Public Meetings - New Britain, Connecticut

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6:03 PM, the New Britain Common Council held a public hearing in Council Chambers, City Hall, 27 West Main Street, to consider a resolution authorizing the city to join the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (CMDA) as a member municipality. The hearing was called to order by the Chair, roll call was taken with 8 aldermen present (sufficient for a quorum), and the reading of the legal notice was waived by a motion that passed unanimously. No members of the public or remote callers spoke during the public comment period. The hearing was closed at 6:05 PM, after which a special meeting of the zoning subcommittee convened. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was held as scheduled; no public testimony was offered. - The item (Authorization for joining CMDA) was not voted on during the hearing; the hearing served as a required public input step. The resolution will proceed to the Common Council for a vote at a subsequent meeting.

This special meeting of the Common Council Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services convened on May 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall, New Britain, Connecticut. The primary focus was the presentation of the New Britain Public Schools budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, including a level-services request with additional special education staffing, and the subsequent referral of three budget resolutions to the full Council with neutral recommendations. Public Comments & Testimony - Laura Bolke (85 Settlers Knoll, Newington; born and raised in New Britain, 612 Curriculum Coordinator) expressed concern about underfunding of the school district under the mayor's budget proposal, particularly in special education and student transportation. She argued that a tax decrease would be small for families but would significantly impact the school district, calling the expectation of a tax cut while costs rise "counterintuitive." - Heather Nickel (74 Breezy Corners Road, Portland; Principal of Holmes Elementary School, 30 years with the district) stated that the district faces dramatic cuts and that this year feels different. She asked the council to seriously consider the school district's budget, emphasizing that the request is for survival. Discussion Items School Budget Presentation (Item 36785-1) Dr. Gasper (Superintendent), joined by CFO Ann Alfano and Board of Education President Barbara Marino, presented the school district's budget request for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Key points: - Budget Request: $139,362,463 from the General Fund, an increase of $11,362,463 (8.88%) over the current adopted budget of $128 million. The request is characterized as a "level services" budget with additional staffing only for special education (including one assistant principal, board certified behavior analysts, paraeducators, school psychologists, social workers, and special education teachers). - Drivers of Increase: Contractual cost increases include teacher salaries ($44.8M to $45.0M), transportation and bus monitors (up 17% due to bid), special education tuition (up $3.5 million), and health insurance/benefits ($1.9 million increase). Special education outplacements have doubled from 68 to 130 students, with costs per student ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 annually. - State Funding Uncertainty: The district faces a potential swing of $3.8 million in excess cost reimbursement depending on state budget decisions. The governor's budget proposed zero additional dollars, while legislative proposals range from $40 million to $124 million, which would break fiscal guardrails. The district did not budget for any increase in excess cost. - Student Achievement Data: Dr. Gasper highlighted "green shoots"—positive trends in reading and math scores, college credit attainment (536 students in semester one), and improved adult practice. He noted that enrollment is growing slowly, and class sizes are within contractual limits. - Questions from Council: Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra pressed for clarity on the difference between a level-services budget and a status quo budget, asking to see the cost of continuing current operations without new staff. Dr. Gasper and Ms. Alfano responded that the $8.7 million increase (after subtracting $2.6 million for new special ed staff) covers contractual obligations only. Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra also requested union-by-union salary increase percentages and a current vacancy list. Alderman McNamara noted that local effort has increased only 0.29% per year over 12 years, while state aid has risen over 60%. Special Revenue and Enterprise Funds Budget (Item 36786-1) - The resolution was referred with a neutral recommendation without discussion. Capital Improvement Program (LOCIP) Budget (Item 36787-1) - Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra noted that for the first time, three Board of Education projects (totaling approximately $395,000) are included in the LOCIP grant: flooring at DiLoreto, lighting at Lincoln, and a third project. The resolution was referred with a neutral recommendation. Key Outcomes - Item 36785-1 (General Fund Budget): Motion to refer with a neutral recommendation passed unanimously (voice vote). The school budget presentation was received, and the committee forwarded the resolution to the full Council without recommendation. - Item 36786-1 (Special Revenue and Enterprise Funds Budget): Moved and seconded to refer with a neutral recommendation. Passed unanimously (voice vote). - Item 36787-1 (LOCIP Budget): Moved and seconded to refer with a neutral recommendation. Passed unanimously (voice vote). - The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:05 PM (after the school presentation and votes) on a motion by Alderman McNamara, seconded by Alderman Simpson.

The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services held a special meeting on May 7, 2025, at 6:01 PM, adjourning at 7:11 PM. The committee reviewed three budget resolutions for fiscal year 2025-2026, heard presentations from multiple city departments, and tabled all resolutions pending a continuation meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak. Discussion Items - Item 36785-1: General Fund Budget for FY 2025-2026: A motion was made by Alderwoman Beloin Savedra, seconded by Alderman Russell, to refer this resolution to the full council with a neutral recommendation. The committee then heard presentations from the following departments: - Corporation Counsel (Mary Pakorski): Budget decreased by a few hundred dollars; four full-time positions; handles litigation, collective bargaining, FOI requests, and contract review for both the city and Board of Education. - Mayor's Office (Justin Dorsey): Budget virtually unchanged, with a 2.5% increase for non-mayor staff due to contractual raises. - Finance Department (Jonathan Perigini, Mike, Cheryl): The assessor's budget is down 1.79% due to reduced professional services and lower costs for vehicle valuation guides. Revenue collection budget is similar, with one unfilled position. Finance department salaries increased due to a position transfer; professional services increased $45,000 for software upgrade and training; pavement management added $50,000. New cannabis sales revenue is estimated at $250,000. - Human Resources (Linda Gard): Budget cut by nearly $38,000; three and a half employees; handles recruitment, benefits, employee relations, and fair rent/housing complaints; increase in physical and psychological exam costs noted. - Public Works (Mark Moriarty): Mayor's proposed budget shows a 1.12% increase ($168,245) over the current year; provided extensive inventory of city infrastructure; noted new catch-basin cleaning initiative funded by the Clean Water Fund. - Registrar of Voters (Peter Gostin): Budget cut by about $36,000 from their request; new tabulators and voter registration system coming; new cellular service for poll pads may reduce need for hotspots. - Town and City Clerk (Mark Bernacki): Budget decreased $24,000 due to retirements; office generates over $2 million in fees (primarily conveyance tax) and returns about $1.4 million surplus to the city. - Item 36786-1: Special Revenue Funds and Enterprise Funds Budget for FY 2025-2026: A motion was made to refer to full council with neutral recommendation. No department presentations were given before the item was tabled. - Item 36787-1: Capital Improvement Program Appropriation for FY 2025-2026: A motion was made to refer to full council with neutral recommendation. No department presentations were given before the item was tabled. Key Outcomes - All three resolutions were tabled by voice vote (motion by Alderman McNamara, seconded by Alderwoman Beloin Savedra) pending the continuation of the meeting on May 8, 2025. No final votes were taken on the budgets; the committee forwarded neutral recommendations to the full council.

The Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing held a special meeting on May 6, 2025, at 6:05 PM in Council Chambers, New Britain City Hall. The meeting focused on reviewing departmental budgets for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and acting on three resolutions: the General Fund Budget, Special Revenue Funds and Enterprise Funds Budget, and the Capital Improvement Program (LOCIP) budget appropriation. Department heads presented their proposed budgets, highlighting contractual obligations, wage increases, and operational needs. The committee voted to refer all three items back to the full Common Council with neutral recommendations. No public comments were made. Discussion Items 1. General Fund Budget for FY 2025-2026 (Item 36785-1) - Police Department (Chief Marino): Proposed budget increase of $751,000, driven by the new Axon contract ($630,000) and a 1.15% general wage increase. The contract locks in rates for 10 years, saving over $100,000 in the first year. The department has 156 officers, below the contractual minimum of 165, with nine vacancies actively being filled. Revenue projections are approximately $2 million from private duty and the entry-level academy. - Fire Department (Chief Ortiz): Requested a $1,415,571 increase (8.5% over previous year), with 97.13% ($1,374,971) due to contractual and legal obligations. Overtime accounts for $3.2275 million, of which $1.8 million is for scheduled shift coverage. The department operates with 128 firefighters per contract, currently at 132 total staff. No new programs; focus on maintaining existing services and fire prevention outreach. - Health and Building Services (Francine Truglio, acting director): No significant increase in health budget; building department requests a new building inspector position. The department has issued 2,502 permits and performed over 4,000 inspections, collecting $1.636 million in revenue. Blight enforcement: 504 tickets issued totaling $121,699 since the start of the fiscal year, with a new lien-based system. Staffing transitions include splitting the former combined health/building director role into two positions. - Planning and Development (Jack Benjamin): Requested a modest 2% increase, with 88% due to contractual obligations. The department oversees community development, economic development, and planning/zoning. Advertising costs increased due to switching to the Hartford Courant for public notices. The Clean and Lean program is funded through federal HUD money and uses subcontractors for cleanup. - Recreation and Community Services (Director Deprey): No major changes, only contractual wage increases and part-time wage adjustments due to minimum wage hikes ($16.35/hour). The department has 38 full-time employees and 200-250 part-time/seasonal workers. New MyRec software generated $90,000 in two weeks. Projects include golf course pavilion, ADA improvements at Martha Hart Park, and new pickleball/tennis courts. Homelessness programs: prevention assistance through community foundations and CDBG grants. - Support Services (John Delgadillo): Overall budget shows a net decrease of $10,000 (revenue up $100,000, expenditures up $90,000). Utility costs increased 30% due to a new electricity contract, but savings from the fiber project and dark fiber connections offset some costs. The IT department conducts phishing tests for city employees. Dispatchers (union 222) received a 2.5% wage increase; other unions are in negotiation. 2. Special Revenue Funds and Enterprise Funds Budget for FY 2025-2026 (Item 36786-1) - The committee discussed the list of projects included in the resolution. Alderman Beloin Savedra explained that the mayor compiled recommendations based on capital improvement requests, including from the Board of Education. Alderman McNamara initially raised a question about the White Bridge well field improvement and water main replacement, but withdrew after clarifying that the resolution only covers LOCIP funds. No further discussion, and the motion to refer passed. 3. Budget Appropriation for Capital Improvement Program 2025-2026 (LOCIP) (Item 36787-1) - This item was not discussed in detail; the committee moved to refer it back with a neutral recommendation following the same pattern as the other resolutions. Key Outcomes - Motion 1 (Item 36785-1): Alderman Beloin Savedra moved to refer the General Fund Budget resolution back to the council with a neutral recommendation. Seconded by Alderman Russell. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote (all ayes, no nays). - Motion 2 (Item 36786-1): Alderman Beloin Savedra moved to refer the Special Revenue Funds and Enterprise Funds Budget resolution back to the council with a neutral recommendation. Seconded by Alderman Russell. The motion passed unanimously. - Motion 3 (Item 36787-1): The committee proceeded similarly; no separate vote recorded, but the chair indicated the motion to refer passed. - Adjournment: Moved by Alderman Hargraves, seconded by Alderman Russell. The meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM. Note: The meeting began at 6:05 PM and included a five-minute recess from 7:37 PM to 7:43 PM.

The Audit Committee of the New Britain Common Council held a special meeting on May 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall, to interview auditing firms for a two-year contract with three one-year extensions, covering fiscal years 2025 through 2029 (RFP Bid 4186). No transcript or minutes were available, so details on the interviews, discussions, or decisions are not reported here. Agenda Item - RFP Bid 4186: Interviewing of auditing firms for a two-year contract with three one-year extensions, covering FY25 through FY29.

The New Britain Common Council Audit Subcommittee held a special meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 6:01 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. The meeting addressed the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the FY24 Federal and State Single Audit Reports, and the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for auditing services. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM. Discussion of FY24 Financial and Audit Reports - Representatives from Clifton Larson Allen (CLA), Leslie Zoll and Jonathan Perugini, presented the audit results. The opinion on the financial statements was unmodified (clean). No material weaknesses were identified; however, a significant deficiency was reported related to construction-in-progress capital asset records. - The prior year’s material weakness on bank reconciliations has been fully resolved, and compliance findings from FY23 have been removed. - Key financial highlights: governmental activities net position increased by $12 million to $4.5 million; total fund balance increased by $9.8 million to $34.9 million (unassigned $25 million, assigned $9.9 million). Property tax collections remained strong at 96%, and expenditures were $9.3 million below budget. - Net pension liabilities decreased across all four plans; the FIRE plan is 68% funded, MERS 69% funded, and OPEB liability is 18.8% funded. - Management letter recommendations included improving grant accounting revenue recognition, performing monthly tax reconciliations, closing out old inactive grant funds, and reviewing the general liability reserve annually. - No findings were reported in the federal or state single audits. The city expended $169.1 million in state financial assistance; three state programs were tested with no issues. - Committee members praised the Finance Department for progress over the past three years, noting the audit timeline improved from more than a year to six months, and now to three months after year-end. - Finance Director Jonathan Perugini outlined steps to address the remaining significant deficiency, including cleaning up liability accounts and establishing a structured timeline with the auditors to deliver a clean trial balance earlier. Discussion of RFP Process for Auditing Services - Jonathan Perugini reported that an RFP for auditing services was issued on April 7, 2025, with a due date of April 25, 2025. The RFP was sent to multiple municipal audit firms, but only CLA submitted a proposal due to staffing constraints at other firms. - The timeline requires the city to appoint auditors for FY25 by June 1, 2025, per state OPM requirements. The committee discussed the need to move quickly. - Perugini recommended a two-year contract with three optional one-year renewals. The proposed cost was approximately $137,000–$139,000, in line with the budgeted amount. - Committee members expressed satisfaction with CLA’s work and the improvement in audit timelines. Some procedural discussion occurred regarding whether the recommendation must go through the AFL committee or directly to the full council; ultimately the committee proceeded to a vote. Key Outcomes - The committee unanimously approved a motion to accept the FY24 ACFR and Single Audit Reports and refer them with a neutral recommendation to the full Common Council. - The committee unanimously approved a motion to recommend CLA as the independent auditor for the next two fiscal years (FY25 and FY26), with three optional one-year renewals, subject to council approval. - Meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.

The New Britain Common Council held a public hearing on April 29, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers to receive public input on the Mayor's proposed budgets for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The items covered were: the General Fund Budget, the Special Revenue Funds and Enterprise Funds Budget, and the Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) Budget. Twelve council members were present. No council deliberation or votes were taken during the hearing; it was solely for public testimony. Public Comments & Testimony - John Whalen (266 Stanwood Drive, Vice President/Treasurer, New Britain Public Library Board of Trustees): Supported the library's requested 8% increase. Acknowledged the proposed 2% increase ($66,000, or about 1.2% of the city budget) and said the library would manage but with diminished services. Noted the city's share of library revenue dropped from 98% to 96% over the past year. Asked the council to maintain the 2% and consider additional funds if possible. - Victor Silber (49 Clifford Street, Hamden, Library Director): Presented usage statistics: 24% increase in visitors, 17% increase in cardholders, 41% increase in computer usage, and 37% increase in program attendance. Emphasized that the proposed budget could impact expanded programming and new book purchases. Urged funding the originally requested 8% to maintain momentum. - Ann Spire (13 Audubon Street, New Britain, former library board member, teacher): Expressed strong support for additional library funding beyond 2%. Criticized the Mayor's budget for flat-funding education, calling it "incompetence." Urged the council to find more money for public schools, citing federal cuts and the needs of students. - Patrick Thompson (241 High Street, New Britain): Urged the council to fight the Mayor's proposed budget, calling for expansion of emergency housing for those displaced by crises (fires, national disasters) and increased operational funding for schools to hire teachers and staff. - Carmen Rosado (156 Tartanley Street, social worker): Urged full funding of the Board of Education and creation of an emergency fund for families facing fires, sudden homelessness, or other crises. Stated that inadequate funding would harm children she works with. - Alex Bodman (Gold Street, New Britain): Urged funding for emergency housing and fully meeting the Board of Education's budget request. - Alicia Strong (2017 Corbin Avenue, teacher and director of New Britain Racial Justice): Supported library funding but focused on emergency housing and education. Proposed using money from a proposed tax break instead to fund schools and housing. Argued that funds should go into the operational budget rather than non-operational budget for sustainability. - John Kristapic (292 Lindwich Street): Criticized the Mayor's budget for proposing a $4 million spending increase alongside a $1.5 million tax cut. Cited a $1,755 tax increase over two years. The proposed 0.41 mill reduction would save him only $74.03. Urged full city funding of the Allen Street project. - Mary Rogers (New Britain resident): Noted that the proposed increase to the Board of Education is mostly in the non-operating budget. Urged fully funding the appropriation rollup (operational) instead of non-operating costs. Supported emergency housing. - Anthony King (caller, 41 Vassar Street, teacher and taxpayer): Supported the Mayor's proposed budget. Pointed out that 49% of the city is nontaxable (hospitals, CCSU, etc.) and the commercial base is under 20%. Argued that a property tax increase would disproportionately hurt residents and renters. Urged contacting state legislators for more education funding. - Kenneth Hog (108 Oakland Avenue, caller): Supported the Mayor's budget, defending building maintenance investments as foundational for education. Called the budget responsible and criticized opposition as rooted in rhetoric rather than fiscal stewardship. - Pete Martwright (caller, EPL Center Road): Supported library funding and urged emergency housing and fully meeting the Board of Education's budget request. Spoke as a former teacher in an underfunded district, stressing that children suffer when schools are underfunded. - Way for Lou (caller): Asked to keep property taxes as low as possible, noting increases have been difficult to manage. - Jonathan Rosenfield (15 Hurlbert Street, apartment 3S, recent fire victim): Shared his personal experience of losing his home in a fire. Thanked the Red Cross and New Britain Social Services for emergency funds, but noted the funds were quickly exhausted. Urged the council to maintain an emergency housing budget and to provide unrestricted operational funding to the Board of Education to attract and retain teachers. - Gail Connolly (2200 Stanley Street): Expressed frustration with the $2.6 million in non-operating budget for schools, arguing it cannot be used to hire teachers or paraprofessionals. Stated she would support a tax increase for education. Urged moving that money into the operating budget. - Tina Santana (27 West Main Street, parent and resident): Supported the Mayor's proposed budget. Emphasized the need for a tax break, as property tax increases are passed on to renters. Noted her four children in the district receive special education services, and staff are dedicated. Argued the budget gets the job done and keeps New Britain affordable. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was closed at 6:48 PM. - The Council President announced subcommittee meetings on May 6, 7, and 8 (the latter exclusively for the Board of Education budget) where the council will question department heads and officials based on the testimony received. No formal action was taken on the proposed resolutions.

The Common Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 7:24 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. The meeting included public participation, petitions, and 13 agenda items covering zoning amendments, contracts, and policy changes. All items were approved or referred, with two no votes on the cannabis retailer ordinance. Public Comments & Testimony - Joe Giuganti (67 Martin Luther King Drive) spoke against the New Britain Housing Authority, alleging interference with the resident council and violation of HUD rules. He stated that residents cannot discuss issues without Housing Authority presence, that a $25 monthly stipend for Pentacle Heights residents was removed, and that the Housing Authority has too much power. He requested help from the Council or an attorney. Alderman Beloin-Saavedra responded, expressing sympathy, offering to speak with him afterward, and reminding him of the Fair Rent Commission and Housing Authority board meetings. Petitions - Alderman Scott petitioned for stop signs at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Stanley Street. The motion was seconded and adopted by roll call vote. Discussion Items & Key Outcomes - Item No. 36736 – Fair Rent Commission Ordinance Amendment (Alderman Connors and Hargraves): Amended Chapter 2, Article XIX to align with state regulations, allowing tenants facing eviction for non-payment of rent to still file complaints if they are current on rent and have not received a summary process for non-payment. Adopted unanimously. - Item No. 36750 – Tax Modification Agreement for 321 Ellis Street (Ellis Commons): Adjusted the tax abatement timeline for a 154-unit mixed-income affordable senior and disabled housing development. The city will receive $600 per unit ($92,400 total) annually, increasing 3% per year. Discussion included concerns about affordability for low-income residents and praise for the project. Adopted unanimously. - Item No. 36728 – BBC Auto Repair Certificate of Location (66 St. Clair Avenue): Approved a state DMV motor vehicle repairer license. Adopted unanimously. - Item No. 36737 – Cannabis Retailer Hours and Signage (Alderman Simpson): Changed permitted hours from 7 AM–7 PM to 9 AM–9 PM and applied standard business sign regulations to cannabis retailers. Discussion noted that the two existing locations (Hartford Road and Hartford Square) are inconspicuous and that signage would be similar to package stores. Alderman Beloin-Saavedra and Alderman Pavone voted no, citing concerns about the signage change and previous agreements with the Latino Ministry. Adopted 13–2. - Item No. 36738 – Single Driveway Clarification (Alderman Hargraves): Amended zoning to clarify that a single driveway is permitted in lower-density residential districts (removing T and T6 districts via friendly amendment). Adopted unanimously. - Item No. 36739 – Screening Between Business and Residential Properties (Alderman Santiago): Required screening in B-1R and CBD-R districts where business abuts residential. Affects about six properties. Adopted unanimously. - Item No. 36733 – On-Call Public Bid for City Building Repairs (Alderman Smedley): Authorized a bid list for electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and other repairs up to $37,500 per project (compromised from $100,000 and $50,000 after committee discussion). Adopted unanimously. - Item No. 36735 – Civil Service Commission Rules Amendment (Alderman Barbosa): Automatically eligible for appointment as public safety telecommunicator if all certifications are held, regardless of active employment list. Adopted unanimously. - Item No. 36749 – Demolition Delay for Historic Properties (Alderman Connors): Updated the historic properties list under Chapter 19. Adopted unanimously. - Item No. 4196 – Summer Bus Transportation Contract (Alderman Sanchez): Awarded contract for 2025 summer bus transportation to First Student, Inc. of New Britain (city-based company) after matching the lowest bidder (Autumn Transportation). Adopted unanimously. - Item No. 36734? – Clean Water Fund Consulting (Alderman Sanchez): Authorized $50,000 to Brown and Caldwell for consulting on stormwater management and clean water compliance. Adopted unanimously. - Item No. 36749? – Automated Traffic Enforcement (Alderman McNamara): Proposed adding sections on speed and red-light cameras (state statute 14-307c). Referred to the Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing for public hearing. Supported by Vision Zero committee members; discussion noted 10 mph threshold, 30-day warning period, and license-plate-only capture. Referred unanimously. - Item No. 367?? – Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (CMDA) Membership (Alderman Sanchez): Authorized joining CMDA to unlock funding for transit-oriented development near Fastrak stations (downtown, East Main, East Street). Referred to the Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing. Referred unanimously.

The New Britain Common Council held a special meeting on April 23, 2025, at approximately 6:50 PM to accept a report from the Bonding Subcommittee and to act on a $2 million appropriation and bond authorization for the Allen Street sewer project. Fifteen council members were present. Public Comments & Testimony - Margaret Messerschmidt of 6 Hampton Street spoke in favor of the $2 million bond authorization. She asked whether the money would remain sequestered if the full $12 million needed for the project was not raised, or if it would revert to the general fund. A council member responded that $4 million is already set aside in the water department fund, and the $2 million bond cannot be used for any other purpose; it will not be expended until the state provides the remainder. Discussion Items - Alderman Scott expressed support for the $2 million bond but shared a personal story of flooding on her property. She stated that the city had been promised $4 million at the beginning of the term, but now only $2 million is being authorized. She noted that the mayor said the project affects only 50 homes, but she believes it impacts businesses, apartments, and all who drive on Allen Street in the rain. She said she was told that if the council did not accept the $2 million, the measure would be vetoed. - Alderman Lawrence (of Achro) countered that she was present during leadership negotiations and that the agreed amount was $2 million, with no specific figure discussed. She stated that the city had set aside 30% of the project cost last year (after a walk-around with state bond chairs) but the state never responded. She argued that the city is now contributing 45% to the project (the previous $4 million plus this $2 million), and the state bond commission has canceled six meetings and still has not included Allen Street on its agenda. She criticized the state delegation for failing to secure funding. - Alderman Smedley asked the bond council (Mr. Peregini) to clarify whether the original $4 million allocated to the project is still available. Mr. Peregini confirmed that the money remains in the water fund balance and is available once the state meets its obligations. - Alderman Scott responded that she was not previously aware the $4 million was still usable, and that she trusts the information her team reported. She reiterated that she is not against the $2 million but wants transparency. - Alderman McNamara expressed full support, noting the $2 million brings the city's contribution to 45% of the overall cost, which should encourage state participation. He called the measure a good compromise. - Alderman Narducci (?) also voiced strong support for the compromise. Key Outcomes - The council accepted the report from the Bonding Subcommittee (motion carried unanimously). - The council approved the $2 million appropriation and bond authorization for the Allen Street sewer project by a roll call vote of 15-0 (all present in favor). The bond is contingent on the mayor's receipt of grant funding from the state of Connecticut.