Groton council approves $300,000 sludge disposal contract; fire chief appointments, parking fines on deck
The Groton Mayor and Council approved a three-year sludge disposal agreement with Wind River Environmental worth up to $300,000 at its July 6 meeting, the largest dollar item among recent town decisions. The vote was 4-0-0.
Mayor and Council — July 6
The council took six recorded votes, all passing 4-0-0:
- Accepted a $25,000 donation from the Connecticut Sun Foundation for Washington Park playground equipment.
- Approved temporary alcohol use at Eastern Point Beach for the September 5 City Brew Run.
- Authorized purchase of one 2026 Dodge Durango Pursuit SUV for $41,645.
- Authorized purchase of two 2026 Dodge Durango Pursuit SUVs for $116,980.
- Approved a purchase order to Kllen Group America for $165,344.30 in transformers.
- Approved the three-year sludge disposal agreement with Wind River Environmental, capped at $300,000.
Harbor Management Commission — July 6
The commission's agenda listed consideration of approximately $5,000 for safety markers and $15,000–$20,000 to update the Harbor Management Plan. Members were also set to review draft sections of the plan, conduct a budget review, and discuss a research proposal on PFAS. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.
Conservation Commission and Eastern Point Historic District Commission — July 7
Both the Conservation Commission and the Eastern Point Historic District Commission canceled their July 7 meetings. No items were discussed or decided. The Conservation Commission had been scheduled to approve minutes from May 5 and June 2 and take up water quality and air quality as new business.
Committee of the Whole — July 13
The committee discussed the potential sale of four city- and town-owned vacant lots at 0 Central Boulevard. Other agenda items included acceptance of a $27,815 Nuclear Safety Emergency Program (NSEP) grant for police equipment and training, a proposed $98,825 change order for sludge removal at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, the appointment application of William "Tony" Patterson to the Beach and Parks Committee, and a review of the parking fine and fee schedule. Minutes are not yet published.
Youth Advisory Committee — July 14
The committee's agenda included updates on Project Oceanology, a Groton Soccer Club gear swap, the TOG Pump Track, and a survey for City Day at Marine Science. New business covered upcoming Connecticut SUN events. Minutes are not yet published.
Groton Utilities Commission/WPCA — July 15
The commission considered authorizing a $98,825.00 change order for Purchase Order 72617 to Hi Stone & Son, Incorporated for sludge removal at the Wastewater Treatment Facility. The agenda also listed discussion of transformer pricing changes, a digester update, and a review of the July 4, 2026 storm response. Minutes are not yet published.
PACT — July 16
The Police and Community Together Committee reviewed minutes from May 21, 2026, and discussed old business including mobile meetings, investigations, and cameras. The next meeting was scheduled for August 20, 2026. Minutes are not yet published.
Coming up
- **July 20 — Beautification Committee:** Will consider adopting a draft mission statement and review completed rain garden and flower bed projects at Eastern Point Beach.
- **July 20 — Mayor and Council:** Will consider appointing Kevin Price and Christian Grivalsky as battalion chiefs, approve a parking fine and fee schedule for Ordinance 250, authorize the $98,825 sludge removal change order, and accept a $950 donation for the street flag program.
- **July 21 — Planning and Zoning Commission:** Will review zoning regulation sections 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9, and discuss MUDD Regulations and short-term rental regulations.