BoA City Services and Environmental Policy Committee 11/12/2026

The New Haven Board of Alders’ City Services and Environmental Policy Committee met on November 12, 2026, and acted on three items. The committee approved an amended resolution asking the Connecticut General Assembly to authorize municipalities to restrict sales of miniature alcohol bottles (“nips”); the resolution does not itself impose a local ban. It also approved an amended order concerning a five-year operating agreement with Elm City Sports Group LLC for the city-owned Ralph Walker Ice Rink. The proposed arrangement includes a $15,000 monthly minimum for the seven-month ice season (about $105,000) or a revenue-share alternative under the selected option. The committee added a requirement for indemnification language and requested that the final contract specify public-skating priorities and hours, skate rentals, the agreed fee schedule, and the selected financial option. Corporation Counsel will prepare the contract for review before second reading; members said they could pass over the item if the final document is not provided in time or does not address their requests.

The committee also approved an amended order authorizing the city to apply for and accept up to $500,000 through the New England Heat Pump Accelerator Community Grant to help low- and moderate-income households adopt heat pumps and make related home-energy improvements. City staff said the application was not selected in the first funding round but could be reconsidered in January. No procurement award to an installation vendor was identified; the grant would support eligible household improvements. The rink discussion additionally covered plans to increase year-round programming, activate concessions, and develop a capital-planning strategy for the facility.