Special Meeting of the New Britain Common Council – August 28, 2025

This special meeting was called to consider two appointments: the Director of Health and the Director of Licenses, Permits, and Inspections. The meeting was held at 6:14 PM in Council Chambers and adjourned at 6:38 PM. Thirteen council members were present.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A resident, speaking during the public participation portion, referenced a recent mass school shooting that killed two children (ages 8 and 10) and injured 14 children and 3 adults, and called for action on gun violence. The Mayor paused for a moment of reflection. No other public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – Appointment of Caleb Cowles as Director of Health: Alderman Smedley moved to accept the mayor’s selection. Alderman Scott proposed an amendment to limit the appointment term to February 1, 2026, citing Charter Section 8-2b. Corporation counsel clarified that the charter requires a term of at least four years unless modified by ordinance, which had not been passed. The amendment failed on a voice vote. During debate, Alderman Scott opposed the appointment, arguing the process was not transparent (resumes not provided to all council members, timing inappropriate as the mayor is leaving office). She suggested an interim appointment would be permissible and legal. Aldermen Smedley, McNamara, and others supported the appointment, citing Cowles’ strong knowledge of blight issues, his experience in city health, and the pressure from the State Department of Public Health to fill the interim position. The Mayor clarified that both caucuses were included in the interview panel for transparency, and that union contracts limit how long an employee can serve in an interim capacity. Cowles thanked the council and expressed dedication to the city.
• Item 2 – Appointment of Michael Nomack as Director of Licenses, Permits, and Inspections: Alderman Smedley moved adoption, repeating a similar process as for the Director of Health. Alderman Scott again expressed concerns about lack of transparency and the need for an interim appointment. Alderman Smedley clarified that both caucuses were invited to the interview panel, contrasting with a prior appointment where resumes were only provided on the meeting day. Alderman Palone stated that the committee had already agreed on the appointment. The motion to call the question was made and carried. Alderman Scott was the only recorded opponent.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution #1 (Appointment of Caleb Cowles as Director of Health): The amendment to limit the term failed. The main motion carried on a voice vote, with Alderman Scott recorded as the sole opposing vote. Caleb Cowles accepted the appointment.
• Resolution #2 (Appointment of Michael Nomack as Director of Licenses, Permits, and Inspections): The motion carried on a voice vote, with Alderman Scott recorded as the sole opposing vote.
• The meeting adjourned at 6:38 PM.