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 Dennis B. Turano
Councillor Barbara A. VonVillas, Members Present
Councillor Emily M. Tessier, Absent
POSTED – May 23, 2024
SPECIAL MEETING – May 29, 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 Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 6:00 P.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: 882 1542 6972 or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88215426972
Wendy J.W. Marshall, 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.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Public Hearing Remains Open.
An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An Ordinance in amendment to the ordinances of the Town of Middletown General Fund, Parks and Recreation Fund, Sewer Fund, Refuse and Recycling Fund, Appropriating revenues for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
4. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title III, Chapter 36, Entitled “Fee Schedule”, Section (D) Parks and Recreation, (1) Beach Fees.
5. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title III, Chapter 36, Entitled “Fee Schedule”, Section (H) Refuse and Recycling Department, (2) User Fee.
Said meeting will be held at the Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842 on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.
____________________________________
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 May 23, 2024 at Middletown Town Hall, Middletown Public Library, Middletown Web Site and Secretary of State Web Site.
Present representing the School Department were School Superintendent Rosemarie Kraeger, Principal Gaudet Middle School/Newly Appointed Superintendent of Schools, as of July 1, 2024, William Niemeyer, School Committee Chair Theresa Spengler, Vice Chair Tami Holden and member William O’Connell.
1. Public Hearing (Advertised)
Public Hearing Remains Open.
An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An Ordinance in amendment to the ordinances of the Town of Middletown General Fund, Parks and Recreation Fund, Sewer Fund, Refuse and Recycling Fund, Appropriating revenues for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 to
June 30, 2025.
Public hearing remains open.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed a power point presentation, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Ruth Donahue, Middletown, addressed the Town Council reading the following into the record:
Ruth Donahue, resident of Middletown since 2011, Navy wife, first moved to Middletown in 1986. I am a former librarian at the Newport Public Library and 12 years as a librarian at Melville Elementary School in Portsmouth. I currently serve on the Middletown Public Library Board and am also a daily substitute teacher in Middletown Public Schools.
I am an avid user of the Middletown Public Library. I check out physical books, eBooks, DVDs for my mom, and participate in their adult programming. I volunteered last summer in the Children’s Department offering a music program for kids. I donate and buy books from the Friends of Middletown Public Library.
Fair compensation and safe staffing are separate issues. Yes, the compensation of the library staff needs to be addressed. It will be addressed in December 2024, when we are going into union negotiations that will affect FY26. Until then, the staffing issue should be remedied this year. An in-depth analysis of our staffing levels compared to other libraries has been completed by our Library Director. Hence the staffing need is urgent. Last week because of under staffing, the children’s room was unsupervised, and an exit sign was broken when teens were in there with unruly behavior. Tonight, the room is currently unstaffed because our Library Director is attending this meeting.
I am here to urge you to vote YES for the Library Board of Trustees request to add one full-time position for Fiscal Year 2025. This would return the library staff to pre-pandemic numbers. Middletown patrons deserve a well-staffed library. The library is the heart of our community and serves All of us, from my experiences to the job seeker, to the new mom looking for story time and connection, to art displays, and also providing many electronic resources and currently digitizing the Middletown High School yearbooks beginning in 1961. I don’t have time to enumerate all our library does to support and serve our community. We have a new library director Kimberly Usselman. We should listen to her wise request.
Case point: Currently one very talented but overworked person is in charge of cataloguing new books and materials, IT equipment and troubleshooting, and Electronic resource management. Please help our town and your awesome library by approving this request for one additional staff person at the library.
Middletown Prevention Coalition Coordinator Lori Verderosa addressed the Town Council explaining at the last public hearing the Town Council requested statistics. Ms. Verderosa reviewed the following communication providing statistics, entered here:
MPC Coordinator Lori Verderosa noted the loss of two staff positions will have an impact on the schools and respectfully requests the Town Council to reinstate her requested funding.
Councillor Turano noted that it is hard to believe that the Town cannot find the $68,000 to fund the MPC.
William O’Connell, Middletown addressed the Town Council noting the great job that is done by the Middletown Library, the Middletown Prevention Coalition and the Middletown Public Schools.
Library Director Kimberly Usselman addressed the Town Council expressing the need for an additional staff member at the library. Ms. Usselman noted that she is aware that the compensation for library employees needs to be addressed and will be next year. Libarian Usselman noted that the $86,000 is compensation and benefits, a part time position would cost $51,409. Ms. Usselman explained that she is looking at closing the children’s room at the library at certain times, due to lack of staffing. Librarian Usselman did agree that the Town Facilities Director is needed.
Vice President Welch brought up the discussion of an Assistant Town Administrator, noting that at this time it is more efficient to hire a Town Facilities Director.
Councillor Turano noted that during last year’s budget the entire Town Council agreed that this budget would include an Assistant Town Administrator and it is not included in the proposed budget. Mr. Turano explained that it is the Town Council’s fiduciary responsibility to the Town with all the projects going on this year, School Bonds, School Building, grant writing and more. Councillor Turano noted that he is not comfortable voting for this budget.
Council President Rodrigues noted that he does not support a Deputy Town Administrator, explaining sometimes priorities change, and there is an opportunity to combine Town and School facilities. Mr. Rodrigues also noted the Council’s responsibility to have a balanced budget affordable to the residents.
Councillor Turano noted that it was agreed last year and with projects in the Town going on, which need to be on time and on budget, there is a need for a Deputy Town Administrator.
Councillor Logan noted that in the past few years there have been Deputies added to other departments (DPW, Police and Finance). Mr. Logan explained that it makes more sense to have one facilities person, but agrees there is a need for succession.
Vice President Welch noted that the Deputy Finance Director has been helping the Town Administrator with certain tasks.
Councillor Turano noted the RIPEC study indicates a negative impact on rental units and non-residents with a tiered tax rate. Mr. Turano explained that there is not enough rental property in Middletown and the tax increase on non-residents causes a hardship. Councillor Turano noted the tax system is broken and the tax burden is passed on to renters.
On motion of Councillor Turano to bring back to where the tax rate is currently; there was no second to this motion.
Councillor Logan noted that the tiered tax ordinance is bringing unintended consequences and the need to find a balance in split taxes. Mr. Logan explained the need to review town revenues (STR fees and others) to see where the Town can increase revenues.
Discussion centered around there is a Short-Term Rental Sub-Committee which is looking at the current ordinance, the split tax rate is to help Middletown residents, the Town Administrator reviewed data for non-resident properties (273 non-resident properties), Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan reviewing the law regarding split tax rates (only allow for two categories) and there are 5,200 residential homes in the Town.
Theresa Silveira Spengler, Middletown, addressed the Town Council noting that she is a homeowner and business owner and agrees that taxes must increase. Ms. Spengler explained that it is a domino effect and right now this is a good strategic plan. Theresa Spengler noted that second homes are businesses in the community.
Council President Rodrigues reviewed the following Split-Tax Rate slide:
Discussion centered around that the commercial tax rate cannot be charged to rentals, there is money in the budget to offset the school bond payment for next year, taxes are not just being raised because of the school bond, the need to make decisions for all residents, all taxpayers contribute to the bond even if their taxes are being decreased and getting more information for the Town Council regarding rental information.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan noted that the levy resolution must pass by the majority of six votes.
On motion of Councillor Turano, to leave tiered tax rate where it currently is today, so it does not affect the tax rate; there was no second to this motion.
Whereas:
The School Department has identified an alternative funding source to partially offset the previous funding source of the Town Council Contingency with other General Fund Revenues based on FY 24 revenues collected to date.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted that on page 2 , line 14 Education amount be decreased by $70,000 due to a savings in medical and dental insurance rates and lease payments for copiers, and School Department Revenue on page 2, line 35 be decreased by the amount of $70,000 , and all subtotals be adjusted accordingly; Councillor Turano voted NO to said Motion.
Based on review of capital priorities and the continuation of finalizing the School Department’s Necessity of Construction Plan.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously, that Capital Improvements- School Department, page 2, line 11 be decreased by $912,355, and School Department CIP Appropriation on page 2, line 36, be decreased by $912,355, and all subtotals adjusted accordingly.
The Town and School Department have applied for additional funding through the Learn 365 grant and the Town Council has reappropriated unspent American Rescue Plan Act funds at the April 1st, 2024 meeting for the Summer Programming of the Beyond the Bell Program.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously, that the Education, page 2 line 14 be decreased by $241,326 and School Revenue, page 2 line 35 be decreased by $241,326 and Grants Total, page 1 line 44 and Community Services Grant, page 2 line 2 be increased by $250,373 and Restricted Grants-in-Aid State Sources page 2, line 23 be increased by $250,373 and all subtotals adjusted accordingly.
The Outreach Committee has reviewed the civic appropriation applications that were submitted by February 15, 2024.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously, that the Town Council approves the list as recommended by the Outreach Committee but postponing the requested $18,000 amount intended for the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission until a later time determined by the Town Council.
There being no other persons present or on zoom desiring to be heard, public hearing was declared closed.
The Town Council received the following email was received on May 23, 2024.
I am unable to attend the open budget hearing next Wednesday evening. Please forward the following statement to the Town Council members for their consideration and to be read into the public record.
My name is Joan DeFinis and I reside at 16 Evelin Circle in Middletown RI. I am the Vice Chair of the Middletown Library Board of Trustees and am writing to support the Library's FY 2025 supplemental budget request for 35 hours of staffing.
As taxpayers, the Library Trustees are very mindful of the fiscal challenges facing the town and the need for all parts of town government to be as cost effective as possible in their operations. Restoring these 35 hours would help enormously to deliver the best service to our library patrons. We do not make this request lightly.
The Library's supplemental request would restore staffing to pre-covid levels. Our services have increased in every statistical category when compared to both pre-covid and covid numbers. Current staffing levels are inadequate given the size of the building -- a sudden building repair, medical emergency or security issue could have serious consequences.
Details on our current staffing are available on pp.16 and 17 of the Library's Director's handout given to Council members at the April 27, 2024 Budget Hearing.
Thank you for your attention.
The Town Council received the following email was received on May 23, 2024.
Please pass this along to the Middletown Town Council.
I am writing to ask that the Town Council consider an additional $86,000 to the Fiscal Year 2025 Middletown Public Library budget. These funds will be used to add one full-time position to the library staff, a much-needed improvement. It also includes an internal promotion which is essential to better staff coverage and a safe environment within the library.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Anna Anton
Middletown Public Library Bd. of Trustees
The Town Council received the following email was received on May 28, 2024.
As a member of the Friends of the MPL and a resident of Middletown, I am writing in support of a request for another full-time staff member in the library. The importance of the library to the community cannot be overstated! Adequate staffing enables the library to perform so many other services besides lending books and media; their programs, events, classes, bookstore, and library departments provide education and pleasure to so many people, in all age groups, in the community! I urge you to find the funds needed to employ another full-time staff person.
Respectfully,
Carol Radion, Secretary of the Friends of the MPL
The Town Council received the following email was received on May 24, 2024.
I ask the town council to support funding for increased staffing levels at the Middletown Library. Our citizens make increased use of the library every month. To meet this demand -- which includes a wide variety of activities, not just books! -- increased staffing is essential. Otherwise, patron's needs are not met, and protection of the library's holdings cannot be assured.
In today's fast-changing world, a resource center such as the Middletown Library is an essential part of our community.
Please share these thoughts with the Town Council.
Sincerely,
Dr. Wiliam Haffner-Jones, Library Trustee
The Town Council received the following email was received on May 28, 2024.
May 28, 2024
Shawn Brown, Town Administrator and Members of the Middletown Town Council
Middletown Town Hall
350 East Main Road
Middletown, RI 02842
Dear Mr. Brown and Members of the Middletown Town Council:
As members of the Middletown Prevention Coalition's (MPC) Leadership Team we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank you for your support of the MPC most significantly since 2021 when our 10-year federal Drug Free Communities grant concluded. Without the Town's support we would not have been able to provide the community prevention programs for youth and families that have been an important part of reducing substance use in the town.
We also want to acknowledge that we are aware that FY 25 will be a particularly challenging budget year for the Town of Middletown.
We are also aware that discussions have occurred regarding the MPC becoming a grant funded coalition as opposed to a coalition funded primarily by municipal dollars.
With regard to the proposed cuts to the MPC budget for FY 25 and the MPC becoming a grant funded organization we are asking for consideration of the following:
1. That the Prevention Coordinator position in the amount of $68,261 be restored to the FY 25 budget. This position serves youth and families in the community directly and is an important part of the our community prevention efforts.
2. That if a decision is made for the MPC to become a grant funded coalition that adequate time be given for the development and implementation of a sustainability plan without cutting important prevention services for youth and families.
3. That the Prevention Director position remain in the Town budget and not become a grant-funded position. This position is the cornerstone for the town's prevention work and all MPC sustainability efforts. Attempting to raise funds for this position every year does not give the Coalition the backbone that it needs to work effectively and raise grant funds.
As you may be aware a representative of the MPC Leadership Team met directly with Councilman Welch, who is the Council liaison to MPC, and Mr. Brown to address these concerns and ask for consideration of the above requests. If you should have any questions please feel free to contact Susan Schenck on our behalf at 401-924-3414 or sschenck336@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Anne Schultz, MPC Chair
Ali Firlings, MPC Secretary
Susan Schenck, MPC Leadership Team Member
The Town Council received the following email was received on May 29, 2024.
Good Morning,
My name is Deborah Barth and live on Island Drive in Middletown. Please forward this letter to the Town Council as they consider the MPL supplemental budget for 2025.
As someone who moved frequently with young children, due to my spouses military career, the library was one of the first stops we made to connect ourselves to the new town and keep our children in a familiar atmosphere. Libraries continue to be a keystone for communities and currently offer a multitude of services, besides book lending, to those who enter.
Not only as a resident, but as a board member of the Friends of the Middletown Public Library, I ask that you consider and support the additional $86,000 request to the library. It is necessary to continue services and keep our library at its peak performance. This request would cover the return of 35 staffing hours and current staff promotions providing the best resources to library patrons.
Thank you for your consideration,
Deborah Barth
The Town Council received the following email was received on May 29, 2024.
I am unable to attend tonight's budget hearing. Would you please give this statement to the Town Council members for their consideration. Thank you.
My name is Dorothea Baernthaler and I reside at 92 Boulevard, Middletown, RI. I am writing today to support the Middletown Public Library’s additional budget request for funding for a full-time staff member which would return staffing to its pre-Covid level.
As a former librarian and current president of the Friends of Middletown Public Library, I am keenly aware of the important benefit our library brings to all of Middletown’s residents.
The statistics of over 112,000 checkouts of library materials, over 95,000 visits to the library, and over 400 library events encompassing all age groups, as presented in the library director’s budget request handout at the April 27, 2024, Budget Hearing, show a vibrant town resource very much in demand.
At the current staffing level, many innovative ideas cannot be implemented, security for the patrons, staff and the building itself is a concern, and scheduling coverage for staff vacations and illnesses is a major problem.
In the near future, the library director and staff will be tasked with additional duties during the design and construction of the new library putting further demands on staff time. Now is the time to bring in and train new staff.
The library gives so much to all of Middletown, and, with the addition of adequate staffing, the library can continue their excellent work.
Thank you for your consideration of the library's important request.
Dorothea Baernthaler
President, Friends of the Middletown Library
401-841-5354
The Town Council received the following email was received on May 29, 2024.
Gentlepersons:
I relocated to Rhode Island from New York in 1984 & I was pleased & delighted to encounter an extraordinary range of materials & services available at the library.
The Middletown Library offers an extensive program of hands-on activities & programs for all ages - children’s story time, reference services, technical support, seminars, food for fines, Friends Bookstore, fishing poles & crafts. It has provided a space for AARP to offer no cost tax preparation services for the community as well as hosting the Historical Society exhibits relating to the history of Middletown or just a quiet place of respite to read a newspaper or magazine.
Libraries provide information without bias, an agenda or other affiliation – just information.
As a vital component of city services, I respectfully endorse the request for funding of an additional full-time staff member at a cost of $86,000 to the Fiscal Year 2025 Middletown Public Library budget which will restore personnel to pre-Covid staffing levels. This expenditure, while significant, will allow the Library to continue to offer the wide range of programs & services so valuable to the quality of life we have come to expect & provide requisite staffing required to maintain security as well as the standard of service we have come to expect.
Thank you for taking the time to read & consider my perspective.
Sincerely,
Shelley Kraman
9 Circle Drive
Middletown RI 02942
401.662.9878
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to adopt said ordinance on its second reading, as amended; Councillor Turano voted NO to said motion.
2. Resolution of the Council, re: Tax Levy.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Discussion centered around continuing this item to the June 17, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Council and continuing item #3 to the June 17, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Council.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to withdraw said motion to pass said resolution.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the June 17, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Council.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the June 17, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Council.
4. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title III, Chapter 36, Entitled “Fee Schedule”, Section (D) Parks and Recreation, (1) Beach Fees.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to adopt said ordinance on its second reading.
Council President Rodrigues noted that he does not want to raise the beach fees, but the Town must pay staff the beach competitive pay rates. Mr. Rodrigues feels he has no choice other than to increase the fees.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adopt said ordinance on its second reading.
5. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title III, Chapter 36, Entitled “Fee Schedule”, Section (H) Refuse and Recycling Department, (2) User Fee.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to adopt said ordinance on its second reading.
Council President Rodrigues noted that the bag fee is not increasing, but the hauling contract is increasing. Council President Rodrigues feels it is still cheaper than a private hauler.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adopt said ordinance on its second reading.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 8:08 p.m.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Council Clerk
supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri