Capital projects committee approves $482,106 in equipment and small capital purchases

The New London Capital Project and Equipment Committee approved a slate of 2025 capital purchases and small projects during its Feb. 5 meeting, adopting staff recommendations that total about $482,106 and leave an available balance of roughly $66,006 in the capital fund.

Judy, a finance staff member, summarized changes since the committee met Dec. 10 and said the capital fund balance rose after a recent transfer of $325,000 from the general fund. "So the blue highlighted ones are already approved," Judy said, and she noted the committee had originally budgeted $500,000 for capital projects in 2025 and previously approved $276,309 at an earlier meeting.

The nut graf: Committee members approved a set of individual motions to buy equipment and fund maintenance projects — front-loaded by a $300,000 plow truck purchase — and kept a modest contingency in the capital fund for unplanned needs.

Staff presentations and discussion Chad, a public-works staff member, reviewed the items recommended for approval. He said the plow truck replacement was brought forward into the current year (increasing the single-year expense to $300,000) after staff decided to reserve other large vehicles for bonding. He also described routine and recurring items: copier replacement at the pool ($2,400); roof assessments for several municipal buildings; camera upgrades at the Aquatic and Fitness Center ($3,015); cardio equipment replacement at the fitness room ($8,100); bleacher upgrades at Pfeiffer Park (two bleachers, $20,000); remote tablets and accessories for a new time-and-attendance system ($4,813); and a digital-sign rewrap at the New London Public Museum ($3,200).

Ginger, a parks and recreation staff member, and Robert, a public-works staff member, responded to questions about project timing, equipment lead times and the sidewalk/concrete patching program. Ginger described moving toward larger park projects next year, and Robert said the increased sidewalk and street patching allocations would allow the city to complete larger repairs rather than intermittent small projects.

Votes at a glance The committee approved each item by voice vote (motions were made, seconded, and carried with 'aye' responses; no roll-call tallies were recorded): - Plow truck replacement (replace 2014 unit) — $300,000 — motion made by Mr. Dorsey; seconded by Mr. Barrington; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Copier replacement at the pool — $2,400 — motion made and seconded; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Street projects — $50,000 and Sidewalk patching program — $50,000 (combined motion for $100,000) — motion made and seconded by Mr. Barrington; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Police Department retaining wall repair — $35,000 — motion made and seconded; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Roof assessments (City Hall, Library Museum/406 S. Pearl, Senior Center, Police Dept.) — combined total $55,578 — motion made by Mr. Dorsey and seconded; outcome: approved (voice vote). The committee confirmed the Library Museum assessment is for 406 South Pearl. - Camera upgrades at Aquatic and Fitness Center — $3,015 — motion made and seconded by Mayor Herter; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Fitness room cardio equipment replacement — $8,100 — motion made and seconded by Mr. Bissau; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Bleacher upgrades at Pfeiffer Park (two bleachers; note: five will eventually need replacement) — $20,000 — motion made and seconded by Mr. Barrington; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Remote tablets and accessories for new time-and-attendance system — $4,813 — motion made and seconded by Mayor Herter; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Rewrap digital sign at the museum (New London Public Museum) — $3,200 — motion made and seconded; outcome: approved (voice vote).

Why it matters The approved items fund a mix of routine maintenance (roof assessments, pool copier), capital equipment (plow truck, cardio machines) and small infrastructure repairs (street and sidewalk patching, PD retaining wall). Staff emphasized that keeping a roughly $66,006 contingency in the capital fund preserves flexibility for midseason emergencies such as equipment failures.

What’s next Committee members did not schedule a follow-up meeting but said they would reconvene if necessary. Staff noted some projects (for example, restroom work at Memorial Park) are being funded through other departments (wastewater treatment plant funds) and so were not part of this capital list.

Ending: The committee adjourned after completing the approvals.