Robert Tompkins

The committee held presentations from the Ledge Light Health District and reviewed the FY26 Tax Suspense List. Key economic development initiatives discussed included the approval of a stormwater management project and a tactical urbanism project to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. The committee also accepted donations for a playground and a street flag program, as well as a donation of furniture from Pfizer. Additional items included the appointment of an interim city planner, a review of resident-only parking surveys, a discussion on the fee schedule for parking, and a goal-setting session focused on downtown revitalization, public art, and community engagement.

The council accepted and approved the retirement of a Battalion Chief from the City of Groton Fire Department and subsequently approved the appointment of the same individual to the position of Deputy Fire Chief/Deputy Fire Marshal, followed by a formal swearing-in ceremony.

The Mayor and Council meeting included reports on city initiatives such as the Flag Street program, parking garage development, municipal building operations, and upcoming community events. The Council authorized a contract with The Nature Conservancy for stormwater flood mitigation in the Five Corners neighborhood, and a contract with Street Plans for a tactical urbanism demonstration project to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in the same area. Additionally, the Council accepted a donation of office furniture from Pfizer for use in municipal facilities and approved an extension for technical assistance services with the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments to retain an interim City Planner through the end of the year.

The committee reviewed several items, including a donation for playground development, alcohol permission for the City Brew Run, and vehicle purchase requests for the Police Department. Various infrastructure and operational items for Groton Utilities were discussed, such as the purchase of transformers, a sludge removal contract, water treatment chemical procurement, and water main replacements. Additionally, the committee deliberated on a proposed residential parking ordinance, reviewed parking survey results, and accepted a donation for the street flag program. Executive sessions were held to discuss privileged written communications regarding the Giordano Trust and the Shore Avenue Seawall.

The meeting included a review of an Electric Boat seawall repair application and discussions regarding the strategy for updating the Harbor Management Plan. The commission outlined a plan to apply for a Connecticut Port Authority grant to fund the update and the installation of safety markers, while assigning specific sections of the plan for member review. Additionally, the commission discussed launching a mooring marketing campaign on social media, deferred Harbor Master updates to the next meeting, and finalized arrangements for City Day.