Public Meetings - Middletown, Connecticut

The Common Council met on July 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM in a hybrid meeting. Key actions included unanimously approving the naming of the city’s new Public Safety 911 Center after Chief George P. Dunn, appointing Cathy Sargent as Deputy Director of Central Communications, approving multiple grants and resolutions, hearing public concerns about the Guida property commercial license, and debating a proposed one-way change on Court Street. The meeting lasted approximately 2 hours. Consent Calendar - Agenda: Approved as presented. - Minutes: Approved minutes of the May 4, 2026 Regular Meeting and the June 1, 2026 Special Workshop (Saybrook Road Improvement Project). - Department Reports & Grants (Item 7): Approved en bloc, including: - Police: Connecticut Drug Investigation Fund – $92,396.64; Speed & Aggressive Driving Grant – $60,000. - Health: Public Health Emergency Preparedness Grant – $39,235.80; Building Healthy Families Scale Up – $6,000. - Board of Education: Miscellaneous grants – $1,366,497.93; Food Services grant – $344,819.82; HVAC IAQ grant return (negative) – ($244,780.76). - Public Works: Eastern Connecticut Recovery Authority (ECRRA) sanitation grant – $200,000; LoCIP grant – $487,394.45. - City Clerk Certificate, Finance Transfer Report, Appropriation Report, LoCIP Report (all accepted). - Payment of Bills (Item 9): Approved all properly approved city bills. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing – Naming of 911 Center: Two speakers expressed support: Bobby Brower (Director of Central Communications) and Sebastian Giuliano (former mayor and building committee member). Both praised Chief Dunn’s decades of service. - Public Hearing – All Other Agenda Items: Three speakers addressed the Guida property: - Malady Rogers (80 Round Hill Road) criticized the process, stating her FOIA request (filed April 29) was answered 7 weeks late and lacked foundational documents. She argued the nine‑month commercial license on protected open space was issued without council review, bypassing the Conservation Commission and Inland Wetlands Agency. She asked for three commitments: no renewal of the license, no future commercial use on open space, and full document release. She warned that “taxpayers are watching.” - Sebastian Giuliano argued the transaction should have received an 8‑24 review by the Planning and Zoning Commission, and that the city “looks for a way to go around the law” rather than comply with its spirit. - Rob Van Ryan (136 Round Hill Road) noted the Guida family sold at substantially below market value for preservation and requested the city honor that original intent. Discussion Items - Interview and Appointment of Cathy Sargent (Deputy Director of Central Communications): Mayor Nocera stated the candidate was chosen unanimously from 22 applicants. Sargent delivered a prepared statement highlighting 21 years of experience, building a training program from scratch in New Haven, and her vision for community outreach (Bridge to Community 911 Engagement Plan: junior dispatcher school, youth leadership, Friday Friends tours, STAR 911 senior program). She addressed burnout by supporting staff and celebrating wins. Council members asked about her experience with discipline, union interactions, and why she chose Middletown. The appointment was approved unanimously. - Guida Property (Mayor’s Report): Mayor Nocera acknowledged process flaws, stated the property will be returned to original condition, and noted that alternative sites are being explored. He assured the council that the city is “looking at other sites” and that the current farmer has done everything asked. - Court Street One‑Way Proposal: Mayor Nocera announced a plan to change Court Street to one‑way westbound, potentially by August 17, to improve safety at the bottom of the street where courthouse vans block visibility. Council members Salafia and Ford objected that the Public Safety Commission had not been consulted and that the media learned of the plan before the council. The mayor agreed to fully vet the proposal through the Public Safety Commission before implementation. - Reports: - Land Use: Written update provided; director not present. - Baker Tilly Compensation Study: Still under deliberation; a decision expected by January 2027. - America 250 Project: July 4 parade canceled due to extreme heat; rescheduled to Labor Day. Other events (mansion concert, historical society exhibit) were successful. - Route 9: Railroad bridge meeting scheduled for August 3 at Middletown High School; DOT public forum on overall project planned for late November/early December. - Riverfront Master Plan and Arcade: Phased plan presented – first a parking deck on Washington Street, then redevelopment of the police station parking lot, then a larger arcade. Mayor noted potential for a mixed‑use apartment building with 20% affordable units. - Anti‑Racism Task Force: Written report submitted; Amistad ship visit postponed. - Bond Reports: No update; standing item to be removed if no further info. Key Outcomes - 911 Center Naming: Unanimously approved Resolution 10A naming the facility “City of Middletown, Chief George P. Dunn, Central Communications Center.” - Deputy Director Appointment: Cathy Sargent appointed unanimously with a salary of $56.09/hour (Grade 15, Step 5, 40 hours), effective upon adoption. - Resolutions Approved: - 10B: Antique Car Show & Flea Market (Oct. 4, 2026) – city expenditure capped at $3,000. - 10C: 29th Annual Cruise Night (Sept. 2, 2026) – city expenditure capped at $14,000. - 10E: UPSU Local 6457 and BOE Local 6458 labor contracts (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029) – cumulative cost $1,002,268. - 10F: Water Department FY26/27 capital non‑recurring fund – $600,000 (itemized list). - 10G: Health Block Grant allocation – New Horizons Battered Women’s Shelter ($22,500) and Warming Center ($20,500), total $43,000. - 10H: Neighborhood Assistance Act grants – Church of Holy Trinity ($1,500), Mercy High School ($1,500), Northern Middlesex YMCA ($150,000). - 10I: Agreement with Town of Cromwell for sharing Acting Director of Health services. - 10J: Five‑year contract with The Cylinder Collective for gas cylinder disposal/recycling. - 10K: Two‑year agreement with Murphy Road Recycling for cardboard delivery. - Resolution Tabled: 10D (Westfield Fire District alarm system upgrade – $55,000 LoCIP grant) tabled to next meeting. - Mayor’s Appointments: Approved Robert Grauer (ex‑officio to Public Safety & Telecommunications Commission), Rogers Palant (Board of Ethics and Commission on Conservation & Agriculture), and Robert C. Van Ryan (Commission on Conservation & Agriculture). - Commitments: Mayor agreed to (1) involve the Public Safety Commission before implementing Court Street one‑way, (2) provide Court Street traffic data to the council, and (3) schedule a workshop on parking deck and referendum questions.

On July 6, 2026, the Middletown Common Council held a special hybrid meeting (in-person and via WebEx) to question city directors about upcoming agenda items for the regular council meeting. No formal votes were taken; the workshop focused on clarifying details of several projects and agreements. Discussion Items - Health Director Kevin Lack – MOU with Cromwell Lack explained a proposed mutual aid agreement allowing him to serve as acting health director for Cromwell during planned absences. The role is mostly phone support, with no fiscal impact. The agreement automatically renews annually. He confirmed the city’s internal chain of command (Teneal Davis, public health manager) can act in his absence, and that the union’s job description already covers that fill-in role. - Health Director Kevin Lack – Building Healthy Families Grant Lack presented a new $6,000 evidence-based family healthy weight program for children ages 6–12 with a BMI ≥95th percentile. The two-year program will run two-hour weekly sessions for 6–10 families per cohort. Partners include Middletown Public Schools and Middlesex Hospital. The health department will coordinate recruitment through pediatricians and schools. Councilwoman Hart suggested exploring synergy with the existing Fit for Kids program at Middlesex Health. - Public Works Deputy Director Brian Gardner – Old Sabrick Road Reconstruction Gardner provided updated conceptual plans for a multimodal trail (8–10 feet wide) and road reconstruction along Old Sabrick Road. The project is estimated at $5.1–$5.3 million total. A $3.4 million federal grant from River COG is available, with the remaining balance expected from street bond funds. The council is being asked to approve a $248,000 amendment for final design at the August meeting. Six property easements are needed (down from 39 in the prior ambitious plan). Gardner highlighted safety concerns: no sidewalks currently force pedestrians onto the road, and there have been fatalities. Councilwoman Blackwell shared personal experience of families avoiding walking children to school due to lack of safe paths. Councilwoman Salafia questioned the need for a $10 million full build-out and suggested improving traffic light timing instead. - Fire Chief – Modular Training Building The chief clarified that a $150,000 LOSIP grant approved in August 2025 helped purchase a modular training building (made from shipping containers) for live fire, rope rescue, and search exercises. The building is located off Newfield Street and will be available to all three fire districts. Additional state funds ($100,000) are expected to supplement the $350,000 Urban Act grant. Construction is expected to take about one year. - OPEB Liability Discussion Councilman Lafrito questioned the sustainability of OPEB funding. Chief Financial Officer (assumed) stated the city’s total OPEB liability is approximately $120 million, with about $50 million already in an OPEB trust. The new three-year UPSU contract (city side) only negotiates wages; the city did not demand changes to OPEB contributions. Currently, some newer employees pay 1% of base pay toward OPEB, and those changing tiers may pay 1.5–2%, while longer-tenured employees pay nothing extra beyond the 15% premium share. The existing 2025 contract already set those contribution rates. Key Outcomes - No resolutions were adopted; the meeting was strictly a question-and-answer workshop for council members to gather information before future votes. - The Old Sabrick Road design amendment is expected to be presented for council approval at the August 2026 regular meeting. - The MOU with Cromwell and the Building Healthy Families grant will be on a future regular meeting agenda for action. - Council members were encouraged to contact Deputy Director Gardner with further questions on the Sabrick Road plans.

The Middletown Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency held its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. The primary agenda items were a public hearing and subsequent vote on a proposed drive-through restaurant at 797 Washington Street, a notice of violation status update, and administrative matters including meeting scheduling and mandatory training. Public Hearing – Proposed Drive-Through Business at 797 Washington Street (W2026-6) The applicant, represented by Attorney Richard Carella of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, PC, presented a proposal for site grading and development of a drive-through restaurant within the upland review area adjacent to a small isolated wetland. Project engineer Patrick Doherty (Midpoint Engineering and Consulting) described the site conditions, stormwater management plan (including underground detention and outlet control), and proposed retaining wall along the eastern property line to separate the site from the wetland. Soil scientist Dean Gustafson (Walls Points Technology) stated that the wetland is limited to stormwater conveyance and that the proposed 19,360 square feet of disturbance within the upland review area and a temporary 40–50 square foot wetland impact for erosion controls would not alter the wetland's principal function. He offered the professional opinion that the project would not result in a likely adverse impact. Commission members asked technical questions about wetland delineation, traffic circulation (a member suggested rotating the building 90 degrees but the applicant explained the tenant's drive-through requirements), stormwater flow rates, and construction methods. No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. The hearing was closed by a motion and unanimous vote. Notice of Violation – 120 Chamberlain Hill Road Environmental Planner James Sipperly reported that the notice of violation sent by certified mail to Amy and Erik Peterson regarding unauthorized filling of an existing pond was returned as refused. He stated that a marshal from the courthouse will be employed to deliver the notice. Commissioner Ken McClellan noted that the contractor had been verbally told to stop work and had complied, but the homeowner was uncooperative. The commission will await formal service. Discussion Items Meeting Scheduling Conflicts: Staff informed the commission that the August 5, 2026 meeting room is unavailable due to early voting for the primary, and the September 3, 2026 meeting coincides with the annual car show on Main Street, making access difficult. Staff proposed canceling both regular meetings and holding special meetings on August 12 (at 6:00 PM to accept a new application) and a September date to be determined. Commissioner Ken McClellan suggested using WebEx for the August meeting, which staff agreed to explore. Several members expressed a desire for hybrid meetings moving forward. DEEP Wetlands Training: Staff reminded all commission members that state-mandated online wetlands training must be completed by the end of 2026. Commissioner Fred Terrasi reported difficulty navigating the course and is working with a contact to resolve technical issues. The link will be distributed to members. Weslyn University Site: Commissioner Joe Carta noted that the area disturbed by Weslyn University construction is now covered with invasive species (mugwort) and questioned remediation efforts. Staff agreed to follow up. Minutes Approval: The minutes of the June 3, 2026 regular meeting were approved with a correction to the spelling of Commissioner Sarah MacDonald's name (adding an "h"). The motion passed with Commissioners Paul Dyka and Jennifer Greenberg abstaining. Key Outcomes - Public Hearing Closed: Motion by Commissioner Ken McClellan, seconded by Commissioner David Pritchard, to close the public hearing. Unanimous approval (voice vote). - Approval of Wetlands Permit for 797 Washington Street: Motion by Commissioner Fred Terrasi to approve application W2026-6 with standard conditions and an additional stipulation (Condition 18) requiring that construction of the retaining wall be performed from the upland side only. The motion included a corrected disturbance figure of 19,360 square feet in the upland review area. Seconded by Commissioner David Pritchard. Unanimous approval (voice vote; no opposition or abstentions). - Notice of Violation Next Steps: Staff directed to engage a marshal to personally serve the Peterson property owners with the violation notice. - Future Meeting Changes: Regular meetings of August 5 and September 3, 2026 are tentatively canceled; staff will arrange a special meeting on August 12, 2026 (time TBD) and explore WebEx participation for that meeting. A September special meeting will be scheduled later. - Minutes Approved: June 3, 2026 minutes approved as corrected, with two abstentions.

Note: The meeting transcript indicates the meeting took place on June 25, 2026, but the instruction specifies the date as June 29, 2026. This summary uses the provided date. The Public Safety 911 Center Building Committee held a special meeting hybrid in the Middletown Police Department community room and via WebEx. The committee approved previous minutes, received updates from the director and architect, reviewed interior design renderings, and unanimously approved two payments. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from March 26, 2026, April 23, 2026, and May 28, 2026, were all approved unanimously without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made in person or online. Discussion Items - Director’s Report: The director reported on meetings with specialty vendors for the municipal fire alarm system, progress on quotes via cooperative purchase or sole source, and a meeting with the land use department. The committee plans to submit to the planning and zoning commission for the August meeting. To proactively engage neighbors, the director will send a letter and host an open community forum immediately after the regular July 23, 2026, meeting. The board discussed the importance of early outreach to avoid planning and zoning delays. - Tekton Design Update: The architect presented the completed design development set and an interior design overview. Key features include durable, cost-effective materials (porcelain tile, modular carpet, rubber flooring, quartz tile) and a calming color palette (blues, greens, wood tones) for dispatcher well-being. The presentation covered finishes for the lobby, training room, call center, break room, bunk rooms, showers, fitness center, and outdoor patios. The call center will have eight monitors per console, an ergonomic sit-stand desk, 24/7 task chairs, a raised access floor, a tech tower for easy computer access, and a central vacuum system. The server room will use a clean agent fire suppression system. A window on the north side was added for natural light at minimal cost (estimated $2,000–$3,000). Questions addressed accessibility (ADA transfer showers, wheelchair-accessible training room), sprinkler protection for equipment, and the monitor layout. Key Outcomes - Payment Approval: The committee unanimously approved a payment of $3,900 to Giuliano Associates for completion of a survey. - Payment Approval: The committee unanimously approved a payment of $80,760 to Tekton for work performed through May 31, 2026. - Community Outreach Plan: A letter will be sent to abutters on Tally's Trail, Mile Lane, and Birchwood, and an open community forum will be held on July 23, 2026, at 7 p.m. after the regular meeting. - Building Naming: The naming of the facility as the “Chief Dunn Central Communication Center” will be on the July council meeting agenda for final approval.

The Common Council held a special workshop on June 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM to discuss and ask questions about two tentative agreements (TAs) with UPSEU Locals 6457 (City Hall employees) and 6458 (Board of Education employees). The agreements cover wages, insurance, pension, and life insurance for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. Deputy General Counsel Corey Wisneski presented the terms. No formal vote was taken; the council will consider approval at its July 6 regular meeting. Presentation & Councilmember Question & Answer Session - Presentation by Corey Wisneski: Outlined the three-year extensions with wage increases averaging 3.17% over the term (5.1%, 5.3%, 5.1%? Actually: 3.1%, 3.3%, 3.1% as stated). Included a remote work policy MOU allowing certain employees to work remotely up to one day per week with department head and mayor approval, subject to termination at city's discretion. For Local 6458 (BOE), mirrored health insurance and OPEB changes from the city side. Total financial impact estimated at $505,337.92 over three years. - Councilmember Questions: - Councilman Lafredo asked about remote work liability, coverage for injuries at home, and whether the city's liability insurance follows the employee. Wisneski said it would be evaluated case by case. - Councilwoman Blackwell raised concerns about telework policy consistency, number of current teleworkers (not available), costs (none to city), confidentiality, and termination process. She also questioned the wage basis: Wisneski cited CPI (4.0–4.5%) and internal equity to justify the raises. Blackwell argued the executive summary relied on CPI, not historical comparisons. She also noted the OPEB contribution: only future employees mandated into Medicare Advantage; current employees not required to contribute. - Councilwoman Salafia asked about IT security for remote access (web-based protected system) and termination of sick leave payout (50% of sick leave paid in hours). She also questioned the retirement plan language: service to max 70% eligible at 22 years, 80% at 20 years – clarified as tier differences. - Councilman Bolino confirmed that remote employees log into the city network securely via laptops or web-based VPN. - Councilwoman Spitola asked about denial of remote work requests – Wisneski confirmed it is solely at city's discretion and not grievable. - Councilman Lafredo further questions: No new positions created; vacancy numbers not provided but would be supplied before July 6. He raised concerns about OPEB liability ($160 million) and noted that current employees did not increase OPEB contributions in this contract. He questioned the city's ability to pay given low ranking (143 of 169 towns) and tight budget. - Mayor's response: Called the agreement fair, considering CPI, internal equity, and the city's financial constraints. He commended the negotiating teams. - Councilwoman Blackwell final comments: Noted that the contract will become a non-negotiable part of future budgets, contributing to tax increases. She indicated she would likely support the contract. Key Outcomes - No vote taken on the TAs; a motion to adjourn was approved. The council will vote on the agreements at the July 6 regular meeting. - The council requested additional information on vacancy numbers and cost breakdown before the vote. - The remote work MOU, effective since October 2025, will continue under the new TA. - The agreements provide for wage increases of 3.1% (FY27), 3.3% (FY28), and 3.1% (FY29) for Local 6457, with similar mirror provisions for Local 6458.

The Middletown Human Relations Commission met on June 25, 2026, at approximately 5:08 PM. The primary agenda item was a presentation and discussion with the Chief of Police on the city's speed camera program, including a technical glitch reported by a commissioner. The meeting also covered updates on the Beman community project and future support for Project 860. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved by voice vote with a motion from Sanji Lewis and a second. - Approval of Minutes (May 20, 2026): The minutes were approved by voice vote with a motion from Sanji Lewis and a second. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Don Brooks (Commissioner, online): Raised a concern about a software glitch in the speed camera citation lookup system. When entering her citation number and personalized Connecticut plate, the system displayed a citation from another state with the same plate number but a different date. She emphasized the need for full transparency so that residents and non-residents can clearly see which citation belongs to them. She appreciated the chief's response and noted she was not complaining about the program itself. Discussion Items - Chief of Police Presentation on Speed Cameras: The chief provided a detailed overview of the camera program on Route 66 (west of Camp Street and George Street), which was activated on July 9, 2025. Key data shared: - Approximately 180,000 vehicles pass the cameras every seven days. - Initially, 80% of vehicles were traveling at least 10 mph over the 35 mph speed limit; about 50% exceeded 20 mph over. - After activation, speeds over 20 mph dropped by 94%, and overall speeds reduced by 70%. - Average monthly violations: 20,000; city revenue estimated at $3 million (funds go to the city finance department for traffic safety improvements, not the police department). - Only 5% of violations are from Middletown residents; the majority are from rentals and out-of-town drivers. - Fines are structured like parking tickets (no impact on license, insurance, or registration). Hearings: first online, then in-person at the police department (four attorneys hired per DM), then appeal to Superior Court. - The chief expressed strong support for the program, noting it has freed up officers for community engagement and reduced crashes at dangerous locations (e.g., Camp Street). He also noted a psychological effect where in-car GPS alerts increase driver awareness. - Glitch and Vendor Response: The chief confirmed the vendor (DACRTEC) was notified of the issue Dr. Brooks reported. The problem involves how the system captures the state of registration on plates. The vendor is working on a fix to better display the state and prevent mismatches. The chief assured the commission of transparency and ongoing improvements. - Visibility of Speed Camera Signs: Commissioner Sanji Lewis noted that signs are hard to see at night and suggested solar-powered blinking lights or reflective signs. The chief explained that signs on state highways are regulated and would require permits, but he would look into options such as line painting or color changes. - Traffic Flow and Secondary Roads: The chief noted that traffic volume on Route 66 may have decreased, and studies on secondary roads (e.g., George Street) are planned to monitor potential diversion. Rumble strips before school zone cameras are being considered. - Beman Community Project (Old Business): The commission discussed following up with Joey Fresh (PALs director) to understand how they can support and sustain his initiative at Beman Middle School, especially given the principal's departure. The commission agreed to have the chair's office email Tony to check on previous outreach. - Project 860: Commissioner Sanji Lewis reported that the young ladies from Project 860 (a middle school program) expressed interest in expanding to the high school and leaving a legacy. The commission discussed supporting the group's upcoming fashion show on June 27, 2026, and developing a proposal for potential council funding. Key Outcomes - Speed Camera Glitch: The chief committed to working with the vendor to fix the state-of-registration display issue and will follow up with Dr. Brooks on the outcome. - Beman Project: The commission will have the chair's office email Tony to inquire about his conversation with Joey Fresh to clarify the desired support before approaching the new principal. - Project 860: The commission will attend the fashion show on June 27 and develop a proposal for future funding, following the same model used for previous projects. - Next Meeting: The commission will confirm with Casey whether the July 15 meeting is still scheduled or if the previously discussed July break will be taken.

The Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission met on June 24, 2026, at 7:01 PM in City Hall Council Chambers and via WebEx. The meeting included a public hearing on zoning code amendments to comply with state housing mandates, approval of a surplus city property sale, and site plan approvals for two industrial/commercial developments. The meeting adjourned at 8:29 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the designated public comment periods for items on the agenda (items 8.1–8.3) or for topics not subject to a public hearing. Discussion Items - Item 8.1 – GS 8-24 Report for Surplus Property at Brown Street: Christine Marques (Economic and Community Development) presented a request for an affirmative report on the sale of a surplus city lot (Map-Lot 30-0201, R-15 zone) to an adjacent homeowner. The lot is non-buildable due to wetlands and utilities; the neighbor would maintain it. The commission voted unanimously to affirm the report. - Items 8.2 & 8.3 – Site Plan Approvals for 1985 and 2015 South Main Street: The applicant, Black Diamond Partners LLC, presented plans for three industrial/commercial buildings: a 40,447 SF building (Building A) and two buildings of 29,600 SF and 29,750 SF (Buildings B and C) on parcels totaling 8.11 acres in the I-4 zone. Proposed uses include industrial manufacturing, warehouse, and contractor flex space. The plans include lot line modification, parking (with EV charging), landscaping, stormwater management, and septic systems. Engineering review comments had not been finalized, but the applicant stated that all outstanding issues were minor and could be addressed as conditions of approval. The developer noted the project would generate substantial tax revenue and employment. The commission approved both site plans with conditions including satisfactory review by city departments, filing of easements and lot line revision, modification of the landscaping plan to include 25 maple and 25 dogwood trees, and posting of an erosion control bond. - Item 6.1 – Public Hearing (Continued) – Zoning Code & Map Amendments for PA 25-1: Director Marek Kozikowski presented updates to the proposed amendments to comply with the state's housing growth mandate (Public Act 25-1). He clarified that the parking management district would encompass 3.99% of the city's land area, covering major corridors (Main Street, Washington Street, South Main Street, Main Street Extension, and Saybrook Road). Outside this district, no parking would be required for developments with fewer than 16 residential units. He also addressed ADA parking requirements for developments with accessible units and corrected a scrivener's error (the new mixed-use middle housing standards should be in section 4.26, not 4.25). Discussion included concerns about loss of local control, the ability to make future changes, and a legal conflict between the city charter and state law regarding the vote threshold (five votes vs. four). Commissioner Szynkowicz expressed opposition due to the removal of public hearing rights for certain developments, but ultimately the motion passed 7–1. - RiverCOG Report: Commissioner reported that RiverCOG discussed House Bill 5502 (which would allow residential units in industrial zones), which did not pass but is expected to return; members were urged to contact legislators. - Staff Report: Director Kozikowski announced a community resiliency workshop on July 23, a pending contract to review zoning code for ADA and fair housing compliance, and an invitation for commissioners to a site walk with Wesleyan University (July 1 or 2) regarding a proposed redevelopment of Williams Street. Key Outcomes - Item 8.1: Motion to affirm the GS 8-24 report passed unanimously (voice vote). - Item 8.2 (1985 South Main Street): Motion to approve site plan with conditions passed (voice vote, no dissent). - Item 8.3 (2015 South Main Street): Motion to approve site plan with identical conditions passed (voice vote, no dissent). - Item 6.1 (Zoning Code Amendments): Motion to approve passed 7–1 (Commissioner Szynkowicz dissenting; Commissioner Ekstrom absent). (Roll call: Pattavina aye, Ekstrom absent, Spencer aye, Emery aye, Monarca not seated, Reagan aye, Szynkowicz nay, Cunningham aye, McEvoy aye.) - Minutes of June 10, 2026: Approved (voice vote, with one abstention). - Adjournment: Motion passed at 8:29 PM.

The meeting was called to order at 5:01 PM and adjourned at 5:38 PM. Mayor Nosara provided an extensive update on city building repairs and future plans, including for City Hall and the Russell Library. The committee discussed cost estimates, a potential standalone library referendum in 2027, and the status of an environmental impact study. Consent Calendar - A motion to approve the minutes from March 31st was made, seconded, and approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received as only board members and the mayor were present. Discussion Items - Mayor's Update on City Buildings (New Business, Item 5): Mayor Nosara outlined an aggressive repair plan for multiple city facilities: City Hall (new chiller, rug replacement), City Yard (roof repair via Turner contract), the Tradesman Building, Parks Maintenance Building, Green Street School (heating and AC), the Boathouse ($150,000 for siding, insulation, bathroom repairs), Roosevelt Park (cleanup and minor repairs), and road repairs (planned hot-in-place and repaving on Ferry Street, Prospect, top of Spring Street). He also mentioned a parking deck behind Milly Plaza using 2020 bond funds, demolition of the AT&T building on DeCoven Drive for temporary parking, and plans to address neglected elementary school roofs (Wesley and Spencer) via a November 2026 bond referendum. - Library Future Discussion: Mayor Nosara stated his preference for a standalone library referendum in 2027, separate from other infrastructure bonds, to improve chances of passage. He noted the current cost estimate is around $58-59 million, with annual escalation. Several committee members (Sarah, Julie, Steve) questioned the cost disparity compared to Manchester’s new library (approximately $750/sq ft vs. $1,000+/sq ft for Russell). The committee emphasized that partial renovation of existing historical elements adds complexity and cost but should be presented as a selling point. Grant opportunities (CIF, Urban Act, historic preservation) were discussed as potential offsets. - City Hall Direction: Mayor Nosara confirmed the city will not purchase the former Citizens Bank building; instead, they will remain at the current site and pursue incremental repairs. A potential 20-year lease option for mechanical systems (similar to the Rec Center) was noted as an alternative for City Hall. The possibility of using space vacated by U Fusion (under the police station) as swing space for the library during construction was also raised. - Environmental Impact Study (Item 4E): Ramona reported that engineers from Tie and Bond visited the Russell Library site on June 22-23, 2026, to conduct an environmental impact study. No initial report has been received yet. Funding is available via a separate purchase order. - Budget Status: Two purchase orders remain open: one with Silver Petrocelli ($18,800 remaining) for potential value engineering, and a new one for hazardous building materials assessments at both Russell Library and 139 Broad Street ($14,000 total). Unexpended funds of about $12,000 will be returned to the general fund. The committee agreed to keep meeting periodically through November 2027 to maintain momentum, with possible SBA information sessions closer to the referendum. - Committee Continuation: Chairman Fico and others expressed the need to continue the committee until the library referendum passes, to avoid losing progress with potential new council members after the 2027 elections. Amy noted that the existing Silver Petrocelli purchase order includes funding for community information sessions. Key Outcomes - The minutes from March 31, 2026 were approved unanimously. - The committee will continue meeting at least periodically, with the next meeting scheduled for July 28, 2026. - The Mayor’s plan for a standalone library referendum in November 2027 was acknowledged, with the committee to work toward real cost estimates and public outreach. - The environmental impact study is underway; results will inform revised cost estimates. - The committee agreed to return approximately $12,000 in unexpended funds to the general fund. - The meeting adjourned at 5:38 PM.

The Middletown Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) held a special meeting on June 23, 2026, to discuss and adopt the fourth draft of a water shut-off policy for delinquent accounts. Mayor Gene Nissara attended online and expressed concerns about the residential impact of water termination, advocating for foreclosure instead of shut-offs for residents. WPCA members and staff defended the policy as necessary, lenient compared to other municipalities, and protective of vulnerable residents. The WPCA voted unanimously to adopt the resolution implementing the policy. Discussion Items - Mayor's Concerns: Mayor Nissara stated that residential water termination creates public health issues, as families may resort to unsafe water sources, and shifts costs to the health department for relocation (citing a $30,000 relocation case). He argued that the city should move to foreclosure for non-paying residents and that the mayor's office should have a role in final termination decisions. - WPCA Response: Members (Jeff Piper, Phil, Vincent Letredo, Linda Slavia, and staff) emphasized that the policy is a guide, not a mandate. They noted that the fourth draft includes protections for low-income households (125% and 300% of poverty level), medical hardships, and other vulnerabilities. They highlighted that the policy is more lenient than those of other Connecticut municipalities (most of which have shut-off policies with shorter delinquency periods). Staff (Teresa Spolletta and Joe Fasino) explained that the policy's purpose is to compel delinquent customers—some owing thousands over years—to engage with the department, not to permanently terminate service. - Need for Policy: Members stressed that without a written policy, the city has no legal basis to enforce payments, and that $5 million in unpaid water bills is unsustainable. They argued that the policy provides a roadmap to address both residential and commercial nonpayment, with commercial delinquency being a particular frustration. - Implementation and Oversight: Mayor Nissara suggested forming a subcommittee involving the mayor's office for final determinations. Members noted that the WPCA is the responsible authority and that the policy can be amended as needed. An appeals committee was briefly discussed but not formalized. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: A motion to adopt the resolution approving the fourth draft of the water shut-off policy was made by Linda Slavia and seconded. The WPCA conducted a roll call vote. All present members voted in favor: Jack Piper (aye), Vincent Letredo (aye), Linda Slavia (aye), Tammy K. (aye), and Jeff Piper (aye). Brian Gardner had left the meeting. The vote was unanimous. - Adoption: The WPCA adopted the resolution, implementing the water shut-off policy for delinquent accounts. The policy will be posted on the city website and recorded. The meeting adjourned at approximately 4:05 PM.