Groton council accepts donations to expand street flag program; plans 59 flags

The Groton Mayor and Council voted unanimously June 29 to accept donations to expand the city’s street flag program, approving two resolutions to accept $1,400 in community donations and a separate $1,500 gift from Richard Kent of R.B. Kent and Son Incorporated.

Deputy Mayor Sheffield introduced Resolution R-26-06-66 to accept $1,400 from numerous residents and business owners to purchase complete flagpole sets. The council approved the measure without recorded dissent.

Councilors thanked donors and discussed expanding the program. Councilor Johns said he supported continuing the initiative next year: “it would be really cool if we could run with this next year and maybe proactively raise a little bit more money and try to potentially, you know, every year just add some more flags to these streets,” and expressed full support for the donation.

Councilor Piazza introduced Resolution R-26-06-67 to accept a $1,500 donation from Richard Kent of R.B. Kent and Son Incorporated to purchase additional flagpole sets; the council approved that resolution unanimously as well.

Council members named several community contributors who helped start and sustain the program, including Jim Streeter, Town of Groton historian; Robert Zuliani; Kevin Trejo; Tommy Slocum; Paul Vernatzy; Dorothy Streeter; Donny Byles; Daniel Kristoff; Kier Cell; Curo; and Robert and Susan Boris. Deputy Mayor Sheffield noted that Richard Kent is not a Groton city resident but has done business in the city and thanked him for the donation.

The Mayor said the program has grown beyond the original plan of 20 flags to about 59 with the new gifts and that the next set of flags will be placed on Thames Street.

Both resolutions passed by unanimous vote of the councilors present.