Middletown Water Pollution Control Authority Meeting - April 9, 2026

The meeting of the Middletown Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) was called to order at 6:30 PM on April 9, 2026. The board addressed a public hearing, two presentations, routine reports, and several action items including goodwill adjustments and a financial hardship request. The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amy Carlberg (141 Julia Terrace, Middletown) spoke about receiving a high water bill ($1,317) due to an inadvertently left-on outdoor hose. She requested forgiveness for the sewer portion since the water did not enter the sewer system. She noted the meter reading indicated more charges would follow. Staff later addressed this under agenda item 5.3.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of March 5, 2026 – Approved unanimously.
• Goodwill Adjustment – 141 Julia Terrace (Item 5.3) – Moved to the top of the agenda. Staff recommended a sewer-only adjustment of $465.64 based on average usage due to a hose malfunction. The motion included a friendly amendment to also capture the next quarterly billing. Passed unanimously.
• Goodwill Adjustment – 570 East Main Street (Item 5.4) – Staff calculated a consumption discrepancy; the customer had paid half. A one-time adjustment of $1,274.09 was approved unanimously per standard policy.

Discussion Items

• Connecticut Water Linebacker Program Presentation – Dunel Dylan, representing Connecticut Water, presented a service line protection plan (Linebacker) for water, wastewater, and in-home plumbing. The program is offered at no cost to the WPCA, with a proposed $10 per enrolled customer annual fee paid to the authority. Coverage costs range from $109 to $243 per year for residential customers. Staff asked about local contractors and coordination with existing operations. No action was taken; the board will review the proposal and a formal agreement.
• Mattabassett District Budget Presentation – Arthur Simonian (Executive Director) and John Dunham (Board Chairman) presented the FY2027 budget overview for the Mattabassett District, which serves Middletown, New Britain, Berlin, and Cromwell. The overall budget increased 17.7% due to significant capital projects (e.g., sewer trunk line planning, tank rehabilitation, odor control). Middletown’s assessment would rise 1.7% (approximately $88,000), partly offset by $2.25 million from reserves and a $55,000 credit for grit removal. The district highlighted a 5.6% operating budget increase, debt service reductions, and ongoing permitting issues with DEEP regarding discharge permit and inflow/infiltration concerns. No vote was taken.
• Fund Balance Report – Director Joseph Casino reported water cash and pool as of March 2026 at $4,061,891 (year-over-year increase of $1.7 million). Sewer cash and pool at $3,815,428 (increase of $707,704).
• Income and Consumption Report – March sewer consumption was 6,453,000 (slightly above average); water consumption was 6,387,000 (significantly higher than the March average of 5,762). Staff noted quarterly billing has stabilized consumption spikes.
• Collection and Delinquent Report – Collections for December-February totaled $374,908. Total delinquent amount is $3,896,381, with $2 million from the first year and decreasing amounts from prior years. Staff is working with the attorney’s office.
• Old Business – Metro Square (Item 4.1) – Tabled; no new information from general counsel.
• Old Business – Draft Shutoff Policy (Item 4.2) – Tabled to allow Mayor to attend the next meeting. Board discussed concerns about tenant protections and conflicting statements from city officials. A revision had been made to delete language on termination of services to tenants, stating the city would not pursue shutoffs for occupants of rental units at this time. Further discussion awaited.
• Old Business – Goodwill Adjustment for 120 Clover Street (Item 4.3) – No action taken; the property owner is filing bankruptcy. Board expressed frustration over communication with attorneys and the foreclosure process.

Key Outcomes

• Goodwill Adjustment – 141 Julia Terrace – Approved unanimously for sewer-only credit, with a commitment to review next quarter’s bill.
• Goodwill Adjustment – 570 East Main Street – Approved unanimously as a one-time adjustment of $1,274.09.
• Financial Hardship Request – 55 Bird Drive (Item 5.5) – After discussion about the lack of a formal hardship policy, a motion was made to wipe out the entire arrears ($3,992.63) as a one-time adjustment. The vote passed 4-1 (Councilman Lapreto opposed, citing lack of policy). The board directed staff to develop a formal hardship policy for future cases.