Selectmen review CCI/Consolidated broadband contract; town explores EV charger sites

Town Manager Billings presented the proposed Consolidated Communications (CCI) contract for a public-private broadband expansion and walked Selectmen through the document line-by-line. Selectman Travis Fifield said he had not yet received the contract and TM resent it during the Zoom meeting so he could review it. The board asked TM to clarify contract language related to extra charges that could arise from unexpected site work and to confirm which sites (for example, the Burnt Cove station and a possible North Stonington terminal) are included in the initial scope.

TM said technical staff — Henry and Ian — have participated in project meetings and can answer technical questions. The board expressed a preference to clarify language about site scope and possible additional costs before signing. TM said she expected a timeline from Consolidated within weeks with hopes of completing initial upgrades by fall.

On a related infrastructure topic, Gordon Beck of Climate to Thrive outlined options for installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers. He discussed capital and operating costs, mapping/visibility for drivers, and potential locations that could be attractive for visitors and residents. The board asked TM to arrange a site visit so installers could assess pole locations and parking impacts; board members also discussed whether chargers should be free or fee-based and the modest expected annual maintenance costs.

Next steps: TM to obtain contract clarifications from CCI/Consolidated and to set up site inspections for potential EV charger locations.