Middletown: Comprehensive Plan Survey, CEO Interviews, & Emergency Preparedness Issues

MIDDLETOWN - Brief updates were exchanged during a Middletown workshop meeting on Feb. 4. Main topics included the Comprehensive Plan survey mailing, Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) interviews, and emergency preparedness needs. Supervisor Glen Faulkner was absent.

Comprehensive Plan

Councilmember Robin Williams said the Comprehensive Plan survey is ready to be distributed. Residents should expect a postcard sometime next week with instructions on how to participate. The survey will be promoted via social media and posters, and listed on the website. Williams noted that the survey is designed to allow residents to contribute their thoughts and ideas to the plan's overall outcome.

A public input meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, at 5 p.m. at Union Grove Distillery.

A Comprehensive Plan helps guide a municipality in united future goals. The plan can be critical for securing grant awards or for advocating against state and federal regulations.

CEO Interviews

Two candidates for the CEO position were recently interviewed, Councilmember Nelson Delameter reported. The pros and cons of each individual are being evaluated, and no decisions have been made yet, he said.

One candidate is enrolled in CEO certification courses, while the other is not, though the second individual has construction experience, Delameter said. Whoever is chosen will be required to complete certification, and the salary will not be as budgeted until that is complete, he noted.

A member of the public noted that a past candidate took the course with town assistance and then immediately left the position. Delameter said this is under consideration and that any hired individual will likely be required to sign a learning contract.

Emergency Preparedness

After communication issues during Winter Storm Fern in January, Faulkner has requested that the full Emergency Preparedness Committee meet to review operational responses.

Councilmember Brian Sweeney seconded that a concrete plan be implemented, as it has not been done in ages.

It was clear that Middletown could have done a better job communicating during this storm, Williams said. Board members should have answers to questions such as where emergency shelters are located, and alerts should be preemptive.

The full committee consists of Faulkner, Delameter, Steve Finch, Clerk Sarah Hubbell, Williams, Beth Bush, Sweeney, John Hubbell, Diane Galusha, Sam Gil, Peg Ellsworth, Lisa Harris, and Matt Steen.

Other Business

The Transfer Station Committee is close to finalizing conceptual drawings and is expected to present them in the next week.

The Short-Term Rental Committee will finalize recommendations at the meeting on Feb. 12. “I think we’ve got a pretty good plan that’s not onerous and will help the town and help the renters and everyone involved,” said Sweeney.

The board entered an executive session to discuss a personnel matter. No decisions were made.

The next regular meeting of the council is scheduled Wednesday, Feb. 11, after press time.