Middletown advisory commission approves renaming to Sustainability Commission, sets membership at 15

The Middletown Recycling Advisory Commission voted unanimously on Dec. 9 to adopt a proposed ordinance renaming itself the Middletown Sustainability Commission, add two Common Council members (from different parties), remove student seats from the ordinance and set the commission's total membership at 15.

Jen, a commission member, proposed keeping a transitional public-facing label so residents searching for recycling services can find the group while the formal title changes. "If we were to drop the recycling piece, maybe we could add 'formally known as' for maybe a year or so just so that people do make that association," she said.

Kim, the commission's recycling coordinator, said the change would not alter operational recycling services and explained procedural steps for the ordinance: current members would carry through their existing terms, future appointments would transition to staggered two-year terms, and the ordinance would be routed to the Public Works Commission, general counsel and the Common Council for final approval. "You don't have to go back for the oath," Kim said when asked about reappointment formalities.

Members debated whether to require council representation in the ordinance. Supporters said including Common Council members as formal seats would strengthen the commission's voice to the council and expedite advocacy; some members raised concerns about councilors' bandwidth and the potential to change internal dynamics. Commissioners agreed the ordinance should specify two council members from different parties, and that council members would not count toward quorum for ordinary votes.

The commission also considered but ultimately removed nonvoting student slots from the ordinance. Members said student involvement remains desirable for outreach and volunteer work, but that student participation can be arranged informally without embedding it in the ordinance.

At the meeting's close, Steven moved to accept Kim's draft as amended (formal name: Sustainability Commission; two Common Council members from different parties; no student seats in the ordinance; total membership 15). Jen seconded the motion. Members voiced approval, and the Chair declared the motion approved. The ordinance language will be forwarded to the Public Works Commission, general counsel and the Common Council for review.

The meeting adjourned following the vote.