The New London Common Council approved various funding for project improvements throughout the city during its meeting on Tuesday, March 11.

There was great discussion and some confusion over funding for the architectural design and engineering for the new garage facility.

The Finance and Personnel Committee asked the council for approval of the use of Unassigned Fund Balance in the amount of $183,000 for the garage design. The Capital Equipment and Projects Committee were also asking for approval of $54,000 from the Unassigned Fund Balance for design.

It was determined that the confusion was in the wording of how the funds were to be approved. Specifically, it was the allocation of the $54,000.

Council president John Romberg explained to members that the $54,000 originally came out of the Capital Projects to fund a portion of the design work. Since, the council voted 7-2 to approve the use of $183,000 out of the Unassigned Fund Balance, the $54,000 would be returned back to the Capital fund.

The Capital Equipment and Projects Committee, in turn, was asking for approval of the previously approved Capital Projects Funds of $54,000 for the garage design to be put back into the Capital fund and assign the $54,000 to street projects.

The council approved unanimously the return of $54,000 for the garage design and utilize the money for street projects.

The council also approved on a 9-0 vote:

• The repair of a dump box and plow mount for the city’s 2000 International Truck in the amount of $10,765.

• Office reorganization expenses as presented by City Administrator Kent Hager. Up to 13,000 related to reorganizing the layout of offices in the municipal building.

• A bid from Marianne’s Roofing Co, LLC dba W.J. Woodruff Roofing in the amount of $316,700 for the Aquatics and Fitness Center Roof Replacement Project.

• The purchase of a snow sweeper in the amount of $5,100 and a used Utility Vehicle in the amount of $5,000 for the Parks and Recreation Department.

• Donation and Release Agreement with New London Youth Baseball for the new Pavilion/Restroom/Storage facility at Pfeifer Park.

• Donation and Release Agreement with the New London Girls Youth Baseball Association for improvements made to the Concession Stand at Memorial Park.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Businesses and Students

At the March 4 meeting of the Economic Development Committee, Mayor Gary Henke and Chairman David Morack shared a concept that was the topic of a presentation at the League of Municipalities conference in which they attended. The concept is called Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO).

The program is funded by local business investors and is open to high school junior and seniors. Students are selected to participate in the program through a rigorous application process. Participating students would receive two high school credits for completing the program.

The program would consist of the students meeting for 90 minutes every day outside of the school grounds. The program utilizes area businesses as classrooms, and each CEO student would have a mentor from the business community.

High School Teacher Missy Porath, who runs the Charter School of Enterprise Marketing and, School Superintendent Kathy Gwidt shared with the Committee about their Charter School efforts and how the CEO program may be able to work into the Charter School concept.

After discussion, it was agreed by those present that full implementation of the CEO program would not be feasible for New London. However, segments of the program may be of use. It was also agreed that the principles of the CEO program would be kept in mind as the city and district move into the future implementation of the Charter School concept.