Public Meetings - Middletown, Connecticut

The Middletown Common Council held a special hybrid meeting on June 1, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber and via WebEx. The sole purpose was to receive a presentation and conduct a question-and-answer session regarding the Saybrook Road Reconstruction and Pedestrian Access Project and a proposed amendment to the city’s contract with Cardinal Engineering for design services. No votes on the amendment were taken during this informational meeting. Discussion Items - Project Presentation: Brian Gardner, Acting Deputy Director of Public Works, delivered a detailed presentation covering the project’s history, funding, design challenges, and revised scope. Key points included: - The project originates from the 2013 Complete Streets Master Plan prioritizing Saybrook Road. - The road is in poor condition, lacks sidewalks, and has no safe pedestrian crossings; a well-worn path indicates heavy foot traffic. - The original plan (2016) was ambitious, widening the road and adding bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides, but required 39 property easements—most unattainable. Cost escalation from $2 million (2019) to $5.78 million (2022) due to inflation and added Wall Street work. - The revised plan (March 2025) eliminates bike lanes, eliminates the east-side sidewalk south of Wall Street, and removes all Wall Street work except a short connection. It instead proposes a 10-foot-wide bituminous concrete multi-use trail on the west side, milling and overlaying existing pavement except at intersections requiring full-depth reconstruction, and replacing the east-side sidewalk with extruded concrete curbing. - Property impacts reduced from 39 to 8 properties (one partial take, one signal easement, six slope easements, two sidewalk easements). - Construction cost estimated at $5–$5.3 million (preliminary). Funding includes $3.7 million from the state Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) through River COG, with the city covering design and non-participating costs. Design costs for the amendment are approximately $200,000, funded from the city’s enforcement program proceeds. - Crash data from UConn shows over 50 crashes in a five-year period at intersections along the corridor, particularly at Wall Street, Stop & Shop driveway, and East Main Street. - The project limits remain unchanged: from Tryon Street to East Main Street (near Walgreens). - Council Questions: Councilwoman Linda Salafia questioned the lack of detail on how traffic light intersections would be reconfigured, stating she needed a visual plan before approval. Mr. Gardner explained the intersections would be widened slightly to add proper turning lanes but acknowledged no detailed design yet. He offered to provide a preliminary schematic. The mayor clarified that the amendment before the council only funds the final design work leading to a public forum; no construction approval was sought at this meeting. Key Outcomes - The special meeting concluded with a motion (Councilwoman Blackwell, second Councilwoman Fulton) to adjourn the workshop. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. The council then moved to a regular “questions of directors” agenda item. - No vote was taken on Amendment 9 to the Cardinal Engineering contract. The council indicated they would receive further information before any decision.

The Fair Rent Commission met on May 29, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM and adjourning at 9:27 PM. The meeting addressed three contested matters: a jurisdictional review, a retaliation hearing, and a compliance hearing, along with a second retaliation hearing late in the evening. Numerous votes were taken, including a 5-0 dismissal and a 4-1 dismissal. Consent Calendar - Minutes of May 13, 2026: Approved unanimously by voice vote. - Correspondence: None. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Jurisdictional Review – Nester vs. Middletown Housing Authority: Attorney Emilio Estrella, representing the Housing Authority, argued that the complaint lacked jurisdiction because the Housing Authority is not the landlord and the rent did not increase; the tenant’s share rose due to reduced household size and Section 8 eligibility changes. The complainant (Ms. Nester) was not present. The Commission dismissed the complaint after a roll-call vote (5-0; all commissioners in favor – Cronenberger, Fennel, Gonishau, Calvo, Rosenthal). - Retaliation Hearing – Williams vs. Middletown Housing Authority: The tenant, Ms. Williams, testified that she received an eviction notice after disputing excessive recertification demands (bank statements for six accounts) and a $500 rent increase. She claimed the housing authority retaliated after she filed a complaint with the Commission. The landlord’s attorney, David Carlson, argued that the initial termination in March 2025 was for failure to recertify, and the May 2026 notice to quit was sent in error and would not be pursued. The Commission’s counsel explained the three possible grounds for retaliation under Section 14-81. After discussion, the parties agreed to a stipulated order: the Housing Authority would withdraw both notices to quit and cease eviction proceedings. The Commission voted unanimously (5-0) to table the matter with that order. - Compliance Hearing – McPearson vs. 260-280 East Main Street LLC: Attorney for the tenant (Mr. McPherson) argued that the landlord failed to comply with a September 15, 2025 order to repair the heating system and provide reports from the health department, building department, and fire marshal. The landlord (Mr. Beskovich) presented invoices and inspection notes but admitted he did not know reports were required. The Commission noted the landlord had continued to charge full rent despite the order reducing rent to zero after October 4, 2025. The landlord had also filed an eviction action. The Commission tabled the compliance matter (unanimous roll-call aye, 5-0) to allow informal settlement discussions, and strongly urged the landlord to withdraw the eviction. The parties scheduled a Zoom settlement conference for the next day (May 30) at 2:00 PM. - Retaliation Hearing – DeLeon vs. Monarca Properties: The tenant, Mr. DeLeon, stated he received a notice to quit (lapse of time) on April 28, 2026, 45 days’ notice to vacate by June 12. He had previously filed a complaint and the Commission found retaliation in November 2025. He noted he has a major surgery scheduled for July 27 and is on fixed disability income. The landlord’s attorney argued the notice was for lapse of time, not related to the complaint, and over six months had passed. The Commission voted to dismiss the complaint 4-1 (Commissioner Fennel voting against dismissal). The offer of informal settlement was declined. Key Outcomes - Nester complaint dismissed (5-0) for lack of jurisdiction. - Williams vs. Housing Authority: Stipulated order to withdraw both notices to quit and cease eviction; matter tabled. - McPearson compliance: Tabled (5-0) for informal settlement; eviction strongly urged to be withdrawn; settlement conference scheduled for May 30. - DeLeon retaliation complaint dismissed (4-1). - The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 2026, with possibility of a special meeting if needed.

The Insurance and Claims subcommittee met on May 29, 2026, at 6:23 PM (the transcript indicates May 5, 2026, but the provided date is used per instructions). Present were Councilwoman Spitola, Councilman Ford, Risk Manager Kristen Holden, and guests Robert Cabana and Terry DeMatti. The meeting focused on the selection of a medical and dental administrative services provider via RFP and an update on claims activity. Discussion Items - RFP for Medical and Dental Administrative Services: Kristen Holden presented the RFP results. For medical services, three respondents (Cigna, Aetna, Anthem) submitted proposals; Anthem failed to provide required critical information and did not resubmit, leaving only Aetna and Cigna. Cigna, the incumbent, was the clear front-runner based on pricing and network analysis. For dental services, four respondents (Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Delta Dental) participated. Although Delta Dental offered lower pricing in some areas, Cigna's overall package—including significantly lower administrative fixed costs ($3 vs. $7 per member per month)—made Cigna the better value. The recommended contract would start October 1, 2026, and run through June 30, 2029, with options to extend for two additional one-year terms. The current Cigna contract was extended through September 30, 2026, to allow a smooth transition if a different carrier had been selected. Drug prescription coverage will be bid separately in a subsequent RFP. - Claims Update: Holden reported no significant claim closures. The city's claim counts are at historic lows, with approximately 28 pending claims (e.g., snowplow property damage, canine bite). Since the charter change, the Board of Education handles its own claims through a separate administrator (Kerma), and the city receives fewer updates on those. Employment practices claims continue at a low frequency (one every 6–12 months). No monetary settlements of note have occurred recently. Holden will provide a full spreadsheet of closed claims at the next meeting. Key Outcomes - The subcommittee voted unanimously to approve a motion to forward the resolution selecting Cigna as the medical and dental administrative services provider to the Finance and Government (F&G) Committee and then to the Common Council. The motion was made by Councilman Ford and seconded by Councilwoman Spitola. - The meeting was adjourned without further business. Note: The transcript places the meeting on May 5, 2026, but the instruction requires the date to be given as May 29, 2026.

The 911 Building Committee met on May 29, 2026, at 6:02 PM, via WebEx and in person at the police community room. The meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM and adjourned at 6:33 PM. The committee received updates on the design and construction of the new emergency communications center, reviewed exterior renderings, discussed procurement strategies for sole-source equipment, and approved two payments for completed work. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing portion; committee closed that segment and moved to business. Discussion Items - Director Grauer Update: Director Grauer reported that the survey and geotechnical reports are complete and in the hands of Tektron (the design firm) for engineering review. He proposed bringing sole-source and bid-waiver contracts (e.g., Motorola radio system, municipal fire alarm dispatching system, consoles) to the committee for approval in order to lock in prices before the new purchasing ordinance takes effect. Committee members asked clarifying questions about documentation and the rationale for sole sourcing. Director Grauer explained that the city invested $12 million in a Motorola radio system in 2017, making it cost-prohibitive and incompatible to switch vendors. The committee agreed to proceed, with the understanding that each contract would require a memo from Purchasing Director Donna Formato and approval from the Common Council. - Tektron Design Update: The design team presented progress over the past month, including intensive programming meetings for HVAC, IT systems, and radio infrastructure. Upcoming milestones include a site walk with Eversource on June 2, an interior design charrette on June 4, and a 100% design development deliverable on June 12. A refined cost estimate is expected for the July committee meeting. The team is still targeting September 4 for 100% bid documents. The committee asked about adjustments made after meetings with Director Grauer; the design team noted minor refinements to the number of cameras and access control points, and a change to make the new building the IT hub (rather than the existing building) for better security and infrastructure. No major cost or scope changes were expected. - Exterior Renderings: The design team presented two renderings of the building exterior from different angles. The proposed materials include a cast stone base (resembling brownstone but more durable) and brick above. A pre-manufactured canopy marks the main entry, and a security gate (crash-rated) controls vehicle access. A small covered porch outside the fitness room was shown. The committee discussed window placement for the training room — the current rendering shows windows on the presentation wall, which the committee suggested relocating to the south side to allow natural light while preserving wall space for presentations. The committee also inquired about availability of materials for future maintenance; the design team confirmed all materials are readily available. The committee praised the renderings and noted that the visual helps inform design decisions. - Building Naming: During the Tektron update, a committee member mentioned that the first public hearing for naming the building “George Dunn Central Communications Center” is scheduled for the next Common Council meeting (first week of June). The committee requested that a presentation or history of how the name came about be included at the resolution hearing the following month. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve $17,000 payment to GeoDesign for geotechnical work performed through May 3, 2026: The purchase order was for $19,000; the remaining $2,040 will be retained for potential pre-construction and construction consultation. Moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. - Motion to approve $23,990 payment to Tektron (Tekton) for work performed through April 30, 2026: This covers the majority of the schematic design and the start of design development. Moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. - The committee directed Director Grauer to bring sole-source and bid-waiver contracts to future meetings with appropriate documentation from the purchasing department and justification for council approval. - Meeting adjourned at 6:33 PM.

Note: The transcript of the meeting identifies the date as May 14, 2026; however, the provided meeting date is May 27, 2026. This summary uses the latter date as instructed. The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m. by the chair. The committee approved minutes from April 9, 2026, received updates on code enforcement cases, and discussed a new legal strategy against landlords renting to illegal cannabis shops. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the April 9, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote (all ayes, no nays or abstentions) at 9:03 a.m. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present, so the public session was closed immediately. Discussion Items - Forbidden Llama (Old Business): Nick reported that the latest referral is now with the commission for investigation. The committee agreed to remove this item from the agenda, with the option to add it back if needed. - 455-465 Middlefield Street (Office of General Counsel): The case continues to move forward in Superior Court. The city's brief is due the Friday after the meeting (May 15, 2026, per the transcript). Settlement discussions are ongoing. No updates from Health, Building, or Police regarding equipment or zoning violations. Committee members reported no observed activity at the site. - Municipal Action Against Landlords Renting to Illegal Cannabis Businesses: The committee discussed a relatively new state statute (about one to two years old) that allows municipalities to file an ex parte injunction against landlords who rent space to shops selling cannabis without a license. The Attorney General's office has been meeting with municipalities to standardize enforcement, as the statute has never been used. Nick reported that the narcotics unit recently raided a smoke shop at Washington and Old Mill for the fourth time, seizing approximately 50 pounds of marijuana and discovering a hidden room with a false wall. Arrests were made, and the owner subsequently hired a cleaning company, indicating awareness of the illegal activity. The committee agreed to use this property as a test case for the new statute. The General Counsel will send the relevant information to Nick after the meeting to initiate the process. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimously approved the April 9, 2026 meeting minutes. - Forbidden Llama: Removed from agenda. - Cannabis Enforcement: The committee directed the General Counsel to proceed with using the new statute against the landlord of the Washington and Old Mill smoke shop, following the recent raid. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 9:08 a.m.

LGBTQI+ Commission Special Meeting - May 27, 2026\n\nThe LGBTQI+ Commission held a special virtual meeting on May 27, 2026, at 6:08 PM, adjourning at 6:16 PM. The meeting approved three event proposals and heard public testimony from the Manager of Senior Services.\n\n Public Comments & Testimony\n- Anne Gregory, Manager of Senior Services for the City of Middletown, thanked the Commission for considering a proposed June program she developed with Commissioner Derek Cartagena.\n\n Discussion Items\n- Event 1: \"Wicked of Oz: A Drag Review\" – Proposed by Commissioner Derek Cartagena, scheduled for June 9, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the Middletown Senior Center (61 Durant Terrace). The total cost is $975, covering refreshments, performers, and movie licensing. Commissioner Cartagena noted the primary cost was movie licensing. No further discussion ensued.\n\n- Event 2: \"Middletown Pride in Paddle & Poll\" – Proposed by Commissioner Katie, scheduled for June 20, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Floating Meadows (181 Johnson Street). The cost is $1,383.71, comprising $883.71 for refreshments and $500 for ASL interpreters, with a maximum capacity of 35 participants aged 13+. The event involves a paddle to pull invasive species with the Connecticut River Conservancy and the Jonas Center, followed by an event at a local brewery. The cost covers food, pizza, and one beverage per person. Unlike the previous year, hats were not included to save costs.\n\n- Event 3: Non-Binary Meetup – Continuing Sponsorship – Originally proposed by Commissioner Angela Crow. No cost associated; the Commission simply continues its sponsorship.\n\n Key Outcomes\n- Motion to approve \"Wicked of Oz\": Moved by Dolly Haddad, seconded by Angela Crow. Roll call vote: All 7 present members voted aye. Passed unanimously.\n- Motion to approve \"Middletown Pride in Paddle & Poll\": Moved by Laura, seconded by Lisa Loomis Davern. Roll call vote: All 8 present members (including Laura who joined during the meeting) voted aye. Passed unanimously.\n- Motion to continue sponsorship of Non-Binary Meetup: Moved by Katie, seconded by Derek Cartagena. Roll call vote: All 8 present members voted aye. Passed unanimously.\n- Adjournment: Motion by Laura, seconded by Angela Crow. The meeting adjourned at 6:16 PM.

The Middletown General Council Commission held a special meeting on May 27, 2026, to address several ordinances, job descriptions, and staffing updates. Key actions included approval of exemptions for a temporary amphitheater location, a 40-year tax abatement for St. Vincent's Commons (moved to committee for further detail), and new fire mechanic and building official job descriptions. The meeting also featured public testimony, a historic preservation tax abatement, and a vacancy report. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary Ellen (St. Vincent dePaul Middletown) presented the St. Vincent's Commons project, a $14 million facility at 272–295 Liberty Street combining a cold weather shelter, soup kitchen, homeless services, administration, and 16 HUD-subsidized supportive housing units. She requested a 40-year real estate tax abatement on the 16 units only, noting she has paid property taxes on the land since purchase and will continue until building opening. She expressed commitment to serving Middletown. Discussion Items - Ordinance – Exemption of Certain Nonprofit Organizations (272-36): Attorney Witsneski explained the amendment adds 1000 Silver Street as a temporary location for NHCPA’s amphitheater while environmental work proceeds at the planned River Road site. Director Marks stated HUD approval is expected in August 2026, with a five-year lease at Silver Street. The ordinance was approved unanimously. - Ordinance – Noise Exemption (272-95): Mirrors the above change, adding 1000 Silver Street to exempted noise zones. Approved unanimously. - Ordinance – Tax Abatement for St. Vincent’s Commons (272-95): Councilwoman Salafia raised concerns about the 40-year term and lack of projected tax revenue loss. Director Marks and Mary Ellen noted similar abatements had been given (e.g., Shepherd Home, former Middletown High) and offered to provide projections. The item was moved back to the Finance & Government (F&G) Committee for further discussion on dollar amounts. Motion carried unanimously. - Ordinance – Historic Structure Rehabilitation Tax Abatement (272-16.2.4): For 116 Washington Street (Air and P's house), developer to spend $239,000 on rehabilitation. Director Marks highlighted the city's participation in the state-authorized program. Approved unanimously. - Job Description – Master Fire Mechanic: Chief Albert cited rising repair costs ($200,000/year, up from $100,000) and labor fees ($200/hour). The position would share time with Public Works and reduce reliance on outside vendors. Councilwoman Sweeney raised supervisory oversight; Chief Albert confirmed coordination with Public Works Director Beach. Approved unanimously. - Job Description – Assistant Building Official (Correction): Director Richardson acknowledged his error in a 2023 update that incorrectly included an E1 electrician license. The corrected version (based on 2012 labor-management agreement) excludes that requirement. Councilwoman Salafia clarified the change. Approved unanimously. - Old Business – Recruitment Efforts: Director Richardson reported events (Cultural Day, truck driver open house, Chamber career expo) and announced Maria’s receipt of the Distinguished Presidential Award for community outreach. - Baker Tilly Workshop: A workshop on implementation of the classification and compensation study is scheduled for May 26, 2026. Director Richardson noted $1,000 cost for NeoGov implementation and that most of the 187 positions are within existing pay ranges; only a few changed salary. Details on cost and impact will be presented. - Vacancy Report: Director Richardson reviewed funded/unfunded positions. Funded positions to be posted include: assessment aid tech, parking operations manager, public health sanitarian, insurance coordinator, account clerk, development specialist, and others. Deputy Director of Central Communications interviews complete; candidate will require council confirmation. Several positions remain at $1 (unfunded). Key Outcomes - Approved Unanimously: Exemption and noise ordinances for 1000 Silver Street; historic rehabilitation abatement; master fire mechanic job description; assistant building official job description. - Moved to Committee: St. Vincent’s Commons tax abatement (272-95) was referred to F&G for financial projections (40-year tax impact). - Next Steps: Recruitment for funded positions continues; council will interview deputy director candidate; Baker Tilly workshop on May 26 to provide implementation details. - Date Note: The meeting transcript states May 20, 2026, but official records indicate the meeting was held on May 27, 2026. This summary uses the latter date per instructions.

The scholarship subcommittee of the Middletown LGBTQ+ commission met on May 27, 2026, at approximately 10:30 AM to review the single scholarship application received for the current cycle. The committee deliberated on the strength of the application and decided to recommend a $1,500 award. Members also discussed strategies to increase future applicant numbers. Discussion Items - The committee received only one application for the $10,000 scholarship fund. The applicant, a Middletown High School senior who identifies as pansexual, was not known to the advisor of the GSA or to committee members. Her essay was described as “weak” and not clearly demonstrating advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, instead focusing on using art to reach people. One member noted that the essay seemed like a repurposed submission from another scholarship. - The committee considered whether to award anything at all, but agreed that giving something would maintain the scholarship’s continuity and encourage future applicants. Initial proposals ranged from $1,000 to $2,000. After discussion, the committee settled on recommending $1,500. - The members also discussed outreach challenges: only three applicants last year and one this year despite emails to local high schools, Upward Bound, and Wesleyan. They proposed a face-to-face meeting with guidance counselors in early 2027 to personally promote the scholarship and increase awareness. Key Outcomes - The subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend a $1,500 scholarship award to the applicant, Asia. The final decision rests with the full commission. - The committee will present the recommendation at the upcoming Pride Fest, where the recipient will be recognized with a check. - As a next step, the committee will schedule a meeting with guidance counselors from Middletown High, Mercy, Xavier, and Vinal in February 2027 to encourage more applications. The possibility of revising the scholarship rules to allow rollover of unused funds or adjusting award amounts will be raised with the commission.

The Middletown Common Council held a special workshop on May 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to review the final report of the Baker Tilly Classification and Compensation Study (dated December 2025) and discuss next steps for potential adoption and implementation. The workshop featured presentations by Deputy General Counsel Corey Wisneski, Payroll/Pension Supervisor Nicole Carr, and Human Resources Director Justin Richardson, followed by a question-and-answer session with council members. No public comments were taken and no formal vote was held. Discussion Items - Presentation and Study Background: Corey Wisneski explained that the current classification system (Maximus) is about 25 years old and outdated. The study aimed to update job classifications and create a new pay scale for non-bargaining employees and those covered by unions UPSU and Local 466. Phase 1 and 2 (data collection, market assessment, job description updates) were completed; Phase 3 would require a council vote and implementation over an estimated minimum of six months. - Implementation Process and Impact Bargaining: Wisneski outlined that 178 positions would need to be vetted with unions, including 102 positions for Local 466 (estimated 30 minutes per job, total 45–50 hours), 46 positions for UPSU (estimated 10 additional hours), and 5 non-bargaining positions (estimated 5 hours). Impact bargaining would address practical consequences of the new system, such as hours, wages, benefits, and parity. Meetings would be held by department with department heads, division leaders, union leadership, and HR present. - System Updates and Costs: Nicole Carr detailed the complexity of updating the payroll system (AUC) to accommodate a new seven-step pay plan (current system has six steps) while maintaining existing salary schedules for fire, police, library, temporary employees, and elected officials. AUC vendor support at $250/hour was estimated to cost at least $250,000 for necessary updates. Justin Richardson outlined parallel updates to the HR system (NeoGov), estimated at $975. Both systems do not communicate and would need independent updates. Carr emphasized that current payroll staffing is insufficient; additional personnel would be needed to manage the dual-platform system and to address succession planning for her pending departure in July 2027. - Statistical Comparisons: Richardson reported that of approximately 184 submitted job titles, Baker Tilly benchmarked 154 against ten peer municipalities. Only 35 positions had sufficient market data (three or more comparable positions). Among those benchmarked, 15 were above market, 2 were below, and the rest fell within an acceptable range. Councilwoman Linda Salafia questioned the need for a full overhaul given that most positions appear adequately compensated. Richardson and Wisneski argued that salary compression (e.g., manager and director earning nearly the same) and outdated job descriptions necessitate the update, and that the new schedule would create a 5% differential between grades to encourage advancement. - Union Engagement: Wisneski and Richardson noted that UPSU cooperated closely with job description review, while Local 466 had not yet been fully engaged. If the council approved the study, impact bargaining would begin. Councilwoman Jeanette Blackwell asked about the fate of the study if not adopted; Wisneski responded that the city would retain the antiquated Maximus system, and collective bargaining agreements would govern future labor-management processes. She also noted that the current Local 466 contract includes a clause requiring council action on a new classification plan by January 5, 2027, else the city reverts to the existing process (reviewing 20 jobs instead of 10 per year). Fire and police were excluded from the study because they are certified under state standards and have no labor-management process. - Red Circling and Implementation Scenarios: Richardson explained red circling using the Carpenter position as an example—an individual currently paid above market who would retain their salary but no future step increases, and the position would revert to proper grade upon departure. Councilwoman Salafia requested totals of proposed salary increases; Richardson directed her to pages 15–18 of the report showing three implementation scenarios. Scenario 1 would cost approximately $428,000 to move employees into new grades. Councilwoman Sweeney asked about software alternatives; Finance Director Carl (last name not stated) noted that a full Munis implementation would cost over $4 million and require more accounting expertise, making AUC a preferable partner. Key Outcomes - No formal vote was taken; the workshop was informational only. - Council members expressed varying opinions: some questioned the cost-benefit (Salafia), others emphasized the need to address salary compression and outdated classifications (Blackwell, Gennaro). - Next steps include potential council vote on adoption in a future meeting. If approved, impact bargaining would begin immediately, with implementation expected to take at least six months. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:15 p.m. (based on transcript flow).