recognize Black History Month  
and to raise awareness of Ledyard’s Contest.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
Review and discuss National Faith and Blue Weekend - Tool Kit First Responders Fish Fry  
Community Event  
2.  
The Community Relations Committee and Police Chief John Rich reviewed their work  
to plan and organize the upcoming First Responders Fish Fry Community Event  
scheduled for Sunday, October 9, 2022 noting the following:  
·
First Responders Fish Fry will be held October 9, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at  
the Holdridge Pavilion, Ledyard Town Green, and the Ledyard Congregational  
Church  
·
·
Chief Rich would send out Invitations to the Community via social media.  
Chief Rich has invited the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Police Department  
and Fire Departments and the Ledyard/ Gales Ferry Fire Department to participate in  
the Community Event.  
·
·
Ledyard Police Union would provide fish for the Event and would fry in the  
Holdridge Pavilion.  
Ledyard Police Department would coordinate tickets at no charge for the  
Community Event via Eventbrite Registration (all were welcome, but attendees must  
register in advance for tickets for any meal served to them to obtain a headcount for  
food).  
·
·
Would contact Parks & Recreation Director Scott Johnson, Jr. to reserve the  
Holdridge Pavilion, Town Green, and parking areas.  
Councilor Saums would contact Parks & Recreation to ask about using the mobile  
restrooms.  
·
·
Need to contact Ledge Light Health District to ask about a permits.  
Councilor Saums would invite the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to dance/  
drum in celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, and have children’s games as well.  
·
·
Boy Scout Troop 16 would be asked to manage a campfire next to the Chowder  
House.  
Town Council Community Relations Committee would provide the Sound System  
and some music (determine location for setup).  
Councilor Saums stated the Congregational Church Board would be discussing and  
voting on their participation in the First Responders Fish Fry Community Event  
Proposal on Sunday, September 25. 2022 as follows:  
·
·
·
Ledyard Congregational Church would provide the Clam Chowder and it would be  
cooked in the Church Chowder House.  
The Congregational Church would coordinate cooks for the chowder, and the  
Church would prepare the Chowder House on October 1, 2022 for cooking.  
Ledyard Congregational Church would open their Fellowship Hall and Kitchen for  
use during the Community Event.  
·
Ledyard Congregational Church would invite area churches.  
The Committee noted they looked forward to the upcoming First Responders Fish Fry  
Community Event as it was a great opportunity to engage residents, faith-based  
organizations, civic organizations, and law enforcement in activities that would allow  
them to connect on a personal level and would help to create a safer and stronger  
community.  
Councilor Paul thanked Chief Rich for all the work he was doing to coordinate this  
town-wide community event and for attending tonight’s meeting.  
Chief Rich left the meeting at 6:57 p.m.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
MOTION to approve the “Community Relations Commission Mission Statement” as  
contained in the draft dated September 21, 2022.  
3.  
Councilor Paul noted that he reviewed and agreed with Councilor Saums’ comments to  
the Community Relations Commission Mission Statement” as contained in the draft  
dated September 19, 21, 2022:  
DRAFT: 9/19/2022 9/21/2022  
“The Community Relations Committee is tasked with being both an  
advocate and a resource for the community by listening, communicating,  
and engaging with the community, educating ourselves, standing up to  
discrimination and racism in all forms.  
We do this by encouraging dialogue, promoting unity and understanding,  
and learning from one another as we continue to build a strong  
community together, making sure no-one is left behind.”  
Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Paul  
Discussion: The Committee reviewed the proposed “Mission Statement” as contained in  
the draft dated September 19, 2022, noting that it more clearly defined the role that this  
Committee has taken on and the work that they were currently doing.  
Councilor Paul stated he believed this Community Relations Committee was being more  
pro-active, noting that they were not waiting for issues to present themselves. He stated  
this Committee has been actively working to be engaged with the community, to be an  
advocate for the community, and to be a resource for the community. He stated the  
words “educating ourselves….. and , making sure no-one is left behind.” were powerful.  
The Committee made some minor punctuation edits and agreed to vote on the updated  
draft dated September 21, 2022 as noted above.  
VOTE: 2 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Bill Saums  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Gary Paul  
SECONDER:  
2
1
Saums and Paul  
Marshall  
AYE:  
EXCUSED:  
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.  
4.  
Councilor Paul stated he spoke with Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve  
Masalin about scheduling a time to present information regarding the services the Public  
Works Department provides to the town. He noted the importance to get information out  
to residents pertaining to Winter Operations relative parking bans during snow events  
and other snow removal policies.  
The Committee agreed to invite Public Works Director/Town Engineer Mr. Masalin to  
the Community Relations Committee November 16, 2022 meeting, noting that it was  
important to get this information out to residents before the snow started to fall.  
Councilor Paul thanked Councilor Saums, Councilor Rodriguez other Councilors for  
their help in planning and staffing the Community Relations Committee table at the  
August 31, 2022 Farmers Market. He stated the “Are You Ready for Winter” event  
presented information regarding the many local and regional resources to help those  
struggling to manage mental health issues as well as assistance programs for those  
in-need. He stated in addition to the organizations that support mental health they also  
provided information regarding assistance programs which included home heating fuel,  
renters rebate, food pantry and many others.  
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.  
5.  
Councilor Saums stated the Community Forum Page was a great way to obtain ideas and  
feedback from residents. He stated a few years ago, when Ledyard Center School was  
sold, the Ledyard Fair was looking for ideas about what they should do. He stated the  
Ledyard Fair received over 500 comments from residents on the Community Forum,  
noting that there was a lot of interest in a Food Truck Fair. He stated the Parks &  
Recreation Commission held a Food Truck Fair at the Town Green on May 21, 2022.  
Councilor Saums suggested the Community Relations Committee contact the  
Administrator of the Community Forum to post something to solicit topics or concerns  
that residents were interested in talking or learning about.  
Councilor Saums stated the Community Forum Page was a great way to obtain ideas and  
feedback from residents. He stated a few years ago, when Ledyard Center School was  
sold, the Ledyard Fair was looking for ideas about what they should do. He stated the  
Ledyard Fair received over 500 comments from residents on the Community Forum,  
noting that there was a lot of interest in a Food Truck Fair. He stated the Parks &  
Recreation Commission held a Food Truck Fair at the Town Green on May 21, 2022.  
Councilor Saums suggested the Community Relations Committee contact the  
Administrator of the Community Forum to post something to solicit topics or concerns  
that residents were interested in talking or learning about.  
The Committee noted the Food Truck Fair was a great idea, noting that because so much  
was done in Ledyard Center that they would like to see an event such as a Food Truck  
Fair be held Gales Ferry. The Committee noted that the Sweet Hill Farm would be a  
great location for a Food Truck Fair. Councilor Paul noted that Economic Development  
Commission Member Jessica Buhle did a great job in planning the Regatta Day Festival  
in June, 2022, noting that they used the Sweet Hill Farm and it was a great venue  
CONTINUE  
Discuss possible ideas to present town services during the Parks & Recreation October  
28, 2022 Trunk or Treat Event.  
RESULT:  
·
·
Trunk or Treat - October 28, 2022.  
The Committee discussed the Town’s Annual Trunk or Treat Event and agreed that it  
they did not want to take away from the kids excitement and fun with trying to  
disseminate information regarding town services to residents during the Trunk or Treat  
event.  
COMPLETED  
RESULT:  
Continued discussion regarding the possibility to schedule joint meetings with the  
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to discuss items of mutual interest.  
6.  
Councilor Paul noted that unfortunately due to illness they had to cancel their Informal  
Gathering with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal (MPTN) that was scheduled for  
Thursday, September 8, 2022. illness.  
Councilor Saums stated that he would communicate with MPTN Council Member  
Crystal Whipple to discuss possible dates to reschedule their Informal Gathering.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
Continued discussion to present information to bring awareness to October being  
“Depression and Mental Health Month”.  
7.  
Councilor Paul stated October was “Depression and Mental Health Month” and “Breast  
Cancer Awareness Month”. He noted as he mentioned earlier (Old Business Item 4  
above) that the Community Relations Committee brought a lot of resources to residents  
during the August 31, 2022 Farmers Market at which the Committee hosted a “Are You  
Ready for Winter?” table. He noted the many local and regional organizations who  
attended the event to talk with residents about the many services that were available to  
assist people who may be suffering from depression or other mental health issues. He  
continued by noting the following data:  
·
·
·
·
46,000 people died by suicide in 2020 - This was one death every 11 minutes.  
12.2 million people seriously think about suicide.  
3.2 million people made a plan to commit suicide.  
1.2 million people have attempted suicide.  
Councilor Rodriguez stated Ms. Ann Dagel from the Brian Dagel Foundation - Brian’s  
Healing Hearts - Family Suicide Prevention Group, located at 461 Main Street in  
Niantic, was pleased to have the opportunity to talk with Ledyard residents at the August  
31, 2022 Farmers Market. She stated Mayor Allyn, III, has heard Ms. Dagel speak at a  
Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) meeting. She stated Ms.  
Dagel would like to develop a relationship with Ledyard through their Youth & Social  
Services Department/Programs and she suggested inviting Ms. Dagel to a Town Council  
meeting in October to give a short presentation regarding Suicide Prevention and Mental  
Health noting this would be a good opportunity for the town to begin developing a  
relationship with the Brian Dagel Foundation.  
Councilor Paul noted the color for Depression Awareness was green and the color for  
Breast Cancer Awareness was pink. He suggested Councilors were something green at  
one meeting in October and wear something pink for the second meeting in October to  
bring awareness and to show their support for folks struggling with these illnesses.  
Councilor Paul noted that there was a lot involved in operating a town from the financial  
and fiscal management, maintaining roads, fire and public safety, providing  
infrastructure and services, etc. However, he stated one of the most important things was  
to have a Healthy Community. He stated there was a mental health crisis going on and  
that the best thing they could do was to talk about it and keep it on the forefront. He  
stated the new Mental Health Hotline number was 988, noting that people could call or  
text to the Hotline number.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
Review comments received at the July 20, 2022 Informal Conversation with residents at the  
Park on East Drive.  
8.  
Councilor Paul noted he attended the Parks & Recreation Commission’s September 20,  
2022 meeting. He stated the reason the Commission decided not to hold their meeting at  
the Park on East Street (which P&R refer to as the Christy Hill Park) was because they  
were still working with Eversource to have the light’s that have been installed turned on.  
He stated Mr. Johnson was hoping to have the lights turned on by their October 18, 2022  
meeting. However, Councilor Paul stated that if Eversource does not get the light’s  
turned on soon that Mr. Johnson would like the members of the Community Relations  
Committee join him in an informal gathering to talk with the residents to follow-up on  
the status of work at the Park.  
Councilor Paul went on to note that Mr. Johnson reported that the Parks & Recreation  
Department has been locking the Park every night. Also, the Department was continuing  
to clean up areas of the Park; and along with addressing other issues, they were working  
on the infields.  
Councilor Rodriguez stated Ms. Jamieson reported that the residents were happy with  
lights that were installed and with the work that has been done in the Park. However, she  
noted that Ms. Jamieson stated the residents would still like to meet with the Parks &  
Recreation Commission. Councilor Rodriguez stated because the daylight hours were  
getting shorter that the Parks & Recreation Commission may not be able to hold a  
meeting at the Park; and therefore, she suggested that perhaps the residents could meet  
with Parks & Recreation Director Scott Johnson, Jr. Councilor Paul, and herself. She  
noted that Ms. Jamieson seemed to be pleased with holding such a meeting.  
Councilor Saums suggested that residents could attend the Parks & Recreation  
Commission meetings, noting that they were open to the Public and they could express  
their concerns or just listen to the meeting. He stated the Parks & Recreation  
Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Parks &  
Recreation/Senior Citizens Center on Van Tassel Drive, in Gales Ferry.  
Councilor Saums went on to state in reading the Parks & Recreation Commission  
minutes that they have been discussing the Park on East Drive, which the Commission  
referred to as “Christy Hill Park”. He also noted the Parks & Recreation Director’s  
Report was included as part of the Commission’s Meeting Minutes and that Mr. Johnson  
has reported on the wood chips, the lights, Eversource, etc.  
The Committee noted the Town Council received e-mail received from Mr. Jamieson  
earlier today regarding the Park on East Drive.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
Any other Old Business proper to come before the Committee  
None.  
9.  
VII. NEW BUSINESS  
Review and discuss the National League of Cities “Responding to Racial Tension in your  
1.  
Municipality”  
<https://www.nlc.org/resource/responding-to-racial-tension-in-your-city-a-municipal-action-  
guide/>  
Councilor Paul noted the National League of Cities “Responding to Racial Tension in  
your Municipality” was included on the Committee’s August 17, 2022 Agenda as an  
Informational Item. He stated the Guide provided the following:  
·
·
How to respond to racial tension in the community.  
Offered checklists and ideas to the town’s administration and to local law  
enforcement.  
Councilor Saums noted in preparation for tonight’s meeting that he did not have time to  
review the entire document.  
The Committee agreed to defer this discussion to their October 19, 2022 meeting.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
Any other New Business proper to come before the Committee.  
None.  
2.  
IV  
ADJOURNMENT  
Councilor Paul moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Councilor Saums  
VOTE:  
2 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 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.