I want to welcome everyone to the July 8th, 2026 regular meeting of the Common Council.

We will begin with public participation portion of the meeting.

It's now seven oh one p.m.

I have a list that I'll read from.

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

And you've got three minutes to address the council.

Our first speaker is Melody Rivera.

Melody.

Good evening, everyone.

My name is Melody Rivera, and I live on eighty-two Lorraine Street in New Britain.

I'm here today to formally introduce myself as the chairwoman of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities.

Before I continue, I want to take the time to thank all members of the Common Council for supporting the resolution on today's agenda to recognize July as Disability Pride Month in New Britain.

The commission along with the people we represent are very much in need of your support.

And this is a step in the right direction.

People with disabilities are often one of the most overlooked communities, despite being some of the most vulnerable.

Those with disabilities deserve to be acknowledged, to be heard, and to be valued.

It's simply not enough for people with disabilities to simply be included in society.

They need to be respected and to not be denied of anything that is their human right.

As the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, otherwise known as the ADA, is almost upon us.

There's also many people who have invisible disabilities, such as myself that have had our accommodations be questioned or denied because we aren't believed, despite our disabilities being documented.

This is unacceptable.

And again, we need to make sure that the ADA is being enforced in our city at all times.

There are many different types of disabilities, so if only some people with disabilities get help and not others, that's not justice.

This includes mental health by the way.

There's so much more I wish I can share, but I just want to say to please don't forget about us.

And remember that our community is better together, not apart.

Thank you for your time.

I hope you all have a great day.

Happy disability pride month and I hope to see you all at the walk and roll on July 22nd.

Thank you Melody.

The next speaker on the list is Jelly Jelly.

You can state your name correctly other than what I said for the record.

Everyone gets my name wrong and that's all right.

Hello everybody my name is Juliet Crater.

I live in I live on 54 Beale Street, New Brain Connecticut.

Who has ADD and autism?

I am a full-time digital artist and and an ongoing part-time college student who has faced many challenges in finding a job.

I know what it's like to be treated poorly back then and now I was employed I was employed at my retirement home for five years when I decided to quit my job because I was treated poorly by my fellow by my employer and my fellow co-workers my mother told me told me of one of the special education teachers said that that without me knowing that I wouldn't make it to a good college here I am today standing tall about to be two steps closer to my associates degree.

Without without my mother and my fellow peers I wouldn't reach reach my finish line to success and I know this speech is a bit short and short lived but I want you to guys to to know that that with this speech I want you guys to realize that I hope this speech will teach you a valuable lesson that we can accomplish anything if we can believe in ourselves and also happy disability prime prime months to you all thank you.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Orlando Baldwin good afternoon my name is Roland Baldwin I live at 375 Farmington Avenue in Brent Connecticut.

This is my second appearance but first I'm going to say these two young ladies I don't even know what to say after that.

But um there's a downside to mental health when it's a drug abuser involved.

And this is my concern right now with my building the activity doesn't stop it's a blind eye to it.

Now they is more taunting trying to provoke me into something because I'm the only one that's speaking up I go out in the hallway to stop the traffic maybe else close the door.

It's been going on for two years I don't know where to start so much to add.

But um like I said these two young ladies make me not even want to read the paper.

I have a disability but mine is uh wear and tear but you know it's good they'll be heard and I'll attend your meetings the next fourth Monday but um thank you for hearing and uh hopefully this gets solved sooner later thank you miss bald our next speaker is uh Alan Horde is that correct?

Alan.

Good to see you.

Good to see you.

Good evening, everyone.

I'm Alan Horde I live at 145 Columbus Boulevard and um I suffered a stroke 14 years ago.

Brain bleed.

When in blindness, I still have some weakness in the left hand side.

And I'm here to ask for um help for those who are disabled.

Especially the ones who are in wheelchairs, walkers, and kings.

At Columbus Commons, there's approximately 14 people who have assisted apparatus, if you will, devices.

And speaking with some of them, I didn't realize that some of the things that who are blessed to do other things that we took it for granted.

Like people in wheelchairs who had to maybe extend themselves even more to just put on a light switch.

To even go in the freezer, to maybe pick back, just pull back and go into the cabinets if they could even extend themselves or stand in front of the cabinet and pick what it is that they needed.

Getting in and out of the tub, all of these things that they want to be able to do, and they want to be independent.

And make it accessible to those who are disabled so that they can be able to live as opposed to exist.

Thank you.

I hope you have a wonderful evening.

Thank you, Alan.

Our next speaker is Luis Malabe.

Good evening, members of the city councils and fellow residents.

Happy Pride Disability Month.

My name is Louis Malave.

I live in 50 High Street.

I want to thank the city first for recognizing this important disability prime month.

That recognition matters because it tells that the people with pride disabilities, they are seeing value and included.

But I also want to share an important message with you tonight.

Disability prize should not be limited to just one month on a calendars.

Because the truth is that disability prize should be recognized every single day.

For many of Americans like me, also gay, disabled.

We suffer every day because of homelessness, disability, mental health, and even though it's disability prime month, it's not just about dignity.

I see that.

Truth.

Not something to hide or be ashamed of, guys.

Same as homosexuality or anything else.

I believe our responsibility extends beyond our resolutions, right?

We the resident of New Brand urge the city of New Brand for more full accessibility of our programs, meaningful employment opportunities and public spaces where everyone feels welcome and safe.

We also urge our elected officials to not just listen to our voices, but to also include us in the decision making that affects our daily lives.

It is true commitment that makes every day through our actions with policies that we make who we are, not just on paper.

We need to be kinder, united.

Because we belong together.

We're a city of one, not a city of separation.

I value us.

I value disability.

I value gay pride.

And I hope you guys do.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you, our next speaker is Iris.

Iris.

My dual link was helping.

Good night.

Thank you for this opportunity.

My name is Iris Biscarondo.

I live in 40 Davenport Street.

And I am so happy about this Disability Pride Month.

It is so important for mothers like me that have a kid with autism and ADHD.

People with disability have superpowers.

And I have to say this chore story because it made my day, and I am so proud of having him in my life.

Ricardo Santana is my autism kid, and I am so happy to have him.

I lost my computer because it was stole.

And he was like, Well, you lost your computer, but you didn't lost your data.

And I'm like, What?

Where is my data?

He said, I have it in a cloud.

And I'm like, who pays for that cloud?

And he was like, you.

And I'm like, I thought I was paying for Fortnite.

And he said, No, you're paying for my cloud.

Thank you.

And I said, So you have my data.

He said, See, yes, it's in my computer.

And that day I understood that moving here from Puerto Rico, I did the best choice.

My kid just graduated from ninth grade with honors.

And he continued making me see how important it is to have a superpower kid.

Disability is a skill.

Disability is a way of different way of thinking.

And all the mothers and parents that have kids with special conditions is because we have the superpower to protect them and to advocate for them.

So thank you for this prime month.

And I am so happy to say that a lot of people will be embraced and will be validated and think that they are really special like they are.

Thank you.

Thank you, Iris.

Our next speaker is Janet Rivera.

Janet.

Hello.

Good evening, members of the city council.

My name is Janet Rivera, and I reside at 82 Lorraine Street.

I am the mother of Melody Rivera, chairwoman of the Commission of Persons with Disabilities.

I am also a retired parenteducator who's worked with special needs children for 22 years.

As a mother of a child with disabilities, I had to learn how to advocate for services and modifications for my daughter to succeed in school socially and physically.

They felt helpless because they didn't have knowledge of the resources due to language barriers, awareness of programs, and the educational rights of their children.

We have to do better in letting as a and letting as a society, our community know that there is help.

Our city, our city, consolidated schools, and community services.

Please continue doing what you're doing, you know, in a unified way.

Because a community is measured not only by its growth and achievements, but how well it supports all of its residents.

Persons with disabilities are our neighbors, friends, co-workers, students, veterans, and family members.

They contribute to contribute their talents, skills, and perspectives every day.

So when barriers are removed and opportunities are created, we all win.

While New Britain have made many meaningful progress, there is still important work to do.

Accessible public spaces, reliable transportation, inclusive recreation, employment opportunities, and community programs.

These are not luxuries.

These are essential to ensuring that every resident in our city has the opportunity to participate full in community life.

The efforts made moving forward will help people live independently and feel connected in the community they live in.

They will serve as an example and demonstrate our sheer commitment to fairness, dignity, and inclusion.

I encourage the council to continue supporting policies, funding partnerships that expand opportunities for people with disabilities, whether it's through improving accessibility, supporting local services, organizations, and committees, ensuring that city programs are inclusive.

Your leader, your leadership makes a real difference in the lives of many residents and their families.

Thank you for the dedication to serving our city for your continued commitment, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity and th to thrive, and we can build up this community so everyone is valued, included, and empowered to reach their potential their potential in full.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you again.

Our next speaker is Lisa Lou, Lisa.

Good evening.

My name is Lisa Liu, and I reside at 63 Bassett Street.

This is the first time I've actually signed up to speak.

I blame my husband, he made me do it.

I would like to let you know that um I was recently diagnosed as having low vision and almost legally blind.

But thanks to great support services from the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind, and also a supportive workplace.

I have several assistive uh technology devices that work to keep me going, and hopefully I will keep on working for the foreseeable future.

I would like to mention some of the good things about New Britain since I discovered my new status.

We have Fast Track that allows me to go to my job.

Obviously, I can't drive anymore.

We have curb cuts.

I always press the walk signal for the four-way stop because I don't want to be run over by a car because I can't see it.

We have excuse me.

We have city buses, as I said.

I also heard that we have a very good disability rights advocate right here in the city.

They have uh at Besby um had some very good interactions with the city's disability advocate.

And in conclusion, I agree with everything that everyone has spoken about this uh evening.

We just want to be treated respectfully.

We just want to be supported and to be allowed to be independent as much as we can.

It's kind of a balancing act.

You can't do the things you used to do, but you want to be as strong as possible, and it's true that we have to be putting forth a united effort.

Thank you.

Thank you, Lisa.

Next speaker on the list is Shelley Gonzalez.

Shelley.

I have no clue how this goes.

Lewis brought me.

Blame him.

Okay.

What am I?

I'm sorry.

My name, right?

Well, Shelley.

I can go with 61 Art Street.

Um has it four o'clock I made this?

If I am hoping it works.

Okay.

Uh the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child.

But what about that sits right when the disability pride month is only one month?

But disability is every day.

Awareness month exists to a elevate marginalized voices, celebrate diversity, and advance civil rights.

But disability inclusion cannot begin and end with a single month.

Disability is a permanent part of human experience.

That is why inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities must happen every day, not just only in July.

Continuous action help ensures equality, access to employment, housing, education, health care, and community, while actively demanding dismantling everyday ableism.

While we can why can't inclusion take a day off?

Because barriers do not.

Everyday disabled people experience systematic inequality and employment and opportunities.

Physical and digital accessibility barriers, ableism, stigma, prejudice, and microaggressions, which I've seen myself in this community.

Ten ways to make inclusion part of an everyday life, which I've also put presented to people before, and it's actually worked.

Caption videos and meetings with actual captions so people can read.

Create accessible documents to help them understand what they're reading in a layman's terms sense.

Support flexible hours and opportunities.

Plan accessible events, amplify disabled voices and leadership, and in your community, probably keep the sidewalks and ramps clean.

A lot of that doesn't happen.

Support disabled owners and businesses and creators.

Speak up against everyday ableism.

When you see that near cornerstore ask another um street person that you do know has disabilities if they want to perform alcoholistic or any type of drugs to continue their disab their ableism to that situation, speak up, don't let it stand by.

Thank you, Shelley.

Are there any callers calling in?

No callers.

Does anybody else wish to speak that wasn't on the list?

Anybody else?

Yes, sir.

How are you guys doing?

Thank you very much for this time.

Uh my name is Mario Tomorano.

I live in 16 Noble Drive.

And I'd like to take this moment to uh first and foremost, thank you guys for the time you're giving us to speak about the situation we're going through.

Um I'm also disabled.

I have Asperg syndrome.

So I was diagnosed with affective disorders.

I have ADHD, maybe some OCD, and I like to thank my GOD for that.

Um so my story is a bit of a similarity.

I've been through a lot of struggles and a lot of situations that I used to not like.

You know, I've been to so much at the point where I try to end my own life at twelve, and I've been through so much medications and psychiatrists and all those things because of my disability.

But um I'd like to first and foremost thank uh everybody here for coming, speaking about what we're going through in our struggle and our day-to-day struggle.

There's an important fact that I hear a lot of, and that's helping one another out, loving one another.

And in all to honesty, I found a certain peace that I didn't expect to find about seven years ago through my Lord Jesus Christ.

So I'd like to thank uh God for this moment because he's giving me the strength to speak up a little bit and say that I agree wholeheartedly.

We do need to love each other a little more and give each other the proper amount of respect.

Um, one of the greatest faults though um me as a believer have is that people think I'm here to judge people, but I'm not here to judge.

I'm here to show you that Jesus loves everybody.

He tells us to first put God first and love one another.

That's the great two commands that he gave us.

So I believe firmly that I, as a person who's a believer now, also want to say that I'm not here to do nobody.

I'm here to love everybody, I'm able to understand people.

I mean, understand that I'm not perfect.

You know, I've also wants to lost what was found, and I like to think that um we can put a little of the emphasis of that on the one another.

And instead of judging one another so harshly, we can try to strive to love one another.

And sometimes more often than not, that's hard for us because we all go through a struggle.

Also, we're not always happy, smiley-faced peoples.

We all got built to pay about things to do, but I believe firmly that if we start spending one more time helping one another out, it could make a great affecting cause.

Um, I was going to say that if we could put our Lord into this first, you know, always because he gives us his strength.

I'm not always happy, but I know through him I can do many great things.

As it's written in the Bible in Philippians 4 13, I can do all things to Christ who strengthens me.

So I know for a fact out of personal experience, as a person who's able to lost, hurt, um, scarred mentally, whatever.

I know that it is possible through Jesus Christ.

So I definitely want to say thank you guys for this moment.

I want to say to everybody, if I can, quick prayer, because I know we're gonna leave soon, so uh Heavenly Father, I thank you for this moment.

I want to ask you, my God, you who know our hearts and minds, Father God that you help us in these times and needs, Father God.

You might never turn from a broken heart or from our somebody who's lost.

I ask you, Father God, you give us the strength to get through these days.

Father God, I ask you to give us the strength to love one another, as you do to help us realize God that nobody's perfect, that everybody has something going on in their life, Father God, but you say love your neighbor, pray for your persecutors and give your best to all people.

Between slapping the cheek, turn to them the other cheek.

So please, Father God, give us the strength to do these things.

Father God, put in your hands because it's in the back of the coin, and God we trust, and I know firmly this state, this whole country was built upon that ideology.

And I want to give you guys um one more revise.

God loves you, come to him, he'll make your disability into a super ability, as we mentioned beforehand, and all things are possible through him and to find peace.

In Jesus' name praise, amen.

Thank you, guys.

Thank you.

Does anybody else wish to address the council?

Anyone else?

Seeing no hands, this concludes a portion of uh public participation at 728.

Would any uh members wish to respond to what they've heard from the public?

Mr.

Simpson, uh Alderman Simpson.

My apologies.

Thank you.

Uh not Mr.

Chair, majority leader.

Um first of all, recog I recognize July as disability awareness month.

I see countless folks in our community, both with physical and other disabilities try their best to make ends meet and hearing the stories I I've heard tonight.

Um, something that really rings true, is uh is the way we designed our highway system.

And I know a lot of you have been following me either on social media or something.

Folks may groan a little at the research, but infrastructure designed without compassion restricts access to the services that we need in this city.

When they put the highways in, we built land bridges in downtown.

These bridges are so long and there are no services on them that people stopped going to the doctor.

This development happened before we had the community health center on Lafayette Street.

So for folks on the north end of downtown, the highways come through, and we made the services on the other side of it inaccessible.

I dare anybody to try and walk across the Stanley Street overpass or the Harry Truman overpass.

It's thousands of feet long and it's uphill in both directions.

This means if you're in an electric wheelchair, your battery does not go as far as it should to get you from your home to the services you need to make ends meet.

Um they reduced access to employment.

We hear people today having struggles being gainfully employed to make ends meet.

Compassionate infrastructure can curb those kinds of outcomes.

Um, and I'm proud to support the steps that the city is taking in the past couple years and what's up ahead.

For example, we have the V line trail.

This is a project that's going to be uh accessible for people to get from New Britain to Hartford.

And in theory, when it's done, you'll be able to walk or roll from the Western then to New Britain to downtown Hartford if needed directly in one shot using the fast track station mentioned earlier.

Also on the fast track station.

Anybody who rides that bus is familiar with the fence that runs along uh Columbus Boulevard right we used to have to go all the way around go all the way across the street and then essentially come back to just get from to get from one bus to the next that adds six to ten minutes to your commute and when your battery is already half drained minutes matter right we blew a hole in that fence and now you can get from A to B in a matter of 60 feet.

This means for folks who have uh like an electric wheelchair their batteries last longer.

They can stay in downtown longer.

They can use the services that they are entitled to and promised by the set of human rights that the city of New Britain has enshrined.

There's also going to be a micropark at Vine Street right now there are no truncated domes.

These are the little bumps on the curb cuts that let our visually impaired community know hey there's a street in front of you.

We don't have that on that intersection there are no buttons for the pedestrian crosswalk.

So yeah I don't blame anybody for not using it.

I don't blame them for jaywalking in the street the infrastructure is not there for the city to meet what I feel is its obligation to be compassionate.

And again when we're talking about the little things like that of course minutes matter.

This is our quality of life because the trip back from downtown is uphill it does drain batteries it does drain people's ability to walk in terms of walking I'm fully able and I have a hard time getting around downtown like that.

So I can only imagine what it's like for somebody who not only thinks the minutes matter but when it comes down to it the seconds thank you.

Thank you all any other members wish to remark.

Alderwoman Vargas and then Scott.

I just want to thank all the brave uh souls that spoke today um my daughter being one of them uh someone said super ability that is exactly what you all have a super ability um no one should have to struggle as much as we as as you do um we're all humans this is all part of the human experience we all should be kinder um there should be uh more access to job opportunities um than they are right now um there's many capable people who can do many jobs um if given the the the opportunity to um and I can't wait to see uh the city of New Breton uh reach that um because I know we can um you know we have a wonderful new chairwoman uh leading uh uh disability uh commission um all abilities we have to we named it the all abilities commission right because we all have you all have great abilities um and I can't I can't wait to see um what this commission is going to do um we want you guys at the table you know we want to serve you uh we want to serve all of you we want to serve all of our residents um things should not be as difficult as they are um and I again I can't wait to work with you all um I want to hear your voices we are here to represent you um and so don't be shy talk to any one of us if you are having a hard time like the gentleman spoke about uh Columbus well these are all things that we need to know um if you have trouble getting in your apartment um crossing the street um whatever it is um we are here to represent you.

Um, and I'm so proud that you all came up and spoke because um we heard you and um just thank you for your bravery again.

I I know speaking publicly is not easy.

Um, you know, I asked my daughter and I was like, are you gonna talk and just just write what you want to write and share what you want to share because every experience, um, every lived experience is makes you who you are and uh you should never ever be ashamed of who you are um because you're all special.

We're all special.

Um and we all like I said, we all have great abilities, so um thank you all again for showing up today.

Thank you all.

Hello, and Scott.

Hi everybody, peace and love.

Start up with Melody.

Thank you so much for coming out and thanks for all the work that you've been doing.

Um I know we talked before you became the chair a little bit and about you, you know, wanting to do the committee and be on the chair, and I knew that you would be the beautiful chairwoman that you are today, and I am so so proud and happy for you right now, and I just want you to continue doing what you do.

Um, Jessica's daughter, I don't know your name, but thank you so much for being so brave and coming and sharing your story.

Um and just being so brave and sharing your story.

I think that um that's really really really hard to do and thank you so much for doing that.

Um, and the third person, um, thanks for sharing your story as well and your concerns and Alan.

Thank you so much.

You you also you're amazing in the community.

Um, all the work that you do.

I appreciate everything that you've been doing, even standing up for your community, and talking for people who can maybe not have a voice or may not be here today.

And so thanks for doing all of that that you do right now as well.

Um, and the accessibility for housing is extremely important and continue to advocate for people with that.

And Lewis, you know I love you, I appreciate you.

Um, the work that you do is absolutely amazing.

Um, and yeah, I mean, this of course, disabilities, it's not just this month.

Just like with mental health um this year, we're trying that out.

We're trying to recognize that a little bit more.

We'll take it a step further, we'll keep pushing and making it so that everybody is recognizing these things every single day.

Um, and that nobody should be ashamed and the struggle.

We're not by ourselves.

We're we're actually modeling the behavior that we want other people to do.

And Iris, thank you also for coming and sharing your story and that story is like awesome story, and that everybody and that it is a super it is a superpower um that people have.

Everybody has their own unique way of learning and doing things, and everybody is beautiful and special because of that.

And Janet, thank you so much for being the amazing mom that you are and having this beautiful daughter that you have.

Um, we appreciate her and thank you for doing the work that you're doing and you educating people, and we do need to spread more um awareness, and I'll probably talk about that later um at the end of the meeting.

But Lisa also thanks for coming and sharing your story, and I am so sorry that you're struggling right now, and thanks for pointing out some of the things that we actually are doing, so then we can try to improve and build on those things.

So thank you for pointing that out to us, and Shelley, thank you so much for coming.

And I I loved hearing the ideals that you have, and I hope um as we're working on things that you can um share those things some more and we can build on those things.

It's very positive and even just you standing here today sharing it is really good for everyone to hear.

Um and we are the human race.

Um we're all humans and um the speak I think there was a last speaker, um, said that we're not perfect.

Um, you said something about not being perfect, and no one's perfect, right?

Um, and there's nothing that is normal.

I used to ask the girls I used to work with at residential, um, what is normal?

You know, um, there is everybody is different in their own way.

So we're all special and we're beautiful.

And so I will actually share some more once we read the resolution, but I want to thank you guys for coming and thank you so much.

Thank you all and all.

Sent down.

Thank you.

Um first of all, I want to uh say that thank you for all everybody that came out.

I had the honor, the privilege of working with um special ed uh students, way uh a while back after my first retirement as a police officer.

And those those children they taught me compassion.

They taught me patience, they taught me how to love in a very different way.

Um, but it it was it was just an honor for me to work with the with these students.

Tough.

So I'm not gonna, I'm not gonna lie to you.

They were the ones that kicked, they bit, they ran out and to chase them.

But they were the most loyal persons that I've ever met in my life.

Once you got to know them and you develop a rapport with them, they were they loved you unconditionally.

So I wanna thank them, but I want to thank everybody here for uh teaching us that and to for inspiring us.

I find myself I've been going through some stuff the last couple of months, six months, um, and every time I feel like uh down and I think of I think of those students and the inspiration that they give they they give me helps me uh deal with what I'm uh I've been doing dealing with the last couple of months.

But thank you for coming out, and for your parents, you guys are super superheroes, all of you are.

So thank you for inspiring us, continue doing that, and you're gonna make this world a lot better.

Thank you very much.

Thank Alan.

Uh the woman, first of all, I wanna say thank you.

Thank you for your bravery.

It's individuals as yourself who teach us to be kind, to love, and to be compassionate in this harsh world.

It's individuals like you that make us rem that remind us that individuals who don't have the disabilities already struggle that those with disabilities are struggling harder, especially with not having the access that you need to the simple things that we have the liberty to.

Um I just want to say that your disability is a blessing, your disability is your ability to create and to make change and bring awareness to make this world a better place, and because of that, thank you for your bravery, thank you.

Thank you, Alan.

Hello the woman with Luna.

Thank you.

Um I just wanted to um I think it's great that we have very young commissioners.

Um that makes me very happy.

Um, just you know, growing up in a Spanish home, especially with these old school parents, right?

Um, we think disability is uh something physical, right?

Final growing up, our parents used to go, oh he's fine, he's a kid, he's fine, nothing's wrong with him, you know.

Um he'll grow out of it.

Um, but I think we're at a better place where we're more educated.

Um, and sometimes, you know, we we do need that extra help.

Um, one thing I did want to share is um during budget season, um the police department actually dropped one of the uh police officer positions and picked up another mental health person to jump on board.

Um, so we hear you guys, um the city is making those changes.

Um I was very happy the police department did that.

Um and then lastly, I wanted to share my experience.

Um, just because right we hear, oh, they're politicians, they can't relate to us, you know, they don't care, but that's not true.

A couple weeks ago I stood up here and I said my son was denied um special testing and because I was able to get the right resources and um link with the right people, my son was just approved for a special t uh special education testing.

Um, and although I was happy, it angered me because a person like me that speaks English, speaks Spanish, um, you know, I I know where to find resources, but it was hard for me to find those resources, so I can't even imagine how hard is it for people who have a disability or are don't know even how to op uh open a book or or do a a search on online or that don't speak English, right?

So the resources are there.

It's just we have to dig for them, and not that I'm saying it's right.

We should not have to do that.

Um, I just wanted to to just share my story and again thanks for you guys being here.

Thank you all.

Um, did you want to say?

Thank you, Rise to support this resolution that uh uh the woman Vargas made sure a month in advance that it was gonna be on the agenda.

She she had a mini made sure every week.

Hey, is it on there?

Is on there, it's on here.

But um, like you said before, everyone spoke.

It shouldn't be just one month, it should be every day, and because the struggles are there every day.

It's not in a month, it's every day that now don't see that struggles.

I'm sorry to say that because um my s my sister, she's autistic and I spoke of it many times in council meetings of how she was a tissue, but I never ever took that as a disability.

I always fought with my sisters and my brothers to respect her as a human being, just like any other person as as ourselves.

Um she was special and unique and I love her for it because of her made me stronger of who I was and seeing things differently from her's perspective and the abilities that she had as she was talking about her son, Lisa talked about her son data.

My sister could cut paper without no scissors, perfect squares, without even no no hesitation with squ just math was her thing.

That's what got me into math.

Um, because I I basically were both going to each other, you know, we learned from each other.

I know she was younger, I was the oldest, and I was only like the oldest of all five.

So I had to be the you know, the big the dad because we didn't have one.

But the thing was that she made me grow.

She I the love you said the the the your loyalty.

Oh that that girl was loyal to the fullest.

And she's committed, and that was, you know, the one things that you know it taught us, you know, when you stand for something, stay committed, be determined.

And to see me sitting here is one of the virtues from that because I never thought I was gonna be sitting as a council member or even in this statute or just this conversation or even being up here and to see that the I didn't make those excuses in the same way you they don't make the excuses, right?

They continue to live every day, striving, determined.

Same thing as we should.

We learn from them as much as they learn from us.

And again, it's not about this month, it's about every day, and appreciate you guys coming on speaking 'cause you have more courage than I do.

Cause you know, I'm still shaking my butt off right here, just talking to you guys, and I can imagine, you know, just the first time you guys stepping up and speaking.

You did great.

You did great.

You all did great.

I appreciate you guys coming in here and appreciate you guys showing your your superpowers and uh, you know, looking forward to working with you guys.

And we ain't gonna lose we didn't I ain't Baldwin, I heard you.

I hear you, brother.

I wrote you down right here.

I hear you, all right?

Thank you, Olive.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Uh again, just want to thank everybody for coming out, as all my colleagues have stated.

I just want to remind everybody of a really cool resource that we do have uh in the city as well through our public safety telecommunications department.

Um folks who have uh disabilities or folks with autism or special needs can register with our public safety department.

So in the event there is an emergency, uh, or first responders um come into contact uh with your family members or anybody who is registered, they will have some background information on how to better uh how to better handle that uh situation.

And I'm uh proud of my good friend uh my superhero, Noah Savedra, uh, who was one of the pioneers um behind that with his mother Sharon Points of Aja, former Alder woman here, um, who kick started that many years ago.

Now it is officially up and running in our public safety telecommunications department.

So um, if you visit my house, you'll notice my brew uh my front porch light is blue twenty-four seven, uh, and that is uh to recognize my superhero Noah as well.

So you all can light your front porch is uh blue as well to recognize them for autism month in April as well.

Thank you.

Thank you all.

Seeing no other hands raised, this will bring this portion of uh public comment to a close.

I just want to thank everyone for reminding us that obstacles and challenges still remain.

And I want you to be aware that our parks and rec department in current and future projects uh is emphasizing accessibility, uh, the new home school.

It's a very impressive accessible playground.

And a shout out to uh Riverfront Recapture for Battlefield Park.

I've been there twice, and they've taken great care about uh accessibility, physical accessibility, and it's all uh also a great place to visit for peace of mind.

So thank you all.

It's now 7 50, the regular meeting will begin shortly.

We're gonna go worry on the back of the other.

Sorry, my breath sounds like coffee.

Okay, I think a captain reached out to him.

Okay.

I don't know what we're talking about, but uh, let me reach out to the uh technically, I think he had the captain reach out to you.

I want to push.

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah.

What I'm saying is because it feels like he's overwhelmed because of the situation.

He didn't want to he didn't want to put his, so I'm just letting him know that we heard it.

You know what I mean?

But I want to, you know, we understand he couldn't speak his piece what he wanted to speak because you know that this is the time for it.

So I'm just letting him know that.

But I need to know what the captain said to him.

One of the oil.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Can members come to their seats, please?

I call to the order of July 8, 2026 regular meeting, of the Common Council.

The time is now 7:58 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 DeLernia.

Alderman Santiago.

Alderwoman Barbosa.

Alder Woman Vargas.

Alderwoman Maldonado.

Alderman Centenno.

Alderwoman Ortiz Luna.

Alderman Barrero.

14 presents, Your Honor.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Madam Clerk for the invocation, followed by the Pledge Allegiance.

Dear Lord, as we gather this evening in the heart of summer, we give thanks for our community and for the opportunity to serve.

We want to lift up the many residents and families who experienced power outages over the 4th of July weekend.

And in the midst of extreme summer heat, inconvenience, and uncertainty, we are reminded of the importance of caring for one another and responding to the needs of our community with urgency, compassion, and understanding.

We give thanks for the city employees, emergency personnel, utility crews, and neighbors who work to assist and support those impacted.

Grant our mayor, this council, and all who serve our city wisdom, patience, and compassion.

Guide the conversations and decisions made this evening so that they are rooted in collaboration and a shared commitment to the people of New Britain.

Keep our residents, families, and city employees safe throughout these summer months, and may our words be thoughtful, our actions purposeful, and our service always focused on the greater good.

Amen.

Alderman Santiago for any amendments.

No amendments, Your Honor.

Thank you, Councilman.

Madam Clerk, for petitions.

Yes, Your Honor, we have one petition.

Alderman Santiago to amend sections of the zoning ordinance related to smoke shops to change the use from being permitted by right as a retail use to being permitted by special exception only in business dictionary business districts, B1, B2, B3, CBD, and the I2 Industrial District.

Alderman Santiago for the consent agenda.

Thank you, honor.

Make a motion to accept the consent agenda of A, B, C, E, F, and G.

Second by Alderman Barrero.

Alderman McNamara?

Yes.

Alderwoman Scott.

Yes.

Alderman Simpson?

Yes.

Alderman Smedley.

Alderman Malinowski.

Alderman Gibson.

Alderwoman Delernia.

Alderman Santiago?

Yes.

Alderwoman Barbosa.

Alderwoman Vargas.

Alderwoman Maldonado.

Alderman Centeno.

Alderwoman Ortiz Luna.

Yeah.

Alderman Barrero.

Fourteen years, Your Honor.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Alderman Simpson for item D.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Give me one second to flip through pages here.

So this was a traffic study at the intersection of Coolidge and Monroe Street.

I was wondering if somebody is coming in.

Can you make a motion?

Oh, uh, my apologies.

Uh I make a motion to accept item D.

Second by Alden and Santiago.

Thank you.

Uh so this is related to a traffic study at the intersection of Coolidge and Monroe Street.

I was wondering if there's somebody maybe from the police department or the police commission who could answer a couple questions on this.

I believe it's someone from the police department.

It's the there's a face with a couple waves coming out of it.

Bam.

Thank you.

Perfect.

Welcome if it's your first time.

Um real quick, could you walk me through the methodology used to record the average speeds in this study?

Sure.

So um let me just start out by saying um CJ from uh the city traffic management uh conducted this study.

Um so I I do have it here with me, so I'm gonna just refer to it.

Um but for in this case um if you just give me a bear with me one moment.

Take time.

Uh the speed data um for this April study that he did um was provided through a software trial provided by Urban SDK.

Um it's a traffic data and analytics provider.

Um there was a study done, I believe it was by Sergeant Kapowski who runs our traffic division.

That was in um September of twenty twenty-four, and that I believe was done through our um speed spy system, which records the number of vehicles uh operating on the street and their speeds, and it'll come up with an average speed and an eighty-fifth percentile speed back in twenty twenty-four.

Correct, yeah.

This is according to um CJ's um review here that he did for this most recent um enroll and coolidge uh petition.

So they're using a data set gathered in 2024 to generate this report.

So there was a speed study done um through a petition in 2024, um, September, and then through this newest one, um CJ did that study, and this is what the the speed data is from that, um April 2026.

So little speed numbers here.

The reason this traffic study came about was because in late 2025, there was a separate traffic study done for an intersection adjacent to the site, and the commission, the police commission did find speeding there.

This is at the corner of Monroe, and I want to say Vance Street, um, and they did add the stop sign there, but the follow-up to that was to then remove the stop sign at Monroe and Coolidge.

So I'm a little confused as to why we're using data from before that change, which brought the speeding to the neighborhood after uh the data that's cited to produce this, if that makes sense.

Yeah, I know that they moved the stop sign over to um Monroe and Harding.

Harding, thank you.

Harding, yeah.

So that was put there uh to become a four-way stop.

Um due to the um I have it here, the uh recent program with um uh the Vision Zero.

Um that intersection uh is in a school zone there, Vance, which is nearby.

Um so due to students using that to cross, um, they moved the stop signs over there to make that a four way just to to protect the students that are crossing, since that's used heavily for uh school, uh, children walking to school.

That's why they moved it over there.

Right.

What I'm saying is by using the data produced when the stop sign was there, it makes sense that if people were respecting it, they wouldn't be speeding.

The change in behavior was the moving of the stop sign in twenty twenty five is what brought speeding down the street.

If I may, I just I believe the deputy chief stated that the study by CJ was done in April of 2026.

Correct, yes, and that's what the data is based on.

Oh that's the most recent.

Yes.

Okay.

Thank you.

Okay, thank you.

So could you send uh could the police department produce a tabulation sheet for the data they use?

Yes, I I would just have to find um this last study, but um, yeah.

This is unique here because the traffic sergeant who normally does these studies was out uh with an injury, uh so that's where CJ kind of took over and did it.

Gotcha.

Um I spoke with him, unfortunately, he's as state, but he is available next week for any more specific uh or direct questions.

But thank you.

I think that's it.

Any other comments or questions?

Okay, CNN.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay.

All thank you, Deputy Chief.

Um, Alderman Vargas for item number all the woman vargas, I'm sorry, or item number one.

Thank you, your honor, and the common council in the city of New Britain.

Whereas disability pride month is observed each year during the month.

Oh, sorry.

I was so excited to read it.

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

Thank you.

Um to his honor, mayor and uh um common council in the city of New Bretton, whereas Disability Pride Month is observed each year during the month of July to celebrate the contributions, achievements, and identities of individuals with disabilities, while recognizing disability as a natural and valuable aspect of human diversity, and whereas disability pride month commemorates the signing of the landmark Americans with disability act on July 26, 1990, a historic civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, and promotes equal access and opportunity in employment, education, transportation, public accommodations in all areas of public life, and whereas the passage of the ADA was made possible through the tireless efforts and advocacy of disability rights activists, including the historic Capitol Crawl of March 1990, during which more than one thousand advocates marched on Washington Washington, DC, and dozens of individuals with disabilities crawled up the steps of the United States Capitol to demonstrate the barriers created by inaccessible public spaces and to demand equal rights and inclusion.

And whereas disability pride month serves as an opportunity to recognize the ongoing work necessary to eliminate barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote a community where all individuals can participate fully and independently, and whereas the disability pride flag symbolizes the diversity ex-I'm sorry, I'm so happy about this right now.

Symbolizes the diversity and strength of the disability community with colors representing various disability experiences, including sensory, mental health, invisible, and undiagnosed intellectual and neurodivergent and physical disabilities, and whereas communities throughout the nation observe disability pride month through educational programs, festivals, artistic exhibitions, advocacy efforts, and public awareness, campaigns that celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of people with disabilities, and whereas organizations throughout Connecticut, including disability rights connecticut, educational institutions, community organizations, advocates and residents work to advance accessibility, inclusion, equity, and opportunity for individuals with disabilities through awareness campaigns, resource fairs, educational initiatives, and community engagement.

And whereas the City of New Bretton is committed to fostering an inclusive community that values the dignity, rights, and contributions of all residents and supports efforts to ensure accessibility, equity, and full participation for people with disabilities, and therefore be it resolved that the common council of the city of New Britain hereby proclaims July 2026 as disability pride month in the City of New Britain and encourages all residents, businesses, schools, organizations, and community leaders to recognize the achievements of individuals with disabilities, learn about disability history and culture and support efforts that advance accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.

It's from four to six, and I encourage everyone to go and attend.

And and I invite you to also uh join uh the commission um of disability meetings, which is held the last Monday of each month at 5 30 at 305.

I mean, room 305, it starts at 5 30, and um adoption.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any comments?

Alder Woman Scott.

I want to um stand in full support of this resolution.

I am so happy that you guys all came out today and um were brave enough to disclose, and I just wanted to take a couple of seconds to just share um my own story a little bit with you.

Um just to let you know you're not alone.

Um, my daughter, I struggled a lot raising her with some of the challenges that she had, and every day fighting and still fighting for her as an adult, and it is not easy, and my me myself, um, in my junior year in high school, I was diagnosed with dyslexia, which means I pretty much went through school not knowing that something was wrong with me.

Um, and it's really hard because you have to accommodate for yourself and figure out what works for you and the way you learn, because that's basically what it is.

You learn differently, or you know, um, but it never stopped me from doing anything.

I went to college.

Um, I write, I read, um, you know, it's just makes me unique and special, and there are a lot um something I want to share with you guys, and I share this all the time with people.

Just look up how many famous um very accomplished people have these diagnoses, right?

Um, so it it does not mean that you can't do what you need to do.

We might look different, we might walk a little different, you might talk a little different or learn a little different, but it's okay, you know.

Um, we all get through things in our own unique ways, and you never know until something happens to you how it's hard to get around or something like that, like with my hip, like it's hard.

You know, you notice it firsthand, then you notice how hard it is to get into some buildings for people.

Um, so sometimes we go through things so we can help others, and um, I just want you guys to make sure that you are um continue to advocate and spread the awareness, and I am so again so happy and proud of you, Melody, for being the chair, and we're gonna continue to work with you to make sure that human rights are met here in the city, and there's gonna be accessibility for everybody, so that we're all gonna work together on that.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any comments, Alderman, Black America.

Uh just briefly, your honor.

Um, it was 36 years ago this month that the Americans for disabilities act was enacted uh by the Congress, and Senator named Tom Harkin from Iowa had a uh brother Frank who was deaf.

So he made the speech for the law to enact the law using sign language.

So it's uh uh I just like we should remember Senator Harkin uh when uh when we uh acknowledge uh ADA and everything New Britain's doing, and it's again it's uh a good reminder of what we still have to do.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any other comments?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed nay.

Motion carries, Alderman McNamara for item number two.

Thank you, Honor.

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

Second by Alderman Smedley.

Thank you.

This is recognition of uh folks on uh Brighton Street, a portion of Brighton Street, who had another um block party in their front yards to acknowledge uh many of their homes being a hundred years old, a hundred and twenty years old, um and uh Alden Smedley, well then Ortiz Luna and I represent Ward 4, and this is in the uh Belvedere section, which was an area developed about 100, 120 years ago because New Britain was the second or first fastest growing city in New England at the time, and uh the Belvedere neighborhood itself has uh I think there's uh a hundred different boundaries depending on who you talk to, but I understand that it's the neighborhood surrounding central Connecticut uh from Allen Street in the south to the Newington Line, north to Farmington Line, and west to the Stanley Street Nettie Glover Boulevard.

Um so I I think this ties in very well with your safety tax force, encouraging block watches, and uh I just want to commend uh the neighbors for doing this, and I think it'll be an example uh for other neighborhoods because we have so many great neighborhoods with stories to tell.

I move adoption.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any other comments?

Okay, seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

All those opposed nay.

Motion carries, Alderman Scott.

Alder Woman Scott for item number three.

Um I rise to accept, um, make a motion to accept and adopt item number three.

Um this is by Alderman Barrero.

This is for uh transportation migrant program um through the city of New Britain um public works has been awarded $5,000 for a micro grant um from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

The purpose of this active transportation program is to provide for services, resources, and advice, um, safety and accessibility and sustainability, equity walking and bicycle rolling throughout Connecticut, and the partnerships with the bike and New Britain Consolidation School Department of New Britain, the City of New Britain, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation Safety routes the school um introduction elementary school students and has successfully implemented to two elementary schools.

The funding for the micro grant will be used to partnership with the bike, New Britain and Consolidation School District of New Britain, primarily for the purchase of bicycles to support bicycle education pilot program with the remaining funds being used, and I urge adoption.

This sounds like a wonderful thing for our community.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any other comments?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye, all those opposed, nay, motion carries, um Alderman Barrero for item number four.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Uh I make a motion to accept and adopt item number four.

Second by Alderwoman Lewis Luna.

Okay.

Um on March 26, 2025, the New Britain Council approved um million six hundred and twenty five thousand in bonding for Willow Street Park extension project.

However, that funding did not cover the full cost of the project, leaving the funding gap at 564,443.

Um approved by the common council and signed by Mayor Sanchez.

Um closed that funding gap by uh appropriating um the additional 564,443 necessary to fully fund the project, enabling construction um to proceed.

Um, and a quick fun fact um when my family came from Puerto Rico, um their first uh neighborhood was Willow Street and Talca Street area.

So I'm extremely happy to see this happen.

I know it's been a long time since they've lived there, but it's obviously still the city we live in, and that's the area where they generated it.

So um and I urge your I I urge adoption.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderman.

Any comments?

Alderwoman Luce Ortiz, Luna.

Thank you.

Um, um, I just want to acknowledge um former elder woman uh Sanchez.

Um, she was a big advocate and fought for this park to be renovated.

Um so I just want to give her kudos.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any other comments?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Alderman, Alderwoman, Ortiz Luna for item number five.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I make a motion to accept an exact item number five.

Second by Alderman Barrero.

Uh, this resolution is just to allow the appropriate tax abatements, corrections, and refunds to be distributed accordingly by the revenue collector, and I urge it option.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

Any other comments or questions?

Seeing none.

All those in favor say aye.

All those opposed, nay.

Motion carries.

Um Alderwoman Scott for a point of personal privilege.

Oh, thank you, Ronor.

Um, I wanted to just recognize National Minority Health Awareness Month as well.

And it kind of correlates with what we were all talking about with the first resolution, um, recognizing that culture matters are unique challenges that we face as people of color in our community in our country.

Um Asians, African Americans and Hispanics are less likely to receive um treatment, and this is mostly because of cultural barriers, um, fear.

There's a lot of fear that if I report something, the authorities will get called, um, that I won't be seen or heard for my problem.

And so a lot of times that there's a lack of trust, and also that people um we need to work on um helping make sure that we spread more awareness and providing more um availability to help people, minorities because um or people of color um with mental health, um, because there's a stigma as well um where if I tell my I just keep things in the house in my family, um that still continues today, and we need to um help people um more to make sure that they go and get the help that they need and feel safe and protected when they go to get that help.

And so we shouldn't just be standing around talking about these things.

Um we actually need to take action, and so that's a part of the mental health um being the whole entire year and I'm currently trying to work on a list right now.

Um it's ironic when I I think one of the first like real conversations I had with our mayor was about this kind of list um to make sure this was during COVID, um, to make sure that people in our community could know um where to go for help because sometimes it's a language barrier, or it's just you need to have somebody who understands your background, and so if we have a list um showing what what mental health providers are here so people could know their options, um you don't have to just go to a one stop, like there's a lot of different options, and to make sure that somebody like me as a pro I don't even know where to tell somebody.

If somebody calls me and says they need help, I wouldn't know where to go to tell them all the time, like somebody who speaks their language or something like that.

So I want to make sure that we have um a list where people can know and find somebody who they can feel comfortable with and safe with um to get the help that they need.

So thank you so much for letting me speak about that.

Thank you, Alderwoman.

May I have a motion to adjourn?

Second by Alderman uh Barrero.

Okay, all those in favor say aye.

All those opposed nay.

Motion carries.

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Human.

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Hold on.

L'humanseo, oo, o crucé, o cru Mm.

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