Middletown board approves bathroom design, budget transfers, EV contract renewal and park donation

The Middletown Board of Estimate and Apportionment on Oct. 31 approved several routine authorizations and budget transfers, including a $25,000 design contract for senior-center bathroom upgrades, intra-departmental transfers for the Department of Public Works, a water-fund payroll transfer, renewal of a contract for an electric-vehicle charging station, acceptance of a park donation and a single water-sewer billing adjustment.

The board authorized a $25,000 agreement with CPL to design upgrades to senior bathrooms. The presiding officer said the work is part of a $145,000 grant obtained through Senator Scoofa's office. The motion was made by the presiding officer and seconded by Alderman Massey and passed by voice vote; Council President Rodriguez was absent.

Members also approved transfers within the Department of Public Works budget: $15,000 redirected from payroll to traffic paint and signs and $35,000 from payroll to materials and supplies. The board approved a separate transfer of $44,003.93 and $0.62 within the 2025 water budget to replenish the personal services line so salary payments can continue for the rest of the year.

The board renewed the ChargePoint contract covering the James Street electric-vehicle charging station. Staff reported a projected net return to the city of $7,765 over three years but noted current expenses for licensing and warranties mean an estimated net cost of about $4,748 at present usage levels. Jacob, a staff member, said the city can raise charging rates and monitors usage "exactly to the penny." The motion to renew was made by Alderman Massey and seconded by the presiding officer; it passed.

The board accepted a $30,000 donation from Run for Downtown for Thorold Park improvements that Miss Bruni described as uplighting for monuments, new sidewalks around monuments, benches, litter containers and related electrical upgrades for lighting. The motion was approved.

On a customer billing matter, the board reduced a water and sewer charge for 83 Anthony Street to $8,000 for one billing period after staff reported the account declined in the subsequent period and the resident had signed up for the assistance program.

All routine items were approved by voice vote with the presiding officer and Alderman Massey recorded as present and voting; Council President Rodriguez was absent.