Standing Bonding Subcommittee Meeting – March 19, 2025

A special meeting of the Standing Bonding Subcommittee of the Common Council Committee on Administration, Finance and Law was called to order at 6:10 PM on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Council Chambers, City Hall, New Britain, Connecticut. The subcommittee considered three bond authorization items totaling over $204.7 million: school projects ($157.5 million), the White Bridge Waterworks facility ($40.9 million), and various capital improvements ($6.3 million). Public testimony and extensive committee discussion preceded votes on each item.

Public Comments & Testimony

• State Representative DeFranzo (state delegation) urged the committee to postpone or reconsider the second and third bond items (waterworks and capital improvements). He argued that approving new bonding for these projects would undermine the city’s request for state funding for the Allen Street flood mitigation project, which is at a critical, time-sensitive juncture and impacts about 50 households. He described the Allen Street project as shovel-ready and said additional city bonding sends a message that the city is not serious about addressing the problem.
• In response, Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra questioned the logic of halting all other city projects, such as clean drinking water investments, to support the state delegation’s advocacy for Allen Street. She noted that state bonding co-chairs had previously told the city that putting up one-third of project costs would likely secure state funding, but the state has since created barriers. She expressed support for the Allen Street project but disagreed that the city should stop all other bonding.

Discussion Items

Item 1 – School Projects ($157.5 million)

• The resolution covers three allocations: $145 million for the Smith School renovation including a new preschool (95% state reimbursement), $9.8 million for Pulaski School HVAC, and $2.7 million for Slade School HVAC (both roughly 80% reimbursement). An additional $4.3 million from a previously approved bond will fund the Pulaski roof. The state has already approved the $145 million and the 95% reimbursement rate.
• Paul Selena (city) and Freddie Karicha (architect) presented a detailed site plan showing new bus loops separating traffic, a preschool addition with 25 classrooms (capacity about 425 students), a health center, a family resource center, central registration, and improved parking (three times the current amount). The project will also move earth to reduce a steep grade and add solar panels.
• Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra raised concerns about the school-based health center: although the city builds the space, the state has changed funding mechanisms and it is unclear if the health center will be staffed. Rebecca Gonzalez (school district COO) confirmed that the state now uses a bid process and funding for Chamberlain’s health center was lost; behavioral health services may substitute. The district is willing to provide space.
• Bond Counsel Danielle Braun explained the reimbursement process: the city issues notes initially, pays interest on the full amount, and receives monthly progress reimbursements from the state. The long-term bond covers only the city’s 5% share (about $7.5 million for the school project). Staff noted that recently reimbursements have been coming within 30 days, and the city has recovered about $6 million from older projects.
• Alderman Pabone asked about interest costs on the full amount until reimbursement; staff confirmed the city pays interest but receives reimbursements monthly to minimize carrying costs. The motion for a favorable recommendation passed unanimously.

Item 2 – White Bridge Waterworks Facility ($40.9 million)

• Justin Dorsey (city) clarified that this is not a direct bond but a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan at 2% interest over 20 years, with a $4.5 million grant component. It does not count toward the city’s general obligation debt; repayment comes from the water enterprise fund (user fees).
• Engineer Christy Wagner (CDM Smith) explained that the facility, originally constructed in the 1920s with upgrades in the 40s, 50s, and 80s, is aging and underperforming. It is currently producing only about 4 million gallons per day (MGD) out of a permitted 23 MGD due to failing pumps and flooding vulnerability. The project will restore capacity, add flood protection via elevated buildings and submersible pumps, and provide a backup potable water source (the lower well field) after treatment and testing.
• Discussion covered the timeline (2-year construction plus 1-year testing), existing piping (mostly intact), interconnection agreements with Bristol, Farmington, and Berlin, and the critical need for redundancy. Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra noted the state Water Planning Council labeled New Britain at “trigger level” in February 2025 for water supply reliability. Alderman Santiago asked about current reservoir capacity; Ms. Wagner deferred to the water department for specific numbers but noted the vulnerability.
• The motion for a neutral recommendation passed with a roll call vote: 6 in favor, 5 against.

Item 3 – Various Capital Improvements ($6.3 million)

• The resolution funds four projects: Willow Street Park redevelopment (remediated former dry cleaner site with environmental land use restrictions), Walnut Hill Park paving (loop road), Willowbrook Park/Stadium parking lot paving (Veterans Stadium and Beehive Stadium), and Martha Hart Pond (Doors Pond) dredging. City Engineer Jason Outlaw presented each, noting that the stadium lot has safety and stormwater management needs, and the pond experienced a fish kill due to low oxygen.
• Alderman McNamara moved to table the item, citing the need for the most recent audit and to review other bonding priorities. Alderman Santiago seconded, expressing concern that the city should prioritize the Allen Street flooding issue over park improvements. A roll call vote on the motion to table failed 5-6.
• Alderwoman Barbosa spoke against the urgency, arguing that bonding increases taxes and that residents face flooding, homelessness, and education challenges. She stated residents have experienced multiple tax increases. Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra defended the mayor’s fiscal management, saying the city is financially stable and the next mayor will inherit no mess. Alderman Scott (sitting as voting member) countered that flooding has been a 30-year problem that the current administration hasn’t fixed, and residents were misled about $4 million previously allocated. Alderman McNamara emphasized the city’s high per capita debt and need to prioritize life safety.
• The motion for a neutral recommendation passed on a roll call vote: 6 in favor (Connors, Barbosa, McAdam, McNamara, Santiago, Scott) and 5 against (Pabone, Smedley, Beloin-Savedra, Daddyo, Morocco). Note: The roll call recorded “Connors no” but the summary reflects the vote tally from the transcript: 6 yes, 5 no.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1 (School Projects): Motion for favorable recommendation passed unanimously (voice vote). Proceeds to the full Common Council.
• Item 2 (White Bridge Waterworks): Motion for neutral recommendation passed 6-5 (roll call). Proceeds to the full Common Council.
• Item 3 (Capital Improvements): Motion to table failed 5-6; motion for neutral recommendation passed 6-5 (roll call). Proceeds to the full Common Council.
• The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time after the votes.