Okay, anybody want to sign up?

Okay.

I want to welcome everybody to the April 8th, 2026 Common Council meeting.

We're beginning with public participation.

Um this is an opportunity for the public to speak for three minutes.

I ask that you it's now seven oh two.

We ask that you state your name and address for the record.

And again, you have three minutes.

And I don't have anybody signed up.

Does anybody wish to speak to the council?

Yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

How are you doing today?

My name is Benjamin Irvin.

I'm a uh citizen new brand, Connecticut.

Your your address, Mr.

Irvin.

Um the issue I'm having today is I was trying to get a uh my dead end of my street.

I was trying to get a sign put up, no parking.

Because I've been having issues with my neighbors for almost about a year now.

You know, I called uh police department and they told me to come here.

Because I don't want I don't want to issue nothing, you know, is that I'll come home from work, I work third shift and I gotta deal with them parking in front of my yard.

You know, I have pictures that I took on my uh Vived camera.

That I could present.

It's just been an issue, ongoing issue for me.

Well, we we can take that information after the hearing.

Um and if you'll you you'll hang on.

Uh we'll get that information.

Okay, appreciate it.

And just one more time your address where you want that sign?

It's uh one oh four up the street.

Got it.

Yeah.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Thanks.

Anybody else wish to speak to the council?

Anyone else?

Third time.

Anybody else?

Hearing none.

Anybody calling in from no remote callers?

Uh this concludes public participation for the regular meeting of April eighth.

And uh I'm sure nobody has any comments on what they've heard here on public participation.

I just want to really quick thank Benjamin for coming and encourage other people to come and share their concerns so that we can try to address them.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Seeing none, this concludes public participation and responses.

The regular meeting will begin shortly.

I think she got it.

So I have here, so who else?

But I know that some things are women, yes.

So who was the one?

She got hers.

All right, so these are all the time.

Yes.

Um is it sign?

Yeah, but just yes.

Yes.

Okay, thank you.

So uh the officer of the office.

Yes.

I think we would uh sorry.

So if you put one in the front, yeah, that's a good one.

That's again this discussion that we have.

That's a this that's uh expense.

All right, yep, exactly.

Um I just put them out.

I don't even look I think I have three management.

Well, I've got more.

But I don't know what I've put out.

I thought I think I put three women two men out there.

So it's one woman.

Yeah, I think I've heard so someone someone else took one, and I don't know.

Sorry for that.

Did anyone else take a badge?

Badge badge.

You did anyone took a badge?

No one didn't.

I don't have a catch on someone too bad.

I don't know, I doubt you I should do that.

No, no, you have five up there.

Yeah.

Can I take it?

Um do you have one?

No, okay, yes, take one.

Yeah, well, make sure it doesn't say women.

That was what I make sure so did you get one?

I just wrecked.

Okay, it was okay.

Cool.

So then we're covered.

I did.

Okay.

I never looked at seeing the same woman on the one.

They do.

Yeah, she got one when the first time.

Oh, you got to know then I know I can't.

But I have a sign because of that.

I am thank you, because I'm I'm ready to roll around.

And I don't know because you'll be the last one leaving.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I'm so sorry.

I don't have a lesson that I wanted to do.

I don't know what else to get home.

Yeah.

I think that one has to be.

So I don't know.

Do you want to see it again?

Oh, yeah, they did a good job with in the heights too.

I'm upset I missed that.

Yeah, in the heights, yeah.

It was it was it was it was up there.

Sorry.

The time is now seven thirteen PM.

See if I can find a pen here.

Madam Clerk, will you please um call the roll?

Yes, Your Honor.

Alderman McNamara.

Here.

Alder Woman Scott.

Here.

Alderman Simpson.

Present.

Alderman Smedley.

Alderman Mallinowski.

Alderman Gibson.

Alderwoman Delarnia.

Alderman Santiago.

Alder Woman Barbosa.

Alder Woman Vargas.

Alder Woman Maldonado.

Alderman Centano.

I'm here.

Alderwoman Ortiz Luna.

Alderman Morrero.

Twelve present, Your Honor.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Madam Clerk for the invocation, followed by the pleasure legions.

Let their decisions be shaped not by self-interest, but by a steadfast commitment to the well-being of the entire community they are called to serve.

Let those seeds be rooted in fairness, nurture with collaboration, and brought to fruition through unity.

Help us to embrace the spirit of new beginnings.

And where there's been division, bring harmony, where there has been uncertainty, bring clarity, and where there has been hardship, bring hope.

Amen.

So before we move on, um, I like to take a moment of silence for Alderman.

Um Alden Russell passed away recently.

Um Alderman Russell served the council, I believe, four four two terms.

Um was a servant of our city, and he will be missed.

Um so if we can just stand and do a moment of silence for Alderman Russell.

And I now want to recognize Alden and Melanowski for a couple of words.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Um, a few weeks ago we lost Alden Russell.

Um he was a tireless advocate for the city of New Britain.

Um he served on the commission for persons with disabilities.

And uh served two two terms in this very chamber.

Um had an enormous heart, and he truly cared for this city.

And he was uh he was a good friend, and I just want to reach out with my sympathies to his wife Julie's son, Xander and his daughter Courtney.

Um the city of New Britain is has lost a great advocate, and we're gonna miss him.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Thank you, Alderman.

And I believe we're all set here.

Okay.

Um I am incredibly proud to have the New Britain High School Hurricanes cheerleading team join us join us today.

Earlier this year, they were crowned the Central Connecticut Conference champions.

Yeah.

As well as the twenty twenty-six CAS CIAC co-ed Cheerleading State Champions.

That's another one.

So these titles are a testament to their hard work, their discipline, and commitment to the excellence.

This is a huge accomplishment for our city, and it reflects the leadership of the coach, Jahira, and I hope I don't kill your name.

Sorry.

And the support of Athletic Director Lisa Koweki Grega.

Did I say that right?

Okay.

Um, congratulations also to all the conference athletes, uh Amani Blair, Delvin Sanchez, Jeremiah Harrison, Mia Bella Azaias, and Selina Spinoza.

Um, congratulations again to the entire team for um representing New Britain with such pride at every level of the competition.

So I would love for them to come up to the front here.

I have uh a proclamation.

Come on, give me to the front.

And I'll meet you out there.

Yeah, do the whole daughter.

And so all the parents, I'm no you're proud.

This is great.

Thank you so much.

Okay, now we continue on our business.

Alderman Santiago, any minutes?

Yes, Your Honor, thank you.

I make a motion to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of February 25, 20 of 2026, and March 25 of 2026.

Second.

Second by Alderman Luna.

Okay, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those on opposed, nay.

The ayes have it.

Motion carries.

Alderman Santiago, are there any amendments?

No, Your Honor.

No amendments.

Thank you, Alderman.

Madam Clerk.

For petitions, any petitions.

There are no petitions this evening, Your Honor.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Alderman Santiago for the consent agenda.

Thank you, Your Honor.

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

Second.

Second by Alderman Simpson.

Okay.

Madam Clerk, can you please call the roll?

Yes, Your Honor.

Alderman McNamara?

Yes.

Alderwoman Scott.

Alderman Simpson.

Yes.

Alderman Smedley.

Alderman Malinowski.

Yes.

Alderman Gibson.

Alderwoman Delernia.

Yes.

Alderman Santiago.

Yes.

Alderwoman Barbosa.

Yes.

Alderwoman Vargas.

Yes.

Alderman Centeno.

Yes.

Alderwoman Ortiz Luna.

Yes.

Alderman Barrero.

Yes.

12 yes, Your Honor.

Motion carries.

Alderwoman Vargas for item number one.

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

Second.

Second by Alderman Santiago.

Thank you.

Uh to his honor and the mayor and the common council.

This resolution is regarding uh cooperative purchasing of services for milling and paving of various streets.

Uh whereas in accordance with the city code of ordinances, purchase orders were requested by the public works department for the following under the state of Connecticut's cooperative purchasing plan.

And whereas the public works department has requested the purchase of services for milling and paving of various streets.

Whereas uh $2 million is budgeted for the milling and paving portion of the 2026 pavement rehabilitation program.

Your honor point of order.

Is this resolution one or two?

This is one.

Okay, sorry.

Um therefore be it resolved that the purchasing agent is hereby authorized to issue a purchase order to Tilcon, Connecticut of New Britain in the amount of one million seven hundred seventy-five thousand for the purchase of bituminous concrete materials and installation of them onto various city streets.

And uh that the purchasing agent is hereby also authorized to issue a purchase order to Garrety asphalt, reclaiming incorporated of bloom field in the amount of two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars for the milling of bituminous concrete of various city streets utilizing the state of Connecticut's cooperative purchasing plan, and I urge adoption.

Thank you.

Is there any discussion?

Alderman Deluna.

I have some questions for Mark.

Hi.

Hey Dawn.

Good.

So which streets are included?

Do we have a list for this coming year?

Um we do have a list.

Okay.

Okay.

It's uh, let's see.

There's three areas that are being focused on.

One is by McKinley Governor.

Um is down kind of in the Mason Drive area, and then there's some other ones in more of the Stanley, um, Lower Stanley portion, portion of South Street, some of the areas they're largely areas where we've been doing utility work, either sewer work or gas main replacement.

Um what happens is we give we coordinate with the gas company actually primarily, and they we give them an opportunity to replace case gas mains in advance when we're looking at paving a street.

Um that's what most of this year's program is it's areas where they completed gas main replacements.

They always take a little longer than you want.

Um but that's that's pretty much what happened this year's program.

What about the streets that with all the potholes and where we're having a lot of trouble damage?

I mean, those are typically if we're getting, let's say typically streets that are getting close to paving that were coordinating with them are starting to get potholes, okay.

And so a lot of those streets or the potholing, a lot of times is also related.

People think it's potholes, but it's related to their gas main replacement work.

So they're all there are all streets that are in like conditioned that's ready to be repaved.

Okay.

So how do you address streets that uh may have damage other than uh related to what you're talking about?

I mean, we do temporary like high level temporary repairs to roads that aren't on the program.

Um it is a you know, it is an expensive program this year with the fuel costs up.

We did have to take a couple streets off because uh the gas the fuel prices is causing asphalt prices to go higher.

Tilkan gave us a heads up that our our prices are gonna be much higher this year because there's there's a full fuel surcharge that's included on that their bid.

So um, yeah.

Yeah, I mean that's a question that our res residents ask a lot.

You know, we always get the complaints about the potholes.

Yeah, and John Downey is going to be repaved within the next couple months by that project, so that will be that's good to hear.

That'll be, yeah, thank God for everyone involved.

Yeah, and I was gonna ask you about the cost, how it was, how it's compared to previous years.

I would imagine there'd be some price increasing.

We're doing about five miles of paving this year with the same amount of money we've done seven miles of paving.

Do we get a warranty for the work that's done?

Is there some kind of warranty involved?

I mean, when they pave a street, uh what's the life expectation?

Yeah, we we expect it depends on the road because uh high traffic road um isn't gonna last as long.

So on a road like that, we expect to get about 12, 13 years.

Okay.

For residential street, we could get up to with not a lot of traffic, we can get up to 20 years.

So it varies.

We do have we do rate all the streets every couple of years.

Um so we have a rating of one to ten.

It's uh yeah, and we I think overall the streets.

If you look at we have a heat map that we have condition of every road in the city, and overall, there's not that many neighborhoods or areas that are really in bad condition, but there's always going to be some roads.

We have 170 miles of road.

We have we're doing five miles of road this year.

You do the math, you know, and you're trying to do them every 12 to 20 years.

It's uh we're we're keeping up, but you know, you can always do more.

Okay.

All right, thank you.

Any other questions for Mark?

Oh, all the women Barbosa.

These streets that are being paved.

Um, are these main roads?

Are these main streets that are frequented?

I mean, some are.

We're doing a portion of Stanley Street, we're doing uh portion of South Street.

When was the last time these streets were were were paved?

Um off the top of my head, I don't remember, but I mean, if anything that we're touching, we haven't touched in at least 12 years.

Um we started doing, I think South Street goes back probably.

We really started doing pavement management, like at a higher level in about 2008.

So some of those are probably going back till 2010, 2012.

Some of the more arterials.

Do you have some streets that have just never been paved?

Well, repaved, not paved, but repaved.

Um I don't know that off the top of my head, but potentially if they're not in bad condition.

No, and the reason I ask is the same as um Alderwoman Deloni was saying when we were door knocking on the east side, we had residents that were telling us that they've lived there for over 30 years and their streets have never been paved.

So that was my question.

Yeah, as to why are roads being repaved over and over and some just aren't being touched at all.

We're we're not doing that.

That is uh inaccurate statement.

We we are not paving the same roads at uh uh we stretch the money as far as we can, and um it's based on condition and based on a lot of times it's based on coordination with utility companies, and because we don't want utility companies going in and tearing up a road that we have repaved recently where we do need to do work on it.

Any other questions?

A CNN, all those in favor say aye.

Aye, thank you.

All those opposed nay.

Motion carries.

Alderwomen or T is for item number two.

Thank you, Your Honor.

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

Second, second by Alderman Santiago.

And this resolution is regarding the 2026 pavement rehabilitation program, and it's to authorize public works to issue a purchase order to safety markings ink of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and the amount of 75,000 dollars for installation of pavement markings on various city streets utilizing the states of the state of Connecticut's cooperative perching plan, and I urge adoption.

Any discussion?

Any discussion?

Alderwoman Delernia.

Hi, Mark.

What exactly is traffic signal detection equipment?

Okay.

So along with the paving, you have to there's there's traffic signal equipment, older loops that loop detectors that are in the pavement that can be impacted, so they call when a vehicle is add a traffic signal.

If we don't have we some of our newer signals, we have audible, we have um camera loop protectors, but some of the older ones have loop protectors that detect a car just in front of the signal, so it gives you the call for a green.

Okay, so that's that's part of this.

A lot of this resolution is also just for striping and other trap traffic work that we do along when we repave a road.

So it's done in coordination with the repaving.

When we repave a road, a lot of times we replace traffic signs, we try and update all the traffic signs, like get rid of sign clutter, things like that.

We restripe sometimes we stripe a little bit differently, make travel lanes narrower to try and calm traffic, do a lot of different things along with the repaving of a road.

But yeah.

All right, terrific.

So it's all done together, you know, not going back and forth piecemeal.

No, thank you.

Yep.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Anybody else?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Um, Alderman Centenno for item number three.

Thank you, Your Honor.

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

Second by Alderwoman Luna.

This resolution is in the uh reference to purchasing of uh rollout trash containers for the public works department, whereas the public works department is responsible for the management and maintenance of approximately 45,000 trash and recycling containers used by residents for the weekly and bi-weekly collection of trash and recycling each month.

Due to um obviously uh broken lids, broken wheels, and other issues.

Funding is available for the purchase of the public works from the public works account operating materials and supplies, therefore be resolved at the purchasing agents here by authorized to issue a purchase order of 31,311 to auto environmental systems LLC and Charlotte, North Carolina for the purchase of 504 rollout trash and recycling containers.

I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any discussion?

Alderwoman Delernia.

Mark, you may want to stay up here.

I didn't I didn't go all the way back to my seat that time.

I was I played a safe.

So let's talk trash bins.

What do they cost our residents and how often can they be replaced?

What if they're damaged?

Is there a limit to how many you could have?

Oh I'm yes.

I mean, up to let's see.

For a single family house, you just obviously get one for multi-family houses, you can get up to six for a six-family house.

Um as far as they cost 75 75 dollars for a resident to replace.

We don't make any money.

I mean, I think we maybe it's like uh just slightly more than we pay for them.

Um we uh let's see.

The big thing, the big thing with the trash containers is the initial time when we went to automated collection that was in 2008, and so the trash containers we bought are obviously coming up, they're they're getting quite old.

They actually exceeded um the 18-year warranty that they had.

So and those containers probably didn't hold up as good as the were a toter brand, they didn't hold up as good as the auto containers that we use for the recycled containers and what we use now to replace trash containers.

So yeah, a lot of residents over the years have had a purchase a new container to replace their old container.

So there's no limit if a trash uh bin is damaged, there's no limit to how often you could call to replace it, but you have to pay $75 per trash bin.

And who do you call exactly to have that replaced?

Um, our office upstairs in public works, public works, yeah.

I mean, people don't typically replace them very often because of its cost.

What about the lid?

We we do like wheel repairs, we do um just lid repairs.

So we do we do those kind of things.

You don't have to replace an entire lid if they're just a small amount of damage that's repairable.

Um but if it gets to the point where it's just like a lot of they're cracked, the you know they're yeah, they're not structurally sound anymore, then people are have to replace them.

That's good to know.

I I think that's a question that's the same.

The other thing is we're also not supporting we're we're really supporting more of the auto containers for repairs at this point in time.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you, Alderman.

Uh Alderman Centennial.

Yes, Mark.

Um, I remember I still have the original one, the the first one that and I remember we uh I was on the council back then, and they were I I believe there was no charge for them, correct?

We we initially right rolled them out.

We were now charging, and we were getting seriously taking advantage of it.

But if you wanted a second one, you had to that right.

And we f we actually did a survey of other communities to find out what they were doing.

Everybody else was charging for a replacement.

Okay.

What about uh uh residents that move into the city?

Do they still can we they have to typically purchase if they don't have a container, they have to purchase a container.

They have to purchase one.

We try to be consistent on that, so we're it's not black or it's it's in white.

I'm gonna suggest maybe you know, anybody moving into the city, maybe you know the first one should be free, but maybe that's something we could look into.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Is that kind of a sales pitch?

Okay, I would work for the company.

Um Alderwoman Scott.

Yeah, I I agree.

Um, I think if someone's buying a home, they should probably get one with the house somehow.

But um, I have a question.

If how many if I want to get an extra can, how how does that work?

There is a rental program.

You could rent an additional one every year, but it's an annual cost.

I think it's how much is it a year?

I think it's $65.

I don't remember off the top of my head, but I think it's uh yeah, it's it's fairly pricey, I think.

Well, it depends, but you do have that option.

So if someone wants an extra can for their house, they would just call.

Yep, we could set up a rental.

Okay.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Thank you, Alderman.

Um, Alderman Simpson.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Just kind of a technical question on this.

Uh the top price, 16,131.

Uh there's a comma where I believe there should be a decimal in the table.

So I just want to clarify if that's $16,131.79, or is it somehow $16 million in change with the missing digit?

Oh, it should be a it shouldn't be a comma, it should be a period.

Should be a period or decimal point.

That's all I had.

That's okay.

Okay.

Thank you for noting that.

Because I'm sure you would not you would vote down $16 million in trash cans.

Um other discussion.

Alderman Santiago.

Just for a clarification.

So as Alderman Saturn requested about a new owner comes in, and technically the property should have a garbage can and recycling, and as I'm correct, there's a serial number on each garbage can that reflects each property that they're given to.

Am I right?

There is.

We uh when we issue a container, we keep track of the serial number issued.

And so that even when you do the replacement, you basically just replace the um garbage can trade trash can, and then the serial number is actually just reflects the same.

Correct.

All right, thank you.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any other discussion?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Santiago for item number four.

Thank you, honor.

I make a motion to accept resolution four.

Second by Alderman Alderwoman, Luna Ortiz.

Thank you, Honor.

This is authorized to enter into a three-year agreement with COD Bell MDR.

Uh to read it.

This one's pretty important, so I think we should read this just to make sure it's in the record.

To the to his honor, the mayor and the common council of the city of New Britain to understand beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following.

Whereas the city of New Brent looks to replace our existing cybersecurity system with Cobell MDR management detection and response for both IT divisions within the Department of Support Services, and whereas Codbell MDR is a full managed detection and response service that provides continuous monitoring, threat detections, and responses across our endpoints, identifies and cloud applications.

It gives up 24, it gives us 24-7 visible visibility into potential threats and supports to investigate and contain issues before they escalate.

Well also reduces the operational burden on our internal team.

And whereas this service ties directly into our cyber insurance ecosystem, and these improvements is our security posture through MDR, can positively impact our overall risk profile over time.

And whereas Cloudbells includes a 25,000 breach response fund endorsement with this service.

This provides immediate financial support during a security incident, which other vendors don't offer.

Adding an extra layer of protection upper upper tongue-tied already.

It strengthens our defenses, improves visibility across our environments, and helps reduce both risk and potential financial impacts moving forward.

And whereas Codbell has provided a proposal for three years of licensed subscription for our entire IT infrastructure for $132 yearly per endpoint for estimated yearly price of $6,000.

And we're $66,000.

Thank you.

And whereas funding for this is available in the support services PT PSTC division maintenance contracts account number 00121301-5434 and support services IT division maintenance contracts account number 00110706-5434.

And now therefore be resolved that the purchasing agent is hereby authorized to enter into agreement with Codbell MDR for a three-year subscription.

And I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any discussion?

Alderman Melanowski.

Thank you, Honor.

Um if I could through you ask uh John Delgadio because I already watched it.

John's blocking up already.

Ready to go.

Hello, Your Honor, Council.

Um what kind of this uh is cybersecurity stuff?

If you could just explain like a little bit more layman's terms.

So it's just a it's a different program, a different uh provider for cybersecurity.

Cal Bell provides a 24-7 uh platform, which is um something we didn't have previously.

Um it's just uh it's really one of the top tiers of cybersecurity that the city could look into to purchase.

So I felt that it was in the best interest of the city to move forward with them.

And there'll be like an extra layer monitoring all our systems.

That is correct.

That is something that we you know monitoring, alerting was always included in the past.

Um this service is 24-7 actual personal monitoring of our system.

So if they do see something that is of uh that shouldn't be happening, they would fully alert us uh any time.

And uh this $25,000 breach response fund, is that sort of like an insurance policy in case something like what happened happens again?

Correct, yes, they're willing.

They're they're they feel so strongly on their product that they're willing to say that if we are breached that they will give us $25,000 for that breach.

All right, thank you for that.

No problem.

Also, thank you, Alderman.

Alderman and Simpson.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Just in the resolved section, it names purchasing agent.

Who is that here?

What was that?

Well, who's a purchasing agent?

Yes, this is a now, therefore be a resolve that the purchasing agent, but that's a proper noun.

So I'm just wondering who purchasing agent is Jack Piper.

Who?

Jack Piper.

Oh, thank you.

Yeah, no problem.

That's okay.

Thank you, Alderman.

Um, Alderwoman Vargas.

And now you mentioned the 25,000.

Is that per incident, or is it just that one time or that is per incident?

That is correct.

And the um it could be yearly to just to speak on that, but again, they offer that and they if they feel confident that obviously they're not wanting to cough up 25,000 dollars for that.

I know no one wants to give away that much money, so exactly.

Um, and then I just wanted to clarify the um the 132 dollars yearly, and then uh is that for each person in IT?

Is that how we came up with the 66,000?

No, so endpoint is actually every device.

So computers, servers, any sort of equipment that speaks to our network, it's the outside.

Okay, so that's uh oh, sorry.

Not personally, but you're the devices that you're on, yes.

Every every single computer device that communicates to the outside that could possibly be breached.

That's the endpoint.

So every endpoint is 132 dollars.

Uh based on our knowledge, we know that we have about 500 endpoints, so that's why you get to the six sixty-six thousand dollars.

And if we purchase more computers or equipment, that's kind of why I put it's 132 dollars yearly um per endpoint, where it's estimated yearly price of 66,000 dollars.

500 is actually a little over shot.

Um, as you you said, we do constantly have more computers, more needs for stuff as well.

So okay, thank you.

So yeah, thank you, Alderwoman.

Alderwoman Delarnia.

Uh okay, endpoint users at 132.

So you overestimated 500 devices.

If we were to go beyond that, does that increase the costs by more than 132?

Not us now.

132 per endpoint period.

Okay.

What specific system?

It says you're replacing.

So what specific system are we replacing?

And is it due to failure from the cyber attack?

Um, it's replacing our previous system, which is silence.

Um, it's uh it's another cybersecurity program.

It just didn't provide the services that this Cowbell MDR, it's a full-on platform that is a little bit more enhanced in at a larger cost, but again, I think it's the best thing for the city.

So the system we had were terminating.

Correct.

Is there a penalty?

Nope, it actually was ending this month.

So it's perfect timing.

That's good to hear.

And um we committed to three years.

Um why did we go with three years?

Are you confident that they're gonna provide what we need?

Do we they give us guarantees?

Well, what if they don't live up to what they're I they're they're very well reputable?

I spoke to other municipalities and other government agencies that utilize them, so I know I feel confident in their services, um, especially with the softwares they provide.

Um the three years actually was something I asked for because I like to have uh some price stability here with our funding and our budgets.

Um they actually you know they obviously typically increase every year, so to for them to be able to lock in a three-year price is very advantageous, and I thought it was something that we would should look into and and obviously do.

Um I'd love to do a five-10 year, but like you said, I think you do need to look at other options after a few years, but I feel confident in the next two three years that this this will be the best service for the city.

Now, do they do they act on our behalf or they can yes?

Do they act on it or do they contact us?

They can't act on our behalf, correct.

If they will contact us immediately, they have obviously multiple points of contact to reach out to, but if they see something that they need to act upon immediately, they will act upon them.

Okay.

Um I guess going back to the issues we have with the cybersecurity, so this is kind of a reactive purchase.

It was a budget it for um yes, I I could say like I said, this this purchase is a little bit more expensive than the previous one, but I could say that my budget can um take on both of these costs.

It's okay.

All right, thank you.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Um Alderwoman Barbosa.

Um it's better to be safe than sorry, and sometimes you gotta pay a little more to be um safe.

Um was the last time the system was updated, and how old was the last system?

Well, there's constant updates being done on cybersecurity.

It's uh that's a never-ending updating thing that's happened always.

But we but we're getting a new contract with the three years.

Oh, the previous software you mean?

Uh it was brought in in 2023.

I'm sorry, 2023.

Oh sorry.

Um the women lose Luna Ortiz.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Um, I think the fact that we're only entering and uh into a contract for three years is actually smart.

We don't want to enter into a uh contract for 10 years or even five years, right?

What if what if they suck, right?

Or you know, so we don't we don't have to be held to the to the contract.

Um just one question.

Um so following the the cyber attack, um, what immediate steps did the city take to secure system and to strengthen our uh cyber, our cyber security?

Uh well we acted immediately as soon as we were made aware of the situation.

Uh the mayor's uh immediate response to us was to protect city resident um as well as keep city operations ongoing.

Um public safety 911 was never affected by this.

Um that was a key thing to make sure, and then we just had to make sure that city operations remained operational as much as we could, which I thought that um you know most city operations will remain operational, and then we were able to get it corrected in time with the experts and everybody else that are able to assist us to get us there.

Thank you.

Um so just for the record, everyone's personal information is still still secured, nothing there there was no out uh no lar no uh outspread data breach for residents.

No, there's no outspread data breach for residents.

Uh there are some possibly some employee data that was released, um, city employees, but we are still actively looking into that, and they will be a they will be notified directly from us.

So this is still an ongoing investigation.

But we could feel confidently say that no city resident data outreach was done.

Great, great, thank you.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Alderman Simpson.

Uh thank you, Your Honor.

Um, will this new contract help resolve our existing issues?

As in, like if we get a new service provider, are we gonna have to catch them up on the issues we have currently?

Catch them up, sorry.

Uh as in we have a problem, our current our cyber insurance kicked in.

Um, and then we're switching providers.

Is that gonna be like a clean transition?

Forgive my ignorance here.

Um so this is actually the this is the existing company that's working with us now to correct the cybersecurity issue that we're currently under.

Okay, cool.

Thank you.

So we are continuing on with them.

So we have their experience them over the last few months.

We feel very confident in their services going forward.

So, yes, they're they're fully aware of everything going on, and they're currently working on everything that you any employee that's currently working on the city, they're already there under the insurance policy.

But obviously, once we're awarded this, we could start the three-year process from the point of approval from this.

Thank you.

Um Alderman Um Barrero.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Um, so based on everything that's happened with the cyber attack recently, um, with this new system, how much better and stronger would I our city be going on from this point forward?

A lot stronger, very strong.

Um I feel very confident in this.

Um the actors, you know, again, we f as soon as we saw something happen, we acted immediately, and uh, you know, that was a you know very early in the morning.

Um so having somebody 24-7 physically monitoring any sort of things that were happening to this and then being able to act on it immediately versus us getting alerts and getting ourselves in here to correct it is as it's night and day and the po policies that we could provide as far as moving forward and making sure this never happens again in the city.

Um the woman Vargas.

Um what are some of the key well, what are the key investments or changes to cities prioritizing now to ensure that we're better protected?

Well, us or any city, you say uh us, okay.

Well, yeah, you know, this is one of them.

Um updating equipment, outdated equipment, uh security patch updates, things like that all come together as part of this, you know, outdated equipment is is definitely uh something that we've looked into and uh physically addressing.

There was a resolution that came across the council um previously that was addressing a lot of those points of failures.

Um but you know, I there's data out there where we're 35 to 55 percent of every city and municipal, every local government and city in this United States has been risk of wear attack since 2024.

So we are no, we're not you know immune to this.

It's something that that's gonna you know sadly happens to the small people that mom and pop shop sadly to even Yale got affected by this, right?

So it's there's really no stopping us, but uh you you do the best you can to make sure that it doesn't happen and uh we are now actively doing all those things to make sure that doesn't happen per the mayor's uh direction.

Can you walk us through a little bit through um some of those specific changes?

You know just a point of order, Mr.

Mayor.

I just think we have to focus on the actual resolution that's in front of us, and that's for a contract for the cybersecurity um all the women delernate.

So this was considered an emergency purchase as opposed to going out to bid um this is why would we choose this company?

So sole source.

I would consider this sole source because there's there's no other cybersecurity company that provides the ecosystem and the pro services that they provide all together in one, as well as providing the 25,000 dollar um reimbursement to the city.

Where are they where do they operate out of that?

Pleasant town.

So is there like a call center or how to how do they notify us?

Is it coming from California?

Where is that coming from?

What is that?

How did how do they have services throughout the entire United States?

The the the team we worked with were very local to the New England area.

They're local, they were local to the New England area, correct.

Like that's their main office in California, but they have staff throughout the city.

So when you say local, where's local?

Is local New Britain is local fire Hartford?

Is it New Jersey?

I to be honest with you, were their local branch office.

I don't really know, but I know that they've had they have people that were within hours.

Isn't that something we should know?

For so a lot of the things with IT could be done remotely specifically.

You don't really need to be on site for IT services.

Thank you, all the women.

Okay.

You're good?

Okay.

So Alderman Santiago.

The again, this is just pretty much we're being proactive, correct?

We're going from you know, uh, I know our systems that we had prior, uh, only were monitoring, and on only thing they would do is alert us.

This one actually would act on a threat.

So if there was any issues, they would actually stop and then uh warn us, but at the same time, cut the any sources or any kind of connections to any threats or anything, and basically just stop from where wherever they call us, right?

That's correct.

It's called quarantine.

They'd quarantine the the intrusion to limit it to the exposure that it was at, which is we didn't have to.

Which it shouldn't be that far.

No, correct.

That is correct.

So all right, thank you.

Yes, thank you, Alderman.

Okay, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Barrero for item number five.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion to uh I make a motion to accept and adopt resolution number five.

Uh second by Alderman Santiago.

Uh this is for building repairs and replacement of City Hall's data center HVAC HVAC replacements.

Uh whereas the following bid, uh four 4199 on call building repairs replacement project uh was approved by the common council at its regular meeting of April 23rd, 2025.

And whereas the fourth floor uh server room HVAC system is well past its life expectancy, failing uh failing and requires replacement.

In addition, the design of the system for the space does not do not have the capacity to provide sufficient cooling uh uh for space which would require a new installation of two mini split units to be able uh to sufficiently address the space temp temperature needs and whereas pension uh temperature temp uh of of Plainville, Connecticut provided the lowest price of HVAC contractors and are uh and are on on call list at the price of 26,203, and whereas funding is available for the purchase within um L O CIP facilities and energy account for the for the city data center account number two one three one six zero zero one two five dash five two one zero three and therefore may it be resolved that the purchasing agent be and is hereby authorized to issue a purchase order of 20 uh for 20 26,203 to perfect temp of Plainville, Connecticut for the installation of the new HBAC system for this for the city hall's fourth floor uh data center, and I urge this adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any discussion?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries Alderman McNamara for item number six.

Uh thank you, Your Honor.

I'll make a motion to accept an adopt number six.

Second by Alderman Luna.

Um this is an authorization to spend 12,958 and 93 cents to provide the finance department with a reporting tool for federal and state to meet f federal and state requirements.

Um the city is under contract and uses the central square company um for other financial or public administration tools.

I'm sure Mr.

Delgadio is dying to tell us more.

Uh, but uh it is it is required to keep up to date in terms of how we report out federal and state dollars.

I assume this is for a one-year license, and um I would urge adoption.

Any discussion could I just through you, Your Honor?

Sure.

Ask John Delegadino.

Thank you, John.

Um the finance department utilizes other Central Square uh products.

That is correct.

It's part of the central square platform, it's a separate modules to run their Cognos, so that runs reporting for them again, specifically for the state and federal uh reporting requirements.

Yeah, do the do you know if the police use it utilizes any of their tools?

I know they have public safety too.

Everybody in the city uses Central Square for fighting.

Central Square, right?

And for the record, their corporate headquarters are in Florida.

Uh not in Connecticut, but they seem to be a national outfit with regional offices.

Uh that uh we've done business with before.

Yes, the city's been under Central Square Sun Guard.

It's the same provider for many many years.

I think even before I was I've worked here.

So thanks, appreciate it.

Okay.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any further discussion.

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Simpson from item number seven.

Thank you, Your Honor.

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

Second by Alderman Barrero.

Thank you.

Um this resolution is basically re-upping on our subscription to vision government solutions for the expense of sixteen thousand one hundred and thirty dollars.

This helps us keep track of the almost 17,000 properties across the city.

It provides vital functions like uh keeping track of our grand list, uh keeping track of our property records, land records, things like that.

And uh I have to say it out of all of the city services.

This is one that I personally use a lot.

Um it provides a great education tool for people, provides a transparency level that we would otherwise have to go to the city clerk's office and use a lot of staff and resources to produce.

This allows us to just go online and click on a map, and we can see things like the sewer lines, the sidewalks, the street layout, various different tools.

And so with this, I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any discussion?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye all those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Melanowski for item number eight.

Thank you, Honor.

I make an uh I make a motion to accept and adopt item eight.

Second.

Second by Alderman Gibson.

And this is to authorize the mayor to enter into a purchase uh to negotiate and execute a purchase and sale agreement with RMS H H I L L C for uh the property uh at 125 Columbus Boulevard, and also an additional parcel A, which uh is 0.44 acres of potential covered parking area adjacent to Route 71, and I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any discussion?

Alderwoman Delernia.

So is the is the um okay who would I address this to?

Thank you.

Corporate counsel.

So does this mean the original agreement is void?

Uh does it have to be renegotiated?

And is it renegotiated at the same cost?

The original agreement is still pending because we discovered that this point for four acres was not included in the original resolution.

So we wanted to make sure that we got authorization for that, and then the purchase and sale agreement will be finalized.

But the original RFP was for the point eight point 0.85 acres plus this parking area of 0.44, but it was just omitted in the resolution that was submitted to council and approved by council.

So we just wanted to make sure we got this approval, and we're gonna finalize.

Once we get this approval, we'll finalize the purchase and sale agreement.

Okay, but the cost isn't gonna change.

No, because the cost included that parking because it was part of the RFP, so their cost included that parking lot area.

Okay, I was concerned is because it does say authorized to negotiate and execute.

Yeah, and it's already been it's just a matter of including that piece in the negotiation.

Right.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Alderwoman Scott.

I'm just wondering, do we know what they'll be doing with the property?

This is the project that came last year.

I don't know if you remember, they're doing low to moderate income housing.

Okay, so they did a whole presentation.

Okay, that's still the same.

It's just this parking piece where we were negotiating the purchase and sale agreement, and the attorney said, Well, what about the parking?

And then I realized it wasn't in the resolution.

So they they will get more parking spaces there.

They require this parking, and then they have to get seven additional spots, um, which they'll be leasing, um requesting permission to lease from the city.

Okay, okay.

Looking into that because I know there's a lot of complaints about the parking in that area.

Yes, so this will be great.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any other discussion?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Item number nine.

Um, Alderwoman Ortiz.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion to have staff then adopt item number nine.

Second.

Second by Alderman Barrero.

This resolution is for the mayor of New Britain to fill out any and all necessary documentation for the application and execution of this grant under the Connecticut Judicial Branch Court Support Service Division, Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, Youth Service Prevention Grant Program, and the sum of 25,000.

The funds are to be used by the New Britain Powell program.

Um, and looks like the way they are going to uh use the funds is uh $15,400 is going towards equipment and supplies, and the remaining balance of $9,600 is to be used for participant travel and training, and I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any discussion?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Let's see.

Alderman Delernia for item number 10.

Thank you, Mayor.

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

Second by Alderman Melinowski.

This is a budget amendment for the police department.

Uh the Connecticut DLT Highway Safety is making available federal highway funds for overtime for our police department.

The purpose is to reduce distracted driving, which is um has a major effect on uh fate fatalities and serious injuries in our city and in Connecticut.

So in accordance with federal requirements, I guess they are uh reimbursing us at a cost of 39,955.

And I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any discussion?

CNN, all those in favor say aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderwoman Vargas for item number 11.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I want to make a motion to accept and adopt item number 11.

Second by Alderman Simpson.

Thank you.

This is a very uh important resolution for me.

Uh it's uh recognizing April as autism acceptance month in the city of New Britain.

It says honor in the Mayor and the common council, whereas autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction and impacts individuals and families across all communities.

Whereas increasing public awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autism is essential to promoting inclusion, dignity, and respect for individuals on the autism spectrum, and whereas individuals with autism bring unique talents, perspectives, and contributions that enrich our schools, workplaces, and community life, and whereas uh families, caregivers, educators, and service providers in the city of New Bretton play a vital role in supporting individuals with autism and advocating for access to services, education, and opportunities, and whereas the city of New Britain is committed to fostering an inclusive community that supports individuals of all abilities and promotes equal opportunity and accessibility.

And April is recognized nationally as autism acceptance month acceptance month, a time to promote awareness, celebrate neurodiversity, and encourage acceptance and inclusion of individuals with autism.

Now be it resolved that the city of New Brent hereby recognizes the month of April 2000, April 2026 as autism acceptance month in the city of New Britain.

And um, yeah, this uh resolution was really special to me.

Um some know, some don't know, but I have a 24-year-old who's on the spectrum.

Um I can share it with you that um when she was in school, services were wonderful, services are great, kids are great when they're um small, and um, you know, when she was diagnosed 20 years ago, um, it was one in one hundred and ten kids that were diagnosed, and twenty years later we're up to one in thirty-six.

Um, I can tell you as a mom of an autistic and adult child.

I still still my child.

Um, you know, the community is not catching up.

Uh employers are not catching up.

Um, and these kids are gonna become adults, they are adults now, and there's no opportunities uh for them, they're very limited.

Um, and they're bright, creative, wonderful, intelligent human beings, and they should be treated as such.

So I'm happy that we are um putting our foot put foot uh forward um to really recognize that everyone deserves an opportunity and um diversity is beautiful, and um I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

I concur.

Um, any other discussion?

Alderman Simpson.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Just really quickly.

Um I gotta double down on what Alder Woman Vargas just said, right?

Employment opportunities are fewer and scarcer for folks with autism compared to neurotypical individuals, right?

Um, and I just want to highlight that things that may seem easy do not in any way indicate that they are accessible, right?

It was today that I taught somebody how to do something on Google Sheets, and although it's an easy task, if it's not broken down in a way that's accessible, the ease never gets reached, right?

And so making information making systems and practices accessible, that's the first key to addressing easy or hard tasks.

And when it's a hard task, we all need help, right?

So something seems easy, and you see something that isn't getting done by somebody, make it accessible for them.

I think this resolution helps highlight that.

I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any other Alderwomen Delernia.

Thank you, Jessica.

That was great information that I wasn't aware of.

And they I agree with you, and you know, oftentimes some of these kids or adults that are on the specter spectrum actually can do things easier than we can.

You you may have to explain things to me, and you know, my friend might be able to pick up on it quicker.

But if I may, I'd like to give a special shout out to a good friend of mine who I know is watching.

Uh, he's an incredible, incredible man, 31 years old, great sense of humor, witty, um, always making me laugh when I'm in his presence.

And um, I just like to say hi to Noah.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Alderwoman on Scott.

Yeah, I just wanted to say um recognizing autism is super important, and I was happy to sponsor this resolution to make sure it was here tonight.

Um, my understanding is that, and I and I agree with everything that everybody said, I I think we all learn differently, and so we just have to appreciate the way we learn and work with people the way that they learn so that they can get things done.

It's my understanding that the city of New Britain, which I think is really wonderful.

I think last year, last term, we talked about the police department.

I don't know if there's anybody here tonight, I don't think there is that can talk about it, but I I we do have uh online registration.

We have a registration for it's um a database where families and people who are um who may have autism um can register themselves so that the police department would know um ahead of time that before they come out for a call.

Um, and so if you want to do that, I just wanted to encourage people to do it to sign up if they just so that they know because we know with what's been happening recently in Harvard um with the fatalities, um, we just want people to be protected and keep people safe, and I know that a database like that could save people's lives.

So I I asked the question last year if it was open to other diagnoses, and I hope that that is being done, or we can look into it to make sure that people have the opportunity to register their children or their family members or themselves, just so that the police can know and be aware before they go out to the call.

So I just hope that we can keep people safe.

So thank you.

And support individuals.

Alderman Santiago.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Uh, I too uh stand and support this resolution as uh previous years mentioned my sister, she's autistic, wonderful woman.

She's not a kid, she's definitely a woman.

Um, and her birthday is April 16th, so I just want to say happy birthday to her sooner than usually I don't celebrate sooner than it, but says it's the only time before our next meeting.

Happy birthday, Jesse, and love you.

Thank you, Alderman.

Alderman Barrero.

I just wanted uh briefly say that uh when I saw this resolution, I was uh actually extremely happy.

I saw I got a smile on my face immediately.

I do have a few nieces and nephews who I adore uh who are also in the spectrum, so I just you know want to say that I'm all about the solution.

Resolution, thank you.

Thank you, Alderman.

Anyone else?

Okay.

So all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Simpson for item number 12.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I rise to make a motion to accept and adopt item number 12.

Second by Alderman Um Luz Luna.

Thank you.

Uh, I'm not one to usually read full resolutions, but fair housing is extremely important.

I can fully appreciate that people are discriminated against.

Uh, especially against a resource that does help secure our other human and and civil liberties and rights.

So, whereas April 11th, 2026 marks the 58th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which was a follow-up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The 1968 Act expanded on previous acts and prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, the rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, and as amended, disability, and familial status.

Title VIII of the Act is also known as the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

And whereas U.S.

Department of the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development recently announced that it will enforce the Fair Housing Act on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, extending protections to millions of LGBTQ plus people.

Even broader than the FHA, though, New Britain's Fair Housing Ordinances cover all protected classes under the FHA, as well as ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, and lawful source of income.

And whereas each year, HUD communities and organizations across the country recognize Fair Housing Month by hosting an array of activities that enhance the community's awareness of their fair housing rights and highlight the national commitment to end housing discrimination.

And whereas an open and inclusive community committed to equal housing opportunities, create a diversity of people and cultures which greatly enhance every work in educational environment.

And whereas the City of New Britain understands the importance of upholding these laws and realizes that these laws must be supplemented by an affirmative statement publicly endorsing the right of all people to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice.

And whereas Mayor Bobby Sanchez, the Common Council of the City of New Britain, the Community Services Division, and the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and Fair Rent Commission are committed to upholding Fair Housing Law, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 by continuing to address discrimination in our community, to support programs that will educate the public about the right to equal housing opportunities and to plan partnership efforts with other organizations to assure every New Britain resident of their right to fair housing.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Common Council and Mayor Sanchez endorses a fair housing policy, uh section 2-198, the city's ordinance to ensure that no person shall discriminate with respect to housing in the city in violation of any federal, state, or local law.

And I will say, as well as New Britain does on our fair housing uh legislation and enforcement, something that has come up in our federal government is a deep concern.

Um that is the essentially overhaul of housing providers, state, municipal, public, or private, uh, to affirmatively further fair housing.

And this means that our federal government essentially does not value the notion that despite these laws, discrimination still occurs.

It means that the federal government has a lower bar than we do, and that's why it's important to fight for things like fair housing here.

So I urge adoption of this resolution.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any discussion?

Alderman Scott.

I just wanted to piggyback off of what um Alderman just said that the the fair this resolution is really important because of what we're going through in this country right now, and that it's really important that we in New Britain continue to recognize and support the fair housing.

So thank you so much.

Thank you, Alderman Scott.

No other discussions.

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman, Alderwoman Scott for item number 13.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Um stand to uh adopt and accept and adopt item number 13.

Second by all the women Luna.

Um, this is the Earth Day resolution, and Earth Day is on April 22nd.

Uh in 1970, this began where they start they celebrated the first Earth Day.

And Earth Day is a fra it looks at our potential dangers and helps us to protect our environment.

And the City of New Britain has taken great strides in improving awareness and promoting the um solarization, numerous properties, including the New Britain Water Treatment Plant, SMALE Academy, and Smith Elementary School.

And the Common Council acknowledges our collective responsibility for our environment and education and their steward net stewardship and community sustainability.

And our goals are to partner with among local businesses, environmental organizations, schools, and the artist community to help rise community.

Um and we observe Earth Day as a springboard of exploring new avenues to sustainability, and we are committed to natural landscape and keeping our environment sensitive and safe.

And so I just wanted to mention that we are having a Earth Day cleanup on April 25th on North and Oak Street, and that will be from 10 to 12.

And this is with the NRZ, and we'll have light refreshments before and afterwards.

And I encourage anyone to reach out if they would like to join us and cleaning and keeping our neighborhoods safe and clean.

And I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any further discussions?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I rise to accept and adopt item number 14.

Second.

Second by Alderman Santiago.

And this is a sad one.

This is for child abuse prevention, but we can look at it on a positive side too, as we're going to work on preventing it.

Um every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, nurturing environment, free from abuse and neglect.

Child abuse and neglect is a serious public health issue and societal issue, where the well-being of children and families are maybe long-term consequences for individuals in our communities.

The City of New Britain is committed to supporting the physical, emotional, mental health, and children by raising awareness and promoting education and encouraging community environment and child abuse prevention efforts.

Research demonstrates that if we are positive relationships with our children and caregivers supporting families in need, that we will prevent and prevent child abuse and neglect.

So organizations such as DCF, along with advocacy groups, schools, community partners work diligently to protect children, safety, and strengthen families and provide critical services.

So I just wanted to mention that sadly, here in New Britain, we saw the consequences that children could experience recently with the case on Clark Street with Mimi.

And it's important for us to love and support our neighbors, our families, and check on people if we don't see them, or check on them if we have concerns, and report to proper authorities if we see that there are concerns, and teach our children safety plans, teach our children how to protect themselves in any situation that they may possibly ban, and make sure that they know safe adults in any situation that they can go to at all times to seek support.

So here in the city of New Britain, we recognize the month of April as child abuse prevention month and I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any discussion?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

May I have a motion to adjourn?

Santiago, second by Alderwoman Luna.

All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

All is opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

The meeting is adjourned at 829 p.m.

Yes, yes, they're going to be able to do that.

Oh, yeah.

I don't know how to say something.

Okay, so we need to see it on this one, and then I'm so excited.