Robert Tompkins

The committee discussed a donation request from the Thames River Heritage Park Foundation and a Taser transfer agreement with the New London Police Department for the acquisition of used equipment. Furthermore, the meeting addressed an appointment for an alternate position on the Harbor Management Commission. All discussed items were approved to move forward to the subsequent Mayor and Council meeting.

Key discussions included correspondence regarding relocation of baskets or starting another disc golf class, future plans for Thames View Park, and approval of the January and February Director's Reports. Seasonal employment status and the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the beach concession stand were reviewed. The committee also briefly discussed survey results from the Youth Advisory Committee. Under new business, there were no items. Under any other business, inquiry was made about the City's participation in the 4th of July parade celebrating America 250, and updates were provided on construction progress at Washington Park, including reroofing pavilions and residing outbuildings.

The meeting included the introduction of a new committee member and a new Student Liaison. Old Business centered on Groton Spotlight ideas, including details for upcoming events such as a spring soccer session, a Hiking Club, the Annual Egg Hunt, and a Child Resource Fair. Members also reviewed the 2025 survey summary, noting the key takeaway to improve communication and promotion of existing programs. Next steps involve finalizing revised survey questions for 2026 and exploring partnerships for College & Career Prep and Financial Literacy support, including FAFSA navigation and essay workshops. New Business topics included updates on the successful Arts & Crafts program, the opening of Early Bird Registration for Summer Playground, and plans to finalize dates for Movie Nights.

The agenda for the meeting includes roll call, introductions, and public comments. New Business items feature a Business Outreach Update from Commissioners and revisions to the Economic Development Grant Program. Communications cover a Bludot Data Update, along with information regarding CT Main Street's Building a Main Street Business Ecosystem event and the CT Main Street Annual Assessment.

Key discussions centered on various items moved to the subsequent Mayor and Council meeting on March 2, 2026. These included the appointment of Mary Lhowe to the Planning and Zoning Commission, and re-appointments to the Youth Advisory Committee (K. Strickland and M. Bishop). Economic development involved an invitation to a Connecticut Main Street event. Parks and Recreation topics included an update on the Lower Thames View project timeline, confirmation of receiving the final donation installment from the Mohegan Basketball Club for Washington Park court maintenance, and approval to move forward with repairing the Submarine Memorial Guardrail. The Public Safety/Public Works Committee update addressed implementing fire inspection fees for multi-family and commercial properties to offset increased firefighter staffing costs, and the plan to increase staffing to a 5-person minimum shift, aiming to hire two firefighters by July 2026.