Committee of the Whole

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers & Zoom 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 Monday, November 25, 2024 | 6:00 PM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES Mayor Keith Hedrick, Deputy Mayor Gweneviere Depot, Councilor Erin Artale, Councilor Paul Norris, Councilor Tony Patterson, Councilor Christine Piazza and Councilor Stephen Sheffield and City Clerk Dani Baycura The following minutes meet all requirements under CT FOIA for public meetings and is not a transcript of the meeting. Please visit Groton Municipal Television on YouTube to view the meeting in further detail. Mayor Hedrick called the meeting to order at 6:05pm. I. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Hedrick, Deputy Mayor Depot, Councilor Patterson, Councilor Piazza, Councilor Artale and Councilor Sheffield. Excused: Councilor Norris. II. NEW BUSINESS OR REFERRALS A. Groton Utilities 1. Cost of Sewer Study Presentation Presenter Mark Beauchamp, of Utility Financial Solutions LLC, demonstrated via Zoom a Power Point Cost of Service Study. The proposed rate adjustments are 7.3% for the next two years, and 7.2% thereafter. Not adjusting rates, he stated, would result in the wastewater division using up cash reserves within three years; in effort to bring stability to the utility, rates should be increased. He stated residential customers would see an average rate increase of approximately $1.80 per month. Meter size and amount of water consumed would determine exact charges. Main driving factors are increased costs of projects and chemicals due to inflation, as well as future necessary capital expenditures over the next four years. Councilor Piazza asked some clarifying questions regarding the differences in rates and usage between commercial and residential customers. Recommended and encouraged residents to find out if a Deduct Meter, offered by Groton Utilities, would benefit them in the long run. Groton Utilities Customer Service can be reached at 860-446-4000 for more information. To review presentation in full please visit: City of Groton Committee of the Whole and Special Mayor & Council - 11/25/24 2. Sewer Rate Ordinance GU General Manager of Business Development, Aaron Brooks, presented Council with a new Sewer Rate Ordinance, with the price schema reflected in Mr. Beauchamp’s 1  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers & Zoom 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 presentation. Deputy Mayor Depot asked if GU had any rate comparisons with other utility companies. Manager Brooks responded, regarding wastewater, Groton Utilities is about 47% less than another utility in the State, that is often surveyed due to similar methodology and plant processes as GU’s. When asked how the current rate compares to the COSS performed three years ago, GM Brooks and Mr. Beauchamp said they did not know but could forward that information once they review it. Councilor Sheffield received confirmation that the requested increases are only for the next three years. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of December 2, 2024: Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Piazza. Motion carried, 5-0-0. B. Economic Development 1. Minor Façade Grant – Pizzarama Economic Development Manager Patrick presented Council the recommendation for approval submitted by the Economic Development Commission concerning the Minor Façade grant application received by Irene Faraone. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of December 2, 2024: Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Piazza. Motion carried, 5-0-0. C. Parks & Recreation 1. Zbierski House Painting Resolution was presented by Director Hill to replace all the exterior woodwork with composite material at the Zbierski House, in addition to repainting the exterior. All work is to be completed by Leed Construction LLC; a company that, per Finance Director Yuhas, is still in the vetting process with reference checks to be completed. If vendor’s background clears and positive references are given, the resolution will be brought before the Mayor and Council for approval. Director Yuhas then provided Council a brief overview of their updated ARPA spreadsheets. He commented Park Restroom Renovations were removed as they did not receive any bids in the allotted time. Also taken from list were the Park Pavilions roofing and siding projects due to changes in expected costs for other projects. Deputy Mayor Depot requested to see an asset management plan for the property. Councilor Piazza asked if the updates would require higher/lower future routine maintenance costs on the budget. Director Hill responded the rental fees are reviewed annually and if need be, an increase may be warranted to offset increased expenditures. Councilor Sheffield stated he liked the idea but was uncomfortable 2  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers & Zoom 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 with the cost of this project and believes the City has other, more pressing, uses for the ARPA funds. Deputy Mayor Depot reminded of the potential safety issues at risk should the House not undergo these repairs. Councilor Artale agreed that as a parent of a child that participates in the Summer programs at the Z House, there is a safety concern. *Councilor Patterson briefly stepped away from meeting at 7:08pm, and returned at 7:15pm Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of December 2, 2024: Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Piazza. Motion carried, 4-0-0. 2. Washington Park Swing Set Director Hill presented request for new swings at both Eastern Point Beach and Washington Park. Replacements are being asked for due to aging infrastructure and current safety standards. Upgraded playscapes will include new swing configurations and quantity. The goal is to have everything installed in early Spring. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of December 2, 2024: Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Piazza. Motion carried, 5-0-0. 3. Washington Park Exercise Equipment The same company replacing the swings, Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium, was also the most advantageous pricing of new outdoor fitness equipment at Washington Park. Current workout stations are aged and in need of updated safety standards. Councilor Piazza asked how often equipment is used. Director Hill answered there were more people using it during COVID but that usage has since tapered. However, the Youth Advisory Committee has plans of pushing for more teen fitness programs after a survey they conducted, revealed youth in the area have a desire to learn about and participate in more fitness related activities. Motion to move to the Mayor and Council meeting of December 2, 2024: Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Piazza. Motion carried, 5-0-0. 4. Memorial Bench Requests i.) J. Konicki ii.) R. Kent iii.) B. Frucht 3  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers & Zoom 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 Motion to move all three bench requests to the Mayor and Council meeting of December 2, 2024: Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Sheffield. Motion carried, 5-0-0. III. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn: Councilor Piazza. Second: Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried, 5-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:27pm. ATTEST: APPROVED: Dani Baycura City Clerk 4