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New Britain council approves standing rules, appointments, grants and local projects
Summary
At its Nov. 19 meeting the council adopted standing rules, appointed a board member and clerk, approved grant acceptance for DUI enforcement and FEMA-funded fire training, authorized surveying for the West Main Street project, and approved a Stanley Loop Trail grant and a grounds-mower purchase. All listed motions carried.
The New Britain Common Council approved a set of organizational and operational items at its Nov. 19 meeting, including procedural rules, appointments, grant acceptance and project authorizations.
Key votes and outcomes (all motions carried unless noted):
- Standing rules and committee assignments: The council voted to adopt its standing rules for the new term and accepted committee memberships. (Motion carried; voice/roll-call recorded.)
- Clerk of committees: Shane Livingston was appointed and sworn in as clerk of committees. (Motion carried.)
- Board of Education appointment: The council approved the appointment of a Mr. Reyes to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education and the appointee was sworn in. (Motion carried.)
- FY2026 DUI enforcement grant (Connecticut DOT/highway safety funds): The council authorized Mayor Sanchez to execute grant documents to accept overtime funds for DUI enforcement for municipal police departments. The presentation noted the New Britain Police Department made 119 DUI arrests in 2024; the council adopted the resolution. (Motion carried.)
- Tax abatements and corrections: The council approved routine abatements and corrections submitted by the revenue collector. The attached spreadsheet in the record lists auto-tax rebates and property-tax corrections; the minutes show figures recorded as "$44,68" (auto rebates) and "$23,476" (property corrections); the auto-rebate figure is unclear in the transcript and flagged for verification in the official record.
- West Main Street surveying contract ($24,000): Council authorized Public Works to retain Martin Surveying for land surveying and directed a purchase order for $24,000, funded through a Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program grant. (Motion carried.)
- Stanley Loop Trail Connections project: Council accepted funding (a DEEP recreation trails grant described as covering approximately 80% of construction costs) and approved the project, with a 20% local match described in the presentation. (Motion carried.)
- FEMA leftover funds for fire training (approx. $300,000): Council approved contracting for multiple training courses for the fire department using leftover funds from a 2022 FEMA award. (Motion carried.)
- Grounds mower purchase (Item 8, added by amendment): Council approved a purchase order to secure favorable pricing on a ground mower for Parks and Community Services; the item was added to the agenda by amendment earlier in the meeting. (Motion carried.)
Vote tallies and process: Several roll-call items were recorded as 14 in favor for votes on the consent agenda and specific motions. Where the clerk recorded exact tallies, votes were entered in the minutes as such; most other items were carried on voice vote or roll call with unanimous or recorded majorities.
What to expect: Many of these approvals authorize staff to execute contracts or accept grant funds; departments (Public Works, Police, Fire, Parks) will proceed with procurement or implementation consistent with the approved authorizations.
The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
