At a Special 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 Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

 

Members Present:

 

Council President Paul M. Rodrigues, Presiding

Vice President Thomas P. Welch, III

Councilor Peter D. Connerton, Sr.

Councilor Christopher M. Logan

Councilor Dennis B. Turano, arrives at 3:01 pm

Councilor Barbara A. VonVillas

 

Absent:

 

Councilor Charles R. Roberts

 

*POSTED AND AMENDED – DECEMBER 17, 2025

POSTED – DECEMBER 17, 2025

SPECIAL MEETING – DECEMBER 23, 2025

 

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 Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at the Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road, Middletown, Rhode Island. Said meeting will be conducted in person.

 

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.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

1.    Executive Session - Pursuant to provisions of RIGL, Sections 42-46-2, 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (a), (2) Collective Bargaining (Council 94 – Custodian Contract) and (2) Collective Bargaining (NEARI – Library).

 

2.    *Resolution of the Council, re:  Formation of a Joint Academic Integration Advisory Committee (the “AIAC”) with the City of Newport.

 

Said meeting will be held at the Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842 on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 3:00 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 December 17, 2025 at Middletown Town Hall, Middletown Public Library and Secretary of State Web Site. 

 

*Posted on December 17, 2025 at Middletown Town Hall, Middletown Public Library and Secretary of State Web Site. 

1.    Executive Session - Pursuant to provisions of RIGL, Sections 42-46-2, 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (a), (2) Collective Bargaining (Council 94 – Custodian Contract) and (2) Collective Bargaining (NEARI – Library).

 

            On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess open session and reconvene in executive session at 3:01 p.m.

 

            On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess executive session and reconvene in open session at 3:35 p.m.

 

            On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to ratify the Council 94 Custodian Union contract.

 

            On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to ratify the NEARI/Library 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.    *Resolution of the Council, re:  Formation of a Joint Academic Integration Advisory Committee (the “AIAC”) with the City of Newport.

 

On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.

 

Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan addressed the Council noting that the resolution is just to establish a committee, advertise for the committee and allow the Council to meet again with the City of Newport.  Mr. Regan explained that he does not know if the School Committee will participate in the Joint Academic Integration Advisory Committee.

 

Council President Rodrigues noted the need to get regionalization and legislation correct.

 

Councilor Connerton read the following into the record:

 

Discussion centered around how the Council will select people for the Joint Academic Integration Advisory Committee, the committee is advisory only, what is the best situation for the Town, the appointments will be discussed at a public meeting, the Council writing down questions for the next meeting with the City of Newport, RIDE has stated that regionalization is a local decision, not rushing regionalization, the importance of regionalization legislation, and the need to do what is best for Middletown students and the Town.

 

A vote was taken.

 

On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.

 

On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 4:16 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC

Town Clerk