Common Council adopts arts grant, recreation purchase and cultural recognitions

The New Britain Common Council approved its consent agenda and several individual resolutions at the Feb. 25 meeting, including authorization to accept a Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development arts grant for $39,380 and a purchase order for new netting at Stanley Golf Course totaling $23,943.74.

A motion by Alderman Santiago to accept the consent agenda was seconded by Alderwoman Barbosa and carried by voice vote; the clerk recorded 13 yes votes. The council then adopted a resolution to accept the CT arts grant and set up a special revenue fund; the resolution says the city will disburse the funds to organizations based on the New Britain Commission of the Arts’ recommendations.

Council also authorized a purchase order to Ben Shaffer Recreation for $23,943.74 for purchase and installation of new netting at Stanley Golf Course for Recreation and Community Services; Director Mallerie Depri was present for questions and no members objected.

On ceremonial items, the council unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing the Lunar New Year and later considered a resolution recognizing Ramadan. Members proposed a wording correction in the Ramadan text (change phrasing to indicate the Quran was "revealed"); the amendment passed and the amended Ramadan resolution was adopted. An iftar was announced for March 7 at New Britain High School.

All measures on the consent agenda were adopted by voice vote during the Feb. 25 meeting. The council did not identify additional funding sources beyond the grant itself in the meeting discussion.