Public Meetings - New Britain, Connecticut

The Common Council of New Britain, Connecticut met on October 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included public participation, responses to petitions, and the adoption of six resolutions. Key actions included approving funds for a tennis court rehabilitation and a roof replacement, accepting donations for a city celebration, and referring petitions for financial disclosures. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda (covering a traffic study report, a handicap parking report, a report on amending the Standing Claims Subcommittee ordinance, and a claims settlement report) was approved 13-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Jessica Angelo Julian (167 Reservoir Road) urged the Council to fill the vacant CHRO (Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities) officer position. She argued the role is essential for ensuring the city's compliance with affirmative action and discrimination prevention requirements, and that leaving it vacant weakens the city's commitment to equal opportunity. - Paul Edwards (717 Shuttle Meadow Avenue) addressed the council's failure to fill a vacant ward seat, which he noted had been empty for nine months. He disputed claims that the city charter or lack of a suitable candidate was the issue, stating the previous appointee (Colin Osborne) had been voted on favorably (10-4) with a motion seconded by Alderperson Simpson, and challenged the council to either vote on the pending nominee or appoint someone else. Council Responses to Public Comment - Alderperson Dilernia agreed the CHRO position is critical. Alderperson Scott assured the public the administration is looking into it. - In response to Paul Edwards, Alderperson Simpson stated they did not vote for or approve the motion for Colin Osborne's appointment despite being listed as a signatory, and that video footage of the meeting clarifies their opposition to the motion. Discussion Items - Petitions: Two petitions were referred for review. The first requested a complete accounting of the city's relationship with Crumbie Law Group, LLC (referred to Corporate Counsel). The second requested a financial accounting of the One City Celebration (referred to the Finance Department). - Resolution 1: Standing Claims Subcommittee (Adopted): The Council adopted the amendment to Section 2-44 of the city code, as recommended by the committee report. - Resolution 2: One City Celebration Donations (Adopted): The Council accepted $37,750 in private donations. Council members praised the unity and success of the event, noting it placed no burden on taxpayers. - Resolution 3: Willow Brook Park Tennis Courts (Adopted): A $825,600 contract was awarded for rehabilitation using post-tension concrete (30-40 year lifespan). Ald. Dilernia inquired about the warranty (standard 1 year, contractor offers 20 years on concrete work). - Resolution 4: Equity in Heart Health Initiative (Adopted): A $3,000 grant from the American Heart Association for blood pressure cuffs and educational materials was accepted. - Resolution 5: Health Per Capita Grant (Adopted): $475,521.23 in state health funding was appropriated. - Resolution 6: Stanley Golf Course Roof (Adopted): A $171,492.60 contract for a complete roof replacement was awarded. Staff confirmed a 50-year warranty with ice and water shield will be provided, with work expected before winter. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda and all six resolutions were adopted unanimously. - Two petitions were formally referred for investigation. - A dispute over the record of a previous appointment vote occurred between a public speaker and Alderperson Simpson; no action was taken on the vacant ward seat itself. - The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.

The Common Council met for public participation at 7:05 PM and the regular business meeting at 7:21 PM on October 14, 2026. Official minutes were not provided for this meeting. The agenda included recognition of a fire official, numerous proclamations for heritage and awareness months, and action on several resolutions and petitions. A Ward 2 vacancy and a contentious budget transfer resolution sparked the most extensive debate. Consent Calendar - The Consent Agenda (Items A through E) was unanimously adopted, including the creation of a Tobacco Sales Permitting Program and routine reports on claims, settlements, and city expenditures. Public Comments & Testimony - Resident Ms. Edwards strongly criticized the council for a five-and-a-half-month failure to fill a vacancy in Ward 2. She stated that a petition filed May 13th should be acted upon and accused the council of using a procedural trick to appoint Colin Osborne in April. She called the former corporation counsel's opinion that the appointment was legal 110% incorrect and urged the appointment of Jamie Vaughan, a qualified Republican candidate. - In response, Alderwoman Scott acknowledged charter problems regarding appointments. Alderman Smedley read aloud past statements from council members calling for the seat to be filled. Alderwoman Ortiz-Luna challenged the candidate's commitment, noting their concurrent run for state office, and noted her boundaries for filling the vacancy had not been met. The Chairman expressed regret over the vacancy and noted he had been prepared to vote on a minority nominee before the resolution was withdrawn. Recognitions - Assistant Fire Marshal Eddie Irizarry was recognized by the council for completing the Executive Fire Officer program at FEMA's National Fire Academy. Resolutions & Discussion Items - Proclamations: Resolutions recognizing Italian American Heritage Month, Indigenous Peoples' Day, Polish American Heritage Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month were all adopted unanimously after supportive comments from various council members. - Arts Grant Budget Amendment: A resolution to accept a $39,380 arts grant from the state for distribution based on recommendations of the New Britain Commission on the Arts was adopted. - FY 2025-2026 Budget Transfer and Amendment (Item 8): A resolution to transfer $96,536.26 from the city surplus to cover outstanding prior-year expenses generated significant debate. Alderwoman Ortiz-Luna and Alderman McNamara supported the resolution, framing it as necessary to cover ineligible school construction costs and prior administration overspending to ensure an accurate audit. Alderwoman Scott emphasized the need for transparency and fiscal responsibility. Alderman Smedley criticized the resolution's characterization of expenses as a personal attack and an obsession with the prior administration. Acting as Holmes School project manager, he defended ineligible expenses (a Kubota UTV for snow removal, a piano, and facility equipment) as legitimate costs approved by the School Building Committee. He stated the Holmes project was coming in $7.5 million under budget. Alderman Simpson questioned the expense breakdown. The motion passed on a party-line vote with three opposed. - Police Budget Appropriation: A $64,848 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for prevention, education, and technology improvements was adopted. - Motorola Maintenance Contract: A three-year, $527,081.55 subscription for maintaining the city's public safety radio network was adopted. Alderman Smedley supported it, recalling past communication failures that led to officer injuries. - Tax Abatements, Corrections, and Refunds: A resolution for $11,188 in corrections and refunds for motor vehicle and real property taxes was adopted. Petitions & Referrals - Eight petitions were presented. The clerk referred petitions 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 to various committees, omitting Petition No. 2 (a certificate of location approval for a dealership) from the read-aloud. Referrals included zoning amendments for parking and urban farming, a request for free parking near the Islamic Center, calls for accounting of boards and commissions, and requests for records related to school building purchases and council communication policies. Key Outcomes - Passed: Tobacco Sales Permitting Program. - Passed: Five proclamations (Italian Heritage, Indigenous Peoples, Polish Heritage, Domestic Violence Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness). - Passed: Arts Grant Budget Amendment ($39,380). - Passed (Party-line vote, 3 opposed): FY 2025-2026 Budget Transfer and Amendment ($96,536.26). - Passed: Police Department Budget Appropriation ($64,848). - Passed: Motorola Radio Maintenance Subscription ($527,081.55 over 3 years). - Passed: Tax Abatements, Corrections, and Refunds ($11,188). Statements & Announcements - Alderwoman Vargas highlighted the impact of federal SNAP and Medicaid cuts, stating that 19,000 residents (one in four) rely on SNAP and 108,000 to 110,000 residents statewide could lose Medicaid coverage. She announced resource fairs and a pro-democracy voting event on October 17.

The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services of the New Britain Common Council met on October 7, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Common Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing and regular meeting, with all six members present. The primary item was a resolution (Item No. 37252) to amend Section 2-44 of the City Code regarding the Standing Claims Subcommittee. Public Hearing - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing on Item No. 37252. The hearing was opened and closed due to lack of speakers. Discussion Items - Item No. 37252 – Amendment to Sec. 2-44 (Standing Claims Subcommittee): Alderwoman Luz Ortiz Luna chaired the meeting. Alderman Francisco Santiago initially moved to accept the resolution and refer it to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Alderman Santiago then offered an amendment to strike language referring the matter to the Committee on Administration, Finance, and Law and Public Service and replace it with "Common Council." The amendment was seconded by Alderwoman Ortiz and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously to accept the resolution as amended and refer Item No. 37252 to the full Common Council with a favorable recommendation. The tabled item (Item No. 37100, regarding a municipal identification card program) was not addressed during the meeting.

The Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing held a public hearing and regular meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. The sole agenda item was a resolution to create a Tobacco Sales Permitting Program (Item No. 37257). After one public comment, staff presentation, and committee discussion, the committee voted to refer the resolution to the full Common Council with a favorable recommendation, adopting amended substitute language. Public Comments & Testimony - Antoinette, a 30-year resident of New Britain and concerned citizen, expressed strong support for the resolution. She shared her personal observations of youth smoking and vaping during her own school years and cited the 2026 Youth Voices Count survey as confirming ongoing concerns about youth access to tobacco and nicotine products. She urged the committee to act proactively to prevent youth use, referencing Connecticut Public Act 26100 which limits permits based on population density. Discussion Items - The committee received a presentation from a staff member (Health Department) explaining the proposed licensing program. The program aims to: (1) monitor tobacco sales to limit youth access, and (2) work in tandem with previously approved zoning changes regarding smoke shops. Key statistics from the Youth Voices Count survey (grades 6–12, sample size over 2,000 students) were highlighted: - 91% of students perceive parental disapproval of cigarette smoking; 90% perceive disapproval of vaping nicotine. - 81% perceive peer disapproval of smoking; 76% perceive peer disapproval of vaping. - 74% perceive risk of harm from smoking; 74% perceive risk from vaping (inversely, 25% do not perceive harm). - 42% of high school students (grades 9–12) report not using vaping products because they do not know how to obtain them. - The licensing program would require annual permits, inspections, and enforcement by the Health Department, working with state partners and police (using underage compliance checks). The effective date is set for April 1, 2027, to allow time for public education and to avoid overlap with other licensing cycles. - Committee members discussed the scope of the regulation (any retailer selling tobacco or vaping products, not limited to smoke shops). Alderman McNamara clarified that the zoning threshold (10% of retail sales in tobacco/vape products) determines whether a store is regulated as a smoke shop under zoning, but all cigarette sellers would be covered by the permitting program. - Alderman Barbosa raised concerns about smoke shops selling cannabis; staff clarified this ordinance does not address cannabis sales, which would be referred to state or local law enforcement. - Alderman Santiago questioned permit fees and the timeline for existing stores to apply; staff confirmed a notice campaign and that new establishments must apply as of April 1, 2027. - Alderman Malinowski asked about enforcement against unlicensed establishments; staff stated that partnerships with state agencies are being developed, with referrals planned. - Alderman Gibson asked about an appeal process; staff confirmed that appeals would follow the standard citation process defined in Code Section 1-17, which was recently updated by the council. - A procedural discussion occurred regarding the substitution of resolution language. Initially, the committee handled it as a substitute, but later recognized that the council had referred the original, requiring a formal amendment. A motion was made and carried to strike all and insert the substitute language. The approved substitute included clarified appeal language on page 5. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously (ayes all, no nays) to adopt the substitute language via a strike-all amendment. - The committee then voted unanimously (ayes all, no nays) to refer the amended resolution (Item No. 37257) to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation. - The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 PM.

The New Britain Common Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, starting at 7:03 PM with public participation and calling to order at 7:26 PM. The meeting adjourned at 8:02 PM. All 13 present members voted unanimously on consent items and resolutions. Key actions included recognizing the New Britain Bees as 2026 Futures Collegiate Baseball League champions, reconsidering a tobacco sales permitting program, and accepting a donation from Hospital for Special Care for sensory-friendly equipment at Osgood Park. Consent Calendar - Reports of Boards, Commissions, Departments and Legislative Committees: Items A (Claims for Injuries/Property Damage), B (Amend Sec. 1-17 of Code of Ordinances), and C (Settlement of Claims) were approved unanimously (13-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Kelly Murphy (458 Farmington Ave, Community Services Office manager) spoke in support of Resolution No. 9, stating that the Hospital for Special Care’s donation of AAC boards and sensory-friendly materials would help nonverbal individuals communicate and create an inclusive environment at Osgood Park. She emphasized that the city and hospital share a mission to make residents feel seen and supported. - Kelly Noss (29 Cedar St) gave rambling personal testimony about past grievances, including an incident at a church, claims of $2.5 million in calendar sales, and interactions with police and former Mayor Stewart. No direct position on any agenda item was expressed. - Ian Race (Director of Communications, Hospital for Special Care) spoke in support of Resolution No. 9. He described the hospital’s collaboration with the city since 2012 on autism services and noted that the donation (valued at $2,500) would equip a sensory-friendly classroom at Osgood Park, less than half a mile from the hospital, to serve families outside of clinical settings. Discussion Items - Recognition of the New Britain Bees (2026 Futures Collegiate Baseball League Champions): The Council congratulated the team for an 11–0 championship win. The team presented a commemorative hat to the Council President. - Reconsideration of Resolution No. 37257 (Tobacco Sales Permitting Program): Alderman Santiago moved to reconsider the prior referral from the Committee on Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services to the Committee on Planning, Zoning, and Housing, with the Department of Health as co-referral. The motion to reconsider passed unanimously, and the new referral was approved. - Resolution No. 4 (Artificial Intelligence and Technology): Alderwoman DiLernia introduced a resolution to ensure any AI technology adopted by the city is thoroughly vetted for privacy, cybersecurity, energy use, and accuracy. The resolution passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 6 (Ambulance Purchase for NBEMS): Alderman Centeno moved adoption. Chief Ron (unclear last name) explained that the city would remount an 11-year-old ambulance box onto a new 2027 chassis at a cost of $262,750 (versus $345,000 for a new ambulance) plus $59,748.22 for equipment (power load stretcher and stair chair). The remounting provides a warranty and is standard practice. Funding comes from a Low-CIP municipal grant. Passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 9 (Hospital for Special Care Donation for Osgood Park Classroom): Alderwoman Scott introduced the resolution. Ian Race confirmed that one AAC board would be permanently installed at Osgood Park and three portable boards would be available for programming citywide. Council members expressed strong support, noting personal experiences with the hospital’s services and the importance of inclusive spaces. Passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 2 (Hispanic Heritage Month Recognition) and Resolution No. 3 (Hunger Action Month): Both were adopted unanimously. Alderwoman Barbosa and Alderwoman Scott spoke at length about the significance of celebrating heritage and addressing food insecurity, citing the Data Haven 2025 New Britain Equity Report and the impact of SNAP changes. Key Outcomes - All resolutions and consent items passed unanimously (13-0). - Reconsideration of Resolution 37257: Referred to Planning, Zoning, and Housing Committee (with Health Department co-referral). - Minutes of the Special Meeting of February 18, 2026, were approved unanimously. - Petition: Alderwoman DiLernia and co-petitioners requested a complete listing of all individuals hired since November 5, 2025; referred to Human Resources.

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.

The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services of the New Britain Common Council held a public hearing and regular meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 6:34 PM in Council Chambers. Seven members were present, constituting a quorum. The public hearing had no participants and was closed at 6:37 PM. The sole agenda item was a resolution to amend Section 1-17 of the Code of Ordinances to replace the existing hearing committee with hearing officers, consistent with Connecticut General Statutes §7-152c. Discussion Items - ITEM NO. 37234 – Amend Sec. 1-17 of Chapter 1 of the Code of Ordinances Corporation counsel explained that the amendment aligns the ordinance with state law, which authorizes municipalities to appoint hearing officers for appeals of citations and ordinance violations. The current language requires a committee; changing to hearing officers provides flexibility and efficiency, as multiple officers can share the workload and avoid quorum issues. Counsel noted that a backlog already exists for parking ticket appeals because only one hearing officer is available, and the city anticipates additional appeals from upcoming automated traffic safety devices. The amendment also updates outdated terms (e.g., "policeman" to "police officer") and clarifies that hearing officers cannot be police officers or employees who issue citations. - Discussion of Concerns and Amendment Alderman Santiago raised concerns that the phrase “one or more hearing officers” could allow the appointment of a single officer, potentially creating a new backlog. He also proposed clarifying that hearing officers cannot be employees of the department that issued the citation, not just those who personally issued it. After discussion, the committee approved an amendment adding the language: “or employees or persons employed by departments that issue citations.” Alderman Santiago made the motion, which was seconded and passed unanimously. - Further Questions Alderman Luna asked about the current backlog: when a committee lacks a quorum, hearings must be postponed, causing delays. The amendment allows a single hearing officer to proceed, reducing wait times. Alderman Natal asked whether additional hearing officers could be appointed later; counsel confirmed the mayor can appoint more as needed. Alderman Barreto questioned whether postponements due to staffing would violate statutory timeframes for hearings; counsel acknowledged that having multiple hearing officers helps avoid that issue. Alderman Santiago and others discussed the need for training on jurisdiction (e.g., ATV/UTV citations), support personnel at hearings, and the option to appeal hearing officer decisions to superior court. Key Outcomes - Motion to Waive Reading of Legal Notice – Passed unanimously. - Public Hearing – No participants; closed at 6:37 PM. - Amendment Adopted: Resolution amended to add “or employees or persons employed by departments that issue citations” to the disqualification clause. - Motion to Refer to Full Council: Alderman Santiago moved to refer the amended resolution to the Common Council with a neutral recommendation. The motion was seconded by Alderman Barreto and passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned thereafter.

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.

The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services held a public hearing and regular meeting on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 6:34 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall, New Britain, Connecticut. The main agenda item was Item 37190, concerning compensation for elected and appointed officials, including a proposed $1 increase for the Register of Voters and an increase in the Clerk of Committees salary to $30,000 per year. A second agenda item (Item 37100) regarding a municipal identification card program was listed but not discussed. The meeting adjourned at 7:29 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public attended or called in. The public hearing was opened and closed without testimony. Discussion Items - Item 37190 – Compensation for Elected and Appointed Officials: The committee considered a resolution that had been amended at the June 10, 2026 full council meeting to remove Corporation Counsel and Treasurer from the original $1 increase, leaving only the Register of Voters for a $1 increase and the Clerk of Committees salary set at $30,000 per year. - Corporation Counsel Jennifer Pikorski and Acting Finance Director Amy Goldsberry provided explanations of the effect of Ordinance 2-338. The ordinance includes automatic cost-of-living increases tied to Local 1186 union contracts for certain positions (Mayor, Corporation Counsel, Register of Voters) if no salary modification is adopted through the compensation committee process. If the dollar increase were approved, it would become effective at the start of the next term for those positions, overriding the automatic COLA. - Several aldermen discussed the implications: Alderman McNamara noted that the mayor and corporation counsel had indicated they did not want raises, and that approving a $1 increase would prevent the automatic 1186 increase. Alderwoman Dottie Delernia expressed concern about the public perception of giving the mayor a raise so early in his term. Alderwoman Candice Scott supported the $30,000 for Clerk of Committees, arguing the council needs more staff support and that the position would be part-time, saving money compared to the previous union administrator position. - Alderman McNamara requested that job descriptions for both the Clerk of Committees and the council’s administrative staff be shared with all members. Key Outcomes - Amendment 1 (by Alderwoman Delernia) to add a $1 increase for Corporation Counsel, Treasurer, and Mayor – Failed (4 nays, 2 ayes). - Amendment 2 (by Alderwoman Scott) to add a $1 increase for Corporation Counsel only (excluding Mayor) – Failed (2 ayes, 5 nays). - Main Motion to refer the amended resolution (Register of Voters $1 increase and Clerk of Committees salary at $30,000) to the full Common Council with a neutral recommendation – Passed (5 ayes, 1 nay). - As a result of the failed amendments, the automatic cost-of-living increases under Ordinance 2-338 will take effect for the Mayor, Corporation Counsel, and Register of Voters unless the full council changes the ordinance. The $1 increase for the Register of Voters (if approved by full council) would not become effective until the next term, but the automatic COLA would apply this fiscal year instead. - The Clerk of Committees salary increase to $30,000 per year is included in the resolution sent to the full council for final action.