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.
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Middletown, RI at the Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road, Middletown, RI in person on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 5:33 P.M.
Members Present:
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues, Presiding
Vice President Thomas P. Welch, III
Councilor Peter D. Connerton, Sr.
Councilor Charles R. Roberts
Councilor Dennis B. Turano
Councilor Barbara A. VonVillas
Absent
Councilor Christopher M. Logan
POSTED – NOVEMBER 26, 2025
REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 1, 2025
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, December 1, 2025, 5:30 P.M. Executive Session, 6:00 P.M. Promotional Ceremony 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. Virtual access will also be provided by telephone conference call/ webinar and 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: 824 0764 0065 or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82407640065
; however, virtual access is being provided only as a convenience and is not an official "location" where access to the meeting is guaranteed. Being physically present at the meeting is the only way to guarantee complete access to the meeting, as the meeting will not be paused or rescheduled if the virtual access fails.
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)
The motion from November 17, 2025 as follows:
14. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An ordinance in amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown Title XI, General Regulations, Chapter 90 Animals, 90.03 Disposition of Carcasses and Waste.
On motion of Councilor Logan, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adopt said ordinance on its second reading.
On motion of Council President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconsider the vote on the adoption of An ordinance in amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown Title XI, General Regulations, Chapter 90 Animals, 90.03 Disposition of Carcasses and Waste, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconsider.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded it was voted unanimously to schedule to reconsideration of the Second Reading to January 20, 2026.
1. Executive Session - Pursuant to provisions of RIGL, Sections 42-46-2, 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (a), (2) Collective Bargaining (Teamsters), (2) Collective Bargaining (Council 94 – Custodian Contract) and West Main Road.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess open session and reconvene in executive session at 5:36 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess executive session and reconvene in open session at 6:06 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive the Council 94 Custodian Union fiscal impact statement.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to ratify the Teamsters Union Contract.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to seal the executive session minutes pursuant to Section 42-46-7. RIGL
2. Communication of Robert J. McCall, Fire Chief, re: Promotional Ceremony – Formal Swearing in.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication and begin Promotional Ceremony.
Fire Chief Robert McCall read the following into the record:
Good evening everyone.
Thank you for being here. Nights like this matter. They remind us why we show up every day, why we train hard, and why we hold each other to a high standard. We are here to recognize members of this department who have stepped forward, taken on more responsibility, and earned the trust of this organization.
First, I want to acknowledge three well deserved promotions.
Bill Homer has put in the work from day one. Bill was hired October 9, 2007 has worked for the fire department for over 18 years. He climbed each step the right way. Firefighter. Fire Marshal. Captain. Now Battalion Chief. Bill has always taken on the jobs that needed doing, not the ones that were easy. He also oversees our Fire Prevention Office, which is no small task. He has strengthened that program and helped us keep this community safer. His promotion reflects years of steady effort and dedication.
Battalion Chief Bill Homer was sworn in by Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall and pinned by a family member.
Fire Chief Robert McCall read the following into the record:
Next, we recognize Nate McGillivray. Nate began working October 30, 2006 and for over 19 years Nate has been a strong Firefighter and Lieutenant. He leads from the front, sets the tone on his shift, and pushes the people around him to be better. On top of his company duties, he oversees our marine rescue response and handles all in-house training for marine operations. Tonight, he steps into the role of Captain, and I have no doubt he will carry that same steady leadership with him.
Captain Nate McGillvray was sworn in by Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall and pinned by a family member.
Fire Chief Robert McCall read the following into the record:
And finally, we honor Conner Gunning. Conner has been part of raising our EMS program to a higher standard. He has been a leader since the day he walked through the door. He brings a level of maturity and calm that lifts the people around him. Conner also carries on a family tradition of service. His father is a retired Newport Fire Department Captain, and Conner has continued that legacy with pride. He is moving from Firefighter to Lieutenant, and I know he will take care of his crew and represent this department well.
Lieutenant Conner Gunning was sworn in by Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall and pinned by a family member.
Fire Chief Robert McCall read the following into the record:
We are also welcoming new firefighters to our ranks. Zach Reed and Henry Ciannavei have joined us and both bring experience and knowledge that will strengthen this department. Zach is a second generation Middletown firefighter. His father currently serves as a Lieutenant, and Zach is already showing the same commitment to this community. Henry arrives with a strong background and the steady work ethic we look for in our newest members. We are glad to have them both on board.
We also want to recognize Matt Hook and Cam Neary. They are still hard at work in the fire academy, and they will graduate on December 19, 2025. They are not here yet, but they are on the way, and we are looking forward to getting them into the station and on the line.
Promotions and new hires are not just personnel moves. They are investments in the future of this department. They are a sign that our mission continues, our standards stay strong, and our commitment to this community is steady.
To those promoted tonight, congratulations. You earned this. To our newest firefighters, welcome. You are part of something bigger now. Take it seriously, take pride in it, and take care of each other.
All were sworn in by the Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall and pinned by a family member.
Council President Rodrigues noted that a reconsideration has to take place at the beginning of a meeting.
Council President Rodrigues noted that the Town Clerk has contacted the Chair of the Beach Commission and the matter being reconsidered will be addressed on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Vote from reconsideration was repeated.
On motion of Council President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconsider the vote on the adoption of An ordinance in amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown Title XI, General Regulations, Chapter 90 Animals, 90.03 Disposition of Carcasses and Waste, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconsider.
3. The Town Administrator will provide an update on:
a. Town Projects
b. School Building Project
c. Library Building Project
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin the Town Projects, School Building Project and Library Building Project updates.
Shared Facilities Director Ed Collins addressed the Council noting that for the New Middle High School project all bid packages have been awarded, site excavating complete, there is minor excavation and building project is moving west to east. The ES Complex the final GMP is approved and starting schedule for spring. The library project construction documents are being completed, there is ongoing discussion with furniture colors and reimbursement from the state. All projects are on time and on budget.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the following Town Projects:
· Boulevard Project
· Mitchell’s Lane
· Purgatory Sidewalks
· Road Paving – East Main Road to Wyatt Road
All Town Projects are on the Town website – Projects in Motion.
4. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Agreement with Ahlborg Construction Corporation.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum above.
5. 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.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to act as a Board of License Commission.
6. (Public Hearing Advertised)
Application of Liyi Li and Lifeng Guo d/b/a Ching Tao Chinese Restaurant, 268 West Main Road to TRANSFER Class BV Liquor License to RJR, Inc. d/b/a Ching Tao Chinese Restaurant (2025-2026 Licensing year) for use at the same premises.
Public Hearing was declared open.
Attorney Craig Sampson, Newport, representing the applicant, noted that the petitioners/owners are the same, they are just changing to a corporation.
There being no persons present or on zoom desiring to be heard, public hearing was declared closed.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license.
7. Application of WAMM, Inc. d/b/a Anthony’s Seafood Market & Restaurant, holder of a Retailer's Class BL Alcoholic Beverage License for premises located at 963 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, Rhode Island, to TRANSFER said license to 963 Aquidneck Opco, LLC d/b/a Anthony’s Seafood Market & Restaurant, application includes a request from the 963 Aquidneck Opco, LLC to upgrade said license from BL Alcoholic Beverage License to BV Alcoholic Beverage License for use at the same premises including outdoor patio service. (Requires advertising to public hearing for hearing to be heard on December 15, 2025)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said application and advertise for public hearing to be held on December 15, 2025.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene as a Town Council.
8. Approval of Minutes, re: Special Meeting, October 9, 2025.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
9. Memorandum of Finance Director, re: School Department Surplus – District books and Curriculum.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
10. Resolution of the Council, re: Approving that the surplus property (District books and Curriculum) be salvaged by the Finance Director in accordance with Town Ordinance §33A.130 disposal of surplus or obsolete property.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
11. Memorandum of Finance Director, re: School Department Surplus - District Technology Equipment.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to withdraw at the request of the administration.
12. Resolution of the Council, re: Approving that the surplus property (District Technology Equipment) be salvaged by the Finance Director in accordance with Town Ordinance §33A.130 disposal of surplus or obsolete property.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to withdraw at the request of the administration.
13. Application of RJA, Inc. d/b/a Ching Tao Chinese Restaurant, 268 West Main Road for a Victualling House License for the 2025-2026 licensing year.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license contingent upon Fire Marshal, Building Official and Board of Health approvals.
14. Email communication of Amara Walsh, re: Short-Term Rental Ordinance and its owner-occupancy requirement as applied to active-duty military families under temporary orders.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive email communication.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan noted that if the Council decides to make a change due to this request, it will require a change to the zoning ordinance and to the tax classification ordinance.
Don Morin, Middletown, member of the Tax Exploration Committee, addressed the Council noting that the current ordinance is doing what the Town Council wants it to do. Mr. Morin explained there are a few categories where people do not get the resident rates.
Discussion centered around the Town Council has questions for Ms. Walsh.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue item #14 to the next meeting.
15. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: Cell Tower Lease: T-Mobile.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
16. Resolution of the Council, re: T- Mobile Lease – Effective and commencing as of June 19, 2023, the agreement is renewed for a 5-year term and will automatically be renewed for four (4) additional and successive five (5) year terms, commencing June 19, 2026, the annual Rent shall increase by four percent (4%) and thereafter shall increase by four percent (4%) on every anniversary of June 19th and That the Finance Director is authorized to execute agreements on behalf of the Town of Middletown.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum in item #15.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
17. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: Beach Operations Financial Report – Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum and Beach Operations Financial Report – Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum above and the slide here.
Enter slide
Discussion centered around the campground fees, the concession contract for the beach will be out for bid this year, the five-dollar daily parking fee goes directly in the CIP, resident rate sticker price vs the non-resident rate sticker price and the state will be taxing the beach parking.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 7:28 p.m.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Council Clerk