Committee of the Whole

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 Monday, March 24, 2025 | 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 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 6:00pm. I. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Hedrick, Deputy Mayor Depot, Councilor Artale, Councilor Sheffield and Councilor Norris (via Zoom). Councilor Piazza at 6:06pm. Excused: Councilor Patterson. II. NEW BUSINESS OR REFERRAL A. Public Works 1. Pelitier Amended Window Contract Public Works Director Sedlmeier presented a request to amend the initial resolution to fund the municipal building renovation projects approved January 2024. It was discovered the approved request did not include the industry standard 10% contingency. As the project enters the last phase, replacing 92 windows, it is recommended additional funds be available in the chance anything unexpected. Discussion ensued regarding amount spent so far and Director Yuhas and Director Sedlmeier are to supply Council with a financial statement of project total as well as the executed contract. Motion to move to Mayor and Council April 7th, 2025: Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Piazza. Motion carried, 5-0-0. B. Groton Utilities 1. Transformer Replenishment Utilities General Manager Robarge presented the need to replenish the company’s typical stockpile transformers, of all sizes. Lead times are often one year, so request comes with intention of overlapping so as to avoid any delay of service. Motion to move to Mayor and Council April 7th, 2025: Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Piazza. Motion carried, 5-0-0. 1  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 2. Mini Excavator Purchase It was described as a useful tool for at least two large upcoming projects. The mini hydraulic excavator will save on labor costs and laborers in general, as stated by General Manager Robarge. He concluded stating it would be a benefit to and is shareable with other departments of the City, making it a low risk purchase. Motion to move to Mayor and Council April 7th, 2025: Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Sheffield. Motion carried, 5-0-0. 3. Lawn and Grounds Maintenance Contract The current three year contract is ending and a new contracted vendor is being requested to continue the lawn and grounds service at locations including the reservoirs, pump stations, common areas and sewer treatment area. Motion to move to Mayor and Council April 7th, 2025: Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Piazza. Motion carried, 5-0-0. C. Planning and Economic Development Update City Planner Creane provided a summarized overview of the zoning regulations the Planning and Zoning Commission approved on January 22nd this year. The revisions mostly affect the areas known as the GCR zones. The only way toward the revitalization of Thames Street was taking the first step with these regulations. She gave her appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the PZC. Planner Creane informed Council that an appeal to the revised regulations, has been filed with the New London County Court. There is a stay on the updates for now. Economic Development Manager Patrick gave a resiliency presentation touching on the recently updated POCD, stormwater project updates, mitigation updates and future proposals, as well as rain garden installations. *It was noted Councilor Norris exited the meeting at 7:30pm. III. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn: Councilor Piazza. Second: Deputy Mayor Depot. Motion carried, 4-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:51pm. 2  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Minutes City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 ATTEST: APPROVED: Dani Baycura City Clerk 3