[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6543559,"mediaKeyId","3468592-4ad34c8d32ebd935dbb86ef3f151cc15","parentId",3468592,"title","Votes at a glance: Middletown common council approves multiple resolutions on May 20","audioSeconds",442,"startMs",3474220,"endMs",3916819,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3468592-4ad34c8d32ebd935dbb86ef3f151cc15&start=3474&end=3916","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3468592-4ad34c8d32ebd935dbb86ef3f151cc15/thumbnail_3474220.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6543559/Middletown/Orange-County/New-York/Votes-at-a-glance-Middletown-common-council-approves-multiple-resolutions-on-May-20","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543559-98b8a61fc868d5d1baea99cc1e782739/orig.mp4?Expires=1771129128&Signature=m~p0OJIKILxMXGfqyXcfLzPyIiU74xvk5Z6QF5briGbtBw5Y3K4LPPC9DMgkRqJXG0qBmvll9zjtk1H35-y8oPYyzvdh-8yXjRqhu6CqLNbUaskzVBQnDxODGwfDN6vZMq0pNHHWbPhhuo2dAIno1VFdLUG8KvStioHeIh~iMxXYgS~DbaYc8ICbB3m7c5Hgkry2tRGYpgQEFj5taoRQQrA4SDprgyivg13oQM5RAv1yDaQRjJ92f2tIecEpQ3N6923go4YunnsT1gJw7nOtIfz9IdHVOfoP5xl~meSrDfjThIz7itn87Voe2icma3xn6bCER5K0TTVCXe1cPhz1hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Middletown, NY","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","At its May 20 meeting the Middletown common council approved multiple resolutions on a range of municipal matters. Below is a concise list of each resolution or formal action, the sponsor and seconder where recorded, the roll-call result, and brief notes on substance.

Votes at a glance

1) Authorize funding for senior yoga programming at Mulberry House
- Sponsor: Alderman Witt; Second: Alderman Green
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jan Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Weiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Program funding; amount not specified on the floor.

2) Authorize funding for art instruction at Millbury House Senior Center
- Sponsor: Alderman Green; Second: Alderman Kleiner
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Kleiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Program funding; amount not specified.

3) Rename Middletown warming station in honor of Marilyn Pierce
- Sponsor: Alderman Kleiner; Second: Alderman Witt
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Miner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Council moved to name the warming station for Marilyn Pierce; mayor and aldermen praised her service.

4) Award bids and authorize funding for the South Street parking garage project
- Sponsor: Alderman Ray; Second: Alderman Jean Francois
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Weiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Project funding sources discussed earlier by DPW; overall project cost described in remarks as just under $5,000,000 with a $2.5 million contribution from Senator Schumer (as described by DPW) — council action awarded bids.

5) Amend City Code Chapter 460 (Vehicles and Traffic): prohibit 3-axle vehicles from turning right from Academy Avenue onto Sterling Street
- Sponsor: Alderman Johnson; Second: Alderman Tobin
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Weiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Traffic regulation change enacted by ordinance amendment.

6) Acceptance/authorization (details not specified on floor)
- Sponsor: Alderman John Francois; Second: Alderman Witt
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Kleiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: The transcript references an acceptance action but the resolution text or grant source was not read on the floor; details recorded as not specified.

7) Change part-time permanent employees' rate of pay
- Sponsor: Alderman Tobin; Second: Alderman Johnson
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Kleiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Rate schedule update for part-time staff; no individual dollar amounts read aloud.

8) Authorize a salary not listed on the approved 2025 rate schedule
- Sponsor: Alderman Witt; Second: Alderman Green
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Weiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Specific salary and employee not read on the floor; recorded as approved.

9) Authorize names of the Middletown Reservoir mountain bike trails
- Sponsor: Alderman Green; Second: Alderman Kleiner
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Kleiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Trail names were discussed earlier in remarks; council approved official names.

10) Update to the city's credit card policy
- Sponsor: Alderman Kleiner; Second: Alderman Green
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Weiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Administrative policy update.

11) Amend Resolution 255-24: update to ARPA obligation (retroactive to 12/31/2024)
- Sponsor: Alderman Ray; Second: Alderman Kleiner
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Weiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: ARPA obligation scheduling/obligation update.

12) Accept 2025 STOP-DWI funding ($8,6210? — transcript shows mixed formatting)
- Sponsor: Alderman Johnson; Second: Alderman Jean Francois
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Weiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Transcript text lists acceptance amount as \"8,000, 6 thousand 2 hundred and 10 dollars\" — amount formatting unclear on the floor and should be confirmed in the official resolution paperwork.

13) Accept grant award and authorize agreement for service coordinator (name spelling clarified in meeting as Stevenson)
- Sponsor: Alderman Jan Francois; Second: Alderman Ray
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Weiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Council corrected the service coordinator's name in session; see police article for details on the role.

14) Budget transfers within the 2025 budget
- Sponsor: Alderman Tobin; Second: Alderman Johnson
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Weiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Administrative budget adjustments.

15) Amend City Code Chapter 475 (short-term rentals zoning changes)
- Sponsor: Alderman Johnson; Second: Alderman Tobin
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Weiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Zoning code amendment as read on the floor; the city clerk earlier announced a public hearing had been scheduled for the matter.

16) Authorize extended construction phase services for the South Street parking garage project
- Sponsor: Alderman John Francois; Second: Alderman Johnson
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Weiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: For contractor construction-phase services; coordinates with power-line relocation with Orange and Rockland.

17) Motion to schedule public hearing on \"good cause\" legislation for June 3
- Sponsor: Alderman Johnson; Second: Alderman Green
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Kleiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved
- Notes: Council directed draft to be posted on the website prior to June 3.

18) Audit motion — move that accounts be audited and treasurer authorized to issue warrants
- Sponsor: Alderman Johnson; Second: Alderman Green
- Roll call: Tobin (Aye); Jean Francois (Aye); Johnson (Aye); Ray (Aye); Weiner (Aye); Green (Aye); Witt (Aye); Massey (No); President Rodriguez (Aye)
- Outcome: Approved (motion carries)
- Notes: Single recorded No vote (Massey). Motion carries by majority.

Notes on procedure and missing details
- Where the transcript did not read full resolution text or a dollar amount, the article records the item and marks missing specifics as \"not specified.\" Official resolution documents and the city clerk's minutes should be consulted for exact amounts, ordinance language and contract identifiers.

Ending: The council conducted a routine roll-call series of approvals across programming, policy and construction matters. Several items require follow-up paperwork and confirmation of amounts and contract documents in the official record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","The May 20th 2025 Common Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Middletown common council passed a series of resolutions on May 20 including funding for senior and arts programming, renaming the warming station for Marilyn Pierce, drainage/traffic code changes, short-term rental zoning changes, and awards related to the South Street parking garage. Roll-call votes are listed for each action.","taxTitle","Middletown, Orange County, New York","taxId",54257,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6543562,"Middletown mayor disputes state comptroller audit findings, highlights community events and development",597,759350,1357190,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3468592-4ad34c8d32ebd935dbb86ef3f151cc15&start=759&end=1357","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3468592-4ad34c8d32ebd935dbb86ef3f151cc15/thumbnail_759350.jpg","/articles/6543562/Middletown/Orange-County/New-York/Middletown-mayor-disputes-state-comptroller-audit-findings-highlights-community-events-and-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543562-7a791e8a341a1b1279c1fda58994d8cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771129128&Signature=DlcMoUuLQ-PAlBOfdGiyrO3N~-Q4YqJKbxzEcsWVje7Uqt~koYp0LHjYixPRvs~60eCUz~~8VqKLrh1mv9o6b9u2zFeVjbob6SWgYJLn5Dx75EOfyDbDLjs7oJOQtRUAP9wIu5GhnW1IUoAYqpx2hxEBdwpXSCdtkbbshWvrJPKuh3YXDgeaK97IiwIPyFXrs~zPTI6k9efBjkW28yuMQy1vXvz1rwMwnRrLuImB1vjn0C3vjQLzY2PURJ9xKdO1HCq8sdJFwrNWDp2dF7VvBYwMWqEYkrMGbsU1YHVxQKxU52~kOb7Jzj0FerrskVArgy1JgOBZvt5UEI83QfbsnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor DeStefano used his May 20 remarks to address a recently posted audit from the New York State Comptroller, describe local institutional and cultural events, and preview items the council would consider, including renaming the city warming station.

On the state audit, the mayor summarized the Comptroller's allegations as relating to payroll practices at the sewage treatment plant that allegedly involved \"double dipping\" by employees working for both Middletown and, at the same time, Crawford. He said the city provided records seven years ago to the district attorney and that the DA declined to pursue criminal charges. \"The case was dismissed,\" the mayor said, and added: \"I think it's inappropriate\" for the Comptroller's Office to publish the report without explaining why criminal prosecutors previously did not pursue the matter.

DeStefano said the city cooperated with state auditors and the district attorney, that the municipality retains a private auditor (RBT) for annual reviews, and that the city will press the Comptroller's Office for further explanation. He described some audit recommendations — for example, installing time clocks rather than handwritten time cards — and said those changes had been bargained with unions and are being implemented.

The mayor also summarized local events and development. He described Touro University's Class of 2025 graduation at the Paramount Theater and said the former Horton Hospital site — a roughly 400,000-square-foot building now used by Touro — is nearly full. He said Fei Tian College is seeking state approval to become the main campus of Northern University and noted ongoing workforce and educational programming linked to regional chip-manufacturing initiatives.

DeStefano announced the council would consider renaming the city warming station to honor Marilyn Pierce. He described Pierce as instrumental to the Greater Middletown Interfaith Council warming efforts and said the city and council members planned to make the change.

On recreation and parks, the mayor mentioned the new Milltown Reservoir mountain bike trails and said volunteers and city staff coordinated the project. The council later approved a resolution to name the trails (see \"Votes at a glance\"). DPW Commissioner Jacob reported separately that reservoir water levels were high and that crews had treated two reservoirs with copper sulfate and that the annual milling and paving program would begin May 27.

The mayor closed by listing upcoming events, including a Juneteenth Festival on June 19 and Memorial Day ceremonies; Economic Development Director Maria provided additional event details to the council.

Ending: The mayor said the city would send a formal follow-up to the Comptroller's Office and invited further council questions; several aldermen praised the planned warming station name change and the city's cultural and economic developments.","Mayor DeStefano told the common council that a New York State Comptroller report criticized historical payroll practices at the wastewater treatment plant but said the district attorney previously declined prosecution. He also updated the council on local graduations, development, and a proposal to name a warming station for Marilyn Pierce.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6543567,"Middletown recognizes police promotions; chief highlights youth outreach and service coordinator role",296,66850,362970,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3468592-4ad34c8d32ebd935dbb86ef3f151cc15&start=66&end=362","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3468592-4ad34c8d32ebd935dbb86ef3f151cc15/thumbnail_66850.jpg","/articles/6543567/Middletown/Orange-County/New-York/Middletown-recognizes-police-promotions-chief-highlights-youth-outreach-and-service-coordinator-role","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543567-b2a5f8cb45459921fb0ac4944e5e2efb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771129128&Signature=oTb5PsBMX57SktscTCRJGN2uviwzJkEdhxDI5tSDs7PFp~wNGTiLfLWfWrDfKBfUm1lhcJAEK5--7w3tXmQhvm8sbzyb42lhuG1r695JAF7qWwWp0Vh5jh2X~xW2q4EWe3-dKiZs4DY3R8TefsTMWRf5SX7jwtQcOuBmFoAQTINWLlBS1MefCJtpFaNWUIZsZ1rZKEWPTBF0Z1JhBaRflqD~L8GnrlKH9BnaVfG3P3~iIFUodkQNjZZAGgJxzJM7voGb18eZI9~GhvJ15BT~bYpPF5mnjcMiEivfdEo0Kzg8jJ2WiXlbUzi0NUKV-yPHsn-OCW8fdYmxgp0G82Triw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Middletown on May 20 recognized internal promotions in the Middletown Police Department, pinning Lieutenant Charles Petrone and Sergeant Michael Napoli during the common council meeting and highlighting department programs that connect officers with youth and community services.

Chief Wansu opened the remarks, praising the department and introducing the two officers: \"I'm extremely proud of each and every one of you, and I have the privilege to witness the dedication, commitment, and commitment that each of you give in your specific roles,\" he said. The chief gave a brief biography of each promoted officer and pinned them at the front of the council chamber.

Lieutenant Charles Petrone was described as a 12½-year department veteran who began his Middletown career on Sept. 10, 2012, and was promoted to lieutenant on March 14, 2024; the chief said Petrone has served as a field training officer and instructor on taser, crisis intervention and active-shooter response. Sergeant Michael Napoli, a six-year Middletown officer who joined the department on June 17, 2019, was promoted to sergeant on April 19, 2024; the chief said Napoli now serves as a first-line supervisor tasked with mentoring patrol officers.

The chief also recognized three detectives who were promoted in the last 18 months but were not present: Detective Patrick Gass (promoted Feb. 11, 2023), Detective Sarah Colletti (promoted Oct. 9, 2023) and Detective Barone (promoted March 22, 2024). He apologized for the delay in holding the formal ceremony.

Beyond promotions, Chief Wansu highlighted the department's leadership academy and youth outreach programs. He said the academy has led participants to reassess their views of policing: \"Overwhelmingly, they reported changed opinions and had a positive experience with police officers,\" he said, describing partnerships with the school district and the Orange County Youth Bureau.

The chief also briefed the council on a contract to continue a city-funded service coordinator who brings service providers together. He told the council the coordinator recently hosted an event at the library that assembled more than 30 service organizations to coordinate community support efforts.

Council members praised the promotions and the department's community work during remarks. Several aldermen noted the leadership academy and youth programming as important for building local relationships. The council later approved a resolution to accept a grant and authorize an agreement related to the service coordinator position (see \"Votes at a glance\").

Ending: The council ceremony and the chief's remarks underscored the department's emphasis on internal promotion and community engagement; the police chief said the department will continue leadership training and recruitment efforts and that the next leadership academy is scheduled for September.","The City of Middletown honored promotions within its police department at the May 20 common council meeting. Chief Wansu pinned Lieutenant Charles Petrone and Sergeant Michael Napoli, described ongoing youth programs and said council would be asked to approve a service-coordinator agreement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Middletown common council approves multiple resolutions on May 20

Middletown mayor disputes state comptroller audit findings, highlights community events and development

Middletown recognizes police promotions; chief highlights youth outreach and service coordinator role