Welcome to the regular meeting of the Common Council for Wednesday June 25th 2025. It is now 7-0-1 and seeing sufficient members present we'll start with public participation. Remember to state your name and address for the record. You have three minutes and We will begin tonight with Mr. John Board. Good evening, members of the council. Once again, I rise in strong support of adoption of Rule 14, a proposal to establish clear standards for public participation in decorum during council meetings. This rule is simple, fair, and modeled on the longstanding practices of the General Assembly. It protects the right of the public to be heard and ensures that business can be conducted without disruption, intimidation, or theatrics. But tonight I'm not also defending this rule. I'm here to, quite frankly, express a little disappointment and frustration. Since this proposal was submitted to Council, there's been zero outreach, zero discussion, and zero engagement from members of the Council on the language, intent, or even possible revisions, and quite frankly, that silences a hell of a lot more, says a hell of a lot more than just a vote. I would like to also expressly address the president pro tem, since we had an understanding. He told me that once I submitted a proposal in writing, there'd be an opportunity to review and revise the language collaboratively. I took that in good faith, but after following up multiple times, I received no conversation No edits and no engagement. That's not how good governance works. As you have all heard me say multiple times, if you're opposed to something, you have an obligation to put an alternative on the table and not just say no. Say what you would support instead. Otherwise, you're not just debating. You're, quite frankly, obstructing. Let's be honest. Recent breakdowns in decorum during this council and meetings have speaks for themselves. What the intent here is to protect everyone's rights to be heard without fear or disruption and not silencing individuals. Once again, Rule 14 is not about censorship. It's about accountability. So you know what? The proposal is just a start. It's nothing final. If you don't like the current language, then, you know, offer edits. But just don't say no. The public deserves a chamber where policies can be debated. with passion and disagreement, but always with respect. Once again, I urge this council, do the work, review the rule, provide and propose improvements if needed, but don't simply ignore a proposal. The people of New Britain want a council that still works together, believes and respects the democratic processes. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Board. He needs to state his name and address. I don't think it was stated. Is there a problem. His name and his address. 80 Highland Terrace. Highland Terrace. OK. I have no other names on the list. However, if there's anybody in the audience that wishes to speak, step forward now. Anybody else? Anybody else? That's three times. Hearing none. Is anybody calling in remotely? Nobody. Okay. That concludes hearing from the public tonight at 7.06. If any members wish to briefly comment on what they've heard. Alderwoman Scott. Hi I just wanted to let you know that I hear what you're saying and I just need a little bit more time to look at it myself. But again like I haven't heard from anybody else stating that they had any concerns with the safety here feeling like they can't be. they can't speak so I think everybody's welcome to speak and say whatever they'd like to say here and we welcome it. So all right and I'll take some I'll take a look at it though. Thanks. Anybody else hearing none seeing none that concludes this portion of public participation and the regular meeting will begin shortly at 7 0 6. like to call the order this regular meeting of the New Britain Common Council the date is June 25th 2025 the time is 7 11 p.m. mr. clerk will you please call the roll all the persons McNamara here Smedley Sanchez Blaine Saavedra Simpson here Russell Barbosa Hargraves McAdam Gibson Scott here Connors Malinowski Bobone Santiago 13 present, Your Honor. Thank you. Can we all please rise for the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Let us pray. O God, our Heavenly Father, as we celebrate 250 years of independence with the great American boom, we give thanks for the freedom and liberties we now enjoy. Give us the resolve to not take these freedoms for granted and provide the guidance and will to continue them for another 250 years. We ask this in thy name. Amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Move on to minutes this evening. I make a motion to accept the meeting minutes. MEETING MINUTES OF SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 28, 2025. I HAVE A SECOND BY ALDERWOMAN SANCHEZ. ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? SEEING NONE, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE. OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. I HAVE NO AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA, SO WE'LL GO INTO PETITIONS THIS EVENING. MR. CLERK. YES, WE HAVE SEVEN, YOUR HONOR. FIRST ONE FROM ALDERMAN SANTIAGO, TO INSTALL STOP SIGNS AT PIERMONT AVENUE AT THE INTERSECTION OF JORDAN STREET OR THE INTERSECTION AT GOLDEN HILL STREET. POLICE COMMISSION. OKAY. PETITIONS TWO THROUGH SIX FROM ALDERMAN SMEDLEY REGARDING AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCES. SO WE'RE GOING TO SEND THOSE TO CITY PLAN COMMISSION AND ALSO TO THE ZONING SUBCOMMITTEE. OKAY, AND WE ALSO HAVE A NEW PETITION NUMBER SEVEN FROM ALDERMAN SANTIAGO TO PROMOTE TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY WITH THE CITY DEPARTMENTS. THE ALDERMAN IS REQUESTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION. A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL CITY OF NEW BRITAIN OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES excluding police and fire personnel who are authorized to take city-owned vehicles home. That's it, Your Honor. On to the consent agenda. I make a motion to accept a consent agenda of A, C, and D. I have a second from Alderwoman Sanchez. Any questions or comments? Seeing none, Mr. Clerk. Okay, all the persons, McNamara? Yes. Smedley? Yes. Sanchez? Yes. Beloyed-Savedra? Yes. Simpson? Yes. Barbosa? Yes. Hargraves? Yes. McAdam? Yes. Gibson? Yes. Scott? Yes. Malinowski? Yes. Pabon? Yes. Santiago? Yes. 13-0, Your Honor. Thank you. Motion carries. Alderman Santiago? Make a motion to accept item number B. I have a second from Alderwoman Sanchez. And this is also make a motion to go into executive session your honor. Oh wait first we have to pass. Thank you. This has to do with. You can make a motion to go into executive session you just have to state the reason why and who you'd like to invite to it. OK that's OK. Make a motion to go into executive session to discuss the settlement with the mayor all members of the council Gennaro Bizarro. Mary Pokorsky and Tom Girard. Second. I have a second from Alderwoman Beloying-Savagia. All those in favor of going into executive session, please say aye. Aye. The opposed? Motion carries. We're in executive session. The time is 7.14 p.m. Your Honor, I'd like to make a motion to return back from executive session. All those in favor of returning, please say aye. We are returned. The time is 7.26 p.m. The item is on the floor, Alderman Santiago. Your Honor, I would like a moment of recess. Sure. All those in favor of taking a recess, say aye. Any opposed? We're in recess at 7.26 p.m. Make a motion to return back to recess. We are returned from recess. The time is 7.36 p.m. Item B is on the floor and Alderman Santiago has the floor. I urge adoption. That's it. Is there any discussion on the motion? Alderwoman Scott. I just wanna say I really pray that this family is healing and I'm really sorry for your loss. And this was a very difficult decision I think for all of us and I'm hoping that we will improve the way that we do handle these kind of cases. With a civilian review board would be a great thing for our city to have. So I just wanted to make that statement and I hope that you guys are healing, thank you. ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT? OKAY. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE. AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. WE'LL MOVE INTO RESOLUTIONS FOR THIS EVENING. ITEM NUMBER ONE GOES TO ALDERMAN PABON. MAKE A MOTION TO ACCEPT ITEM NUMBER ONE. SECOND. WE HAVE A SECOND FROM ALDERWOMAN CIVADRO. THIS IS FOR FEDERAL HIGHWAY SAFETY FOR OVERTIME FOR THE SPEEDING an aggressive driving program to increase enforcement. This will pay for overtime at a price of $69,982, and I urge adoption. Thank you, Alderman Pabon. Any questions or comments on item number one? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Alderman Scott, item number two. Thank you, Your Honor. I make a motion to accept and adopt item number two. Second from Alderman Santiago. This resolution is for a truck for Public Works Department Utilities Division. They need a new Freightliner truck to replace the old one that was purchased in 2008. And it needs mechanical repairs, so they really need a new one. And they have funding for this purchase in the Public Works Department Utilities. And this is really important to keep things clean. They need to replace this truck. so we can clean water lines and street catch basins. So I urge adoption. Any questions or comments on this item? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Alderman Simpson, item three. Thank you, Your Honor. I rise to make a motion to accept and adopt item number three. Second from Alderman Sanchez. I'm sorry this is a purchase of $23,134 for a new BOMAG compact street roller. I urge adoption. Thank you Alderman. Any questions or comments. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed. Motion carries. Item number four Alderman Malinowski. Thank you Your Honor. I make a motion to accept and adopt item four. Second. Second from Alderman Gibson. And this is for one new 2025 Ford F-250 pickup truck and one 2025 Ford cargo van. and the amount of $132,488.70 to Jengress Ford of Plainville under the State of Connecticut's Cooperative Purchasing Plan for the Public Works Department Utilities Division, and I urge adoption. Thank you, Alderman. Any questions or comments? All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Alderman McNamara, Item 5. Thank you. This is another purchase acquisition for DPW. This is with a contract with Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing, and it is to purchase a new tractor. Existing tractors utilized to maintain the Utilities Division's properties, and the cost is $44,416. Again it's a multi-purpose compact tractor with mower deck and dual wheels for the Public Works Department. And if I could is Mr. Plumlee here our friend from Public Works. Oh was there a second to that. Nope. Second. Motion to adopt. Seconded by Alderman Santiago. You're welcome. How are you Mr. Pullman? Good. Just to refresh my memory is the source of these funds the federal funds that we were discussing last year to make these purchases or where does this money come from? It's coming out of their equipment fund that they put aside every year for buying capital equipment. Okay and this is to that list you have of outmoded and aging equipment. This is to replace that? This is to replace a, I believe it's a 2000 Bankmaster. It's an old, old machine that's, we can't even get parts for it anymore. Okay, thank you very much. You're welcome. Any other questions or comments on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Alderman Malinowski. Thank you, Your Honor. It's another truck. I make a motion to accept and adapt item six. Second from Alderman Gibson. And this is in the amount of $173,170.19 to purchase a new John Deere backhoe loader for the Public Works Department Sewer Utilities Division. And I urge adoption. Thank you. Any questions or comments? All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Item 7, Alderman Hargraves. Thank you your honor I make a motion to accept and adopt item number seven. I have a second from Alderman Smedley. This is also for the public works department utilities division for Isuzu box truck in the amount of eighty eight thousand six hundred twenty six dollars. It was a new truck that will be used at road construction projects to house city tools and equipment needed for the project and I urge adoption. Thank you Alderman. Questions comments all those in favor say aye. Opposed. Motion carries. Alderman Santiago, item number eight. Thank you, Your Honor. I make a motion to accept and adopt item number eight. Absolutely second. Second from Alderman Smedley. This is for link mechanics for installation of HVAC systems at the New Brent Police Department training room. And the cost would be $18,528.23 in average adoption. Thank you, Alderman. Any questions or comments on this item? All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. And Alderman Santiago, item nine. Your Honor this I make a motion to accept and adopt item number nine. I have a second from Alderwoman Sanchez. This is for XD XDF computer systems of new brand for firewall equipment for the public safety telemarketing telecommunications division for the cost of fifty five thousand and six dollars and I urge adoption. Thank you Alderman. Any questions or comments. Alderwoman Barbosa. Is there anyone available from public safety. JOHN DELGADIO IS HERE WHO CAN ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR YOU. GOOD EVENING, COUNCIL. HELLO. WAS THIS BILL ALREADY PAID FOR? WAS THIS BILL PAID FOR? NO. IT WASN'T PAID FOR ALREADY? NO. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? ALDER WOMAN SAGE. THANK YOU, YOUR HONOR. I just want to know, what process did you follow? Because I see here that it says prepaid, but I don't remember also authorizing the purchase order. I just want to... This is the issue of the picture, sir. So, XDF is a company the police department has used since 2003. They're a certified FortiGate reseller, which is a company we utilize for our firewalls. You'll actually see the following resolution is a CDWG. RESOLUTION FOR UPS, THAT EQUIPMENT IF I WERE TO USE, THAT UTILIZES THE STATE CONTRACT, IF I WAS TO GO THROUGH THEM TO PURCHASE THE SAME EQUIPMENT, I WOULD HAVE BEEN COSTING THE CITY ABOUT $80,000. SO BY GOING THROUGH XTF, WE SAVE THE CITY ABOUT $25,000. OKAY, THANK YOU. NO PROBLEM. ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ON THIS ITEM? I BELIEVE WHAT THE ALDERWOMAN WAS ASKING, As if you, it's that, but also because on the quote, it says the, right, it says the term prepaid at the top of it. So I think she also wanted to know why it says that. I could answer that. Okay, through you, Your Honor. He requests that we prepay for equipment. I've actually negotiated that. I typically don't prepay for equipment until it arrives on site. He had, he just requires us to prepay because of sometimes the length of payment sometimes. BUT JUST TO CLARIFY, YOU HAVEN'T ACTUALLY PAID ANYTHING. NO, HE'S SAYING THAT PROPOSAL'S BASED ON US PREPAYING FOR THAT EQUIPMENT. THAT'S WHAT THAT MEANS BY PREPAY. I DID NOT CATCH THAT. I APOLOGIZE. THANK YOU. NO PROBLEM. ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? YOUR HONOR. ALDERMAN MCNAMARA. JOHN, WOULD YOU CLASSIFY THIS AS A SOLE SOURCE BECAUSE OF THE PRICE AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES? IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES. HE ACTUALLY WOULD BE THE ASSISTANT WITH THE CONSULTANT TO INSTALL THIS EQUIPMENT. HE'S DONE ALL OUR FIREWALL STUFF. SO THE FACT THAT HE'S A FORDERGATE RESELLER and has done the installations for us on the PD side, built the network, yes, I consider this a sole source. Because if not, it would have gone, it would have been a completely different avenue to go. It would probably be, Your Honor, a good idea to renew that before the council once a year anticipating future needs, to renew that relationship. Okay. Just a suggestion. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Item number 10, Alderman Gibson. Thank you, Your Honor. I make a motion to accept and adopt item number 10. I have a second from Alderman Santiago. This is a purchase order for 51,000 to CDW government for services equipment upgrade of interrupted power supply. for the City Hall server room. The existing UPS equipment is at the end of life and definitely need to be replaced and I urge adoption. Thank you Alderman. Any other additional questions on item number 10? All those in favor please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Alderwoman Barbosa item number 11. Your Honor this is an amendment to oh sorry I make a motion to accept item number 11 and refer to the Committee of Administration, Finance, and Law and Public Services. We have a second from Alderwoman Sanchez. This is regarding an amendment to Chapter 2, Section 2-911 of the Code of Ordinances to Reorganize the Departments and Offices of the City of New Britain. And I urge referral. Any other questions or comments on the referral? All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Alderwoman Scott, item number 12. Thank you, Your Honor. I make a motion to accept and adopt item number 12. Second. Second by Alderwoman Saavedra. This resolution is for recognizing Tom Tippahoo. The city of New Britain takes great pride in celebrating the accomplishments of our native sons and daughters who make significant contributions in their professional fields and they honor their hometown. And Tom is from New Britain, and he's accomplished a basketball. He's a basketball coach, and he's had a great career, National Basketball Association, NBA, serving as a head coach for Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, and recently the New York Knicks. And throughout his journey, he has never forgotten New Britain roots and his importance of being abroad here in New Britain. And he's participating in local community schools and athletic clubs. And I'm reading this resolution today for Alderman Neal Connors. And I urge adoption. It's great to celebrate our people who are from New Britain who have accomplished things. So I urge adoption. Thank you. Thank you. Any other alder person wish to comment on this item? All those in favor please say aye. Opposed motion carries Alderman Simpson item number 13 tonight. Thank you you're on our rise to make a motion to accept and adopt item number 13. Seconded by Alderman Smedley and myself if I can second this I would like to second it 19 times over. This is a purchase of twenty five thousand hundred eighty three dollars and thirty six cents. If the other people could take note, the air is dry and not 100 degrees right now. This resolution keeps that going, inviting ourselves, the mayor, and any person who wishes to join us in public meetings. Cool air for the future. I urge adoption. Thanks, Alderman. Any questions or comments on this item? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Made by Alderman Santiago, seconded by Alderwoman Sanchez. All those in favor of adjournment signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. We are adjourned. The time is 7.50 p.m.