The era of good feelings on the City Council that both of New London's political parties promised after the November election appears to have drawn to a close.
Last week, in another protracted session that ended past 11:30 p.m., heated discussion and disorganization on the part of the councilors in recent meetings began to irritate the public.
"They can be so petty," one member of the public said in the hallway outside the chamber during the March 3 meeting.
"This is embarrassing," another said.
As the council debated into the night, some citizens leaned their heads on the window sills and appeared to doze off.
In a short speech before he called the meeting to order, Mayor Kevin Cavanagh condemned both the side chatter among the councilors while others were speaking and the palpable murmur audible from the gallery during deliberations.
Councilor Margaret Curtin, a Democrat, and Cavanagh then exchanged words over who can speak and when.
Councilor John Maynard, also a Democrat, chided Cavanagh for talking while votes took place. Republican Rob Pero, who in the past has argued with Cavanagh over procedure, took time to elaborate on motions that were inappropriately put on the agenda.
Cavanagh said the day after the meeting that "the audience was very good last night."
The first-time mayor has, since his installation in December, attempted to put his imprimatur on the meetings.
"All I'm trying to do is have a formal, dignified meeting run in a professional manner," Cavanagh said.
The mayor position in New London is ceremonial and decided upon by the majority party. The mayor serves as something akin to the "speaker of the house" during the meetings, which is the office's only real legislative role.
Cavanagh plans to work with the city administration to make sure agenda items are properly worded. He also said the city does its best to make meeting agendas available to the public on the Thursday before the meeting.
The City Council chamber has, historically, served as a venue for lively debate.
In 1989, an editorial in The Day called the City Council "New London's longest serving side show."
First-term Councilor Michael Buscetto is optimistic that the tone of the council will improve with time.
"People are just feeling each other out," he said, "but any bickering has not prevented the City Council from progressing, I want to make that clear."
In other news, the City Council will hold a public hearing at City Hall on March 24 at 7 p.m. on the sale of a property behind Union Station that the city wishes to sell to Cross Sound Ferry.
The City Council also approved appointments to the Economic Development Commission. The Democrats selected Suzanne Myler, Barry Runyan, Pete Cascio, Marie McSparran and Francine Thompson, the Republicans nominated Martin Olsen and Lori Hopkins.
The council also appointed members to the Beautification Committee. Vonice Carr and Marie McSparran, both Democrats, will be joined by Republican Glen Hamler and unaffiliated voter Randee Berliner.
Norman Harrison, an unaffiliated voter, was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
On June 7 the city will hold its second New London Proud Day, a citywide cleanup featuring entertainment, refreshments, and a tag sale.
"We should do this up big," Buscetto noted.
The city will also be picking up garbage from street corners for no charge, though residents must first register their neighborhood. Contact Barbara Dixon at 437-6394 for more information.
The recently formed Charter Revision Commission will hold its initial public hearing on possible changes to the charter on Wednesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. at City Council Chambers in City Hall.