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SHOWING 111–112 ENTRIES
111
JUN 12, 2024 · NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT · COMMON COUNCIL
New Britain Common Council Regular Meeting - June 12, 2024

The New Britain Common Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, beginning with public participation at 7:00 PM and the regular session at 7:46 PM. The meeting included recognition of graduating youth leaders, a presentation on the Holmes School renovation project, adoption of several consent agenda items, and passage of resolutions on Juneteenth, Pride Month, Alzheimer's awareness, immigrant heritage, flag day, a speed enforcement grant, and the Downtown District budget. Public comment featured concerns about flooding infrastructure, police interactions, and unmet city promises. The meeting adjourned at 9:03 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from April 24, May 8, April 24 special, and May 22 special meetings. - Items A–K and L and 16 (added by amendment) adopted unanimously on roll call vote (15-0). Items included claims reports, zoning recommendations, purchasing reports, and police commission responses on traffic studies. Public Comments & Testimony - Frank Chase (Roxbury Road): Repeatedly asked "Where's the money?" regarding the Allen Street Project No. 2, citing ARPA funds and a $4 million transfer he claims was never executed. Demanded transparency and prioritization of the project after 30 years of waiting. - Nasra Ali (homeless since May 2022): Described an illegal eviction and subsequent harassment, vandalism of her car, and lack of police response despite reports. Expressed fear for her safety and frustration with the mayor's office. - Vanessa Cologne (new business owner on North Street): Reported that a police officer harassed a customer and then issued loitering tickets to multiple customers. Felt this drives away patrons and harms her business; requested positive community-police relations. - Charles Smith (Jubilee Street): Complained about broken promises from city officials (specifically Justin Dorsey) regarding reimbursements and park improvements. Expressed disappointment after 36 years of attempting to get issues resolved. - John Christoph (Lindwood Street): Criticized the administration for touting school construction funding that largely came from state officials, questioned fiscal transparency, noted a tax increase, and asked about audits of ARPA funds and the sale of Village Square. - John Bord (public comment): Voiced support for Resolution 6 recognizing June as Pride Month, citing increased Human Rights Campaign score and the importance of affirming LGBTQ+ rights. - Online caller (Johnny Scott): Thanked the council. - Online caller (unidentified): Commented on summer school transportation issues, saying "it's not beneficial for children to walk" and questioning why busing isn't provided. Recognition & Presentations - Youth Leadership Awards: Daniel, a graduating senior and Youth Leadership Council member, received a citation from state legislators. Alanese Jimenez (AJ) received the 2024 Mayor's Medal of Merit for her work with the youth prevention council. - Holmes School Renovation Presentation: Paul Selena (Director of City & School Relations) and Freddie Karachi (KBA Architects) presented plans for a $70 million renovation (95% state reimbursement). Key details: - Demolition of a one-story section and addition of a two-story wing. - New gym, family resource center, school-based health clinic, and bus loop eliminating Nye Street traffic. - Construction to begin September 2024 with completion by August 2026. - The project includes solar panels (one of the largest in the district), generators for emergency use, and a 1.5-acre expansion into Stanley Park approved by the Attorney General. - The council commended state Representative Bobby Sanchez for securing 95% reimbursement and space waivers. Discussion Items - Resolution 1 (321 Ellis Street Solar): Alderman Simpson noted the ARUD district master plan amendment will support solar photovoltaic facility development, reducing electricity costs for affordable housing residents. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 2 (Juneteenth): Alderwoman Scott spoke emotionally about the history of slavery and the importance of recognizing June 19, 2023 (state holiday in CT since 2022). Urged attendance at local Juneteenth events. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 3 (Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month): Presented by Alderwoman McAdam; 78,000 CT residents live with Alzheimer's, 178,000 caregivers. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 4 (Immigrant Heritage Month): Alderwoman Barbosa noted immigrants make up 26% of the US population and contribute to New Britain's economy and culture. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 5 (Flag Day): Recognized June 14 as Flag Day and encouraged residents to display the flag. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 6 (Pride Month): Alderman Smedley highlighted the city's Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index score of 87 (aiming for 90). Alderwoman Barbosa shared personal support for her gay daughter. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 7 (Speed & Aggressive Driving Enforcement Grant): Alderman Santiago noted 50.7% of speed crashes occur on weekends, 22% of fatal crashes involve aggressive driving. The $78,749 federal grant will fund overtime for targeted enforcement. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 15 (Willow Brook Flood Study Grant): Alderman Simpson introduced a $300,000 DEEP climate resiliency grant to study and design flood mitigation in Willowbrook Park. Mark Moriarty confirmed it's a planning study only; similar studies preceded other projects. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 16 (Downtown District Budget FY2024-2025): Alderman Santiago presented the budget with a decreased mill rate of 2.9 mils (from 3.25). Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra questioned the $266,000 budget, noting only $50,000 for activities (retail improvement, special events, marketing). Nicole (Downtown District) explained the facade improvement program and events. Alderman Smedley requested earlier submission for committee review. Adopted unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda and Resolutions 1–16 all passed with unanimous votes (15-0). - Petitions (slow crossing signs on South Main, deaf child sign, traffic study on Pinehurst/Pershing) were referred to the Police Commission. - Next steps: The Holmes School project will begin demolition in July 2024, with ground breaking in September and completion expected August 2026. The Willow Brook study will proceed. The Downtown District will operate under the approved budget. The speed enforcement grant will fund overtime patrols.

EDUCATION 20% · PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 11% · PROCEDURAL 7% · PUBLIC SAFETY 6%
112
JUN 5, 2024 · NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT · COMMON COUNCIL
New Britain Committee on Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services Special Meeting June 5, 2024

The committee held a special meeting on June 5, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers to discuss two agenda items: the status of a $4 million fund transfer for the Allen Street drainage improvement project and a proposed ordinance amendment regarding water meter readings. The meeting featured extensive testimony from Finance Director Mr. Perigini and former Alderwoman Luz Ortiz Luna, and concluded with motions to refer the first item with neutral recommendation and to table the second item. Discussion Items Item 36453: Status of Fund Transfer for Allen Street Drainage Improvement Project - Mr. Perigini reported that the resolution passed by the Common Council on September 27, 2023, appropriating $4 million from the general fund for Phase II of the Allen Street project, could not be executed because it lacked specific line items and would have violated the city's fund balance policy. The transfer would have dropped the unassigned fund balance to 4.24%, below the required 5% threshold, necessitating a fiscal emergency declaration. - Former Alderwoman Luz Ortiz Luna, the resolution's sponsor, stated she was not contacted by corporation counsel or the mayor's office about any issues before or after the vote. She was later given a stamped copy of the resolution as proof of transfer, leading her to believe the funds were allocated. - Alderman McNamara expressed concern that the resolution was unanimously approved without proper vetting, attributing it to a desire to address public health and flooding issues in the Allen Street area. He noted that the project was not a priority at the time but has since gained urgency. - Alderman Santiago questioned why no one flagged the procedural deficiency during the original vote, emphasizing that the council assumed the funds were available from the "rainy day" fund (unassigned fund balance). - Mr. Perigini clarified that the $4 million remains in the general fund but cannot be used for Allen Street without triggering a fiscal crisis. He suggested alternative funding sources such as the sewer or clean water fund, or bonding. - Alderman Simpson asked about the difference between the general fund and the budget, and Mr. Perigini explained that fund balance is not revenue and that the city has multiple funds (general, special revenue, enterprise). - Alderman Pabone recalled that after the meeting, it was stated that partial funding ($4 million) could not be used without the full project cost (estimated at $6.7 million). - Alderman Scott expressed sadness that the resolution was not executed, calling it a transparency issue and a failure to serve residents facing flooding and housing risks. Item 36304: Amendment to Water Meter Ordinance - Alderman Simpson moved to table the proposed ordinance amendment, which sought to provide exceptions for faulty equipment regarding water meter readings. He stated that corporation counsel informed him the wording conflicts with the city charter. The intent of the ordinance is to improve notification to homeowners of large water usage increases caused by leaks, to prevent excessive bills that could lead to home loss. - The motion to table was seconded by Alderman Santiago and passed by voice vote. Key Outcomes - Item 36453: Motion to refer the item to the full council with a neutral recommendation, made by Alderman McNamara and seconded by Alderman Santiago, passed by voice vote. The committee will forward the report and discussion to the Common Council for further action. - Item 36304: Motion to table the ordinance amendment for further discussion, made by Alderman Simpson and seconded by Alderman Santiago, passed by voice vote. The item will be revisited after language is revised to comply with the charter. - The meeting adjourned at 6:43 PM.

PROCEDURAL 32% · ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE 28% · BUDGET EQUITY ANALYSIS 25% · FLOODING 6%
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