Welcome to the May 13, 2026 regular meeting of the common council.

It's now 7 p.m.

We'll begin with public participation.

And I just ask, I have a list I'll read from.

Please remember to state your name and address for the record.

Limit your speaking time to three minutes.

And ask that you address your remarks to the chair, not the audience or individual members of the council.

So let's begin.

First name on the list is Chris Conan.

Good evening.

I'm Chris Conan.

I'm a teacher at New Britain High School.

I live at 188 Stanwood Drive in New Britain.

I was here last week for the meeting, and I we didn't get a chance to speak.

So I wanted to come and defend the uh proposed budget cuts for the education that we're seeing right now.

Right now I'm specific, I don't think anybody should be losing their job, but right now I'm going to be defending the district coordinator of career pathways and community partnerships, which is currently held by Sandra Sanford.

Dr.

Gasper uses the expression uh building the beacon.

I don't know if you've heard that before, but when I was putting this speech together, it really solidified the meeting for me because nobody has done more for our academies and our pathways at the high school than Sandra Sanford.

We're nationally recognized by the National Economies Foundation with a distinguished uh title.

So what we're doing at the high school, and what has been happening is we're building classrooms to meet modern and industry standards, and we're connecting the students with many community partners and finding them internships, uh job shadows, going on field trips, having guest speakers come to the school.

We have four academies at the high school.

Uh, one is the public service academy, one is business and finance, we have health services and the Academy I'm in, which is the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology Academy.

Um, I don't know if anybody was able to make it to the academy's graduation last night, but we had a hundred and ninety students graduate with distinction.

If you do the math, that's around 30% of our graduating class.

Um if you're talking numbers, that is a very significant number, but we still like it to be higher.

Uh, the academies provide students with a vision and a goal for their future.

Uh, I've spoken with students before, and I encourage you to do the same.

Um, if you talk to people in this community, especially recent graduates, and ask them about the academies and their experience, I can almost guarantee you that they have positive things to say.

And it made a big impact on their life and their future.

Umother number I wanted to put out there is that just in the Met Academy alone, which is one of four academies, uh, Sandra Stanford is in the last few years reason raised over a million dollars to upgrade our facilities there, and that's outside of district funds.

So that's grant funding and community partnerships.

Um, that doesn't even count the middle schools, their shops.

We have a health academy who's been upgraded.

Um, in our public service classroom, we literally have an ambulance simulator, so not just a touchpad, but an actual ambulance is built inside the classroom so that the students can get hands-on experience with that before they choose and go into that career.

So I just wanted to end with saying that even though this isn't a traditional student-facing position, it's still facing elimination.

Um, but this impact that the position holds is massive, and it helps teachers also like myself to improve their instruction and actually offer real world experience.

Um, there's still a lot to do.

So uh without this position, I can almost I really believe that we're gonna flatline, and we're we're being visited by other schools to see how we're doing it.

Um, and then eventually we'll drop.

So we have to keep the momentum going, and I appreciate that.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you, Chris.

Our next speaker, excuse me, is Christina Haupt.

Did I say that right, Christine?

Good evening, members of the council.

Um, thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight.

I'm here with my math instructional coach team, but I will speak on um mine and their behalf as well.

My name is Christina Hott.

I live at 303 D.

Walton Way in Thomason, Connecticut.

I'm currently a math instructional coach at Chamberlain Elementary School, supporting both teachers and students.

I was previously a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Smith Elementary School for eight years.

Um, through both of these experiences, I have seen firsthand what fosters meaningful learning and the impact when those essential supports are no longer in place.

I'm here to ask the council to fully fund the superintendent's budget so instructional coaching can continue to be funded and these critical supports offered to teachers and students.

When people hear math coach, they sometimes picture an extra layer, something nice to have, but not essential.

I want to be very clear.

This role is not an add-on, it is a part of the infrastructure that helps teachers teach and students learn effectively every single day.

We work in classrooms side by side with educators, helping them plan lessons that meet the needs of all learners, especially those who struggle.

We analyze students' work to identify misconceptions before they become long-term gaps.

We support new teachers who are just building their practice, and also veteran teachers who are trying to adjust to new expectations and new standards.

When a teacher is struggling with how to reach a group of students who just aren't getting it, we are often the first line of support.

When the student falls behind in math, the intervention that we help to design and we help to provide students makes the difference between catching up and falling permanently behind.

In fact, every math coach in elementary schools on average sees four to five intervention groups daily.

Without coaches, teachers have less embedded support, instructions become less consistent across classrooms, and students will not receive any math intervention.

This is not theoretical.

We have seen it in other districts who have reduced instructional coaches.

Students' outcomes declined, and rebuilding that capacity later is far more expensive than maintaining it now.

I understand the reality of budget constraints, but I urge you to fully find the superintendent's budget so the instructional coaches can continue to work with teachers and students.

This role has a direct impact on classroom instruction, teacher effectiveness, and students' achievement.

Over the past three years alone, elementary math proficiency increased by more than 11% points, rising from seven to nineteen percent, and the work is not done yet.

If the goal is to improve outcomes for students, to close gaps and to ensure every child has access to high-quality math instruction that provided funds to ensure supports like instructional coaches are maintained, are imperative to help us reach that goal.

Thank you for your time, your service, and your commitment to our students in our community.

Thank you, Christina.

That was a three-minute speech.

How do you do?

My name is Kevin Schubert.

My residence is 86 Nettleton Hollow Road in Bethlehem, Connecticut.

I run the auto shop at New Britain High School.

I'm here to reinforce uh the wonderful things that Chris Conan said about Mrs.

Sandra Sanford, who is the district coordinator of career pathways and community partnership.

Um my understanding of the issue at hand is the school side of town is short five point six million dollars, and they're asking the municipal side of town for that 5.6 million dollars.

And I believe that one way to reduce the deficit, which I uh also believe is not uncommon in in education is to reduce some positions within the Connecticut, excuse me, consolidated school district of New Britain.

I reduce some teachers and staff.

Uh one of which is, of course, Sandra Sanford.

Um, Mrs.

Sanford, as Chris had mentioned has brought in millions from the outside so if we're asking for 5.6 million from the inside right and she's bringing in money from the outside it seems to me she would be the last person we would want to eliminate and um just a thought that's been running around in my head that I want to leave you all with um to eliminate Mrs.

Sanford's position as district coordinator of career pathways and community partnership based on all the money she's bringing in from the outside would be to me like eliminating the goose that lays the golden eggs thank you for listening to me have a blessed evening thank you Kevin our next speaker is Sondra Sanford Good evening my name is Sandra Sanford I reside at 26 Pheasant Run in Newington Connecticut.

Good evening members of the common council to start I want to thank you all you and all the stakeholders engaged in this budget process I serve as a district coordinator of career pathways and for transparency my position is currently on the list to be eliminated due to the budget gap my journey began in 2002 from business teacher to department chair to academy lead to assistant coordinator coordinator and now coordinator while my title has changed one constant has been my commitment to the growth of career tech at CTE building countless opportunities for New Britain students fosters the hands and minds on learning that provides them with a true competitive competitive edge currently we maintain a middle school pipeline and four distinguished academies at New Britain high school each accredited by the National Academy Foundation my role supports the teachers curriculum development professional development work-based learning events and numerous industry and community partnerships the successes the court of this coordination is reflected in our student outcomes students in the academies have a higher graduation rate averaging in over 93 percent while the high school average is 72 percent all of our academy students participate in work based learning experiences connecting classroom theory to real world practice we have over 120 students a year per aver on average that earn industry recognized credentials such as voluntary income tax assistance Vita CNA OSHA currently snap on para pro and most recently we have the emerging emergency medical responder we also facilitate 18 plus college credits courses allowing students to earn transfer transferable credits before graduation our academies are in a state of constant growth and expansion we are not just maintaining we are building and this work spans over four critical sectors of our local economy academy of health sciences direct pathways to health care academy of business and financing developing the next generation of entrepreneurs and accountants academy of public service serving our education and our first responder pathways an academy of manufacturing engineering and technology we're working with the stuff um students earned department of labor pre-approved pre-apprentip hours as stated by alumnus Isaiah Henry when he spoke class of 2015 when he spoke at the board of end meeting on April 6th these academies provide immediate exit velocity velocity into the workforce however expansion doesn't happen in a vacuum students cannot gain these future ready skills if the infrastructure supporting their teachers and programs is dismantled with the existing budget gap loop budget gap looming we face a reality where for the first time in over 30 years a CTE academy's coordinator may not be represented at central office this is would make CT the only subject without uh dedicated to support professional development the 501c partnerships bringing outside funding into our district as a comprehensive high school we must balance college preparatory academics with vocational excellence this is the economic development New Britain needs in February, we had the pleasure of showcasing these academies to our our state legislators who were able to see the high level of future-ready skills our students are gaining.

We would like to extend that same invitation to you for our next event, which is April 19th for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the automotive.

Thank you for your time and your commitment to our students.

Thank you, Ms.

Sampton.

May 19th.

Sorry, May 19.

Our next speaker is Desre Costa.

Good evening.

My name is Desiree Costa, I live at 193 Amherst Street.

Sandra Sanford is one of those administrator roles that many of you asked about last week that's possibly going to be cut.

And it is not a fluff role and it is not an administrative role we should be cutting.

Her contributions are extraordinary.

And the graduation rate for those academies is probably more than 93%.

I heard over 95% compared to the 72% at this high school for any students that are not involved in the career academies.

I would love to talk to you all about a number of things that are on your agenda tonight, and I don't have time to do that because I have to talk to you about education funding.

That is how important it is.

I would like to talk about number 19 in particular, but I don't have time for that.

Many of you on this council know me.

Some of you have known me for years.

We worked together, disagreed respectfully, supported one another, and shared the same hopes for the city.

And because you know me, you also know this.

I would not stand before you advocating for funding that was unnecessary, inflated, or irresponsible.

I just would not do that.

I wouldn't waste my time or yours.

What we are discussing now is essential.

This is no longer a conversation about trimming excess, cutting extras, or finding fluff in the budget.

Those conversations have already happened and those reductions have already been made.

We are now at the point where failing to fully fund this budget, this education budget means cutting essential roles, essential services, and essential supports for our children.

And that matters, and I know you know this.

Throughout the presentation last week that the superintendent uh provided, there seemed to be an effort to diminish some of the district's progress while simultaneously acknowledging that the consolidated school district of New Britain has been historically underfunded for well over a decade.

I struggle with that contradiction.

Because we cannot acknowledge years of underinvestment and then criticize educators and administrators because recovery has not happened fast enough.

Can't do that.

Progress after prolonged underfunding is incremental by nature.

And yet, despite those challenges, there has been progress.

So when I hear comments like I'm not impressed with these numbers, after hearing acknowledgement of years of financial neglect, it felt deeply dismissive of the work happening inside our schools every single day.

And you get what you pay for.

Especially because many of the people making decisions about this budget are not directly connected to the realities inside our school buildings.

Some do not live here, some are not closely connected to the New Britain education system, and some did not raise their children and do not raise their children in our education system.

But the families who are living this every day do understand the impact.

The educators understand it, the students understand it, the parents sitting awake at night worried about what gets cut next, understand it.

And they are asking this council to do what many promised during the campaign season.

Fully support public education.

Tonight I'm asking this council to increase the MBR by 2 million dollars and to utilize $2 million from reserves to close the remaining gap, and that doesn't even fully close it.

Not because it's politically convenient or easy, but because it is necessary.

Because the cost of not doing it will be measured only in not only in numbers on a spreadsheet.

It'll be measured in larger classes, reduced student support, lost opportunities, burned-out educators, and children receiving less than they deserve.

And our kids have been here begging to receive funds that are rightly theirs.

I know, Alderman, I know the gavel's been picked up.

So I will finish.

I know.

Um, this city cannot continue operating in a cycle where education is underfunded.

You all know that.

It's criticized for struggling under that underfunding and then denied the very investment required to improve outcomes.

At some point, we have to decide whether we truly believe education is a priority or whether it is simply something we praise during campaigns and negotiate away during budget season.

We can't do that.

I believe New Britain is better than that.

I believe in all of you.

And I believe this council still has the opportunity to show our students, educators, and families that this sitting is willing to match its words with its action its actions.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you, Ms.

Costa.

Thank you.

Next speaker is Heather Mayano.

Miano.

Good evening.

Members of the Common Council and New Britain community.

My name is Heather Miano.

I live at 155 Stanwood Drive in New Britain.

I'm a born and raised New Britain resident, a business owner within this city, and a teacher within the New Britain public schools.

I am a proud graduate of New Britain High School, class of 2011, and a former student within the very academy system we are discussing tonight.

I stand before you in strong support of Mrs.

Sandra Sanford and the critical role she plays as district coordinator of career pathways and community partnerships.

Much of Mrs.

Sanford's work happens behind the scenes, but the impact of that work is visible every single day in our schools and throughout our community.

She has helped secure grants and funding opportunities that directly benefit our academies, teachers, and students.

She works closely with our middle schools to ensure students and families are informed about all that New Britain High has to offer through showcases, academy open houses, and recruitment efforts.

At the high school, it continues with but not limited to NAF initiatives, work-based learning opportunities, guest speakers, and internships.

She has helped bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world by building meaningful community partnerships for our students.

She also plays a major role in supporting teachers and staff through work with advisory boards, department collaboration, professional development, and individualized coaching opportunities that help strengthen our academies year after year.

Although much of her work is done behind the scenes, she makes her presence known in the school, classrooms, hallways every week with check-ins and support.

As someone who directly benefited from this academy model, I can personally say it changed the trajectory of my life.

It inspired me to come back and give back to this city that taught myself.

I taught for five years at Smolly Elementary School, and I am now finishing my fifth year at New Britain High School teaching within the Academy of Public Service, teaching many of the courses that I once was a student in.

And it prepared me for the future that I am going through today.

So much more has been added to the Academy's development since my own participation in 2011, and we wish for it to continue and grow.

Its growth will certainly be stifled if the position of district coordinator of career pathways and community partnerships that Mrs.

Sanford holds will be eliminated.

Every year, educators are asked to do more, improve more, and create more opportunities for our students, and we're asked to do it with fewer resources, less support.

I live it every single day at my classroom at New Britain High.

Removing Mrs.

Sanford from this role would not only be a loss for staff, but a tremendous loss for our students and the future growth of our academies.

We need to invest in our students' futures.

We need to invest in retaining the excellence that New Britain has to offer.

It begins with Sandra Sanford and the key role that she plays.

I really urge you to recognize this value that the work she has done has had a lasting impact on the New Britain students and the family and communities here.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you, Heather.

Our next speaker is Meg Shay.

Make.

Good evening, members of the Common Council.

I'm Meg Shea.

I live on North Main Street in West Hartford.

But I will say I have worked in the Consolidated school District.

First as an art educator, now as an administrator at New Britain High School, and I've been in the district for over 30 years, 32 and a half to be exact.

I'd like to take you back if I can to March 2020, when COVID hit, and education almost overnight came to a standstill.

Schools closed.

Uncertainty filled our communities.

The world paused while we tried to figure out what came next.

Yet, within weeks, educators were back up and running doing what they have always done, serving students and their communities.

During that time, society began to see teachers differently.

People call them heroes because they were and they still are.

New Britain High School Met Academy teachers, other content area teachers, students, and community members came together for a common purpose.

Political affiliation did not matter.

Titles didn't matter.

What mattered was helping people get the job done.

That collaboration did not happen by accident.

It was possible because of relationships that already had begun and were built a few years earlier.

One of the people responsible for helping create those partnerships was Sandra Sanford through her work coordinating pathways for our students.

Before the pandemic, Sandra helped forge relationships between our New Britain schools and local manufacturing partners, formerly OK Industries, but now Avna.

Those partnerships connected classrooms to careers and gave students opportunities to learn skills rooted in the very history of this city.

New Britain was built on manufacturing.

It is part of this city's DNA.

Sandra Sanford has helped strengthen New Britain Highs Manufacturing Academy and expand opportunities for all students who may one day stay in this city, work in this city, and continue to build this community.

I understand there are difficult decisions to make.

They represent the very collaboration that carried us through one of the hardest moments in our recent history.

Sandra's position as district coordinator of career pathways and community partnership reaches far beyond the walls of a school building.

Sandra's position is one of those positions that will be eliminated if the budget shortfall remains as is.

I really appreciate you listening this evening.

I appreciate you being here last week and listening, and I thank you.

Thank you, Meg.

Our next speaker is Paul Edwards.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

My name is Paul Edwards, and I live at 717 Shuttle Meadow Avenue in New Britain.

I'm here to speak to you tonight about what I believe is item 19 on your agenda list tonight, the resolution appointing Jamie B.

Vaughan as Alder Person for Ward 2.

First, I want to address uh procedural concern I have that I want to bring to your attention.

Make sure you think about this, and second of all, I want to uh provide my support for the appointment of Mr.

Vaughn to that position.

Procedurally, what is public record is at the last uh regularly scheduled common council meeting, this body appointed Mr.

Colin Osborne to that position.

This body has taken no action since that appointment happened, although it's my understanding that Mr.

Osborne submitted an email indicating that he wished to resign about three hours after receiving legal papers suggesting that his appointment was improper and in violation of state law.

I'm unaware of any action this council has taken to accept his withdrawal or his resignation or otherwise undo what I believe was an illegal appointment at the last meeting, and I offer that to your consideration as something that I think this council needs to consider and take up tonight as a condition proceeding to addressing item 19.

With respect to Mr.

Vaughn's appointment, I just want to remind this council that in 2022, the Charter Revision Commission in this city amended specifically Section 33 of the Charter to specifically adopt and embrace the minority representation rule set forth in Connecticut state law.

In particular, you can find it in Section 9167A, sub-paragraph G of the Connecticut General Statutes.

It's crystal clear that under the circumstances where Alderman Hargraves ran as the endorsed Republican candidate, appeared on the ballot as the endorsed Republican candidate, was not otherwise on the ballot, and won re-election to that office.

He is considered a Republican under state election law, and therefore under 9 167a subparagraph G, his replacement must be a registered Republican, not someone who was a Democrat until the day before someone suggested he switched his party status to try to receive this appointment.

That's illegal, and the legislature thought of that in advance.

That's why there's a 90-day requirement.

So Mr.

Vaughn satisfies all of the credentials and qualifications for this appointment.

He lives in the city of New Britain.

He is a resident of Ward II.

He's an adult and a voter.

He is a registered Republican.

He satisfies all the criteria for the appointment.

There is nothing that disqualifies him from the appointment.

And if this body fails to appoint him because it doesn't like his politics, I would suggest to you that you consider very strongly that they that may very well be an act by this council that violates Mr.

Vaughn's First Amendment rights.

He is an active member of this city.

He cares greatly about this city.

He is a veteran.

He is a constable.

He served on commissions in this city.

He is utterly qualified and deserves the appointment of this council.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Edwards.

Next speaker is Don Satellino.

Don.

Good evening, Common Council.

I forgot all my notes, so I'm going to make this impromptu.

So I'm going to take this over here.

I have two things on the agenda.

Okay.

I don't know which one is more important than the other.

Okay.

One is with the education.

Okay.

A lot of cities and towns in the state are struggling for education.

Okay.

Let me tell you something.

When the lottery started 55 years ago, the money was supposed to go for education and the elderly.

From what I could see, it hasn't worked out for anybody.

Okay.

And taxpayers in this city and all over the state.

You can't tax them to death with increasing their uh property tax.

You can't do that.

Okay.

Someone needs to call Wilmot and release some of its money that we have, you get a ton of money from the lottery and the casinos.

Any state in this country would love to have that income.

Any state.

Okay.

I'm not an educator.

I'm the children in this in the system.

Any educator in this city or any city or town in the state shouldn't have to take money out of their pocket to pay for materials and supplies.

I wouldn't get the money from the state.

Right?

They're loaded.

So someone needs to contact Lomont.

I will run into Lamont one of these days and I will tell him.

I will tell him myself.

Okay.

I'm in the bar industry.

I do parties and functions.

I'll catch up to one.

I'll catch up to him.

I know I will.

Okay.

You can't tax people to that.

You can't.

It needs to stop.

Okay.

Get money from the state.

In fact, Loban is probably on his computer right now, seeing how much money he's got in his account because he's a hoarder.

It's gotta stop.

That's the first agenda.

Second agenda.

Okay.

I know there's an issue here with uh the use of credit cards in a cis in the city here.

Okay.

Someone needs to be held a little more accountable where these credit cards go and what you're spent and all that.

I know there's an investigation going on and all that stuff.

I don't know all the details.

Okay.

But I can't see a mayor having a credit card, okay, and and joining a club.

Are you freaking kidding me?

Okay, I'm sorry.

That's taxpayer dollars.

Takes take the money and spend it for a better use where it could benefit every city in a rim.

He's a stop.

So somebody needs to look into that.

In fact, if the mayor has a credit card, I don't know.

I don't need to know, but he if he has one, he should surrender the card.

This way he won't get in trouble.

Simple.

I don't want to stand here six months or a year from now going over the same thing.

That's it.

Thanks.

Thanks, Mr.

Satellino.

My pleasure.

That's all the names I have on the list.

Is anybody calling in?

7922.

Caller 7923, name and address, and the floor is yours for three minutes.

I can you hear me okay?

Yes.

Okay, first day.

I do want to um you know, everyone that's both on the academy.

I said, I mean, well, can I I'm actually going on something that's not on the agenda, about the reach out to me, and I thought it was just a good year.

It's about public development on the corner of the road, and the road.

All these projects are being called a travel center, and in reality, and I think the community design has a whole lot of discussion about that, what that means in our area.

My biggest concern is the location of the project and the activity for us, and like an engineer, and the increase, the traffic, and time, and congestion, boy, and other household, we know that.

And I think also, I'm also concerned about the environmental time.

I'm local while I can't remember how many records are the income, right now.

Beyond traffic and environmental concerns, I think we call it paying issues on all of them, and we have a large amount of operation, and they're increased crime and risk associated with the economy.

I mean, who will not have people sometimes, but last night, twenty eight, and thirty, seven, twenty time, and then we can't even decide that it's on the house.

Whether or not those issues would occur here, and I'm not paying it should talk to driver, I'm paying it's all the jobs for a travel center.

Okay, I've already contacted the mayor, the superintendent, my board board council members, and um to the Board of Education as a vice president because I've made the first proposal as there's have a terrible review and a strong public.

I'm coming to you all the assumption that tapping into the domestic water line as a service-wise and the water department, come before one of the commission for a concept.

I'm just making that assumption that I really don't know how this works.

I just know it's in the planning.

Um I'm just hoping that you take time to fully evaluate the long-term impact on public safety, traffic, infrastructure, quality of life before moving forward with any type of approval.

If this doesn't come before council, I would appreciate that we can go into the town of Hardington town manager, their planning and zoning committee.

For anyone who wants to learn more about it, I can send you a link to all the documents where if there's just a one-liner in there that says Japanese and the domestic water that we service.

So again, I don't know what we use the topic, but I do plan on being on the point.

Thank you, Ms.

Colling.

Any other callers?

No.

Alright, uh, does anybody else wish to address the uh council?

Anybody else?

Ms.

Lou.

You two.

Youth before age, uh, Mr.

Hi, my name is Lisa Liu and I live at sixty-three Bassett Street.

Uh month of May is military appreciation month.

And I am coming here to let you know about the many memorials in this city for the people of New Britain that have served in the military.

Two of them have some special qualities.

One is the Iwo Jima Monument on the Newington, New Britain town line.

This is uh the original national monument of Ivo Jima in New Britain and uh a little bit more important than the famous one in Arlington National Cemetery.

It contains rocks from the actual Mount Sarabachi that the soldiers uh planted a flag on.

And if you don't know that before, you would be interested to know it now.

The second one is the monument for the Port Canadians, and I apologize if I don't pronounce it correctly.

I learned that this monument is one of the largest monuments dedicated to the regiment outside of Puerto Rico.

And I hope to come in see it sometime.

Uh up close.

For this month, I believe there's a flag send ceremony at Fairview Cemetery around six o'clock, on Thursday, the twenty-first.

If we create more events for people to acknowledge the service of people from New Britain in May, after hours, uh, not just during the weekdays.

I think that we could benefit from learning more about our local history and appreciate the sacrifices that people from New Britain made and for those who never came home.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Lou.

Anybody else wish to address the council?

Good evening.

Sorry that I didn't know I was here in time to sign up.

My name is Angela Delfonso.

I live at 16 Jones Drive in New Britain, and I'm here in support of not only my dear friend, but uh one of the finest educators, uh director of our academies, Ms.

Sandra Sanford.

I retired from the Chamber of Commerce in 2015.

I was fortunate enough to be able to provide some of my so-called expertise uh to the to the high school academies to bring in partnerships that will benefit our students.

Sandra's lead uh Mr.

Sanford uh Sanford's uh leadership has exemplified the work that goes on on behalf of the students.

What was said tonight with our educators here are uh the uh teachers from the various academy segments and all that.

I would invite you to come in if you haven't already done so.

I would personally invite you to spend some time at the high school, and I would be your personal guide to show you what has been done on behalf of our students by Mrs.

Sanford.

Uh last night we had a graduation of our academy students from all from the various uh academies, with the auditorium was filled with all the parents of these students to see what was going on.

A lot of these kids are going on to further their education.

A lot of them are also have made contacts throughout the last number of years with our community partners, whether it be manufacturing, automotive, or whatever the case may be, public service.

So, really, it would be a travesty, it would be a travesty for the cuts that have been proposed, but especially with the leadership of Mrs.

Sanford.

I would hope that you upon I know you have tough decisions to make, but this would be an easy decision once you see the work that has been going on for the last number of years.

I'm also a proud pro product of the high school for 60 years ago, was my graduation year, but seeing what has been going on firsthand in these last number of years that I've been involved, you would be proud, not only proud of our administrators, but proud of our students and how they excelled within their organizations.

Thank you for your time.

I appreciate it.

Thank you, Mr.

Alfonso.

Any other speakers?

Any members of the public wish to speak to the council?

One more time.

Any other members of the public?

Seeing none, this concludes uh public participation.

It's 7 42.

And I would just uh invite any older people to uh comment briefly on what they've heard.

Alderman Smedley.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Um, I uh just want to rise and thank all my colleagues from the school district for continuing to come out to advocate for uh the uh needed funding to close the gap.

Uh please know that uh myself, the minority caucus uh are putting in some work uh to make suggestions to the majority caucus to hopefully help uh answer that call for the funding that is needed.

I also want to mention that I do rise in full support of Sandra Sanford as well.

Uh, she is a champion of our school district.

I have the privilege of executing the projects that she dreams up in the school district.

Uh one of which she invited you to the auto shop renovation um on May 19th.

And uh when I execute a project for her, she we start with uh a budget collaboration meeting and she says this is what I want to do, and I say you can't afford that, and she tells me start, I will find you the money, and she normally does.

So I think that's a very very important and great quality that she brings to the school district as an administrator.

She goes out and finds the money beyond the operating budget that we need.

So thank you, Sandra, and thank you to everyone who came out to support her.

Thank you, Alderman.

Anybody other member?

All the woman Maldonado.

Hi, I just want to say thank you to everyone who came out once again to advocate for education.

I completely agree with everything you all said.

Every single position in our school is essential.

Education should always be a priority regardless of circumstances.

Thank you.

All the one scott.

Yep.

Oh, did did somebody else?

Well, that uh all the one scott.

I'm standing.

All right, everybody.

Peace and love.

Um, every part of education is very important and it's essential and it's necessary.

Tutors, I'm gonna give a little self-declosure.

If I didn't have tutors and extra support, I would not be standing here right now.

So believe me, I know firsthand how important they are and making sure that our kids are learning in and outside of our classrooms.

Um and if I have to myself, I just planned a field trip and took the kids to the Capitol, whatever it takes to get them out and in the community so that they can thrive as adults.

Um the Board of Ed, we fund we delegate the the um we do the budget, right?

And then the Board of Ed will delegate where the money goes.

So we don't have any um we can't control who they give money to.

But like I said at the board of ed meeting, I think it's a it might be important for us to be creative, and I really admire you guys for coming here and standing on business and not letting that backing down.

Um I'm really happy that the state gave us some money and we're trying to work on actually improving the gap that we it's been flat funded.

I love that our Alderman wants to help and support with funding, but that has been not funded under people's watch here, and it needs to stop.

Like we are going to we are working towards stopping the flat funding here.

So regardless of what happens with this budget, we are making huge improvements this year.

So I just want to make sure that everybody's clear with that.

I raised a daughter here.

I know the concerns that every parent has.

I lived those concerns myself, and it was not easy.

Believe me.

But you know, keep standing on your business because it's our job as adults to protect nurture our children, nurture all of them.

So I want to thank the gentleman that came and talked about accountability because I think it's really important that we do that, and you're right, that kind of stuff does need to stop.

Um in the collar gale, I had someone I can't remember who it was, but someone was talking to me about the truck stop, and I I have the same concerns that you have with that.

Um, and it was during the sexual assault awareness month because that the safety concerns around that seem to be, I mean, I need I need more information about it, of course, but I think I have the same concerns that there could be safety issues, and again, with our children, we don't want to have those concerns.

So um, I think you uh Lisa, thank you so much for coming out and bringing up our troops.

We love, we support our troops every single day.

Um, the courage that they that they have and what they have done for us every day and they still do for us today.

So thank you so much for bringing that up as well.

And I don't really want to I mean we'll get to it when we get to item number nineteen.

I didn't forget you, we're here too.

Um, but I do have concerns with our charter.

I believe like if there's some way that we could fix our charter because we've had issues with this prior to this appointment, like these appointments this term have been a concern.

Um, so I think we need to look at how we fill a position here on the council moving forward, might eliminate some of the problems that we've had with that.

But thank you all for coming.

Thank you so much.

Thank you all.

Good evening, everyone.

Uh I just want to thank everyone who came uh forward from the school system um to support uh Sandra Sanford.

Um she sounds like a marvelous person.

Um, so I'm I'm rooting for her and and you know, hopefully everything can go the way it needs to go.

Um, and I also want to thank um Gail Collin uh for for calling online to give us that information about the truck stop on Feemin wrote us later.

Um, it's it's good to know that information.

We'll we'll look into that information.

Um, as well with uh um Sue for speaking um on behalf of the uh of the monuments, um, the Iwo Jima this of the cemetery and the regiment.

Um so with that being said, just thank you for all the military members um in the past and current for your service.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderman.

Alderman Gibson.

Good evening.

So I'm gonna go twofold on the education um department, especially the academies.

I was fortunate as a parent to have a daughter complete the health academy and be uh be very successful and go on and receive a full academic scholarship from um Brain High School.

And um, the other part to that I was one of those manufacturer workers when COVID hit under the leadership of uh Sanjay Sanford.

So I'm just um hoping that we can find a way to uh fill that gap and fulfill all these um positions and we all be in a good um position as far as education goes.

So we will continue to work and hopefully we'll get to that point.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alliman.

Any other members?

Any other members?

Seeing none, I just want to conclude and again thank uh thanks for the advocacy for the academies at the high school.

Uh I appreciate it, the good work's being done.

I just want to summarize where we're at at this point in time in the budget making process.

Um, we have received word that we have thirteen point two million dollar increase from the state of Connecticut.

It's an eighteen percent increase in education.

It's going nowhere else.

And we have uh the mayor's proposed budget has raised the MBR, which is a significant turn of events.

I know the amount isn't enough to solve uh school funding equity.

That math tells me that there are no longer a hundred and one positions on the block, as was stated on April 23rd.

And I look forward to having more clarity uh again as all the woman Scott said, we're doing our best to allocate the funds.

We have no say as appropriately it is, boards of education are autonomous as they should be.

Those decisions rest with with the superintendent's recommendations of the Board of Education.

So I hope we can work our way through that.

And then just to conclude, I went over to Farmington Monday night to Miss Connolly's point to the planning zoning, uh, where they set the date for a planning zoning hearing in July.

I believe the date she references an environmental commission.

This is entirely because it's Farmington land in the hands mostly of um mostly of the town of Farmington.

However, the site is almost contiguous with backyards of people on Slater Road, to her point.

So I think New Britain folks can weigh in on that very strongly through the summer.

That's all I have.

Uh and that concludes public participation and responses at 7 52, the regular meeting will begin shortly.

Council members, can you find your seats, please?

Great, thank you.

I call to order the May thirteenth, twenty twenty-six regular meeting of the Common Council.

The time is now seven fifty-nine p.m.

Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll?

Yes, Your Honor.

Alderman McNamara?

Here.

Alderwoman Scott.

Here.

Alderman Simpson.

Present.

Alderman Smedley.

Alderman Malinowski.

Alderman Gibson.

Alderwoman Delerna.

Yes.

Alderman Santiago.

Present.

Alderwoman Barbosa.

Alderwoman Vargas.

Excuse.

Alderwoman Maldonado.

Alderman Centeno.

Alderwoman Ortiz Luna?

Alderman Barrero.

Thirteen presents, Your Honor.

One excuse.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Madam Clerk, for the invocation, followed by the pledge of allegiance.

As we gather for this first meeting in May in a season of renewal and gratitude, we ask for your guidance over this council in our community.

Grant us wisdom to lead fairly, patience to listen openly, and compassion to serve every resident with care and respect.

We give thanks for the mothers, grandmothers, caregivers, teachers, and all those whose nurturing spirits strengthens our families and neighborhoods each day.

May we also remain mindful of those facing hardship, illness, loneliness, and or uncertainty, and recommit ourselves to building a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Bless the work before us tonight.

May the decisions reflect unity, accountability, and hope for the future of our community.

In your name, Amen.

Thank you.

Alderman Santiago for the minutes.

Second by Alderwoman Barbosa.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Santiago for amendments.

No amendments, sir.

Okay, no amendments.

Madam Clerk, any petitions?

No, Your Honor, there are no petitions.

Thank you.

Alderman Santiago for the consent agenda.

Thank you, Honor.

Make a motion to accept the consent agenda of items A, B, C, and D.

Second by Alderman Smedley.

Okay.

Madam Clerk, can you please call the roll?

Alderman McDemair?

Yes.

Alderwoman Scott?

Yes.

Alderman Simpson?

Yes.

Alderman Smedley?

Yes.

Alder Alderman Malinowski.

Yes.

Alderman Gibson?

Yes.

Alderwoman Delarnia.

Alderman Barbosa.

Yes.

Alderm Alder Woman Maldonado?

Alderman Centano?

Alder Woman or Tizluna?

Yeah.

Alderman Borelero.

Twelve.

Yes.

Was that twelve?

Yes.

I didn't call Santiago.

Oh.

No.

Okay.

Thirteen, yes.

Motion carries.

Um Alderman sentenal for res for the first resolution.

Item number one.

Thank you, honor.

I think the motion to accept the box item number one.

Second.

Second by all the women loose lunar.

So this uh resolution is uh revised section uh subjective order, microphone.

Some secuments of the ordinance that relate to um uh let me get my notes here real quick.

Um is relating to general purposes, animal health, blight, and housing violations.

They increased the the penalties which haven't been increased since uh two thousand and eighteen and I urge adoption.

Any questions or comments?

Alder Woman Scott.

I just wanted to um just raise some concerns that some constituents brought to me.

I'm not against this resolution.

I just wanna um hopefully just encourage just make a statement that we um try to improve um the trash pickups like a lot of people are not being able to get rid of furniture or things like that because we only have five items once you know once a year and then um they're actually right now, and I just called yesterday, we don't have any cans um available in our city.

Um and it's nobody's fault.

I'm not pointing fingers at anybody, it's just that they haven't been delivered yet.

So um just just to keep in mind just for residents, um, that this this fine is increasing, but I want to work towards helping access to getting rid of our bulk pickups and things to help our residents with the trash pickups.

So thank you so much.

Thank you, Alderman.

Alderman Smithley.

Thank you, uh Mr.

Mayor.

Just uh question to the author uh of the amendment um and specifically item E, any person found in violation of subsection B in access of three incidents.

I'm gonna submise uh we're gonna remove their trash cans if they don't pay the fines.

Is there somebody present who added that language?

Corporate consent.

Okay, well.

And I apologize, I wasn't at the committee meeting.

I had a work obligation, so I couldn't attend for discussion purposes there.

Thank you.

So I guess my my concern and you're the great person to address that is if we remove trash cans from a residence, I imagine the trash is just going to either pile up on the property or on the curb line.

Uh so it's starting a a cyclic process that will probably never end.

And we struggle already with trash on property.

So how is this gonna benefit?

Yeah, so our concern is we we do have the regulation on the books that requires that people take out their garbage cans um no earlier than twelve o'clock the day before pickup and bring them back inside um no later than twenty-four hours after pickup.

Uh we do have a public works has staff that um patrols the city and issues warning and tickets for those items.

Um this essentially gives us a little bit more teeth that if we continue to be ignored, um, that there is that threat.

And I and I completely hear your concerns with um you know what happens when we take them away and then it's it's not it this isn't necessarily focused on um the the blight and housing violations.

This is specific towards people leaving their carts out or garbage carts out and not removing them in.

Um and so the idea is just to make sure that there's there's some sort of a backstop for this.

I just want to express my concern that I have a feeling this uh this consequence would lead to a bigger problem that we're already trying to fight.

And to that point, I mean it is it is up to the to um director Moriarty to to enact that it doesn't necessarily have to do it.

Sure.

Um I I have to think, and I don't want to speak for him, but I have to think that this would be in a very rare cause when this would have to be take place.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Um, Simpson.

Thank you, your honor.

Uh I think I share a similar concern there, uh, primarily for public health concerns.

Most of our residents in the city of New Britain are tenants, and so if this uh, you know, if, for example, a landlord is responsible for bringing out the uh bringing out the cans to the curb and they're not doing that prop properly.

Whether they live there or not is kind of secondary to the people who do live there, right?

These are their tenants, and they're by right, according to the city of New Britain, uh entitled to safe, fair housing, and if we prevent people's uh method of disposal of waste, whether it be tied to other behaviors or not, that problem will either be exacerbated for blighted properties currently existing, or it's going to create new instances.

And this is just a matter of analyzing human behavior, right?

If we block the way out, it's going to stay in.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any all the women's alone.

Um I I agree with both the Alderman concerns.

But in addition, can I be reminded again of the percentage of these fines that we actually collect?

Caleb, you want to answer that?

I felt this would come and so I did the math.

Uh bear with me one second.

And so these numbers were were current up to, I believe, um last year, we're still trying to recover that data.

So this is from 2025.

So from 2014 to 2025, um we wrote a total of 1,067,752 uh dollars in fines.

We collected $600,000.

Uh it's 57%.

Now keep in mind that the earlier years, and as we discussed in the subcommittee meeting, the earlier years we have a higher rate of collection just because there was more time for whatever lien we may have placed on the property to then be paid off.

And again, the idea is uh eventually that property will transfer, and in order to have a clean title to sell the property, um the lien has to be paid.

Okay, so we're looking at 57%.

We're increasing now by another $50.

Do we have the manpower to go out and enforce these fines?

We're we're enforcing the the ordinances.

The violations, right?

But still, uh how do we how do we okay, how do we go out and force collecting collecting, I think is is the right.

Okay, do we have them yes?

So so collecting is uh the the property owner, the person responsible for the violation that was cited in the first place is is notified that now they have uh we have a legal process if we go through a judgment line.

So it's a very thorough process to make sure that the property owner is notified um through through the regulatory process.

Um so they have every opportunity from the the warning that it's gonna come to the ticket to uh uh a that's left on their house to um the letters that are sent out from our clerks to finally the the notice that it's being placed on on the land record so and every step of the way that property owner is notified that this is gonna happen and it's up to them they can pay it today or they can pay it in 10 years but eventually they have to pay it.

But we're still looking at 57% and that was only at 99 dollars.

Yes so it was 57% overall over the entire length of our program the first year is 75% the second year is 80% the third year is 80% the fourth year is 85%.

So like I said those earlier years because they've been there longer the rate of return is much higher and so play that out over you know through ever you know our term here with the city those numbers will continue to increase so I anticipate that those 2014 numbers will eventually get to a hundred percent we just have to be patient okay unlikely but okay thank you.

Thank you Alderman Thank you.

Okay seeing no other questions um all those in favor say aye all those opposed say nay are you on okay so we have four and one okay motion carries um alderman borero for item number two thank you your honor uh I'd like to accept and adopt resolution number two um this this resolution is to uh it's uh for Mavis discount tired um seeking the grant of sir uh certificate of location approval to allow the DMV uh issuance uh of motor vehicle repair license and property known as seven six one five Harford Road in New Brandon Connecticut and I urge urge adoption any questions see and none all those in favor say aye.

Aye all those opposed say nay motion carries Alderman is Santiago for item number three.

If your honor make a motion to accept item sorry I make a motion to accept item number three second um alderman Lisa Luna.

This uh this is a neighborhood assistant act program on the authority of the chapter chapter two to AA of the Connecticut statute the neighborhood assistance act provide a tax credits for businesses firms that contribute financially to community programs that have received both municipality and state of Connecticut Department of Revenue Services approval a public hearing of the council for the city of New Britain was held on April 22nd 2026 on the subject of neighborhood assistance act programs and the following applications the YMCA of New Britain House of Teens for 25 thousand with a request CCA uh CCARC Inc.

the Kelsi Street Pro um group homes for 9,775 thousand and neighborhood housing services for Brawl Street and West Main Street energy efficiency retrofitted improvement projects which was a hundred and fifty thousand and uh urge adoption.

Thank you any questions on this seeing none all those in favor say aye.

Aye all those opposed nay motion carries all the Santiago for item number four.

Thank you on a make a motion to accept item number four second by Alderman Simpson.

And uh Your Honor I would like to uh amend uh substitute the original resolution to the one that I passed to all council members all council members have these substitute yes your Honor um I'm I'm just going to recuse myself from the vote um my son is a student and one of the organizations that applied for this.

So I'm gonna recuse myself.

Thank you all the one for the substitute I'm just uh point of inquiry mostly for corporation counsel on this um just really quickly so the state law allows a member of the legislative body to also be a member of the public library and municipality I'm that member and I see the library has money here do I recuse myself here or since this is something put on between the city in conjunction with the library can I say council that the councilman that's always a decision for the individual member if you feel that there's a conflict or potential or the optics are bad then I would recuse myself if that's how you feel um it's a personal choice.

I think it's not necessarily how I feel considering the state law does specifically have a special car ballot in addition this is a partnership with uh New Britain Institute and the you don't have to address we can see that no I'm just saying I just I just want to cover basis here.

Thank you.

Thank you Alderman all right back to uh substitute um as you know it was uh substitutions were that we uh removed five thousand from the boys and girls club campshade and five thousand from the park and rec's after school program and allocated it to ten thousand to um the big boy big brother the big sisters otherwise everything else is totals up to the same amount which would be the one million five hundred and nine thousand one hundred and eighty four dollars and I urge adoption is there a second second second sorry alderman McNamara now any questions on the substitute seeing none all those in favor say aye aye all um opposed nay motion carries alderman McNamara for item number five hold on a second she was listening okay your honor yes um I believe the motion you voted on the motion to substitute did you vote on the motion as amended so I think we have to just go back to item number four and vote.

Okay so we did the substitute okay the substitute but I don't believe you voted on the motion as amended okay okay so do we have any questions?

Okay so we're voting on the motion as amended all those in favor say aye all those opposed say nay motion carries okay so now we go to um alderman mechanism for item number five thank you honor this is a motion accepted dot number five second second by all the on the motion this is a project um at West Main and Vine Street intersection for improvements right safe for pedestrian connectivity increased accessibility improved operations for vehicular trap travel and as an enrichment of the surrounding neighborhoods uh these uh street improvements are coming at a cost of seven hundred and ninety four thousand seven hundred and ninety four thousand four hundred dollars um the EPW department is identified the lowest responsible bidder as Carlos Hall Siteworks corporation and I just have a really a a uh question or two for Mr.

Moriarty if he's here is Mr.

Moriarty present yes he is mark how you doing I just uh like like your take on the timeline for this project beginning and and to end well if you guys um approve this tonight the pre-construction meeting will be uh as early as Friday um project is um sh it would be done it's scheduled to be done by November 15th actually so this uh the timing works out pretty well um colliselle is just completing McKinley drainage improvements um will be done within the next couple weeks so actually the timing works out good where their their crew should be able to slide right over to this project quickly so that uh overlook McKinley project is is nearing completion and so the inconvenience to uh all the structure work is the drainage work is done they're doing surface work on paving will happen within the next uh just over a week all right thank you and I again I urge adoption uh m uh mr mr miss mr mayor thank you alderman and Alderman Simpson thank you your honor I rise in support of this resolution um just a couple questions for Mr.

Moriarty I notice here it creates essentially uh a new green space would this be uh part of the private property lot next to it or would this be a parcel of land for the city as in like would this be a public park?

Yeah it's a s like a small pocket park.

Beautiful and um any connectedness here to the uh B line trail routes for bike lanes I kinda it it doesn't but the the B line trail pretty much goes parallel to this and these two projects really complement each other the end of this project is pretty much a Lincoln tree where we're the trails coming in um yeah between those two projects we're significantly transforming this entire stretch which I think is a little bit um blighted you know after you come under that underpass that that little stretch it it really needed phase up and these two projects are gonna really make this area whole different feel thank you um and in terms of walkability is this intersection getting new pedestrian uh traffic signals I know we were exploring concurrent cycles and yeah is this coming in it is um yeah it I mean it's adding pedestrian crossings that didn't currently exist um shortening the distance for pedestrian crossings I mean it's a it's it's as vehicle or safety project also about I mean community connectivity grant that funded this is really about um pedestrian connectivity so that's one of the primary aspects of this project and coincidentally by us getting this project to bid with the community connectivity grant there was some more community connectivity fund that came available so our application that was for um concurrent ped phasing we're learning that that's likely to be granted under the same program so beautiful yeah I'd adoption thank you thank you any other questions from Mark seeing none thank you mark yep okay so all those in favor say aye aye all those opposed say nay motion carries alderman barbosa for item number six how many promotions for second adapting number six second by alderman barrero this is uh see this is the city of New Britain is seeking to maintain a uniform policy for the emergency management performance grant payment uh the city uh is authorizing the mayor to accept the EPEM PG program conditions of eligibility for federal fiscal year twenty twenty five which began October 1st, and to execute any and all documents necessary for the city to receive such grants, and I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any questions?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Centennial for item number seven.

Thank you, Your Honor.

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

Second by uh Alderwomen, Miss Luna.

This uh resolution, it's uh in regards to a contract for the fire department, or actually um the the Brimfire Department has always strived to provide the most to date technology platforms to its firefighters in an effort to increase and prove and improve our ability to serve the city of the Bridge and the Britain Fire Department currently is utilizing vector solutions, target solutions addition as its electronic learning management system to provide online training, constant content and training documentation to conduct and track all legally required training.

Victor Solutions has provided this attached uh the attached invoice, which I have here, and uh for renewal of this services for the period of July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027, and the amount of fourteen thousand seven hundred and nineteen dollars and seven cents.

I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any questions?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye, those opposed nay.

Motion carries.

Alderwoman Barbosa for item number eight.

Your honor, I make a motion to accept that adopt item number eight.

Second by Alderman Smithney.

The fire department is required to provide all newbrand firefighters for structural firefighting protective gear that is compliant with the National Fire Protection Association standards.

This resolution is allowing the fire department to contract with CNS specialty inc of North Smithfield, Rhode Island for the purchase of 20 full sets of lion V4 structural firefighting gear for the amount of $83,200 under the source role cooperative purchasing program funded from the fire department fire operations fund line 00121202-5659 operating materials and supplies and I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any questions on this one?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Those opposed nay.

Motion carries.

Alderwoman Barbosa for item number nine.

Your Honor, I make a motion to accept an adopt item number nine.

Second by Alderman Santiago.

Uh this is for the records management system upgrade.

No renewal contract with first due of Garden City, New York.

It's to continue to provide the records management system to include the modules in the attached quote with the subscription starting July 1st of 2026.

Funded from the fiscal year 2027 line 00121 2301-5434 maintenance contracts.

And I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any comments on this?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderwoman Ortiz Luna for item number 10.

Thank you, Your Honor.

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

Second.

Second by Alderman Morrero.

This resolution is to add to make an adjustment to the fire department budget.

And it's to transfer $30,000 from the fire department fire operation funds.

Line 0012 12002-5659, which is uh the opera covers operating materials and supplies and is to cover 20 sets of structural fire, fire fighting turnout year.

And I urge an option.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any comments or questions?

Seeing none for this one, we have to have a roll call, madam clerk.

Will you please call the roll?

Alderman McNamara.

Yes, Alderman.

Scott?

Yes.

Alderman Simpson?

Yes.

Alderman Smedley?

Yes.

Alderman Malinowski?

Yes.

Alderman Gibson.

Yes.

Alderwoman Delonia?

Yes.

Alderman Santiago?

Yes.

Alderwoman Barbosa?

Yes.

Alderwoman Maldonado.

Alder Alderman Centeno?

Yes.

Alderwoman Ortiz Luna.

Yes.

Alderman Barrero.

Yeah.

13.

Yes.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Motion carries.

Alderwoman Barbosa for item number 11.

Your Honor, I make a motion to accept and adopt item number 11.

Second by Alderwoman Luce Luna.

This is a purchase order that's been requested by the New Britain Support Services Department Public Safety Telecommunications Center.

They are asking for a purchase order to be issued for server hardware and equipment in the total amount of $52,944 to CDW government of Chicago, Illinois for the purchase of server equipment upgrades utilizing the state of Connecticut's DAS contract number one three PSX 0280.

And I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

All those opposed say 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 Santiago.

Thank you.

This resolution is pretty interesting.

Long story short, we are a member of CCM, the City of New Britain is a member of CCM, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.

And there is a seller that is essentially because of our membership, selling electricity produced right here in the state of Connecticut through solar energy production.

And as a result, engaging in this resolution, passing as is, would mean that the city receives an annual cash payment from the selling of this electricity in the amount of $15,000 for 20 years.

And these funds can be used to uh cover the city's electrical bills.

It can also be used to improve our own our own capacity building for electricity production, totally green, uh to my knowledge, zero carbon emissions.

And with that, I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any discussion on this one?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Simpson for item number 13.

Thank you, Your Honor.

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

Sorry.

Second by Alderman Malinowski.

Thank you.

This resolution is also tied to electricity, particularly our facilities and energy division.

Essentially, this uh is a an agreement for the minimum of one year with the uh let's see, with Titan Energy of Hartford again through our membership through CCM.

And I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any questions on this one?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Barrero for item number 14.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Um, I like to uh motion to uh to urge and adopt uh resolution number 14.

Uh this is second by alderman Santiago.

This is regarding the New Britain Police Department um for the air cooled chiller um and critical condition uh for the facility, so it's to replace the uh the condenser coil uh which is gonna cost fifty-four thousand fifty dollars uh and I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any questions on this?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

All those opposed say nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Melanowski for item number 15.

Thank you, Honor.

I make a motion to accept and adopt item 15.

Second by Alderman Gibson.

And this is for the purchase of one 2025 Ford F 350, uh, with an eight and a half foot Fisher Snow Plow for the New Britain Public Works Department.

It is at a cost of 63,275 and 10 cents.

Glad I don't have to buy a car right now.

Uh and I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any questions on this one?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

All those opposed say nay.

Motion carries.

Alderwoman Scott for item number sixteen.

Thank you, Your Honor.

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

Second by Alderman Barrero.

Um, this is for Mental Health Awareness Month.

Um, mental health is essential for overall well-being, and it's important for our families or individuals and communities in Connecticut.

Twenty twenty percent of adults experience mental health disorders, highlighting the widespread of mental health challenges across our state.

In 2022, Connecticut um lost approximately 398 residents tragically to losing their lives by suicide.

In 2025, Connecticut faced a heartbreaking loss of five students to suicide, underscoring the urgent need for mental health support among youth.

The City of New Britain recognizes the importance of raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing the stigma, and promoting access to mental health services for all residents.

Mental health awareness month provides the opportunity to educate the public, advocate policies, and support mental health and celebrate the resilience of those living with mental health disorders, and so mental health is a part of everything that we do, it's essential, and this year is the first year that we're seeing mental health.

We passed a resolution to see it for every single day here in New Britain, and it's a part of our safety or education, our daily living to spread awareness and ending the stigma.

Um you don't have to have a problem to seek therapy.

And any person can benefit from having a human connection to a non-judgment person in a nonjudgment environment.

As a licensed professional counselor, I want to encourage everyone to seek resources if you ever need any support or you have a family member or friend that needs any support.

You can look on psychology today.

A lot of therapists will come up.

You can call two-on-one, you can talk to your um provider, your primary care provider, call two on one or 911 in emergency.

Um so I just I'm working on getting more information out for everyone so everybody can have access to information if you should ever need any.

I know we lost a student here in New Breton recently as well to I believe to suicide.

So I I hope that everyone will um support anyone that you see that might be in need.

Um and also we're having an event um for mental health on the May 29th at 6 30.

We had one last month, and it was really great.

Um we did some paintings.

I think we're gonna do some other activities this time as well.

It's free.

We'll have some refreshments, and it's a good way for us to connect with each other and learn coping skills.

And there's a walk at Walnut Harrow Park as well on Saturday.

So I hope everyone um will spread awareness and support each other, and I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderwomen.

Any questions?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye, aye.

All is opposed name.

Motion carries.

Um Alderman Simpson for item number seventeen.

Thank you, Your Honor.

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

Second by Alderman Barrero.

Thank you.

This is a resolution simply recognizing May as the month of the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month.

And I'm just going to read it into the record here.

Whereas Jewish Americans have contributed significantly to the cultural, economic, academic, scientific, civic, and political development of the United States.

And whereas Jewish Americans have played an essential role in shaping the history and values of our nation through leadership, public service, innovation, education, the arts, business, philanthropy, and whereas Jewish American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the enduring achievements and diverse experiences of Jewish Americans throughout our nation's history.

And whereas recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month promotes understanding, inclusion, religious freedom, and appreciation for the many contributions Jewish Americans continue to make in communities across the country.

And whereas the City of New Britain reaffirms its commitment to unity, equity, and justice, and honors the invaluable role that Jewish Americans individual uh individuals play in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

And now, therefore be it resolved that the common council of the city of New Britain formally recognizes the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month within the City of New Britain.

And I would just like to add that there are many Jewish Americans who have contributed greatly to my life and my upbringing right here in the city of New Britain.

And they teach me every single day to stand up and fight against oppression, to stand up against genocide, and to stand for those who do not have a voice, because many of those within the Jewish community have shared that same exact experience, and it is important to take these stories and build a better future in the shell of the old Irish adoption.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any questions?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderwomen Scott for item number 18.

Thank you, Honor.

I make a motion to accept and adopt item number 18.

Second by Alderman Barrero.

This is for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The AAPI Heritage Month is observed annually every on the month of May, and it recognizes the contributions, history, and culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

It represents a vast variety of languages, traditions, histories, and woven and fabric American society and contribute to the culture, social, and economic ability in New Britain.

This month serves as an important opportunity to celebrate in strength of the diverse and foster greater understanding of inclusion and respect among all residents of New Britain and the equality, justice, and honors the AAPI individuals play in the shaping of our prosperous future for all.

And I just wanted to thank CCSU for having me to um share with their their um celebration for this month.

And the museum is going to be having a free event all day Saturday, free access to celebrate the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

So I encourage everyone to stop by there and I urge adoption.

Thank you, Alderwomen.

Any discussion, questions?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman Gibson for item number 19.

Oh, sorry.

Alderman Smedley for item number 19.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion to accept and adopt resolution 19.

Second by Alderman Milanowski.

Thank you.

This is uh resolution uh to appoint Jamie Vaughn as Alder person for Ward 2.

And uh I'll read the resolution into the record.

Pursuant to the charter of the city of New Britain, the common council is vested with the authority to fill a vacancy in the position of Alder Person for Ward 2.

And whereas a vacancy currently exists in said position, and the Republican uh Rudd Caucus of the New Britain Common Council hereby submits with full support the nomination of Jamie B.

Vaughn of 17 Cottage Place to fill such vacancy.

And whereas Mr.

Vaughn is a United States Marine Corps veteran who has demonstrated a strong commitment to service and leadership, and whereas he currently serves as an elected constable for the City of New Britain and previously served on the New Britain Veterans Commission.

And whereas he brings over 25 years of professional leadership experience and a proven record of community engagement, public safety collaboration, and organizational management.

And whereas he has demonstrated integrity, accountability, and a commitment to serving the residents of New Britain.

Now therefore be resolved that the common council of the city of New Britain hereby appoints Jamie B.

Vaughn to serve as Alder Person for Ward 2.

I would also just like to stress um that um Mr.

Vaughn is fully qualified uh to fill the position as is required in our charter, as you uh have heard previously um related to minority and majority representation.

So I would encourage uh the council to vote in favor of Mr.

Vaughn's appointment this evening.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderman Santiago.

Due to pending legal litigations and reviews, I make a motion to table.

Second, Alderwoman Maldonado.

Okay, all those in favor.

Roll call tabling.

Roll call.

Okay.

We'll have a roll call.

Madam Clerk.

Alderman McNamara.

Yes to table.

Alderwoman Scott.

Yes, for tabling.

Alderman Simpson?

Yes.

Alderman Smedley.

No.

Alderman Malinowski.

Alderman Gibson.

Alderwoman Delarnia.

No.

Alderman Santiago.

Yes.

Alderwoman Barbosa.

Yes.

Alderwoman Maldonado.

Yes.

Alderman Centeno.

Yes.

Alderwoman Ortiz Nulna.

Yes.

Alderman Barrero.

Yeah.

Nine for Your Honor.

To table.

This motion carries the table.

Your Honor.

Alderman Santiago.

I would like to remove item number 37152.

Annual description for Pentagonia Health Inc.

for the City of Building Health Department off the table.

Second by Alderwoman Barbosa.

It was question.

I'm sorry, Your Honor.

It was questions asked if this was sold solely for um Caleb is here to speak on behalf of it.

I think we have to vote on.

Oh, just a second, thank you.

Yes.

So we're going to vote on to remove from table.

From table.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, say nay.

Motion carries.

Okay.

Any questions and comments?

Alderman and Santiago.

Caleb is here to speak on behalf of the resolution.

Thank you.

Good evening again.

Glad I give you the bookmark on the end of this event.

So I I think that the question was about the sole proprietorship for or sole vendor for this software.

So after our last meeting, we went and we did some research to try to find other vendors that would be able to compete with what our existing data to a new system would be costly in addition to that, it would also take some downtime to retrain our staff.

Lastly, um, there was a module that this particular system has with regard to uh inventory management for our medications, um, for vaccines, and also for our sexually transmitted disease medications that doesn't exist in the other ones that we looked at.

Um it was possible to find it, but through a third party, so that would add an additional cost.

So we went to um our purchasing agent uh and requested an analysis um and uh they they did create a uh a memo um identifying that Patagonia is a source source vendor.

Thank you.

Any other questions?

CNN.

Okay.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed to saying nay.

Okay, motion to second by alternate system.

Okay.

So the meeting is adjourned at eight forty eight PM.

All those in we have the boat.

All those in favor say aye.

All those opposed saying nay.

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