Common Council Special Meeting: Questions to Directors Workshop - November 2, 2026

The Common Council of Middletown held a special, fully remote meeting on November 2, 2026, starting at 6:02 p.m., dedicated entirely to a Questions to Directors Workshop. Council members posed questions to city directors and the police chief regarding a budget appropriation for tax audits, a proposed ordinance to restrict smoking and vaping, and capital project updates, deferring other major items to the regular meeting.

Discussion Items

• Tax Assessment Audits Appropriation Request: Councilwoman Jeanette Blackwell questioned Tax Assessor Damien about a request to restore funds for property audits. The director explained that funds were returned to the general fund due to improper encumbrance, and the request is to restore them to pay the contractor for completed auditing work spanning three prior grand lists.

• Proposed Smoking and Vaping Ordinance (Cannabis & Tobacco): Director and City Attorney Smith, alongside Chief of Police Eric Costa, answered extensive questions on the proposed public smoking ban.

  • Enforcement & Penalties: Councilwoman Ava Hart inquired about the $50 fine's enforcement pathway. Director Smith detailed that non-payment can ultimately lead to a warrant. Chief Costa confirmed the process is civil, moving to the state's Civil Infractions Bureau (CIB), with a warrant being a rare final step after 3–6 months of non-payment. Hart asked about alternatives to avoid criminalizing inability to pay (payment plans, civil collections), and requested a one-year review clause, which the director confirmed as feasible. Councilman Anthony Gennaro asked the Chief to clarify the standard timeline for a violation turning into a criminal matter.
  • Scope and Legal Framework: Hart expressed concern that the ordinance should target both tobacco and cannabis smokers to avoid stigmatizing cannabis users. Director Smith confirmed the current draft prohibits smoking of both in public spaces. Councilwoman Linda Salafia expressed confusion over the 25-foot state law versus the city's ability to pass the ordinance. Director Smith corrected an earlier implication, stating that state statutes supersede municipal ordinances, but the Home Rule City Act grants the city authority to regulate smoking more strictly, effectively extending the prohibition beyond the 25-foot state default.
  • Public Health and Discretion: Chief Costa stated the ordinance stems from public and business concerns, emphasized a strategy of education and warnings, and noted the $50 fine is one of the lowest infraction fines available. He described current enforcement challenges, including residents measuring exactly 25.5 feet to smoke legally.

• Capital Projects Updates: Councilman Vincent Lafredo asked Fire Chief Albert about the Cross Street fire station renovation. Chief Albert confirmed the project has gone to bid, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled and bids closing in the first week of December. No funds have been transferred for the project yet.

Deferred Items

• Councilwoman Blackwell indicated she had questions about the recently received Court Street report from UConn and the 142 South Main Street code enforcement meeting held earlier that day, but chose to hold those questions for the Mayor's presentation during the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken on the substantive items discussed, as the workshop was informational in nature.
• The workshop concluded with a motion to adjourn made by Councilman Anthony Manchia-Fico and seconded by Councilwoman Chine Fulton, which was approved by the council.