Middletown Common Council Meeting: Appointments, Public Hearing, Court Street Update - November 2, 2026

The Middletown Common Council held its regular meeting on November 2, 2026, at 7:01 PM via WebEx. The meeting included the appointment of Michael Fallon to fill a council vacancy, a public hearing on proposed ordinance amendments regarding smoking and cannabis, discussions on the Court Street one-way pilot, and the approval of several resolutions and appointments. Key votes included the tabling of the smoking/cannabis ordinance and the unanimous approval of fire staffing changes, open burning regulations, and arts grants.

Public Comments & Testimony

• James Traski (Central Business Bureau, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce) expressed strong support for the proposed ordinance amendments restricting smoking of tobacco and cannabis on public property and strengthening enforcement against illegal cannabis sales, stating they would promote public health, safety, and economic vitality.
• Ann Percival (22½ Silver Street) congratulated newly appointed Councilman Michael Fallon and thanked the council for their service.
• Annie Melendez (works at 1 Court Street) detailed ongoing safety issues with the Court Street one-way pilot, reporting 37 wrong-way vehicles observed and excessive wait times exiting the parking garage. She also noted a disruption caused by an ICE raid that morning and requested that the section from the parking structure to Decoven Court be made two-way.

Discussion Items

Filling Councilmanic Vacancy

• The council appointed Michael Fallon to fill the unexpired term of former Councilman Grady L. Faulkner, Jr., effective November 2, 2026 to November 9, 2027. Fallon was also appointed to several boards and commissions (Citizens Advisory, Public Works & Facilities, Insurance & Claims, Technology Advisory, Youth Service Bureau). The vote was 7-2-2 (aye: 7, nay: 2, abstentions: 2, absent: 1). Fallon took the oath of office and expressed his commitment to collaborative service.

Mayor's Report: ICE Raid

• Mayor reported that on the morning of November 2, an individual was detained by ICE at Melilli Plaza. The detention was non-violent; the police were not notified. This was the fourth such incident near the courthouse.

Land Use Update (Eric Merrick)

• Approved planning and zoning actions include a 15,000-square-foot industrial building proposal on Switz Drive and a zoning map change (B2 to MX) on South Main Street to allow future multifamily development.

Court Street One-Way Pilot (Chief of Police Eric Costa)

• Chief Costa presented the University of Connecticut report and his recommendations. Data showed 18,692 vehicles during the pilot; wrong-way driving incidents were attributed to construction and the change itself. The report found that the one-way street had a calming effect on traffic. Recommendations:
  • Remove three parking spaces near the courthouse garage exit to improve sight lines and allow emergency vehicle parking.
  • Remove two parking spaces on the north side of Court Street at the Main Street intersection to extend the right-turn lane.
  • The chief opted not to implement a left-turn lane at this time, preferring to assess the impact of the right-turn lane extension first.
  • Congestion from combined bus depot and courthouse departures (4:15–4:45 PM) is expected to be alleviated by the extended right-turn lane.
• Councilwoman Linda Blackwell questioned pedestrian safety metrics, noting that risk mitigation could have been achieved with a two-way street. She acknowledged the chief’s authority under the city charter to designate the street as one-way.

Melilli Plaza

• The city received five bids for the parking deck construction; a detailed presentation is expected in December. Plans for a surface parking lot behind the police station to accommodate displaced cars during construction are being developed.

Public Works Director Position

• Interviews for eight candidates were scheduled for November 3 and 4. The goal is to bring a candidate forward for council approval in December.

142 South Main Street

• Code enforcement met and recommended increasing fines for violations, as fines have not been updated since 2002. The matter will be referred to general counsel for review and then to the council. Attorney Scott Smith explained the legal process for existing orders: compliance deadline is November 6, after which citations of $100 per violation per day may be issued, with potential liens. Councilwoman Blackwell asked about the Fair Rent Commission’s backlog, which remains significant.

Route 9

• A public forum is scheduled for November 18 at 6:00 PM at Middletown High School.

Ordinances and Resolutions

• 11a – Fire Staffing (12-0): Approved increase in full shift staffing from 15 to 16 and minimum on-duty staffing from 12 to 13, with the addition of four firefighters. Mayor authorized to sign the MOU.
• 11b – Open Burning Ordinance (12-0): Repealed existing Chapter 126 and adopted new regulations on open burning permits and fire restrictions.
• 11c – Smoking/Cannabis Ordinance (Tabled 9-2-1): Councilwoman Ava Hart moved to table the ordinance, which would have prohibited smoking tobacco or cannabis on public property and outdoor restaurant sections, and prohibited illegal cannabis sales. The motion carried with 9 ayes, 2 nays (Pellino, Salafia), and 1 abstention (Mangiafico).
• 11d – Arts Engagement Grants (12-0): Allocated $22,750 to four recipients (Khrysteen Lucien, Sandra Lira, Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet, Oddfellows Playhouse). Agencies receiving $2,000 or more must comply with the matching fund code.
• 11e – Rescind Subcommittee (12-0): Rescinded Resolution 99-26, which had established a council subcommittee to review personnel rules.

Mayor’s Appointments (All 12-0)

• Macdonough Elementary School Building Committee: William Perkins (replaces Daniel Penny).
• Fair Rent Commission: Michelle B. White (Democrat, 3-year term to September 5, 2029; previously appointed incorrectly).
• Conservation & Agriculture Commission: Corey Holmes (partial term to February 15, 2029).
• Recreation & Senior Services Commission: Thomas Way (partial term to December 31, 2029).
• Middletown Design and Preservation Board: Larry Fryman (partial term to July 31, 2027).

Consent Calendar

Unanimously approved items requiring no extended discussion:

• Approval of four sets of minutes (August 5 special workshop, October 5 questions to directors, October 5 regular meeting, October 8 community meeting) – 11-0 each.
• Appropriations: Health ($15,000 for shelter grant relocations) and Assessor ($12,000 for audits) – 11-0 each.
• Department reports and grant confirmations (Item 8) including City Clerk’s certificate, finance transfers, refunds and grants for Health, Board of Education, Recreation & Community Services, and employment activity report – 11-0.
• Payment of all city bills when properly approved – 12-0.

Key Outcomes

• Michael Fallon sworn in as council member and appointed to multiple boards.
• Court Street pilot to continue with parking removals to improve sight lines and congestion; left-turn lane not implemented at this time.
• Smoking/cannabis ordinance tabled indefinitely.
• Fines for code violations at 142 South Main Street and citywide to be increased after legal review.
• Public forum on Route 9 set for November 18.
• Council received an information briefing on an ICE raid at Melilli Plaza.
• All other resolutions and appointments passed unanimously.