Middletown LGBTQI Plus Commission Meeting - September 21, 2026

Note: The transcript of this meeting indicates the meeting was held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 7 p.m. However, the instruction provided a date of September 21, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date, with the discrepancy noted.

The LGBTQI Plus Commission convened to approve minutes, review finances, approve several community events, and discuss a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a financial agent. The main agenda item was a proposal from Triangle Community Center (TCC) to serve as the commission's fiscal sponsor, replacing the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce. The commission voted unanimously to recommend TCC to the mayor.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the August 19, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Two members of the public, Rachel Simon Shibe (Executive Director, Triangle Community Center) and Amanda Redfern (Program Director, Triangle Community Center), attended the meeting. They participated in the RFP discussion as the proposers, not as general public commenters.

Discussion Items

• Financial Overview: Commissioner Christopher Ford provided an updated financial summary, noting that the commission is on target to meet its savings goal of approximately $50,000. To date, $13,000 has been appropriated for community events and $1,000 for grants, leaving substantial room within budget caps.
• Event Proposals:
  • Day of GIFTS (Gathering Info for Transgender Services): Scheduled for November 21, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., hosted by Middlesex Health. The commission will table at the event using existing merchandise inventory. No financial obligation for the commission. Vice Chair Katie Merritt is coordinating.
  • Middletown Trans Game Night: October 8, 2026, 6:45–9 p.m. at Alberton Hall, cost $165. Approved unanimously.
  • Feminine Domain Event: October 24, 2026, 2–4 p.m. at PERC on Main Street, cost $75. Approved unanimously.
  • Q+ Team Group Meeting: October 21, 2026, 6–8 p.m. at Revive Art and Craft Supply, cost not specified. Approved unanimously.
  • Q+ Guardian Group: October 21, 2026, coinciding with the team group. Approved unanimously.
• RFP for Financial Agent – Triangle Community Center: The RFP was distributed and one respondent, Triangle Community Center (TCC), submitted a proposal deemed to meet requirements. TCC has been a partner since the commission's inception, providing training, programming, and support. The proposal includes a year-one management fee of $65,000, with a five-year contract and 3% annual escalation. Key staff committed include Rachel Simon Shibe, Julie (deputy director), and Amanda Redfern. The commission held an informal Q&A session, discussing capacity, fundraising support, volunteer coordination, and transition from the Chamber of Commerce. Concerns about volunteer fatigue from back-to-back prides were raised, but TCC emphasized collaboration and existing infrastructure. The commission expressed strong enthusiasm for the proposal.

Key Outcomes

• All event proposals were approved unanimously.
• RFP Recommendation: The commission voted unanimously (all in favor, none opposed, no abstentions) to recommend to the mayor that Triangle Community Center be selected as the financial agent. Next steps include a vote by the Finance and Government Committee on September 30, 2026, and the Common Council on October 5, 2026. The commission urged community members to attend those meetings to show support. Talking points will be distributed after mayoral approval.
• Chair's Early Departure: Chair Brianna Scavera left early due to pain, but the vote and subsequent procedural motions were completed before her departure.