City Council - Regular Meeting

[snorts] Good evening everybody. We will start the public speaking now at 6:30. Our first speaker will be John Marshall Lee. I'm sorry.

Yes, we are. I'm sorry. Gayen Murray, Nicole Nelson, Denise Taylor Moy, George Cruz, Dasha Spell, Rolanda Smith,

Ake Boy, Janette Heron, Loretta Dubat, Michelle Lions, Mary McBry, Richard Ortiz here. Alfredo Castello,

Frederick Hodes, Ives, Maria Valley, Kayla Medina, Maria Pereira, Anita Martinez, Ernest Newton. John Marshall Lee.

Thank you. Um John Marshall Lee, 30 Beacon Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut. Uh welcome to each member who's present tonight. Uh, it's the final Pop. Are you were aware of the duty? Why were 11 of you who have not signed as of this morning? Although the town clerk and the city clerk have signed and uh two members of the board of education, not including the one of them who's contesting that his address is private and he's not disclosing it based on uh a change of address after December 31st. Registars of voters have signed and the library board has seven of their nine members signing on. No other board or commission member appointed per the charter or ordinance has yet signed in. Which of your subcommittees will take responsibility for that task to inform all officials reviewing regularly and reporting to the public? Is it likely

that you will assign that obligation to miscellaneous matters? It's not a duty per the ordinance of the town committee town clerk. Now I ask a question about housing in the city. Can I get a helpful answer? For instance, of the approximately 150,000 folks who lay their head at rest each night in this city, how many own their residence? And do the majority of those, the balance of those rent their location, or do they have no permanent residence, as in unhoused or homeless? Are they in a health care facility, a halfway house, or student housing, or jail? or Airbnb. Do you how know how many folks in each category and where they go for service from the city now and into the future? Where are the citizens serving on boards and commissions learning about housing choices for the future? Where do we look for knowledgeable and experienced citizens to re represent the issues and concerns that are regional or statewide? Now, the next meeting of casual civics conversations will occur in the 134th on Saturday at Woodsend Deli. Um, and perhaps housing may be a topic, but uh I'm I'm hopeful that you will pay attention and that you'll work. If you want a location in your district, let me know. I've been asking since the fall of n of of 2024. God bless.

Thank you. Cecil Young. And just for a reminder, please state your name and address.

Uh Cecil Young, 99 Carroll Avenue, Brit, Connecticut. You know, I've been coming here, like I said, for a number of years trying to highlight my concerns and hoping that you would respond to my concerns based on all the overwhelming evidence I've been giving you pertaining to my disabilities. Okay. I've left on your desk uh two weeks ago doctor's notes indicating my treatments for for the situations I've been dealing with in terms of my back, my my my psychological form, physical form, and all the above. And it troubles me that to this day I have not gotten a re response from the mayor's office as to whether or not was the city justifiable in terminating me. And it really troubles me that to have two city council persons to request that this matter be looked into and that there be a response given in an adequate fashion and adequate time is a shame and a disgrace that here is almost another year go by. Okay? And here it is. I have not really gotten any real response from the city's council. And I'm asking the city council based on the evidence that I've given all of you, showing you that I'm not a joke that I've been coming here with evidence, overwhelming evidence showing that the city was unjustly terminated me for a cause that really should not have been terminated for, which was extreme anxiety. I gave that information to all of y'all and y'all all all of you have packages of that pertaining to why I went out and it troubles me that to this day I still haven't gotten any response from the mayor's office pertaining to turning over documents to see if whether or not the city was justifiable in terminating me. We know that they haven't. I've shown you that and I ask you again to tune in to the Cecil Young show that comes on every week Monday through Sunday. You can download the Cecil Young Show on YouTube and you'll be able to see documentations in black and white. You will hear audio tapes of Dr. Evans and Jodie Paul, the people that were involved in the cover up. You will hear information pertaining to Gerald Wner, Mike Cohatad, and uh Albert Murphy. Those people that were involved in the cover up. As I said last last month, that the state human rights commission is investigating these allegations. But I would hope that you do who are elected by the city of Bridgeport and by the

people of the city of Bridgeport would do your job, not let the ethics commission do your job for you. You were duly elected to respond to the issues that would run before you. And I'm asking you not to do me no favor, just to have the mayor to respond to what Councilman Newton and Councilman Neita asked him to do, which is to turn over evidence pertaining to whether or not was the city justifiable in terminating me. That's all I ask of you and I appreciate that. Thank you very kindly. Have a good day.

Thank you, Cecil Vanessa LS. Excuse [snorts] me. Vanessa Liles, 115 Bassic Avenue. The Westside NRZ NRZ committee is requesting that the city of Bridgeport city council not act on the hill full hearing for item 3325 tonight. This will allow the city council members from Bridgeport's District 132, the Westside NRZ, and OPED to discuss the proposal. We have had we um the Westside NRZ has had the Bassic Height on our agenda. Um and this agenda has been copied to city staff for at least two years. We have a direct investment in the property's use and development through our Westside NRZ plan. Westside West End NRZ plan developed in 2007. In May and June of 2005, our NR NRZ committee shifted its focus to the Bassic High School redevelopment, specifically addressing the urgent need to improve student safety and walkability at the campus location. Yet following outreach from the Kafa Group and Steve McKenzie, I met with the Kafa group and raised concerns about their input process timeline and importantly their limited understanding of our neighborhood when they wanted to discuss our proposal, their proposal. We re requested additional written information but did not receive any further communication for them from them after the meeting. I have shared this Zoom recording with city council person Smith and Spell. The Westside Weston NR NRZ plan states that community input input is not just part of the plan's creation but the primary engine of its implementation. Over the years, we have held regular meetings and met with key stakeholders, many whom attend our meetings regularly.

Our membership and audience come from diverse aspects of our community. And additionally, we host education and awareness events and social events, and we work well with city staff. We believe we can leverage these relationships to work together to ensure the development serves the best interest of our neighborhood. [snorts] The creation of the NRZ's was a legal process, and we, the volunteers, take our role seriously. It states that OPED, NRZ's, and the city council shall work together to ensure and [snorts] oversee the neighborhood's revitalization. We believe this is one of the plan strongest aspects for [snorts] our neighborhoods. Once again, we request the city council not act on this item so we can honor the spirit of collaboration outlined in our plan. Thank you. [snorts]

Thank you very much, Maria Pereira.

Maria Pereira, 80 Granfield Avenue. Uh at the mad matters committee meeting we had 1099 consultant Mark Anastasia come before us and say that the citizens union and the walk of honor were not boards they were committees and what's important is this assembly and every municipal body and every municipality gets its powers from chapter 98 municipal powers and it specifically states in section 7148J powers of boards and it defines boards as any board, commission, council, committee or other agency established or designated. So when he says things that because it doesn't say the word board, it's not a board. It doesn't matter what the 1099 consultant says because the Connecticut general statute that gives any municipality the power to create any kind of committee commission, every board is a commission, a committee, they're all the same thing. So, um, clearly I'm opposed to the Walk of Honor and I'm opposed to the Citizens Union for a variety of statutory violations, charter violations, the Ethics Commission violation. And so, I'm voting no, but I think it's important that this go to the Freedom of Information Commission, who's responsible for every board and commission, to get a ruling on whether these are boards and commissions. I feel confident I'm going to win because it's defined right here. So, I'm a no. And um uh I just believe that we should we create ordinances that we expect our constituents to follow, but we don't want to follow the very ordinances or charter provisions or statutes that we expect our constituents to follow. So I'm a no on both and within the by the weekend I'll have the complaints before the Freedom of

Information Commission. Thank you.

Thank you We're here. We're here.

Good evening, members, madam city attorney, distinguished madam clerk, clerks, distinguished members of the city council and the public. You want a picture? Send me that picture? I'm going to do it right now.

Um I know Ernie wanted to um among other things, he wants a picture because Ernie's in every picture that was ever taken in the city of Bridgeport for about 30 or 40 years, he claims. But this one on a more serious note was with Jesse Jackson when he was in Bridgeport. And I know Ernie wanted to do a moment of silence or or a um appropriate prayer at that time. So, I'd ask people to kind of gather at their seats if you could. And we'll make it very clear this is now the um opening of this city council meeting, regularly scheduled meeting. Today is Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 at 700 p.m. as council members are are joining in their seats. Um, I would remind us that uh we welcome the public here both in person as we have people here and also uh via television as I understand it. So there is a broad opportunity for people to watch um and to be a part of it. So thank you so much. Okay, as we always start with a prayer, why don't we why don't we stand for a prayer? I know this Ernie wants to make some comments. Uh uh Councilwoman Lee, um you wanted also to have um the um I'll let you make the request in a minute. Let's do the uh let's do the prayer. Do we have someone who wants to lead in a prayer? Let me see if I can get councilwoman Lee's microphone on so that we can hear the prayer.

Okay. Okay. Thank you. Um Mr. Mayor, uh before I do the prayer, I would just like to say that you know as the mayor was saying about Reverend Jesse Jackson, I remember him coming to Bridgeport. I am a part of his coalition and uh we marched all the way from Bridgeport to Hartford trying to get rid of trash more. They just picked it up and moved it someplace else. But you know, it was some it was some walk that we did and hopefully that it did a little good while he was here in the city of Bridgeport. You know, we do want to be prayerful for his family and his friends and those that knew him and were close to him and his organization, hoping that, you know, it won't die sometime when the leader is gone. You know, the organization is gone. But I enjoy being a part of that organization, the Rainbow Coalation. Uh, mayor, are we going to do the prayer and then we're going to have uh evangelist Fleming to sing the negro national anthem for us?

We do the prayer. Then we do the pledge of allegiance and at that time it might be appropriate if it's uh of no objection from other members of the council. Is that uh so when you're done I'm going to give it to Councilman Newton after your prayer and he wants to make some special remarks unless you want to make them now Ernie. Okay, let's do the prayer of graduation now. Okay. Okay. Are you going to do the prayer? Yes. All right. We're going to bow our heads. Your microphone is on. Okay. Would you please lead us, pastor?

Father God, in the name of Jesus, Lord, we thank you for this day that you made. Thank you, oh God, because we rejoicing in it. And oh God, we are thank thank you for this uh month that we celebrate uh our African-American History Month. And Lord, we thank you for the trials and tribulation that you brought everyone through in the name of Jesus. And oh God, we ask you to watch over us. Help us not forget where you brought us from, where we are right now, and where the Lord has taken us. We thank you right now. And Lord, as we go through this month, oh God, let us reflect on how good the Lord is to us. Thank you, oh God, for this great city. in the name of Jesus. And oh God, we ask you to bless Reverend Jackson family. Oh God, we ask you to bless those that will close to him. God, we ask you to bless his children, his companion in the name of Jesus. And oh God, we ask you to walk with us right now. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Amen. Thank you. Councilman Newton, you would ask uh you wanted to say something now? Do the pledge. Okay. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisibley andice for all for all. Point of personal privilege was requested by Councilman Newton. Do you want us to stand Councilman or? Um yes m thank you. Um but I'm joined today uh with two of my sons. One's a firefighter. The other one works for the post office. And I don't know how they got my wife

to come down to the council chamber, but she's here also joining us um here in the council. I would be remissed. I had the privilege at an early age to meet Jesse Jackson. I think I was in my 20s and he flew into Sakorski airport and it was when he was running for president and Thurman Milner, the late Thurman Milner who was the mayor of Harford asked me would I help. Ernie, I know I thought we were going to stand. Can we sit Sounds like a long story. Sit down. Yeah. Yeah. [laughter] Yeah. Sit down.

I'm sorry. And I had the opportunity to meet Jesse Jackson when he was running for president. We took him up to the terrace, took him over to East Main Street, took him to the East End and took him to some black churches. And I can tell you, I've never been inspired by somebody like Jesse Jackson. And I can tell you from him coming to Bridgeport, he liked Bridgeport.

And Booseie Kimber, who was his right arm man in Connecticut, asked him would he come down and do a march against Mount Trashmore to Harford, poor people's march. And we marched from Bridgeport all the way to Harford on a poor people's march in Bridgeport and he brought attention to the plight of Mount Trashmore. And Laura Wer I think was the governor at the time. I think I was a state rep. gave us a half a million dollars to move Mount Trashmore.

Well, I don't usually jump in too often, but you know, historically, um Ernie's 100% right. Um he was there. There's a picture that I we posted with uh the march with Jesse uh the mayor Dinkens in New York. Uh the congressman, you're in the picture, Ernie. You look a lot younger. 70th birthday there, I see. Yeah. But I And John Stafram's here. remembers the city was was was in bankruptcy at the time, literally. And um we uh we didn't have the money. Ernie deserves credit. Um it was $500,000. It was low wer.

You made the request. The money came to Bridgeport. We got rid of Mount Trashmore. Now it's going to be Mount Growmore. But Bridge Bridge Bridgeport helped bring the uh visibility to urban plight nationally uh in the middle of that presidential election and made a difference. Yeah. Clinton got in. We got 100,000 uh new police officers, community policing in those areas. We got money in other areas. So thank everyone. I want to just finish the tribute to Jackson. Then why don't we just bow our heads for a moment because I know we have a lot of business. If we could just unless you had more to add or anyone. Why don't we bow our heads for a moment of silence and uh respect and tribute and appreciation? I didn't get that.

Thank you. Um Councilwoman Lee, did you want to lead us in a uh singing? Whose microphone you want me to put on? Cuz I got the worst voice. I don't want mine to be the highlighted one.

Okay. Okay. 13. I [singing] am standing. that song. They sing the new day. till victory This one.

unborn. to the rich. [singing] We have come over with tears and waterers. We have to [screaming] turn out the moon now of the Christ God [screaming] thy [screaming] [screaming] Keep us in the path. We pray.

heart [screaming] [screaming] forever. to our God. [screaming] True to our nation. True to our God. To our true to our God. To our name. Shadow [screaming] to our God. To our name. [screaming]

[applause] [applause] Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Councilwoman Anita Martinez has the floor. You Thank you, Mayor. Um, I would like to take of a moment to do a point of personal privilege if you [clears throat] allow me to please. Of course. I would like to take a moment to honor my partner.

May joy arise with morning light and fill your heart from left to right. May water bloom, may sorrow seize, and every moment bring you peace. May all your dreams draw near this year with love that stays and friends sincere. May wisdom grow with each new age, a deeper calm from page to page. May blessings find you where you stand like gentle rain or helping hand. May this day so full of grace leave joy and wonder in its place. Here's to a year of dreams come true of purpose found in skies more blue with health success and sweet delight. May every day feel warm and bright. Mayor, when we talk about black history, we talk about Ernest Newton. We talk about a man that served in the city of Bridgeport as our first African-American council president. We talk about a leader that led in Harford for many years, brought back many educational purposes for others, has left his footprints throughout his journey, good, bad, and indifferent. So today I would like to honor him as a local African-Amean who has climbed the ladder who has left footstep footsteps throughout the city of Bridgeport as a pillar here in the city of Bridgeport as well as celebrate his birthday which is Saturday but we're celebrating today being that you all will not be around maybe on his birthday Saturday. So, we would like to celebrate

and thank God for allowing him to see 70 [applause]

and boy he has has a good history to share. Thank you, mayor, for allowing me to take this opportunity to honor my council colleague as an African-American here in the city of Bridgeport on Black History Month as well as celebrating his birthday. One more mayor, if you allow me to, please. Yes. Yes. Uh, Councilman, thank you, Mr. Mayor. And and and thank you. Both mics are on, so you guys can No, that's okay. Okay, you can both talk.

Thank you. Um, co-pilot, co- partner, I I just want to say I never thought a kid who grew up on welfare, a single parent mother, the first in a generation to go to a black college,

could come back and want to have an impact in this city. And I've done it a long time, over 40 years, fighting for our people, for Bridgeport. And I couldn't have done it without those my children and my wife, my family being my strongest support. [sighs] One thing Jesse taught me, he said, "Ernie, give you a lesson in politics." He said, "If you keep the issue on housing and jobs and opportunities for better people's lives, you will never have any problems in politics." Said, "Politics is not about making friends and enemies. It's about fighting for the issues that govern to help people." And so that's why I've stayed this long to finish. When I came home from prison, the East End looked like tombstone territory. And I said, I want to make sure that when I leave this planet, I left it better than what I founded. And that Straford Avenue will be a a milestone. Because when I grew up, Fred sitting here, we had everything. We didn't have to go downtown for nothing. And I wanted to see that happen. And so I thank you all for like putting up with me. And um I appreciate I appreciate those that didn't put up with me. But Joe, we we came a long ways together and we watched this city turn around and

that's something that I'm proud of. So when my grandchildren [clears throat] walk through Bridgeport, they'll know their grandfather [snorts] had something to do with it. And and that's what I'm more proud of. And like I said, one thing that I I'm very religious and when I meet my maker, I want him to say, "When I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me drink. When I was in prison, you didn't only visit, but you stayed for a while." Those are the kind of things I want God to say to me. And that's all that's important in my life is that that's what I want to be said when I go to meet my maker that I did what he commanded every one of us to do. So thank you partner. I'm overwhelmed um to be able to see 70 cuz all my family my father died at 43. My brother died at 43. I was paranoid that I wouldn't live past 43. But God has blessed me see a milestone to be 70 and um I'm just grateful and thank you all for your kindness and your support.

Thank you for your service and happy birthday. All right. Roll call vote, Madame Clerk. Oh, okay. Thank you, Mayor. Um, I would be remiss if I didn't thank thank Anthony for making this happen with all the photos [laughter]

and the big billboard that he overnightly had done for me. So, thank you. I just have one more. Mayor, then the floor is yours and I promise I won't say anything else. She reads the law. She knows the line. With strategy and grit divine, a trailblazer with righteous cause, she shapes the future of our laws. And blazer Taylor mind intense, she builds the bridge of sound defense. A sharp, relentless guiding light who fights what is fair and right. With iron poles and sharpest wit, she stands where truth and justice meet. A voice for those who cannot speak. The champion of strong and weak. With brief and arguments in hand, she makes her focus steady stand. No daunting case can make her bend. On her the fracture can depend. With thoughtful mind and heart of steel, she works to mend and to reveal. A fierce forth force within the hall. With grace, she rises to it all. I would like to honor our city attorney, attorney Taiisha Tom's, first African-American woman attorney here in the city of Bridgeport. Thank you. I don't think she knew that was coming.

Oh, I didn't know. Thank you. [laughter]

I don't think I could stop if I wanted to. Really, [laughter] please, you have the floor. I would I would just like to uh I would just like to thank the mayor and the uh president of the council uh for permitting us to uh help us to celebrate 100 years of uh off of Black History Month. Thank you very much. And the last thing that I would like to say is for my personal stuff, you know, I I um I read in the paper what something said about me. And I think that uh some people on this council want to straighten me out, but I'm telling you, don't come after me because if you do, I'm going to come after you. And you know who I'm talking about. So don't get it twisted. Okay? I'm finished now, mayor. You know, because I don't play that. I don't bother nobody and nobody better not bother me.

All right, with that, we will take the roll call. Madame clerk, you have the floor. Galamura, Nicole Nelson, Denise, Cruz, Dasha spell, Roland Smith, aim boy, Loretta Dubs two places, Mary She could do both completely. Alfredo Castillo,

this is this is a Hodes that Kayla Medina Martinez. We have a quum. Thank you so much. If we could look at our printed agendas um and notice that the next item up is the appointment of various uh persons and positions which is the province of the city council president. Madame President, I'm going to put your microphone on. You have the floor. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This is going to be a quick one. Um Michelle Lions asked to be taken off of budget and appropriations. I'm taking Michelle Lions off and replacing her with Mary Lee McBride.

Excuse me. I have leazison committees. it.

I have the food policy which I did not place on the agenda the last time. I'm putting the people in there now. Idias and Rolanda Smith. Denise Taylory asked to be taken off of the housing authority. I'm replacing her with Anita Martinez. And also I just have to make a comment. Miscellaneous matters. I was away and I saw what occurred on there. I watched the video three times to understand and not take people off. I am not taking anybody off this evening, but I am letting this committee know that we need to start working together as a unit. We cannot continue to fight with each other. We are here to do city business. We have rules in place. The next meeting, if the behavior continues, I will be switching a lot of people off the committee. We are professionals. We are the city council and we represent our constituents and we need to start behaving as such. Thank you. The changes the clerk has in writing.

Excuse me. The changes. Does the clerk have those writing? I have a copy for them right now. Thank you. All right. So, with that, um I think it's a that's the form of a motion. If my parliamentarian brain is working, it would u usually call for a second. Is there a second?

And of course, there could be comment at this time. Generally, there isn't. I'm not going to encourage it, but I'm looking left and right. All in favor indicate by saying I. Anyone want to be objecting? You're opposed. So noted. Okay. Now we're on 2725, which is actually the you. Okay. You want something on the consent calendar? We're not there yet. Stay with 2725 with me. It is a public hearing uh regarding the proposed approval of revenue bonds and parenthetically Jewish home for the elderly project series 2026. So, what I'm going to do is this um is call for and it's been ordered by this council with with of course appropriate publications and all that. Going to open I'll first open the public hearing just as it's been described as item 2725 um on these revenue bonds and generally encourage anyone who wants to speak in favor to do it first. Um and then I'll say anybody want to speak opposed but you're not confined to that. anybody wants to speak. If there's more than uh some some number, we'll try and ask you to abbreviate or shorten your comments or be um but uh let's move forward with having the record reflect that uh we're opening up the public hearing on matter 27-25 uh regarding the proposed approval of revenue bonds for the Jewish home for the elderly project series 2026. The public hearing is now open. Let the public be aware that there's a microphone in the center of the council chambers, which is the place where we would encourage you to approach if you want to be heard in favor or or opposed to in any position on this matter. The public hearing is open now.

In favor, you can in either one. Please feel free to take the microphone, identify yourself.

Maria Pereira, AD Granfield Avenue. In 2013, Fairfield would not allow the Jewish home to expand in the way they wanted to. Attorney Epstein and Mayor Finch spearheaded the relocation of the Jewish home to Park Avenue in Bridgeport. And I just want to say I feel like this council spends so little of its time doing things that are important to our constituents, what matters to them. And this is another example of it. The city town development uh chapter 114 section 7-480 says that the purpose of it is to assist in the improvement of the the deterioration of the city by preserving and expanding employment opportunities and the tax base by undertaking or assisting in the financing, development or construction of housing which this is not industrial which this is not commercial which this is not retail which this is not office which this is not hotel which this is not warehouse house, which this is not, recreational, which this is not, or transportation facilities, and parking. They do make a small reference in this bond about parking. Um, and it's to increase the attractiveness of the city to persons of all income levels. In April 2014, the city issued two bonds totaling $62 million. These were revenue bonds and the proceeds of those bonds were in essence loan to the Jewish home with a term of repayment of 52 years which I've never heard of in my 16 years of public service. Now there's approximately 42 million left on the loan and now they want another $50 million in bonds which we take the bond and we're loaning it to the Jewish home. Um and and 6 million of it is supposed to be for solar panels and taking the SC school property to create parking. By the way, there's no jobs increased in here because there's not a single parking attendant at the Jewish home if you've ever been there.

So, if you could 30 seconds more if you want to submit in writing, you can certainly submit it to yourself in writing. I'm the only speaker, so I'd like to finish. I prepared my remarks.

Yeah. And whatever you can't finish, just submit in writing to the city clerk. Well, the Jewish home is defined as a hospital, a nonprofit. Yet, the CEO this year alone is making $925,000. The top six employees will be making 2.2 million. They generated in 23 68 million,48,000 in revenue by with with 326 beds. That's 29,000 per bed. And you look at the jobs on their site for CNAs and security and cafeteria, which is the jobs our residents get. their minimum wage tops $23 an hour. Those aren't living wages. Um I am totally opposed to this and I want to say that before right before I got elected to the council, the behavioral health center on Bond Street in my district, 200 people lost their jobs. 226 residents lost their beds, their homes. it collapsed after the owner stole um you know their pension money and whatever. And what did this municipality do to save that? And the overwhelming workers there were Hispanic, Portuguese, black, Haitian, Jamaican. And so were the residents. They weren't somebody who was in an affluent um nursing home. And this this administration did nothing

for those 200 employees and 226 residents. But here we are again for another bond for the Jewish home, which would be a 30-year loan. And there's a whole section here about we have to be able to get the receiver of rents and stuff to protect us because it's a loan. We're we're taking out the bond so they can get a lower interest rate. So this is not something that's important to my constituents and I don't see how it would be important to yours. It's not Thank you so much. Thank you so much. If there's another any other speakers, it's not creating a tax base. They don't pay any taxes. Thank you so much. So, um I'm on this and I know I will share this with myself.

Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman. Does anybody else want to be heard on this matter before I close the public hearing? Does anybody want to be heard in favor of this matter? Does anybody here in opposition or would anything that you want to state that's relevant to it? I have the record reflect um that not no one from the council or from the public that's present is given any indication and the microphone is open at this point. As long as there's no objection, I'm going to close the public hearing and have the record reflect that we open and closed it and took in a hearing and that Councilwoman, if you want to also submit your any written comments, you have the opportunity to do that to the clerk as well. Having said and done all that, it's my understanding that 3325, which is the next item on the agenda we didn't do the minutes. I'm sorry.

Moved in and second. Anybody else want to be heard on the minutes before we move to presumably approve? All in favor indicate by saying I. Minutes are approved. Thank you so much. Councilwoman, did you want to be heard? Council on uh 3325 as it relates to the Yes, mayor. I made a move a motion draw. Thank you. Mayor, I make a motion to withdraw item 3325. Uh, if we need a second 33 uh25 to be withdrawn at this time. Somebody want to second that. Second. All in favor indicate by saying I.

I think that's all we need for a motion to withdraw at this time. It'll be handled, I'm sure, by the clerk in due course. Thank you. There are communications below that. If you'll follow me from the bottom of page one of mine [clears throat] all the way down to the consent calendar, not including the consent calendar. They would seem to be appropriate to consolidate and refer. Is there such a motion? Yes. No, I'm not in consent yet. That'll be the next matter. These are just the general referrals that we use to consolidate refer. Councilwoman, you have the floor. will move to uh approve the referral. But I have a question because it looks like uh my council colleague Rolanda

Oh 3325 is going to be removed too, right? But it's under 33-25 as a referred as well. All right, let me withdraw. Let's not let's not move the agenda yet. Let's see if if you also want to withdraw 3325 that's listed under communications to referred. Is that right, Councilwoman? Yes, sir. All right. So let's do that motion to uh withdraw 3325 that's listed under communications to be referred to committees. Is there a second? So I make a second. So I make a motion to refer. Don't do yet. No, let me let me do this vote first. All in favor indicate by saying I.

Okay. So we've withdrawn 3325 and now we can do the consolidated motion to refer. Councilman Martinez, you make that motion now to consolidate and refer. Mayor, I make the motion to refer 33-25. It's off. You want to make We've done it. So now, do you want to make a motion to refer? Yes. I make a motion to consolidate um communications to be referred to committees. Is there a second? Okay. All in favor indicate by saying I. All right. Are you with me?

Second of that was below. Now we're going to go to consent calendar. Ernie wants to withdraw something. So, let me just state uh so again for all members of the council and the public, we are now at a place called the consent calendar. It's about the middle of page two on my agenda as the consent calendar is under the council rules that any member may uh without reason withdraw or take a matter off of the consent calendar. Remaining items will be read into [clears throat] the record by the city clerk and be voted on without comment. Councilman Newton, it's my understanding that you want to be recognized for the removal of one item. What item is that, Councilman? Mr. Mayor, can we remove 2725, please?

2725 is removed. There's only one remaining item on the consent calendar. Does anybody want to remove that? If not, I'm going to ask the clerk to read that into the record as it's uh printed on the agenda. And then there'll be a motion in a second, presumably with no discussion or argument, and it'll be voted on. Madame clerk, when you're ready, you have the floor on the consent calendar 15-25. 1525 miscellaneous matter committee reports settlement of pending litigation in the matter of Francis Santoro versus the city of Bridgeport Duck number FBT CV246137905S. All right. Having it been read through the record, is there a motion to approve?

So move. Is there a second? Motion's made and seconded. Madam clerk, are you with me? Yes, I am. Thank you. All in favor indicate by saying I. Any opposed? Okay. So, now we're going to go to Ernie's matter that he [clears throat] removed which was on the consent calendar 2725. Did you want to be heard on that, Councilman? Did you want to move it separately? Yes, Mr. Mayor. Do you want to move it and then we can mention it after we can discuss it? Move it. Is there a second? Well, we know. We're right here. We're doing the one we took off. Okay. Okay. It's been moved and seconded. Councilman Newton, you said you wanted the floor. As the movement, I'll give you the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I want to thank the committee because we met on this with the lawyers and with um the residents up on in the 134th district and [clears throat] they were paying 50,000. It was the committee's position that they should go up to 80,000

which they agreed to. And let me say this, they have done an excellent job as far as hiring people. [snorts] A lot of people in my district work there. And yes, it may be only $23, but 20 a half a loaf is better than no loaf. They want to expand and to do some other things there. And I don't see they're already there. what the what the problem is on how much the CEO or CEO makes. That's that's not our concern.

Our concern is that we thought that because it was under the old contract and they were only paying 50,000. We said, "Hold it. This is a new day." So, we did ask them to up that Annie to 80,000. So, with the amended version. That's the only thing that changed in the contract was the dollar amount and they agreed to it and that's what's in the amended version. Okay. Of 2725. Anybody else want to be heard? Thank you, Councilman. Councilwoman Martinez, you have the floor. Your microphone is on.

Thank you, Mayor. Mayor, when we when we have these items that come before us, we truly should really consider where we will go here in the city of Bridgeport. We do not have nursing homes here in the city of Bridgeport. We did have Bond Street, which no longer exists. Where do our families go? Where do we go after needing rehabilitation, after a surgical procedure, after a fall, or we become fragile? So regardless as to what revenue this location makes or doesn't make, that's not our business. It's out of our scope. Our goal here is to meet the needs of our constituents when needed. I can even speak on behalf of St. Joseph's manor no longer exists. So what do we have left here in the city of Bridgeport? So, I want to thank you all in the budget committee for making the change from 50,000 to 80,000. I'm definitely in favor of it because I'm looking forward to at some point retiring and if my kids don't want to take care of me, then you go ahead on and put me in a Jewish home. [laughter] So, thank you, mayor.

It's a wonderful facility. They really do an outstanding service to hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people and maybe thousands when you include families. So, it is greatly appreciated. Your comments are I'm going to hit the microphone. It'll take the next speaker in the order that they hit. So, Councilwoman, it's yours. I know you already had chance to speak out there, but it has nothing to do with this. I spoke as a member of the public.

Number one, I just want to say in giving them a benefit of one percentage point interest reduction is half a million dollars year one. Two points of interest reduction saves them a million. They paid $50,000 in the last agreement, which they gave us $1,000 extra a year by year 12. They're at 62,000 right now. And now we're going to 80. They have an uh property value of 71,520,000. The assessed is 50. They don't pay property taxes. They pay not even living wages mostly to the jobs that would go to Bridgeporters. Not all of them, but most of them. and that's from their own website. And uh I would like a roll call vote on this because I know it's important to educate constituents as to why we're working on stuff like this and not for things that are very important to them. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman Lions. Michelle, it's your turn. Michelle, if she doesn't mind, I'll Okay. Thank you very much. Um the this the Jewish home is in the 134th district and I just you know I just sometimes our colleagues we pleasantly agree and sometimes we disagree but in um I will say that the Jewish home has been nothing but a big help especially to the city of Bridgeport. I mean I have a lot of friends and I'm sure you all have a lot of friends and relatives

that had the opportunity of spending time there unfortunately and some fortunately but that that place is in immaculate condition they if they meet the needs of the city of Bridgeport people and not only the fact of that there are some I have I was on the phone for eight hours today eight hours talking to everybody you can think of every every person in administration every person and um the on on the bonding. I spent a lot of time on this. So, thank you um the budget committee for doing getting the the price up. That is a necess necessity during these uh modern times and you know times. And I also had a talk with um them at the Jewish home and we're going to be working on some things that that need to be approved over in the north end. There were some promises and they're willing to work with us. One of the things is, you know, maybe we could get um we could work together to get a light that should be there. That would be an advantage to Park Avenue over there because that have they have a lot of accidents over there and it's a safety issue for that area for them coming out of the Jewish home. That's one thing. The other thing is a buffer for Crest View because Crest View, most of those people have moved out and we're going to have probably have work on having a buffer there with more trees and that enhances that property and it will enhance the work that needs to be done there. And the other thing um we t we talked about is um you know getting together more and to work more and opportunity because they have the solar panels and the solar panels that they're having there. I did take a look at that to make sure that the condo association that would not be affected because and if not Lorett and I are going to hear a lot about that. So, um you know they're very they're very sensitive to what needs to be done and this is an an advantage and that that Jewish home they moved from Fairfield to Bridgeport.

Fairfield didn't care. They've been there for quite so many years. So I cannot say enough but they're willing to work with us and they're willing to grow and like I like my colleague said we don't have a lot of medical facility here. So and and if everybody when you want want to go anywhere what does everybody say? I want to I want to go I want to go to the Jewish home. So I all I could say is my partner and I I'm sure we're very happy. Like I said some people agree, some people don't agree. That's just the city council and that's and we all have a right to say what we need to say, but this is my district and thank you very much. Our district rather and this is for the city of Bridgeport, not for my

Thank you. Thank Yeah. U Thank you, mayor. Can I asked for a roll call?

Thank you um mayor for allowing me to speak. I think people forget that we have an aging society here. We have more seniors than we have young people. They need places to go. Not every family can take care of their own. I mean, I was lucky enough that I was able to take care of my mother and I did it for nine years. I would not put her in a home. But I cannot fault other people that have to do that for their own circumstances. The Jewish home has been an asset to the 134th district. They've expanded. They are not Bridgeport Manor, Bridgeport Health because if anybody knows that situation, that was a couple of people that took all the money and that would we had to make those employees hold because they were part of our union. So when it comes to our districts, we need to start working in our districts and not being in everybody else's district. You know, that's our job. Again, we have to do business in the city of Bridgeport. We have to work together and to fight each other all the time is just not necessary, mayor. So, I'm going to vote yes for this and I definitely want a roll call.

I move to move the question. The question's been moved. Second. The [clears throat] clerk is ready to proceed with a roll call vote on matter 2725. Just for clarity and simplicity, a vote of yes is in favor of 2725. [clears throat] Have a vote of no is obviously against. Madame clerk, you have the floor. Thank you. G Murray, yes. Nicole Nelson, yes. Cruz, Dasha Spellel, Rolanda Smith, Voy, Janet,

yes. Mara Duba. Michelle Lions. Yes. Mary McBry. Richard, His Maria Vay. Maria. Thank you. Kayla Medina. Yes. [snorts] Maria absolutely no Martinez absolutely yes

Newton will take us Dasha spell Dasha Mary Mcley Maria Okay, it passed. Okay, it passed. So, that was the motion to amend. Now, you're going to make the main motion, Ernie. Yes. Okay. So, let's make the motion. I I need to know who put the motion on this one. Ernie Ernie made the motion. Distribute the resolution to you guys. Do you have this? Do you have So, that was as amended or was that the amendment?

As amended. Where was it on your the record clear? It was as amended. Any council member have Okay, so the record's clear where was curious as to whether or not we had stated it properly. All right. Well, just just for clarity and so there's nothing mistaken. Um we will take a second vote. It can be termed as amended for the benefit of covering. Is that right, madam city attorney? Okay. First one was to amend. This is as amended. What's the amendment? 80,000 is the amendment. It's the increase from the 50 to 80. Is that correct? Okay. So, motion's been made. It's been seconded. There's already been discussion on it on the first round. Madam clerk, are you with me? Yes, I am.

All right. You want a roll call on this one, too? No. All in favor? I want a roll call. Somebody want roll call. We'll give you a roll call if you want. She has a roll call. Madam clerk, roll call vote again. Identically, this a vote of yes is in favor and a vote of no is against. Madam clerk, you have the floor. Hold on for a second, please. She said, "Hold on for a second and we will got Okay. Gary. Yes. Nicole Nelson. Any dasha spell?

Roland Smith. Akim Boy. Yes. Janet Herman. Yes. Loretta Dub Dupach. Yes, I like that name. Dubac. Michelle Lions. Absolutely. Yes. Mary Mcly Ortiz. Alfred Frederick Hodgeges. Maria, Kayla Mina, Kayla Thank you. I'm sorry. Maria Berea, no.

Ana Martinez, absolutely. Yes. Ernest Newton. Yes. Thank you. All right. Passes. Thank you very much. We are now at matters to be acted upon 19-2025. Uh after that 2025. Both are miscellaneous matters committee reports. Does someone want to move these matters? I'm sorry. What are we doing? We're still We need to go back to 33-2. No, that's been that's been removed. We did it. We did it. We did it. What are we doing now? If anybody wants to clarify the record, we could. But I'm I mean, we're all in agreement. We did it.

Okay. So, now again, we'll go back to matters to be acted upon. They're both from the miscellaneous. What are we I'm sorry. Can What are we doing? We are on miscellaneous matters. 19-25. Councilwoman Martinez has moved the matter. Is there a second? Rich second. Rich second is a motion and a second on the floor, Madame Clerk. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Sounds like we're going to have an amendment to this. So, Fred, why don't I recognize you first? Go ahead. You want to amend this, right?

Thank Thank you, mayor. Uh, I'd like to make a motion and amendment to 1925 and include the following citizen union for the 136 for my colleague Alfredo CIO who's not here. And I want to name Joe Ferke and his address is one 1331 Noble Avenue. Add him to the citizen union for 136. Okay. Hold on. No, it's it's on this one. Hold on. Is there a pro process you think is better served to to to amend this or just is it a motion to amend? I'd like to amend the amendment. You don't have the floor. So, respect the process. You want to do two separate motions?

Okay. Fred, you have a name to add. You made a motion. Do we have And we have a second, right? So, we're adding names to the body. Uh you can just for the citizens union. She doesn't have a form for it. That's the problem. I can amend and amend it. So, we're gonna You want to do it like that? Okay. The same thing.

Yeah. Write them down. So, we'll have the record reflect. Fred, the name we're voting on is what again? Uh Joe Ferberg and could you provide that to the city clerk in writing? Yeah. Okay. She'll provide that to you in writing now. Okay. Madam clerk, whatever you say you're going to provide, please make sure you do it. Yes. It'll be part And there was a second. Okay. You with me, Cler? Madam Cler? Okay. Unless somebody wants to be heard on this. No, I'm not doing another. We'll do one at a time. No, you want Let's just do one at a time. This is the name. It's been seconded to be added to the citizens union word in there. Citizens Union Citizens Union Committee, right?

2627 Citizens Union Committee. Um, if somebody wants to be heard on this, I'll I'll I'll take it. But we're just we're putting a name and amending. Do you want to be heard on his name? Why can't we amend the amendment to have We could do a lot of things, but this is what we're doing. It's allowed. It's allowed. All right. Anybody else want to be heard? All f you want to be heard. Councilman, hold on. Councilman Cruz, you have the floor. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. No, the only thing I want to make sure that uh uh my colleague Denise Taylor Moore is recommended um Samaris Rose for the citizen unit and I am recommended Glenn Pway for the citizens unit. That's it. I don't know anything about that. Um

the answer is yes, I'm told by Mr. to go that but um this is just to vote on another member if you want to explain she's on it. Okay. All right. You're good. All right. All in favor by saying I. I. All right. That person give it to the city clerk in writing. It's approved. Councilwoman, you have a name that you would like to add. Okay. Motion to use. So your microphone so we can hear you. Sorry. Here we go. It's on. It's on. just uh the name is Sean Mitchell for uh the city. All right. You'll provide it to the name to the city clerk in writing. Give the city clerk the name in writing. I did.

Okay. That's a motion. Is there a second and a second? Does anybody want to be heard on this? It's the same process we just did with friends. I think these are these are invited so that we can have a good uh as we call it the uh citizens union committee. Motion's made in second. All in favor indicate by saying I. Any oppose? All right, that one's on. Madam clerk, you will get that one in writing, too. Is there another? Wow. All right. So, with that, Marie, you have one you're going to add. That's an amendment. [clears throat] I'm adding it now. Councilwoman, you have the floor. What's the name? Charles Fuller, 7:30 Palisade Avenue, Unit C13. Charles Fuller. Is it um you'll give it to the clerk in writing?

Yes. Is there a second? All in favor indicate by saying I. I. Any opposed? All right. All those names have gone forward. Is anybody else? Okay. So, we're going to move on to We need to make a motion to approve as amended. Yes. Is that a motion? I heard. Is that a second? I heard Councilman Newton. All right. All in favor indicate by saying I. Any opposed? You want to object? Debate. There's a motion and a second in debate. Yeah, we I I feel like on each one of those we had comment. We voted on them. We consolidated them. I didn't want to be deplicious. All right. So, it's a it's as amended. It's been approved. Council woman. Okay. And you're

and she's a no. Okay. Are you with me now? We are now we are now on 20-25 also from the miscellaneous matters committee. It's a report. It's sec it's made and seconded. Madam clerk, you heard him, right? Yes, I did. Have you identified the second? Yes. Okay. Does anybody want to be heard on this? Councilwoman, you have the floor. Yes. I want to be clear and on the record, this committee is established in violation of the city charter, the minority representation statute, the ethics commission statute. All of these are violations. And um we're going to find out from the freedom of information on this particular committee. Thank you. Thank you. The question, mayor,

I just afraid your microphone's on. Did you want to be heard? No. Okay. The question's been moved. I don't see anybody else asking. All in favor by saying I. Councilwoman Maria, I'm sorry, Marie. Uh, Councilwoman Vier, you have the floor. Yes.

I just, if you don't mind, after the vote, go ahead. In regards to the walk of honor, I [clears throat] do want to say um that this item went through the process. lawyers read help write or not write but fix it here and there and [clears throat] then only to find out that um someone had made a demand in order to get the president's seat to um to change the walk of honor. and so much for a new beginning 2026 because in my in my eyes, in my understanding, this is not a new beginning when something so honorable as this walk of honor to honor the people that are unsung hero um was [clears throat] being um again uh trying to be blocked. And even though conversations were had but there and then we we we we must remember we addressed a certain individual about backdoor deals, back doors, uh meetings and so forth. But here we are something from the walk of honor since 19 2022 to 23 that we worked on this that it was discussed here that it was discussed in committee meetings and it kept on moving along. But then here because of a vote it was um trying somebody was trying to stop it. Trying to stop two individuals

that have made a difference. One lost his life in an accident after this young man fought in the war in Afghanistan, who did great things for people in the community, who saved lives, who fought, who kept us alive while he was fighting in Afghanistan. Then we have the other gentleman who has done great things for the community who helped a young man that I knew personally and I'm pretty sure that others here to be honored but yet someone was trying to make changes. If the lawyer said this is how it is or we were not doing anything wrong instead of coming to the council instead of asking not asking me but allowing me to say my side of the story it was not done. There was a meeting and those that even are here oh we're not doing anything wrong or we're not cutting anything. We're with you, Maria. Somebody signed on. Everyone here had an opportunity to sign on to the Walk of Honor. Only one person did that. One person. No one else. And yet they try to destroy it because they thought we were going to eliminate the street signs even after we said no, that is not what we're doing. It it really and this has nothing to do and and I I apologize to my council uh partner ID Neves.

It had nothing to do with ID Neves or that I'm trying to get back at someone. And now today I can say shame on those that met this cuss. And then I heard another council person here say, "We're going to kill it." How nice. You're going to kill honoring two people that deserve that. And each one of you had an opportunity. Each one of you had an opportunity to submit a name and only two people submitted that name. one me that that person wasn't from my district, but I knew that person because we did a motorcycle run for to help this young man help his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan to give them needs, to give them toiletries that they needed because they wrote to someone here in Bridgeport and said, "Mom, Our soldiers need toiletries. They have needs that day. And that motorcycle ride to help this young man, over $10,000 was raised and over $10,000 was purchased items to send to Afghanistan. And how are you going to kill this walk of honor to honor this young man?

And then the other young man, the other older gentleman who again, another council woman submitted that name. Thank you, council woman. Thank you. Very. All right. So, we've actually technically voted on that. So, we're okay. Councilman's had her opportunity to be heard. We have two other items. The roll call roll call vote items. Oh, I'm so sorry. Go ahead.

Let's just be clear. I'm going to say this and I've said it before. I'm looking through all the committees that are past and present to try to see if we can make them commissions so the longevity stays there. This is not to get rid of anything because they're pulling the files now on what committees have died. I don't want this committee to die and that's what happens when we all leave. So, this is not to kill anything because nobody's ever heard me say to kill, but we are going through each and every committee that's here so we can make them live on because not all of us are going to be here. we're going to be gone. And if people don't follow through with that, it dies away. So that was not the intention and it was not for a vote because I didn't do it for any other reason, but because I had said way before I got this seat that I was going through all the committees and you all should understand that because a committee dies tomorrow, then nobody's going to want to work on it.

So let's become professionals here and let's try to do the things the right way. so we can keep our longevity. That's a legacy you have and it's yours and you've developed it. You've started it and I'm I'm proud of that. I signed on to it and I said we would talk about it, but I want us to move forward and I am looking at other committees. So, it's not the one and it's not because of an individual. Thank you.

Thank you. Okay, we have two roll call items on miscellaneous matters. 1625 is the next one. Is there a motion? Is there a second? All right, let's take a roll call on the appointment of John Mariani to the board of assessment appeals. Madame clerk, you have the floor for a roll call vote. For clarity, a vote of yes is to support the appointment of John Mariani to the board of assessment appeals. A voter no is to deny or to no. Madame clerk, you have the floor. Thank you. Galamur, yes. Nicole Nelson. Denise Cruz.

Dash spell. Rolanda Smith, Hakeim Voy, Janet hera Dubach, Michelle Lions, Mary Mcly, Rachel Ortiz, Frederick Hodes, Maria. Huh? Kayla Medina opera.

Thank you. Elena Martinez Ernest Newton. Motion pass. Motion passes. 1725 miscellaneous matter committee report. Appointment of Barbara Shakovic to the board of assessment appeals has been moved. Is there a second? Is there a second? I'm sorry you passed. You want your I'm sorry, Nicole. I'm sorry. What's your uh I'm sorry. I didn't go back to her. Nicole. Yes. Thank you. Thank you.

All right. That vote is is completed now. Thank you so much. We're back to 1725 miscellaneous matters. It was moved by Councilwoman Martinez. It was seconded by council m person 70-year-old Ernie Newton. And with that, we're going to take a roll call vote. Roll call yes is to support the appointment. A voter no is to deny it. Madame clerk, you have the floor. Thank you. Gallen Murray. Yes. Nicole Nelson. Yes. Jorge Cruz. Dasha spell. Rolanda Smith. Rolanda. Yes. Thank you. Akim Boy. Janet Her

Loretta Dub Lions Mary Lee Mary thank you Richard Ortiz Frederick Hodes Frederick thank you Maria Vaj Maria thank you Kayla Medina Yes. Maria Pereira.

No. Elena Martinez. Ernesto Newton. All right. Motion carries. Did I hear a motion to adjurnn? Is there a second? All in favor? Thank you so much. and get them.