Welcome to the October 22nd, 2025 regular meeting of the Common Council.

It's now 701 p.m.

And as usual, we're going to begin with public participation.

If you'd like to speak, do I have a list?

I have no list.

If you'd like to speak, you state your name and address for the record, and you have the floor is yours for three minutes.

So does anybody wish to speak to the council?

Once anybody wish to speak to the council?

Twice.

Welcome.

Christian.

Thank you.

Yes, sir.

How are you doing?

Alderman McNamere.

Good evening, everyone.

Christian Rosado, one fifty-four First Street, New Britain, Connecticut.

Members of the council, distinguished guests, and neighbors of the hardware city.

Good evening.

Tonight we mark a milestone.

I'm here to honor Mayor Aaron Stewart at her last meeting as the fortieth mayor of New Britain.

A leader who first took this gavel in 2013 at just 26 years old and went on to serve six consecutive terms, becoming our city's longest serving female mayor and its longest serving Republican mayor.

When Mayor Stewart stepped into office, New Britain faced serious headwinds.

She led with steadiness and results.

And where the city moved forward on phase two to keep momentum thriving downtown.

She chose not to seek a seventh term, and she's exploring new ways to serve our state.

Mayor Stewart, on behalf of a grateful city and a grateful person.

The budgets that added up and the bridges, literal and civic that now carry us across.

Thank you for reminding us that local government is where neighbors become partners, where argument can lead to understanding, and where progress is measured, not in press releases, but in playgrounds reopened, storefronts lit, and families choosing to plant their lives.

So I'm so glad I moved back to the city of New Brandon and bought a home here.

As the lights change on the beehive and evening settles on City Hall, we send you into your next chapter with our blessing and our belief.

May the same great and grace that guided you here go with you there.

And may New Britain, this resilient, hardworking honey make honey making city keep buzzing because you help tend the hive.

Thank you, Madam Mayor Aaron Stewart, and we say thank you from the city of New Britain.

And I also extend good luck to all of you that are running in this election.

Sharon, God's blessings upon you, and I play got God's blessings on each and every person.

God bless the city of New Brand.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Rosato.

Anyone, anybody else wish to address the council?

Anybody else?

Danny Salerno, 80 Jones Drive, New Britain, Connecticut.

It's always tough to follow Mr.

Rosotto, who I'm sure had well prepared comments, which he gave to all of you.

You have three minutes exactly, Mr.

Shalom.

Stop me.

I want to thank uh Mr.

Rosato because uh we serve together on this council, and and that's why I thought I needed to say a few words.

I've been involved in this council and as treasurer now for 12 years.

I look around the room and I see people who are dedicated who are committed to what their beliefs are, and I think that's important.

And I hope that those who are here, those who are leaving, as well as those who will remain should they on November 4th, have learned some experiences that they never would have gotten if they hadn't been part of this group.

Some of them good, some of them bad.

But I think it's very, very important that you take those experiences, and I can say this as sort of an elder statesman being here, and I'm going to bring them home to become better citizens than you already are.

I think we strive for that every day.

I have too many things to say about my mayor.

She knows that.

I don't have to express all the details because the proof is in the pudding.

It's out there, it's visible, it's real.

Alderman Rosado, Mr.

Mayor Pro Temporary, stated that it's true.

This council is better from the standpoint that so much has come through this council.

You have been part of the success of the city over the last years.

And I just commend those for that for voting the way that you felt was correct, but understanding there is so much more yet to do, and that you need to continue should you come back to this August chamber?

I just want to thank the mayor for her time, her energy, her stewardship, her mentorship to not just myself, but to all those here who are willing to accept it and willing to embrace it.

And I think that's crucial.

Learning to accept and embrace people who want to guide you is more important than probably anything you can do in public service.

We all have something to offer.

We all have something to give.

We've got to continue to give this because this city is not only worth preserving, it is worth saving for the future, and we do that now.

I want to thank you, Mr.

Mayor Pro Temporary, with three seconds, and Mr.

Majority Leader.

Good evening.

Thank you, Treasurer Salano.

I'll make the call another time.

Anyone wish to speak to the council?

Anybody wish to speak?

Third time.

Anybody?

Is there anybody calling in remotely?

Nobody.

All right.

I'll uh bring this portion of public participation to a close at 70.

Would uh any autumn person wish to address what they've heard?

Thank you.

Thank you, Christian, for coming out and your kind words that you set for us.

I appreciate that.

And Danny.

And I I do believe that we strive to be better all the time.

And we should always be striving to be better and do better and learn and grow as we do anything in life.

And I also wanted to say thank you so much for keeping it to three minutes.

So I think I thought that was cute.

And yeah, I just thank you so much for everybody who came out tonight, and I hope everybody goes and votes.

Thanks.

The regular meeting will begin shortly.

I don't know why I'm so nervous.

But I guess that's a good thing.

When the nerves go away, you should be worried, right?

Good evening, everyone.

I'd like to call to order this regular meeting of the New Britain Common Council.

The date is October 22nd, 2025.

The time is 72 PM.

Mr.

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

All the persons, McNamara.

Here.

Smedley.

Present.

Sanchez.

Beloin Savedra.

Here.

Simpson.

Present.

Russell.

Barbosa.

Hargraves.

McAdam.

Gibson.

Connors.

Melanowski.

Pabone.

Santiago.

Fourteen present, Your Honor.

Thank you.

Coming on, please rise for the invocation.

It will be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Let us pray.

Oh, God, our Heavenly Father, we give thanks for our residents that wish to serve our community by running for local elected office.

Bless them for stepping up to campaign, and if elected, serve.

We thank Mayor Aaron Stewart and all other elected officials who have decided not to run again for their time, dedication, and commitment to serve the people of New Britain.

We ask this in thy name.

Amen.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

Mimi should still be laughing, learning, and dreaming among us today.

No words can ease the pain of losing a child under such heartbreaking circumstances.

Are there any questions or comments on the addition of item 13 and 14?

Seeing none, Mr.

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

All the persons, McNamara.

Yes.

Smedley, Sanchez, Bloin Savedra, Simpson.

Russell, Barbosa, Hargraves, McAdam, Gibson, Scott, Connors, Melanowski, Pabone.

Fourteen Zero.

Yes, Your Honor.

From Alderman Hargraves for the appropriate department to conduct the traffic study at the corner of Stanley Street and Pleasant Street to see if a four-way stop sign is needed.

I have a second from Alder Woman Sanchez.

Yes.

Sanchez.

Yes.

Simpson.

Yes.

Russell.

Barbosa Hargraves.

Scott.

Connors.

Melanowski.

Fourteen zero, Your Honor.

Motion carries Alderman McNamara.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion to accept item number B.

I have a second from Alder Woman Sanchez.

This concerns a settlement that the corporation council has arrived at that will requires a discussion in executive session.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Also, I make a motion to go into executive session to discuss separately or both item B and the agreement for item twelve with the mayor, all members of the Common Council, Corp Council Pizarro, and Mary Bakorski.

I have a second to go into executive session for those reasons stated by Alderman Hargraves.

Are there any questions or comments on that?

All those in favor of going to executive session, signify by saying aye.

Any opposed motion carries were in executive session.

We should be back shortly.

Go ahead, John.

Motion return regular order.

We are returned.

The time is seven forty-four p.m.

Mr.

McNamara, you have the floor.

Motion is on the floor already.

So I move the motion.

There you go.

We discuss an executive session.

Any questions or comments on item B.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Any opposed, motion carries.

Item number one, uh, Alderwoman Barbosa.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion to accept and adopt item number one.

I have a second from Alderman Smedley.

Item number three, six, nine, two, three, certificate of location approval to allow state BMV issuance of a motor vehicle dealer license for Denny's O Alvarez of Comerillo Auto Repair Shop and Auto Sales for property known as Sixty Saint Claire Avenue Unit C.

I urge adoption.

Any opposed, motion carries.

Alderman McNamara, item number two.

Thank you, Honor.

This is the last council meeting of the term.

And we have a resolution here to uh recognize and honor uh council members for council members who are concluding their service in this term uh to extend appreciation to council members Lori McAdam, Neil Connors, Alden Russell, and Sharon Beloin Savedra for their service and participation this term, recognizing the time and effort involved that they each have devoted to representing their constituents and contributing to the work of the council.

So at this point, uh with your uh consent, I'd like to ask Leader Smedley.

We have a made by Alderman.

Please uh Alderwoman McAdam.

Um Madam Mayor, we also have uh certificates of recognition for each in uh lorry states in recognition of your commitment to the residents of Ward Two and to all of our community over the last two years on the Common Council.

You have demonstrated compassion for those in need, leadership, and service.

We are grateful for your valuable contributions to the city of New Britain.

Alderman Connors.

Thank you, Alderman Connors.

Thank you for representing the residents of Ward 4 and our community through your leadership on the Batterson Pond project and your collaboration with the Fair Rank Commission.

Over the last two years of service on the Common Council, you've prioritized progress and solutions over political division, and we are grateful for your service to the City of New Britain.

And Alderman Russell and Alden, of course, we are grateful for your tireless dedication to improving our community, especially present for any constituent in need, the disabled, the homeless, our youth prevention and recovery communities.

Your compassion has offered a lifetime of hope, and you have and you have inspired others to rise above their challenges.

Thank you for your service to this council and to the city of New Britain.

We do, and I haven't forgotten perfect woman Beloin Savedra.

This is a photo option's endorsing me in this moment.

Yeah.

Okay.

So we also want to recognize this evening someone who was a former member of the council and has done due diligence and professionalize the town and city clerk's office.

So this is for Mark Bernacki and sincere appreciation of your significant professionalization and upgrades to the operations for our vital public services in the town clerk's office.

Since 1985, as an alderman and in 2013 as town clerk, you've remained steadfast to improving our community's way of life.

Thank you for your notable contributions, and we are grateful for your years of service to the residents in the city of New Britain.

Mr.

Clerk, don't go too far.

Mr.

Clerk.

Don't go too far because I know you really wanted an additional gavel plaque to add to your collection.

So wait, so we took all of the items that are on all of the plaques that you have, combined them into one.

So it has the common counseled, police board chair, common council as assistant majority leader, president pro tempore, assistant minority leader, and town clerk, all on one for you instead of six different ones.

Well, all those in favor, we have to vote on that.

So all those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Any opposed motion carries.

The next item, um, Alderwoman Beloin Savedra.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I'm gonna read the resolution, and then every member of my caucus would like an opportunity to stand up and also make a few comments.

To her honor the mayor, whereas a smart, determined, and dedicated young woman became the mayor of the city of New Britain in 2013, and whereas this forward-thinking, bold young mayor took the city of New Britain into a time of financial stability and increased economic development, and whereas this mayor, over the course of six terms, led the revitalization of our downtown community and the arteries leading into the beating heart of our city through complete street projects, housing expansions, and business growth.

And whereas this mayor led with knowledge, community outreach, accessibility, inclusivity, and pride for the city she grew up in, and whereas this mayor supported school and park renovations in every neighborhood, focusing on the quality of life of New Britain's youth, and whereas this mayor fought to professionalize the operations of our city departments and raise the bar in terms of expectations and accountability, and whereas this mayor began the process of infrastructure upgrades for our water department and our decades-old piping system through the creation of the Flush Program.

And whereas this mayor's leadership, New Britain has undergone a renaissance and a growth in community pride, and whereas this mayor leaves behind a legacy of accomplishment that have created a foundation for continued growth in the years to come.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the common council does hereby congratulate Mayor Stewart on her 12 years of dedication and sacrifice to the citizens of New Britain, and be it further resolved that on this day, October 22nd, 2025, the Common Council proclaimed today as Mayor Aaron Stewart's Day, a day of celebration of service.

Wow, I got my own day.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I've just been reminded by our town clerk that I didn't make a motion.

So I make a motion to accept and adopt item number three.

Second from Alderman Connors.

Alderman Smedley.

Thank you, Mayor.

I'm not gonna get emotional, but I have a lot more secrets and stories than anyone else in this room.

I rise this evening to say thank you.

Thank you on behalf of all the individuals, small groups, neighbors, friends, city hall employees, and students in our community.

At times, the work you do behind the scenes and the good deeds that you do quietly in the background go unnoticed.

But they have had a significant impact on New Britain and our community as a whole.

Thank you on behalf of the lucky few youth who got to sit in in your desk chair as they shadowed you as mayor for a day.

The excitement and memories you created for them will last forever.

I didn't even get to sit in the chair.

Thank you from the elderly neighbors who would write or call your office for assistance, and then you would even go visit in person and have coffee or ask one of us on the team to visit and provide supports when needed.

Thank you from the New Britain High School classrooms that you visited over the years to give guest lectures about politics, or just to simply pop in and say hi.

Thank you for being so generous to city organizations, school district clubs, groups, summer camp students, sport teams, police and fire cadets, pal, and any and all other small organizations that benefited from the funding of the mayor's trophy charitable fund.

We're talking over 500,000.

Thank you from students who get to play on updated playscapes because of your work to fund new safe and state-of-the-art playground equipment throughout our parks and school district.

Thank you for doing simple things that make life easier, happier, or better for our community, like lighting the bridge for special or meaningful occasions, or even sending a simple note flowers or gifts as you always do.

Thank you for caring about all groups of people and for allowing ceremonies in Central Park, such as our pride, cultural flag raisings, or formal ceremonies like the Veterans Day, where you make the recognition personal for those involved.

Thank you for those who couldn't say thank you or didn't have a chance.

Thank you for giving everyone a voice at your table.

Thank you for being kind and a good human and a best friend of many.

I promise we'll continue your good work.

Thank you.

Alderman Gibson.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you.

Mayor, I take this moment to express my deepest gratitude for your accepted exceptional leadership and unwavering vision.

Under your guidance, our community has witnessed remarkable accomplishments that have paved the way for a brighter future.

Your dedication to attracting developers and businesses has significantly strengthened New Britain's economic and fiscal stability.

In addition, your ability to navigate challenges and skepticism with resilience and determination has not only fostered the growth, but has also inspired confidence in our community's potential.

We are thankful for your commitment to public service and tireless effort to ensure New Britain thrives.

Your legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the path for it, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

And as kids would say, you stood on business ten toes down.

Ten toes down.

It has been an honor to be part of your team.

Be well, Miss Stewart.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderman.

Thank you.

Alderman Hargraves.

Thank you, Your Honor.

So tonight marks in of an era.

Twelve years as mayor here in the city of New Britain.

On behalf of the Common Council and the residents of the city, I want to begin by saying thank you, not just for your service, but for your sacrifice and commitment to the New Britain people and its people over the past 12 years.

I also want to personally thank you for believing in me.

You gave me the opportunity to serve and to encourage me to run for council, something I'll always be grateful for.

You saw potential in others, and you lifted up voices, and you gave so many people choices to make a difference in our community.

This speaks volumes about the kind of leader that you are, one who just doesn't hold power, but also shares it.

On your leadership, New Britain has seen uh true transformation.

You took a city that was facing challenges and helped turn into a city that stands with pride, stability, and growth.

You brought fiscal responsibility back to City Hall, restoring financial health, protecting taxpayers, and building a foundation that future administrations can build upon.

You've been a champion leader, you have worked to improve our parks, our schools, multiple school development projects, our downtown areas and our neighborhoods have seen improvements throughout the city.

And over your 12 years, the city has definitely seen improvement.

We appreciate your time as mayor.

We'll definitely miss you as mayor here in the city.

So thank you once again.

Thank you.

Alderman Hargraves.

Thank you.

Oh God.

Alderman Malinowski.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Uh, thank you, Mayor, for all of you've accomplished in your time.

It's truly the end of an era.

It has been an honor to have been a small part of this renaissance.

You have been an inspiration to many in this community, and you have brought so many people, including myself, to be engaged and active in municipal politics.

We are all proud of the growth of you have championed.

But first and foremost, you've been a great friend and enormous source of strength and support in my life.

You built a solid foundation for this city, and now it's on the rest of us to keep it going and build it higher.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Alderman Russell.

Oh my God.

Microphone, Alderman Russell.

Your mic.

Turn your mic down.

Your mic.

Okay.

I want to thank the Mayor Stewart.

This has been the most incredible thing that I have done in my life.

Your leadership has been incredible.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alden.

Thank you.

Alderman Football.

Your Honor, it's been my pleasure and honor to serve under your leadership.

You started a career as a young politician, and many people had their doubts, but you proved them all wrong.

Look at all you have accomplished in 12 years.

Mayor Stewart, I wish you the only best, and that you continue on your journey to become the next governor.

Thank you, really.

Thank you.

Alderman Connors.

Oh.

Thank you myself.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

I rise without any prepared remarks whatsoever.

I just wanted to say as someone else who was encouraged by you, among others to run for my seat.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your belief in me, similar to Alderman Hargraves, for your collaboration on common sense projects like Batterson Park and others, and for always finding time to speak to me about issues that we might disagree about, but finding room for agreement, and I just hope that uh the next council does strive to find areas of agreement and uh work together in the same uh way that we did.

But um I with without any uh preparation.

Thank you very much for your service, and I just wish you well.

Thanks.

Are we done?

Thank you.

Although I'm gonna reserve my I have comments, I'll do it at the end of the meeting.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Proposed motion carries.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Alderman McTamera, item number four.

Uh thank you, Your Honor.

Uh I uh make a motion to accept and adopt number four.

Second from Alderman Smedley.

This is our regular acceptance and approval of tax amendments, abatements, corrections, and refunds to the taxpayers.

This particular report has 28,402 dollars, property and vehicles, and six thousand five hundred six thousand fifty-seven dollars, uh correcting errors and uh adjustments, and I uh urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any questions or comments on item number four?

All those in favor, please say aye.

Any opposed motion carries Alderwoman Sanchez, item five.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Um, I make a motion to accept and adopt item number five.

Second.

I have a second from Alderman Smedley.

Thank you.

This resolution is for uh Willow Street Park Improvement Environmental Services, and it is like this to her honor the mayor and the common council of the city on the Britain.

They own the under sign by leave to recommend the adoption of the following.

Whereas on March 26, 2025, excuse me, the New Brain City Council approved 1.6 million dollars in bonding to fund the expansion and improvement to Willow Street Park, and whereas planning and programming from the Willow Street Park improvements has been led by the city's recreation and community services department on September 24th, 2025.

The New Brunswick City Council passed a resolution to approve using CRCOG's uh procurement program for construction services for the Willow Street Park Improvement uh project, and the city is in the process of finalizing a contract with Hemlock Construction Company for this work, and uh therefore be resolved the $32,500.

The city is headed by authorized to hire comprehensive environmental uh incorporator for work associated with soil remediation at the Willow Street Park Improvement Project, and through you, Your Honor.

I would like to thank the my colleagues and the Nor Oak community for being part of this process and helping us with ideas and suggestions.

Thanks to them, we continue working as a team with the same purpose uh purpose, which is to improve our community we quality of life for all and our jobs.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any questions or comments on item number five?

Alderman Gibson.

Thank you.

Um I am fully supportive of this resolution as Alderman of War Three, and I I am committed to Shipner through its completion.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any other questions?

Alder Woman Scott.

I also am looking forward to it.

And I know um Mark and I spoke about the steps that we're taking um towards completing it, and hoping that we'll be able to have some really good community events and things that the community can really um benefit from with the changes that we're making there.

So thanks.

Thank you for the work that you're doing too.

Alderman Hargraves.

Thank you, Honor.

So between this project at um Willow Street Park, which is much needed, it's gonna help make this space more open on the improvements at Martha King Jr.

Park that recently happened that had brand new trees, new bricks, um, brand new landscape, and the proposed changes to Martha King Drive will help improve the entire neighborhood in that area.

So I think this is great for that neighborhood in the Northwork area.

So I'm really looking forward to this.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any other elder person wish to comment?

All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed, motion carries.

Alderman Malinowski.

Thank you, Honor.

I make a motion accept and adopt item number six.

Second from Alderman Gibson.

And this is a contract with has compliance LLC to assist the city with its hazard communication compliance program, which includes services such as uh documenting and inventorying all products, online web-based inventory, uh safety data sheets, maintenance of product inventory, and it is a three-year contract with an annual cost of ten thousand one hundred and fifty-five dollars and sixty cents.

And I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any questions or comments?

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carries.

Alderman McNamara.

Thank you, Honor.

Motion accepted dot number seven.

I have a second from Alderwoman Sanchez.

This is uh a resolution to accept two million dollars in urban grant funds for Allen Street.

Um which uh progress on Allen Street and uh overlook McKinley has been made over the last two years thanks to the advocacy of our residents and the city moving forward and making progress.

Cardinal engineers estimated the total cost of the Allen Street drainage improvement project from Oak Street to Beacon Street to be 13.4 million dollars, which eight million dollars has been been committed.

So the city of New Britain, this authorizes city of New Britain to enter into and deliver state of Connecticut any and all environmental protection documents which deems necessary or appropriate for the acceptance of the two million dollars urban act grant for Allen Street, and I urge adoption.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderman Smedley.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I obviously rise in support of this.

Um, in addition to the six million that this council and cities already um promised to the project and contributed towards a project that puts us at about eight million at this point.

Uh we're still waiting on the rest of the funding that was promised to us after the walkthrough that we all participated in on Allen Street.

So I encourage our state leaders to continue to uh uh approve funding for this uh grant or excuse me for this project so that we can get it underway.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Thank you.

Any other questions, comments?

All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Any opposed motion carries Alderwoman Scott, item number eight.

Thank you, Honor.

I make a motion to accept and adopt item number eight.

Second.

I have a second from Alderman Hargraves.

Um, this is for alternatives analysis in NEPA CEPA review, and this is um so that we can fix Route Um 174 reconstruction project.

And in 2022, the city hired FUS and O'Neill consulting engineers to perform a needs deficiency study for the intersection of Route 174 and East Street, and based on these needs, they found several there was a safety action plan and for the intersection, and in May and Monday, August um 2025.

Um there were several um high-ranking official um Connecticut Department and trans and transportation to discuss the the needs and next steps that were needed to um look at this, and uh the city hereby to authorize uh FUS and O'Neill with um the association of looking at this project um for September 2025 proposal, and I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any questions or comments on this item?

Alderman Hargraves.

Thank you, Honor.

I would always rise to support this project.

Uh the East Main Street, East Street, Newington Avenue intersection has been a disaster for years.

Um, with the relocation of the city yard to uh Alton Brooks Way, this paves the way for us to have this alignment project.

Um the traffic in that area during rush hours terrible, it's unsafe for pedestrians, and so the realignment of this street to make it just one street, so you got to turn and make another turn just to get from um East Main Street to Newington Avenue or vice versa, will definitely improve the traffic flow and and safety for all pedestrians, especially considering their uh Chamberlain School is right down there on Newington Avenue.

Chesley Park is right there on the corner of Wildwood and Newington Avenue.

So a lot of people use those areas in that in this east side war two area in that area to to get those to those uh those the school into the park.

So I think it's very important that this project goes through.

Um I'm glad at every step that we're taken for to make this happen, and I'll continue to support it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any other questions or comments on this item?

Seeing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carries.

Alderman Simpson, item number nine this evening.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I rise uh to make a motion to accept and adopt item number nine.

I have a second from Alderman Smedley.

Uh this is a resolution authorizing the mayor into a contract with CDM Smith Comprehensive Environmental Inc.

for an amount of a staggering four million four hundred and thirty-eight thousand dollars, and it's going to cover uh engineering and inspections regarding um the White Ridge well engineering project, and so I urge adoption of this.

Thank you.

Any questions or comments on this item?

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed motion carries.

Alder Woman Scott, item number 10 tonight.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion to accept and adopt item number 10.

Second.

Second from Alderman Smedley.

Uh this is for upgrades for our water, our water department.

Um, the existing lighting and HVAC controls with the shuttle metal water treatment is outdated, and they need some replacement and upgrades to it.

And it's super important that we keep our water department um upgraded and and functioning well because we drink the water.

So I think this is really important and to get these upgraded done.

And um, they're looking to do this, and I urge adoption.

I think this is extremely important to keep shuttle metal updated, and it working very well.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any other Alder person wish to comment on this item?

Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carries.

Alderman Hargraves, item 11.

Thank you, Honor.

I make a motion to accept and adopt resolution number 11.

Second from Alderwoman Sanchez.

So this is for the subway rental rates of 2026.

Um the Board of Public Works holds public hearings and recommends a subway rental rate um on an annual basis.

And at their September 15th meeting, um, they approved a subway rental rate of three dollars and forty-six cents per linear foot, and it has to be adopted by the common council protocol of our ordinances, and I do urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any questions or comments on item number 11?

You don't want to.

All those in favor say aye.

Any opposed motion carries Alderman McNamara item number 12 tonight.

Uh thank your honor.

I move uh motion to accept and adopt number 12.

I have a second from Alderwoman Sanchez.

With the council having received the uh copying agreement between local age 18 and the city, and we as a council having uh reviewed it in executive session.

Uh I'm I move adoption of a contract that is uh good for I believe three years through 2028.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any other questions or comments on item number twelve?

All those in favor, please say aye.

Any opposed, motion carries.

Alderman Simpson.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I rise to ex uh to make a motion to accept and adopt item number 13.

Second from Alderman Smedley.

Thank you.

Uh this is to upgrade New Britain's preparedness response to bioterrorism and other outbreaks of infectious diseases.

This is state funding that helps keep our municipality healthy in times like this.

Um, and largely cover well it actually it entirely covers salaries and communications for cell phones and I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any questions or comments?

All those in favor, please say aye.

Any opposed, motion carries.

And Alderman Simpson.

I rise again.

Thank you, Your Honor, to uh make a motion to accept and adopt item number 14.

The second from Alderman Smedley.

Thank you.

This were uh this is in regards to the New Britain Health Department routinely receiving state funding.

This is revenue that's going to help again keep our city uh clean and healthy in the amount of four hundred and forty-two thousand five hundred and ninety-two dollars ninety-six cents.

I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman Simpson.

Any questions or comments on item 14?

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed motion carries.

Before we have a motion.

Um I just wanted to get through the business portion of the meeting before I just have a few words to say to everyone before I close this meeting out.

So if you'll please and indulge me.

Um 12 years ago, uh, when I was first elected mayor uh at the age of 26, the city was undoubtedly weighed down with by skepticism and and financial anxiety.

Community pride felt fractured, and I I I knew that I couldn't stand by uh and watch the community that I love, the city that I love struggle.

And I knew that I couldn't stand by and watch the community that I love, the city that I love struggle.

So I decided to step forward, carrying a bold vision and a lot, a lot of hope.

I still remember the moment that I decided to run for mayor.

I remember it like it was last week.

I was standing alongside my fellow New Britain residents.

They were protesting the leadership, out-of-touch policy decisions, and government distrust that had become landmarks of City Hall.

And I I knew and I felt very passionately that our city deserved so much more.

I knew I wouldn't be able to look at myself in the mirror unless I at least tried to do what I could to make a positive change for a community that I loved so much.

I knew the road ahead would be hard, to say the least, but I was hopeful that we could change and that we could grow.

And what followed that was a journey that truly exceeded my wildest dreams.

Together, we did the hard work.

We didn't just fix spreadsheets, we built a new foundation.

We turned that anxiety into opportunity.

We stabilized our finances, we rebuilt schools and parks, we modernized our infrastructure and attracted millions in outside investment.

That financial turnaround that that didn't happen overnight.

It took years.

It took years of disciplined leadership, countless and hard but thoughtful decisions, and your willingness to trust me and my team along the way.

This that transformation, that feeling that New Britain was really back belongs entirely to the strength of our collective spirit.

Between when I first took office in November of 2013 to now, we've accomplished so much together.

We went from a community that was struggling with mistrust of government and frustration to one unified by common purpose and building the bright future for our city that we all deserve.

We invested over 500 million in upgrading our elementary schools, turned that 30 million dollar municipal fiscal deficit into a 34 million dollar surplus, invested in over 50 million in making infrastructure improvements that have allowed us to be able to attract more than 330 million in private investment into our city.

We updated our housing stocks so that those of all income levels have the opportunity to call New Britain home.

And on top of all of that, we actively supported our local business community.

We invested nearly 27 million in improving our parks, which are critical to our quality of life here for our children and families, and there's just so much more.

New Britain is a different city than it was on November 12th, 2013.

And I couldn't be more proud of our success.

The job of mayor is in a city as vibrant and complex as ours, requires an all-consuming effort.

Through it all, all of you and those watching saw me at my proudest.

You met Dominic, you saw me get married, you had saw me start a family, you saw me finish graduate school.

Your trust and the trust that you placed in me, it wasn't just in my policy, it was a belief in my character.

To my friends, my family, to every resident and every person who partnered with me in this vision, thank you is not a strong enough word for carrying me through all the highs and lows of the last 12 years.

As I prepare to leave office, my heart is full because I know we achieved our shared goal.

And that shared goal in making New Britain a better, stronger place to call home.

We become a model for the state, a community defined by the proof of its potential instead of the ignorance of defeatists and fear-mongers who are long on talk and short on results.

We proved that a government can be physically sound, fiscally sound while simultaneously providing a helping hand up to those who are struggling.

We invested in our future without dismissing the vulnerable in our community.

There is no doubt about that.

And while my title changes soon, my devotion does not.

I'll continue to live here and raise my family here.

So I ask all of you to be sure that you stay vigilant.

Hold our city's new leadership accountable and hold them to the highest standards because that's what we've earned, and that's what we deserve.

You know, I've I've been here for a long time.

I've watched the composition of this body shift repeatedly over the years.

Yet a fundamental truth remains that the individuals seated around this semicircle are solely responsible for the collective success or the collective failure of our community.

There are only two choices.

You can actively contribute to the mission for the common good, or you can choose to function as an obstructionist.

And I have been very fortunate to collaborate with principled people on both sides of the aisle who prioritize progress over political maneuvering.

Many of them from a political party different than my own.

But when the chips were down, they chose to put people over politics and move our city forward.

And I am particularly grateful for their and your contributions to New Britain's success.

But to those of you who wish to continue in this capacity, I implore you to set aside any personal pride or political ambition to just get the job done without the hate, the name calling, the accusations.

This city will not tolerate the exhausting hypocrisy that consistently undermines our credibility and our mission.

As I take leave of this chair, I'd like to let you all in on a little secret.

And I had a council that was dominated by the opposing party.

The choices were so unpopular that they were likely to cost me any shot at re-election.

But they were the right choices.

And they were necessary.

So I made peace with my reality back then that I could very well be a one-term mayor.

And the funny thing is that once I did that, everything became easier.

When your only concern is what is best for the city, the political haze starts to lift, and tough decisions soon become no-brainers.

I encourage you all, especially to the person who succeeds me to find that same peace within yourselves and then trust the people.

Public service is a team sport.

It transcends political affiliations and requires a commitment to showing up and actively participating.

It demands a fundamental belief that the best is still possible for our community and a willingness to work together across any divides for the common good.

And while what the future remains for me, what the future holds for me remains unknown.

I look forward to whatever is next with hope and with excitement.

But one thing will always remain certain that serving as your mayor has been truly the honor of my lifetime.

Thank you, and may God bless the city of New Britain.

Motion to adjourn.

Thank you.