Committee of the Whole

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 Monday, August 11, 2025 | 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. I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Meeting called to order at 6:02pm. Present: Mayor Hedrick, Deputy Mayor Depot, Councilor Piazza and Councilor Sheffield. Councilor Patterson at 6:30pm. Excused: Councilor Norris. II. NEW BUSINESS OR REFERRAL A. Youth Advisory Application Applicant Adella Haggerty introduced herself to city councilors. Deputy Mayor Depot thanked her for volunteering her time and stated her resume shows being well suited for this committee. Councilor Sheffield asked if she was a city resident and what drew her to apply for the Youth Advisory. Ms. Haggerty replied of being a 21 year resident and was looking for something within the community to get involved with. Councilor Piazza also thanked Ms. Haggerty for applying and responded to her question of specific ideas by stating she is looking forward to contributing ideas and drawing from her professional experience. Motion to move to Mayor and Council meeting of August 18th, 2025: Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Piazza. Motion carried, 4-0-0. B. Planning 1. Appeal of Regulations – Update City Planner Creane provided an update on the GCR Zoning Regulations currently at court in Land Use Appeals. Most recent development being the opponent’s attorney requesting more time for discovery. 2. Continuing Regulation Updates Council was informed the Planning and Zoning Commission are working on updates to the Waterfront Business District, with plans to later address the Five Corners zone. Deputy Mayor Depot inquired after methods of sharing material with residents who cannot access online information. Ms. Creane said they have used various methods like door hangers, surveys, and special meetings to gather input encourage discussion. 1  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 C. Donation Request 1. cARTie Art Museum Bus The council moved to progress a $500 donation to the county art museum bus noting that although they are not based in the city, the organization does provide its services to the city community. Motion to move to Mayor and Council meeting of August 18th, 2025: Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Sheffield. Motion carried, 4-0-0. D. Groton Utilities 1. Water Rate Increase Utility Financial Solutions representative Mark Beauchamp presented 5 water rate increase proposals. The first commencing January 1, 2026, proceeding each October for the next four years thereafter. Financial changes since the 2022 water cost of service study, were highlighted. Included was 23% increase in operating expenses largely due to the 53% increase in chemical costs. The proposed rate adjustment plan addresses financial stability, debt coverage ratios and cash balance improvement. The plan also involves eliminating the declining block rate structure in favor of a single rate, resulting in an average residential increase of 2.7% in January followed by approximately 5.5% increases in subsequent years, with most capital improvements being funded through debt. Mr. Beauchamp concluded that by 2028 the average residential customer will see a $10 per month cumulative increase. City officials note this approach is similar to recent sewer service adjustments and confirm that customer service monitors unusual water usage patterns and provides conservation tools like low-flow aerators through the Home Energy Savings program. Motion to move to Mayor and Council meeting of August 18th, 2025: Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Sheffield. Motion carried, 5-0-0. III. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motin to enter into Executive Session pursuant to CGS 1-200-6(B): Deputy Mayor Depot. Second: Councilor Sheffield. Motion carried, 5-0-0. Union Negotiations – Fire Department Present: Mayor and Council, Chief Tompkins, Director Leconte, Attorney Paul Testa IN: 7:04pm OUT: 7:25pm 2  COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES City Municipal Building | Council Chambers 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340 No action out of executive session. IV. 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 3