Public Meetings - Middletown, Connecticut

Note: The meeting transcript indicates the meeting occurred on April 23, 2026, not May 14 as stated in the meeting instructions. This summary uses the date from the instruction (May 14, 2026) but notes the discrepancy. The Public Safety 911 Center Building Committee met to discuss the design and budget for the new 911 center, approve a naming proposal, and authorize payments for architectural services. The committee moved forward with a middle-ground floor plan (Option C) and unanimously supported naming the building after longtime public safety leader George Dunn, subject to proper city procedures. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike (3 Blue Meadow Road, Middletown): Spoke in support of naming the building the "George Dunn Central Communication Center." He detailed Dunn's 52 years of service to Middletown as fire chief, emergency management director, administrative assistant to the mayor, and fire commissioner, highlighting his role in establishing the interlocal agreement with Portland and developing the central communication center. Mike noted that the mayor and the Dunn family were supportive of the naming. He urged the committee to approve moving the proposal forward. Discussion Items - Director’s Report: The director reported that geotechnical firm Geodes and surveyor Giuliano Associates had completed site work and would deliver reports shortly. He distributed Option C, a middle-ground floor plan with a smaller conference room and multi-purpose training room. - Tecton Presentation (Architect): Tecton presented Option C (6,739 sq ft) as a compromise between Option A (7,760 sq ft, $700,000 over budget) and Option B (5,600 sq ft, $1.5 million under budget but lacking programmatic needs). The plan features a secure entry, 16-person training room (flexible as conference room), bunk rooms, break room, fitness room, and mother’s room (also serves as a decompression space). Estimated total project cost: $9,661,668, with construction cost of $7.261 million. The architect noted a favorable bidding market. - Committee Questions: Members raised concerns about accessibility, functionality vs. aesthetics, access control systems (S2 system with fob and camera integration), bunk room capacity (adequate for normal use; training room can accommodate extra cots in emergencies), and ensuring no critical features from the current space were overlooked (e.g., fire alarm monitoring relay system). The director confirmed Option C meets all operational requirements. - New Business – 5A: Naming the Building: A motion was made to approve moving forward with naming the building the "George Dunn Central Communication Center." Councilman Gennaro noted the city’s naming code (23-22) requires a public hearing and common council approval. The committee agreed to support the name and forward it to the Public Works Commission and then the Common Council. The speaker (Mike) expressed support for proper process. Motion passed unanimously. - New Business – 5B: Payment to Tecton: The committee discussed and approved $46,500 to Tecton for schematic design work (35% completion of their $620,000 contract). Motion passed unanimously. - New Business – 5C: Approval of Schematic Design Option: The committee discussed and approved Option C (the middle-ground floor plan) to move into design development. Motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Vote on Naming (5A): Unanimous approval to advance the naming of the building as "George Dunn Central Communication Center" through the proper city channels (Public Works Commission, Common Council with public hearing). - Vote on Payment (5B): Unanimous approval of $46,500 to Tecton for schematic design services. - Vote on Design Option (5C): Unanimous approval to adopt Option C floor plan (6,739 sq ft, $9.66 million total project cost) for further development. - Next Steps: The architect will proceed with design development, including detailed access control and security systems meetings. The naming proposal will be forwarded to the Public Works Commission and Common Council. Construction bidding is expected in early fall 2026, with a 14-month construction timeline (completion around Christmas 2027).

The committee convened on May 14, 2026, at 5:34 PM to approve minutes, finalize the corrective discipline policy, propose several bylaw amendments, and plan future work including a summer meeting for trustee orientation materials. The meeting included updates on funding and policy schedules. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the March 11, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. - The corrective discipline policy, with minor adjustments, was approved unanimously and will be forwarded to the Board of Trustees. Additionally, the privacy, confidentiality, and law enforcement policy, previously approved by the committee but not forwarded, will be added to the board packet. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present, and no written comments had been received. Discussion Items - Bylaws Amendments: The committee reviewed a set of proposed changes to the bylaws, including: - Changing \"members of the company\" to \"new members\" in Article 2, Section 2 to clarify election language. - Removing the limit on company trustees and associated term‑limit language to align with City of Middletown practices and avoid reappointment issues with city‑appointed trustees. Some members raised concerns about best practices for term limits, but after discussion the committee supported the change. - Deleting a duplicate officer election section and adding language about filling unexpired terms. - Changing the quorum requirement from seven members to a simple majority of current board members to provide flexibility during vacancies. - Adding \"mid‑year\" to clarify that officer vacancies can be filled outside the annual company meeting. - Adding language to allow collaboration with library staff (e.g., the director) on certain tasks. - The committee declined to formalize the officer nomination process in the bylaws, agreeing to instead develop informal working guidelines for the executive committee. - The proposed bylaws package was approved unanimously and will be sent to the Board of Trustees for approval and then to the company for final adoption at the annual meeting. - Standardized Agenda (4C) and Board Self‑Evaluations (4D): These items were tabled to the next regular meeting (September 2026) due to time constraints. - Trustee Orientation Materials (New Business): The committee agreed to hold an additional meeting in summer 2026 (likely July or August) to review and potentially streamline the trustee orientation packet. A doodle poll will be sent to determine the exact date. - Policy Inventory and Update Schedule: Brandy presented a proposed review schedule for the upcoming year, starting in September with the conflict of interest, remote work, and unattended children policies, aiming to bring all policies within the state‑recommended three‑year review cycle. Key Outcomes - Approval of March 2026 minutes (unanimous). - Approval of corrective discipline policy (unanimous), to be forwarded to board. - Approval of bylaw amendments package (unanimous), to be forwarded to board for consideration. - Decision to hold a summer meeting to update trustee orientation materials. - Future agenda items set: standardized agenda, board self‑evaluations, conflict of interest policy, remote work policy, and unattended children policy for September meeting. - Announcements: $50,000 state funding for Dolly Parton Imagination Library received, with an additional $50,000 expected after July 1, 2026.

The Russell Library Finance Committee met on May 14, 2026, to discuss grant updates, the city budget, and the annual audit and 990. The committee reviewed fundraising results and state funding, received an update on the Common Council budget vote, and engaged in extensive debate over the type of financial audit to recommend to the full board, ultimately unable to reach consensus. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the previous meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present, and no public comments had been submitted. Discussion Items - Grant Updates: Brandy reported that the Library Giving Day campaign raised just over $10,000 after fees, the second highest total in the library's history. Ramona announced that a state appropriation secured by Representative Brandon Chafee for the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program had been received via ACH, with an additional award expected for the coming fiscal year, totaling up to $100,000. These funds will help sustain the program after ARPA funds must be fully expended by December 31. - City Budget Update: Ramona said the Common Council would vote on the citywide budget that evening at 6:30 p.m. in a hybrid meeting. The state budget includes over $5 million for Middletown, with roughly $2.3–2.4 million directed to the city. No proposals have changed the library's budget, which still faces a $40,000 cut to repairs and maintenance; the library may seek funding from the infrastructure bond passed in November 2025. - Annual Audit and 990: The chair noted the committee's goal was to make a recommendation to the full board for its Tuesday meeting. Options ranged from full audits to reviews. Bob moved for a full annual audit, but the motion failed for lack of a second. Lori moved to do a review for the current year and a full audit the following year, aimed at allowing accounting staff to learn journal entries with auditor assistance; that motion was defeated with one in favor and three opposed. Andy then proposed alternating years between review and audit, starting with a review; that motion also failed with one in favor and three opposed. During discussion, Andrew noted the audit cost had more than doubled and represented about 12% of the annual budget, calling it a top-five expense and poor stewardship. Lori explained that a review would include staff training, unlike a full audit where the firm could not provide such assistance due to independence concerns. Ramona quoted $11,000 for a full audit plus 990 and $9,000 for a review plus 990, and noted the library is not legally required to have a full audit. Lynn expressed mixed feelings but acknowledged needing help with year-end journal entries for the first year. No recommendation was adopted. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - No motion regarding the audit type passed; the committee will report the range of views to the full board, which will decide at its next meeting. - The next finance committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, at 4:00 p.m.

Date: May 13, 2026 Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Hybrid – Municipal Building Council Chamber and WebEx The Common Council held a special meeting to adopt the fiscal year 2026-2027 budgets for the General Fund, Fire District, Sanitation Collection District, Water Pollution Control Authority (Sewer and Water Departments), and the Special Business District. After a public hearing, the Council debated and voted on competing budget proposals. Public Comments & Testimony - Roger Pyland (80 Browndale Road) expressed support for the Republican budget, arguing that discretionary spending should be cut and ARPA rollovers eliminated to keep the mill rate flat. He stated that growing the grand list is the responsibility of the mayor and executive branch. - Kelly Kraft (Director, Coordinated Access Network) urged the Council to restore funding for the warming center, noting that this winter saw 48 days of severe cold activation with no deaths due to freezing temperatures. She said the proposed budget forces an impossible choice between funding the warming center or domestic violence services, both life-saving. - Andrew Becker (101 Broad Street) thanked the Council for its support of the Russell Library and acknowledged the city’s fiscal constraints. - Ann Percival (22½ Silver Street) thanked the Council for respecting the library’s budget and noted that Representative Chafee secured $50,000 in state funding for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, which provides free books to children ages 0–5. - Vinny Rufino (16 Bluegrass Drive, President of Local 466) expressed disappointment that job vacancies will not be filled, forcing workers to cover multiple positions. He characterized this as “kicking the can down the road” and harming morale, while acknowledging the difficulty of the Council’s choices. - Adam Hain (70 Village Road) supported the Republican budget, stating that many families are struggling with taxes and that the Council should work to find cuts. - Amon Wozneeski (65 Sabona Drive) thanked the Council and urged them to keep an open ear about potential infrastructure needs at the Russell Library, noting that a feasibility committee has been studying the issue. - Stacey Hooker (Program Manager, Eddie Shelter) opposed the proposed $5,000 cut to the warming center, noting that the shelter adds 10 beds in winter and that without the warming center, the winter would have been more difficult. Discussion Items General Fund Budget – Republican Proposal - Councilwoman Linda Salafia presented the Republican General Fund budget, which proposed a mill rate of 31.7 (flat from prior year). Key reductions included: - Elimination of ARPA-funded positions and rollovers - $1,000 increase to Board of Education (over last year) - $1 million reduction in police pension contribution - $443,695 reduction in health insurance - $3,196,646 reduction in education contribution - Cuts to anti-racism task force, diversity training, Oddfellows, and other discretionary items. - Councilman Anthony Gennaro emphasized that the proposal reflected residents’ concerns about affordability and urged a “point where government also tightens its belt.” - Vote: Failed – 4 ayes (Gennaro, Polino, Salafia, Spitola), 7 nays (Blackwell, Ford, Fulton, Hart, Lafredo, Mangiafico, Sweeney), 1 abstention (Faulkner). General Fund Budget – Democratic Proposal - Councilwoman (name not given in transcript, likely Councilman Mangiafico read it) presented the Democratic General Fund budget, which proposed a mill rate of 33.3 (a 1.6 mill increase, same as prior year). Key features: - Restoration of 10 positions (grant writer, land records clerk, insurance benefits coordinator, youth development specialist, assessment aid tech, police officer (partial year), meter monitor, civilian dispatcher, accounts clerk, master mechanic, public health sanitation enforcement) - $449,208 increase to Board of Education (plus $2.656 million in state aid and $505,000 insurance offset, totaling $3.61 million) - Health insurance reduction of $443,695, partially offset by added positions - Use of state education funding to reduce reliance on local property taxes. - Councilwoman (likely Blackwell) noted that 80% of the city’s general fund ($89 million of $111 million) is non-negotiable (salaries, overtime, benefits, debt service). She stated the goal was to “thread the needle” between community needs and fiscal reality. - Councilwoman Salafia questioned whether the state aid would become part of the Board of Education’s minimum budget requirement (MBR). Finance Director Carl Urlacher clarified that the state guaranteed this funding for the current year and next year; it does not affect the MBR going forward. - Vote: Passed – 8 ayes (Blackwell, Ford, Fulton, Hart, Lafredo, Mangiafico, Sweeney, Faulkner), 4 nays (Gennaro, Polino, Salafia, Spitola). Fire District Budget - Councilman Darnell Ford presented the resolution, which reduced health insurance by $264,048 and set the mill rate at 7.5. The proposal was identical for both caucuses. - Vote: Unanimous (12 ayes, 0 nays). Sanitation Collection District Budget - Councilwoman Kelly Sweeney presented the resolution, reducing health insurance by $22,370. - Vote: Unanimous (12 ayes, 0 nays). Water Pollution Control Authority – Sewer Department Budget - Councilman Vincent Lafredo presented the resolution, reducing health insurance by $65,149. - Vote: Unanimous (12 ayes, 0 nays). Water Pollution Control Authority – Water Department Budget - Councilman Vincent Lafredo presented the resolution, reducing health insurance by $95,977. - Vote: 11 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention (Faulkner). Special Business District Budget - Councilman Anthony Mangiafico presented the resolution setting the mill rate at 2.35 mills for the downtown business district. - Vote: Unanimous (12 ayes, 0 nays). Key Outcomes | Budget | Mill Rate | Vote Result | |--------|-----------|-------------| | General Fund (Republican) | 31.7 | Failed (4-7-1) | | General Fund (Democratic) | 33.3 | Passed (8-4-0) | | Fire District | 7.5 | Passed (12-0) | | Sanitation Collection | (no new rate) | Passed (12-0) | | Sewer (WPCA) | (existing use charges) | Passed (12-0) | | Water (WPCA) | (existing use charges) | Passed (11-0-1) | | Special Business District | 2.35 | Passed (12-0) | - The adopted General Fund budget includes a 1.6 mill increase and restores several city positions. The Board of Education receives a $3.61 million increase when including state aid. - All district budgets (Fire, Sanitation, Sewer, Water, Special Business) passed with broad or unanimous support. - The meeting was adjourned after the final vote.

The Middletown Public Safety Commission held a special meeting for the Fire Department on May 12, 2026. The meeting covered the approval of prior minutes, a public hearing with no participants, and a comprehensive report from Fire Chief Albert covering departmental operations, staffing, facilities, and a request for a bond to fund renovations at the Cross Street firehouse. Consent Calendar - Approval of meeting minutes from March 16, 2026, moved, seconded, and passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made; the public hearing was closed due to no participants in person or online. Discussion Items - Chief's Report and Personal Note: Chief Albert expressed gratitude for the support from city agencies and departments for a firefighter's four-year-old child undergoing treatment at Hartford Hospital. - Monthly Operations: 342 calls for service. Significant incidents included a dive team activation in East Haddam (45 minutes away), raising concerns about mutual aid and resource allocation. Chief Albert noted the dive team is a rescue team, not recovery, and emphasized the need to set geographic limits for responses, ensuring resources remain available for Middletown. He mentioned meetings with South Fire and Portland to discuss reciprocal aid. Also responded to a Rocky Hill dive call, which is reciprocal under a second-alarm agreement. - Other Incidents: A kitchen fire on Military Road was quickly contained with no injuries. Station coverage was provided for Westfield and Southington; Southington faces severe staffing shortages, requiring assistance from nine departments for a recent fire. - Training: Completed annual live burns, implemented a new high-rise pack configuration learned from an FDNY symposium, and conducted annual confined space training. - Staffing and Overtime: Overtime remains heavy due to FMLA, comp, military leave, and light duty. Connecticut Paid Leave usage is expected to spike. Staffing levels continue to challenge daily operations. - Apparatus and Facilities: Engine 1 is out for leaf spring replacement; maintenance costs are high. The mechanic job description will go to GCC. Cross Street firehouse HVAC is complete, roof is done, but a door flashing issue remains. The training building purchase order is expected this week, with a small grant applied for. - EMS: 865 EMS calls with zero mutual aid ambulances required. - Cross Street Bond Request: Chief Albert discussed the proposed $750,000 bond for Cross Street firehouse renovations. The bond is on the Finance and Government Committee agenda, with support letters sent. He emphasized the need for space and upgrades, noting no interior renovations in 50 years, and highlighted the need for female and male bathrooms on every level. The bond would be from the fire department fund, likely a 20-year term, and would allow bidding. He requested council support. - Telecommunications: 19 dispatchers, two vacancies, deputy director interviews ongoing. Approximately 6,100 incidents, including 2,022 total 911 calls and 4,592 routine calls. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes for March 16, 2026. - Closed public hearing with no testimony. - Chief Albert will prepare a packet with information on the Cross Street firehouse for council members. - No formal votes on the bond; it is pending at the Finance and Government Committee meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 PM.

The Middletown Public Safety Commission met in a hybrid special meeting at the police department community room from 6:33 PM to 7:23 PM. The commission approved minutes, heard the police chief’s monthly report, discussed proposed ordinances on public marijuana smoking and concert noise exemptions, and received notices on a new stop sign and traffic cameras. No public comment was offered. Note: The raw transcript states the meeting was held April 27, 2026, while the provided timestamp indicates May 12, 2026; this summary follows the provided timestamp. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the March 16, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - The public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers in the room or online. Discussion Items - Chief’s Report and Department Recognition: Chief Costum announced Officer Brendan Spencer received the Exchange Club “Salute to Connecticut’s Finest” Officer of the Year award. The Middlesex YMCA named MPD its Community Partner of the Year, with an award ceremony on June 9. Chief urged support. - Staffing and Overtime: As of end of March, replacement overtime was at 99%, requiring transfers to cover a deficit. A roughly 20% increase in CT-40 personal leave days contributed. Patrol is down five positions: one in the academy, one with a conditional offer in hiring, and three frozen in the FY 26–27 budget. The chief stated the mayor’s proposed budget increase would protect the replacement line; full funding would require an additional $745,000. He also noted state mandates, such as a $50,000 Axion body-worn camera translation feature, raise costs. - Community Reports and Calls: There were 4,600 calls for service in March. Complaints about officer demeanor were reviewed with body-worn camera footage and not sustained. The department is CJIS compliant for digital court reporting but behind on FOIA/redactions. Homelessness has increased, including younger individuals; the chief expressed concern about proposed state legislation allowing tent cities in public spaces. - Accountability and Operations: The department is CLEAR certified; a new sworn officer evaluation process is under way. The open-door policy is being redefined to respect chain of command. The first SOP was introduced for purchase approvals. - Proposed Cannabis Public Smoking Ordinance: Captain Piero and Officer Santostefano presented a draft ordinance to prohibit marijuana smoking in public spaces, modeled on the city’s drinking-in-public ban. Fines would be $50 for individuals and $1,000 for businesses. It passed the health department committee, but the final draft has not yet been completed by attorneys. Discussion covered enforceability, medical marijuana, vapes, warnings first, and outreach. The commission will review the final ordinance at its May meeting. - Noise Ordinance Amendment (1000 Silver Street): Greg, representing economic development, explained the amendment adds 1000 Silver Street (the old Long River Village site) to the riverfront properties exempt from noise limits for concerts until 11 PM weekdays and midnight weekends, because the Harbor Park site is delayed. The city is working with the housing authority to use this site for temporary concerts. Concerns were raised about proximity to residential areas (Rushford, CJTS) and Portland across the river. The ordinance passed. - Traffic Stop Sign Notice: Chief gave notice of a new stop sign on Silver Street at Eastern Avenue to stop eastbound traffic on Silver Street into the D.V.H. property, responding to near misses and construction safety concerns. - Traffic Camera Study Notice: A request has been made for studies and public hearings on red-light cameras at Newfield/Washington and High/Washington, and a speed camera on Route 17 near Bush Hill Road. Data supports these locations; implementation would likely not occur until fall or winter. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of March 16, 2026. - Passed the noise ordinance amendment adding 1000 Silver Street (all in favor, no abstentions), with the meeting date corrected to April 27, 2026 in the ordinance (this reflects the transcript’s date; per the provided timestamp the meeting was May 12). - Cannabis ordinance deferred to the May meeting, then to GCC and the June 1 council meeting. - Received notices on the Silver Street stop sign and traffic camera study; no votes taken.

This was a special meeting of the Middletown Common Council, held on May 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., to consider the arbitration award in the collective bargaining dispute between the city and the United Public Service Employees Union (UPSEU) Local 6457. The meeting included a public hearing, a presentation by legal counsel, and a vote on a resolution to reject the arbitration award. The council ultimately voted 8–1 against the resolution, thereby accepting the award. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing, either in person or online. Discussion Items - Arbitration Award Presentation: City Attorney Christopher Hodgson (senior attorney at Bertram Moses) presented the background. He explained that the city and union had reached a tentative agreement (TA) in May 2025 for a one-year contract (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) with a 2.6% wage increase, retiree medical changes, and other provisions. The Common Council voted against the TA on June 18, 2025, specifically objecting to changes in three job descriptions and the elimination of a labor-management committee. The matter went to interest arbitration. The arbitration panel, led by neutral arbitrator Mike Ricci, ruled on April 16, 2026, that the TA should be honored because the city had not provided persuasive reasons to reject a bargain made in good faith. Hodgson noted that the council’s statutory role is to approve funding, and that rejecting the award would trigger a review panel, but the contract expires in six weeks. He advised that the council could influence future negotiations through the mayor. - Council Questions and Comments: - Councilman Lafredo expressed concern that the TA’s changes to job classifications violated the existing contract language and that the council was bypassed in the process. Hodgson clarified that the city’s negotiating team proposed the changes, and the panel deferred to the TA. - Councilwoman Salafia (online) noted that the contract prohibits upgrades or job description changes in the last year, yet the arbitration gave significant upgrades. She also questioned why the council clerk’s job description change (which was rejected by the clerk) was not included in the posted documents. Hodgson replied that the clerk’s issue was part of the TA but not agreed upon, and it was presented to the panel as part of the bargaining history. - Councilwoman Blackwell asked about the timing of negotiations for the next contract. Hodgson confirmed that the current arbitration must be resolved before new negotiations can begin. - Councilman Lafredo raised the issue of parity as a basis for reclassification, but Hodgson indicated the panel relied on the TA rather than the merits of the job changes. Key Outcomes - Vote on Resolution to Reject the Arbitration Award: The resolution (Item 3B) was moved by Councilman Ford and seconded by Councilwoman Blackwell. The parliamentarian (Councilwoman Sweeney) explained that a “yes” vote rejects the award, and a “no” vote accepts the award. The roll call vote resulted in: - Ayes (to reject): 1 (Councilwoman Salafia) - Nays (to accept): 8 (Councilwomen Blackwell, Fulton, Spatola, Sweeney; Councilmen Ford, Gennaro, Lafredo, Polino) - Absent: Councilman Faulkner, Councilwoman Hart, Councilman Mangiofico - The resolution failed, meaning the arbitration award is accepted. The council then voted to adjourn unanimously.

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.

Note: The meeting date stated in the user instructions is May 7, 2026, but the transcript repeatedly references "Tuesday, April 7th, 2026" and the agenda also lists a meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2026. This summary uses the date prescribed by the user instruction, while acknowledging the discrepancy with the transcript. The meeting consisted of routine approvals, a single public comment period (with no speakers), and an executive session to discuss pending litigation, followed by action on a settlement offer. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the April 7, 2026 special meeting. (Motion by member, seconded; all in favor.) Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke. The chair called for comments; no one stepped forward. Discussion Items - Executive Session (Litigation): The board moved into executive session pursuant to C.G.S. § 1-200(6)(B) to discuss negotiations with respect to pending litigation: Richard Sweet D/B/A Savage Mill Associates v. City of Middletown Zoning Board of Appeals, Docket No. MMX-CV25-6046555-S. Invited attendees included board members, Zoning Enforcement Officer Thomas Hazel, and Assistant General Counsel Christopher Forte. The session lasted from approximately 5:30 p.m. to 6:01 p.m. - Settlement Offer: Following the executive session, the board discussed a proposed settlement. A motion was made to amend the agenda (adding Item 7.2) to consider transmitting a settlement offer. The board then voted to authorize Attorney Fort to communicate the board's settlement offer to Attorney Willis. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes of the April 7, 2026 special meeting (unanimous). - Authorization of Settlement Communication: The board voted unanimously (4 ayes) to authorize Assistant General Counsel Christopher Forte to convey the board's settlement offer to opposing counsel in the Savage Mill litigation. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned shortly after 6:01 p.m.