Middlebury Selectmen Review Historic Properties Commission Proposal, Award Public Works Bids

MIDDLEBURY, CT — The Middlebury Board of Selectmen reviewed a proposal Sept. 8 to establish a Historic Properties Commission but took no action, with officials planning to further examine the proposal and possible next steps before their October meeting.

The board also awarded two Public Works contracts, approved changes to library positions and the town's pay plan, appointed a new member to the Commission on Aging and approved motor vehicle tax rebates.

Nick Stuller of Save Historic Middlebury presented the Historic Properties Commission proposal. Board members asked questions about how such a commission would operate and discussed what would be required to establish one.

First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr said the board's next step would be to determine whether it wanted to pursue the proposal. The selectmen discussed having the town attorney review what would be required before their October meeting.

The minutes state that board members received Stuller's report and would review it as they considered their next steps. No vote was taken to establish or endorse a Historic Properties Commission.

The board separately discussed whether the MRA Cottage should be placed on the State Register of Historic Places. Mahr said the issue had previously been discussed, but the town needed more information about the implications of a state designation.

Selectman Paul Vance said his research indicated that listing on the State Register would not place restrictions on the property unless the town accepted grant funding. Selectman Brian Shaban said officials should consider the property's potential future use before pursuing the designation. No vote was recorded.

Public Works Contracts Awarded

The selectmen unanimously awarded the town's sand, stone, loam and other materials contract to Mountaintop Trucking. Mahr said the company submitted the lowest bid. Vance seconded the motion.

The board also unanimously awarded its hourly heavy-equipment rental contract to Tom Lawlor and Sons Construction LLC. Mahr said the company submitted the lowest bid and had previously worked with the town. Vance seconded the motion.

Library Positions Updated

The board unanimously approved updated job descriptions for the Family Services Librarian and part-time Library Specialist.

Mahr said the two positions had previously been connected but were separated because they were budgeted differently. The board discussed changing the Family Services Librarian's schedule from a fixed 35 hours per week to a range of 35 to 37.5 hours, based on a recommendation from Library Director JoAnn LoRusso.

The selectmen also unanimously amended the town pay plan to reflect the updated positions and hours. The Family Services Librarian position was previously titled Children's Librarian, while the part-time position was previously listed as Library Specialist.

Commission On Aging Appointment Approved

The board unanimously appointed Mary Moritone to the Commission on Aging following Nancy Pun's resignation, effective Aug. 28. Moritone's term will run from her appointment through Nov. 6, 2026.

Selectmen also unanimously approved a series of motor vehicle tax rebates.

During public comment, Carol Moriarty raised questions about the town's Code Red emergency notification system and whether all residents were receiving notices. Mahr said residents could register through the town website and that the town would continue publicizing the system.

Board Takes Action After Executive Session

The selectmen entered executive session at 6:02 p.m. to discuss three legal matters and returned to public session at 6:47 p.m.

After returning, the board voted to defend Mahr in Barton Jr. v. Jennifer A. Mahr, CHRO No. 2730079, because she was named as a party in the matter. The minutes record no other action following the executive session.

The meeting was held at Middlebury Town Hall and adjourned unanimously at 6:50 p.m.