Committee of the Whole

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 Monday, January 22, 2024 | 6:00 PM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – FULL Minutes Mayor Keith Hedrick, Deputy Mayor Gweneviere Depot, Councilor Erin Artale, Councilor Paul Norris, Councilor Tony Patterson, Councilor Christine Piazza, Councilor Stephen Sheffield and City Clerk Dani Baycura To view meeting in full, please visit Groton Municipal Television on YouTube. Mayor Hedrick called meeting to order at 6:01pm. I. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Hedrick, Deputy Mayor Depot, Councilor Artale, Councilor Sheffield and Councilor Norris. Councilor Piazza arrived at 6:03pm. Excused: Councilor Patterson. II. NEW BUSINESS A. Public Works Budget Review Public Works Director Robarge presented projections for the Public Works/Highway FY24/25 Budget. Capital purchases and projects responsible for bulk of increase, include milling and paving of three low indexed roads, new fleet vehicle to replace 14-year old heavily used and damaged truck, as well as the Pine Island Culvert engineering and repairs. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Norris; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. B. Police Department 1. Budget Review Chief Burton presented projections for the Police Department FY24/25 Budget. An overall 6.65% increase is reflected mostly in operating expenses with a heavy influence on Training. Chief also stated there is a mental health initiative that would provide Crises Intervention and Crises Negotiation Training to officers who have not yet received these federally recommended courses. Additionally, the Marine Patrol Unit is being reinstated and reflects all the costs associated with that including Diver Training. Another project is rotating fleet car management which would reduce overall mechanical repair costs and maintain an approximate 3.5yr life of vehicle. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Piazza; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 2. Accept NSEP Grant Grant provided by Nuclear Safety Emergency Program to aid any community with critical resources to perform local emergency operations. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Norris; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 1  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 3. NSEP Grant for Camera Purchases Chief Burton presented use of the NSEP Grant to purchase two additional (the City already having two) cameras to be placed at potential evacuation routes. One being the five-corners intersection as well as UCONN Avery Point with visual in two directions. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Sheffield; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 4. NEXGEN ARPA Redistribution Using left over ARPA funds originally approved for Taser purchases, Chief Burton explained need for connectivity, licensing and storage to complete the NEXGEN records management system project. PD will be contracting with Groton Utilities IT Department to support this system at no additional labor cost. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Norris; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 5. Accept St. John’s Christian Church Donation Donation to be used towards the purchase of backpacks for the back to school Backpack Event. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5 th, 2024, made by Deputy Mayor Depot; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. C. Groton Utilities 1. Trimble Energy Software Price Correction Previously discussed and approved item, being brought before Council as minor error in price on approved resolution came to light. New resolution has corrected amount. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Piazza; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 2. Aluminum Residuals Removal Director Gaudet requested authorization to enter into a three-year contract for the removal and transportation of aluminum based drinking water residuals. Removal from drying beds should commence after the winter season. Management attempted to solicit bids for a beneficial reuse option, however no bids were received. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Sheffield; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 3. Wright Pierce Engineering / Grant Southeastern Council of Governments awarded GU with the Office of Local Defense Community Support Grant in the amount of $89,100. Wright Pierce Engineering is the chosen consulting firm to design and engineer a large amount of water infrastructure upgrades along Military Highway, Grove Avenue and Fairview Avenue. 2  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Sheffield; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 4. LIG OLDCC Grant for Electric OLDCC also awarded $223,160 of consultant reimbursement for the design, engineering and bid preparation for an Electric budget purchase. LIG Consultants have been selected to engineer nearly 4 miles of new line from Buddington Substation to SUBBASE. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Sheffield; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 5. Brandegee Tank Maintenance Rehabilitation of the Brandegee Tank is needed to extend its useful lifespan, to improve access safety and water quality, and to comply with the Connecticut DPH regulations. This rehab should add approximately 25years to the life of the tank. Efforts are in place to secure a location for a new tank that will be required in future. A new tank will need to be set ideally, as close to existing tank as possible. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Piazza; second by Councilor Sheffield. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 6. Electric Tower Maintenance The I-95 highway crossing electric tower is over fifty years old and requires maintenance and repairs that are imperative to its system reliability. Repairs and preventative maintenance to the cement footings at the base of the tank are to be completed and paid from the Electric non-bonded capital. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Piazza; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 7. Powertech Associates / Primary Metering Cabinets Upgrades are being completed at the 1960s customer based substation known as Lyman Gordon Substation. In order to install higher distribution system voltage, three new metering cabinets are required. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5 th, 2024, made by Deputy Mayor Depot; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. D. Parks & Recreation 1. New Beach & Parks Application Resident Benjamin Moore has submitted request to serve on the Beach and Parks Committee. Upon review of application and resume, Council determined individual would be a welcomed addition. Once approved, said committee will be full. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5 th, 2024, made by Deputy Mayor Depot; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 2. Memorial Bench Application 3  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 Director Hill presented a new memorial bench application after being updated by the Beach and Parks Committee. Upon review of the proposed application, this item was referred to the Council Parks and Recreation Committee by Deputy Mayor Depot and Councilor Norris, to assist with language revision. 3. Ford Tractor Repair The tractor used to groom the beach required mechanical repair. It is 34 years old; a new machine of similar capabilities is estimated around $75k. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5 th, 2024, made by Deputy Mayor Depot; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. Mayor Hedrick called recess at 8:38pm. Meeting resumed at 8:43pm. E. Planning and Zoning - 8-24 Recommendation Costa Property City Planner Creane presented the recommendation by the City Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the Real Estate Committee, supporting the demolition of the structure located at 352 Thames Street. Additionally, after thorough examination, Wright-Pierce Engineering provided the opinion that the structure is not suited for business occupancy by City staff. Mayor responded to budgeting and finance questions stating an RFP will need to go out once the authorization to demolish structure is given by Council. A demo agreement would then be provided to the Council for any further discussion. Authorization to demolish is being asked for first. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Norris; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. F. Boards & Commissions Re-Appointments 1. Board of Ethics – Hali Keeler 2. Eastern Point Historic District Commission –Mark Granatosky & Sarah Welchel Motion to move all reappointments to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5 th, 2024, made by Deputy Mayor Depot; second by Councilor Sheffield. Motion carried. 5-0-0. There was agreement by all Council, to postpone remaining agenda items to the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for February 12th, 2024. III. ADJOURNMENT Motion to Adjourn made by Councilor Piazza; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 4  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 Meeting adjourned at 9:06pm. ATTEST: APPROVED: Dani Baycura City Clerk 5  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 Monday, January 22, 2024 | 6:00 PM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - ACTION Minutes Mayor Keith Hedrick, Deputy Mayor Gweneviere Depot, Councilor Erin Artale, Councilor Paul Norris, Councilor Tony Patterson, Councilor Christine Piazza, Councilor Stephen Sheffield and City Clerk Dani Baycura To view the meeting in full, visit Groton Municipal Television on YouTube. Mayor Hedrick called meeting to order at 6:01pm. I. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Hedrick, Deputy Mayor Depot, Councilor Artale, Councilor Sheffield and Councilor Norris. Councilor Piazza arrived at 6:03pm. Excused: Councilor Patterson. II. NEW BUSINESS A. Public Works Budget Review Public Works Director Robarge presented projections for the Public Works/Highway FY24/25 Budget. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Norris; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. B. Police Department 1. Budget Review Chief Burton presented projections for the Police Department FY24/25 Budget. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Piazza; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 2. Accept NSEP Grant Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Norris; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 3. NSEP Grant for Camera Purchases Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Sheffield; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 4. NEXGEN ARPA Redistribution Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Norris; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 5. Accept St. John’s Christian Church Donation Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5 th, 2024, made by Deputy Mayor Depot; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 1  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 C. Groton Utilities 1. Trimble Energy Software Price Correction Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Piazza; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 2. Aluminum Residuals Removal Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Sheffield; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 3. Wright Pierce Engineering / Grant Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Sheffield; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 4. LIG OLDCC Grand for Electric Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Sheffield; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 5. Brandegee Tank Maintenance Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Piazza; second by Councilor Sheffield. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 6. Electric Tower Maintenance Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Piazza; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 7. Powertech Associates / Primary Metering Cabinets Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5 th, 2024, made by Deputy Mayor Depot; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. D. Parks & Recreation 1. New Beach & Parks Application Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Deputy Mayor Depot; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. 2. Memorial Bench Application Director Hill presented a new memorial bench application after being updated by the Beach and Parks Committee. Upon review of the proposed application, this item was referred to the Council Parks and Recreation Committee by Deputy Mayor Depot and Councilor Norris, to assist with language revision. 3. Ford Tractor Repair Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Deputy Mayor Depot; second by Councilor Piazza. Motion carried. 5-0-0. Mayor Hedrick called recess at 8:38pm. Meeting resumed at 8:43pm. 2  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 E. Planning and Zoning - 8-24 Recommendation Costa Property City Planner Creane presented the recommendation by the City Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the Real Estate Committee, supporting the demolition of the structure located at 352 Thames Street. Additionally, after thorough examination, Wright-Pierce Engineering provided the opinion that the structure is not suited for business occupancy by City staff. Mayor responded to budgeting and finance questions stating an RFP will need to go out once the authorization to demolish structure is given by Council. A demo agreement would then be provided to the Council for any further discussion. Authorization to demolish is being asked for first. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Councilor Norris; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. F. Boards & Commissions Re-Appointments 1. Board of Ethics – Hali Keeler 2. Eastern Point Historic District Commission –Mark Granatosky & Sarah Welchel Motion to move all reappointments to the Mayor and Council meeting of February 5th, 2024, made by Deputy Mayor Depot; second by Councilor Sheffield. Motion carried. 5-0-0. There was agreement by all Council to postpone remaining agenda items to the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for February 12th, 2024. III. ADJOURNMENT Motion to Adjourn made by Councilor Piazza; second by Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried. 5-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:06pm. ATTEST: APPROVED: Dani Baycura City Clerk 3