Middletown council approves appropriations for winter work, emergency repairs and advances design funding for two elementary‑school roofs

At its May 4 meeting the Middletown Common Council approved several appropriation requests and advanced school‑roof design work for two district buildings.

Clerk and finance staff read appropriation requests certified by the director of finance: Public Works $80,000 to cover unanticipated winter overtime; Public Works $170,000 for unanticipated vehicle repairs and parts; and Police $31,939.40 for emergency lighting and access‑control repairs. Each item was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote during the appropriations portion of the meeting.

Later in the meeting the council debated two Board of Education resolutions authorizing architectural studies and drawings to establish the cost of roof replacements at Spencer Elementary and Wesley Elementary schools. Council discussion focused on timing, funding source and whether to bundle several school roof projects for a referendum. Council members argued both for expediting design work so the Board of Education could file for the state's reimbursement process and for avoiding unnecessary impact on the general fund.

After an amendment and roll‑call votes, the council approved both resolutions and amended the appropriation source to draw from the 2025 infrastructure bond (previously approved by voters) rather than immediate general‑fund cash. The mayor noted that design work is the first step required to pursue the state's partial reimbursement program for school roofing projects; the board can then submit designs to the state for funding consideration. Council members recorded roll‑call tallies on the amendment and the final motions in the minutes.

The meeting closed after routine appointments and the council adjourned.