New Britain public meetings in 2024
24 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Common Council Regular Meeting
The New Britain Common Council will consider numerous zoning ordinance amendments, including changes to accessory structures, fence heights, and short-term rentals. The body will also vote on contracts for traffic signal replacement and parking management systems.
- Zoning ordinance amendments for accessory structures, fence heights, and short-term rentals
- Contract with A.M. Rizzo Electrical Contractors for $678,086.92 for traffic signal replacement
- Contract with Pom, Inc. and Duncan Technologies for dual space parking meters
- Contract with Nettech Solutions, Inc. for parking management systems
- Five-year lease agreement with A&A Office Systems for $742.26 per month
CANCELED - Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services
This meeting of the Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services was canceled. The agenda included a public hearing and resolution on a tax modification agreement with Ellis Stanley Land LLC, as well as two tabled items: an amendment to water meter reading ordinance and a neighborhood flood relief initiative for owner-occupied properties. No decisions were made.
- Tax modification agreement with Ellis Stanley Land LLC (Item No. 36666)
- Public hearing on the tax modification agreement
- Tabled: Amend Sec. 23-141 of the Code of Ordinances for water meter reading exceptions (Item No. 36304-2)
- Tabled: Neighborhood Flood Relief Initiative for owner-occupied properties (Item No. 36619)
Common Council Regular Meeting
The New Britain Common Council will meet to approve minutes, consider zoning ordinance amendments, and authorize funding for police grants and elevator maintenance contracts. The meeting will include public participation and a consent agenda.
- Zoning ordinance amendments for parking districts, grading, and accessory dwelling units
- Authorization to accept grant funding for police DUI enforcement and bioterrorism preparedness
- Contracts with KONE and Schindler for elevator maintenance at various city locations
- Authorization to accept $22,000 for on-call engineering services for high hazard dams
- Petition for a traffic study at Reservoir Road and Shuttle Meadow Avenue
Zoning Subcommittee and Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing
The Zoning Subcommittee and Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing will discuss multiple zoning ordinance amendments and map changes. The body will also consider contracts for parking management and building repairs.
- Proposed zoning amendments for smoke shop separation, fence heights, and impervious coverage
- Zoning map changes for 6 Atlantic Street, 191 Allen Street, and 290 Lawlor Street
- Contract for city building repairs not to exceed $100,000
- Contracts with POM, Inc., Duncan Technologies, Flowbird, and NetTech Solutions for parking meters and management
- Proposed creation of the Common Council Committee on Housing and Homelessness
Common Council Public Hearing
The Common Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed conveyance from the Connecticut Department of Transportation of multiple right-of-way parcels along Black Rock Avenue (CT Route 72) near Barnes, Warren, and South Burrit Streets. The hearing allows residents to comment on the resolution and associated maps before the council considers a decision.
- Conveyance from CT DOT of Black Rock Avenue right-of-way parcels on the southerly side of CT Route 72 eastbound, in the area of Barnes Street, Warren Street, and South Burrit Street
Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services
The committee will hold a public hearing and regular meeting to discuss two resolutions: a neighborhood flood relief initiative for owner-occupied properties and the CRCOG Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan update for 2024-2029. A tabled item to amend the city code on water meter readings for faulty equipment will also be considered.
- Public hearing and resolution on Neighborhood Flood Relief Initiative for owner-occupied properties (Item 36619)
- Public hearing and resolution on CRCOG Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2024-2029 (Item 36623)
- Tabled resolution to amend Sec. 23-141 of the Code of Ordinances to provide exceptions for faulty equipment regarding water meter readings (Item 36304-2)
Common Council Regular Meeting
The Common Council will consider an extension agreement with New Britain Emergency Medical Services, Inc., and approve an executive session for a union agreement with public safety telecommunicators. The agenda also includes a petition for pedestrian safety improvements at Price Rite Plaza, reports on claims and surplus equipment, tax abatements, and proclamations for Italian American and Polish American Heritage Months.
- Petition for safety mechanisms at 140 Columbus Boulevard/Price Rite Plaza entryway near train tracks
- Extension agreement between city and New Britain Emergency Medical Services, Inc.
- Settlement of claims from Standing Claims Subcommittee
- Tax abatements, corrections and refunds resolution with spreadsheet
- Executive session for approval of agreement with UE Local 111 No. 25 Public Safety Telecommunicators
Zoning Subcommittee and Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing Special Meeting
The Zoning Subcommittee will hold a public hearing on four proposed zoning ordinance amendments: changes to the Municipal Parking District, new grading and excavation requirements, regulations for accessory dwelling units, and a map expansion of the Municipal Parking District north of Broad Street and North Street, south of Whiting Street. Following that, the Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing will hold a public hearing on an amendment to establish a procedure for naming or renaming city-owned buildings or facilities. Both meetings are open in person and via livestream.
- Amend zoning ordinances relating to the Municipal Parking District (Item 36582)
- Amend zoning ordinances to add grading and excavation requirements (Item 36583)
- Amend zoning ordinances related to accessory dwelling units (Item 36584)
- Amend official zoning map to expand Municipal Parking District north of Broad Street and North Street, south of Whiting Street (Item 36585)
- Establish a procedure for naming or renaming city-owned buildings or facilities (Item 36594)
Common Council Regular Meeting
The Common Council will consider a veto by the mayor of Resolution No. 36615 appointing Shayne Livingston as Clerk of Committees. Other business includes a $5.4 million contract for John Downey Drive corridor improvements, new parking meter contracts, and proclamations for Indigenous Peoples' Day and awareness months.
- Veto of Resolution No. 36615 appointing Shayne Livingston as Common Council Clerk of Committees
- Public Bid No. 4144: $5,386,083.50 contract with Martin Laviero Contractor for John Downey Drive Corridor Improvements
- Public Bid No. 4180: Contracts for dual space parking meters, kiosks, and pay-by-cell parking management services
- Petition for traffic study on Monroe Street from Corbin Avenue to Arch Street
- Proclamations: Indigenous Peoples' Day, National Disability Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Every Kid Counts after-school program
Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services
The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services will hold a public hearing and meeting to discuss an extension agreement with New Britain Emergency Medical Services, Inc. The committee will also address a tabled item regarding water meter reading exceptions.
- Item No. 36597: Extension agreement between the City of New Britain and New Britain Emergency Medical Services, Inc.
- Item No. 36304-2: Proposed amendment to Sec. 23-141 of the Code of Ordinances regarding faulty equipment for water meter readings
Common Council Regular Meeting
The Common Council will consider a cooperative agreement establishing a 39-year payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) of $750 per rental unit with the New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group. The agenda also includes numerous zoning ordinance amendments proposed by Ald. Smedley, covering setbacks, fence heights, impervious coverage, and smoke shops. New resolutions include a demand to remove Timothy Stewart from the School Building Committee, a budget amendment for early voting grants, and contracts for trail design and landfill monitoring.
- 39-year PILOT agreement at $750 per rental unit with New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group
- Petitions to amend zoning ordinances for setbacks, fence heights, impervious coverage, smoke shops, and more
- Resolution to remove Timothy Stewart as chair of the School Building Committee
- Agreement with Fuss and O'Neil for $163,000 for additional design work on the Beeline Trail Phase 3 project
- Ten-year lease for new voting tabulators from Secretary of State's office for $1
Common Council Regular Meeting
The Common Council will discuss several high-value infrastructure projects and public works contracts. The body is also reviewing police recommendations for traffic studies and signage at multiple city locations.
- Contract with VMS Construction Company for $13,490,285.00 for C8-C9 sewer rehabilitation
- Bid for Colossale Siteworks Corporation for $2,147,633.75 for Overlook Avenue/McKinley Drive drainage improvements
- Contract with Comprehensive Environmental Inc. (CEI) for $600,000 for sewer project inspection services
- Budget amendment of $348,527.77 to SLR International for Beeline Trail Phase 2 inspection
- Police recommendations for traffic studies at 91-99 Barnes Street and Pinehurst/Pershing Avenue
Zoning Subcommittee and Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing
The Zoning Subcommittee and Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing will discuss multiple amendments to zoning ordinances and the official zoning map. The body is reviewing regulations for short-term rentals, industrial uses, and multifamily housing standards, as well as a ground lease agreement for housing.
- Proposed zoning map changes for Atlantic Street, Allen Street, Burritt Street, Mead Street, and South Street
- Amendments to short-term rental regulations and signage requirements
- Proposed establishment of a zoning permit process
- Amendment to Chapter 25 of the Code of Ordinances regarding accessory dwelling units
- Execution of a ground lease and land disposition agreement with New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group
Common Council Public Hearing
The Common Council will hold a public hearing on a resolution authorizing execution of a ground lease and land disposition agreement with the New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group. No other substantive items are on the agenda.
- Public hearing on Resolution ITEM NO. 36575 regarding ground lease and land disposition agreement with New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group
Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services
The committee will hold a public hearing and regular meeting on a resolution to approve a 39-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with the New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group, set at $750 per rental unit. Also on the agenda is a tabled item to amend city code on water meter readings to allow exceptions for faulty equipment.
- Public hearing on resolution for 39-year PILOT agreement at $750 per unit with New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group
- Tabled item to amend Sec. 23-141 of the Code of Ordinances for water meter reading exceptions
- Resolution to establish cooperative agreement for the PILOT
- Meeting includes call to order, roll call, and reading of legal notice
Common Council Regular Meeting
The Common Council will vote on resolutions including a ground lease and land disposition agreement with the New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group, and a 39-year payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement of $750 per rental unit. Other actions include a ceasefire resolution regarding Palestine and Israel, amendments to zoning ordinances for accessory dwelling units, and approval of a $177,760 contract for road salt. The agenda also contains multiple petitions for traffic studies and sidewalk improvements, and reports from boards and departments on various safety and maintenance requests.
- Resolution to execute a ground lease and land disposition agreement with New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group for housing development
- Resolution establishing a 39-year PILOT agreement of $750 per rental unit for the housing project
- Ceasefire resolution regarding Palestine and Israel
- Amendment to Chapter 25 of City Code regarding accessory dwelling units
- $177,760 contract for 2,000 tons of treated road salt for the 2024-2025 winter season
CANCELLED - Zoning Subcommittee
The August 6, 2024 meeting of the New Britain Zoning Subcommittee has been cancelled. The agenda would have included public hearings and discussion on eight zoning ordinance amendments and a zoning map change. Items included removing caretaker dwelling units in the RO district, new requirements for building signs in the CBD, adjusting dimensional and parking standards in multifamily districts, historic building protections, porch projections, industrial use definitions, a zoning permit process, and a map amendment along Atlantic and Allen Streets.
- Proposed amendment to remove caretaker dwelling unit as a use in the RO district (Item 36533)
- Proposed amendment to establish requirements for named building signs in the Central Business District (Item 36534)
- Proposed amendment to adjust dimensional standards and parking requirements in multifamily districts T, A-1, A-2, A-3 (Item 36535)
- Proposed zoning map change for properties on Atlantic Street, Allen Street, and Lawlor Street (Item 36540)
- Proposed amendment to allow roofed porch projection up to eight feet into required front yard (Item 36537)
Common Council Public Hearing - Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports FY 2022 & 2023
The Common Council is holding a public hearing to receive and discuss the Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports for fiscal years ending June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2023. No other business is on the agenda.
- Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022
- Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year ending June 30, 2023
Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services - Audit Items
The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services will review the city's audited financial statement for fiscal year 2023 and discuss staffing and internal controls. The meeting also includes a request for qualifications for the 2025-2026 independent audit.
- Review of 2023 audited financial statement
- Status of finance department staffing and capacity
- Progress on establishing formal financial close process
- Plan to strengthen internal controls
- Request for qualifications for 2025-2026 independent audit
Common Council Regular Meeting
The New Britain Common Council will discuss fourteen resident petitions, including proposed zoning reclassifications across several streets that would change permitted building densities and uses. The agenda also covers amendments to short-term rental and signage rules, requests for traffic studies and park safety measures, and routine financial reports on the consent agenda.
- Rezoning properties along Burritt Street from A-1 (multifamily, low density) to A-2 or T districts
- Converting parcels near Stanley, John, Park, and Chestnut streets from I-2/T to B-1R (neighborhood business revitalization)
- Amending zoning ordinances for short-term rentals, signage, and site plans
- Rezoning South Street and Commerce Circle properties from I-2/I-1 to I-3 or T districts
- Requesting a traffic study near Halsey Road, Upton Street, and Kulper Road during Food Share Mobile Pantry hours
Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing
The Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing will consider amending zoning permit fees and a lease agreement for the Beeline Multi-Model Trail. The meeting also includes a public hearing on the same items.
- Public hearing on amending zoning permit fee schedule
- Resolution to lease Beeline Multi-Model Trail to Connecticut Department of Transportation
- Tabled amendment to Chapter 16 regarding loitering
- Tabled amendment to Chapter 16 regarding panhandling
Common Council Regular Meeting
The New Britain Common Council will consider a series of zoning ordinance amendments, including changes to building signs and dimensional standards, and will vote on contracts for public works vehicles, fuel oil, and police equipment.
- Zoning ordinance amendments proposed by Ald. Smedley
- Resolution to purchase rectangular rapid flashing beacon for Wildwood Street
- Contract with Tuxis-Ohr's Fuel Inc. for No. 2 fuel oil at $2.6885 per gallon
- Resolution to purchase body camera bundle package for $630,686.70
- Resolution to purchase dump trucks for $465,030.66
Common Council Regular Meeting
The Common Council will consider an amendment to the ARUD District Master Plan for 321 Ellis Street to allow a solar photovoltaic facility, along with several public works bids, a budget amendment for police traffic enforcement, and a climate resiliency grant for Willow Brook flood mitigation. The meeting also includes proclamations for Juneteenth, Alzheimer's Awareness, Immigrant Heritage, Flag Day, and Pride Month.
- Amendment of ARUD District Master Plan at 321 Ellis Street for solar photovoltaic facility
- Budget amendment for 2024 Speed and Aggressive Driving Enforcement Program (Police Department)
- Public Bid No. 4159: Right of Way and Sidewalk Improvement Program 2024-2025 for Public Works
- Authorization of Personal Services Agreement for climate resiliency grant to study flooding from Willow Brook in Willowbrook Park area
- Public bids for fire hydrants, water meters, ductile iron pipes, chemicals, highway castings, and water valves for Public Works Utilities Division
Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services
The committee will receive an update on the $4 million fund transfer for Phase II of the Allen Street Drainage Improvement Project, approved by the Common Council in September 2023. They will also consider a resolution to amend Section 23-141 of the City Code to allow exceptions for faulty equipment regarding water meter readings.
- Status report on $4M fund transfer for Phase II Allen Street Drainage Improvement Project (Item 36453)
- Resolution to amend water meter ordinance (Section 23-141) to provide exceptions for faulty equipment (Item 36304, sponsors: Barbosa, Connors, McAdam, McNamara, Sanchez, Santiago, Scott, Simpson)