The New Britain Borough Council this month discussed upcoming plans amidst several changes and reforms taking place within the borough’s committees.
During its meeting, the council discussed reforming the Community & Business Committee (CBC) to better reflect its goal — attracting and supporting local businesses. Not only does the CBC currently have several vacant positions, but it also handles matters that either fall outside of or have proven unproductive in achieving its original mission statement.
Though it remains unclear what these reforms will entail, several possibilities have been given, which include streamlining the CBC’s current responsibilities, or even eliminating the committee should reforms prove ineffective.
Regardless, council member Tom Price remains adamant on forming an ad hoc committee to review the CBC’s current state and suggest reforms, as the council outlined during its February meeting.
“If this ad hoc committee decides there’s nothing that can be done to revive the CBC, then so be it,” said Price, “but I think it has to start with that small group of people that have had some connection to the CBC and have an interest in it.”
In addition, council member Lori Kesilman officially resigned at this meeting, after the council unanimously approved her resignation.
The New Britain Borough Council must nominate someone to fill Kesilman’s seat within 30 days of approving the resignation and will reach out to the community for potential applicants. Council President Peter LaMontagne went as far as to directly ask viewers of the meeting to apply if they are willing and able. “If you are out there and are a resident of New Britain Borough, and are interested in sitting up here, we’d love to hear from you.” said LaMontagne.
The council will likely announce Kesilman’s replacement during its May meeting.
Despite stepping down, Kesilman will continue her duties as secretary of the Bird Town Committee, which itself is in the process of being consolidated into a more general Environmental Advisory Council.
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