Deanna Ostrowski

The Common Council meeting covered several administrative and legislative items, including the approval of claims for injuries and property damage, and the authorization of professional services for drainage improvements, dam safety inspections, and revaluation services. The council discussed and approved budget revisions, subscription maintenance for software, and the acquisition of municipal supplies and equipment. Additionally, the council recognized June 2026 as both National Caribbean-American Heritage Month and Pride in the City Month, and addressed property zoning and tax abatement resolutions.

The council recognized Kaydence Atkinson for championship wrestling achievements and celebrated New Britain for the best city contingent in the 2026 St. Patrick's Day Parade. Key legislative actions included amending code ordinances regarding capital project bid requirements, increasing penalties for various city violations, and approving a certificate of location for Mavis Discount Tire. The council also authorized the 2026 Neighborhood Assistance Act program, the 2026 Annual Consolidated Plan for HUD programs, and awarded a contract for intersection improvements at West Main and Vine Streets. Additionally, they accepted emergency grants, renewed Fire Department software and records management system contracts, approved the purchase of firefighter turnout gear, and authorized budget adjustments. Energy-related initiatives, such as joining the NRES program and entering into solar project agreements, were also approved, along with equipment upgrades for the Public Safety Telecommunications Center and the replacement of a chiller condenser coil for the Police Department.

The council addressed several traffic-related petitions including the approval of a traffic analysis for Lewis Road and Merriam Road, the denial of a traffic study for Corbin Avenue and Steele Street, the approval of traffic regulation enforcement for West Street and Willow Street, the denial of a stop sign installation for Ruth Road and Farmington Avenue, and the denial of a traffic study for Beach Street and Oakland Avenue. Additionally, the council decided to add signage on Stanley Street to address safety concerns. Resolutions were adopted regarding standing rules of the Common Council, amendments to authorize the Mayor to negotiate ground lease and cooperation agreements with the New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group, the acceptance of Federal highway safety funds for the Click It or Ticket program, and the approval of tax abatements, corrections, and refunds.

The council addressed several items, including a claim for property damage and a status update on pending litigation regarding the Police Department. Human Resources provided reports on the position of Superintendent of Public Works Utilities and the appointment of an interim Town Clerk. Legislative actions included authorization for a one-year service agreement renewal with Siemens Industry, Inc., procurement of Avaya phone licenses from Carousel Industries, and the installation of a new discus throwing cage at the Willow Brook Park Sports Complex. Furthermore, the council approved specific locations for the Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Device (ATESD) program and authorized the hiring of Fuss & O'Neill for grant assistance regarding the Route 174 Realignment Project. Unfinished business included discussion on the addition of AKRF, Inc. to the professional on-call engineering services list.

The council addressed several items, including the settlement of claims for injuries and property damage, and the approval of services for the 2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Program, which involves milling, paving, traffic signal detection, and pavement markings. The council authorized the purchase of roll-out trash containers, a three-year agreement for cyber security monitoring, HVAC repairs for the City Hall data center, a reporting tool for the financial software system, and annual cloud hosting for assessor's office software. Additionally, the council approved a purchase and sale agreement for a municipal parcel, accepted a grant for youth violence prevention, and authorized funding for distracted driving enforcement. Resolutions were also passed to recognize April as Autism Acceptance Month, National Fair Housing Month, Earth Month, and Child Abuse Prevention Month.