City of Groton

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on the PACT committee's activities. Under old business, progress on speed camera implementation was reviewed, with installation still anticipated for July 2026, and details regarding upcoming volunteer opportunities, such as United Way food distributions, were provided. The Chief's update covered the progress of the budget process, K-9 Ewing's involvement in ten drug-related cases, support for the upcoming Special Olympics Penguin Plunge, and current staffing vacancies within the department, noting one officer retirement and ongoing hiring processes for an officer and a dispatcher.

The meeting commenced with the Receipt of Citizen's Petitions, where numerous residents spoke in favor of immediately increasing firefighter staffing, citing increased call volume, complex emergencies, and the outdated staffing levels from 26 years prior. Citizens emphasized the need for adequate resources for public safety, with one resident making a significant donation to support the staffing increase effort. In response, the Council acknowledged the need for action and announced an online staffing survey open until March 6th. New Business included the authorization of a permanent access road easement for Eversource at 101 Sandy Hollow Road, property owned by the City of Groton. Furthermore, the Council approved the appointment of Mary Lhowe to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the re-appointments of Keona Strickland and Megan Bishop to the Youth Advisory Committee. Contracts were approved for ADA accessibility design services at Lower Thames View Park and for the replacement of guardrail fencing at the National Submarine Memorial. Finally, the Council accepted a $25,000.00 donation from Mohegan Basketball Club, LLC for the future maintenance of basketball courts at Washington Park.

The session focused on the review of the Public Works Highway FY27 Budget, which is funded by the Town of Groton upon approval by the Town Council. The budget reflects a 3.45% increase, primarily attributed to collective bargaining wage increases and anticipated costs for future union contract negotiations. Key capital requests included paving two roads, Riverview and Fairview, due to poor PCS ratings, with consideration given to seeking state grants for complete streets funding. Additionally, two vehicle replacements were requested: a Ford pickup nearing the end of its useful life and an excavator, with its cost to be spread across FY27 and FY28 budget years to mitigate expense spikes.

The committee continued discussions regarding increasing City of Groton firefighting staff, including estimates for salaries and benefits and the potential timeline for seeking a Safer Grant. Referred items included assessing the West Pleasant Valley Fire Protection Agreement from 1962 to determine the feasibility of creating an ordinance to collect fire marshal inspection fees in that district, noting that the Town of Groton currently processes building permits. The committee also discussed Fairview Homes, which currently does not contribute to fire protection costs, and the possibility of charging fire marshal inspection fees there as allowed by current Connecticut General Statutes. Under new business, the committee recommended to the City Council the creation of one additional City of Groton firefighter position for the FYE27 budget prior to applying for the SAFER Grant. Other new business involved discussing changes to the firefighter minimum staffing levels, including the possibility of selling back overtime instead of letting it lapse and proposals to increase the minimum staffing on specific shifts, with the intent to bring these complex issues to a Committee of the Whole for further input.

The meeting agenda includes a Roll Call, approval of the prior meeting's minutes, and a Public Hearing section. The Regular Meeting portion is set to address Application CAM #342 regarding new construction at 37 Bakers Cove Lane. Discussions are also planned for potential amendments to Zoning Regulations concerning Definitions, Residential standards, Renderings, and the POCD 2028 document. An Executive Session is scheduled to address pending litigation related to Zoning Regulations.