[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6074234,"mediaKeyId","2986120-20911866da6d4791dbb83f90d9020121","parentId",2986120,"title","At-a-glance: West Haven finance committee approves sewer bond authorization, accepts small donations; council minutes okayed","audioSeconds",4968,"startMs",1932000,"endMs",6900000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2986120-20911866da6d4791dbb83f90d9020121&start=1932&end=6900","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2986120-20911866da6d4791dbb83f90d9020121/thumbnail_1932000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6074234/West-Haven/New-Haven-County/Connecticut/At-a-glance-West-Haven-finance-committee-approves-sewer-bond-authorization-accepts-small-donations-council-minutes-okayed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6074234-0c2ab0079c5b91c61e09bf3d0b700b35/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195426&Signature=o4TDaVIliq2vKWYFw1Zbkn39fkQ9vL8Iy7HVU2a6lGPKEuoWpzOf8R4IgesIiNRuE~cZAgDfPA~tYxvzqf1keCQr9SzN4Qp9ZiHSP72bqeqfR-xhhoj4qn80oMFJu~4QnCQpZLS4Oh2HxNW4qAFMEcqjstOq2MHjPRxI1FiZrUq7eHhGw5ZLTc1PybZJk8-hlOZ3zdUMmHuJzv52h6h0~kAIO4Y9dggDABHAMMcdcklgQkylMJhz8HWgH4hnbQqhsu2Ce9rA01J6jTRyqOXPg2rvh4kSTGxQXJcJrJEOE8~bHLAXKAUEa512cR-tObPMUWjDEjnOeqMfTWiR7YKcmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of West Haven","date","2025-04-10T12:08:07Z","article","Key financial actions from the April 14 West Haven council meeting and its committee sessions:

- Sewer rehabilitation appropriation: The finance committee voted to recommend an ordinance appropriating $538,000 and authorizing the issuance of $538,000 in bonds to pay for planning, design and rehabilitation of sewer pipes and manholes in citywide high-priority areas (referred to as “contract 2” work). The committee’s motion was approved in committee and the council recorded the motion as carried that evening.

- Animal shelter donations: The committee reported and the council approved donations totaling $600 for the animal shelter. Donors and amounts presented in the committee report included: Roger/Phyllis Valley ($50), Deborah A. Johnson ($50), Kevin C. Guinti ($150), and Tambas Holdings, Inc. ($250), for a total of $600. The committee cited Conn. Gen. Stat. §7-148(c)(3)(a) and (b) and a municipal general order in its forwarding memorandum.

- Minutes and procedural actions: The council approved the minutes of the March 24, 2025, regular meeting with one abstention recorded. Committee reports noted the city’s budget process is underway and that a MARB (Municipal Accountability Review Board) meeting is scheduled; Mayor Borer briefed the finance committee on state oversight, mediation related to the police pension and ongoing budget deliberations.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Approve ordinance to appropriate $538,000 and authorize issuance of $538,000 in bonds for sewer pipe and manhole rehabilitation (communication E, contract 2). Outcome: Committee recommendation passed; council motion carried (recorded as passed in committee and adopted in council session).

- Motion: Accept animal shelter donations totaling $600 and deposit to the animal shelter donations account. Outcome: Passed in committee and approved by council.

- Motion: Approve minutes of March 24, 2025 regular meeting. Outcome: Passed by council with one abstention.

Ending: Finance director Michael Gormani told the committee the monthly finance report will be provided at the next meeting and reminded members that the budget process and departmental hearings are ongoing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-04-14 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The finance committee approved a $538,000 bond authorization for sewer pipe and manhole rehabilitation and forwarded $600 in animal shelter donations to the council; the full council approved the committee recommendations and minutes from March 24 with one abstention.","taxTitle","West Haven, New Haven County, Connecticut","taxId",4248,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6074239,"Public Lands committee schedules hearings, holds sale of Myrtle Avenue lot and sends North End Field sale to planning board",2613,3385000,5998000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2986120-20911866da6d4791dbb83f90d9020121&start=3385&end=5998","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2986120-20911866da6d4791dbb83f90d9020121/thumbnail_3385000.jpg","/articles/6074239/West-Haven/New-Haven-County/Connecticut/Public-Lands-committee-schedules-hearings-holds-sale-of-Myrtle-Avenue-lot-and-sends-North-End-Field-sale-to-planning-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6074239-19ede34093340c1c54934348cb5e8efe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195426&Signature=XbIwVkgZu56DbCzOu9DmA3PXDoLoggx525Y7E7vmR4C2aPWXDCEHctRkn9ZFNF6gJoaakvktgtIZvd8TWZ2Z1iVzS2Ao9gpmjojd75WRTyEjwhsVGixTL1YWMSBJjLU1LglJNLQpeLn2foAwM~aHmtud9aHALlE9Ol0RCTS7ZioGS8a60~8GahtS0M2owIor4pVRO2kpkpTeHtno-zTn~m~CJFjeSBjuIZhcrXGQ0Vpk7wim8b2MHuZz9xC1QOpT7ghRa~oNOjJx0OTdrA5S0Qnwk0eBWaOsZ~zsRuTd48YPUSDjNsJlIO7gMal7~CLpNgcutveoOEO0xkfke7VK1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council’s Public Lands Committee on April 14 handled several property matters: it set a public hearing on a lease renewal with the Prospect Beach Fish and Game Club, placed the city-owned lot at 37 Myrtle Avenue on hold pending further information and a potential deed restriction, and referred a proposed sale of North End Field to the Planning & Zoning Commission under Conn. Gen. Stat. §8-24.

Prospect Beach Fish and Game Club: Council members discussed a proposed lease renewal of a small grassy strip near the beach the club uses; the lease amount shown in the file is $1 per year. Mayor Dorinda Borer and committee members said the club maintains a small parcel and a ramp used by city fire and police boats and helps with upkeep. Councilman Gary Donovan said he would obtain a clearer description of what the club maintains and why the lease has historically been set at $1. Councilwoman Melton and others raised insurance and liability questions; the draft lease language cited minimum insurance of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence (and $5,000 property coverage). Several members requested updated documentation of insurance limits, parking capacity, and a clearer description of the pump-house/storage structure the club maintains. The committee set a public hearing on the lease renewal for April 28 at 6:55 p.m.

37 Myrtle Avenue (offer from estate of Richard Shippy): The committee reviewed an offer of $15,000 from the Shippy estate to buy a narrow city-owned lot at 37 Myrtle Avenue. City property staff said the parcel was acquired by tax-lien foreclosure in 2005, has been largely unused and may be landlocked relative to the two rear parcels the estate owns (identified as 42 Highland and 20 Highland). The assessor noted the lot’s assessed value is $48,002.30. Committee members expressed concern about buildability, marketability and potential loss of future tax revenue; they asked for clarification about whether the lot is legally buildable and requested the identity of the estate’s executor and an explicit deed restriction if the city sells the parcel for access only. The committee agreed to hold the matter in committee and gather additional information before scheduling a hearing or action.

North End Field sale to University of New Haven: The committee unanimously approved an 8-24 referral to Planning & Zoning for a proposed sale of North End Field — a 3.2-acre parcel composed of a 0.58-acre parcel at 1101 Campbell Avenue and a 2.6-acre former Baggett Street playground — to the University of New Haven for $500,000. Economic development director Steve Fontana and city staff said the parcel has limited redevelopment value because it offers a single 10-foot access point and may contain wetlands, which discouraged bidders when the city previously put the site out to bid. An appraisal and environmental reviews were completed and city staff said the parcel had received no bidders on earlier solicitations. Fontana said the negotiated transaction includes voluntary annual payments and pilot arrangements that will put the property on the tax rolls and provide recurring revenue rather than leaving the field idle and a continuing maintenance drain. Council members also noted UNH has offered community benefits including tuition assistance for public-safety staff and local students. The committee referred the sale to Planning & Zoning, which has 30 days under Conn. Gen. Stat. §8-24 to respond.

Ending: Committee chairs said they will return with requested documentation — insurance certificates and scope of club maintenance for the Prospect Beach lease, executor information and deed-restriction language for the Myrtle Avenue offer, and full appraisal/environmental files for the North End Field sale — before taking final action.","The Public Lands Committee set a public hearing on a lease renewal with Prospect Beach Fish and Game Club, held an estate offer to buy a small city lot at 37 Myrtle Avenue pending deed restrictions and more information, and unanimously referred a proposed sale of North End Field to Planning & Zoning for review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6074244,"Council committee advances proposal to loosen West Haven senior tax-freeze; public hearing set",4882,2186000,7068000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2986120-20911866da6d4791dbb83f90d9020121&start=2186&end=7068","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2986120-20911866da6d4791dbb83f90d9020121/thumbnail_2186000.jpg","/articles/6074244/West-Haven/New-Haven-County/Connecticut/Council-committee-advances-proposal-to-loosen-West-Haven-senior-tax-freeze-public-hearing-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6074244-0b1ae2e67cac5a6e7bb9e6670c47584f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195426&Signature=J7N5ifaz2~-DvHqpHYJA3LCJeSciOgBD36n2s7pvYGbyZM3xE6HZ2mYgWOcsLi7NuhyQzHrEeqH8f~XHHZvsI-gtSVLROSVjEHtCnqzUNM4VXBlhdX5KPtdzwTRueHZscJ7XQ2R21on63lsiVltcZZRKBNaMXgZz7afVNRGPZRlm75h5czSNquP2G20oudK4cb2C0Y~IGwPqWjb4EIP4k3biX0bWiK2S2hL3NOioj7uGznU8TXIOkJBr0~MD4eBzaXVmFDEePOo7K86qBjTrbbsX5Y4q3KnorAXXDxu2QgRb3ZhEP4HitlcMjRRR~ZWKmqrIRw5ufuqkHOJHmObsmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council’s Legislative Matters Committee on April 14 advanced a proposed amendment to West Haven’s elderly tax-freeze ordinance that would lower the residency requirement for eligibility from 20 consecutive years to 10 and would eliminate the rule barring children under 25 from living with a qualifying homeowner.

Councilwoman Catherine Tucker, acting as chair of the committee, presented the amended ordinance language, which also sets household income limits for eligibility: $50,000 for married couples and $35,000 for single applicants, with Social Security payments excluded from the income calculation. The draft requires applicants to be age 70 or older and specifies that applications will be accepted February 1 through May 15 each year.

Mayor Dorinda Borer and other officials discussed the program’s financial impact. “We had estimated that it cost us about $750,000 off of the grand list for the current senior tax freeze we have now,” Mayor Borer said during committee discussion, and she added that changing the residency requirement from 20 to 10 years “would cost approximately another $500,000.”

Committee members said the change is intended as a near-term “stopgap” to expand eligibility before a longer study of program design. Council members noted the short calendar: the assessor’s office applications for the current cycle close May 15, leaving only a few meetings to hold a public hearing and act if the council wants the change to apply this year.

Councilman Steve Johnstone and others asked about outreach if the ordinance is approved; Mayor Borer said the city would publish information on the website, social media, The Voice local paper and work with district council members, senior centers and libraries to assist residents with applications. Committee members also discussed allowing paper application assistance and potential notarization or onsite help for residents who cannot travel or lack internet access.

The committee scheduled a public hearing on the amendment for April 28 at 6:50 p.m., according to remarks at the meeting, so the council can consider final action in time for the May 15 application deadline if members choose.

Ending: Committee members agreed the change could help more long-term residents on fixed incomes but noted the additional cost to the city budget and said the measure would be revisited for broader reform in the coming year.","A legislative committee advanced an amendment to West Haven’s elderly tax-freeze that would reduce the residency requirement from 20 to 10 consecutive years and remove the restriction on children under 25 living in the household; the change could add roughly $500,000 to the city’s budget and a public hearing was scheduled.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6074248,"West Haven residents press council for oversight and accountability in investigation of Roya Mohammadi’s death",955,668000,1623000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2986120-20911866da6d4791dbb83f90d9020121&start=668&end=1623","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2986120-20911866da6d4791dbb83f90d9020121/thumbnail_668000.jpg","/articles/6074248/West-Haven/New-Haven-County/Connecticut/West-Haven-residents-press-council-for-oversight-and-accountability-in-investigation-of-Roya-Mohammadis-death","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6074248-b0e0d6cb5fbfe60ff9c45a11d77df39e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195426&Signature=cUij~D~OO5bcODlG~4mh1kFqcdVewRayJ1H869HGvnVdoBKR75~5e2yEekJfOVKAk~bBCUR3x5ml~MPZxTZuQy0SrQ-pE4yuHbVtR8AN9YEbFRnLzx-A~SijS7ioLYZczpWMDqgXusDkQ1gIOjpGfx40i7cfzR7li-UDukw8ENmvrgqrk3aAqLFl5Xbl2pN7Nyor9qf6D37cM0Zy5onXwOPwgzqsScLukGaPUVR4uDgCnjtSV5voJQknicspEJn2U1pqCknnGM-~OpdcLPDWHZjxYf5AuIDqF0IbAGoJosYZsaTi5c3QKgMu5tnowJUIBXrGVPKvjk1X0aO1LP3tcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several West Haven-area residents and advocates urged the City Council on April 14 to press for oversight and public accountability in the investigation of the death of a young woman identified in remarks as Roya Mohammadi, saying gaps in the inquiry and outreach have left families and neighbors without answers.

Nika Zaresvand, a New Haven resident who said she has attended council meetings about the case for about a year and a half, told the council she brought signatures from West Haven and out-of-state residents demanding “oversight and accountability” in Roya’s investigation and called the pattern of deaths in the city “an overrepresentation” that requires a policy response. “How bad does a situation have to get?” Zaresvand asked the council, saying she has repeatedly raised concerns without seeing remedial action.

Vanessa Suarez told the council she had collected and scanned dozens of signatures from residents and visitors and emailed them to every council member. Suarez said Roya’s family — survivors living overseas — have been left “tortured” by what she described as gaps in the local investigation and by the failure to identify Roya as a domestic-violence victim. “There are consequences to the actions of [the] West Haven police,” Suarez said, adding that the failure to treat the case as domestic violence has harmed the victim’s family.

Eli Calhoun, who identified himself as a law student at Pace University and a master’s student at Yale School of the Environment and said he previously worked at Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services, pressed the council for a public accountability process. Calhoun said he had reviewed police reports and was “alarmed” by what he described as delayed recovery of surveillance footage and a lack of timely translation services for family members. “There should be a meaningful public accountability process for this,” he said.

Speakers asked the council and the mayor to explain what changes, if any, have been implemented following the case. Mayor Dorinda Borer and other city officials at the meeting said the investigation remains active and that investigators are coordinating with state and federal partners; they also described ongoing city efforts to prevent domestic-violence fatalities.

Mayor Borer said the city is convening a cross-agency coalition — including the police department, board of education, health department and youth services — that is working on prevention, outreach and school-based programs. She said the city recently hired outreach staff (a community outreach navigator, a social worker in the health department and a youth-services worker) and is expanding programming in schools, starting as early as fifth grade, to explain healthy relationships and identify risks. The mayor said the administration is also improving outreach materials and intends a coordinated public-awareness campaign.

Speakers and council members said they welcome prevention work but want clearer public timelines and answers about investigative steps. Several speakers asked whether police had recovered all available video footage, whether translation services were provided to non-English-speaking family members, and why follow-up interviews appeared limited.

The council did not take formal action on the matter during the April 14 meeting. Several speakers said they will continue to press for public reporting and oversight, and city officials said they would brief council committees and provide updates on prevention programs and interagency work.

Ending: Council members and staff said they will continue to meet with community advocates and that the administration intends to publicize prevention and service resources as part of a wider outreach campaign.","Multiple residents and advocates urged the City Council to push for accountability and a fuller investigation after the 19-year-old Roya Mohammadi was found dead; speakers said police mishandled evidence and called for clearer public updates and preventative work in schools and neighborhoods.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

At-a-glance: West Haven finance committee approves sewer bond authorization, accepts small donations; council minutes okayed

Public Lands committee schedules hearings, holds sale of Myrtle Avenue lot and sends North End Field sale to planning board

Council committee advances proposal to loosen West Haven senior tax-freeze; public hearing set

West Haven residents press council for oversight and accountability in investigation of Roya Mohammadi’s death