New Britain Common Council Meeting - September 9, 2026
New Britain Common Council Meeting - September 9, 2026
The Regular Meeting of the New Britain Common Council was held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 7:05 PM in the Council Chambers, City Hall. Thirteen members were present, with one absent (Alderman Gibson). The meeting included public participation (none), roll call, invocation, adoption of consent agenda, and approval of 10 new resolutions after reports and petitions.
Consent Calendar
- Reports A through E (claims, clerk appointment, check report, police commission response on traffic safety, early voting locations) were approved unanimously by voice vote (13 yeas, 1 absent).
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public addressed the Council.
Petitions
- Petition 1 (Ald. Dilernia, Ald. Smedley, Ald. Malinowski, Ald. Gibson): Request to honor former Alderman Jerrell Hargraves for his service. Referred to Corporate Counsel.
- Petition 2 (Ald. Dilernia, Ald. Smedley): Request for a full accounting of individuals working in the Mayor's Office. Referred to Human Resources.
- Petition 3 (Jessica Sarmiento, Four Pillars Investments, LLC): Request to rezone 527 Burritt Street from B-1 to A-2. Referred to the City Plan Commission and Zoning Subcommittee.
Discussion Items
- Resolution 1 (Suicide Prevention Month): Alderwoman Scott presented a resolution recognizing September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Month. She cited national data (46,000 suicide deaths in 2020) and Connecticut data (391 lives lost in 2024, an increase of 38 from 2023). Urged adoption to encourage awareness and support. Passed without opposition.
- Resolution 2 (Amendment to Sec. 2-44): Referred to the Committee on Administration, Finance, Law, and Public Services. Passed.
- Resolution 3 (Executive Session – Local 1303 Agreement): Council entered executive session at 7:20 PM with Corporate Counsel Bill Rivera, Assistant Corporate Counsel Mary Porkovski, and Chief of Staff Jessica Giuratano. Returned at 7:35 PM and approved the agreement. No further details disclosed.
- Resolution 4 (Copier Lease Extension): Alderman Barrero introduced a 33-month lease extension for the Fire Department's Fire Marshal's Office copier. Adopted.
- Resolution 5 (Early Voting Grant): Alderman McNamara moved to accept a state grant of $29,219 for early voting expenses. Registrars of Voters Peter Gossman answered questions: the funds cover poll worker payroll for the 14-day early voting period (October 19 – November 1) at the Senior Center and CCSU. Alderman Centeno asked about contingency plans regarding potential federal interference at polling places; Gossman noted state laws and training for poll workers. Adopted.
- Resolution 6 (Fire Department Grant): Alderwoman Ortiz-Luna introduced a $500 grant from CT Fair Plan to purchase a tripod light for fire investigation. Adopted.
- Resolution 7 (Tobacco Sales Permitting Program): Alderwoman Vargas moved to create Article XXI Sections 14-414 to 14-417 of the City Code for a tobacco sales permitting program. Referred to Committee on Administration, Finance, Law, and Public Services. Adopted.
- Resolution 8 (Ford Ranger Pickup): Alderwoman Ortiz-Luna presented the purchase of one 2026 Ford Ranger for $39,247.10 from Gengris Ford, replacing a 2008 Chevy Colorado removed due to frame and suspension rust. Adopted.
- Resolution 9 (Leaf/Debris Vac): Alderman McNamara presented the purchase of a leaf vac trailer for $86,204.34 from Sanitary Equipment Company, funded by ARPA (last of those funds). Adopted.
- Resolution 10 (Freightliner MT55): Alderman Simpson moved to purchase a 2026 Freightliner MT55 for $280,752 from a sole-source bid. Mark Moriarty of DPW explained the truck is critical for water main breaks, includes a generator and compressor, and is expected to last 15+ years. Questions about the high cost were discussed. Adopted.
Key Outcomes
- All petition referrals were approved.
- Consent Agenda approved (13 yeas, 1 absent).
- Resolutions 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 were adopted by voice vote without recorded opposition.
- Resolutions 2 and 7 were referred to appropriate committees and adopted.
- Resolution 3 (Executive Session) was adopted upon return.
- Meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM.
Meeting Transcript
All right, I want to welcome everybody to the September ninth, twenty twenty-six regular meeting of the New Britain Common Council. It's now seven oh five PM. And we will begin with public participation, part of the meeting. Nobody is signed up on the list. And I don't believe we have any callers. So the last four numbers are what? Seven zero six nine. Caller with seven zero six nine. Name and address, and the floor is yours. Anyone else? Anybody else seeing that no members of the public wish to speak? This portion of the meeting is over, and the regular meeting will begin shortly. Let's get the ball rolling. Okay. I call to order the September 9th, 2026 regular meeting of the Common Council. The time is now 714 PM. Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilman McNamara. Here. Councilwoman Scott. Here. Councilman Simpson. Present. Councilman Smedley. Here. Councilman Malinowski. Councilman Gibson. Councilwoman Delernia. Councilman Santiago. President. Councilwoman Barbosa. Councilwoman Vargas. Here. Councilwoman Maldonado. Councilman Centenno. President. Councilwoman Ortiz Luna. Councilman Barrero. Present. Thirteen present. One absent. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Madam Clerk for the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Heavenly Father, as we gather once again to conduct the business of the city of New Britain, we pause and take a moment to acknowledge that the responsibility of others is both a privilege and a blessing. As we enter this new month and begin to see the seasons change, remind us that change is a natural part of life. With every new season comes an opportunity to reflect on where we've been, recognize how far we've come, and recommit ourselves to the work that still lies ahead. Help us to never lose sight of the people we are here to serve. Behind every agenda item, every discussion, and every decision are residents, families, seniors, young people, and employees who are depending on us to lead with wisdom, integrity, and compassion. Bless those who serve our community each day, often without recognition or praise, protect our first responders, support our educators and city employees, and strengthen the families and businesses that continue to invest in and believe in New Britain. And as we begin this meeting, guide our hearts, our words, and our actions, and may we lead with purpose, serve with humility, and leave this city better because we are trusted, entrusted with the opportunity to serve.
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