Committee of the Whole

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 Monday, April 24, 2023 | 6:00 PM Committee of the Whole Minutes Mayor Keith Hedrick, Deputy Mayor Gweneviere Depot, Councilor Rashaad Carter, Councilor Lisa McCabe, Councilor Paul Norris, Councilor Christine Piazza, Councilor Stephen Sheffield and City Clerk Danielle Baycura Mayor Keith Hedrick called the meeting to order at 6:04 pm. I. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Keith Hedrick, Deputy Mayor Gweneviere Depot, Councilor Paul Norris, Councilor Stephen Sheffield, Councilor Lisa McCabe and Councilor Rashaad Carter. Delayed Arrival: Councilor Christine Piazza at 6:26pm. II. NEW BUSINESS OR REFERRALS: A. CITY BUDGET PRESENTATIONS Planning: City Planner Leslie Creane presented the Planning Department budget explaining the increase to Contractual Services. Included were plans to move forward on both Birch Plain Creek and Thames View Park. Inclusion of a Design Charrette is also in budget with the goal being to change current zoning regulations. Deputy Mayor Depot asked for difference between charrette and previously held workshops. City Planner Creane explained professional urban developers and engineers as well as experienced renderers would also be participants over the course of several days as opposed to multiple hours. Economic Development: Economic Development Manager Cierra Patrick presented budget bringing attention to Brand Management, Public Art, Bridge Street Gateway and an Annual Conference to be attended by herself and City Planner Leslie Creane. Councilor Norris asked what projects should the public expect to see at the end of fiscal year 2023. City Planner Creane responded new zoning regulations would be quite relevant, while Development Manager Patrick listed Bridge Street Gateway along with public art projects, digital newsletters as well as new videos/photos and banners for branding purposes. Ongoing city resiliency and beautification efforts would also be visible. B. PARKS AND RECREATION Youth Advisory Update Parks and Recreation Director Mary Hill and Chairperson Keona Strickland gave update on survey conducted at Concert in the Park. As result, a movie night has been planned as well as possible creation of hiking, crafting, cooking and foreign language clubs. Discussion ensued with suggestions including adding youth(s) to the committee, partnering with Town Recreation Department on events, utilizing the auditorium some desired clubs COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2023 and making movie night a weekly event. Director Hill is working with Dan Bouges, Manager of Communications and Community Outreach on getting a city Instagram to assist informing public on events. Farmers Market Director Mary Hill and Farmers Market Manager Tim Lebling presented overview of upcoming season. Number of vendors has increased to the point of being waitlisted, music is fully booked and Griffin Health will return administering vaccinations. Efforts will continue to promote more inclusion, buses for shuttling the elderly to event have been arranged and the SNAP Dollar for Dollar program returns. Deputy Mayor Depot suggested connecting with United Way and TVCAA for further promotion of said programs. Mayor Hedrick stated outreach to Rainbow may help advertising to Branford Manor residents. Additional attractions have been planned for the July 4th and Halloween market days. As well as a tribute night to our 1st Responders. Proposal Requests Director Hill presented request for proposals to repair of the sidewalk that was undermined at Eastern Point Beach. Director of Public Works, Bill Robarge, presented request for proposals to replace the sidewalk along Park Avenue adjacent Fort Griswold Monument House. Motion to add to agenda of Special Committee of the Whole Meeting on May 1, 2023 made by Deputy Mayor Depot, second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 6-0-0. C. WEBSITE UPGRADE Resolution to upgrade the existing City of Groton website with price not to exceed $21,129. Total cost to be split with Groton Utilities 50/50 Motion to move to Mayor and Council Meeting May 1, 2023 made by Deputy Mayor Depot, second by Councilor McCabe. All in favor. Motion carried 6-0-0. D. BREW RUN 2023 Resolution to approve the temporary use and consumption of alcohol at Eastern Point Beach on September 9, 2023 as part of the Groton City Brew Run. Motion to move to Mayor and Council Meeting May 1, 2023 made by Deputy Mayor Depot, second Councilor Piazza. All in favor. Motion carried. 6-0-0. Councilor Carter excused himself at 8:58pm. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2023 E. BRANFORD MANOR UPDATE Status reports on complaints, unit inspections, permits, Ledge Light inspections and maintenance requests were given to Councilors. Mayor Hedrick stated Branford Manor replaced office staff as well as brought on a more qualified Maintenance Manager. Councilor Piazza asked about tax incentive default end date. Deputy Mayor Depot requested to see scenarios if conditions of the default were met/not met by Branford Manor management. Mayor Hedrick stated he brief council upon further review of topic. III. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn made by Councilor McCabe second by Deputy Mayor Depot. All in favor. Motion carried. 5-0-0 Mayor Hedrick adjourned the meeting at 9:39 pm. ATTEST: APPROVED: Danielle Baycura City Clerk