Special Common Council Meeting on Bond Authorization for Allen Street Sewer Project - April 23, 2025
Special Common Council Meeting on Bond Authorization for Allen Street Sewer Project - April 23, 2025
The New Britain Common Council held a special meeting on April 23, 2025, at approximately 6:50 PM to accept a report from the Bonding Subcommittee and to act on a $2 million appropriation and bond authorization for the Allen Street sewer project. Fifteen council members were present.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Margaret Messerschmidt of 6 Hampton Street spoke in favor of the $2 million bond authorization. She asked whether the money would remain sequestered if the full $12 million needed for the project was not raised, or if it would revert to the general fund. A council member responded that $4 million is already set aside in the water department fund, and the $2 million bond cannot be used for any other purpose; it will not be expended until the state provides the remainder.
Discussion Items
- Alderman Scott expressed support for the $2 million bond but shared a personal story of flooding on her property. She stated that the city had been promised $4 million at the beginning of the term, but now only $2 million is being authorized. She noted that the mayor said the project affects only 50 homes, but she believes it impacts businesses, apartments, and all who drive on Allen Street in the rain. She said she was told that if the council did not accept the $2 million, the measure would be vetoed.
- Alderman Lawrence (of Achro) countered that she was present during leadership negotiations and that the agreed amount was $2 million, with no specific figure discussed. She stated that the city had set aside 30% of the project cost last year (after a walk-around with state bond chairs) but the state never responded. She argued that the city is now contributing 45% to the project (the previous $4 million plus this $2 million), and the state bond commission has canceled six meetings and still has not included Allen Street on its agenda. She criticized the state delegation for failing to secure funding.
- Alderman Smedley asked the bond council (Mr. Peregini) to clarify whether the original $4 million allocated to the project is still available. Mr. Peregini confirmed that the money remains in the water fund balance and is available once the state meets its obligations.
- Alderman Scott responded that she was not previously aware the $4 million was still usable, and that she trusts the information her team reported. She reiterated that she is not against the $2 million but wants transparency.
- Alderman McNamara expressed full support, noting the $2 million brings the city's contribution to 45% of the overall cost, which should encourage state participation. He called the measure a good compromise.
- Alderman Narducci (?) also voiced strong support for the compromise.
Key Outcomes
- The council accepted the report from the Bonding Subcommittee (motion carried unanimously).
- The council approved the $2 million appropriation and bond authorization for the Allen Street sewer project by a roll call vote of 15-0 (all present in favor). The bond is contingent on the mayor's receipt of grant funding from the state of Connecticut.
Meeting Transcript
Is that the mayor's or the other one? Yeah, it was great. I went to our street. I went to a new board. We get three books. Special revenues. So I mean this one then. So I could put this together. Yeah, no, I just got to speak out of three code. If not, she she bought us uh very quickly. Shouldn't take long. When we went to iPads, I loved it, but then they stopped that. Welcome to the special meeting of the common council. Um this is to uh accept a report from the bonding subcommittee and to act on an appropriation and bond authorization of two million dollars. So I'm gonna open the floor to the audience for public participation. Uh you state your name and address for the record. You have three minutes, and then the floor is yours. Anyone wishing to speak only on the standing bond committee recommendation? Once twice. Ms. Messer Schmidt. Thank you. My name is Margaret Messerschmidt. I live at Six Hampton Street here in town. And I would like to speak in favor of the two million dollar bond authorization. And I also have a question. I know we need about twelve million dollars or so to get this uh sewer project done. And if we don't meet the amount of money we need this year, does that money stay sequestered? While we work on getting the proper amount of money, or does it just go out into the general fund and get used? If somebody would answer that question for me, I'd appreciate it. But other words, in otherwise, I'm just like to speak in favor. Thank you. And that's uh six Hampton uh street. Thank you, Margaret. Any other uh questions? Anyone else? Anyone else? That's three times. Hearing none, public participation is closed. Uh would anybody uh smarter than me like to answer Margaret's question or have any comments? Ms. uh I didn't know. Although I don't I'll withdraw my previous question. Okay, and you could correct me if you think that I'm wrong. But there's four million that's already put aside in the water department fund, and then the two million bonds tonight cannot be used for anything else other than Allen Street, but it will not be expended until the state comes through with the remainder of the money, but it doesn't go poof into some other land. It is when we pass it, it's there for you, but it cannot be spent unless the state meets its obligation to fund the remainder of the project. Thank you. Thank you. Hearing no other comments from the members. Uh the public participation closed is closed at 649.
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