2026-11-05 - Board of Alders

I love you and I heard we got to talk about >> I heard Oh, wait. Yeah. No. should be upgraded. >> [laughter] >> I was good. Like I said, Now I said you have to give this radio. Yeah. Yeah. [laughter]

Please. I like that. >> Exactly. >> [laughter] >> 420. I will now call the meeting to order. If anybody has cell phones, please put them online. Now time for >> here >> here. Here >> present >> here.

>> Here >> present >> here. >> A quorum has been established. We will now have divine guidance. Mark 21. Please be seated. Madam President, distinguish colleagues and guests, as we gather this

evening, I would like to begin by acknowledging that every opportunity to serve our community is a blessing and every opportunity to make a difference is someone life is a responsibility that should

never be taken lightly. I believe that divine guidance calls upon each of us to lead with wisdom, govern with compassion, speak with integrity, and remember that public office is not personal

recognition but about service to others. Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 35-6 to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and acknowledge him in all our ways. Those words carry particular meaning for

those of us entrusted with the responsibility of representing our neighborhoods. Reflection on election night 2026. This week, our nation witnessed another important moment in the democratic process.

Election night 2026 brought excitement, renewal, political engagement, and considerable enthusiasm among Democratic voters and supporters across the country for Democrats who celebrated victories and

electoral electoral milestones milestones. And it was an opportunity to recognize the dedication of volunteers, organizers, candidates, and everyday citizens who participated in the political process.

But regardless of party affiliation, the lesser, the larger lesser is that democratic depends upon participation, accountability, and the willingness of people to make their voices heard. We must

remember that election results represent both our opportunity and obligation. The work of governing begins after the campaign signs come down. [clears throat] Call and call for divine guidance in New

Haven. As members of this board, we have an obligation to put New Haven first. Let us seek divine guidance in our decisions concerning affordable housing, neighborhood investments, public safety,

education, economic opportunities, infrastructure, and the well-being of our most valuable residents. Let us never allow disagreements to overshadow our shared responsibilities to the people who sent

us here. May we have the courage to do what is right. the humility to listen when others disagree and the wisdom to recognize that our decisions affect real families, real neighborhoods, and real

futures. May God bless the residents of New Haven, guide his board in this deliberation, protect our first responders, strengthen our educators, and provide hope and opportunity to every family

throughout our city. I close with this thought. We are not elected simply to occupy seats in this room. We are entrusted with the responsibility to make sure that the people of New Haven have a seat

at the table. May our leadership be guided by faith, strengthened by unity, and measured by the positive difference we make in the lives of those we serve. May God continue to bless New Haven and all

who call this city home. Thank you madam. [applause] >> Thank you. >> Thank you madam president approval of the journal 2026. >> The move. Are there any corrections for the journal? We need none. All

in favor say I. I opposed by pass. >> Thank you, Madam President. I ask you an item number one from the tax collector ordering tax refund November 5, 2026. >> Is there anyone going to deny unanimous

consent? Seeing none, Miss >> I second. >> The item has moved and second discussion. Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any extension? The item pass consent on items 2 through 16.

Two from Jonathan Aada in order uh of the New Haven Board of Allers concerning property taxes on motor vehicle tax accounts. 501 07 and 50108. Three from Latrice Black subitting an order of order to

certain assistance with tax account numbers 81419 81420 81421 55046 5547 55 077 and 55078 for Daniela Kos submitting an order of the board of concerning property Taxes on vehicle tax account 58402.

Five or property taxes car on board vehicle tax account 58045 and 81901 six from Lucas J. Submitting an order board of olders concerning your property tax accounts 8910 69. Seven from Michael B

submitting a board holders concerning real property tax account 824358. Eight from Jasmine Fragerova submitting a order to holders concerning real property taxes tax account number 67325 nine uh calls

for submitting an order for the board of alers concerning real property taxes on bid tax accounts 68860-67 9-27-67846 68667 and 68585 10 from Joseph Jackson order the board holders concerning real

property taxable tax account 7 uh 75 096 and 75097 11 from Joan McCarth Sanders submitting an order concerning property tax account and number 12 from Dorothy Nassier submitting an Board of Board of

Alters of the New Haven Board of Alers concerning real property taxes of Dorothy Nasier on board tax account 87450 and 87451. 13 from Leo Russell submitting an ordering for concerning real property

taxes on tax account 97322. 14 from summer standards subitting order of the new board office tax accounts 96915 and 964 [clears throat] 15 order 15 from Chad Wington submitting order of office

concerning assistance to tax account number 85350 16 from Maria Miranda submitting an board of the board for the New Haven Board of Allers concerning good property taxes and vehicle tax account 5 or

I'm sorry 856 94 and just one moment before someone second number 11 Daniel McFarland Saunders >> is there anyone going to deny consent seeing none >> I move these items Second items have been moved

and second discussion. I call order from board 21. >> Thank you, Madam President. These are all residents looking to pay their taxes who have asked for assistance with the interest on their bills. If

we approve these, we will bring in over $10,000 in taxes. Thank you, Madam President. >> Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. And if this pass >> Thank you, Madam

President. Our last item on the unanimous consent is item number 17. I ask you see on this item from the assistant chief of operations of the New Haven Department of Fire Services submitting a

resolution of the New Haven Board Office of the City of New Haven authorizing the mayor of the city of New Haven to apply for and accept the 2026 Regional Water Authority First Responders Grant in the

amount of $1,000 to support the purchase of fiberite recovery cradle for marine rescue operations and to apply for NSET execute If necessary modify all related documents, contracts and instruments as

deemed necessary. >> Is there anyone going to deny consent? See not necessary. >> I move that second. >> The item has moved second question. See none. All in favor say I. >> I pass. >> Thank you,

Madam President. I move communications 18-31. The first readings [clears throat] I know first readings 32 through 35 bringing us to our second readings for this evening. Under second readings I move

item >> no. >> Oh you're right. I need to go to liable city initiative. Okay. Under city I move item 36 from the mayor and economic development administrator submitting an order of the New Haven board

of approving the disposition of 16 That's Janice section [snorts] for $1,32. Uh 8 Ar Street, 12 Ar Street, 21 Dan Street to the New Haven Land Bank Incorporated for $1 per parcel and acquisition of

258 number A Street by the city of New Haven for $0. Second. So I move a second discussion. Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. Any pass. >> Thank you, Madam President. Now we'll go to our second

reading and move item 37 finance favorable A. Ordinance amendment of the New Haven Board of Alers to the city of New Haven's code of ordinances amending sections 2-451 2-482-483 and 2-488 of the

city's purchasing and procurement ordinances as amended. >> Second. >> The item has moved second discussion. I call order from board. Thank you, Madam President. The finance committee heard this

request on Thursday, October 8th. The proposed amendment would update the city's requirements to reflect changes in state procurement law, clarify existing practices, and improve administrative

efficiency. It would authorize the purchasing agent or the controller when emergencies are declared to engage contractors that owe the city money but have the expertise for meetings. These contractors

would not be paid by the city until they meet all outstanding obligations. The amendment would match statutory thresholds for a public bid process at $35,000 and clarify that the board of education

president may sign contracts on behalf of the board of education. The amendment would allow without aldermatic approval annual renewals of agreements around maintenance, licensing, subscriptions,

upgrades, and similar support services following the initial procurement of IT software or hardware. The amendment would also clarify the definition of a New Haven based business by including

businesses that occupy real property in New Haven and pay adorum taxes on businesses on business property to the city. Finally, this ordinance amendment would enable the city to accept project bonds

electronically, which [snorts] should help protect the city against fraud and enhance financial operations. The controller and deputy purchasing agent explained the need for these changes and urged

automatic approval of this request. Finance committee voted to give the item a favorable recommendation and I ask colleagues to vote to approve. Thank you, Madam President. >> Any further discussion?

Seeing none, this is the ordinance. Allow the city conflict. Theodor, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Rodriguez, >> yes. >> Yes. Rodriguez, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Murphy, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Miller, >> yes. >>

Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Edwards. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Marks. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Is there anyone who has voted wish to vote? Is there anyone who wish to change their pass? Thank you,

Madam President. I find item 37B or this amendment of the new board to section 17-201 of the code of ordinances updating the fee schedule for the R Walker ice rink at Blakefield for fiscal year 2026

through 2027. [snorts] >> Second item has discussion order 25. >> Thank you, Madam President. The finance committee heard this item on October 8th. This amendment would restore lower rental rates for

off peak hours which follows the recommendation from the rigs operator and advisory board and from the parks commission. Under the proposed schedule, existing peak rates would remain in effect while

reduced off peak rates would be reinstated to encourage use during less than amended hours. The finance committee voted to give this item a favorable recommendation and I ask colleagues to vote to

approve. Thank you, Madam President. Any further discussion? Seeing none, this is the ordinance amended while council. >> Yes. [laughter] >> Yes. >> Kim, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Edwards. >>

Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Morrison. >> Yes. >> Myers. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Is there anyone who wish to vote? Is there anyone who wishes? >> Thank you, Madam President. Under the

finance paper, I move item 37 C. Order of the New Haven board approving amendment number two to the outside legal service agreement with the law firm of Carsten and Talber LLC to increase the toal

amount the total agreement amount by $77,240,0002 for FY 2025 through 2026. >> Second. The item has been moved and second discussion for order from board 25. >> Thank you, Madam President. The finance

committee heard this item on Thursday, October 8th. The amendment simply pays for what the city owes this law firm for work completed during the last fiscal year. Representatives from corporation

council explained what the expenses were for and urged automatic approval of this request. The finance committee voted to give this item a favorable recommendation. Now your colleagues to vote to

approve. Thank you madam president. >> Is there any further discussion? Seeing none all in favor say I. I. >> Any oppos? Any extensions five pass. >> Thank you madam president. 37B of the finance

paper orders amendment of the new paper holders to appropriate ordinance one reclassifying one police mechanic to lead mechanic within the police department and reclassifying a benefits administrator

to benefit operations manager within the chief administrative office division of human resources >> second discussion I call my order for 25 >> thank you madam President, this ordinance amendment is a

request for approval to reclassify two vacant positions following employee retirements. Our police department requests to change a police mechanic position to lead mechanic, which should add much

needed supervisory coverage, improve operational continuity during superintendent absences, and create a career advancement opportunity for existing staff. Human Resources asks to reclassify the

benefits administrator position to benefits operations manager and to move the position to confidential status. Our HR director explained that the existing title no longer adequately reflects the

scope and complexity of the position's benefits administration responsibilities. The revised position would enable expanded supervisory responsibilities, benefits, plan design work and participation

in bargaining related work. The finance committee urged the administration to discuss these reclassifications with the relevant unions. The finance committee voted to give this item a favorable

recommendation and I ask colleagues to vote to approve. Thank you, Madam President. >> Any further discussion? Seeing none, this is the ordinance amendment. How does this take the role? >> Yes. >>

Douglas Rodriguez. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Rodriguez, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Murphy. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Miller. >> Yes. >> Yes. [snorts] >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >>

Yes. >> Is there anyone who voted wishing to vote? [snorts] Is there anyone who voted wishing to change your vote? Seeing none, it passes. >> Thank you. Continue on the finance paper. Item 37E

ordinance amendment of the board of appropriate ordinance number one reclassifying position 300 executive administrative assistant to administration and finance management. >> Certain the item has a

move and second discussion. I call order from work 25. >> Thank you madam president. The finance committee heard this request on Thursday October 8th. The request is to reclassify a vacant position in

the city plan department following the retirement of a longerving incumbent. According to the department's director, the proposed administration and finance manager title would better reflect the

duties required to support the department's administrative, financial, and operational functions. These responsibilities include support for land use boards and commissions, knowledge of statutory

meeting requirements, handling of multiple public inquiries, and highle administrative services. The fiscal impact of this amendment is positive. In other words, the anticipated salary would be lower

than what the recently retired employee was making. Even though the new title is in a higher labor grade than the position it would replace, a new hire in this title would make much less money than

the former employee who was at the top of the scale for her labor. The finance committee voted to give this item a favorable recommendation and I ask colleagues to vote to approve. Thank you, Madam

President. >> Any further discussion? Seeing none, this ordinance amen. >> Yes. >> Douglas Rodriguez, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Rodriguez, >> yes. >> Yes. [clears throat] >> Murphy, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.

>> Miller, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> War. >> Yes. >> Edwards. >> Yes. Black. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Morrison. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. [clears throat] >> Yes. >> Is there anyone

who has motivation to vote? Is there anyone who has a wish to change their vote? See, it passes. >> Thank you, Madam President. Last item table is 37F authorizing the mayor to enter into a multi-year

agreement with Passport Labs Incorporated for parking enforcement software and equipment with an option to renew as amended. >> Second item has moved to second discussion order. >> Thank you madam

president. The finance committee heard this request on Thursday October 8th. The proposed agreement would authorize the purchase of new parking enforcing software and equipment for the city.

Representatives from transportation, traffic, and parking urge approval of this request to increase the efficiency of traffic operations and to bolster the enforcement of traffic ordinances in

sensitive areas. The finance committee voted to give this item a favorable recommendation and I ask colleagues to vote to approve. Thank you, Madam President. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all

in favor say I. >> I. Any oppos? >> Thank you, Madam President. I move to section 24-1- the board of conduct. >> Second. >> The item has moved a second. Discussion. Seeing none, all in favor say I. I.

and for item before the first read on item 38. >> Second, >> you don't need to second anything. It's the first reason to close. >> Yes, I am. >> I move uh to close-18. >> Second. >> The island has a

move and second discussion. Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any extensions? And before uh motion to adjourn is appropriate, I will now take points of personal I call my order

from 22. >> Oh, okay. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Um I stand here um today inviting each and if you have a child that is going to college, looking to go to college and or relative or anyone

the um Q house um house advisory board, our youth council is hosting an importing college workshop on Tuesday, November [clears throat] 10th at the house from 6:00 to 8. This is one of the initiatives

from our youth council as they had their college their fifth annual college fair last month at the Q house hosting up to 450 junior and senior high school students from our New Haven High School and

[clears throat] surrounding towns. So, this is a part two. Now that all the children, we had over 50 colleges and universities that came to New Haven, um, including some H.B.CU. Now that all our

children have found these wonderful schools that they would like to tend to, we now need to figure out how do we pay for them. So in partnership um with the youth council with higher heights and the

city of Connecticut educational um systems um we will host this um this workshop which um at the same time it starts at 6:00 but at 5:00 for parents who need um handson support in completing the FASA

applications will also have that. So please spread the word because this is very important. As we all know our kids, they love to go to these college fairs and they will. I know my kids, they will

pick the most expensive college there is in the building. But how do you pay for that? And through this workshop, we learn about scholarships, we learn about um loans, we learn about all these

different things that you can utilize these tools in order to finance your children. um and their uh last four years of um being taken care of by mommy and dad. So please the um the workshop will be

held on this Tuesday, November 10th at the Q house, 197 Dix Avenue in the gym. Again, hands-on workshop 5:00. The actual um hands on support 5:00. The actual workshop will start at 6. So thank you.

Thank you, Madam President. I will now call on an order from board for Thank you, Madam President. Um, at the Star Jacob Church on at 506 Howard Avenue, we are going to be having a health and resource

fair on November 7th, this Saturday from 11 to 2. They're going to have a lot of giveaways. There's going to be blood pressure uh testing, uh commu, lots of community resources, lot of health

information, activities for children. This event is free, so inviting everyone to come out to the Star of Jacob Church, 506 Howard Avenue. Bring the whole family and it's free admissions. And also on

November 11th, Veterans Day, there's going to be a Veterans Day celebration and this is sponsored by the National Veterans Council of Eagle Redress. It's titled We Serve Those Who Serve Us. It's going

to be at the Schubert Theater, 247 College Street in New Haven, 06510. telephone number 203411255. It will be on Wednesday, November 11th at 2:00 p.m. It's free admissions. They only ask that you go

to the link httpsmy.sherbert.com sherbbert.com1233512336. There will be individuals who will be awarded. One is Alina Alena Taylor and the other person is my person Evelyn Rodriguez. There will be

musical and live performances among them [clears throat] boss who's an acclaimed jazz trumpeter. and the Milhouse High School band and JTC cadets. Thank you. Thank you. I will now call that order from

board 26. >> Thank you, Madam President. Ask that my colleagues um rise in memory and have a moment of silence for minor city employee in the library. librarian at the main branch dies, a pedestrian

who was hit on Orange Street this Monday on the break from work with the library has died. Um I know that we all offer our sincerest condolences to her family, her friends, and her colleagues at New

Public Library. I certainly know that Elmer Kim um from W 7 shares her condolences. My heart also goes out to the 28-year-old young man, the driver who did everything right after the accident. He

stayed on the scene and it's even been said that he rushed to do chest compressions for the pedestrian. No doubt he will suffer for a long time from this traumatic event. This death comes so soon

after the rather recent and tragic passing of Southern Connecticut State University. Professor Michael Sheay was killed in a crosswalk while crossing on Avenue. I know that majority leader Furlo and

other Maran share in their condolences as this is in their area also the city. Just want to say, Madam President, may all of their memories be a blessing both to these victims and may it be an urgent

reminder of the need for enhanced traffic, biking, pedestrian safety in the city. Yes. Obama. Thank you, Madam President. I now order from W 19. >> Thank you, Madam President. I would just like to

thank everyone that participated in the gala. Um, thank you for putting ads in, business cards. Thank you for buying tickets, inviting your guests. Thank you for being here. Um, we did a great job

with our honores. We always do. But I would just like to say once again, not all heroes wear capes. And it was proven with the elegance in the room. You all look wonderful. those of you that were

there. Um, you look gorgeous, all of that. But it it was just a blessing to be around so many members and heroes in our community that have done all this great work, continue to do it, have always

done it, and have a great impact on our communities. Um, so I just want to thank you all for participating. We're going to do it again next year. So remember that. And we're going to start tomorrow.

So, I'll be calling all of my committee members to um get your honores ready, get your themes ready. A couple people already called me and I also look forward to spending more quality time with

everyone in this room when we do our next few events that'll be either the end of this year or the beginning of next year. But once again, thank all of you. I want to thank our staff as well. I always

thank our staff. They do a great job of holding us down. So I would like to acknowledge our staff that support us every year in this event as well and our residents and thank you madam president and

also sorry may I say one more thing? >> One more thing. >> Thank you all for your handy donations. They were put to great use for our trunk or treat event. Thank you madam president. >> I will now

call order for 21. >> Thank you madam president. I would like to ask that my colleague stand. [clears throat] Um we have a moment of silence for the passing of Janice Brooks, wife of Bishop Brooks

from Luma Heights Church, a pillar in the community several decades. Thank you, Madam President. Are there any personal privilege? >> I call workers. Thank you, Madam President. I just want to make an

announcement. Um on November 22nd, 2026, we are going to have the concert that will be res. It has been rescheduled for that date. Um you don't want to miss this concert. Great lineup of jazz

musicians, Gary Award winners, that's Mary Meadows, Naji will be there, Alex Bu will be there, J um Leone, uh Chile Mousini, and others. You just don't want to miss this. I do have general admission

tickets, which are $40, and it will be held at 496 New Street instead of the shack. We got rained out, but we had the opportunity of of getting that venue and that will be at the lab in Hampton. Also,

I would like for you guys to stand to give a moment of silence. It's been a rough week this week for me. Um, I lost my cousin Ka Fountain um on Monday and my sister was just rushed to the hospital

tonight. So, please give me a moment of silence. Thank you. Thank you. I will now call our order for 29. >> Thank you, Madam President. I just want to give a shout out to my niece Dixon that's sitting

in the chambers tonight. She's from Richmond, Virginia. She came up. She's going to fellow with Dale over the weekend and she also sits on the board of education in Richmond, Virginia. Um, I just want

to welcome YOU [applause] NOW. >> I um I don't apologize, but um I do ask for everyone to stand um in recognition of a couple of passings. Um so my uncle, my father's brother, he passed away um this

week or last week right after um the gala. Um he was a former Black Panther and a pillar in the community. His name is Jimmy Morrison. And then I also want to recognize a young man um from the Dixo

community, Sherro Williams. Um as he I as a young man he passed on. So, if we can just take a couple of moments to sign on your behalf. Thank you. >> I will now call order from 18. Thank you, Mr.

President. I ask that you rise. um spent quite the night with these, but I'd be remiss if I didn't um ask that we keep like Shay uh Walder Marks mentioned in our thoughts of his wife Candace. Um they

are neighbors and constituents of mine. They are lovely people and it's extremely tragic what happened. Um and my heart really goes out to Candace. So, if you wouldn't mind sparing him a couple of

moments of silence as well. Thank you. As we just heard, it was a lot of passing that happened in our community that affects our community. So we should just continue to keep everyone in our prayers,

everyone's family all the time. People don't tell you about um who passed away in their families. Um but I think we should always continue to hold everybody up all the time. And now a motion to

adjourn is appropriate. >> So move. >> Motion has been made and second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> We are ajourned. And I speak author from board 25 27 15 at the podium. You ask me. are working

well. >> You did.