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 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 Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 6:01 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 Charles R. Roberts
Councilor Dennis B. Turano
Councilor Barbara A. VonVillas
POSTED – May 22, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING – May 28, 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 Wednesday, May 28, 2025 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: 833 9702 1737 or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83397021737
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
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, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
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 (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 28, 2025 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 22, 2025 at Middletown Town Hall, Middletown Public Library, Middletown Web Site and Secretary of State Web Site.
1. Communication of Middletown High School Class of 2027 and Class of 2028, re: Request for support in the amount of $250.00 for lunches for the 20 volunteers at their first golf tournament to be held at the Jamestown Golf Course on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication and authorize $250.00 to be allocated from the Council President’s Discretionary Fund.
2. 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, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
Public hearing remains open.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed an FY 2026 Budget Second Public Hearing PowerPoint, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the following proposed motions:
Town of Middletown
Budget Hearing
Recommended Form of Motion
Town Charter § 208 provides that the town council may change the budget proposed by the town administrator provided that the council also make provision(s) for balancing out the consolidated budget.
Whereas:
The timing of debt service reimbursements from the Rhode Island Department of Education for the school bond debt is delayed until fiscal year 2028 when the school projects will be substantially completed.
The Town will use unrestricted fund balance to fund the fiscal year 2026 increase in debt service payments and will reimburse unrestricted fund balance when the town receives the reimbursement from the Rhode Island Department of Education.
Motion:
I move that on page 2, line 19, Taxes Levied by Municipality, be decreased by $306,912.00, the subtotal information on page 2, line 39, be relocated to page 2, line 40, and on page 2, line 39, Town Use of Fund Balance be added in the amount of $306,912.00 and all subtotals are adjusted accordingly.
Town of Middletown
Budget Hearing
Recommended Form of Motion
Town Charter § 208 provides that the town council may change the budget proposed by the town administrator provided that the council also make provision(s) for balancing out the consolidated budget.
Motion:
I move that an additional subsection under section 1 be created titled Use of Unrestricted Fund Balance on page 2, line 40 and state the following: “In accordance with Ordinance 33.18(D), the Fiscal Year 2026 budget shall include the use of unrestricted fund balance in the amount of $306,912. This allocation is intended to offset the increase in property taxes resulting from Debt Service pertaining to the Middle/High School Construction Project and Elementary School Renovation Project. The offset is based on the anticipated future reimbursement from the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). Said reimbursement is expected upon reaching substantial completion of the Middle/High School construction and Elementary School Complex renovation and reimbursement is projected to begin in fiscal year 2028.” All line numbers, sections, and subsections are adjusted accordingly.
Discussion centered around reimbursement of fund balance, the loss of state aid for education, this is the last year for ARPA reimbursement for the school deficit, Mr. Brown reviewed the proposed motion to increase the library staff, Mr. Brown reviewed the Civic Appropriation allocation noting the decrease from last year's appropriation, fund balance policy and the cost of Special Education (out of district placements).
Steve Johnson, Aquidneck Island Planning Commission (AIPC), addressed the Council requesting a Civic Appropriation for the (AIPC) be added into the budget. Mr. Johnson explained that he has been working to relaunch the AIPC.
Discussion centered around the AIPC files with the Secretary of State for their Open Meetings, if the Council would consider the AIPC Civic appropriation request, Mr. Johnson will be asking Newport and Portsmouth for the same civic appropriation request, Mr. Johnson also requested the Town Council fill the two vacant AIPC board member seats and if the Town Council decides to fund the AIPC funding would come from the contingency fund.
Further discussion centered around Councilor Roberts and Councilor Turano requesting the proposed tax increase be reduced to 2%.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the following:
Discussion centered around Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and if some of the projects are not funded, the Town could face a structural deficit, the CIP policy was reviewed by Town Administrator Shawn Brown and using fund balance to decrease taxes would cause a structural deficit.
Councilor Roberts noted that he would like to make a motion to fund the Middletown Prevention Coalition in the amount of $95,264 and fund the Atlantic Beach District TIF in the amount of $200,000, suggesting the money come out of page 2 line 4 non-department specific, but if the grant comes through for the MPC, the money will be reimbursed. Mr. Roberts suggests the need to sustain the MPC, but see if the MPC, Outreach Department and may be the Senior Center could be combined.
On motion of Councilor Roberts, to fund from page 5 line 4 increase 200,000 to the TIF and page 1 line 42 increase to $127,524 the $95,264 to the MPC.
Greg Huet, Middletown School Committee Chair, addressed the Council thanking them for their support. Mr. Huet reviewed unfunded mandates and noted that the School Committee scrubbed the budget line by line.
Councilor Turano noted that he would like a Deputy Town Administrator in this budget. Mr. Turano explained that there have been prior discussions about adding this position to the budget and it has not happened.
Discussion centered around adding additional budget items, caping the tax increase to 2%, the current proposed tax increase is higher than 2% and if the tax increase was at 2%, items would have to be cut from the proposed budget.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess this meeting at 7:31 P.M.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene this meeting a 7:43 P.M.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously that on page 1, line 40 Library amount be increased by $ 115,610.00, and Non-Department Specific expenses on page 2, line 4 be decreased by $115,610.00, and all subtotals are adjusted accordingly.
Vice President Welch noted that the School Committee has voted on changes to their proposed budget at the May 22, 2025, meeting. The School Department has identified additional expenses related to costs associated with software licensing, shared facilities, and an increase in the transportation contract for FY2026 and funding sources to offset these additional expenditures.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously that on page 2, line 14, Education, be increased by $700,000.00, School Department Revenue on Page 2, line 36, be increased by $100,000.00, School Department CIP Appropriation on page 2, line 37,be increased by $100,000.00, and School Use of Fund Balance be added on page 2, Line 38, for the amount of $500,000.00 and all subtotals are adjusted accordingly.
Vice President Welch noted that the Town of Middletown recognizes the importance of mental health services for its residents. Increased funding for mental health services and community support programs will lead to improved access to treatment and prevention and will reduce the burden on families and the community.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, that on page 1, line 43, Community Outreach amount be increased by $9,377.00 and on page 2, line 19, Taxes Levied by Municipality be increased by $5,105.00, and page 5, line 31, Non-Department Specific be increased by$4,272.00, page 5 line 25 decrease by $4,272.00 and page 3, Line 42, Civic Appropriations from The General Fund be increased by $5,105.00 and page 3 line 42, Civic Appropriations from Parks and Recreation Fund be increased by $4,272.00. All subtotals will be adjusted accordingly.
Council President Rodrigues amended the motion above, which was duly seconded, to include $18,000 for the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission (AIPC) with the condition that Newport and Portsmouth fund the AIPC at the same level, if not funded by Newport and Portsmouth the funding will be removed; the funding will come from the contingency line of the budget.
A vote was taken on the amendment.
Council President Rodrigues amended the motion above, which was duly seconded, it was voted to include $18,000 for the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission (AIPC) with the condition that Newport and Portsmouth fund the AIPC at the same level, if not funded by Newport and Portsmouth the funding will be removed; the funding will come from the contingency line of the budget; Vice President Welch, Councilor Connerton and Councilor Roberts voted NO to said motion.
A vote was taken on the original motion, as amended.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, that on page 1, line 43, Community Outreach amount be increased by $9,377.00 and on page 2, line 19, Taxes Levied by Municipality be increased by $5,105.00, and page 5, line 31, Non-Department Specific be increased by$4,272.00, page 5 line 25 decrease by $4,272.00 and page 3, Line 42, Civic Appropriations from The General Fund be increased by $5,105.00 and page 3 line 42, Civic Appropriations from Parks and Recreation Fund be increased by $4,272.00. All subtotals will be adjusted accordingly.
Council President Rodrigues amended the motion above, which was duly seconded, it was voted to include $18,000 for the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission (AIPC) with the condition that Newport and Portsmouth fund the AIPC at the same level, if not funded by Newport and Portsmouth the funding will be removed; the funding will come from the contingency line of the budget; Councilor Roberts voted NO to said motion.
Vice President Welched note the timing of debt service reimbursements from the Rhode Island Department of Education for the school bond debt is delayed until fiscal year 2028 when the school projects will be substantially completed.
The Town will use unrestricted fund balance to fund the fiscal year 2026 increase in debt service payments and will reimburse unrestricted fund balance when the town receives the reimbursement from the Rhode Island Department of Education.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously that on page 2, line 19, Taxes Levied by Municipality, be decreased by $306,912.00, the subtotal information on page 2, line 39, be relocated to page 2, line 40, and on page 2, line 39, Town Use of Fund Balance be added in the amount of $306,912.00 and all subtotals are adjusted accordingly.
Vice President Welch read the following into the record:
Town Charter § 208 provides that the town council may change the budget proposed by the town administrator provided that the council also make provision(s) for balancing out the consolidated budget.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously that an additional subsection under section 1 be created titled Use of Unrestricted Fund Balance on page 2, line 40 and state the following: “In accordance with Ordinance 33.18(D), the Fiscal Year 2026 budget shall include the use of unrestricted fund balance in the amount of $306,912. This allocation is intended to offset the increase in property taxes resulting from Debt Service pertaining to the Middle/High School Construction Project and Elementary School Renovation Project. The offset is based on the anticipated future reimbursement from the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). Said reimbursement is expected upon reaching substantial completion of the Middle/High School construction and Elementary School Complex renovation and reimbursement is projected to begin in fiscal year 2028.” All line numbers, sections, and subsections are adjusted accordingly.
On motion of Councilor Roberts, duly seconded, that in FY2026 budget page 1 line 42 Middletown Prevention Coalition $32,270 be increased to $127,534, increase of $95, 264, and decrease $95,264 from either the General Fund or Non-Department Specific page 2 line 4 decreasing $95,264
Discussion centered around that if the grant is not received where funding would come from to support the Middletown Prevention Coalition.
A vote was taken
On motion of Councilor Roberts, duly seconded, it was voted to in FY2026 budget page 1 line 42 Middletown Prevention Coalition $32,270 be increased to $127,534, increase of $95, 264, and decrease $95,264 from either the General Fund or Non-Department Specific page 2 line 4 decreasing $95,264; Councilor Roberts and Councilor Turano voted YES to said motion; Council President Rodrigues, Vice President Welch, Councilor Connerton, Councilor Logan, Councilor VonVillas voted NO to said motion; MOTION FAILED TO PASS.
On motion of Councilor Roberts, duly seconded, to increase the amount set aside for use for the Atlantic Beach District, page 5 line 4, set aside in the proposed budget for use in Atlantic Beach District to be increased by $200,000, subtract 200,000 from the Town’s General Fund or by the Town Administrator finding savings in expenditures,
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan noted that the Council cannot pass an ordinance that the Town Administrator has to find savings, nor is the Town Administrator able to make the decision on what would be cut from the proposed budget, that is a Town Council decision. Mr. Regan explained the budget would have to be continued until a decision is made on where the funding is coming from.
Councilor Roberts proposed an amendment taking $100,000 from the Department of Public Works and $100,000 from the Beach Operations.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown noted that the budget would be out of balance, if the funding came from those sources.
Councilor Roberts amended his motion, page 2 line 4, be increased to $200,000, decrease page 1 line 39 $100,000 Department of Public Works, increase page 2, line 25 increase $100,000, funds transfer in, page 5 line 25 decrease $100,000 (Beach Operations), page 5 line 31 increase $100,000 and all subtotals are adjusted accordingly, duly seconded,
Discussion centered around Councilor Turano noted that Valarie Gelb did a great job speaking in support of the TIF, Vice President Welch noted that there is a process and does not support taking funding from DPW or the Beach Fund, Councilor Roberts noted that he suggested the DPW and Beach Operations because they had the largest overall budget increases and Councilor Roberts noted that he would like money from the state for Public Works to make road repairs.
A vote was taken for this amendment to the motion:
Councilor Roberts and Councilor Turano voted YES; Council President Rodrigues, Vice President Welch, Councilor Connerton, Councilor Logan, Councilor VonVillas voted NO to said amended motion; MOTION FAILED TO PASS.
There being no other persons present or on zoom desiring to be heard, public hearing was declared closed.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to adopt said ordinance on its second reading, as amended.
Discussion centered around the actual increase to the tax levy, the Finance Director reviewed the slide below, Councilor Turano noted he does not support a large tax increase and supports the use of fund balance to decrease the taxes, and not using fund balance to balance the budget which would create a structural deficit and loss of state aid.
A vote was taken:
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to adopt said ordinance on its second reading, as amended; Councilor Roberts and Councilor Turano voted NO to said motion.
3. Resolution of the Council, re: Tax Levy.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to pass said resolution; Councilor Roberts and Councilor Turano voted NO to said motion.
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 (H) Refuse and Recycling Department, (2) User Fee.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to adopt said ordinance on its second reading; Councilor Roberts and Councilor Turano voted NO to said motion.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 8:36 p.m.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Council Clerk
Supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri