Middletown Common Council Regular Meeting - March 2, 2026

The Common Council met on March 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM in a hybrid format at the Municipal Building and via WebEx. The meeting featured extensive public comment, debate on immigration enforcement, and approval of multiple appropriations, bid waivers, and resolutions. Key actions included passage of a resolution affirming the Connecticut Trust Act (8-4), approval of a 30-year cooperation agreement with the Housing Authority, and a controversial bid waiver for Macdonough School architectural services (10-2). The Mayor also reported a bond rating downgrade from AAA to AA+.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple residents spoke in favor of Item 11M (Trust Act resolution), including Ed McKeown (76 Pearl St.), Jan Carlson Bull (344 Ridge Rd.), Donna Swar, Michael Good (375 Hattam Quarter Rd., Durham), Susan Glass (425 Butternut St.), John Kelly (210 Ridge Rd.), Jenny Mitchell (138 Skylar Ave.), Phyllis Lemaire (52 Breton Rd.), Ann Percival (22½ Silver St.), Lee Albert (222 Round Hill Rd.), Krishna Winston (655 Bolane St.), Ronnie Arabo (11 Pearl St.), Wendy Reyac (689 Ridge Rd.), Anna Sala Markowski (1 Red Bud St.), Matt Miguel Reich (173 Barnotch St.), Megan Cahill (167 Russet Lane), Nancy Deal (1 Laurel St.), Monica Bellier (186 College St.), Anna Perez Girones (423 Coleman Rd.), and Lucy McMillan (76 Pearl St.). Speakers cited due process concerns, fear from ICE tactics, and the need to protect community trust. Some also commented on proposed parking ordinance changes, expressing concern about extended enforcement hours and credit card fees. Vinny Rufino (16 Bluegrass Dr.) spoke in support of appropriation items and urged careful review of the Baker Tilly compensation study.

Parliamentarian Presentation

• Attorney Kelly Scott explained the "Call the Question" motion under Robert's Rules: it requires a second, is non-debatable, and needs a two-thirds vote of members present to end debate. If no one objects, the motion can proceed without a formal vote.

Old Business

• Item 6A – Murphy Road Recycling Contract: The Council voted to remove from tabled status and approved a three-year contract with Murphy Road Recycling LLC at $115/ton for municipal solid waste disposal at their Industrial Park Road facility. The motion carried.

Appropriations (Items 7A–7F)

All six appropriation requests were approved unanimously:

• 7A: Public Works – $6,520 for emergency work at 210 Dripps Rd.
• 7B: Health – $7,392.81 to correct a COVID-19 grant deficit.
• 7C: Water & Sewer – $40,000 for well No. 9 rehabilitation.
• 7D: General Counsel – $393,972 for Local 466 wage increase (FY2025-2026).
• 7E: Public Works – $250,000 for snowstorm costs (plow engine, road salt, overtime, equipment repairs).
• 7F: Human Resources – $21,500 for police accountability/promotional testing.

Reports to the Council

• Baker Tilly Compensation Study: Mayor Nocera stated a resolution will come back for a vote after a workshop.
• America 250 Project: Director Keisha Michaels and committee working on banners, flags, and a joint celebration with Portland; bridge event planning continues.
• Christopher Columbus Statue: Discussions with Italian American Society ongoing; a resolution for council approval is expected at next meeting.
• Route 9: Workshop planned for late spring/early summer; snow has delayed work, putting the project behind schedule.
• Russell Library/City Hall Feasibility Study Committee: No update provided.
• Riverfront Master Plan and Arcade: Councilman Mangiafico reported the Economic Development Committee unanimously selected Option C (parking garage first); a workshop will be scheduled. Mayor noted simultaneous consideration of a second arcade at Melilli Plaza.
• Middletown Bond Rating: Mayor reported a downgrade from AAA to AA+ by S&P, citing $40M drawn from reserves over four years and unfunded liabilities. Council scheduled a formal presentation by the Finance Director for the April meeting.

Resolutions & Ordinances

• 11M – Connecticut Trust Act Resolution: Approved 8-4 after roll call. Ayes: Blackwell, Faulkner, Ford, Fulton, Hart, Lafredo, Mangiafico, Sweeney. Nays: Gennaro, Polino, Salafia, Spitola. The resolution affirms the state Trust Act, calls on federal agencies to cease masked raids and limit enforcement to serious threats, and prohibits city collaboration with DHS/ICE unless required by law.
• 11B – Cooperation Agreement with Housing Authority: Approved. The 30-year term supports HUD financing; the city will gain ~$473,000 net annually through sanitation district revenue, dump fees, health insurance savings, and continued shelter rent. Council voted to call the question and then approved.
• 11C – Parking Ordinance Amendments: Passed 9-3 after roll call. Ayes: Blackwell, Faulkner, Ford, Fulton, Hart, Lafredo, Mangiafico, Spitola, Sweeney. Nays: Gennaro, Polino, Salafia. Changes parking hours to 8:00 AM–8:00 PM six days a week and adds a credit card fee.
• 11D – Intermunicipal Water Agreement with Middlefield: Approved.
• 11E – Close Capital Project Funds: Approved (all funds have $0 balances).
• 11F – Bid Waiver for Fireworks Display (American Fireworks LLC, $66,000): Approved.
• 11G – Bid Waiver for Barge Rental (Patriot Marine, $27,500): Approved.
• 11H – Bid Waiver for Lake Management (Stahl Holdings d/b/a Pond and Lake Connection, $56,000): Approved.
• 11I – Bid Waiver for Slope Stabilization (GeoStabilization International, $78,000): Approved.
• 11J – Feast of St. Sebastian Festival: Approved, including street closures for May 15–18, 2026, and a $6,000 spending cap.
• 11K – Bid Waiver for Macdonough School Architectural Services (TSKP Studios): Approved 10-2 after lengthy debate. Nays: Hart, Lafredo. The waiver allows TSKP to proceed with design and construction phases (estimated $2.64M) based on a 2021 feasibility study RFP. Councilwoman Blackwell expressed discomfort but voted yes; proponents cited RFP language allowing continuation and time/cost savings, while opponents argued it bypasses competitive bidding and the city's purchasing ordinance.
• 11L – Rescind Flock Safety Drone Program (Resolution 15-26): Removed from agenda by amendment.

Mayor’s Appointments

Approved appointments to the Long Hill Estate Authority (Roger S., Charles Wilsie, Kate Plummer), Human Relations Commission (Don Brooks), and the Middletown-Portland America 250 Committee.

Key Outcomes

• Item 11M (Trust Act) passed 8-4.
• Item 11K (Macdonough bid waiver) passed 10-2.
• Item 11C (parking ordinance) passed 9-3.
• All appropriations and most bid waivers approved unanimously.
• Bond rating downgrade noted; formal presentation scheduled for April.
• Council directed staff to provide documentation on RFP language for future review.