Groton committee approves veterans rep job description, waives landfill solar permit fees, and backs lighthouse grant application

The Groton Town Council Committee of the Whole approved several administrative and permitting items Tuesday evening in unanimous votes.

The council recommended a resolution to create and approve a part‑time municipal veterans representative job description to be housed in Human Services. Arishia Green, director of human resources and risk management, said the position has been budgeted, slotted into the non‑union pay plan and incorporates statutory elements required for the role.

Councilors next approved a waiver of local permit fees for Verology's proposed solar array at the town transfer station. Staff said the project solicitation had been advertised as including a waiver of local fees; the fees to be waived are approximately $150,000. Town staff also noted the project will generate roughly $228,445 in annual payments to the town for 20 years. The council voted to authorize the fee waiver on an 8‑0 vote.

Finally, the council voted to approve submission of a Community Investment Fund (CIF) planning grant application by the Ledge Lighthouse Foundation for $250,000 to pay for engineering and repairs to the Ledge Lighthouse. Councilors discussed the site's location and long‑running fundraising efforts; staff said the project is not on town property and the resolution simply enables the nonprofit to apply. The motion passed 8‑0.

Other procedural items: council approved the June 9 minutes earlier in the meeting and adjourned at 7:07 p.m.