New Britain Common Council Regular Meeting - May 27, 2026

The New Britain Common Council held a regular meeting on May 27, 2026, beginning at 8:16 PM. The meeting included public participation, approval of routine items, and adoption of several resolutions. Key discussions centered on the city budget, education funding, and the city's ongoing investigation. The council voted on items including IT subscriptions, fuel purchases, the Willow Street Park expansion, and tax abatement reports.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items A, B, and C) was approved unanimously with 14 votes in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Kristapic (292 Linwich Street) congratulated the council on increased state funding for schools and the total funding for the Ellen Street project, thanking Ward 4 council members and Frank Chase. He noted the sale of the high railer to a private family office, questioning whether the new owners had reached out to the city. He also referenced a Republican lawsuit regarding Ward II and urged the city to do better.
• Desiree Acosta (193 Amherst Street) expressed frustration that a special meeting on the budget was called on short notice. She argued that funding new administrative positions (e.g., a deputy director in public works) while underfunding education is inconsistent. She urged the council to conduct a serious reexamination of the April 17th budget proposal and to engage directly with the superintendent and board of education rather than relying on rhetoric. She stated that withholding adequate funding from students is “punishment imposed on children and educators for political disagreements among adults.”
• Paul Canzero (250 Hill Hurst Avenue) agreed that better notice was needed for the meeting. He expressed sadness about the ongoing city investigation, urged letting the investigation complete before public commentary, and noted the lack of applicants for the finance director position.

Discussion Items

• Council Responses: Several council members responded to public comments. Alderwoman Scott agreed that the situation on social media was “super embarrassing” and suggested that charter issues underlie the debate over filling vacant seats. She supported education funding, noting the budget provides sustainable increases over time. Alderwoman Delernia expressed frustration that the meeting was called last minute and noted that an amendment to add funding for education, which would not have increased taxes, was defeated. Alderman Santiago stated he ran on funding education but also must protect taxpayers; he mentioned personal struggles securing an IEP for his son and said the budget addresses infrastructure and provides more state funding than ever before. Alderman Simpson emphasized the need for sustainable school funding over multiple years and expressed hope that the budget gives the Board of Education certainty, particularly regarding the 49 untenured teachers whose names were released on April 23rd.
• Budget Vote Context: The council voted on the city budget during the meeting. The exact vote tally and final budget numbers were not explicitly read into the record in the transcript, but multiple speakers referenced the budget’s passage.
• Resolution to Withdraw Item: A motion was made to withdraw item number five from the agenda, which passed unanimously (14-0).
• Petitions Referred: Two zoning petitions related to compliance with Public Act 25-1 were referred to the City Plan Commission and Zoning Subcommittee.

Key Outcomes

• Item #1 (IT Subscription): Approved to purchase a $46,341.18 annual subscription for IT time clock technologies. (Voice vote, unanimous)
• Item #2 (Fuel Purchase): Approved to purchase motor fuel from East River Energy via a state contract. (Voice vote, unanimous)
• Item #3 (Willow Street Park Extension): Approved to proceed with the Willow Street Park extension project, using the Capitol Region Council of Governments program for cost-effective construction. (Voice vote, unanimous)
• Item #4 (Vehicle Purchase): Approved the purchase of roll-off vehicles for Public Works. (Voice vote, unanimous)
• Item #6 (Revenue Collector Report): Approved the monthly report on tax abatements, corrections, and refunds. (Voice vote, unanimous)
• Item #7 (Ordinance Amendment): Referred to the Administration, Finance, Law, and Public Services Committee an amendment to align capital project bid requirements. (Voice vote, unanimous)
• Item #8 (Downtown District Tax Rate Renewal): Referred to the Administration, Finance, Law, and Public Services Committee the annual renewal of the downtown district tax rate for FY 2026-2027, with action expected in June. (Voice vote, unanimous)
• Meeting adjourned at 8:28 PM.