The New Britain Common Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included public participation, recognition of the St. Patrick's Day contingent, approval of minutes, and action on multiple resolutions. Key decisions included the unanimous appointment of Mallory Dupree as Director of Recreation and Community Services and approval of a contract with Cigna Healthcare as the city's third-party medical insurance administrator over union objections. The meeting adjourned at 11:06 PM.
This is a regular meeting of the common council Wednesday, April 9th, 2025. And we begin as always with public participation. I have a list to call upon. Please limit your speaking time to three minutes. State your name and address for the record. And the first name I have on the list is Justin Dorsey. Good evening, Justin Dorsey, uh 279 Steele Street. Uh sometimes it's 27 West Main Street, but tonight I'm here, not in my capacity as chief of staff, but I'm here as a resident and also a former employee of what was then known as the New Britain Parks and Recreation Department. It's uncommon for me to speak before this council during public participation, so it should show that I am passionate about what I'm about to say. As I said, tonight I'm here as a resident, and I'm here to express my support for the appointment of Mallory Dupree as the director of recreation and community services. I've known Mallory for almost 25 years, and she's um she's a lifelong resident and product of New Britain schools, has a bachelor's degree in recreation, and is currently enrolled in classes for her master's in recreation administration. Mallory has spent almost all of her working career working for the city of New Britain and supporting the city's youth and all of our residents. Unfortunately, over the last few days, I've heard some members of the council have some concerns regarding Mallory's appointment. First concern I heard was Mallory has never been a director before. I'd like to point out that she has been a director before as acting director for the last three months here. Uh for the previous six years she was director of community services, and prior to that she spent a decade as a director of youth development at the Y at WCA. Every person who's ever been a director at some point wasn't a director before they were given that opportunity. Another concern I heard was excuse me. Some council members haven't had enough time to review. The council agenda was posted with this resolution on Thursday. At any point, any council member could have reached out to human resources to request a copy of the resume. To my knowledge, the first time a member of the council reached out to Linda Gard, HR director, was yesterday morning. Members of both caucuses participated in the interview panel where Mallory scored the highest out of everyone. And Mallory is here tonight. Something that is not customary for the appointment process. And in the past, there's been times where resolutions were submitted with blank names and put in at that meeting. Thank you, Justin. My name is Patrick Dorsey and I live at 370 Worcester Street in New Britain. First of all, I'd like to thank the council for their hard work and dedication. Everybody here works a lot hard work behind the scenes. And I know it's a lifestyle for you guys. It's just not a job. And we appreciate everything you do. Secondly, I'd like to say the person that spoke before me, a good looking gentleman, came from Good Roots. I echo all his report back to you. You know, he's very passionate what he thinks, and I believe Mallory will make a great director of the Parks and Rec. I've been a member of the parking rec department for a member of the parking rec commission for 22 years, and presently I am the commission. I am the chairman. I'm here tonight to endorse Mallory Dupre to the position of director of the recreation and community service of the City of New Britain. In the past, I've had the honor and privilege to work closely with the two past directors, Bill DeMeo and Eric Barbareri. And I believe I have the experience and I know what it takes to select a good director and a leader, and Mallory Dupre is all of those attributes. She is well respected by her peers and her subordinates, and I have known Mallory close to 30 years, and I seen her come up through the ranks of the park, and I consider myself a good judge of character, and Mallory is the right person, and she earned that position. I asked the council to show her your sense of confidence and unanimous support, and I thank you in advance for your consideration and approval. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Dorsey. Next speaker on the list is Paul Caton Zero. Good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the council. Paul Canton Zero, 250 Hill Hurst Avenue.