New Britain Common Council Regular Meeting - October 22, 2025

The New Britain Common Council held its final regular meeting of the term on October 22, 2025, marked by widespread recognition of departing officials, specifically Mayor Aaron Stewart who concluded a 12-year tenure, and the conclusion of service for Council Members McAdam, Connors, Russell, and Savedra. The meeting featured three moments of public testimony honoring the outgoing leadership and acknowledging the challenges and successes of recent years, followed by the approval of a consent calendar comprising financial grants, infrastructure contracts, and operational updates.

Consent Calendar

• Traffic Study Authorization: Unanimously approved a motion (Alderman Hargraves) to direct the appropriate department to conduct a traffic study at the corner of Stanley Street and Pleasant Street to determine the need for a four-way stop sign. (Vote: 14-0)
• Tax Adjustments: Unanimously adopted Item 4, approving tax amendments, abatements, and corrections totaling $28,402 for property/vehicles and $6,557 to correct errors. (Vote: 14-0)
• Willow Street Park Environmental Services: Unanimously adopted Item 5, authorizing the hire of a comprehensive environmental contractor for soil remediation at the Willow Street Park Improvement Project for $32,500, following prior approval of $1.6M in bonding. (Vote: 14-0)
• Hazard Communication Program: Unanimously adopted Item 6, approving a three-year contract with Compliance LLC for the city's hazard communication program at an annual cost of $10,155.60. (Vote: 14-0)
• Allen Street Grant Acceptance: Unanimously adopted Item 7, accepting a $2 million Urban Act grant for the Allen Street drainage improvement project, noting the total project cost is estimated at $13.4 million with $8 million committed. (Vote: 14-0)
• Route 174 Analysis: Unanimously adopted Item 8, authorizing FUS and O'Neill Consulting Engineers to perform alternatives analysis for the NEPA/CEPA review regarding the Route 174 reconstruction project. (Vote: 14-0)
• White Ridge Well Project: Unanimously adopted Item 9, authorizing a contract with CDM Smith for engineering and inspections for the White Ridge Well project in the amount of $4,438,000. (Vote: 14-0)
• Water Treatment Upgrades: Unanimously adopted Item 10, authorizing upgrades to lighting and HVAC controls at the Shuttle Metal Water Treatment plant. (Vote: 14-0)
• Subway Rental Rates: Unanimously adopted Item 11, adopting the Board of Public Works' recommendation for 2026 subway rental rates of $3.46 per linear foot. (Vote: 14-0)
• Local Agency Agreement: Unanimously adopted Item 12, approving a contract with Local Age 18 (referred to as Local Agency) for a three-year term through 2028, following a closed executive session. (Vote: 14-0)
• Bioterrorism Preparedness: Unanimously adopted Item 13, accepting state funding to upgrade New Britain's preparedness response to bioterrorism and infectious disease outbreaks. (Vote: 14-0)
• Health Department Funding: Unanimously adopted Item 14, accepting $442,592.96 in state revenue funding for the New Britain Health Department. (Vote: 14-0)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christian Rosado (154 First Street, New Britain): Expressed full support and deep gratitude for Mayor Aaron Stewart, characterizing her as the city's longest-serving female and Republican mayor. Rosado highlighted the city's progress on "phase two" of downtown revitalization and stated he moved back to New Britain due to the city's improvements under her leadership. He praised the Mayor's ability to build bridges and cited the reopening of playgrounds and lighting of storefronts as measures of progress.
• Alderman Danny Salerno (Treasurer): Expressed strong support for the current Council and the departing Mayor. Salerno emphasized the value of diverse experiences, both positive and negative, for the development of citizens. He commended the Mayor's mentorship and stated the Council is "better from the standpoint that so much has come through this council." He urged all members to continue striving to be better citizens and protect the city for the future.
• Mayor Aaron Stewart: Responded to the public comments by thanking the community and Council. She emphasized the collective nature of the city's transformation, noting the shift from financial anxiety to a $34 million surplus. She expressed full commitment to the idea that public service requires transcending political divides and urged the incoming leadership to prioritize the common good over personal ambition or political maneuvering.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of Departing Officials: Alderman McNamara introduced a resolution to honor Council Members Lori McAdam, Neil Connors, Alden Russell, and Sharon Beloin Savedra for their service. Alderwoman Savedra also presented a resolution to honor former Town Clerk Mark Bernacki. The Council unanimously voted to issue certificates of recognition and presented a combined plaque to Mr. Bernacki acknowledging his six previous titles of service.
• Proclamation of Mayor's Day: Alderwoman Beloin Savedra led a discussion on a resolution proclaiming October 22, 2025, as "Mayor Aaron Stewart's Day." Council Members Gibson, Hargraves, Malinowski, Russell, and Football delivered emotional speeches detailing their personal gratitude and acknowledging specific achievements of the Mayor's tenure, including the revitalization of downtown, financial stability, and community outreach.
• Executive Session: The Council voted to enter an executive session on Item B (Item 12 contract) and the agreement for Item 12 with the Mayor, Corp Counsel, and staff. The motion to enter executive session carried unanimously (14-0). The session concluded with no further recorded discussion in the transcript, and the Council returned to regular order to approve the matter.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamation: The Common Council unanimously proclaimed October 22, 2025, as "Mayor's Aaron Stewart Day" in recognition of her 12 years of service.
• Personnel Honors: Certificates of recognition were issued and presented to outgoing Council Members McAdam, Connors, Russell, Savedra, and former Town Clerk Mark Bernacki.
• Contract Approvals: Contracts for $28,402 (tax corrections), $6,557 (tax corrections), $32,500 (Willow Street Park), $10,155.60/year (Hazard Communication), $4,438,000 (White Ridge Well), and $3.46/linear foot (Subway Rates) were formally adopted.
• Grant Acceptances: The Council accepted $2 million for Allen Street drainage, state funding for bioterrorism preparedness, and $442,592.96 for the Health Department.
• Infrastructure Decisions: Authorization was granted for a traffic study at Stanley and Pleasant Streets, a $10M hazard communication contract, and engineering for the White Ridge Well project.
• Leadership Transition: The meeting formally concluded the term of Mayor Aaron Stewart and outgoing Council Members, with instructions that the legacy of stability and fiscal responsibility be maintained by the incoming administration.