Regular Meeting of the New Britain Common Council – May 14, 2025
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Regular Meeting of the New Britain Common Council – May 14, 2025
The New Britain Common Council held its regular meeting on May 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included public participation, approval of minutes, consent agenda, and multiple resolutions, including a lengthy debate on the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan for HUD programs. Key decisions were made on funding allocations, with several amendments ultimately adopted.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Frank Chase (24 Roxbury) criticized Mayor Stewart for neglecting the Allen Street drainage project, stating that 13 floods since 2018 and sanitary backups have harmed neighborhoods. He said the project is $8 million short and urged prioritization.
- Peg Mezerschmidt (6 Hampton Street) expressed support for Frank Chase, saying residents are still waiting for action on Allen Street.
- Carmelo Rodriguez (1254 Slater Road) thanked the council for supporting community events and urged funding for the Siena Center’s ESL program, noting its high retention and impact on immigrants.
- Anthony Taylor (investor, 478-488 Allen Street) voiced support for the Allen Street drainage project, saying it creates financial burdens, health hazards, and property damage, and urged prioritization regardless of political affiliation.
Consent Calendar
- Items A (Claims for Injuries), B (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report), C (Monthly Check Report), D (Emergency Purchase Order for $43,700 for City Hall doors), and G (Audit Committee Report and Independent Auditor Approval) were approved unanimously on a roll call vote (15-0-1).
- Items E (Parking meter status report) and F (Parking permit system for elected officials) were removed from the consent calendar and discussed separately.
Discussion Items
- Parking Meter Status (Report E): Support Services Director Delgadillo reported that malfunctioning meters near Pearl Street Senior Center were removed, a new kiosk installed, and new equipment ordered. Delivery was delayed to the second week of June due to earlier council referral and holiday delays. The report was accepted unanimously.
- Parking Permits for Elected Officials (Report F): Alderman Santiago requested a return of parking passes for council members, noting he had a pass from his prior term. Mayor Stewart stated that such passes were discontinued years ago due to abuse, and that council members can park in city garages or lots. Alderman Scott argued that council members are not entitled to free parking. The report was accepted unanimously.
- Resolution 3 – 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan for HUD Programs: Alderman Santiago proposed an amendment substituting the originally recommended allocations with a new list. After extensive debate, the amendment was further modified: $20,000 from 59 Arch Street and $20,000 from 85 Arch Street (Friendship Center windows) were reallocated – $5,000 to New Life Christ Church New Beginning Ministry and $35,000 to Public Works infrastructure improvements. The $20,000 from Gilead Community Services was also moved to New Life. The amendment passed on a voice vote. The amended resolution was then adopted. The deadline for submission to HUD is May 15, 2025.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar Items A, B, C, D, G approved (15-0-1).
- Report E (Parking meters) accepted unanimously.
- Report F (Parking permits) accepted unanimously.
- Resolution 1 (AAPI Heritage Month) adopted unanimously.
- Resolution 2 (Neighborhood Assistance Act) adopted unanimously.
- Resolution 3 (Consolidated Plan for HUD) adopted as amended, with final allocations shifting funds from Friendship Center window projects to New Life Christ Church and Public Works sidewalks.
- Resolution 4 (Auditing Services – CLA) adopted unanimously.
- Resolution 5 (Electronic Poll Pads) adopted unanimously.
- Resolutions 6-14 (Various public works bids and purchases) adopted unanimously.
- Resolution 15 (Pavement markings) adopted unanimously.
- Resolution 16 (Tax abatements, corrections, refunds) adopted unanimously.
- Resolution 17 (Easement at 1085 Corbin Avenue) referred to City Planning Commission and Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing.
- Resolution 18 (Easement at 150 Demin Road) referred to City Planning Commission and Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing.
- Resolution 19 (COT Systems software license renewal) adopted unanimously.
Meeting Transcript
Stay away. Yes. Welcome to the May 14, 2025 regular meeting of the Common Council. It's now 701 p.m. And we begin as always with public participation. I have some names on the list that I'll call up. Please remember to state your name and address for the record. You have three minutes. Our first name tonight is Frank Chase. Frank Chase, 24 Roxbury. During the years 2013 through 2025, Mayor Stewart wrote memos to our state legislators detailing the Allen Street problem and project. She noted the Allen Street project is our most pressing need. The Allen Street project is critical to resolving chronic issues, including flooding due to storm sewer failures, sanitary backups, and breaks due to insufficient capacity and the system's age. Mayor Stewart also identified storm sanitary cross connections on Allen Street, contributing to this public health crisis. The contaminants in the flooding water include a toxic mix of bacteria, fecal matter, fats, motor oil, grease, etc. Remember, the Allen Street neighborhoods are not in a designated flood zone. For 10 years, Stewart held up Mayor O'Brien's Allen Street plan with full knowledge that it was outdated. For 12 years, our state legislatures funneled hundreds of millions of earmark free dollars to Stewart, where she spent her way while neglecting and mismanaging the Allen Street problem. In 2023, Stewart exclaimed, we need an updated Allen Street plan. Thanks to our Alderpersons and Director Moriarty, 16 months later, we have an updated shovel shovel ready plan. But Stewart is eight million dollars short. Sharon and I continue with our advocacy for the Allen Street project because our property is in the flooding water crosshairs, and fifty plus other properties are affected by the flooding water and sanitary backups. Over the years, Stewart obviously had no intention to prioritize plan, fund, and construct the Allen Street project until we completed our due diligence, exposing the neglect and mismanagement. Stewart and her allies continue with their go-to talking point, identifying our state officials as reneging on their obligations. Aaron's budget relief tactics cause massive deficits while flat funding our education system. Aaron approved and confirmed a phony $4 million transfer for Allen Street just days before an election. Meanwhile, 13 floods since 2018 and countless sanitary backups and breaks harmed our neighborhoods. Folks are leaving our neighborhoods, and property investors are disgruntled because of the callous neglect in Ward 4. This should not be a political problem. It's truly a human problem. Our quality of life continues to suffer. Our safety continues to be in harm's way, and our properties and structures are at risk. All of this is out of our control. Weston Simpson Engineers declared in 2023 the Allen Street Project must be a priority because the infrastructure is at crisis levels. Mayor Stewart, leadership requires empathy. What stops you from funding the Allen Street Project while our neighborhoods, properties, and structures are flooding, flooding. Step up and complete the job. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Chase. Next speaker is Peg Mezerschmidt. My name is Margaret Messer Schmidt. I live at Six Hampton Street here in town. And I just showed up to let you know we're still waiting. Frank's been the face of this thing, but there's a bunch of us. We try to get them out here for meetings, but whether we're here or not, we're still waiting. Thank you. Thank you, Peg. Our next speaker is Carmelo Rodriguez. Good evening, Carmelo Rodriguez, 1254 Slater Road, and I'm here to represent a couple organizations.
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