Middletown Code Enforcement Meeting - August 14, 2026\n\nThe Middletown Code Enforcement Committee met on August 14, 2026, at 9:03 AM. The meeting focused primarily on the status of 142 South Main Street, including inspections by fire, health, building, and land use departments. Other items included a proposed fire pit ordinance, updates on 455 and 465 Middlefield Street, and a municipal cannabis ordinance. Public comments were heard regarding increasing code violation fines to the maximum $2,000 per day.\n\n### Consent Calendar\n- Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously. (Motion by Dean, second by Scott).\n\n### Public Comments & Testimony\n- Sarah Truex (representing the tenants union) asked for clarification on the process for increasing fines to $2,000 per day. She noted that the maximum penalty per state statute is $2,000 per day, as discussed in the July 1st meeting, and sought to understand the next steps.\n- Troy Guswin (resident of 142 South Main Street) expressed full support for increasing the existing fine of $100 per day to the maximum of $2,000 per day, stating that it would force landlords and code violators to address problems in a timely manner and benefit the city.\n\n### Discussion Items\n- Update on 142 South Main Street: The mayor requested a coordinated response to resident concerns. Fire Marshal Chris reported a recent fire and life safety inspection: no major violations, a 30-day abatement given, with reinspection scheduled for September 8. Health Department representative Tanil reported that a follow-up inspection found all health code issues addressed except for a stairwell and roof leak (under building code). Building Official Dean noted that a permit was pulled to locate and fix a roof leak, and that the elevator was decommissioned by the state due to the building's pre-1971 construction; all affected tenants were offered alternative apartments. Land Use (zoning) reported the exterior was well-maintained. General Counsel Brig (Brig Smith) noted the need to clarify enforcement mechanisms and fines for violations by a tenants association, and will coordinate with the fire marshal and mayor.\n- Proposed Fire Pit Ordinance: The draft is still under review by the fire marshal's office; no update at this meeting. The item will be followed up offline by Christopher.\n- 455 and 465 Middlefield Street: No update from the mayor's office; the case is in court with appeals ongoing. A brief has been filed.\n- Municipal Action Against Landlords Renting to Businesses Selling Cannabis Without a License: No update. An omnibus public cannabis ordinance is being developed; the Board of Health will review it next month, then it will go to Public Safety, General Counsel, and Common Council.\n\n### Key Outcomes\n- Minutes approved.\n- Fire inspection follow-up scheduled for September 8 at 142 South Main Street.\n- General Counsel (Brig Smith) will research and provide a clear definition of enforcement and fines for code violations, including the process for levying fines (current $100 per day, with discussion of increasing to $2,000 per day per state statute). This will be coordinated with the fire marshal and mayor, then brought to the appropriate committees and Common Council for approval.\n- Building code permit for roof leak repair at 142 South Main Street is in progress; Dean will follow up.\n- Next meeting scheduled in one month (approximately September 14, 2026).