Ethics Commission - Minutes - 04/07/2026

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ETHICS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 7, 2026
7, 2026 to
CALL TO ORDER. Chair Ritter called the Ethics Commission Regular Meeting of April
order at 7:02 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. The Pledge of Allegiance was observed.
WELCOME OF NEW MEMBERS. John Scimone and James Wolfley were welcomed as new
members of the Ethics Commission.
ATTENDANCE AND SEATING ALTERNATES. Betsy Ritter, Alan Messier, Paul Helvig, Cathy
Patterson. Sara Mallari, John Scimone and James Wolfley.
MOTION (1): Ms. Patterson moved to seat alternates Paul Helvig
and Sara Mallari. Seconded by Mr. Scimone.
Mr. Helvig and Ms. Mallari abstained from voting
(5-0-2) Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 6, 2026.
MOTION (2): Mr. Helvig moved to approve the January 6, 2026 Meeting Minutes,
as presented. Seconded by Mr. Messier. Messrs. Scimone and Wolfley
abstained from voting. (5-0-2) Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE.
1.Financial Reports were received.
PUBLIC COMMENT Mary Childs, a member of the RTM Legislation and Administration Standing
Subcommittee, discussed the procedures of the RTM and the Subcommittee.
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR.
a. Budget Update. Ms. Ritter reported the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance approved
the Ethics Commission budget in the amount of $900. A Budget Hearing will be held on May 6.

Ms. Ritter informed the Commission she is unable to attend and asked that a member of this
Commission attend to answer any questions they may have.
b. Update from RTM Legislation and Administration Standing Subcommittee. Ms. Ritter
reported the current Ethics Commission ordinances will be a topic of discussion at the April
meeting and she will advise this Commission of the date it will be discussed. Ms. Childs explained
to the Ethics Commission the Standing Subcommittee consists of five members: Emily Franklin,
Erica Casper, Paul Goldstein, Danielle Steward-Gelinas and herself. The public is welcome to
attend their meetings. Ms. Patterson stated she is interested in how the RTM Legislation and
Administration Standing Subcommittee works. Ms. Childs responded if the Ordinance is going to
be rewritten, the Subcommittee would look at ordinances of other Connecticut towns. Much
research is needed. Ms. Patterson asked how long is the process? Ms. Childs reported we assure
that amendments are sound, and a Public Hearing is held. Ms. Mallari expressed concern our
request for changes has been with the RTM since October 2024 and she hopes the Subcommittee
is able to meet and address these issues. Ms. Patterson stated she realized that Ms. Childs’
Subcommittee is backlogged. However, before this Commission has another complaint, she
hopes the Town Attorney and RTM will review the issues. Ms. Childs stated she will bring back
our recommendations to the RTM.
Ms. Ritter reported that following our January meeting Mr. Messier sent some language from
the Old Lyme Ethics Commission regarding the issue of conflict of interest. She sent this
language to the RTM Subcommittee. Further discussion concerned the role of the Commission
in discussions with the RTM Subcommittee, the need to better define limits and scope of our
ordinances, the role of the Commission in resolving disputes, and the rules concerning conflict
of interest. Mr. Messier suggested that the problems this Commission is experiencing is at the
RTM level. Our ruling should be to determine violations and not establish what should be the
practice of who can vote. Commission members urged Ms. Childs to encourage the RTM to seek
advice from the Town Attorney concerning conflicts of interest for its members as the budget
sessions begin. Mr. Messier added it should be made clear of what they can or cannot vote on.
The process itself as to who can vote is in the RTM’s purview. We were called upon to settle a
dispute. Mr. Helvig stated the RTM is discussing how we handle voting on the budget but still
does not address the issue of wording around the idea of public impression of conflict of
interest. Mr. Messier stated that is only in the Ordinance. Ms. Ritter added there is no rule on
conflict of interest and we hope the RTM is able to add clarity. Mr. Messier reported our current
Ordinance is at this time in full force and effect. Mr. Scimone stated there is language in our
Ordinance. Ms. Ritter added it is a case-by-case basis.
9. DISCUSSION ON FORMALIZING RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE COMMISSION.
Ms. Ritter presented a draft compilation of actions, procedures and language the Commission
has utilized but has not formally kept. She asked Commission members to review the draft and
bring additional ideas and items for inclusion and discussion to our July meeting. There was
general agreement on the need to compile internal procedures for the benefit of future
commissions.
10. OLD BUSINESS. There was no discussion of old business.
11. NEW BUSINESS. There was no discussion of new business.

12. ADJOURNMENT.
MOTION (3): Mr. Wolfley moved to adjourn the Ethics Commission Regular
Meeting of April 7, 2026 at 7:55 p.m. Seconded by
Mr. Scimone. (7-0) Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Frances Ghersi, Recording Secretary