10-05-2026 City Council

At the October 5, 2026, New London City Council meeting, the council approved a $56,000 contract with Ford Sign Works for two waterfront gateway signs, funded from remaining ARPA signage funds; the vote was 6–1. Members discussed that approximately $109,000 remained in the funding line and that any alternative use would need to be appropriated and spent by December 31, 2026. The council also approved, 5–1, a one-year employment agreement for Ocean Beach Park manager David Shagru at an annual salary of $120,000. The agreement was amended during the meeting, including provisions for quarterly financial and performance reporting. A separate school-building project closeout-services contract, described as under $20,000, was considered; the vendor name and final vote are unclear in the transcript.

The mayor reported that the city’s transition to a new banquet-hall caterer was underway after Sodexo completed its contract, and discussed planned Ocean Beach Park capital improvements and a transit study with the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments. Council members raised discrepancies between approved community center rates and the rate-change letter sent to residents; the mayor said the administration would investigate. An ordinance concerning implementation of the Silver Sneakers program at the community recreation center was added to the agenda but tabled until the next meeting. The council also recognized the New London–Waterford Little League team; no related procurement action was identified.