Middletown Water Pollution Control Authority Special & Regular Meeting Summary - May 8, 2026

Note: The special and regular meetings took place on May 8, 2026, according to the user-provided date, although the transcript indicates the meeting was held on May 7, 2026. This summary uses the provided date.

The Middletown Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) held a hybrid special meeting for a rate hearing and a regular meeting. The agenda included a public hearing on fire hydrant installation, adoption of sewer rates, financial reports, delinquent account discussions, a proposed water shut-off policy, budget approvals, goodwill adjustments, and an update on fire protection for Scarborough Lane.

Public Hearing & Public Comments

• John Binker (resident of Scarborough Lane) addressed the board regarding a house fire in 2022 that destroyed a home. He petitioned for installation of fire hydrants on Scarborough Lane, noting that the Westfield Fire Department had difficulty obtaining water from a buried tank. He previously discussed options with the director, including connecting existing hydrants at an estimated cost of $170,000 for homeowners. Mr. Binker stated he considered the cost unacceptable and had spoken with the mayor, who mentioned possible alternatives. He requested the board's assistance.
• Riley McManus (owner of 36 Walnut Street) presented a request for an unexplained usage adjustment on his sewer bill. He explained a spike from an average of 3,440 cubic feet to 9,700 cubic feet in the October 2025–January 2026 quarter, despite reduced occupancy. The next quarter returned to normal usage. He requested a reduction to the historical average. The director explained the board's typical goodwill adjustment policy: averaging three prior billing periods and splitting the difference. Mr. McManus was asked to return in June with further documentation.

Special Meeting: Rate Hearing

• The board read a legal notice for sewer billing and use charges, advertised on April 15, 2026. The new rates include:
  • Quarterly billing for residential units with meters 5/8” to 1” (billing dates August 1, November 1, February 1, May 1).
  • Monthly billing for meters 1.5” and above on the first of the month.
  • For properties not using city water, a set rate based on estimated consumption of 2,350 cubic feet quarterly.
  • Minimum charge of $43.75 per quarter for consumption under 500 cubic feet.
  • Effective July 1, 2026, repealing all previous charges.
• The board approved the sewer rates unanimously. The special meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: The minutes of the regular meeting of April 2, 2026, were approved unanimously with no changes.

Discussion Items

• Monthly Fund Balance Reports (April 2026):
  • Water fund: cash balance of $3,244,710 (year-over-year decrease of $892,000).
  • Sewer fund: cash balance of $2,082,006, reflecting repayment of a GSIF loan.
  • Consumption report showed improved cash flow due to quarterly billing but noted earlier billing timing affected totals.
• Delinquent Report: A list of delinquent accounts was reviewed. The director noted that some large accounts (e.g., city departments, Liberty Commons) appear multiple times due to multiple meters. The board requested better grouping of accounts in future reports.
• Old Business – Metro Square Litigation: No new update; a meeting with the owner's attorney and city attorney had not yet occurred. The owner allegedly claimed he saw a newspaper article about overdue taxes and threatened to sue; the board had not seen the article.
• Fourth Draft Shut-Off Policy: The board discussed the policy, which would allow water shut-off for nonpayment (except for owner-occupied residences) as a method to collect delinquent accounts. The mayor was unable to attend. The board expressed urgency, noting uncollected revenue in the millions, and agreed to vote on the policy at the June meeting. Council members Linda Salafia and Vinnie Lapreto agreed to co-sponsor the policy before the City Council.
• New Business:
  • Water Rate Increase FY 2026–27: Approved at a council meeting on May 4, 2026. The new rate is $4.67 per hundred cubic feet, effective July 1, 2026. No public comment was received.
  • Traffic Control Costs: The police department increased traffic control rates by 25%. The board discussed that water and sewer projects pay these costs. Council member Linda Salafia stated she added an amendment to exempt water and sewer from the increase, though the board will verify the final resolution.
  • GSIF Loan Resolution: Approved a loan of $1.5 million from the General Sewer Improvement Fund to the Sewer Operating Fund, to be repaid within one year (by June 30, 2027).
  • Water Department Capital Non-Recurring (CNR) Budget FY 2026–27: Approved the $600,000 budget, including line items for lead service replacement ($507,940), hydrants ($20,000), water meters ($70,000), and other improvements.
  • Sewer Department CNR Budget FY 2026–27: Approved the $600,000 budget, including pump station repairs ($345,000), sewer line replacements ($50,000), and vehicle replacement ($55,000).
  • Goodwill Adjustment Policy for Financial Hardship: Approved a new policy allowing adjustments for owner-occupied residential properties experiencing extended unemployment or medical hardship. Requires documentation, no prior claim within 10 years, and a timely request. Excludes rental and commercial properties.
  • Goodwill Adjustment for 99 Mile Lane Property: Approved a $548 adjustment for water lost due to a leak that did not enter the sewer system, as calculated by staff.
  • Scarborough Lane Fire Hydrant Petition Update: Director presented options and estimated costs:
    • Option A: 130 feet of 8-inch water main, tree clearing, easements, one hydrant – ~$70,000 (engineer's estimate).
    • Option B: 290 feet of pipe on Atkins Street, one hydrant – ~$90,000.
    • Option C: Extend water main to end of Scarborough Lane – ~$700,000.
    • Option D: Full loop – ~$1.13 million.
    • Mr. Binker noted that only some residents would benefit from the cheaper options. The board recommended he contact the Westfield Fire Commission to determine which option would be most effective, then engage his neighbors. The board agreed to participate in a meeting with the fire marshal if needed. The petition for cost-sharing requires 95% neighborhood participation.

Key Outcomes

• Sewer rates approved with a minimum quarterly charge of $43.75, effective July 1, 2026.
• Water rate increase approved to $4.67 per 100 cubic feet, effective July 1, 2026.
• GSIF loan of $1.5 million approved (moved by Linda Salafia, seconded by Vinnie Lapreto).
• CNR budgets approved ($600,000 each for water and sewer).
• Goodwill adjustment policy for financial hardship approved.
• Goodwill adjustment of $548 approved for the 99 Mile Lane property.
• Shut-off policy tabled to June meeting with a commitment to vote; co-sponsors identified.
• Scarborough Lane resident directed to consult Westfield Fire Commission and organize neighbors for possible cost-sharing.
• Next regular meeting scheduled for the first Thursday of June 2026 at 6:30 p.m.