Common Council

COMMON COUNCIL MIDDLETOWN CONNECTICUT SPECIAL MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING 6:30 PM COMMUNITY MEETING A Special Meeting of the Common Council of the City of Middletown was held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, beginning at 8:25 PM, immediately following the Common Council Community Meeting, which had commenced at 6:30 PM. This meeting was a hybrid meeting with in-person participation in the Common Council Chamber and remote access via WebEx. The meeting was also simultaneously livestreamed on local cable access television, on the City’s webpage, and on the City’s Facebook page. Present: Councilman Eugene Nocera, President Councilman Anthony Mangiafico Councilman Vincent Loffredo Councilman Steven Kovach Councilwoman Jeanette Blackwell Councilwoman Linda Salafia Councilman Darnell Ford Councilman Anthony Gennaro, Sr. Councilman Grady Faulkner, Jr. Councilman Jonathan Pulino Councilwoman Kelly Sweeney Councilwoman Leslie Spatola Also Present: Kelly Scott, Esq., Parliamentarian Linda Reed, Clerk of the Common Council Sergeants-at-Arms: Middletown Police Officer Jared Ceccolini and Officer David Cyr Chief of Staff Barbara Peterson Public: Chamber: approximately 20 WebEx: approximately 7 Facebook: unknown Per Charter, Common Council President, Councilman Eugene Nocera, serves as meeting Chair in the absence of the Mayor. The Chair calls the meeting to order at 8:25 PM. He welcomes everyone to the Special Meeting of the Common Council. 1. Call to Order A. Pledge of Allegiance The Chair invites the Common Council and members of the public to join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance B. Council Clerk Reads the Call of the Meeting and Mayor declares call a legal call and meeting a legal meeting The Clerk of the Common Council reads the Call of the Meeting and the Chair declares the call a legal call and the meeting a legal meeting. 2. Public Hearing Opens The Chair opens the public hearing at 8:27 PM. Any member of the public looking to speak may do so. For those in the Chamber, members of the public may come to the podium. Those participating remotely may use the WebEx hand raise function to alert that Chair that they wish to speak. The Chair will alternate between speakers in the Chamber and remote speakers during the course of this public hearing. Each speaker will have a maximum of 10 minutes to speak. Speakers are asked to state their name and address for the record. Deborah Kleckowski (197 Coleman Road): Good evening once again members of the Common Council. I come before you, again, to encourage you to please support unanimously filling the vacancy for the Board of Education with Robin Goss She went through our process and that process should be respected. We really cannot have the majority party bringing forth people's names. As Bill Wilson mentioned, it had happened previously during the Drew administration. It happened for a Planning and Zoning Commission seat where the Republicans brought forward a name and the Democrats came forward with their own Republican. This is a Republican seat. It should be deemed as such and it should be respected as such. I urge you to please vote for Robin Goss. She's an exceptional candidate. She'll serve well on the Board of Education and, most importantly, she will serve our community and our students. Thank you.  JANUARY 11, 2024 COMMON COUNCIL – SPECIAL MEETING Page 2 BOARD OF EDUCATION VACANCY Sebastian Giuliano (348 Maple Shade Road): Good evening again, members of the Common Council, The comments that I made at the Community Meeting are applicable to this, and I would ask that they be considered as also having been made at this meeting. The only thing I would add is that I just want to make it clear. I'm not telling you what to do with the resolution front end. Each of you has the prerogative to vote the way he or she believes they should vote on the resolution. What I'm urging you not to do is don't amend it. Vote for or against the resolution, as it currently exists. If this happened once before, as Deb Kleckowski said, that the majority party foisted its own choice on the minority party, don't make that a practice. It is guaranteed to result in in chaos. Whatever you do with this resolution tonight, allow the minority caucus every effort to fill this seat as it sees fit. It's not, as I said, that we have a situation where the Republicans are putting up Attila the Hun and it gets voted down. So they bring forward Charles Manson and that gets voted down. Then they bring forward Nero and that gets voted down. And then they bring forward Jeffrey Dahmer. You know that, at some point, if the Republicans were abusing the process, then you might be justified in stepping in and putting an end to it, but we are not near that right now. We're barely scratching the surface of the scratch at this point. The minority caucus has put a resolution for you. Personally, I think it's a reasonable one. I don't think that Robin Goss is a fine choice. If you agree with it, vote for it, if you don't, vote it down, but don't substitute your own. And this is for the majority: don’t substitute your Republican for one that our party should be given an opportunity to propose. Thank you. Nigel Macon Wilson (244 East Main Street): I would say running for the Board of Education, I didn't quite make it. The Republicans nominated me. Obviously, I didn't quite make it there either. Callie Grippo or Robin Goss are both been good by me. I have talked to both of them, have known them about a year and change. They both been pretty good, but, all I'm saying is, like, someone mentioned before: pick one, the other, but let's not make a habit out of this because nothing lasts forever. Republicans won't last forever. Democrats won't last forever. At some point, this place will turn red and I don't think we want the whole retribution thing going on like we have now at the Federal level. I’m pretty sure that you all know very well what's going on at the Federal level. Certain rules are applied. Then it gets applied to the other side so that side that started it complains about. Don't start nothing; don't be nothing. Don’t start something that you can't finish, but, either way, you pick or don't pick. Can we just make this as seamless as possible? Thank you. Christopher Cardella (1545 Country Club Road): Good evening again, Council I would just like to voice my support for Robin Goss as the Republican nominee for this vacancy on the Board of Education. She has been serving the City for many, many years. She's been involved all over town for very long time. Many of, you know her. She's very sweet lady, very nice. She very much cares about this City. She cares about its youth. I think she would make an excellent addition to the Board of Education. Now, earlier in the evening, and a little bit during at the beginning of the public comments of this meeting, there has been discussion about the majority party putting up their own candidate even though it's the prerogative of the minority party to put up the nominee that they choose. Going behind people's backs, making backdoor deals . . . I understand it's politics, but at the same time, this is Middletown. We're all friends. We're neighbors. We are part of this community and we all want to work together to uplift the City. Right? That's why we're all here. That's why you find folks, who ran for the positions that you have. We worked together and that's how we get things done. When you look at Congress and just the messages . . . take the parties out of it. Just look at the disaster that's happened this past week in the news. It just it's incredibly frustrating: lowest approval ratings in history. I've always thought the Middletown is above that. That Middletown is better than that. Because we are all part of this community, and we are all one another’s neighbors, we don't act like the children in Washington. We act better than that. Going down this road by swapping out candidates by the majority party just puts a terrible light on the Common Council of the City. It would be incredibly disheartening for me. It's a tough pill to swallow to think that this Council -- my friends, my neighbors -- would go that route. I encourage you -- and I urge you -- to vote on the resolution to confirm Robin Goss to the Board of Education. Thank you very much. 3. Public Hearing Closes There being no further public comment in the Chamber or via WebEx, the Chair closes the public hearing at 8:35 PM. 4. Approving the appointment of Robin L. Goss as a regular member of the Board of Education of the City of Middletown to a term ending November 11, 2025, filling the minority party vacancy created by the resignation of Board of Education regular member Charles Wiltsie III. APPROVED, AS AMENDED RESOLUTION No: 12-24; K: review/ resolution/CC-BOE vacancy Goss & Grippo – RES 12-24 Jan 2024 WHEREAS, due to the resignation of Board of Education regular member Charles Wiltsie III on December 26, 2023, a minority party vacancy on the Board of Education exists for the balance of the 4-year term ending November 11, 2025; and WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Middletown provides at Chapter II, Section 8, “Vacancy in Office”, subparagraph D that, for vacancies in office other than the office of JANUARY 11, 2024 COMMON COUNCIL – SPECIAL MEETING Page 3 BOARD OF EDUCATION VACANCY Mayor, at a regular or special meeting duly warned for that purpose and next following a Declaration of Permanent Vacancy in an Elective Office, the Common Council shall by majority vote fill such vacancy and such appointee shall be a member of the same political party as the predecessor in said office and shall be appointed for the remainder of the term of office whose position he/she has been appointed to fill. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIDDLETOWN: Approving the appointment of Robin L. Goss Callie Grippo as a regular member of the Board of Education of the City of Middletown to a term ending November 11, 2025, filling the minority party vacancy created by the resignation of Board of Education regular member Charles Wiltsie III. Submitted by: Councilwoman Linda Salafia Councilman Anthony Gennaro Councilman Jonathan Pulino Councilwoman Leslie Spatola  JANUARY 11, 2024 COMMON COUNCIL – SPECIAL MEETING Page 4 BOARD OF EDUCATION VACANCY Councilwoman Linda Salafia reads the resolution and moves to approve. Councilman Anthony Genaro, Sr. seconds the resolution. The Chair invites discussion. Councilwoman Salafia states that she is going to pass as she has had enough stress for tonight. The Chair calls on Councilwoman Jeanette Blackwell. Councilwoman Jeanette Blackwell states that she is calling for an amendment of this resolution, Councilwoman Salafia calls point of order, stating that the proposed resolution cannot be amended during a special meeting. This resolution stands as is. Correct we have (multiple speakers/ inaudible) Unidentified speaker (inaudible) . . . Councilman Gennaro states, “Yes, it does.” Councilwoman Blackwell replies, “Let’s ask our parliamentarian.” The Chair states that they will ask the parliamentarian if they can amend a resolution in a special meeting. Parliamentarian Kelly Scott replies, “Yes.” Unidentified speaker: “Okay, so . . .” (inaudible) The Chair calls on Councilwoman Linda Salafia. Councilwoman Salafia cites Section 1-225 (d), reading the pertinent language of Section 1-225 (d) of the Connecticut General Statutes. (d) Notice of each special meeting of every public agency, except for the General Assembly, either house thereof or any committee thereof, shall be posted not less than twenty-four hours before the meeting to which such notice refers on the public agency's Internet web site, if available, and given not less than twenty-four hours prior to the time of such meeting by filing a notice of the time and place thereof in the office of the Secretary of the State for any such public agency of the state, in the office of the clerk of such subdivision for any public agency of a political subdivision of the state and in the office of the clerk of each municipal member for any multitown district or agency. The secretary or clerk shall cause any notice received under this section to be posted in his or her office, and in the case of a notice of a public agency of the state filed with the secretary, on the Secretary of the State's Internet web site. Such notice shall be given not less than twenty- four hours prior to the time of the special meeting; provided, in case of emergency, except for the General Assembly, either house thereof or any committee thereof, any such special meeting may be held without complying with the foregoing requirement for the filing of notice but a copy of the minutes of every such emergency special meeting adequately setting forth the nature of the emergency and the proceedings occurring at such meeting shall be filed with the Secretary of the State, the clerk of such political subdivision, or the clerk of each municipal member of such multitown district or agency, as the case may be, not later than seventy-two hours following the holding of such meeting. Councilwoman Salafia addresses Councilman Loffredo, saying that she will read the entire text, if he prefers. She will do whatever they feel is appropriate. Councilman Vincent Loffredo states (inaudible) . . . Councilwoman Salafia replies that she is under doctor's orders that she can swear in public so don't tempt her. She continues reading: The notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be transacted. No other business shall be considered at such meetings by such public agency. In addition, such written notice shall be delivered to the usual place of abode of each member of the public agency so that the same is received prior to such special meeting. The requirement of delivery of such written notice may be dispensed with as to any member who at or prior to the time the meeting convenes files with the clerk or secretary of the public agency a written waiver of delivery of such notice. Such waiver may be given by telegram. The requirement of delivery of such written notice may also be dispensed with as to any member who is actually present at the meeting at the time it convenes. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any agency from adopting more stringent notice requirements. The Chair states that the parliamentarian is looking it up. .  JANUARY 11, 2024 COMMON COUNCIL – SPECIAL MEETING Page 5 BOARD OF EDUCATION VACANCY Multiple speakers (inaudible) Councilman Vincent Loffredo calls a point of order and asks to speak. He states that he has been to many special meetings. If we were amending the agenda to add an item, then that would be out of order. Right? The Chair replies, “Right.” Councilman Loffredo continues, saying that this has been duly posted. He does not waive, nor does the body waive, its right. This has been introduced by four (4) members of the Council. This is a resolution before us and, therefore, it's subject to the Rules, which will allow for us to make appropriate amendments. He believes the matter before us. He will refer this to the parliamentarian. The Chair replies that they should let the parliamentarian speak. The parliamentarian states that the amendment is being offered to amend the item that is on the agenda for purposes of the special meeting, which means that the Rules still apply as any other common motion. The amendment was not to amend the item on the agenda Councilwoman Blackwell asks if she can move forward. The Chair replies, “Yes,” allowing her to go ahead. Councilwoman Blackwell states that she is calling for an amendment on this resolution. Her amendment would be to substitute the name of Robin Goss with Callie Grippo. She would like to speak to this amendment. Unidentified speaker seconds the motion. The Chair replies, “Go ahead,” inviting Councilwoman Blackwell to speak to it, noting that others may also speak to it. The Council Clerk asks who seconded that motion. Councilwoman Blackwell states that Councilman Loffredo made the second. She states that the Democratic caucus brings forward Republican Callie Grippo to fill the vacancy on the Board of Education by the resignation of Republican Charles Wiltsie this past December. Callie (Grippo) has been a City resident for 25 years. The Republican Town Committee endorsed Callie Grippo to run in 2012 for the 33rd District, Connecticut House of Representatives. Additionally, the Republican Town Committee endorsed Callie Grippo to run for Common Council this past election. She presently serves on the Citizens Advisory Committee as a Republican, and on the Zoning Board of Appeals as a Republican. The Democratic caucus is pleased to bring forward Callie Grippo’s name tonight for approval. We feel she would be an ideal candidate for our Board of Education. Thank you. The Chair states that, to be clear, there has been a motion to amend and Councilwoman Blackwell discussed the reason behind the amendment. Before voting on the amendment, because then we have to vote on the underlying resolution, is there anyone else that would like to speak? The Chair calls on Councilman Anthony Gennaro, Sr. Councilman Anthony Gennaro, Sr. states that he has done some research on this. This wasn’t done without doing any homework. He is a little disturbed at what he is hearing what the parliamentarian is saying. FOI (Freedom on Information) was contacted and questions were asked. There is apparently case law on this, as well. He urges everybody, despite the ruling that they just heard, that you cannot change the name without public notice. People in in the community know the name of coming forward was. This is highly inappropriate. You can vote “no” on this and we can go back to the drawing board, but you cannot change the name. The public was not made, as this is a special meeting, the public was not made aware of that name. To drop it in now, during the meeting, is out of order. The opinion, he believes, is wrong. FOI was clear when he spoke to them. There's case law on this happening before. He is just shocked by the whole thing. He just wants to express some opinions on how we got to this point because, personally, he is a little taken aback. He did try to make some peace here and bring forward some names. They had people contact them to be on the Board of Education. He adds that, unfortunately, Councilwoman Salafia was out of this so he spoke with Councilman Nocera on some of these issues, reiterating that he wanted to make peace and find somebody. It was said by the majority here that you were going to bring forward your own name, and that you wanted us to get our name. So we did. The name was brought to us. People came to us and said that they wanted to be on the board. They interviewed them and picked one of them. Unfortunately, one had just changed parties, so we could not put them forward. There was no disagreement with those names, but, unfortunately, weeks prior and without our knowledge, the other Republican was contacted. They weren't even notified by that Republican, or anybody else, who the person was. He assures that, if that person had contacted him two (2) weeks earlier -- when they were contacted -- maybe they could have work something out and brought her forward. This becomes very highly suspicious that they were kept in the dark about the names and who they were until the last minute. It's really unfortunate, because, as he said in a conversation with Councilman Nocera, he really want to make peace, not war. Is that where we’re now at? All these people talked tonight. He wants to be bipartisan so badly, and it just nauseates him that we have to be doing this right now. He didn't get involved in politics because he like politics. He didn't switch parties, adding that he used to be a Democrat. There have been times, he is asked,  JANUARY 11, 2024 COMMON COUNCIL – SPECIAL MEETING Page 6 BOARD OF EDUCATION VACANCY “Why did you switch?” You know what this is? This is exactly why. Unfortunately, it sickens him. He has been on this (Common Council) over four (4) years. They have had special meetings where people have tried to modify the agenda and we said, “No, no, you can’t. It’s a special meeting.” But tonight it's okay. He has worked with someone you remember that from the past we tried doing that and it was brought up that we couldn't. So, let's get a bogus legal opinion. Let's ask tonight and get an okay. We have asked for the legal opinion that came out. Where was the opinion? Is it in writing? Did it happen? Do what you’ve got to do . . . The Chair states that Councilman Grady Faulkner, Jr. has a question. He reminds Councilman Faulkner that they are discussing the motion to amend yes, not the underlying motion. Councilman Grady Faulkner, Jr. thanks the Chair, adding, “Oh, I got you. Okay.” The Chair asks Councilman Faulkner if he wants to talk later Councilman Faulkner (inaudible) The Chair reiterates that this is not on the underlying motions. Councilman Faulkner states that he is leaning to not supporting . . . The Chair interjects, saying that will be the next (inaudible) . . . and saying, “We're discussing the motion to amend.” Councilman Faulkner replies, “All right. Okay,” adding that he will until then. The Chair asks if there are any other any other comments about the motion to amend. Unidentified speaker (inaudible) The Chair replies, “Go ahead,” calling on Councilman Vincent Loffredo. Councilman Vincent Loffredo states that the resolution, in part, asking to share this: “approving the appointment of a regular member of the Board of Education of the City of Middletown to a term, ending November, 11, 2025, filling the minority party vacancy created by the resignation of the Board of Education.” He states that, if you were following, you noticed that he didn't put a name there. What we did this evening, or consider doing this evening, is that we, as a Council -- collectively or individually -- did not wave our authority and right to amend the matter before the body. It has been stated that there's case law, saying that, in this particular situation, because when we make amendments of other resolutions at any time, there's no requirement -- and it does not normally happen – that there has been public notice that there is going to be amendment made and discussion on the amendment. It doesn't happen overnight. The original motion is the resolution for it, but the authority of this body – a public body, public notice -- does have the authority to amend the matters that come before it. The change here is the change in the name. We're not adding a new requirement or whatever. We're filling the vacancy as we -- individually or collectively – see. Four (4) members of the Council have presented a name for us to consider. In addition, we as a City, adopt a Charter. The Charter is clear and explicit in the matters dealing with vacancy. It does not state that the vacancy shall be determined by a name put forth by the party in question, either Democrat or Republican. That is not our charge. We are elected and sworn into office to fulfill the responsibility that we as have elected officials. Each one of us will make that determination this evening. Case law has been cited by FOI. He does not know, who parties . . . we weren't given any public notice of the fact that this was going to be an out of order claim, which is fine, that conversations with (inaudible) . . . . Now. He does not know what those conversations included and whether or not the specificity of this particular matter. But case law has been cited. We have a parliamentarian here. He asks that, at this point, that we take a few minutes recess, allowing our parliamentarian to properly look to see whether or not -- because this is this would be highly unusual -- whether or not there is case law and to present that information to the Council. If his colleague, Councilman Gennaro, is correct, he thinks that, he, for one, would not be moving to amend, but that's not clearly his understanding at all, regarding the matter before the Council. He defers to our parliamentarian. The Chair states that there has been a motion and a second. He asks that they take a recess to allow the parliamentarian to look through, and then speak to the Council, about her ruling. Councilwoman Blackwell seconds the motion There being no discussion, the Chair calls for a voice vote. The motion is approved unanimously by a vote of 11-0. (AYE: Councilmembers Nocera, Loffredo, Blackwell, Ford, Faulkner, Sweeney, Mangiafico, Kovach, Gennaro, Pulino, and Spatola; ABSENT: Councilwoman Salafia). The matter is approved. The Chair states that there will be a three (3) minute recess. RECESS The Council begins a recess at 8:50 PM  JANUARY 11, 2024 COMMON COUNCIL – SPECIAL MEETING Page 7 BOARD OF EDUCATION VACANCY MEETING RECONVENES The Council resumes the meeting at 9:01 PM The Chair states that the meeting has resumed. The Parliamentarian states that the ruling is that the amendment is proper, that the agenda item was properly noticed for the special meeting, and, that similar to, if there was an instance where, for example, the agenda item was asking for $20M to be appropriated for something, and, after debate the Council determined, they wanted to appropriate $10M instead, they would be permitted to make that amendment. So, there's no difference to amending by virtue of replacing the name. The Chair states (inaudible) . . . by the seconded by Councilman Loffredo. There has been discussion, is there any further discussion? The Chair calls on Councilman Grady Faulkner, Jr. Councilman Faulkner states that he is inclined not to support this. The reason is we have some things going on in this country now where people want dictatorships. He thinks what we said that we were going to try and do, adding that, unfortunately, he miss that meeting, the caucus. He would lie to have the other party bring their names to the table. What we were trying to do was at least find some names of our own in case they didn't come up with a name. The Chair replies that they are talking about the amendment, adding that Councilman Faulkner is planning to vote “any” on the amendment. Okay The Chair asks if there are any further comments. The Chair states that they should take a roll call vote on the amendment. The Chair calls the roll: Councilwoman Spatola Nay Councilman Gennaro Abstain, stating that the amendment is out of order Councilman Kovach Aye Councilwoman Sweeney (inaudible) Councilman Loffredo (inaudible) The Chair asks the Clerk of the Common Council to call the roll for the vote. Councilman Nocera Aye Councilman Loffredo Aye Councilwoman Blackwell Aye Councilman Ford Aye Councilman Faulkner Nay Councilwoman Sweeney Aye Councilman Mangiafico Aye Councilman Kovach Aye Councilwoman Salafia Absent Councilman Gennaro Abstain as motion is out of order Councilman Pulino Abstain as motion is out of order Councilwoman Spatola Nay The Clerk states that the motion is approved by a vote of 7-2 with 2 abstentions and 1 absent (APPROVED, Councilmembers Nocera, Loffredo, Blackwell, Ford, Sweeney, Mangiafico, and Kovach; NAY: Councilmembers Faulkner and Spatola, ABSTAIN: Councilmembers Gennaro and Pulino; ABSENT: Councilwoman Salafia). The matter is approved. The Chair reiterates that the amendment is approved. He asks Councilwoman Blackwell to read the motion for the proposed resolution, as amended, the underlying motion. Councilwoman Blackwell asks (inaudible) The Chair states it is the underlying motion now. Councilwoman Blackwell asks if that is the amendment. The Chair replies that it is the amendment. That is the underlying motion. Councilwoman Blackwell reads the proposed resolution, as amended, and moves to approve. Councilman Vincent Loffredo seconds the motion. The Chair calls for discussion. The Chair calls on Councilwoman Kelly Sweeney. Councilwoman Kelly Sweeney state stats he is going to the lone duck here, saying the thing that everyone wants to say. There's a lot going on in this room isn't there. There's a lot going on in the community. There's a lot, as Councilman Faulkner noted, there's a lot going on nationally. She thought she knew how she felt about this. She thought she might change her mind that she thought she knew how she felt about this. And she thinks probably a lot of people on this dais feel the same way. She really would, in a perfect world, love to ask her  JANUARY 11, 2024 COMMON COUNCIL – SPECIAL MEETING Page 8 BOARD OF EDUCATION VACANCY colleagues if there is any way, if they vote “NAY” on this resolution, that they would consider nominating Callie (Grippo) in the next round. She really would love to ask that because that's the nicest way out of this. It sets a different precedent. Callie Grippo still gets the spot and we all win. It's a nice procedural way of doing it. She knows that won't happen. Considering that, she thinks she will abstain. She adds that she also knows it's not what people are probably expecting, but at the same time, there's a lot going on. Thank you. The Chair calls on Councilman Anthony Gennaro, Sr. Councilman Gennaro thanks Councilman Faulkner for putting himself out there as he has. Councilman Gennaro states that he has great respect for Councilman Faulkner for doing that. He cannot thank him enough. He also thanks Councilwoman Sweeney. He adds that he does not disagree with her and that he would be more than happy to talk to Callie Grippo and see what was going on in the past few weeks that we (Republican caucus) were made aware of until this week. It is his understanding is that Callie Grippo’s name was known for weeks before he knew. He was trying to put forward names of people that were not controversial because he understood and thought where they (Democratic caucus) are coming from with their votes. He was hoping to make things better. This really was done in in a very odd way and it just does not pass the “smell test” for him. Had known this two (2) weeks prior or as soon as Callie Grippo knew – if she at least came forward, contacted them, and told them that she had was approached, then they could have had this discussion two (2) weeks ago. Maybe it would have been in a different spot tonight. It's unfortunate what's happening for those of us have that are returning to this Council this time. Looking at the last 4 years, he could say they were “great” even when they didn't get along. It wasn't really bad, and a lot of times, some on your side sided with us, which he used to be shocked about. He does not like this. He has spoken with almost all of you, we talk outside of here. He does not feel adversarial, but, when it comes down to the process and how we all portray ourselves together as a Council, it is important how the people see us. As a member said today, he, too, I grew up here. It was never like this and he does not want to see us get there. That's why he got involved in politics: because he didn't want to see it go that way. There were things that, unfortunately, made him switch parties, things that he didn't like seeing. He guarantees one thing: the one thing that has not changed is who he is. What I'm going to always be and do. He thanks those, those who are not saying anything, but who are thinking about it in their heads right now and maybe feeling what he is saying. Thank you for at least you are listening to me and maybe having that regurgitate in your mind. He is always willing to speak to any of you outside of here, adding that most of them already know that. He appreciates it. Thank you. The Chair asks if there is any further comment. There being no further comment, the Cahir notes that they have a motion and a second. He asks the Clerk of the Common Council to do a roll call vote on the underlying resolution, as amended. The Clerk of the Common Council calls the roll: Councilman Nocera Aye Councilman Loffredo Aye Councilwoman Blackwell Aye Councilman Ford Aye Councilman Faulkner Nay Councilwoman Sweeney. Abstain Councilman Mangiafico Abstain Councilman Kovach Aye Councilwoman Salafia Absent Councilman Gennaro Nay Councilman Pulino Nay Councilwoman Spatola Nay The Clerk states that there are 11 people voting and five (5) ayes so the motion . . . The Chair states that the motion fails Councilman Loffredo states that the requirement is those present and voting, adding that people can abstain. He notes that five (5) people voted aye. He asks how many people voted nay. The Clerk of the Common Council states that the vote is: 5 aye, 4 nay, and 2 abstentions. She adds that she has to look at the Charter. The Chair states that an abstention is not a “nay” vote. He asks that the parliamentarian rule. Councilman Loffredo echoes, saying let the parliamentarian rule. Silence on the record while the parliamentarian researches. The parliamentarian confers with the Council President. The Chair states that the parliamentarian will now rule on this. The parliamentarian states that the abstentions don’t count as votes. The 5-4 vote would pass.  JANUARY 11, 2024 COMMON COUNCIL – SPECIAL MEETING Page 9 BOARD OF EDUCATION VACANCY The Chair (inaudible) The Clerk of the Common Council states that there is no audio. The Chair needs to turn on his microphone. Councilman Steven Kovach interjects and states that they need to adjourn this meeting. The Clerk of the Common Council reiterates that they could not hear the Chair because it seems that his microphone may not have been on. The Chair replies that he will start over. The Chair states . . . (inaudible) . . . and then start up . . . 5. Meeting adjourned Councilman Vincent Loffredo interjects, saying that he moves to adjourn. Councilwoman Jeannette Blackwell seconds the motion. There being no discussion, the Chair calls for a voice vote. The motion is approved unanimously by a vote of 11-0 (AYE: Councilmembers Nocera, Loffredo, Blackwell, Ford, Faulkner, Sweeney, Mangiafico, Kovach, Gennaro, Pulino, and Spatola; ABSENT: Councilwoman Salafia). The meeting is adjourned at 9:18 PM. ATTEST: LINDA S.K. REED, COMMON COUNCIL CLERK K: review/ minutes/ 2024 Jan 11—special meeting – 11 Jan 2024