Middletown recycling commission moves forward with plan to broaden mandate to sustainability

The Middletown Resource Recycling Advisory Commission voted Nov. 25 to move forward with considering a draft ordinance that would expand the commission’s charge beyond recycling to encompass broader sustainability work.

Kim (recycling coordinator) told the group she circulated a draft ordinance and asked commissioners to review it. "I sent out the draft of it today, and I'm hoping that we can discuss it, get feedback from people," Kim said, urging a period of review before the city’s legal and council processes.

Commissioners broadly supported the idea of expanding the commission’s role but raised practical concerns about scope and implementation. "Sustainability is so broad now," Howard Weisberg, acting director of public works, said, warning that the term covers construction, environmental management and solid waste and that the commission should identify achievable priorities and subcommittees.

The commission voted by voice to advance the agenda item for discussion, then agreed to table final action and schedule a special December meeting devoted to the ordinance so members could refine the draft and confirm process steps. The chair said the draft would need legal review and a council sponsor before moving to the Common Council.

Members discussed staffing and coordination needs. Howard said the city is exploring a part-time energy coordination arrangement rather than an unfunded full‑time position and expected more details by the next meeting. Commissioners suggested using an overarching sustainability commission with task forces or offshoot programs to focus on discrete initiatives such as food waste, clean energy pilots and solid-waste policy.

Kim said the draft retains the commission’s existing membership structure and staggered terms while expanding advisory duties, including advising the mayor and common council on policies, programs and proposals related to long-term environmental, social and economic sustainability. The commission agreed to review the draft for up to a month and return with comments so it can be routed to general counsel and then, if appropriate, to the council.

The special December meeting will be scheduled by poll and posted according to notice requirements. If finalized by the commission and routed through legal review and a council sponsor, the ordinance would be presented to the Common Council for consideration.