LGBTQIA+ Commission

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIDDLETOWN: That Article XIX, Sections 14-59 through 14-61 of the Middletown Code of Ordinances be repealed and replaced as follows: 

CHAPTER 14 BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS 

ARTICLE XIX: LGBTQIA+ COMMISSION 

§14-59 Purpose. 

After the resounding success of Middletown Pride—which was created in 2019 and attracted over 15,000 people to downtown Middletown—and the significant and historic work performed by the City of Middletown’s first ever LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, it has become evident that a broader mission is needed in order for the City of Middletown to continue to improve the quality of life and well-being of its Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (“LGBTQIA+”) citizens in Middletown. 

The purpose of the LGBTQIA+ Commission shall be to serve as an advisory body to the Mayor and Common Council regarding issues actually or potentially affecting persons within the LGBTQIA+ community, with the aim of improving the ability of the City of Middletown to serve, support, and promote the LGBTQIA+ community, to recommend measures designed to enhance the health, safety, economic opportunity and affordability, educational programs, cultural and learning opportunities, government access and accountability for the LGBTQIA+ community, to facilitate pride events, gatherings, meetings, and forums on issues of concern for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

§14-60 Establishment, Membership and Terms. 

A LGBTQIA+ Commission shall be established consisting of not more than thirteen members, which shall be appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Common Council. Two members shall be members of the Common Council, who shall not be members of the same political party and who shall serve only during their terms of office as Council members; and, upon the expiration of such terms of office, vacancies shall exist which shall be filled by the Mayor with the consent of the Common Council. The Commission shall be staffed by the Assistant General Counsel and such other staff as deemed appropriate by the Mayor to fulfill the mission and goals of the Commission. The Commission members shall be electors of the City of Middletown, and shall be knowledgeable about the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals, shall have a documented commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, and to the extent practicable, shall be representative of all socio-economic, age, racial, ability and gender-identifying segments of the City as well as different neighborhoods. Page 2 of 3 

The current membership of the LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee will continue on as members of the LGBTQIA+ Commission, and will continue to serve until the expiration of their current term. Commission members shall serve for three (3) year terms. Future vacancies will be appointed in a manner that will maintain the staggered term expiration dates. 

§14-61 Duties and Powers of the Commission. 

It shall be the function of the Commission to: 

1. Advocate for a culture of respect and monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression; 

2. Promote policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare, and safety of all persons who live, visit, or work in the City of Middletown with respect to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression; 

3. To cooperate in the development of educational programs and outreach dedicated to the improvement of the lives of LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors by eliciting support from public and private entities engaged in the promotion of ideals of tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding for the LGBTQIA+ community; 

4. To recommend solutions to the social, economic, cultural, and political problems facing the LGBTQIA+ community, and to serve as the liaison between the LGBTQIA+ community and the City’s government; 

5. To serve as a forum to which individuals and groups can express concerns related to issues of homophobia and transphobia; 

6. Plan pride events, gatherings, meetings, and forums that promote inclusiveness, respect, equality, intersectionality, and create visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community in Middletown; and 

7. Such other tasks that may be assigned to the Commission by the Mayor. 

Agendas and Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings.  Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes.

Supporting Documents for LGBTQIA+ Commission Meetings

View supporting documents for LGBTQIA+ Commission Meetings

Committee

Christopher Forte, Staff

Steven Kovach, Chair

Jennifer Billingsley, Vice Chair

Anthony Mangiafico

Santina Aldieri

Daniel Barry

Dolly Haddad

Cayes Jarda

Steven Kovach

Philip Pessina

Christine Rebstock

Christine Santacroce

Beth Shapiro

Laura Timmons

For Inquiries

The General Counsel's office staffs the LGBTQIA+ Commission.  For any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 860-638-4820.