THIS MEETING CAN BE HEARD IN ITS ENTIRETY ON THE TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN WEBSITE WWW.MIDDLETOWNRI.COM OR THE DVD IS AVAILABLE AT THE MIDDLETOWN LIBRARY.
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues, Presiding
Vice President Thomas P. Welch, III
Councillor Peter D. Connerton, Sr.
Councillor Christopher M. Logan
Councillor Emily M. Tessier, arrives at 8:02 a.m.
Councillor Dennis B. Turano,
Councillor Barbara A. VonVillas, Members Present
POSTED – April 16, 2024
SPECIAL MEETING – April 27, 2024
The following items of business, having been filed with the Town Clerk under the Rules of the Council, will come before the Council at a special meeting to be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 8:00 A.M. at the Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road, Middletown, Rhode Island. Said meeting will be conducted in person, by telephone conference call/ webinar, members of the public may access and listen to the meeting in real-time by calling 1-877-853-5257 (Toll Free) or 1-888-475-4499 (Toll Free) and entering Meeting ID: 812 1365 8985 or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81213658985
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk
Town of Middletown
Town Hall – 350 East Main Road
Middletown, Rhode Island 02842
Dear Ms. Marshall:
Pursuant to the provisions of Article II, Section 203 of the Town Charter and in accordance with Sections 42-46-2., 42-46-4., 42-46-5., and 42-46-6., RIGL, I hereby call a Special Meeting of the Town Council to formally consider, discuss and act upon the following items of business. All items on this agenda, may be considered, discussed and voted upon.
1. Receipt of FY 2024-2025 Budget.
2. Review of Town of Middletown Proposed Budgets and Capital Improvement Plan, General Fund, Parks & Recreation Fund, Sewer Fund and Refuse & Recycling Fund of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and matters related thereto.
3. Communication of Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Superintendent of Schools, re: Middletown Public School Budget Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025- In accordance: Article VIII – Section 812 – Town Charter.
____________________________________
Paul M. Rodrigues, President
Middletown Town Council
cc : Town Council Public Library Finance Director
Town Administrator Town Solicitor School Committee
This meeting location is accessible to the handicapped. Individuals requiring interpreter services for the hearing-impaired should notify the Town Clerk’s Office at 847-0009 not less than 48 hours before this meeting.
Posted on April 16, 2024 at Middletown Town Hall, Middletown Public Library and Secretary of State Web Site.
Also present were Town Administrator Shawn Brown, Finance Director Marc Tanguay, Deputy Finance Director Patrick Guthlein and Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan.
Town Council President Rodrigues requested a moment of silence for the Naso Family.
Town Council President Rodrigues noted that the Council is wanting the bottom line of the budget requests and any significant changes. Mr. Rodrigues explained that the Town Council is here to listen, ask questions and no public comment will be taken today.
1. Receipt of FY 2024-2025 Budget.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive FY2024-2025 Budget.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown noted the proposal is for a 2.5% increase in appropriation to Municipal Departments, 4% increase in unrestricted appropriation to the School Department, $200,000 increase to fund the FY22 School deficit reduction Plan (Year 4 of 5), and a $2,792,724 increase to fund debt service related to the School Building program and Open Space Acquisition. Mr. Brown explained that the statute provides that the Town may exceed the 4% spending cap to fund the additional debt service. Town Administrator Shawn Brown noted the goal is to get back to a 2% baseline to stabilize the tax rate.
Police Budget – Page 32
Police Chief Anthony Pesare, Captain Jason Ryan and Administrative Assistant Lisa Sisson were present to answer Council inquiries.
Chief Pesare addressed the Council noting the Police Department will be hiring an additional five officers to reduce overtime in the department. Mr. Pesare also noted that this budget includes replacements of tasers, helmets, bulletproof vests, two new cruisers and additional training for the new Animal Control Officer.
Discussion centered around the increase to the Police budget is 12% ($898,000) from last year’s budget, the Collective Bargaining agreement, recruitment for the department is difficult, Middletown Police Department accomplishments (Completed the One Mind Program, Award winning Police Program, DUI enforcement best in the state and initiative to slow traffic down), the building’s HVAC system has an issue, the department has applied for an infrastructure grant to assist with the replacement, new Motorola radio system in dispatch, cruisers that were ordered have not been delivered yet and there is a new regional police special response team.
Fire Department Budget - Page 39
Fire Chief James Peplau was present to answer Council inquiries.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting the proposed Fire Department budget has an increase of 9% ($516,930).
Fire Chief James Peplau explained the proposed increase is due to contractual increases, collective bargaining, step increases, building maintenance repair, professional development, uniform costs, equipment, and agility incentive.
Discussion centered around a reduction in the Radio System, Verizon phone service, a Safer grant request, the CIP requests for FY25 for turnout gear, hydraulic tools, replacement of 2 Rescue wagons, the new pumpers which were ordered last year should be delivered in July 2025, and the price is locked in and mutual aid.
Enter CIP submission
Department of Public Works Budget – Page 73
DPW Director Robert Hanley and Recycling Coordinator and Operations & Facility Manager Will Cronin were present to answer Council inquiries.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting there is a 25% decrease in the proposed budget ($1,083,630). Mr. Brown also noted the Town will be applying for grants related to Public Works.
Discussion centered around the additional staff at DPW, there is an increase in training due to the new staff, review of the CIP projects (listed below), DPW is searching for a mechanic, Red Road Paving Program and the DPW using the crack seal machine.
Enter CIP submission
Sewer Department Budget – Page 81
DPW Director Robert Hanley and Recycling Coordinator and Operations & Facility Manager Will Cronin were present to answer Council inquiries.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting at this time there is no sewer rate, no I & I charge will be on sewer bills going forward. Mr. Brown also noted the need for another Sanitary Sewer Study starting next year.
Discussion centered around what information will be received from a sanitary sewer study, decrease overflows at Wave Avenue pump station, not being able to have the Wave Avenue pump station only working at 90% (need to take action), and working with the congressional delegation to help with funding for the pump station project.
DPW Director Robert Hanley reviewed the following:
Enter CIP submission
Beach Budget– Page 69
DPW Director Robert Hanley, Recycling Coordinator and Operations & Facility Manager Will Cronin and Michael McGourty were present to answer Council inquiries.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting the big issue at the beach is erosion.
Discussion centered around the Town can remove seaweed off the beach but not sure where to place it, the Town needing someone to give options on how to preserve and capture sand, the rocks being removed from the beach, normal beach maintenance, the beach will open on time, it is a big challenge recruiting lifeguards, beach staffing is an issue (finding good staff), the beach is better with no trash cans, there is at least one adult at each parking lot and the equipment is in good condition.
Campground
Recycling Coordinator and Operations & Facility Manager Will Cronin addressed the Council noting that he is increasing the number of units by 12 – 13 at the campground. Mr. Cronin explained the campground should be at 75% capacity and May 1st is the first night someone can stay at the campground.
Refuse and Recycling Department Budget – Page 87
DPW Director Robert Hanley, Recycling Coordinator and Operations & Facility Manager Will Cronin and Michael McGourty were present to answer Council inquiries.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting there will be a $20 increase to the Annual Pay-As-You-Thow Permit. Mr. Brown explained in FY24, some fund balance was used to offset the fee increase over two years and in FY25, $20,000 of fund balance is being proposed to be used for tote replacement.
Discussion centered around that the Town is in discussions with DEM regarding a composting program, a grant for curb side pickup for composting, the grant is a five-year grant and the greatest cost of the program is the hauling.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess this meeting at 9:33 am.
On motion of Councillor Logan, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene this meeting 9:44 am.
Library Budget – Page 49
Librarian Kimberly Usselman, Library Board of Directors members Holly Johnson and Joan DeFinis were present to answer Council inquiries.
Librarian Kimberly Usselman addressed the Council noting that there is a 2% increase in the proposed Library budget. Ms. Usselman reviewed the following:
Discussion centered around additional staffing at the library, wages are a collective bargaining issue, increasing salaries for library staff and children going on a field trip to the library and receiving a library card.
Council President Rodrigues recused himself from acting on the following Senior Center Budget discussion, due to a possible conflict of interest.
Vice President Welch presiding.
Senior Center Budget – Page 52
Senior Citizens Director Arleen Kaull was present to answer Council inquiries.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting the Senior Center proposed budget has an increase of 7%.
Senior Citizens Director Arleen Kaull reviewed the following handout:
Discussion centered around that membership at the Senior center increases yearly, fundraising and some of the activities/classes and programs offered at the center.
Council President Rodrigues returned to the dais.
Council President Rodrigues presiding.
Building Department Budget – Page 28
Building Official Chris Costa was present to answer Council inquiries.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting the proposed Building Department budget is increased by 12%.
Discussion centered around the purchase of a new vehicle for the Building Department, the Building Department is fully staffed, there is an increase in the sub-contractor’s rate of $5.00 per permit, building permit fees are regulated by the state and short-term rental season is beginning and the Police Department will have interns to assist with policing the short-term rentals.
Planning Department Budget – Page 30
Town Planner Ronald Wolanski was present to answer Council inquiries.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting the Planning Department proposed budget has a 17% decrease, due to non-reoccurring consultant work.
Discussion centered around there is a decrease in consulting fees, increase in advertising fees due to the changes in state law regarding zoning relief, the Comprehensive Community Plan process is moving forward, the Planning Department is busy with grants and assisting other departments with grants, the Planning Department keeps a spreadsheet of grants and the Town has help with grants through Compete Rhode Island (a foundation that assists with grants).
Information Technology Department Budget – Page 20
IT Director Matthew Wainwright was present to answer Council inquiries.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting that the Information Technology proposed budget has decreased by 27%.
Discussion centered around cyber security training, receipt of a grant to purchase UB Keys for employees, the IT Department has all software within their budget, IT intern program and the IT department is very busy.
Middletown Prevention Coalition Budget – Page 54
MPC Director Lori Verderosa was present to answer Council inquiries.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting that the program is being decreased and shifting the MPC back to a grant funding model.
MPC Director Lori Verderosa addressed the Council requesting them to reconsider fully funding her budget proposal. Ms. Verderosa reviewed the following handouts:
Discussion centered around how other communities fund their task forces, the program is being restructured not eliminated, the decrease in the budget proposal will not allow for the current level of prevention coalition programming, the MPC uses universal approaches to try to reduce the likelihood of students using drugs and this service being essential.
Outreach Department Budget – Page 55
Outreach Department Director Lori Turner was present to answer Council inquiries.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting the proposed Outreach Department Budget has an increase of 8%.
Discussion centered around the increase in the snack program, community events, partnerships with local entities, training opportunities, and the department reviewing Civic Support requests.
Tax Assessor Department Budget – Page 16
Tax Assessor George Durgin was present to answer Council inquiries.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting that the proposed Tax Assessor Department budget has a decrease of 16%.
Discussion centered around the revaluation is almost complete, office staffing, assessment history that has been added to the website for people to access, the timeframe for revaluations and there are still some appeals related to the revaluation being conducted.
Finance Office Budget – Page 12
Finance Director Marc Tanguay addressed the Council noting that the proposed Finance Office budget has an increase of 3%. Mr. Tanguay explained that the increase in mostly benefits. Mr. Tanguay noted the Finance Department is still looking to fill four positions.
Non-Department Specific Budget – Page 66
Finance Director Marc Tanguay addressed the Council noting that the proposed Non-Department Specific Budget has an increase of 4%. Mr. Tanguay explained that the first School Bond payment is in this budget.
Town Clerk’s Department Budget – Page 18
Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall was present to answer Council inquiries.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting that the proposed Town Clerk’s Department Budget has a decrease of 3%.
Discussion centered around a reduction in advertising by not using the Newport Daily News as often, using Newport This Week for advertising and how the elections budget is prepared to avoid big spikes to the budget during election years.
Support Services Budget – Page 22
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting the proposed Support Services budget has an overall decrease. Mr. Brown noted that this budget is for Building Improvements at Town Hall and JFK. Mr. Brown explained the Town Hall Elevator has failed and for the next electric bill there should be metering credits to offset the cost of electricity.
Town Administrator’s Budget – Page 10
Discussion centered around a potential assistant for Mr. Brown, the need for office space for the Finance Department personnel, being fiscally responsible and succession planning.
Town Solicitor/Town Council/Boards & Committees Budget – Page 25
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council noting there is an overall decrease within the proposed Town Solicitor/Town Council/Boards & Committees Budget.
Discussion centered around election worker stipends, the need to discuss legal fees compared to other communities, consolidating legal services throughout the Town, Town website being supported by Matt Sheley, how many views on the Town website and social media accounts.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess this meeting at 12:23 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene this meeting at 12:59 p.m.
2. Review of Town of Middletown Proposed Budgets and Capital Improvement Plan, General Fund, Parks & Recreation Fund, Sewer Fund and Refuse & Recycling Fund of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and matters related thereto.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin review of Town of Middletown Proposed Budgets and Capital Improvement Plan, General Fund, Parks & Recreation Fund, Sewer Fund and Refuse & Recycling Fund of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and matters related thereto.
3. Communication of Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Superintendent of Schools, re: Middletown Public School Budget Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025- In accordance: Article VIII – Section 812 – Town Charter.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
Present representing the School Department were School Superintendent Rosemarie Kraeger, Principle Gaudet Middle School/ Newly Appointed Superintendent of Schools, as of July 1, 2024, William Niemeyer, Interim Business Manager Lori Miller, School Committee Chair Theresa Spengler, Vice Chair Tami Holden, members Greg Huet and William O’Connell.
Council President Rodrigues thanked School Superintendent Rosemarie Kraeger for her years of service and welcomed Newly Appointed Superintendent of Schools as of July 1, 2024 William Niemeyer.
School Superintendent Rosemarie Kraeger addressed the Council reviewing the communication above. Ms. Kraeger and Mr. Niemeyer also reviewed the following:
Enter in the pages from the proposed budget 4 – 25
Discussion centered around the School Administration, School Committee, Town Administration and Town Council working together, the proposed School Department budget increase of 4%, Special Education is a challenge to budget, loss of state aid, there being no need for a $500,000-dollar contingency fund budgeted this year and the state funding formula needs to be fixed.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 2:05 p.m.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Council Clerk
supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri