Welcome all to the regular meeting of the common council for November nineteenth, twenty twenty five, start of the new term.

I want to welcome our new and returning all the persons to this first meeting.

We begin as always with public participation.

The time is now seven oh one.

I have a uh list here of speakers, and we'll call on anybody else who wishes to speak, or if anybody is calling in remotely.

Uh please remember to state your name and address clearly for the record and limit your speaking time to three minutes.

Um after such time, uh, we will give all the persons who have uh something to say about what they've heard, uh, a brief opportunity for remarks.

Our first speaker is Jim Sanders.

Good evening, Jim Sanders Junior, one seventy-two Kensington Avenue.

I am honored to be the first public participant of this new administration.

I'm a little shocked that uh former Alderman state representative and nephew of the mayor didn't take that opportunity.

That being said, I want to congratulate each and every one of you.

Um I'm happy to see so many former Alderman in the audience as well.

Um they're probably all here to give you a little bit of advice.

Um the one thing I can tell you is don't give a crap about what anybody thinks about you, care about that you're doing the right thing.

Know that you're doing the right thing in your heart.

I don't normally go um off of quotes, but a couple things stuck out to me that I came across recently.

And one is don't have an opinion where you're not willing to take responsibility.

Um, I think that's important.

And the better one that I found out uh that really uh I liked a lot was criticism is easy, responsibility is rare.

The moment you take owner ownership of the problem, you become the solution.

Before you fault someone else, ask where you can take ownership.

Most people criticize leaders.

Again, congratulations to each and every one of you.

Look forward to our first Latino mayor.

Thank you.

First off, congratulations to one and all before me.

It's hard to believe it was just a week ago we were standing on that stage and taking an oath, not to an individual, not to a political party, but to the citizens of this city.

And to represent one and all.

Tonight starts the hard work.

But I have to believe that we're all here for a common purpose, the betterment of the city.

To that end, I'm here to seek your assistance as well as that of Mayor Sanchez and any other state representative in the audience.

With regard to, I was at the school building committee meeting yesterday with a couple of your colleagues.

One of the things that concerned me was we have a 11 million dollar bill outstanding since reimbursement to the city for the homes project that's been outstanding since the end of September.

To amount to file for the same project once we receive the 11 million dollars.

So that's almost 20 million dollars that to do the city in reimbursement for that project alone.

The other thing that I learned too, um, and thank you to Mr.

Selena for bringing it up at that meeting is that um we still have some outstanding issues and concerns about funding level percentage of funding for the Smith project, as well as the especially the pre-K building.

So there are certain items that need to be addressed so that we hopefully can get 100% funding for that pre-K building and at least 95% on the reimbursement for the rest of Smith.

So I do ask for your assistance at whatever political poll you can bring to bear to make sure that the city gets reimbursed the funding that it needs.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Marino.

Third speaker is John Board.

Good evening, uh John Board of Seven Highland Terrace.

Um thank you, uh Ms.

Majority Leader.

Uh good evening uh to members of the council and newly elected.

Uh tonight the council will consider and adopt the standing rules of the council for the 2025-2027 term.

I want to speak not only about principles, but uh not only about procedure, but about principle, because rules aren't just technicalities.

Um they are reflection of what uh of what we value, what we respect, and how we're governed.

Uh, over the last several months I've been advocating for the inclusion of a Rule 14, a simple yet important addition to these council's rules that would establish clear expectations regarding public participation, decorum, and decorum modeled after the General Assembly rules.

It does not this rule would not silence anyone and it ensures that everyone gets to speak without being intimidated, interrupted, or disrespected.

Unfortunately, despite repeated outreach and what I believed was good faith conversations, there was no movement, there was no amendment, there was no discussions on this proposal, even after verbal commitments were made.

And I want to be very direct here because it matters.

Alderman Matt Demerit, you gave me your word that regardless of the election outcome, we would sit down and discuss this proposal.

You and I know that conversation happened about a commitment for a meeting.

Yet, despite my repeated follow-up, including yesterday, I really don't raise this as a point to embarrass anyone, but I raise it because words matter because commitments do matter.

In politics and in public service, the only real currency we have is our integrity, our willingness to honor commitments, even when they are unconvenient or unpopular.

If we cannot keep our word as something as simple as a basic conversation about a rule, then how do you expect the public to trust anything else that you say or do?

Rule 14 deserves consideration, or at least a conversation that was promised.

And if any members object to the language which I've drafted and shared previously, they are welcome and quite frankly, obligated to offer amendments.

The easiest thing in politics is to say no.

But the real work is offering a better path forward.

It is easy to sit in the minority, but it is far more difficult to bear the true weight of governing.

So tonight my ask is simple.

Don't adopt these rules without at least acknowledging and discussing a potential rule 14.

Don't let silence stand in place of good governance.

Let us honor our commitments and give this proposal, the fair hearing that I was promised by Alderman Matt Nara.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Boy.

Next speaker is Kelly Naus.

Hello, how are you doing?

My name is Kelly Noss, 29 Cedar Street.

You guys probably know me from the past.

You know Mayor Aaron Stewart.

Me and her never talked.

Even though I was your community service for 28 years.

I want to thank everybody on the board here.

That just got um elected.

I think there's a lot of things.

You know, like I did your community service for 28 years.

You sent all your riff raff to me.

And one year before I got hurt, I came to this town hall and warned all of you that eventually I was gonna get hurt because I was the only one left.

Because Reverend Bob Hames was my community service person, and Reverend Pat was my boss.

When Reverend Pat hired me, you gotta understand I was a millionaire, okay.

The only reason why I worked for St.

Mark's is because I was a millionaire, and if I got hurt, I wouldn't get in a workman's comp.

I wouldn't get no unemployment.

I wouldn't get nothing if I got hurt in the past.

But I was worrying about my family if I got hurt, okay.

I made millions of dollars, and then I sat down with Reverend Pat and said, Reverend Pat, let me work for your church.

Let me take my heart and give it to God, like the Bible says.

Okay.

So I gave up my contract to the church and took care of all your community service.

Why did I do that?

Because I wouldn't have no workman's comp if I got hurt.

Okay, my head was cracked open in the church.

I got traumatic brain injury from inside the church on work time with Reverend Pat being my boss and three other priests being my boss, and Mayor Aaron Stewart for 12 years has been hiding the text that I have in my phone.

She's the one who sent the community service to my church because I was no longer.

Remember Santiago?

Come on, don't just shake your head.

Say it out loud.

But please say it out loud, shake your head.

Yes.

He's the man that I respect.

I respect that man.

I expect that young kid too.

You know why?

Me and him dress the same when we're young.

I respect everybody.

But you gotta respect the person that got hurt.

Doing your community service.

Amen.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Nauss.

Thank you all.

Those are all the names I have signed up to speak.

Is there anybody else in the audience who wishes to speak?

Please step forward, name and address for the record, and the floor is yours for three minutes.

I'll be quick.

Hi everybody, my name is Joanne Vargas, 66 Franklin Square, New Britain.

Um I am just so proud of you guys.

Congratulations to all of you.

I don't care what party you guys represent.

I'm so glad elections is over.

Um, just don't forget certain things, you know.

Don't forget the love of New Britain, the unity, who you have represent.

Um, and also pathways.

I know there's a lot of youth programs in New Britain, but pathways is overlooked.

Um kids matter, my son matters, and our alumni matters.

Do not forget them.

Um I think that's it, but thank you.

And for those who reached out to Pathways recently, it means a lot to us as well.

You guys know who you are.

Thank you.

I didn't mean to put you on the spot, but thank you.

And there is a grace period.

I'll give you that, but I will hold you guys accountable.

Okay.

Thank you.

Thank you for speaking.

Anybody else in the audience?

Please step up and uh state your name and address.

Getting a lot of advice tonight, so keep it coming.

Good evening, everybody.

Congratulations to everyone on winning your elections.

I would like I would like to uh say I'm Lisa Liu and I live at 63 Bassett Street.

And I'm here to speak on hoping that we will arrange more community cleanups in different parts of the city.

I've heard about uh two that um the person Scott was involved in and one that was at the fast track, and we need more things like that, and it could be a good project for community service and to involve the youth and involve anybody who wants to help bring the city into a better uh condition.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Lou.

I saw another hand up.

Does anybody wish to step forward and speak before the council?

That's once, twice.

Anybody?

Mr.

Calosi.

Good evening.

My name is Carlo Carlozzi.

I live at 547 Slater Road.

Um I wish to congratulate all of you that um were victorious in the last election.

Uh I do see some new faces here on the council, and obviously some returning faces.

Uh, a couple of I'm gonna uh Alderman MacDamera said if any of you would want to give us some advice, so let me uh let me do that, especially to the new ones.

Um, caucus meetings are very, very important.

You get a package from the uh city in advance of uh the council meetings.

I encourage all of you, all of you actually, and not only just the new the new uh council members to read those packages to go through the resolutions to go through and see that you understand what is in there.

If you have any questions, you want to ask those questions at your caucus meetings.

Um if you want to direct leadership of your individual caucuses to please go out and talk to the department heads so that you understand by the time you get to the council what it is that you're gonna be voting on.

Please don't ever vote on something that you don't understand.

Uh this is a very important position that you're in.

Um you are here to assist and congratulations also, Mayor Sanchez.

You are here to assist uh the mayor in the running of our city.

The count the people voted for you, they depend on you.

Uh you all had different platforms, some of them the same.

Uh I know what's important to me are keeping our taxes uh as low as possible, reducing costs.

I think that's very, very possible to do.

Um, but safe safe cities and safe streets.

I also want to thank our police that are here tonight.

I also want to thank the fire department that's here tonight for the work that they do to keep us all safe.

Um congratulations again.

Please take your job res uh seriously because it is very important.

And uh the more questions you ask in advance, the less time you have to spend at a council meeting.

Uh I will tell you that some of us that just love to speak at council meetings, we're not here anymore on both sides of the aisle.

So council meetings should be a little shorter.

Um, and I do want to point out that I think I counted seven or eight former aldermen that are here in the audience tonight.

Um I don't think it was planned, uh, but uh we're here.

If you all need any advice, I think that's a good show of people that are here to help you out.

Thank you again, congratulations, and best wishes for the new term.

Thank you, Mr.

Carlos.

Uh anybody anybody else in the audience wish to address the council once twice, three times.

Anyone online?

No callers online.

So that concludes the public participation portion of the meeting.

Uh seeing no further speakers, we will close this at 719.

And at this point in time for incumbent and new members.

This is an opportunity to briefly uh comment on what you've heard.

Um or shed some light on uh what somebody has said uh from public participation.

Any members wish to address the council.

Uh I think uh President Santiago had his uh hand up first.

My hand, my finger.

All right, all right.

First meeting of the year.

Um, and I know it is everyone has a lot of expectations for us, and I'm hoping that as a group, 15 of us will make you happy, proud.

Um, because again, we all have different platforms, correct?

But I think we all came with the idea to serve the city, and I'm hoping that we all can work together as individuals that you know have the best interests for the city.

And um, definitely I was there to see you helping out all those individuals that were unfortunate and couldn't get to have food, and I saw how many times passionate how you were with the people that was around the city, and I appreciate all the contributions you did during the course of the time that you were doing it, and trust me, um we you got it, you got to air right here.

You always had.

I I just don't go back and forth on Facebook if you notice I don't do that, so that's why I don't play those games around there.

If you want to talk one-on-one all day, you have my phone number.

Everyone has my phone number because it isn't is on the website.

You can call me anytime, any place.

I'll answer the phone because it goes directly to my my cell phone.

So that being said, also Mr.

Carlozy.

I don't I don't think it was planned.

I just think it's support.

I think everyone here as a village wants us want this mayor to succeed, like any other mayor that we had sitting in the seat.

You want them to be there to serve for the city and the betterment of the city, and I'm hoping that with the support of the 15 here and takes a village, as I always said, to help support this man to make sure that he does the things for the support, and hold him accountable like we all will.

Hold him accountable for his wording and the way and the what he does, just like we did to the next mayor and the mayor before that and everything else.

And I'm hoping that you know he keeps his word just like we would always do again.

Mr.

Bourne, you're talking about word.

You're right.

The word is integrity, is your butt, you keep it.

You know what I mean?

That being said, we'll have that conversation.

If John don't, I'm telling you right now, we'll have the conversation.

I can't promise you anything because I always said that.

Don't promise if you can't make, but at least we'll have that conversation, like any other conversation that I do, I offer to everyone out here again.

First meeting, give him a chance, and also uh give this man a chance to have a good night.

That was very nice of you, Cisco.

Thank you.

Any other members?

Uh Miss all the woman's hello everybody, welcome back, and thank you so much for everybody for coming out today.

I love seeing so many people here.

This like really makes my day.

Um, so thanks, Jim Sanders, for coming out, and thank you for the lovely advice and the words, and yes, it's really important for us to be responsible take responsibility for our actions.

And Barbara, thank you so much for coming out and for your kind words, and I wanted to say congratulations to you as well.

And I I hear hear what you're saying, and I assure you that we'll look into your concerns, and John, thank you for coming and sharing your concerns and integrity is definitely important, and as you heard from our other alderman, we will be having conversation with you.

And Kelly, thanks for all the work that you have done here in this city, and we appreciate you, and I'm sorry for what has happened to you.

And John uh, oh my goodness, sorry, Joanne.

Thank you so much for coming.

And I can't even meet my own writing sometimes.

Thank you for coming and the support um that you have given to us and anything for the kids.

Of course, you know, I'm a fan of that, and let's talk more about the pathways.

And Lisa, thank you for coming out.

Um the community cleanups are extremely important to me.

Um, keeping our city clean is important, and I think involving the youth um is very important, and that because we need to teach our kids how to keep things clean and safe as well.

And thank you, Carlo, for coming.

Um, and thank you for your advice, and thank you.

Yes, of course, keeping our city safe again and lowering costs is like really important because everything is so expensive and everybody's struggling here in our city.

And I want to just say best of wishes to the city of New Britain and congratulations to New Britain because you have a wonderful team here and a wonderful mayor, and congratulations to you.

Thank you.

Peace and love.

Thank you, all Scott.

Any members wish to Alderman Centennial.

See?

This is this is new since the last time I was here.

That happened to me two years ago.

I just want to thank everybody for coming out again.

This is my second time around.

The first time around I I had hair.

Now I don't have hair and I'm all gray.

But um I just want to thank everybody and everybody's uh support.

I want to tell the the the audience to spread the word two times a month, except for November and December.

You get to come here if you have an issue and you want to express concerns about the city, about your neighborhood.

So tell your neighbors.

Come on out.

You don't have to come out every every single and and this this is that's your chance to kind of yell at us.

So and to keep us in in check.

But thank you again for uh your support and for coming out.

Thank you for everybody that spoke.

And uh just be a little patient with us, or we're gonna get the job done.

I know we are.

Thank you.

Do I have it?

Okay.

I too am new here, and I appreciate all the good words.

I won't I'm sorry I won't name everybody's names or repeat what you said.

I think we've had enough of that.

But like my good friend said here.

Um, I do have here, it is greying.

But um, please be patient with us.

I'm looking forward to it.

I'm nervous, I'm excited, all of the above, but thank you for coming out.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Seeing no other hands raised.

That concludes the uh oh, I'm sorry.

Alderwoman with Luna.

I'll say something.

Well, I just want to thank everyone for coming out.

Um, this is my second time here.

Despite of what happened in the election, I'm I'm happy we got the outcome that um we worked hard for, right?

Um and thanks for former elderman's um for being here.

Um I I text Mike Thompson this morning about a question from public works, so he is always on my uh on my speed dial.

Um, Joel, when I wasn't an elder woman, I always referred residents to him because people were still texting me, asking me for questions.

Um Chief Marino, Chief Ortiz, um, they've been great.

Um, so thanks again for everyone being here.

Um Barbara Marino, I am going to be a liaison to um the board of ed.

Um, so I will be working with you.

I'm excited um for that.

Um I just I I know we're all adults here, um, and this is something I really want to stress just because I went through it a lot during the election.

Um, we should have respect for each other.

We have each other's phone numbers, pick up the phone and let's talk.

Um, none of the social media, Facebook.

I've already seen comments about Democrats are gonna fail.

That's not what we want, right?

Because if we fail, we all fail, we all fail in Britain.

Um so I just hope we all have respect for each other.

Um, and we have a lot of work to do, and we're ready to work.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderman.

Seeing no other hands raised, uh that concludes uh this portion of the meeting.

I just conclude.

I I want to thank Mr.

Board for his remarks and for proposing Rule 14, which I have read thoroughly.

Um and I did make a commitment to speak to you.

Uh however, it really has to be vetted considering the existing rules, include uh our business is conducted in accordance with Robert's rules of order, which addresses the quorum extensively in Robert's rules of order.

But we will have that conversation.

There will be no uh resolution tonight to change the rules, but we will have an opportunity to for both caucuses to look at your proposal.

But thanks for speaking.

Having said that, um thank everybody who spoke.

And it is now 729, and our regular meeting will begin shortly.

Can everyone be seated, please?

Good evening.

I call to order the November nineteenth, twenty twenty-five regular meeting of the Common Council, and this time and the time now is seven forty-one PM.

Let me note this.

Sanchez.

Burgess.

Simpson.

Present.

Delernia.

Barbosa.

Hargraves.

Gibson.

Scott.

Here.

Ortiz Luna.

Here.

Melanowski.

Santano.

Santiago.

Present.

Thirteen President, Your Honor.

Thirteen president.

Fourteen.

Oh.

Fourteen present your honor.

Okay, Mr.

Clerk.

May we all rise for the invocation, which will be followed by the Pledge Allegiance.

Let us pray.

Oh, God, our Heavenly Father, bless our newly elected mayor and common council members.

Grant that the first meeting be the start of a new era of cooperation, mutual respect, and bipartisanship to better govern the city of New Britain.

Provide them with the strength to work for the common good and bless them for their dedication to public service.

Look down on all of our first term elected leaders and make them fast learners.

We ask this in thy name.

Amen.

Okay, the second item is the announcement of our caucus leadership positions.

I will start by calling on Alderman Santiago.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Um for the Democratic Caucus has met and we have chosen Alderman John McNamara as majority leader, Alderwoman Wilma Barbosa as assistant majority leader, and Alderwoman Luz Ortiz Luna as assistant majority whip and I urge you to option there's no vote necessary for this alderman Smedley for the Republican caucus.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh the Republican Rudd Caucus has met and we've chosen myself as the minority leader and Alderman Matthew Malinowski as our assistant minority leader.

Thank you.

Congratulations to you all.

For the next item, Alderman Santiago will announce the appointment of the clerk of committees.

Thank you, Honor.

We have met and decided on Shane Livingston to be the clerk of committees.

And Shane does get sworn in.

Yes.

Mr.

Clerk.

Oh, I forgot about that.

Yes.

Um all in all in favor, please say.

Aye.

Those opposed, nay.

Please break your right hand.

You shame everything.

Haven't been appointed to the office of the committees for the city and brand colony for it that we're facing to honestly perform the duties of the officer for the committee for city and brand delegates bills to help you highlight.

Congratulations, Shane.

Okay.

We will now move on to the adoption of the standing rules of the common council.

I call on Alderman Santiago.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion to accept and adopt the standing rules.

I have a second.

And I urge adoption.

Smedley.

Any questions or comments?

Seeing none.

Um all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed say nay.

Motion carries.

We will move on to the appointments of committee assignments.

Alderman Santiago.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion to accept and adopt the membership committee's assignments.

Second.

Alderman Simpson.

And I urge adoption.

Any questions or comments?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Santiago, the common council liaison appointments.

I feel like I went to Catholic Church.

I make a motion to accept and adopt the council liaison assignments.

Second.

Second by Alderwoman Sanchez.

And I urge adoption.

Any questions or comments?

Okay.

All those in favor say aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

That closes the official part of this agenda.

Um Alderman Santiago for the minutes.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion to accept the meeting meeting minutes of the regular meeting of October 8th, 2025, and October 22nd, 2025.

Are there members that need to excuse themselves for this?

Excuse me.

Okay.

Yes.

So we have one, two, three.

Okay.

I don't think you have to leave your seat.

You just can't say.

Okay.

So any questions or comments?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed say nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Santiago for any amendments.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion to amend the agenda by adding item number eight.

Second by Alderwoman Sanchez.

Okay.

Mr.

Clerk.

Roll call.

Alder Persons McNamara.

Yes.

Smedley.

Sanchez.

Yes.

Vargas.

Simpson.

Yes.

Delernia.

Yes.

Hargraves?

Yes.

Make it.

Yep.

Mount Maldonado?

Yes.

Gibson?

Yes.

Scott.

Yes.

Ortiz Luna.

Yes.

Malinowski.

Yes.

Santeno.

Yes.

Santiago.

Yes.

14 in favor, Your Honor.

Motion carried.

Item is added.

Mr.

Clerk, any petitions?

No petitions now, Your Honor.

Okay, there are no petitions.

Alderman Santiago for the consent agenda.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion to accept the consent agenda of item A and B.

Seconded by Alderman Snedley.

Okay.

This is um this is a roll call vote.

Mr.

Clerk.

Alder Persons McNamara.

Yes.

Smedley.

Yes.

Sanchez?

Yes.

Vargas.

Simpson.

Yes.

Dalernia.

Yes.

Hargraves.

Yes.

Maldonado.

Yes.

Gibson.

Yes.

Scott.

Yes.

Connors.

I apologize.

Ortiz Luna.

Yes.

Malinowski.

Yes.

Centenno.

Yes.

Santiago.

Yes.

14 in favor, Your Honor.

Thank you.

Motion carries.

We will move on to the first item on the agenda.

Um, Alderwoman Vargas for item number one.

To his honor and the common council of the city of New Britain.

Sorry.

I make a mo sorry, hold on.

Item all things.

I sorry.

Like I said, right, Grace, for the first time person.

Thank you.

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

Second.

Second by Alderwoman.

Luna.

Thank you.

Uh to his honor and the mayor, to his honor the mayor and common council of the city of New Britain.

I recommend the adoption of the following.

Whereas the New Bretton Common Council recognizes the month of November as a time traditionally set aside to celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday that encourages reflection, gratitude, and unity.

And whereas Thanksgiving is a time to honor and remember those who came before us from the early early settlers to the native peoples whose histories and experiences have shaped the foundation of this nation.

Whereas the spirit of Thanksgiving reminds us of the importance of gratitude in our daily lives.

Being thankful for our blessings fosters kindness, empathy, and generosity in our relationships and communities.

And we're in today's, and whereas in today's world it is vital to remember that graciousness and gratitude not only improve personal well-being, but also help to build stronger communities and create more productive and respectful political discourse.

And whereas respect and kindness towards others, regardless of background or opinion, are fundamental values that contribute to a more peaceful and inclusive society in both our personal interactions and in public service.

The practice of these virtues is essential for common good.

And whereas by cultivating an attitude of gratitude, we shape our minds, our thoughts, and ultimately the outcomes we produce, leading to more positive and meaningful contributions to our families, workplaces, and society at large.

Now therefore be resolved that the common council of the city of New Bretton hereby recognize November 20, 20, November 27, 2025, as Thanksgiving Day and the month of November as a time for gratitude and reflection and encourages all citizens to practice thankfulness, kindness, and respect in their daily lives for the betterment of themselves and their communities.

And with this I urge adoption.

Thank you.

Any questions or comments?

Your Honor Alderman Santiago.

Where it says to her honor, it needs to be to his honor.

Second by Alderman.

On the amendment, any questions or comments?

Thank you.

Seeing none, um, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Now, as amended, um, any questions or comments for item number one?

No.

Okay, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Um, Alderwomen Sanchez for item number two.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion to uh set on adopt uh resolution number two.

Thank you.

Uh this resolution is for the appointment of Richard Reyes to borrow of education to fill the vacancy.

And it reads as follows to his honor, the mayor and the common council of the New Britain, uh City of New Britain, the under sign leave to recommend the adoption of the following.

Uh whereas there is a vacancy of the Board of Education due to the uh resignation of Sales Cobales.

And through you, your honor, I would like to read a little bit of Mr.

Reyes' biography.

Thank you.

Um Mr.

Reyes is a resident of New Britain since 1984.

He he began teaching in Hartford then until 1997 when he became he became assistant principal and moving to New Brent Public Schools as an assistant, assistant principal of the Loreto and Smith Schools.

He moved to Roosevelt School as principal.

Mr.

Reyes spent his career in New Britain for 16 years onto retirement in 2015.

Reyes is around here.

He's sitting over there.

And he also served the city as assistant majority leader Alderman from 2017 to 2021.

It's an honor for me to appoint him today.

And um it says uh we're asked for sure to the shot the shadow of the city on the brand 3-2 F2.

The common council is vested with the authority to fill the vacancy of a member of the Board of Education.

Now therefore be resolved.

The following individual be appointed to fill the vacancy on the Board of Education and I urge adoption.

Thank you.

Any questions or comments?

Um Alderman McNamara.

Yeah, I just rise in support of the appointment of uh Richard Reyes, who's a longtime educator, I think in Hartford and New Britain, uh, and has served this body as a leader in previous years, and I think he brings experience and good judgment to a board of education uh to fill the vacancy.

Thank you.

Any other comments?

Alderwin Scott.

I just want to say congratulations and thank you so much for being here for our board of that.

Thank you.

Any other questions or comments?

Alderman in Santiago.

You try to get away.

Got him back.

Congratulations.

And um, I know you do well over there in the board ahead, and um just keep the fight.

Keep the kids in your heart like you always do.

All right.

Okay.

Any other questions or comments?

CNN.

Um Luna.

Congratulations, Mr.

Ridges.

Um, thank you for stepping in um and taking this role.

Um we we need more people um like you to step in, and um it's it's for the kids, right?

Um, and again, like I mentioned before.

I'm gonna be a liaison, so we'll be working together.

I'm excited.

Um, thank you.

Thank you.

Any other questions or comments?

Okay, seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed say nay.

Motion carries.

Mr.

Clerk, I believe he needs to be sworn in.

Yes.

Uh, do you, Richard Reyes, having been appointed to the Office of the Board of Education for the City of Britain's office, or that will be asked to perform the duties of the Office of Board of Education for the City of British government, so I'll be back.

Congratulations.

We did warn you.

Um Alderman Scott for item in item number three.

Thank you, Mayor Shanchez.

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

Second.

Second speaker.

Hard race.

From January 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2024, the New Britain Police Department has made 119 DUI arrest.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation Division of Highway Safety has made available federal highway safety funds for overtime to support DUI law enforcement efforts from November 1st to September 6, 2006.

26, sorry.

And this is a hundred percent.

That's like a grant that we'll get, and let it be resolved that Mayor Shanchaz is authorized to execute all this grant documents with the state of Connecticut DOT on behalf of City of New Britain for the FY 2026 DUI enforcement program for municipality police departments and this and all this grant money will be used to help make our streets safer.

And I think this is really important to keep our streets safe, and I urge adoption of this.

Any questions?

Alderman Santiago.

Thank you, Honor.

There's another uh clerical amendment needs to be done for uh the beginning where it says to her honor would be to his honor.

And second by Alderman Simpson.

Okay.

Any questions or comments on this amendment?

Okay.

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Now as amended.

Any questions or comments?

Okay.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed say nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman McDemair for item number four.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion accept and adopt number four.

Second.

A second.

Yeah.

Okay.

Uh this resolution uh comes to the council as uh every month or two uh to approve uh abatements, rebates, and corrections uh from the revenue collector.

Uh a spreadsheet is attached to these the resolution.

This particular one has 44,168 dollars in uh rebates for auto taxes and 23,476 in uh property tax corrections.

I move adoption.

Any questions or comments?

Thank you, honor.

Alderman Santiago.

Same thing again, clerical order on the beginning where it says to her your honor.

Motion I'm gonna make a motion to uh change to uh to his honor.

Second okay, second by way seconded by second you don't have one.

Okay.

Any other any questions or comments on the amendment?

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries now.

As amended, any questions or comments?

Rolly?

Do you know?

Okay.

Okay, seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All opposed say nay.

Motion carries.

Alderwoman Luna, um, Ortiz Luna for item number five.

Thank you, Your Honor.

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

Second by Alderman Sanchez.

Okay.

This is to authorize public works, the public works department to retain to retain the services of Martin Surveying Associations to perform land surveying services for the West Main Street Improvement Projects, state projects or state project, the purchasing agent to issue a purchase order in the amount of $24,000.

The funds are available through a grant that we received through the local transportation capital improvement program, and I urge adoption.

Any questions or comments?

Okay, seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed say nay.

Motion carries Alderman Centenno for item number six.

Thank you, uh, your honor.

I rise to uh uh there's resolution I make a motion to accept and adopt resolution number six.

Second by all the woman Lucy Luna and this resolution uh is in reference to the Stanley Loop Trail Connections project.

This will improve connections between the Stanley Loop Trail and neighborhoods along Boulevard.

The funding is provided by DEEP Recreation Trails Grant, which is 80% state funded for construction, leaving 20% match from the from the uh the city uh public works, and I urge adoption.

Any questions or comments on item number six?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed say nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Simpson for no item number seven.

Thank you, Your Honor.

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

Second.

Second by Alderman Molinowski.

Thank you.

Uh this resolution is coming from a FEMA grant awarded to the city in 2022.

Basically, the city was able to complete all of the projects outlined in that, and we have over $300,000 left over.

So this expenditure would contract for a multitude of training courses for our fire department under the assistance to fire assistance to firefighter grants and Irish adoption.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any questions on item number seven?

Okay, seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Santiago for item number eight.

Thank you, Honor.

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

Second by Alderman Smith.

This is a purchase purchase order for uh allowing the New Brand Parks and Community Service Departments to uh I know it's winter, but to order a ground more right now there's a good deal on it, and it got there on the list, so they want to make sure to order it so this way we get the better price for it.

If not, we would have to wait a couple of months in which and it would be 50 percent more.

So we're doing our due diligence, thank goodness for uh public works getting this deal in, and I urge adoption.

Any questions or comments on item number eight?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye, aye, all those opposed nay, motion carries points of special uh special privilege alder woman Scott.

Thank you.

Um Mayor Sanchez for allowing me to have this moment to share that this month is Native American Heritage Month.

It's important to acknowledge that next Thursday is also day of mourning.

It is a time to honor native ancestors and the struggles to survive to stay survived.

And I'm just gonna read this little thing, this little um speech that I gave last on Saturday.

Um this land is your land is a song that speaks to the land being your land from California to New York Island from the Red Work Forest to the Gulf Stream waters.

This land was made for you and me.

Yes, you and me.

This that's what this time is to celebrate.

Those who lived in solidarity with this land, those who nurtured it, well it nurtured them, those whose DNA is embedded in the names of the rivers and the streams and the states and the towns and the schools to this day, the endless skyways and the golden valleys.

The song speaks to have been inspired inspiration, the reflection of our ancestors due to their great stewardship of all of these resources.

We are here today to be able to celebrate the contributions and the history.

It wasn't just the tears on the trail, but the great spirits that also went to and stayed with us, always will every time like Connecticut, Quinny Piac.

You hear those words spoken, and it's written or written, our ancestors are named and remembered.

So let's celebrate them and remember them every day and always.

Thank you so much.

Peace and love.

Um Sam is the president.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Um, I just want to uh to remind uh the Puerto Rican community today is celebrating the discovery of the island of Puerto Rico and um which happened long long time ago, November 1940, 93.

So today Puerto Rico is 532 years old.

So I just want to pull this out here and thank you, owner.

Thank you, Alderwomen Sanchez.

Motion to adjourn.

Second, second by who?

Everyone, everyone.

Okay.

All those in favor say um say aye.

Nay.

Motion carries.

Meeting is adjourned at 809 p.m.

Thank you.