New Haven Independent

A resolution passed at Monday’s full board meeting calls for the creation of a committee to draft an ordinance to legislate the revocation of benefits to convicted public officials who violate public trust. (Click here for a back story).

“It’s taken a little while to get here, but it’s well worth the time it has taken,” said East Shore Alderman Al Paolillo, bemoaning the 13-month delay.

Meanwhile, Chief Administrative Officer Rob Smuts said the city is still pushing for a bad boy clause as part of labor negotiations with all unions, starting with the police union. The executive branch has made the clause a priority in the wake of the police department corruption scandal.

A Cat Call

Aldermen Monday rejected a plea from the Greater New Haven Cat Project for a feline line item to be added to the city budget to tend to feral cats.

The group asked for $5,500 in city bucks to spay, neuter, and vaccinate feral cats. (Click here for a back story).

West River Alderman and self-appointed feline fighter Yusuf Shah regretted the rejection.

“I rise in sadness that we were not able to support this program,” Shah told the board. “As someone who is in tune and in touch with feline animals, I understand the need … to support these types of programs in New Haven.

“I would hope that city of New Haven would take more of an active role in taking on cat calls as actively as they” respond to calls for dogs.