Hartford City Council Public Comment Meeting - October 14, 2025

Council President Shirley Surgeon opened the public comment session at 21:57 UTC, welcoming in-person and remote attendees. The meeting was broadcast on HBA TV and streamed via multiple apps. Council President Surgeon introduced a new translation service being tested, capable of translating up to 80 languages, and invited community volunteers to help test the system. Rules for public comment were read: each speaker has three minutes, must state name and address, and comments are directed to the council as a whole with no debate or follow-up questions from council members during the session.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joseph Young (610 Farmington Avenue) expressed concern about the Hartford Marathon shutting down bus stops, causing him to be late for work. He suggested alternative bus routes for future marathons. He also urged the city to fund a homeless shelter with job placement and permanent housing services, citing a model in New Haven, and proposed using the vacant Brazza building on Farmington Avenue for that purpose.
• Alyssa Peterson advocated for the fire department, thanking them for saving her house. She stated the city must undo the damage done by Mayor Bronin to fire and police contracts, and suggested seeking help from the state government. She also voiced opposition to the impending merger of the former Hartford Municipal Credit Union (now CENCAP) with an outside national organization. She urged the council to follow New York City's example by pausing the merger, working with state banking officials and the NCUA, and exploring local merger options (e.g., with Hartford Federal Credit Union or the fire department's credit union) or new board members. She said the credit union has had years of problems and needs an outside look.
• Paul Mata (Vice President, Hartford Firefighters Association Local 760, 1 Linden Suite 104) spoke on behalf of the firefighters. He has served as a firefighter for 25 years and been involved in four contract negotiations. He stated the union has negotiated in good faith and that firefighters deserve fair wages and respect. He thanked the council for standing with them and emphasized that when the city stands together, no one stands alone.
• Miss Yenny (Maple Avenue Revitalization Group) expressed full support for the Hartford Fire Department, noting the department is accredited and 90% of firefighters live in the city. She said they should not have gone this long without a contract. She also thanked the council for supporting the South End Wellness Senior Center, which now has over 400 members. She requested that a small city park on Bond Street (Barn Street area) be removed and turned into a housing lot, because the lot is generating drugs and prostitution, driving out homeowners. She stated she has spoken with Councilman Kelly about the issue.
• Ephraim Adams (Hartford native, documentarian, and artist) spoke about gender issues and Hartford history. He noted that Rita Hester, a black trans woman killed in Boston in 1998, grew up in Hartford and her death led to the Transgender Day of Remembrance. He announced a gathering on November 20th from 12 to 2 PM outside City Hall to distribute food, clothing, and blankets to homeless people. He emphasized that raising flags is not enough without action. He displayed a modified trans flag with black and brown stripes to represent black trans people, noting that the traditional flag was defaced with "Black Lives Matter" in 2020 because it was not specific enough. He asked that trans people not be treated as a special class and invited council members to attend.
• Giuseppe Policiano (Registrar of Voters) reminded the public that early voting begins Monday, October 20, and runs through November 2, including weekends. The election on November 4 is for the Board of Education, which historically has very low turnout. Early voting is at 550 Main Street, Room 002 (Registrar's office). Same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day (6 AM to 8 PM at the atrium). New DS300 voting machines will be used. He also noted absentee ballots are available through the Town Clerk's office. In response to a council member's question, he confirmed the election is for the Board of Education.

Technical Announcements

Council President Surgeon and staff clarified the new translation service. Viewers at home will need to download the Google Meet app and select their preferred language for real-time translation. Documentation is being prepared, and the council plans to work with HBA TV and MHIS to educate the public. Councilman Clark confirmed that the Zoom platform will be phased out in favor of this new system. The council is still testing and welcomes community volunteers to help with translation testing.

Key Outcomes

No formal votes or decisions were taken during this public comment session. The council will follow up on individual concerns: Mr. Young's suggestions will be passed to the marathon organizers; the firefighter contract issue and credit union merger will be reviewed; the Bond Street park removal request will be investigated; and the translation service rollout will continue with further public education.

Public comment was closed by Council President Surgeon.