The New London City Council convened on September 2, 2025, to discuss significant infrastructure projects, including the approval of a contract for a new roundabout and updates on sidewalk and paving initiatives.

The council unanimously approved a $400,000 contract with Fuss and O'Neil for design and engineering services for a roundabout at the intersection of Phillips Street and Vauxhall Street. This project is funded through a state LOTCIP grant, which will cover 100% of construction and inspection costs, while the city is responsible for the design expenses. Director Cyr clarified that the funding for the design comes from a larger state allocation of $4.6 million, specifically earmarked for construction and inspection.

Council members expressed concerns regarding the funding process and the necessity of the design work, noting that Fuss and O'Neil had previously completed successful projects for the city. The council emphasized the importance of transparency in the bidding process, particularly for contracts exceeding $20,000, although professional services like engineering are exempt from standard bidding requirements.

In addition to the roundabout project, the council discussed sidewalk and curb replacement contracts. Director Cyr provided an update on the city's sidewalk replacement strategy, highlighting a backlog of projects due to budget constraints. He noted that the city allocates approximately $2 million annually for infrastructure, which includes sidewalk repairs. The council is working to prioritize areas based on usage and condition, with plans to address the most critical locations first.

The meeting also covered paving contracts, including a $400,000 agreement with Burns Construction for road repairs, with a portion of the costs reimbursed by Eversource. The council confirmed that paving would occur in several high-traffic areas, ensuring that necessary repairs are completed before winter.

Overall, the council's discussions underscored a commitment to improving city infrastructure while navigating budgetary limitations and ensuring effective communication with residents about ongoing projects and timelines. The next steps involve finalizing contracts and beginning construction as soon as possible, with updates to be shared with the community.