Council approves planning software transfer, parks CIF and DEEP brownfield grant application

The Meriden City Council approved several financial and grant items intended to support department operations, parks improvements and environmental cleanup.

Finance committee reported and the council approved a $102,200 intra-departmental budget transfer in Planning & Development to cover new software licensing and permitting costs. The council adopted the transfer by roll call.

Council also authorized the city manager to apply for an estimated $1.4 million CIF parks grant to improve trails and accessibility, committing a $100,000 local match should the grant be awarded. The council additionally authorized a $250,000 DEEP brownfield grant application to support remediation at the former factory location on Cooper Street to assist harbor flood-control efforts. Both grant authorizations were approved by roll call and were described as unanimously supported by the finance committee.

Next steps: the city manager will submit the grant applications and planning department will implement the software purchase once funds are allocated or budget adjustments finalized.