Ethics Commission - Minutes - 10/06/2026

ETHICS COMMISION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER. The October 6, 2026 Regular Meeting of the Ethics Commission was called to
order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Ritter.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. The Pledge of Allegiance was observed.
3. ATTENDANCE AND SEATING OF ALTERNATES. Betsy Ritter, Alan Messier, Sara Mallari, John
Scimone, James Wolfley and Paul Helvig were in attendance. Susan Driscoll, Moderator of the
RTM and Erica Casper, Chair of the RTM Subcommittee on Legislation and Administration were
also present.
MOTION (1) Mr. Messier moved to seat alternates Sara Mallari and Paul Helvig. Seconded by
John Scimone. Mr. Helvig abstained. (5-0-1) Motion carried.
4. APPROVAL OF JULY 7, 2026 MEETING MINUTES. Ms. Ritter asked for additions or corrections
to the July 7, 2026 Meeting Minutes. The following corrections were noted: On page 1 the last
sentence to be revised as follows: “They understood our concern with our request regarding
multiple respondents. On page 2 the first sentence to be revised as follows: “They agreed with
Town Attorney that penalties were not appropriate for our purposes.”
MOTION (2) Mr. Messier moved to approve the July 7, 2026 Ethics Commission Regular Meeting
Minutes, as amended. Seconded by John Scimone. (6-0) Unanimous.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS. There were no public comments at this time. 
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a. Update from RTM Subcommittee of Legislation and Administration. Ms. Ritter asked that this
item be discussed under item 10. b. Documentation of Filing of Procedural Notes and Previous
Business.
Ms. Ritter discussed access to Waterford Ethics Commission files.
8. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETINGS IN CALENDAR 2027: January 5, April 6, July
6 and October 5.
MOTION (3) Ms. Mallari moved to approve the above schedule of meeting dates in Calendar
2027, as presented. Seconded by Mr. Helvig. (6-0) Unanimous.

9. DISCUSSION OF DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2026.
MOTION (4) Mr. Scimone moved to approve the Annual Report for Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
2026, as presented. Seconded by Mr. Helvig. (6-0} Unanimous.
10. DISCUSSION OF CHANGES TO ORDINANCE. Ms. Ritter reported the RTM Legislation and
Administration Standing Subcommittee looked at the three changes the Commission requested
in October, 2024, at a recent meeting. Discussion with Ms. Driscoll and Ms. Casper clarified that
L&A Subcommittee supports the request from the Commission regarding multiple respondents
to complaints and is interested in examination of the rest of the Commission Ordinances. Mr.
Scimone introduced his research looking at ethics ordinances across CT towns. The Commission
concluded that members would consider the research results, look at the newly revised
ordinances in Old Lyme, and prepare for further discussion at the next regular meeting.
Members were encouraged to bring written suggestions for future ordinance language. Further
discussion concerned the L&A Subcommittee process, coordination of meetings between the
two parties, the complications of ordinance changes in view of state law and unanticipated
consequences, and changes to the Ethics Complaint form to expedite resolution of the problem
of multiple respondents.
MOTION (5) Mr. Scimone moved to add to the Complaint form that only one Complaint should
be submitted per form. Seconded by Mr. Helvig. (6-0) Unanimous.
Ms. Ritter will work with the Town Clerk to make the necessary change to.the form.
11. OLD BUSINESS. There was no discussion of old business.
12. NEW BUSINESS. There was no discussion of new business.
13. ADJOURNMENT.
MOTION (6): Ms. Mallari moved to adjourn the October 6, 2026 Ethics Commission Regular
Meeting at 8:46 p.m. Seconded by Mr. Messier. (6-0) Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Frances Ghersi, Recording Secretary