Common Council

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OATH OF OFFICE CEREMONY MIDDLETOWN CONNECTICUT NOVEMBER 14, 2017 7:00P.M. The Special Meeting of the Common Council of the City of Middletown was held in the Council Chamber of the Municipal Building on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. Present: Councilman Robert Blanchard Councilman Eugene Nocera Councilman Carl R. Chisem Councilman Philip Pessina Councilman Gerald E. Daly Councilwoman Linda Salafia Councilman Sebastian Giuliano Councilman Robert Santangelo Councilwoman Deborah Kleckowski Councilman Thomas J. Serra Also Present: Mayor Daniel T. Drew State Senator Toni Boucher State Senator George Logan State Senator Len Suzio Sargent-at-Arms, Middletown Police Department, Linda S.K. Reed, Council Clerk Absent: Councilwoman Mary Bartolotta; Councilman Grady Faulkner, Jr. Members of the Public: 100+ 1. Welcome: Hon. Daniel T. Drew, Mayor welcomes the newly elected officials, their families and guests, and members of the public to this oath of office ceremony and calls the meeting to order at 7:02 P.M. He invites Nia West, Middletown High School student to come forward to sing the National Anthem. 2. The Star-Spangled Banner, National Anthem of the United States of America: Nia West, Middletown High School Senior Choir performs the National Anthem a Capella. 3. Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Drew invites Tyler Wenzel, Middletown High School Student Council, Board of Education Representative, to the podium to lead the Pledge of Allegiance for the Common Council and those in attendance. 4. Reading: Susan Allison, Middletown Poet Laureate reads here original poem entitled Choose Any River. 5. Invocation: Father Russell Kennedy, Pastor – St. Francis of Assisi Parish, offers the invocation. 6. Call to Order: The Mayor instructs clerk to read Call of the Meeting. Mayor Drew declares call a legal call and meeting a legal meeting. 7. Oath of Office: Mayor Drew asks any outgoing members of the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of Education, who may be in the audience, to stand to be recognized for their service. He addresses the newly elected Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Education members, offering congratulations to these individuals and to their families. He states that this is a very special evening for Middletown with newly elected members Ed Ford and Tyrell Brown, who were interning in City Hall just a two (2) summers ago. He acknowledges them for embarking on a public service career at such a young age and congratulates them. He calls forward each of the elected officials, reminding them that they affect the lives in this community every day, noting that their decisions, both large and small, have an impact every single day. These decisions affect the lives and welfare of our children, how we teach our children, decisions about how buildings are situated and how roads are built, each and every aspect of our lives, every day. Mayor Drew thanks the newly elected officials and explains that their families are welcome to come with them to the podium for the oath of office. A. Board of Education Members-Elect: Mayor Drew invites Board of Education Members- Elect individually to the podium to take the Oath of Office: Edward Ford, Jr.; Sean King; Lisa Loomis; and Jonathan Pulino. The mayor administers the oath of office individually to each Boardmember-elect.  NOVEMBER 14, 2017 SPECIAL COMMON COUNCIL MEETING Page 2 B. Planning & Zoning Commission Members-Elect: Mayor Drew invites Planning & Zoning Commission Members-Elect to the podium to take the Oath of Office: Corrine Dorsey; Stephen Devoto; Nicholas Fazzino; and Tyrell J. Brown. The Mayor administers the oath of office individually to each Commissioner-elect. Mayor Drew invites Councilmembers to address the audience. He calls on Councilman Thomas Serra. Councilman Serra offers congratulations to all newly elected Planning & Zoning Commissioners and Board of Education members on behalf of the Council. He reminds the Planning & Zoning Commissioners that they will help direct future development of the City. He reminds the Board of Education members that they are responsible for disbursing $82M for the betterment of our children and that the Council is here to help them. Mayor Drew calls on Councilman Sebastian Giuliano. Councilman Giuliano echoes Councilman Serra’s comments and Mayor Drew’s greetings. He expresses thanks to all elected official for stepping up to run, noting that it is not easy; that campaigning can be grueling; and that the work is even more grueling, no glory. He reminds the newly elected officials to put the constituents first and have a rewarding career, a long career. Councilman Giuliano addresses Board of Education Member Ed Ford and Planning & Zoning Commissioner Tyrell Brown, stating that this is the first of many days of responsibility to fellow citizens. He notes that others have known them for a long time and know what they are made of and have to offer the City. He reiterates Councilman Serra’s pledge that the Common Council we will work with them to carry out duties. He addresses those who have served in the past, offering thanks for long nights, many committee meetings, and homework, noting that they have made Middletown a better community. Mayor Drew calls on Councilman Eugene Nocera. Councilman Nocera offers congratulations to the newly elected officials and thanks the voters. He reminds them that they have pledged to support our community, adding that they are now the individuals who represent this community. He states that their actions do not go unnoticed. He states that they are young and old and middle aged; they are male and female; and they are different races working together. He adds his thanks and expresses his pride in their accomplishment. Mayor Drew calls on Councilman Philip Pessina. Councilman Pessina offers congratulations to all the candidates, adding that this is an especially significant event with these two (2) young men, Ed Ford and Tyrell Brown, as first time elected officials. He addresses Board of Education member Ed Ford, stating that his decisions are unique as he is at a peer level, having freshly graduated from high school only two years ago. Councilman Pessina addresses planning & Zoning Commissioner Tyrell Brown, stating that it is the same for him, noting that he is in a unique positions since the decisions that he makes for the future are very significant because of his age, he will see the outcome for years to come. Mayor Drew thanks all of the newly elected officials you for service and election. He calls on Rev. Dr. Edward Ford Sr. for the benediction. 8. Benediction: Rev. Dr. Edward C. Ford, Sr., Senior Pastor – Bread of Life Evangelistic Ministries, father of newly elected Board of Education member Ed Ford, Jr., offers the benediction. Mayor Drew recognizes David Bauer for his work with the recent elections. He welcomes State Senators Toni Boucher, Len Suzio, and George Logan, who are in the audience. There being no further business, Mayor Drew entertains a motion to adjourn. Councilman Serra moves to adjourn the meeting. Councilman Giuliano seconds the motion. The chair calls for the vote. It is unanimous to approve with 10 aye votes. The Chair states the matter passes unanimously with 10 affirmative votes. 9. Adjournment The meeting is adjourned at 7:34 P.M. ATTEST: LINDA S.K. REED, COMMON COUNCIL CLERK K: review/minutes/ 17 November 14 special meeting – oath of office – Nov 2017