Regular Meeting of the Common Council – April 23, 2025

The Common Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 7:24 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. The meeting included public participation, petitions, and 13 agenda items covering zoning amendments, contracts, and policy changes. All items were approved or referred, with two no votes on the cannabis retailer ordinance.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joe Giuganti (67 Martin Luther King Drive) spoke against the New Britain Housing Authority, alleging interference with the resident council and violation of HUD rules. He stated that residents cannot discuss issues without Housing Authority presence, that a $25 monthly stipend for Pentacle Heights residents was removed, and that the Housing Authority has too much power. He requested help from the Council or an attorney. Alderman Beloin-Saavedra responded, expressing sympathy, offering to speak with him afterward, and reminding him of the Fair Rent Commission and Housing Authority board meetings.

Petitions

• Alderman Scott petitioned for stop signs at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Stanley Street. The motion was seconded and adopted by roll call vote.

Discussion Items & Key Outcomes

• Item No. 36736 – Fair Rent Commission Ordinance Amendment (Alderman Connors and Hargraves): Amended Chapter 2, Article XIX to align with state regulations, allowing tenants facing eviction for non-payment of rent to still file complaints if they are current on rent and have not received a summary process for non-payment. Adopted unanimously.
• Item No. 36750 – Tax Modification Agreement for 321 Ellis Street (Ellis Commons): Adjusted the tax abatement timeline for a 154-unit mixed-income affordable senior and disabled housing development. The city will receive $600 per unit ($92,400 total) annually, increasing 3% per year. Discussion included concerns about affordability for low-income residents and praise for the project. Adopted unanimously.
• Item No. 36728 – BBC Auto Repair Certificate of Location (66 St. Clair Avenue): Approved a state DMV motor vehicle repairer license. Adopted unanimously.
• Item No. 36737 – Cannabis Retailer Hours and Signage (Alderman Simpson): Changed permitted hours from 7 AM–7 PM to 9 AM–9 PM and applied standard business sign regulations to cannabis retailers. Discussion noted that the two existing locations (Hartford Road and Hartford Square) are inconspicuous and that signage would be similar to package stores. Alderman Beloin-Saavedra and Alderman Pavone voted no, citing concerns about the signage change and previous agreements with the Latino Ministry. Adopted 13–2.
• Item No. 36738 – Single Driveway Clarification (Alderman Hargraves): Amended zoning to clarify that a single driveway is permitted in lower-density residential districts (removing T and T6 districts via friendly amendment). Adopted unanimously.
• Item No. 36739 – Screening Between Business and Residential Properties (Alderman Santiago): Required screening in B-1R and CBD-R districts where business abuts residential. Affects about six properties. Adopted unanimously.
• Item No. 36733 – On-Call Public Bid for City Building Repairs (Alderman Smedley): Authorized a bid list for electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and other repairs up to $37,500 per project (compromised from $100,000 and $50,000 after committee discussion). Adopted unanimously.
• Item No. 36735 – Civil Service Commission Rules Amendment (Alderman Barbosa): Automatically eligible for appointment as public safety telecommunicator if all certifications are held, regardless of active employment list. Adopted unanimously.
• Item No. 36749 – Demolition Delay for Historic Properties (Alderman Connors): Updated the historic properties list under Chapter 19. Adopted unanimously.
• Item No. 4196 – Summer Bus Transportation Contract (Alderman Sanchez): Awarded contract for 2025 summer bus transportation to First Student, Inc. of New Britain (city-based company) after matching the lowest bidder (Autumn Transportation). Adopted unanimously.
• Item No. 36734? – Clean Water Fund Consulting (Alderman Sanchez): Authorized $50,000 to Brown and Caldwell for consulting on stormwater management and clean water compliance. Adopted unanimously.
• Item No. 36749? – Automated Traffic Enforcement (Alderman McNamara): Proposed adding sections on speed and red-light cameras (state statute 14-307c). Referred to the Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing for public hearing. Supported by Vision Zero committee members; discussion noted 10 mph threshold, 30-day warning period, and license-plate-only capture. Referred unanimously.
• Item No. 367?? – Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (CMDA) Membership (Alderman Sanchez): Authorized joining CMDA to unlock funding for transit-oriented development near Fastrak stations (downtown, East Main, East Street). Referred to the Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing. Referred unanimously.