News
Groton Board of Selectmen faced a second Open Meeting Law (OML) violation for 'serial communication' when they conducted some discussion online regarding their input into the Town Manager's 2013 review process. The review was never discussed in a public session or a summary released as required by...
Police Chief Donald Palma and Fire Chief Steele McCurdy talk every day, working to establish easy, informal, trusting communication between their departments with the goal of increasing interdepartmental cooperation and seizing opportunities to improve safety services for the town.
Both Chiefs are...
The Selectmen reviewed a potential policy that would essentially require a Board member on the losing side of a vote to abide by the majority vote. The policy states, "All members of the Board whether on the prevailing or losing side of the vote, shall abide by the vote. No member of the Board...
Sharp focus on the Charter's language has led some residents to conclude that, for six years, Selectmen violated Section 4.1 [c] of the Charter by neglecting to post publicly or make available the Town Manager's annual performance reviews, as required by the Charter.
Perhaps more seriously, this...
Things might look somewhat different this spring if the recommendations of Groton Country Club Consultant Bill Gustus are adopted. His report on his review and recommendations for the Country Club are finally in and he recommended some changes to address expansion of membership, expansion of the...
One of Groton's most important structures, Sacred Heart Church, a building with important historic and symbolic significance, a building loved and cherished for its beauty and spiritual significance, a building whose possible fates included conversion to a Senior Center, conversion to a residence...
Town Manager Mark Haddad advised Selectmen that The Groton Herald published a front page story on the potential significant increase for FY16 in retirement system payments "that should not be out in public" as it is all preliminary information and is nowhere near finalized. [See Front Page Story,...
The Special Advisory Commission on Compensation of Public Officials, created by the Legislature in June as part of the fiscal 2015 state budget, has issued its report and is recommending an end to legislative per diems which are travel, meals and lodging reimbursements collected by the legislators...
At their Monday night meeting, Town Manager Mark Haddad, denying rumors he acts as a 'sixth Selectman', 'running amok', and usurping authority, said, "This is not true. We have a really good working relationship . . . It is important that the public understands I perform the duties as outlined in...
As the town begins to prepare its budget for fiscal 2016 (July 2015 to June 2016), some disturbing trends are starting to appear on the expense side of the budget. According to a memo sent by Town Treasurer/Tax Collector Michael Hartnett to Town Manager Mark Haddad, the town will be facing a...