Rachel A-Massih

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the February 3rd regular meeting. Key discussions included an update on an ARPA-funded addition to the animal shelter, which will create dedicated adoption rooms for cats and dogs. Concerns were raised regarding the West Shore project revisions and managing the contractor's pricing. Updates were provided on various smaller items, including the facade program and stormwater management. The committee approved several invoices related to CARES Act expenses, a UHY invoice, and an amount for the library. A significant discussion focused on an invoice for artwork wraps on a decommissioned water tank, funded under the arts allocation. The committee also addressed funding for the housing crisis grant fund, including services for homeless cleaning and security at the same location. Finally, the committee addressed an invoice for services from Antonazi for the animal shelter addition design and discussed security expenditures for the same location. A new business item involved approving an invoice for artistic wrapping of a decommissioned water tank.

The primary focus of the public hearing was File #001-26 IW, an application proposing an 11-lot subdivision and a 15-unit townhouse community on a 6-acre property containing existing wetlands. The discussion involved summarizing the proposed site work, including grading, roadways, screenings, and plantings. Concerns were raised regarding the safety aspects of the detention pond depth, parking, and curbing near the wetlands. Following testimony, the public hearing was closed, and the application was conditionally approved, requiring guardrails and no parking signs near the wetland areas. The agency also noted one application for the subsequent month.

The special meeting addressed a request from the Mayor to amend the city charter pursuant to Connecticut General Statute Section 7-191B. The primary focus was modifying budget adoption dates, specifically discussing the 2026 charter revision process and timeline. Public commentary was limited to these agenda items, with residents discussing concerns regarding the prior charter revision process in 2020, transparency, and interest in joining future committees. The council reviewed the proposed new timelines for budget presentation, public hearing, public notice publication, and final budget passage, which were adjusted backward from the previous schedule to accommodate the state budget adoption deadline of May 6th. Discussions also touched upon flatlined educational funding from the state and its impact on the upcoming budget.

The meeting addressed the updated ARPA spending plan. Key financial approvals included an invoice for Cardy ($18,500) under the CARES Act financial management. Two invoices for Jiao Films ($300 each) were also approved. A significant package invoice from Vertical Church ($2,689) related to the food bank was approved as the final payment on that contract. In stormwater management, invoices totaling $6,900 were approved for McVac Environmental related to cleaning catch basins on Plaid Avenue, Hefernon Drive, and Mil Haven. Payments were approved for Allentown Fire District ($5,000 retainage payment for diversity construction) and West Shore District Firehouse renovation ($15,152.50 for diversity construction). Additional approvals included a $500 invoice from Antonazi and asbestos abatement funding ($2,100) for the Westshore Fire District from Penoni. Community facade funding for two large planters from Earth Planter ($1,499) was approved. Finally, funding for support of the arts community totaling $26,000 was approved for the New Haven Symphony Orchestra for a performance at West Haven High School. The committee also discussed and approved the second invoice for the Whiff and Poofs of Yale performances.

The meeting began with a public session which included several public comments. One resident addressed concerns regarding improper vehicle towing due to a poorly communicated emergency parking ban related to snow removal on Prospect Avenue, requesting ticket reversals and reimbursements. Another resident voiced support for the current city administration and police force. A third resident inquired about reports of ICE activity. Following the public session, the regular meeting convened. The council approved the journal of the January 12, 2026 meeting. Communications included a request for budget hearing packages for the public, assignments of several items to various committees, the request for consideration of an amendment to planning and zoning fees, and consideration of two appointments to commissions: Richard Phillip Heert to the Water Pollution Control Commission and an endorsement for Riley Waterfield for the Energy Commission. The council also discussed and voted on an amended statutory resolution modifying the city charter to adjust budget adoption dates, which was presented as housekeeping following a previous vote in December 2025. The council also addressed a request for approval of a resolution establishing a Charter Revision Commission. The meeting included the introduction of the new Corporation Counsel, Kevin Cassini, and the Assistant Corporation Counsel, Paul Dorsy.