• Planting trees at the Groton Union Cemetery may soon be longer allowed. The Groton City Council is reviewing the cemetery regulations and is thinking of making some changes. The roots of the trees bother the headstones and they create issues when trying to dig graves. The other issue is the memorial wreathes, flowers and other decorations. The proposal is to have them removed by June 15. However, also under consideration is allowing a "special exception" to allow families to decorate a lot year-round, as long as they keep the grass mowed and area trimmed. More discussion will be held at the next meeting.
• The city received a $154,530 grant from the Department of Transportation for the construction of sidewalks. It is part of the "Safe Route to School Grant."  Of that amount, $13,930 will be used for education where children will be educated in using the sidewalks in an effort to create a more healthy program. The remaining $140,600 will be used to install new sidewalks where sidewalks do not currently exist. The council is considering passing along half of the cost of the sidewalk to the property owner through a special assessment, at the recommendation of the state. In upcoming years, the city could apply for funds in areas along the route where the sidewalk is in bad condition and need to be replaced. The next step of the program is to hold two public hearings where property owners would review the route and options.
• A request was made to the council to explain the definition of a family pool pass. "I can't believe it has to come before the council." said Councilman Doug Hamilton. There was no question in the council members' minds that baby-sitters and nannies

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