2026-06-01 - City Council

Summary

Built from official minutes. No video posted.

Regular meeting at City Council Chambers, 7:05 PM to adjournment; quorum present with Council President Herron presiding.
Public Speaking Forum (6:30-7:00 PM) with seven speakers addressing illegal apartments, housing affordability, medical law, Ethics Commission, Success Village relief, and municipal governance civics.
Council Members Smith, Hodges, Martinez had excused absences due to illness.
Moment of silence for former school principal William D. McLean (first Black principal in Bridgeport).
Public hearing on Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program (no public comment).
Minutes from April 20 approved unanimously.
Public hearing ordered for Baldwin Plaza easement (June 15, 2026, 7:00 PM).
Baldwin Plaza easement referred to Economic and Community Development and Environment Committee.
Various litigation settlements approved; $1.75 million settlement for Barbara Mankewich estate case discussed separately.
Rosella Criss Ethics Commission appointment tabled 9-8.
Kristen Mennillo and Faith Sweeney appointments not voted on due to Criss tabling motion.
Success Village Apartments Property Interest Penalty Refund passed unanimously.

Approval of refund of interest penalty on delinquent taxes (~$437,000) to Success Village Apartments residents following Governor Lamont's signing of SB1.
Principal taxes and WPCA payments already paid by residents; refund covers only interest penalty portion.
Maria Pereira explained background: funds for taxes/sewer misappropriated by former Board president; residents paid common charges in good faith expecting them to cover these bills.
Stratford already issued full refund and check received by receiver Barry Knott for their portion.
WPCA agreed to credit $187,000.
Resolution passed unanimously.

Three candidates for Ethics Commission: Rosella Criss (Unaffiliated), Faith Sweeney (Democrat), Kristen Mennillo (Unaffiliated).
Vote required 14 affirmative votes (two-thirds of full Council).
Rosella Criss appointment motion moved by Aidee Nieves, seconded by Dasha Spell.
Maria Valle moved to table all three appointments; seconded by Aidee Nieves; motion passed 9-8.
Extended debate preceding vote on multiple issues: process transparency, Charter requirements for appointments, minority party status of unaffiliated voters, lobbying and political influence, adequacy of committee meetings, candidate qualifications.

Permanent easement for United Illuminating Company infrastructure installation and maintenance beneath Baldwin Plaza (1130 Broad Street).
Public hearing ordered for June 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
Item referred to Economic and Community Development and Environment Committee.