Middletown commission bars contractors who fail to perform from future hire, adds appeal process

Commissioner Derek Cartagena proposed a policy on July 15 that would bar performers or contractors who fail to fulfill their Middletown Bridal contracts from future hire, and the commission approved the measure after adding an appeal process.

Derek Cartagena moved that “performers or contractors who fail to fulfill the terms of the Middletown Bridal contract will not be hired for future Middletown Bridal events.” Laura Timmons proposed and the commission adopted an amendment to allow reconsideration or appeal to the commission for contractors who can offer an excused reason.

During discussion commissioners noted the commission’s existing contract language already includes excused nonperformance for events such as sickness, accidents, strikes, epidemics and acts of God, and that the policy should be applied with reference to those provisions. Derek and others emphasized that the policy is intended to address no-shows and unexplained failures to perform and that the reconsideration clause would allow the commission to consider legitimate emergencies.

The amended motion was approved by voice vote/unanimous consent. Chair Brianna Bloom Scapera said the commission will record the motion in its proceedings and that staff will work to finalize the specific contract language for future use.

The policy will function as a recommendation and internal hiring guideline for Middletown Bridal events; contractors may be subject to appeal under the newly added reconsideration language.