Common Council Regular Meeting - August 12, 2026

The New Britain Common Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 7:05 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. The meeting included public participation, approval of minutes, petitions, a consent agenda, and consideration of 24 items. Key actions included adoption of zoning amendments to comply with Public Act 25-1, a compensation package for elected and appointed officials (amended to replace a flat $1 raise with a 2.75% COLA), and approval of various grants, bids, and contracts.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Orlando Baldwin: Expressed frustration over ongoing harassment and drug activity in his building. He stated he had contacted police and an alderwoman but received no response. He indicated this was his last time addressing the council.
• Marcus Samuels: A homeless ride-share driver and father. He requested a 100% property tax abatement under Connecticut General Statute §12-124, disputing $7,456.42 in motor vehicle tax bills. He stated his net income was -$1,258.80, his bank account was frozen, and he faced eviction. He left evidence packets for council review.
• Kelly Nas: Criticized the council for not assisting her over the past decade. She referenced a meeting she arranged with city officials and alleged that past council member Aaron Stewart mishandled documents and credit cards. She expressed distrust and frustration.

Consent Calendar

The following reports and recommendations were approved unanimously on a single roll-call vote (11-0): A (claims report), B (zoning ordinance amendments – residential/mixed-use compliance with Public Act 25-1), C (zoning map change – RO to T district on Vine and Lexington streets), D (Town Fair Tire Centers certificate of location approval), E (smoke shop zoning amendment), G (check register report), H (compensation for elected/appointed officials – originally as presented), I (Zoning Subcommittee recommendation for Item 37177), J (Zoning Subcommittee recommendation for Item 37178), K (Zoning Subcommittee recommendation for Item 37202), L (Zoning Subcommittee recommendation for Item 37209). Item F (executive session re: settlement of claims in Ramona Gudelska et al. v. City of New Britain) was removed from the consent agenda and later approved after an executive session.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – Compensation for Elected and Appointed Officials: The item, recommended neutrally by the Committee on Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services, proposed a $1 increase for the Registrar of Voters and a $30,000 annual salary for the Clerk of Committees (with duties expanded to warrant the increase). Alderman Smedley moved to strike the $1 increase for Registrars, arguing it would prevent them from receiving the automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) tied to union contract (2.75%) that other positions (mayor, corporation counsel) would receive. He characterized the dollar as a “slap in the face.” Alderman Simpson then submitted an amendment to restore corporation counsel, treasurer, and mayor to the language and replace the $1 increase with a 2.75% COLA. After debate—including concerns about fiscal responsibility and the timing of raises (effective at start of next term in 2029 for registrars)—the amendment passed unanimously. The amended item was then approved 9-2 (with Aldermen Delernia and Smedley opposing due to lack of detail on Clerk of Committees duties and hours).
• Items 2-6 – Zoning and Business Approvals: These items were presented and adopted with little debate. Item 2 amended zoning ordinances for “missing middle” housing (2-9 units). Item 3 changed the zoning map from RO to T district. Item 4 approved a certificate of location for Town Fair Tire Centers at 665 West Main Street. Item 5 changed smoke shop use from permitted by right to special exception in business and industrial districts. Item 6 recognized August as Black Business Month. All passed unanimously.
• Items 7-24 – New Resolutions: A series of resolutions were introduced and adopted on motions, mostly without discussion beyond brief sponsor remarks. Key actions included: recognizing the 2026 Puerto Rican Day Festival (Item 7, August 29 at Walnut Hill Park), honoring the Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony (Item 8, amended from 5:30 PM to 3:00 PM on August 28 at Central Park), accepting a $150,000 American Savings Foundation grant for after-school programming (Item 9), accepting a $307,760 state grant for the Every Kid Counts After School Program (Item 10), purchasing golf course equipment ($191,379.05, Item 11), referring a code amendment to committee (Item 12), awarding the Arch Street Complete Streets project to MidCon Construction of Newington for $3,735,717.31 (Item 13), and authorizing various public works purchases: water meters (Item 14), fire hydrants (50 units at $3,807 each, $190,350 total, Item 15), ductile iron pipes (Item 16), chemicals and gases (Item 17), highway castings (Item 18), resilient wedges and butterfly valves (Item 19), tax abatements/corrections/refunds totaling $44,165 (Item 20), a $59,614 speeding and aggressive driving grant from CT DOT (Item 21), a RapidSOS Harmony Advantage software subscription ($42,838.13 annual plus $11,000 setup, Item 22), a 2025 Ford Transit 150 van for $50,371 (Item 23), and 2,000 tons of treated road salt for $190,940 from Morton Salt (Item 24). All passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Compensation Package (Item 1): After amendment, the Council approved: (a) Registrars of Voters, Mayor, Corporation Counsel, and Treasurer will each receive a 2.75% increase at the start of their next terms (registrars begin January 2029); (b) Clerk of Committees salary set at $30,000 per year with expanded duties. Vote: 9-2.
• Consent Agenda: All items except F approved 11-0.
• Executive Session: Council entered executive session at 7:27 PM to discuss settlement claims in Ramona Gudelska et al. v. City of New Britain, returned at 7:42 PM, and approved the settlement. No details disclosed.
• Zoning Amendments (Items 2-5): All adopted unanimously, implementing state housing law (Public Act 25-1) and local regulations for smoke shops and tire repair.
• Grants and Contracts: Over $4.5 million in state and private grants, bids, and purchases were approved, including the Arch Street Complete Streets project, after-school programs, public safety software, and winter road salt.