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
Councillor Dennis B. Turano, arrives at 5:33 p.m.
Councillor Barbara A. VonVillas, Members Present
POSTED JANUARY 31, 2024
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 5, 2024
TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN, RHODE ISLAND
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 regular meeting to be held on Monday, February 5, 2024 at 5:30 P.M. Presentation – Joint Meeting with the School Committee and School Building Committee and 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting 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: 885 7166 4021
or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88571664021
If you choose to join the meeting by zoom or telephone, Council Rules allow for the Public to speak only during the Public Forum and Public Hearings. If calling in by telephone, pressing *9 raises your hand and pressing *6 will unmute.
The items listed on the Consent portion of the agenda are to be considered routine by the Town Council and will ordinarily be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Council, or a member of the public so requests and the Town Council President permits, in which event the item will be removed from Consent Agenda consideration and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. All items on this agenda, with the exception of the Public Forum Session, may be considered, discussed, and voted upon in executive session and/or open session.
Pursuant to RIGL §42-46-6(b). Notice – “Nothing contained herein shall prevent a public body, other than a school committee, from adding additional items to the agenda by majority vote of the members. Such additional items shall be for informational purposes only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official.”
Any person not a member of the Council, desiring to address the Council concerning a matter on the docket of the Council, not the subject of a Public Hearing, shall submit a written request to the Town Clerk stating the matter upon which he desires to speak. Persons are permitted to address the Council for a period not to exceed five (5) minutes.
The Middletown Town Council follows the codification of present-day general parliamentary law as articulated in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised 10th edition (2000), together with whatever rules of order the Council has adopted for its own governance. The motion to reconsider is one of the motions that can bring a question again before an assembly, and is designed to bring back for further consideration a motion which has already been voted on:
If, in the same session that a motion has been voted on, but no later than the same day or the next day on which a business meeting is held, new information or a changed situation makes it appear that a different result might reflect the true will of the assembly, a member who voted with the prevailing side can, by moving to Reconsider [RONR (10th ed.), p. 304-321] the vote,
propose that the question shall come before the assembly again as if it had not previously been considered. (From Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief, Robert, Evans et al., De Capo Press, 2004)
There were no reconsiderations.
School Committee Chair Theresa Spengler called the School Committee meeting to order. (All members present)
Present representing the School Department were Superintendent of Schools Rosemarie Kraeger, School Committee Chair Theresa Silveira Spengler, Vice Chair Tami E. Holden and members Wendy E. Heaney, Gregory M. Huet and William R. O’Connell.
Building Committee Chair Ed Brady called the Building Committee meeting to order.(There was a quorum present.)
| Name | Title |
| Edward Brady | Co-Chair, Community Member |
| | Co-Chair, Community Member |
| Rosemarie Kraeger | Superintendent of Schools |
| Tami Holden | Member of School Committee |
| Theresa Spengler | Member of School Committee |
| Poe George | Director of Facilities Management, Transportation and Safety |
| Peter Connerton | Town Council Member |
| Tom Welch | Town Council member |
| Donna Sweet | Middletown High School Principal |
| Michelle Fonseca | Asst Superintendent for Teaching and Learning |
| Shawn Brown | Town Administrator, Local Budget Official |
| William Nash | Community Member |
| Gregory Huet | Alternate Member of School Committee |
| William O’Connell | Alternate Member of School Committee |
| Christopher M. Logan | Alternate Town Council Member |
| Bill Niemeyer | Gaudet Middle School Principal |
| Marc Tanguay | Town Finance Director, Alternate Local Budget Official |
| Marc Thayer | Alternate Community Member |
| Don Morin | Alternate Community Member |
1. Joint Meeting with the School Committee and the School Building Committee – Presentation by Colliers Project Management - RIDE Stage II Submission.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said joint meeting with the School Committee and School Building Committee, and begin said presentation by Colliers Project Management – RIDE Stage II Submission.
Derek Osterman, Senior Director Project Manager, Colliers Project Leaders and Matt LaRue, Architect Design Parter from HMFH, presented a PowerPoint presentation “Joint Meeting of the Middletown Town Council, School Committee & School Building Committee”, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown explained that he is seeking authorization to execute the Stage II RIDE application which will allow the Town to seek reimbursement from the State for the school building project.
The following emails were sent to the Town Council with a request for them to be part of the minutes:
TOWN COUNCIL:
I cannot attend this evening’s session but offer these comments for consideration during your discussion on : Joint Meeting with the School Committee and the School Building Committee.
Paul Mankofsky
20 Pequot Lane
Middletown RI 02842
Good Afternoon,
Could the Council please address the following at tonight's meeting under Agenda Item #1 or #7, and make this email a part of the public record?
At a November 29, 2023 Planning Board meeting on the Oliphant School housing proposal, the Town Administrator, Shawn Brown, reported the median single family home price in Middletown was $675,000.
He got this number from the Housing WorksRI 2023 Housing Fact Book that he said was released in October. See page 59: https://d337wih8hx5yft.cloudfront.net/documents/Housing-Fact-Books/2023HFB.pdf
The cost for the school bond was estimated at $2/day for a median home price of $424,600.
How will the median home price increase, from $424,600 to $675,000, impact the daily cost for the school bond to the median home owner?
Thank you,
Karen Biastre
Maple Ave
Middletown, RI
Antone Viveiros, Middletown, addressed the Council inquiring where the Town stands in the application process and noted concern that the project has changed since the voters passed the bond.
Discussion centered around that the Stage II application is 90% complete, there has been no change in the school project since the bond passed, the bond legislation lays out the scope of the project, the school project is updated at every Town Council meeting and the project is on time and on budget.
Larry Connell, Middletown, addressed the Council reading the following into the record:
My name is Larry Connell
My address is 23 Shore Drive
Good evening.
On page 21 of the 29 pages in the Docket for Agenda Item #1, it shows the new Middle/High school budget for construction is estimated to be approximately $128 million dollars. As a taxpayer, I was told that I could expect the following for this investment:
A Middletown Poster touted:
• Nearly 200K square feet of educational space,
• State of the art classrooms,
Audio Visual Control Systems
Projectors & Screens and Large Flat Panel Displays
Camera Choices
Microphones, Speakers, and Audio Processing
Lighting and Lighting Controls
Lectern Design: Features to Consider
Providing Support to Instructors in the Classroom
Back End Logistics: Power, Racking, Conduit, Cabling, etc.
• 55% reimbursement by the state.
Mailed Postcards listed:
• A building that will serve as 2 completely separated individual schools,
• A building using the latest sustainable, environmentally-friendly standards,
• More than 90% of the occupied spaces will have sunlight and quality views,
• An auditorium.
AND Fliers Added the following:
• A fourth Career & Technical Education program.
• An educational system that is a 21st century powerhouse,
I hope that means we will no longer be a mediocre 2-star school system and will now be a 5-star school. Otherwise, someone will have some explaining to do.
I also hope that includes teaching our kids reading writing and arithmetic, which all appear to be in decline these days.
• A new gymnasium with 2 basketball courts,
• An additional indoor sports facility,
• A more efficient, healthier school creating savings to put back into education, (I missed the part that explains “how” on that one.)
• Benefits from maximizing existing spaces and reducing our footprint,
• And, a cost of only $2 a day for the median homeowner.
Ok Town council, you fought hard to get this approved, and it wasn’t approved by much. The town is split down the middle on the approval of this new school. However, it was approved. Now we, the taxpayers, will hold you accountable for ensuring we get a return on our hard-earned tax dollars and hold you to your promise “on time and on budget”
Please make this statement a part of the public record.
I appreciate your time this evening.
Terri Flynn, Middletown, addressed the Council reading the following into the record:
My name is Terri Flynn, 34 Warren Avenue. Thank you for the time this evening.
Almost 3 weeks ago, the Building Committee did ask the consultants to provide completed sections of the approximately 1000-page Stage II Application, so they could start the review process. The consultants stated that reviewing completed sections separately, and I quote, "would not improve your comprehensiveness of the submission,” end quote. As of last Friday, the Building Committee received the same 29 pages that are in the Council docket. The consultants were scheduled to present the full document on Jan 30th, and advised against a partial document review, yet 29 pages of about 1000 is what was provided. This seemed something the Town Council would want to know before they voted this evening.
There also appears to be a few discrepancies in those 29 pages that were provided:
Number one. Section 4 is titled, “Design and Construction Cost Projection.” This section has two cost projection pages: one is titled “Middle High School” and one is titled “Former High School.” The discrepancy is that there does not seem to be a cost projection page for Forest Avenue School.
Number two. On both of the cost projection pages just referenced, is a Subheading, titled “Soft Costs.” Line item number two under this subheading is an expense line item called, “Construction, Project Management & Commissioning Fees.” Between the two cost projection pages, the line item totals approximately $7.2 million dollars. The discrepancy is that the change order for Colliers, in item number 3 of tonight’s agenda, increases Colliers fees to approximately $7.7 million dollars, which is about $500,000 thousand dollars more than the total of the cost projection provided.
A third discrepancy is on page 24 of the 29 pages, which is an empty page titled, “Section 6 - Site Purchase Plan.” The Middle-High School Cost Projection page shows $5.4 million dollars on a line item titled “Land and Building Purchase.” The line item notes that this amount is based on a cost of about $93,000 per acre. This calculates out to be roughly a 58-acre purchase, for a project that was understood to be on town land already owned. Now we learned earlier, just this evening, that there’s a purchase for the Hoogendoorn property that has also now been made part of this budget. That’s an agricultural property, likely to need remediation monies. Any purchases added to this project simply reduce the amount available for the building promised the voters. A land purchase is not what the voters voted for.
Before you vote this evening, I hope you will clarify the apparent discrepancies, and I will submit this statement for public record.
Discussion centered around negotiating with RIDE for funding, Town land that may be considered for playing fields, agriculture may be a career pathway, the Hoogendorn property could be considered for an agriculture pathway, and the monies to purchase the Hoogendorn property will be from open space bonds not the School Bond money.
Audrey McLeod Pfeiffer, Middletown, addressed the Council reading the following into the record:
I have concerns about the Stage II Report being submitted to RIDE in that it contained only 29 pages out of the full report of 1000.
I feel that a 29-page synopsis cannot contain a meaning recapitulation of a 1000-page report and that important details of the HS/Middle School
project was not provided for review by all involved parties. I feel it is critical that all construction plans be given to the school building committee
in a timely manner so that they may be reviewed in detail so we don't experience the problems that Rogers HS is experiencing, for
example, the removal and disposal of contaminated soil. In question, is who is responsible for the oversight re: the use of the soil
and who will pay the millions of dollars to dispose of the soil. The Middletown school building committee, although advisory, is the only committee
out of the three involved in the project, that has the professional training, hands on experience and technical expertise to evaluate the construction
and renovation of the various buildings to determine if taxpayers are getting a quality product. Given that this is their responsibility, they should have
full authority to request future plans and details in a timely manner. Thank you.
Discussion centered around that the Building Committee is comfortable with the submitted synopsis provided for the Stage II application, the Building Committee meets every other week and thoroughly reviews each step of the project, and the School Committee is comfortable with the submitted synopsis provided for the Stage II application.
Antone Viveiros, Middletown, addressed the Council noting concern with the soil on the property and Stage I inquiries from RIDE that must be addressed.
Discussion centered around RIDE inquiries from the Stage I application will be addressed in the Stage II application, there have been community meetings with School Staff, students, some Building Committee members, School Committee members and Educational Planner Manuel Cordeiro; the process has been on going regarding education curriculum and career pathways, the School Committee is charged with developing school curriculum, and there is a project management team with a project manager for the School Building project.
All the questions above were answered by either the Town Administrator Shawn Brown, Derek Osterman, Senior Director Project Manager from Colliers Project Leaders, Ed Brady, Chair of the School Building Committee and Manuel Cordeiro, Educational Planner, CIVIC.
2. Resolution of Council, re: Authorizing the Town Administrator to sign the RIDE Stage II application on behalf of the Town of Middletown.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Antone Viveiros, Middletown, addressed the Council noting concern that the Council President was not signing the RIDE Stage II application, only the Town Administrator.
Discussion centered around the application requirement is for the Town Administrator, School Superintendent and School Committee Chair to execute the application and the Council is authorizing the Town Administrator to execute the document on behalf of the Town.
The question above was answered by the Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan and Derek Osterman, Senior Director Project Manager from Colliers Project Leaders.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
At this time, the School Committee unanimously passed their resolution regarding the Stage II application.
At this time, the Building Committee adjourned their meeting.
At this time, the School Committee adjourned their meeting.
3. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Colliers Project Management Contract Amendment and Change Order.
4. Resolution of the Council, re: Colliers Project Management Contract Amendment and Change Order.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum, in item #3.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
5. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First Reading)
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title III, Administration, Chapter 32 Departments, Boards and Commissions, new Section 32.95 School Building Committee.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan addressed the Council explaining that RIDE regulations require a School Building Committee to be formed. Mr. Regan noted the proposed ordinance codifies the committee.
Discussion centered around that codification of the committee has been requested over time, this ordinance provides stability of the committee, there is a good working relationship between the committee, school department and town, the need for alternates on the committee and the committee meets every two weeks.
Don Morin, Middletown, addressed the Council noting there may be discrepancies in Section “C” and Section “E” of the ordinance.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan noted that he will review the ordinance for discrepancies, terms for the committee members and the terms will begin once the ordinance is adopted. Mr. Regan explained that amendments to the proposed ordinance can be incorporated and adopted at the next reading of the ordinance.
At vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
6. Pursuant to Rule 25 of the Rules of the Council, Citizens may address the town on one (1) subject only, said subject of substantive Town business, neither discussed during the regular meeting nor related to personnel or job performance. Citizens may speak for no longer than five (5) minutes and must submit a public participation form to the Council Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. All items discussed during this session will not be voted upon.
No one spoke during this session.
Councillor Tessier requested a moment of silence for Peter Midgley, who was a member of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Comprehensive Community Plan Committee.
Councillor Tessier explained Mr. Midgley was an amazing person with a passion for micromobility.
The Council had a moment of silence.
7. The Town Administrator will provide a Middletown Revaluation Update.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said update on the Middletown Revaluation.
Tax Assessor George Durgin addressed the Council presenting a power point presentation, “Updating the Council on the Middletown Revaluation”, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Councillor Turano reviewed the revaluation process (Total revaluation used to be every nine years and now is every three years) and noted that taxpayers should be taxed based on what revenues the Town needs. Mr. Turano explained that taxes are not predictable, and he would like to reinstate the Tax Committee to review the tax process. Mr. Turano suggested that Vision Appraisal address the Council to review the process followed for the current reevaluation.
Vice President Welch requested that item #12 be heard under the regular portion of the agenda.
8. Approval of Minutes, re: Special Meeting, January 11, 2024.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
9. Approval of Minutes, re: Regular Meeting, January 16, 2024.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
10. (Continued from the January 2nd and 16th, 2024, Regular Meetings)
The Town Administrator will provide an update on Town Projects. (Administration requests this item be withdrawn)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to withdraw said item at the request of the Administration.
11. Communication of Joseph J. Pezza, Esquire, Middletown FOP Legal Counsel, re: Middletown Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #21 – July 1, 2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Notification to the Town of its intention and request to enter into contract negotiations and collective bargaining for fiscal year(s) commencing on and after July 1, 2024.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
12. Notice of Public Hearing of Proposed Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, re: An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title IV: Land Usage, Chapter 152 Zoning Code, Zoning Map identified as Lot 103 on Middletown Tax Assessor’s Plate 103, which is presently designated as LB (“Limited Business”) and MT (“Mobile Home/Transient Trailer”) shall be changed to LI (“Light Industry”). The Town’s use table shall govern uses, except that a catering and food packaging use on said Lot shall require a special use permit; for hearing on February 5, 2024, at 6:30 pm at the Middletown Town Hall, Council Chambers.
13. Notice of Public Hearing of Proposed Amendment to the Middletown Comprehensive Community Plan, re: Iin Revision to the Comprehensive Community Plan.
The Future Land Use Map, Map L-4 of the Middletown Comprehensive Community Plan to change the designation of the property fronting Coddington Highway, Plat 103, Lot 103 from high density residential and limited office business to industrial; for hearing February 5, 2024, at 6:30 pm at the Middletown Town Hall, Council Chambers.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said notice of public hearing.
14. Application from Middletown Senior Citizens Center, 650 Green End Avenue, for RENEWAL of a Bingo license for the 2024-2025 licensing year – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. (Fee to be waived)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license and waive said fee.
15. (Continued from the January 16, 2024, Regular Meeting)
Application from HPK, Inc. dba Tickets Bar & Grill, 15 Aquidneck Avenue, for an Amusement License for the 2023-2024 licensing year. (NEW; Acoustic, Duo/Trio and small band)
Candace Marshall, Newport, was present representing the applicant HPK, Inc. dba Tickets Bar & Grill.
Discussion centered around that in the past there have been issues (residents’ complaints) in the area regarding noise from establishments, the applicant wishes to have acoustic music outside and other amusement/entertainment inside, the current application does not request for music outside, the applicant will file another application for outside music, the Town Clerk will provide information regarding other Amusement Licenses with entertainment outside and this current request for an Amusement License will be continued to the next regular meeting of the Council.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the February 20, 2024, Regular Meeting.
16. Application for Special Event Permit from the Newport County YMCA for the Charlie Holder Memorial 5K to be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, start from the Newport County YMCA, 792 Valley Road and end at the Newport County YMCA.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit.
17. Application for Special Event Permit from James L. Maher Center for a Spring Craft Fair to be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to be held at the James L. Maher Center, 906 Aquidneck Avenue. (Applicants respectfully request all fees be waived.)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit and waive said permit fee.
18. Application for Special Event Permit from James L. Maher Center for a Holiday Festival to be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to be held at the James L. Maher Center, 906 Aquidneck Avenue. (Applicants respectfully request all fees be waived.)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit and waive said permit fee.
19. (Public Hearing Advertised; Abutters notified)
An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First Reading)
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title IV: Land Usage, Chapter 152 Zoning Code, Zoning Map identified as Lot 103 on Middletown Tax Assessor’s Plate 103, which is presently designated as LB (“Limited Business”) and MT (“Mobile Home/Transient Trailer”) shall be changed to LI (“Light Industry”). The Town’s use table shall govern uses, except that a catering and food packaging use on said Lot shall require a special use permit. (Planning Board recommendation on file)
Public Hearing was declared open.
Girard Galvin, Esquire, Newport, RI, addressed the Council requesting support of the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance and the amendment to the Comprehensive Community Plan (Item #20). Mr. Galvin explained that if the amendments pass, his client will apply to construct a Tradesman Center on the property, which would be beneficial to the Town and abutters of the property.
Antone Viveiros, Middletown, addressed the Council inquiring if the zoning is being changed at the Bayview Trailer Park?
Girard Galvin, Esquire, addressed the Council noting that there will be no change to the Bayview Trailer Park zoning.
Charlie Roberts, Middletown, addressed the Council explaining that the change to the zoning is in opposition to what the State is telling the Town to do with affordable housing.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan explained that the State has set a goal for affordable housing, and he does not see this change being inconsistent with the State.
There being no other persons present or on zoom desiring to be heard, public hearing will remain open.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
20. (Public Hearing Advertised; Abutters notified)
An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First Reading)
An Ordinance in Revision to the Comprehensive Community Plan.
The Future Land Use Map, Map L-4 of the Middletown Comprehensive Community Plan to change the designation of the property fronting Coddington Highway, Plate 103, Lot 103 from high density residential and limited office business to industrial.
(Planning Board recommendation on file)
Public Hearing was declared open.
Girard Galvin, Esquire, was present to answer questions regarding the proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Community Plan.
There being no persons present or on zoom desiring to be heard, public hearing will remain open.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
21. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Legislative Request- Increase Reimbursement for Library Construction.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum above.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown noted that a resolution regarding the Legislative Request- Increase Reimbursement for Library Construction will be on the next agenda.
22. Communication of St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, re: Request for support by placing an ad in the Parade Bulletin or donating to the parade committee.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication and approve a full-page ad (cost $250.00) in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Booklet to be appropriated from the Council President’s Discretionary Fund.
23. Memorandum of Council President Rodrigues, re: Donation for Middletown High School Football Team.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to receive said memorandum and authorize and approve a donation in the amount of $3724.65 to be appropriated from the Council President’s Discretionary Fund.
Council President Rodrigues noted that he was contacted by the Middletown High School Football Coach regarding support for the purchase of championship rings. Mr. Rodrigues explained that the Coach has two other donations for the team rings, which pays half the cost of the rings.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum and authorize and approve a donation in the amount of $3724.65 to be appropriated from the Council President’s Discretionary Fund.
24. Memorandum of Vice President Welch, re: Further discussion of Tree project in Albro Woods.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Vice President Welch noted at the last Town Council meeting, the Tree Commission and Open Space and Fields Committee addressed the Council regarding an Albro Woods project and grant funding for the project. Mr. Welch is inquiring about how the committees should proceed in the future regarding projects they wish to have funded.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown, responding to Vice President Welch, explained he met with the committee members representing the Tree Commission and Open Space and Fields, and requested them to bring him a budget for the project. Mr. Brown noted Albro Woods has a Land Management Plan. Town Administrator Shawn Brown explained there is a process to be followed, committees are advisory to the Town Council and the Town Administration assists in finding grants for projects, the Town Council would have to approve a grant application submission. If the grant is awarded to the Town, grant monies need to be accounted for.
25. Memorandum of Councillor Turano, re: Discussion around the Governor and First Lady “Keep Little Rhody Clean”.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Councillor Turano reviewed the memorandum above.
Councillor Turano explained that the Governor has funding for the “Keep Little Rhody Clean” project and the Governor wants all communities to participate. Mr. Turano noted that he has invited the Governor to kick off the program in Middletown, the kickoff would be in March of this year. Councillor Turano noted that Middletown has a trash ordinance and suggests that the Open Space and Fields Committee work with the Department of Public Works on the trash issue. Mr. Turano also suggested that the Town solicit volunteers from each Town neighborhood to sponsor/assist the Town with the “Keep Little Rhody Clean” initiative.
26. Memorandum of Finance Director, re: Tyler Technologies Contract.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around that the reason for this software upgrade is to assist the Finance Office with merging the School and Town Finance Offices, the Town will process payroll inhouse for both the School and Town, the software provides efficiencies for the Town, Councillor Turano noted concern with the hours needed for conversion to the new software, the Finance Director will be the Team leader for the implementation and assured the Council the project will be on time and on budget and the funding for the software will come from the Capital Improvement Program.
Councillor Turano noted that he would have liked Tyler Technologies to be present to respond to his concerns and that he will not be supporting the request to approve the contract.
27. Resolution of the Council, re: Award of Contract to Tyler Technologies.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to pass said resolution; Councillor Turano vote NO to said motion.
28. Memorandum of Finance Director, re: School Department-Surplus copier.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
29. Resolution of the Council, re: School Department-Surplus copier- Aficio MP7502SP at Aquidneck School.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Discussion centered around Rhode Island General Law requires that surplus property within the Town must be approved by the Town Council.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
30. Memorandum of Finance Director, re: Financial Report – Six Months Ended December 31, 2023.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum and Financial Report.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the following slides:
Finance Director Marc Tanguay noted that the Council Discretionary Fund began with a budget of $23,700.00 and currently has $20,680.00 left, which now would be less because it does not include the allocations from this evening.
31. Communication of Tax Assessor dated January 22, 2024, re: Cancellation of Taxes for certain Middletown residents.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
32. Resolution of the Council, re: Cancellation of Taxes for certain Middletown residents.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
33. Appointment of two (2) members to the Affordable Housing Committee, indefinite terms.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Jamoya Ridgell and appoint Charles Roberts to the Affordable Housing Committee.
34. Appointment of three (3) members to the Board of Canvassers one (1) member, Democrat or Republican Representative, term expiring March 2029, one (1) member, Democrat or Republic Representative, to complete a term expiring March 2026 and one (1) member, Alternate Members, Democrat or Republican Representative, terms expiring March 2029.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reappoint Adeline Rose, term expiring March 2029; appoint Carmela Geer, to complete a term expiring March 2026; and appoint Stacey Andrade, alternate, term expiring March 2029 to the Board of Canvassers.
35. Appointment of one (1) member to the Comprehensive Community Plan Update Committee- general public member, term to be determined.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint
Sara Minor to the Comprehensive Community Plan Update Committee, general public member.
36. Appointment of two (2) members to the Middletown Economic Development Advisory Committee, terms expiring January 2029.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reappoint Liana Ferreira Fenton and reappoint Valarie Gelb to the Middletown Economic Development Advisory Committee, terms expiring January 2029.
37. Appointment of one (1) member to the Middletown Outreach Committee, indefinite term.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Chris Semonelli to the Middletown Outreach Committee.
The Council requested the Town Clerk hold Charles Beltz and Tamara Shane’s applications, due to the Council adding two additional seats to the committee, which need to be advertised.
38. Appointment of one (1) member to the Middletown Personnel Board, term expiring December 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reappoint Ronald N. Doire to the Middletown Personnel Board, term expiring December 2026.
Councillor Connerton recused himself from acting on the following item #39, due to a possible conflict of interest.
39. Appointment of three (3) members to the Middletown Roads and Utilities Advisory Committee- one (1) vacancy, resident member, term expiring January 2027 and two (2) vacancies, professional members, terms expiring January 2027.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reappoint Thomas Darby, resident member, term expiries January 2027, reappoint John Mello, professional member, term expiring January 2027 and reappoint Marc S. Thayer, professional member, term expiring January 2027.
Councillor Connerton returned to the dais.
Council President Rodrigues recused himself from acting on the following item #40, due to a possible conflict of interest.
40. Appointment of three (3) members to Senior Citizens Board of Directors- three (3) vacancies, terms expiring January 2027.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reappoint Olga Probert, Marion Rodrigues and Pamela Rooney to Senior Citizens Board of Directors, terms expiring January 2027.
Council President Rodrigues returned to the dais.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 8:34 p.m.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Council Clerk
supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri