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Library programs, school achievements and litter concerns raised during New London public comment
Summary
Multiple members of the public used the Nov. 3 meeting’s public comment period to highlight library after‑school programs and author events, to announce a Board of Education communications initiative and school achievements, to ask for clarity on grant accounting, and to press the city on litter and use of NIP (bottle) tax revenues.
Several speakers addressed the council during the Nov. 3 public comment period, focusing on library services, Board of Education achievements and accounting questions, and neighborhood litter.
Madhu Gupta, director of the New London Public Library (63 Huntington Street), said the library is partnering with the Recreation Department to provide after‑school story time, crafts and activities for 4‑ to 8‑year‑olds at the new community center; she said the library will deliver books to children who do not visit the library regularly. Gupta also announced an early start to the annual holiday food drive and publicized an author event: Bill Morse will discuss his new book Lost New London at the library on Nov. 6.
Elaine Maynard Adams, chair of the Board of Education, said the board will start giving brief “did you know” updates at council meetings. She highlighted the high school’s science and technology magnet program that offers a Certified Nursing Assistant pathway; the class of 2025 had students who earned CNA certification and many were accepted to four‑year nursing programs. Adams also reported that the district received a Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) award for excellence in communications for its budget book and that the board received the award again for 2025.
Sarah Turner, a parent of a high‑school student, asked the council to clarify apparent discrepancies among grant totals reported by the Board of Education, the city and the State Department of Education finance report. Turner cited figures in a document she provided: a report listing $57,644,066.81 received in FY2025 versus $36,124,467 in the Board of Education’s grant reporting, and she noted a $256,100 transportation deposit on Oct. 28 that she said appeared in one report. Councilors and staff acknowledged the question and described some grants as pass‑throughs to the city; staff offered to follow up with Turner for clarification.
Robert Buckingham urged the city to address street litter and said he picks up dozens of disposable bottles on his walking route. He asked what the city is doing with NIP tax revenue, noting $36,206.90 received between April 1 and Sept. 30; councilors and the mayor discussed prior uses of NIP funds (downtown trash receptacles and satellite dumpster enclosures) and agreed city staff would follow up.
Councilors thanked speakers, suggested a formal monthly or periodic Board of Education update be added to the council agenda, and encouraged residents to contact the mayor’s office for specific follow‑ups on street cleanup and grant documentation.
(Quotes and figures in this report are drawn from public comment recorded in the Nov. 3, 2025 meeting transcript.)
