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, November 3, 2025 at 5:31P.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
Councilor Barbara A. VonVillas
Absent
Councilor Charles R. Roberts
POSTED – OCTOBER 29, 2025
REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 3, 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, November 3, 2025, 5:30 Executive Session; 6:00 P.M. Presentations 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: 836 3538 3762 or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83635383762; 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)
There were no reconsiderations.
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 *** Land Acquisition (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 5:32 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess executive session and reconvene in open session at 6:03 p.m.
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. Tax Exploration Subcommittee Final Report to Town Council.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said presentation.
Tax Exploration Sub-Committee Chair Don Morin presented a PowerPoint presentation, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Discussion centered around reviewing the recommendations of the sub-committee, looking at what other communities offer for exemptions and the need to improve the current tax system.
3. Memorandum of Councilor Turano, re: Middletown 5 Year Budget Forecast Review. (Presentation at the November 3, 2025, Regular Meeting)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum and begin said presentation.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed a PowerPoint presentation of the Town of Middletown Five Year Forecast 2026-2030, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
4. 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 reviewing progress on the Middle High School project. Mr. Collins noted that the Elementary School projects are on hold and there will be a revised schedule provided to the Town Council next month.
Shared Facilities Director Ed Collins addressed the Council reviewing progress on the Library Building Project explaining the application for reimbursement is being filed with the state and construction will begin next month.
5. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Memorandum for Record: Clarification- Library Borrowing Classification.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum above.
John Garagliano, Middletown, addressed the Council reading the following into the record:
Wendy Riel, Middletown, addressed the Council reading the following into the record:
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.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to act as a Board of License Commission.
7. (Public Hearing Advertised)
Applications received from the following named persons, firms or corporations for RENEWAL of Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for the 2025-2026 licensing year.
(See attached list)
Public Hearing was declared open.
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 renewals.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene as a Town Council.
8. Communication of Tax Assessor, re: Cancellation of Taxes for certain Middletown residents.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
9. 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.
10. Communication of Superintendent of Schools, re: School District Tractor Surplus.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
11. Resolution of the Council, re: Approving disposition of 2009 John Deere tractor and the surplus property 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.
12. Applications received from the following named persons, firms or corporations for RENEWAL of Victualling House Licenses for the 2025-2026 licensing year.
(See attached list)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license renewals with the exception of Graffik Coffee Co, Port Pizza, LLC and Fire and Water Concession SB Inc.
13. Application of Brazilian Brothers Meat Market, Inc. dba BB Meat Market, 876 West Main Road, for a Victualling House License for the 2025-2026 licensing year. (NEW)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license subject to Building Official, Fire Marshal and Board of Health approvals.
14. Application for Special Event Permit from Middletown Little League and MHS PTG, fundraiser for MHS scholarship, Islander Plunge - A polar plunge to be held on Thursday, January 1, 2026 (New Years Day) at 2nd Beach from 11:00 am to 1:00 p.m. (Applicant requests all fees to be waived.)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit and waive all fees.
15. (Public Hearing Advertised)
Applications received from the following named persons, firms or corporations for RENEWAL of Victualling House Licenses, Additional Hours of Operation, for the 2025-2026 licensing year. (See attached list)
Public Hearing was declared open.
Terri Flynn, Middletown, addressed the Council inquiring why a 24-hour license is needed.
Deputy Town Clerk Karin Clancey, responding to Ms. Flynn, explained that many of the establishments are coffee shops and want to open early, they are not open all night long.
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, it was voted unanimously to grant said license renewals.
16. 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.
Terri Flynn, Middletown, addressed the Council noting a grammatical error in the ordinance.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan explained that the intent of the ordinance is to require horses on Town roadways to wear a waste bag. Mr. Regan noted he would amend the ordinance for the next regular meeting.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the next regular meeting.
17. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An ordinance in amendment to the Town Code Title III, Chapter 34, Taxes, Section 34.70 entitled “Tax Classification System”.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to adopt said ordinance on its second reading.
Councilor Turano noted that he disagrees with the ordinance, explaining short term rentals should not be mixed with the tax ordinance.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan, responding to Councilor Turano, explained that the grandfather piece is part of the zoning ordinance. Mr. Regan noted the Council adopted an ordinance about taxes in short-term rentals to incentivize long-term rentals in the Town.
Leon Amarant, Middletown, addressed the Council noting concern with the resident and non-resident requirements in the tax ordinance relating to short-term rentals.
Don Morin, Middletown, addressed the Council clarifying the current tax short-term rental ordinance.
Terri Flynn, Middletown, addressed the Council noting opposition to the proposed ordinance.
Discussion centered around consideration of removing the ordinance, the confusion between the zoning short-term rental ordinance and the tax short-term rental ordinance and referring the ordinance to the Tax Exploration sub-committee.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adopt said ordinance on its second reading.
18. Email communication of Dennis McNamara, re: Speed Feedback signs on Prospect Avenue.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said email communication.
Dennis McNamara, Middletown, addressed the Council reviewing the email above.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to forward said request to the Middletown Police Department for review and recommendation.
19. Memorandum of Paul A. Croce, Chairman, Middletown Planning Board, re: Recommendation to the Town Council regarding acceptance of the Phase 2 Saltwood Farm subdivision road, Cross Country Lane for town maintenance in accordance with Section 703.5 of the Middletown Rules and Regulation Regarding the Subdivision and Development of Land.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
20. Resolution of the Council, re: The Town Council accepts Cross Country Lane and associated public improvements for purposes of town maintenance.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Public Works Director Robert Hanley addressed the Council noting all the specs for Cross Country Lane have met Town requirements.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
21. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Discussion about SNAP Program and Food Drives.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Discussion centered around what the Town is doing for residents affected by the Government shutdown, the number of residents affected, and Town Staff are coordinating food drives for those in need.
22. Memorandum of Finance Director thru Town Administrator, re: Equipment Purchase: School Department Equipment Purchase - one John Deere 4066R Compact Utility Tractor.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
23. Resolution of the Council, re: The purchase of one John Deere 4066R Compact Utility Tractor for the School Department and the funding for the John Deere 4066R Compact Utility Tractor is considered a restricted one-time appropriation to the school department.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum in item #22.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
24. Memorandum of Finance Director thru Town Administrator, re: FY2025 Budget Adjustments as of June 30, 2025.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
25. Resolution of the Council, re: Approval of General Fund - FY2025 Budget Adjustments as of June 30, 2025.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum in item #24.
Discussion centered around the budget adjustments for the Fire Department.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to pass said resolution; Council President Rodrigues voted NO to said motion.
26. Memorandum of Finance Director, re: Financial Report – Three Months Ended September 30, 2025.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to receive said memorandum.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the following:
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
27. Communication of Accounting Manager, re: FY2026 Quarterly Tax Collector’s Report as of 09/30/2025 – Town of Middletown.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the following:
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28. Communication of Town Clerk and AP/AR Clerk, re: Request Town Council to match employee donations for adopting a family.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication and authorize $600.00 from the President’s Discretionary fund.
29. Email communication of Matthew Oliver, re: Resignation from the Middletown Prevention Coalition.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said resignation with regret.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 8:46 p.m.
Karin Clancey, CMC
Deputy Town Clerk