Middletown council approves transportation study, park dog rules and several capital measures

The Middletown Common Council on Monday approved a package of resolutions covering a transportation study for the Middletown Community Campus, changes allowing dogs in designated downtown parks, clarifications to the city's open-container code and several construction- and grant-related measures.

Council action and major votes came after a series of department updates and brief announcements. The transportation and traffic study, sponsored by Alderman John Fonis, was approved by roll call. Council also passed an amendment to City Code chapter 161 to permit dogs in designated downtown parks (sponsored by Alderman Johnson) and an amendment to chapter 156 clarifying restrictions on possession of open alcoholic beverage containers. Each measure passed on roll call with council members recorded as voting in the affirmative.

Mayor (name not stated) opened the meeting by asking for a moment of silence for Joseph "Ron" Heepus, a former alderman and longtime resident. The mayor reported he and Council President Rodriguez attended the Police Department awards ceremony and congratulated award recipients. He also noted an opening downtown for an Indian restaurant, Sher Punjab at 9 King Street, and summarized a recent visit by Dr. Damia Harris Madden from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services to discuss elements of the governor's proposed budget related to child care.

On infrastructure, the mayor provided a construction update on the South Street parking garage, saying the site is active, phase one is expected to add about 80 spaces and a contractor-provided target completion date is June 26. DPW Commissioner Jacob confirmed yard-waste pickup will begin Monday, April 6, with residents asked to set material out Sunday night.

Recreation staff outlined a range of spring and summer programming. The Middletown Hometown Harmony program for grades 1'12 is set to begin April 11; registration fees are $50 for city residents and $70 for nonresidents, though organizers reported registration is low so far. Staff also reported work to prepare Maple Hill pool equipment for bidding and continued development of a splash-pad proposal.

Fire and police department leaders each gave routine updates. The Fire Chief said the department has responded to 251 calls year-to-date and described two recent accidental residential fires that were investigated with the Orange County Arson Bureau. The Police Chief highlighted the department's awards event and a senior luncheon co-hosted with the senior center, and welcomed new officer Aiden Burgess.

Other measures passed by the council included authorization for engineering services and temporary borrowing for a police department roof replacement (sponsored by Alderwoman Ray); a contract award and budget transfer for catwalk repairs at the Paramount Theater (sponsored by Alderman Green); an amendment to a prior resolution to accept a grant for the Middletown Community Campus Strategic Plan (sponsored by Alderman Massie); a resolution authorizing a public hearing on a proposed two-lot subdivision at 14 Railroad Avenue (sponsored by Alderman Rodriguez), on which President Rodriguez recorded an abstention; and acceptance of a proposal from CTmail Associates for dam safety inspection and engineering services (sponsored by Alderwoman Ray). All measures on the agenda carried by roll call.

Alderman Gomez raised concerns about winter heating failures for residents, citing high replacement costs for boilers and said he is working with state officials to identify possible resources for affected households. Council members also offered congratulations to local performing arts groups and local businesses.

The council announced the State of the City address for April 7 at 7 p.m.; the mayor said it will be streamed on Facebook and Channel 20. The meeting concluded after routine audit motions and a vote to adjourn.

Votes at a glance: transportation and traffic study (approved, unanimous roll call); amendment to allow dogs in designated downtown parks (approved, unanimous roll call); open-container code clarification (approved, unanimous roll call); police roof engineering and temporary borrowing (approved, unanimous roll call); Paramount Theater catwalk contract award and budget transfer (approved, unanimous roll call); amendment to accept Community Campus grant (approved, unanimous roll call); authorization of public hearing for 14 Railroad Ave subdivision (approved, roll call with President Rodriguez abstaining); dam safety inspection proposal and budget transfer (approved, unanimous roll call).