Committee of the Whole

Committee of the Whole - MINUTES City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 Monday, October 23, 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 Dani Baycura Mayor Hedrick called meeting to order at 6:12pm. To watch full discussion, please visit Groton Municipal Television on Youtube. I. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Hedrick, Deputy Mayor Depot, Councilor Norris, Councilor Sheffield, Councilor Piazza, Councilor Carter. Councilor McCabe (via Zoom) and Finance Director Yuhas II. NEW BUSINESS OR REFERRALS A. Sale of Parcels to Groton Estates LLC Following Public Hearing regarding the sale, Councilor Sheffield clarified with Director Yuhas the sale price for both pieces of land would be the appraised value of $68,000. Councilor Piazza stated a large number of children live at this complex and she regularly sees them playing in the existing playground and field across from it. She is concerned, if field were unavailable, they would then have only the area closer to the marsh and trail for play. Councilor Piazza also stated that although a large number of residents signed in favor, there is no percentage or tally showing those opposed to the clubhouse project. Motion to move to Mayor and Council meeting of November 6th made by Deputy Mayor Depot, second by Councilor Norris. Motion carried. 4-0-2. Councilor Sheffield and Councilor Piazza abstain. B. Groton Public Schools Mentoring Program Representative for program, Sharon Schick, presented information and benefits of the during school self-esteem based mentor program. Currently in its 26th year of operation, the Mentoring program is seeking approximately 25-50 more mentors. Half hour to one hour per week is volunteered pending grade of mentee. After thorough investigation, screening and training, applicants are matched with kids who have expressed interest in the program. This program involves zero fees from any participant, however does accept donations. C. Baker Cove Discussion and Marine Patrol Chief Burton and Harbormaster Jeff Dziedzic presented plans for tackling unruly boaters in area of Baker’s Cove. A new No-Wake Zone bouy is being installed, two more signs on Pine Island, as well as plastic No-Wake Zone signs given to dock owners to install. A public meeting with safety instructions and procedures will be held at the Elk’s Lodge prior to boating season. Harbormaster informed there has been large increase in transient boaters and these No Wake markers will assist in managing their activity. 1  Committee of the Whole - MINUTES City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 Marine Patrol funding request was broken down by Chief Burton. An amount of approximately $6,270 will be needed for the start of boating season which falls in current FY2023/2024. The remainder needed starting July 1st, can be approved with the upcoming ‘24/’25 budget. The Police Department is currently investigating qualifying grants which may help offset the expense of updating marine patrol equipment. After inquiry from Deputy Mayor Depot, Chief Burton clarified marine patrolling will be one hundred percent overtime for officers. DM Depot then asked how the requested increase will be viewed by the Town as they ultimately approve the PD budget for the City. Chief Burton responded the fight, if needed, to get the amount approved, will be more effective because the residents are asking for it. Councilor Piazza asked about training; Chief Burton stated yes there will be swim lessons, search and rescue, boat procedures and functions, as well as boat driving lessons. Councilor Carter brought up possible concern with having enough staff especially during summer when people take vacations. Chief Burton stated he is making patrol entirely voluntary and filled from the outside available pooling. Councilor Norris thanked the Chief for his initiative and putting thorough action and thought into motion regarding this matter. D. Motion to add Police Vehicle Purchase to agenda made by Councilor Sheffield, second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 6-0-0. Police Department Vehicle Purchase Chief Burton is needing to replace four unmarked police vehicles as others are becoming too much of a burden to repair. Motion to move to Mayor and Council meeting of November 6th made by Councilor Norris, second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 6-0-0. E. Public Works 1. Director Robarge requested approval for culvert replacement near Pine Island Road. A pipe under the road has failed and is needed to drain storm water. Motion to move to Mayor and Council meeting of November 6th made by Deputy Mayor Depot, second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 6-0-0. 2. Requesting approval for Work Order Management Software Program, Trimble Phase 3. This will track asset management, street work, preventative maintenance schedules, amongst other needed services. Motion to move to Mayor and Council meeting of November 6th made by Deputy Mayor Depot, second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 6-0-0. F. Fire Department Vehicle Purchase 2  Committee of the Whole - MINUTES City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 Chief Thompson presented need for new front line response vehicle to replace the 2005 Pick up Truck currently used for plowing. Motion to move to Mayor and Council meeting of November 6th made by Councilor Sheffield, second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 6-0-0. G. Economic Development 1. Economic Development Manager Cierra Patrick informed Council the ED Commission has reviewed and made recommendations for updating the Ordinance that outlines the role of the Economic Development Commission. Motion to move to Mayor and Council meeting of November 6th made by Councilor Norris, second by Councilor Sheffield. Motion carried. 5-0-0. (DM Depot stepped away briefly prior to vote). 2. EDM Patrick gave an overall resiliency update for the City. Included were CRP recommendations, information about capacity building meetings and workshops and new funding opportunities. Timothy Clark of The Nature Conservancy presented a stormwater project regarding the Five Corners area of the City, citing this as the most vulnerable to flooding area currently after thorough assessment was completed. TNC is assisting EDM Patrick apply for funding that will help the infrastructure for stormwater runoff and flooding of this area. Councilor Carter excused himself from meeting at 8:03pm. III. ADJOUNRMENT Motion to adjourn made by Councilor Norris, second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. Mayor Hedrick adjourned the meeting at 8:08pm. ATTEST: APPROVED: Dani Baycura City Clerk 3