Public Meetings - Middletown, Connecticut

A special meeting of the Middletown Common Council was held on April 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM to conduct a Questions to Directors workshop, allowing council members to pose inquiries to department heads regarding upcoming agenda items. The meeting covered three main topics: land use board updates, police private duty fee authority, and two financial items (a driving enforcement grant loan and an emergency dam repair contract). No formal votes were taken; the session served as a discussion and clarification forum before the regular 7:00 PM meeting. Discussion Items - Land Use Boards & Commissions Update (Item 7A): Councilman Friedel questioned Merrick Kazakovsky from PNC about a monthly report on actions taken by planning and zoning, inland wetlands, and other commissions. Mr. Kazakovsky explained the interplay between bodies (e.g., variances go to ZBA first, wetlands impacts go to Inland Wetlands Agency before P&Z). He specifically addressed two Newfield Street projects: - Springside Development: A 484-unit residential development under construction. Phase two recently received a temporary wetlands crossing approval from the Inland Wetlands Agency to construct a construction road near power lines, an alternative to using the existing new driveway. - Proposed Warehouse: A 50,000-square-foot warehouse in the NPC zone (permitted use). The application is pending site plan review; staff has noted design deficiencies, and a presentation to the P&Z commission is scheduled for that Wednesday, with a likely continuance. - Police Private Duty Fees Ordinance and Resolution: Councilwoman Blackwell initiated discussion with Attorney Brick Smith regarding an ordinance to amend the authority for setting private duty police fees. The current ordinance allowed the Public Safety Commission (with Police Chief recommendation) to set rates, but questions arose about whether that conflicts with the charter (executive branch authority). Attorney Smith recommended passing a new ordinance this evening to clarify that the Council has the authority to set fees by resolution, followed by a resolution authorizing the specific fees. He argued this "belt and suspenders" approach would prevent any future contractor challenges and save publishing costs (resolutions are free, ordinances cost money to codify). Councilwoman Salafia asked to add water and sewer billing exceptions. Councilman Gennaro raised concerns that the Council might be overstepping its role by taking authority from the executive branch, arguing the chief’s rates are operational decisions within the approved budget. Attorney Smith responded that fee-setting is a legislative power of the purse, analogous to parking fees. Councilman LaRosa (LaFrito) questioned whether the amended ordinance would be properly reflected in the code. Attorney Smith confirmed the ordinance amendment would be published as usual. Councilwoman Blackwell drew a parallel to parking fee increases, which the Council approved upon commission recommendation. The discussion ended without a decision, but the matter was likely to be voted on later in the regular meeting. - Driving Enforcement Overtime Loan (Item 6L – Police): Councilman LaFrito asked the Chief of Police (who was present) about a request for a loan of $19,854.81 to fund driving enforcement overtime from April through April 30th. The Chief explained that the specific amount corresponds to a state grant allocation for distracted driving and DUI enforcement. The city initially spends the money, then gets reimbursed. There is no surplus for reserve funds. The loan covers overtime costs, which are fully reimbursed. - Emergency Purchase for Westlake Dam Repair (Item 6L – Public Works): Councilwoman Blackwell questioned Acting Director Gardner about an emergency purchase for dam repair design. Gardner explained that a Lorero Engineering report from November 2025 found the dam significantly deteriorated and likely to fail. This phase (scope of services) involves land surveying, conceptual design for repairs to the dam and spillway, and construction cost estimates. The emergency purchase followed purchasing ordinance 78-14. For the construction phase, the city will go out for open competitive bidding. Key Outcomes The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at approximately 6:45 PM, with a planned recess until the 7:00 PM regular meeting. No votes or formal actions were taken during this workshop session.

The Library Building Committee met on April 1, 2026, at 5:02 PM with five of seven members present. They welcomed new member Pamela Steele, approved the minutes from December 22, 2025, and discussed the environmental impact study for the library site, budget status, and the timeline for a potential major library project. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (December 22, 2025): Moved by Julie, seconded by Phil. Approved unanimously with no abstentions or nays. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke. Judith from the Economic and Community Development Office was present but did not address the committee. Discussion Items - Environmental Impact Study Update (Item 5A): Ramona reported that she consulted Chris Nardi of Silver Petrucelli (architectural firm) about obtaining an environmental impact study for the library site and the adjacent house at 139 Broad Street. A phase I study would test for hazardous substances like asbestos, lead, and PCBs. There is approximately $22,000 remaining on a purchase order with Silver Petrucelli, plus an additional $26,000 unencumbered from the original $200,000 appropriation. Ramona is waiting for cost estimates from Mr. Nardi before deciding whether to issue an RFP or use the existing purchase order. Committee member Phil questioned whether the house at 139 Broad Street might have an underground oil tank; Ramona noted that the library converted from oil to natural gas decades ago and has no buried tanks. Anthony advised checking with the purchasing department to ensure compliance. The committee agreed to wait for more information before proceeding. - Timeline and Deadlines: Ramona indicated that the mayor will present a list of capital priorities, possibly tied to the budget. She noted that a $58–60 million library referendum is unlikely this year given fiscal challenges and other urgent needs (e.g., schools). She has a meeting with the mayor the following day. Committee members discussed the possibility of advocating for the library project and noted that the infrastructure bond passed in November 2025 includes some funding for library repairs, such as elevator modernization ($150,000–$200,000) and chiller replacement. The library also serves as a cooling/warming center. Ramona is coordinating with city hall and the state delegation to secure additional support. Key Outcomes - The committee will await cost estimates for the environmental impact study from Chris Nardi before deciding on procurement. - Ramona will report back on the mayor’s capital priorities after her April 2 meeting with him. - The meeting was adjourned by a motion (moved by a member, seconded by another) with all in favor. Note: No agenda or minutes were available for this meeting; the summary is based solely on the transcript.

The Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers and via WebEx. The meeting covered three major actions: approval of a multi-use trail near Lawrence School, a three-lot subdivision on Freeman Road, and a zoning text amendment regulating tobacco specialty retailers and illegal cannabis sales. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Laura Baum (135 Mount Vernon Street, Chair of Middletown's Complete Streets Committee, speaking on her own behalf) expressed strong support for the multi-use trail project (items 8.1 and 8.2), emphasizing its importance for walking and biking connectivity and as a key part of the Central Connecticut Loop Trail. No other public comments were received. Discussion Items Multi-Use Trail (New Business Items 8.1 and 8.2) - John Hall (Jonah Center for Earth and Art) provided historical context, noting the trail has been envisioned since 2012 as Phase 1 of the Newfield Corridor Trail. The segment will connect Mile Lane to Tuttle Road, approximately 0.75 miles of new 10-foot-wide asphalt paved trail (total about 1 mile including existing section), providing off-road access for children to Lawrence School and extending the Mattabesset Bike Trail. The trail is part of the larger Central Connecticut Loop Trail, aiming to connect the Airline Trail to the Farmington Canal Trail. - Mike Darty (SLR Consulting) presented design details: a raised tabletop crosswalk across Kaplan Drive, an outdoor classroom near the baseball/softball field, two boardwalk crossings (100 ft and 140 ft) using helical piles, a 54-inch chain-link fence on steep slopes, and a timber guide rail on Old Tuttle Road. The plan incorporates requests from the Board of Education and Lawrence School PTA, including a chain-link fence separating the trail from school access road. - Commissioners expressed unanimous support, noting the project's long development and collaboration. Commissioner McEvoy inquired about wildlife considerations; the design includes Eastern Box Turtle protection measures. The Inland Wetlands Watercourse Agency approved a permit earlier in March. Freeman Road Subdivision (Old Business Item 7.1) - Kirk Blauberg and Kyle Blomberg (KWB, LLC) proposed a three-lot subdivision on a 6.3-acre property (Map-Lot: 54-0028) in the R-60 zone. The project received Wetlands Commission approval in February and Health Department approval on March 25. Director Kozikowski noted a Connecticut DEEP Natural Diversity Database assessment dated March 17, 2026, identifying three species of concern: wood turtles, eastern box turtles, and spotted turtles. Conditions for erosion control and construction timing were incorporated by reference. Zoning Text Amendment – Tobacco and Cannabis Regulation (Public Hearing Item 6.1) - Director Marek Kozikowski presented a zoning code amendment to regulate tobacco specialty retailers (smoke shops, vape stores) and illegal cannabis sales. The amendment defines a "tobacco specialty retailer" as an establishment where 10% or more of gross floor area or display area is used for tobacco/nicotine products/paraphernalia. New regulations include: - Special exception use only in B-2 and NPC zones (similar to cannabis retail). - 1,500-foot separation distance from other tobacco specialty retailers and nonconforming businesses selling such products. - Display controls: no self-service displays, products not visible from public right-of-way, no outdoor displays. - Prohibition of on-site consumption. - Explicit classification of unlicensed cannabis sales as a zoning violation. - Prohibition of cannabis-suggestive signage unless properly licensed. - Repeal of the one-year moratorium on new tobacco retailers. - Motivation: Proliferation of smoke shops (7 citywide, 2 downtown) and 10 police busts in the past two years for illegal sales (including synthetic drugs like Kratom). The state's Public Act 25-166 now allows municipalities to impose fines up to $30,000 per day per incident for illegal sales. - Chief of Police Eric Costa spoke in support, noting that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem; strong zoning provides a long-term solution. He highlighted the burden on police resources and the pattern of store ownership changing after busts to evade penalties. - Commissioners expressed strong support, discussing nonconforming uses, enforcement, and the need to protect public health and safety. Commissioner Emery raised questions about enforcement coordination and the ability to revoke approvals for violations. Key Outcomes - Item 8.1 – Site Plan Approval for Multi-Use Trail: Motion carried unanimously. (Motion by Commissioner Spencer, seconded.) - Item 8.2 – Favorable GS 8-24 Report for Multi-Use Trail: Motion carried unanimously. - Item 7.1 – Freeman Road Subdivision: Motion carried unanimously, with reference to the March 17, 2026 DEEP assessment and conditions. - Item 6.1 – Zoning Text Amendment (Tobacco & Cannabis): Motion carried unanimously after closing the public hearing. - Item 7.2 (AMI Sports addition): Postponed to April 22, 2026, at the applicant's request. - Minutes of March 11, 2026: Approved unanimously. - RiverCOG Report: Noted participation in PA 25-1 consultant services and upcoming code changes regarding parking requirements for residential developments of 16 units or less; a workshop anticipated in late April/early May.

Note: The transcript for this meeting opens with a reference to "March 19th, 2026," but the official date provided for the summary is March 23, 2026. This discrepancy could not be resolved from available materials. The Russell Library Strategic Planning Committee met to review results from its community outreach and data collection efforts and to begin drafting an updated strategic plan. Members discussed the use of AI-generated summaries of public comments, the continued relevance of the library's existing strategic pillars, and next steps for producing a renewed plan. Consent Calendar - The meeting was called to order with no public comment (no emails received). - The minutes from the January 15, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Data Review and Outreach Update - The public comment period closed on February 28, 2026. Ramona presented an AI (Gemini)-generated synopsis of the raw data, noting recurring themes: affordability, taxes, literacy, community/isolation, social services, and the social safety net. - Committee members shared observations from their own interviews and from reviewing the raw data: - Jennifer noted additional themes: a need for broader school collaboration beyond literacy (e.g., tutoring and support for COVID-related learning loss), deep emotional and mental health needs among youth, and a potential overstatement by AI regarding library ADA compliance (the library may not be fully compliant despite AI's assertion). - Amen pointed out a staff comment about the library being a "living organism" that needs to refocus on books, which the AI summarized as needing to move "from lending to leading" — an opposite interpretation, though many other responses indeed support a leadership role. - Andrew expressed concern that while the existing strategic pillars remain valid, community needs have become more acute and the library is not adequately staffed or resourced to meet them. He also noted the community's trust in the library as a positive. - Sarah had not yet read the full materials but said the themes mentioned were consistent with her interviews. - The committee agreed that the existing four pillars (Strengthen Community, Safe & Welcoming Destination, Thriving Economic Ecosystem, Lifelong Love of Learning) and foundational strategies (Equity & Inclusion, Youth Voices) still capture community input effectively. Members suggested organizing raw responses under these pillars to identify any outliers. - Draft Plan for Publication - Ramona volunteered to draft the renewed strategic plan, using the previous plan's format (from Brandy) but clearly marking it as a renewal. The draft will include methodology, landscape changes, community engagement data, photos, and pull quotes. - The committee discussed the need to balance high-level goals with concrete examples of how feedback will be acted upon, without bogging down in minute details that may change. - Jennifer emphasized using the renewal to promote accomplishments and show the community that their input was heard. Key Outcomes - Decision: The committee will proceed with an updated strategic plan based on the existing framework, which remains valid. - Next Steps: - Ramona will add a controlled vocabulary (dropdown menu) to the raw data spreadsheets, aligning with the strategic pillars, so committee members can categorize responses. She will distribute this by the morning of March 24. - Committee members will review the raw data and sort responses into the pillars, looking for themes that do not fit. - Ramona will create a shared document for the draft plan and circulate it before the April 16, 2026 meeting, where the committee will workshop the draft. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by motion (Sarah, seconded by Amen) at approximately 6:03 PM.

The Middlesex (Middletown) LGBTQIA+ Commission convened on March 19, 2026 (transcript states Wednesday, March 18 at 7:04 PM) to approve minutes, discuss Pride Fest 2026 logistics, and receive updates on upcoming community events. All commissioners present participated; Commissioner Kai joined at 7:08 PM. Multiple motions passed, with some abstentions for the special meeting minutes. Consent Calendar - February 18, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Shine, seconded by Commissioner Derek. - March 2, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes: Approved with abstentions from Commissioners Shine, Dolly, Laura, and the Chair (who were not present at the special meeting). Motion by Commissioner Annika, seconded by Commissioner Katie. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public attended; no public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Pride Month Rally Theme: Commissioner Shine proposed centering the rally on people of color and international voices, citing the current political climate and her own experience as a former grand marshal. She requested guidance on coordinating with performers. Commissioner Laura noted the importance of intersectionality, referencing New Haven’s separate Black Pride event. It was suggested that Shine collaborate with Derek and Bree (lead organizer). - Pride Fest 2026 Performer Invitations: Commissioner Derek reported that 31 invitations were sent to returning performers/hosts (from last year's weather-affected event); 29 have confirmed. Because only two spots remain, Derek and Bree closed applications to avoid turning away a large number of applicants. Commissioner Shine asked about filling the remaining slots with performers fitting the rally theme; collaboration was encouraged. - Vendor and Sponsor Applications: Haley confirmed that vendor, sponsor, and participation applications are open on the Pride website. The Red Cross recently reached out to participate; Haley offered to connect them with the health department coordinator. - Parade Marching Band: Commissioner Angela reported the previous band (Catnip Junkies) is unavailable. Commissioner Katie recommended the Queer Big Apple Corps, a marching band from New Haven Pride, and offered to share contact information. - Game Night Recap: Approximately 28 people attended the game night despite rain. Some mobile registration issues occurred due to a website problem, but drop-ins were allowed and turnout was solid. - Transgender Day of Visibility 5K Fundraiser (March 29): Commissioner Annika noted that non-Wesleyan participants must sign a waiver before entering the track. The commission discussed creating a WesNest community event for registration/RSVP, though formal pre-registration was deemed too late. Commissioner Katie reminded that ASL interpreter funding was approved and coordination should occur through Nick Dion. - TDOV Event at Wesleyan (April 2): The commission added agenda Item 5B3 to receive an update on this previously approved event. Motion by Commissioner Angela, seconded by Commissioner Laura, passed unanimously. The event will take place April 2 at 4:30 PM at the Daniel Family Commons and will feature four panels. - Connecticut Pride Summit: Commissioner Katie reported on her attendance at the summit in New Haven, which brought together Pride leaders statewide. She highlighted ideas for fundraising and cross-promotion, and again recommended the Queer Big Apple Corps. - Good of the Order: Commissioner Shine asked about having a DJ open the rally; Commissioner Kai offered to bring equipment for an "open decks" setup and expressed interest in performing. Commissioner Laura noted an intersex conference in Bristol, CT in July and shared a list of state Pride events for distribution. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes for February 18 and March 2 meetings (with noted abstentions on the latter). - Added agenda item 5B3 for the TDOV event at Wesleyan; no further vote required. - Performer and host applications closed; 29 of 31 invited performers confirmed. - Next steps: Shine to coordinate with Derek/Bree on rally performers and DJ; Haley to connect with Red Cross; Katie to send Queer Big Apple Corps info; Annika to set up WesNest event; Lisa to add TDOV events to city website calendar; Laura to distribute CT Pride event list. Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, while the supplied timestamp is March 19, 2026. The date discrepancy is noted per instruction.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The Middletown Portland America 250th Committee met on March 17, 2026 to coordinate activities for the American Revolution semi-quincentennial. Discussions focused on the upcoming flag raising ceremony, July 4th parade and picnic, downtown beautification, community engagement, and merchandise. Subcommittee reports were presented, and several action items were assigned. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved unanimously. - Minutes from January 12th and February 5th approved; the chair noted that February 27th minutes would be taken up separately, and a correction regarding the wording "memorial applications" was noted for that record. Public Comments & Testimony - No formal public comments were made. Two public attendees were welcomed: Haley (Middle Exchange) and Scarlet (via chat). Discussion Items Flag Raising Ceremony (March 27) - The flag raising is scheduled for Friday, March 27 at 1:00 p.m. at the South Green. A jazz band from Middletown High School will perform. The chair stated her preference to hold the event rain or shine; no concerns were raised. - Mayor Nosara described the current flagpole arrangement (American flag on top, POW/MIA flag, and Connecticut flag below). Chief Dave Albert (Fire Department) will inspect the flagpole with his honor guard commander to confirm the correct placement of the America 250 flag. - Gary Wallace noted he would be out of town and suggested a bagpipe band as a possible addition; the chair agreed to discuss this offline. Bridge Flags and Main Street Banners - Mayor Nosara is arranging a meeting with the Connecticut Department of Transportation to seek approval for hanging two large American flags from the bridge. The flags have been used at Pride events; details on installation and duration are still to be determined. - The mayor also reported on a meeting with Eversource regarding a proposal to help subsidize America 250 banners on Main Street. The first banner sponsor is Shapiro Law Offices. The committee itself will not receive any revenue from the banners. Subcommittee Reports - Vice Chair Deb Shapiro: A photo scanning project is scheduled in partnership with Russell Library and the Historical Society. Registration goes live online on April 13, and the scanning event is set for Saturday, June 13. She also announced a Historical Society concert on May 9 featuring American music. - Amistad planning: Deb is working with the Discovering Amistad organization and the anti-racism task force to plan activities around the ship's visit in early October, including a screening of the Spielberg film. A planning meeting is being set for April; additional committee members were invited to participate, and school representatives will be included. - Sandra (Beautification): - Main Street banners: CGI is collecting sponsorships; installation expected in April if goals are met. - Billboards: Sandra offered to contact Dominic DiMartino (DiMartino Outdoor Media) to discuss terms for advertising, noting the brief viewing time drivers have. - Planters: 62 planters will feature red, white, and blue floral themes; work is underway to add small American flags to each. - Signage: The Downtown Business District (DBD) is investing $5,000 to refresh 22 three-sided signs on Main Street with historical photos. The new design is called "Celebrating America's 250th on Main Street" and is hoped to be installed by the end of April. - Bunting: Keisha and Sandra are exploring uniform bunting for Main Street businesses. - Ken (Parade): Planning for the July 4th parade will begin after Memorial Day. The parade applications will be sent out after a press release on upcoming events is issued. Proclamation and State Membership - A draft proclamation for the 250th anniversary was reviewed; Deb Shapiro has edited it for inclusiveness. The chair asked for any further comments by email before finalizing. - The state's America250 commission has asked each municipality to send a representative to a recommitment ceremony on July 4, 2026 in Hartford. The committee will need to decide who will attend, given the busy schedule. Merchandise Update - Keisha reported spending $4,845.59 on merchandise, including 750 commemorative coins (at $4.95 per unit), patriotic lapel pins, Juneteenth pins, writing pens, bunting, flags, posters, and postcards. She has 300 coins remaining, which will be distributed at the flag raising. Future purchases will be limited to low-cost items like shirts, pens, and hats. - A suggestion to sell coins to the public was raised; no decision was made. July 4th Parade and Picnic - The parade will be followed by a community picnic on the South Green. Chief Albert expressed strong support, calling it a "phenomenal idea" and noted that the fire union is already on board. Chief Costa said he would approach the police union about volunteers. - Sandra reported she is meeting with the owner of Taino Smoke House and Steakhouse on Wednesday to discuss menu, pricing, and logistics; the owner has experience with events up to 3,000 people. - Mayor Nosara mentioned a potential $2,500 Eversource grant to offset costs. The committee discussed whether the picnic would be free or paid, but no decision was made. Portland Committee Updates - Portland's America250 activities include school essay/poetry/music contests, a Hometown Festival on May 16, a July 4 brownstone plaque dedication (costing $5,325), historical reenactments, and a time capsule. Portland is using a PVC pipe instead of a stainless steel capsule to save money. - Portland is also creating a commemorative booklet; Keisha suggested Middletown could produce a similar publication with advertisements. Other Business - Deb Shapiro noted the Historical Society's 38th annual third-grade essay contest, which this year encourages students to incorporate the 250th anniversary. - A suggestion from Phil Piscina to hold a bridge rededication ceremony with the mayor and first selectman was shared. Key Outcomes - The flag raising will proceed rain or shine; Chief Albert will confirm flag protocol. - Keisha will finalize the proclamation after receiving member feedback. - Sandra will follow up with DiMartino Outdoor Media and the Taino Smoke House owner, reporting back after her Wednesday meeting. - The committee will identify a representative for the July 4th Hartford recommitment ceremony. - Parade registration materials will be released after the press announcement. - Amistad planning meeting date to be shared with the committee; school representation to be added. - Picnic planning will continue, with cost and funding decisions pending.

The Middletown General Council Commission met on the recorded date of March 16, 2026 (the transcript says Thursday, March 12th – a discrepancy). The meeting covered an ordinance on fees for private police work, business recruitment efforts, a vacancy report, and an update on the Baker Tilly engagement. The council voted to advance the ordinance to the full Common Council. Minutes Approval - The council approved the minutes of the February 12, 2026 regular meeting by voice vote. Councilman Pelino's vote was initially uncertain but he later confirmed his approval. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comment. The council waived the rules to allow Chief Costa to speak later on an agenda item. Discussion Items - Ordinance – Fees for Special Police Work (Ordinance 311): Chief Costa explained that the newly ratified police contract increased the hourly rate paid to officers for private duty work from $60 to $70, reducing the general fund's share by $10 per hour. The current vendor rate of $98 is below the new contract rate; the proposed vendor rate is $125. The Public Safety Commission approved the increase but moved the rate-setting authority to the council. Attorney Wisneski clarified that Ordinance 311 currently delegates this authority to the police chief and Public Safety Commission, and the amendment would require them to recommend fees to the council instead. Councilwoman Sweeney argued the rate change should have come to the council because of its fiscal impact, and noted that the council has full authority to modify the ordinance (it is not in the charter). A related resolution on the vendor rate will be referred to Finance & Government. - Business Recruitment Efforts: Director Richardson reported on a truck driver recruitment campaign, including a statewide flyer and an open house on April 14th at the Recreation Center. There are two current vacancies, with more anticipated. The eligibility list lasts one year and may be extended by the mayor for one additional year. - Vacancy Report: The manager of recreation position was filled by Bonnie Daly. Interviews for director of public works will occur soon, with a panel including the mayor and council members. A program budget analyst candidate is awaiting mayoral approval. Police captain, lieutenant, and sergeant eligibility lists were finalized. Other positions are in various stages of recruitment. - Baker Tilly Update: Councilwoman Salafia's questions were sent to Baker Tilly; a response is expected by the end of next week. The council discussed a possible small internal meeting with the mayor to discuss operationalizing the decision, avoiding a quorum. Key Outcomes - The council approved the ordinance amendment (motion by Councilwoman Bolton, seconded by Councilwoman Salafia) by voice vote, forwarding it to the April Common Council meeting. - A resolution setting the new vendor rate will be drafted and sent to the Finance & Government Committee. - The council will caucus to select representatives for an internal meeting with the mayor regarding Baker Tilly. - The meeting adjourned.

Note: The meeting transcript references March 5, 2026, but the official date provided for this summary is March 13, 2026. The summary below reflects the transcript content with the mandated date. The Public Safety Commission held a special meeting for the Middletown Police Department, chaired by Chief Costa. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, departmental reports, discussion of a drone program, revision of an ordinance for rate-setting authority, approval of new private duty rates, budget overview, the Trust Act, and facility/maintenance issues. The meeting was conducted in the community room and via WebEx. Consent Calendar - The minutes from December 15, 2025 were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the designated hearing portions. Discussion Items - Correspondence & Monthly Reports: Chief Costa reported on the death of Lieutenant Dan Smith and community support. He presented overtime challenges due to the CT 40 sick day policy, training reductions, and a planned transition to a red dot firearm system funded within the existing budget. - Annual Crime Statistics (2025): The chief reported a 12.8% drop in the overall crime rate (cumulative 30% over two years), a 55% reduction in burglaries, a 33% reduction in motor vehicle thefts, and a 11.02% drop in Part 1 crimes. Calls for service increased 8.54% due to added social workers. There were no homicides; fatalities included a suspected medical event, a pedestrian struck by a garbage truck, a scooter accident, and a pedestrian strike. Community engagement events exceeded 77. Training hours totaled 5,600. Internal affairs complaints: 30 total (23 exonerated, 3 unfounded, 1 not sustained, 1 corrective action, 2 suspensions). - Drone Program (FLOC DFR): Chief Costa explained the proposed drone program, emphasizing data ownership (closed loop with Recor/Odinai) and that data would not be shared with third parties like ICE without judicial process. Councilman Ford noted resident concerns about federal access. The program was tabled at the prior Common Council meeting to strengthen contract language. Council members expressed trust in the department and sought reassurance on data privacy. The drone is intended for first responder use (e.g., locating missing persons, fire response) and cost is covered by grant and forfeiture funds, not taxpayer money. - Ordinance 311 Revision: A proposed revision would transfer authority to set police rates from the Public Safety Commission to the Common Council. Council members debated charter implications and the need for further study. The commission voted to move the revision to the General Counsel and Council (GCC) for review while approving the current rate change separately. - Private Duty Rates: The commission approved a rate increase from $70/hr to $125/hr for private duty jobs, and from $65/hr to $112.5/hr for nonprofits, to align with comparable towns and cover vehicle wear and tear. The new rates are based on the recently signed union contract. - Budget Overview: Chief Costa presented a $946,000 increase to the police budget (total $18.2M), driven by overtime, pay increases, and contractual obligations. He warned of possible service reductions if cuts are enacted. - Trust Act: The commission discussed compliance with the state Trust Act regarding immigration enforcement. Council members requested that any ICE interactions be reported to the commission to ensure alignment with city policy and community safety. - Facility and Maintenance Issues: The chief reported significant roof repairs needed at the police station (estimated $500k, including moving solar panels), a failing air handler unit, delayed generator parts, and a year-and-a-half delay for traffic signal parts at a major intersection. Councilwoman Sweeney suggested reallocating signal parts from less busy intersections; the chief agreed to explore that option. Key Outcomes - The minutes of December 15, 2025 were approved. - The commission voted to send the revision of Ordinance 311 (rate-setting authority) to GCC for further review, while noting that the current commission can still set rates. - The new private duty rates ($125/hr for commercial, $112.5/hr for nonprofits) were approved unanimously. - The drone program discussion was informational; the contract language is being strengthened by General Counsel. - The budget presentation was received; no vote taken. - The chief will report back on efforts to expedite traffic signal repairs. - Meeting adjourned.