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 Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:01 P.M.
Members Present:
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues, Presiding
Vice President Thomas P. Welch, III
Councillor Peter D. Connerton, Sr.
Councillor Christopher M. Logan
Councillor Charles R. Roberts
Councillor Dennis B. Turano, arrives at 5:03 p.m.
Councillor Barbara A. VonVillas
POSTED – FEBRUARY 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 17, 2026
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 Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 5:00 P.M. Executive Session, Planning Board Interview Immediately Following Executive Session 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: 856 9542 2625 or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85695422625 ; 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 (IAFF), (2) Litigation (NC-2025-0194 – Tax Appeal), (5) Land Acquisition (West Main Road). (5) Lease (Newport Vineyards) and (5) Land Acquisition.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess open session and reconvene in executive session at 5:02 p.m.
Vice President Welch recused himself from action on Collective Bargaining (IAFF) and left the session at 5:55 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess executive session and reconvene in open session at 6:11 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to extend the Newport Vineyard and Winery, LLC lease through and including the 7th day of May 2036 and authorize the Town Administrator to execute the document.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve the NC-2025-0194 tax appeal settlement and authorize the Town Solicitor and Tax Assessor to execute all documents.
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. Planning Board Interview – Matthew Skirzenski
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said Planning Board Interview.
The Town Council asked the following questions of Matthew Skirzenski.
Planning Board Interview Questions:
All questions were answered by the applicant. The interview can be seen in its entirety on the Town Website or the DVD, which is on file at the Middletown Library.
3. Appointment of one (1) member to the Economic Development Advisory Committee, term expiring January 2031.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reappoint Tom Kowalczyk to the Economic Development Advisory Committee, term expiring January 2031.
4. Appointment of two (2) members to the Planning Board, terms expiring February 2029.
Councillor VonVillas nominated Matthew Skirzenski and Arthur Weber.
Councillor Connerton nominated Michael Fenton.
Councillor Turano nominated Leonidas Amarant.
The Council was polled:
Councilor Connerton voted for Michael Fenton and Matthew Skirzenski
Councilor Turano voted for Leonidas Amarant and Matthew Skirzenski.
Vice President Welch voted for Matthew Skirzenski and Arthur S. Weber, Jr.
Council President Rodrigues voted for Matthew Skirzenski and Arthur S. Weber, Jr.
Councilor VonVillas voted for Matthew Skirzenski and Arthur S. Weber, Jr.
Councilor Logan voted for Leonidas Amarant and Matthew Skirzenski.
Councilor Roberts voted for Leonidas Amarant and Matthew Skirzenski.
Matthew Skrizenski was appointed to the Planning Board, term expiring February 2029.
The Council was re-polled for the following nominations, which both received three votes.
Leonardis Amarant and Arthur S. Weber, Jr.
Councilor Connerton voted for Arthur S. Weber, Jr.
Councilor Turano voted for Leonidas Amarant.
Vice President Welch voted for Arthur S. Weber, Jr.
Council President Rodrigues voted for Arthur S. Weber, Jr.
Councilor VonVillas voted for Arthur S. Weber, Jr.
Councilor Logan voted for Leonidas Amarant.
Councilor Roberts voted for Leonidas Amarant.
Arthur S. Weber, Jr., was appointed to the Planning Board, term expiring February 2029.
5. Appointment of one (1) member to the Tax Exploration Committee, indefinite term.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Marc S. Thayer to the Tax Exploration Committee for an indefinite term.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded it was voted unanimously to recess this meeting at 6:26 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene this meeting at 6:30 p.m.
6. Communication of Justin Bernard, re: Middletown Public Schools, Recommendation for Approval of Amendment-Prime Consulting Materials Testing and Special Inspections ($145,870.00).
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
Justin Bernard, Senior Project Manager, Project Management Services, Colliers Project Leaders, reviewed the communication above.
7. Resolution of the Council, re: Approval to award change order number one in the amount of one hundred forty-five thousand eight hundred seventy dollars and zero cents ($145,870.00) for additional materials testing and special inspection services, to Prime Consulting, Inc, funding for
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
8. Communication of Justin Bernard, re: Middletown Public Schools, Recommendation for Approval of Supplemental Services HMFH Architects ($530,705).
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
Justin Bernard, Senior Project Manager, Project Management Services, Colliers Project Leaders, reviewed the communication above.
Discussion centered around Councillor Roberts requesting current budget information for the school building project before considering this request, Forest Avenue School was included in the legislation for the school bond, the potential improvements to Forest Avenue School would bring the school building into compliance with building codes, the improvements will be reimbursable from RIDE and continuing this request to the next regular meeting of the Council.
9. Resolution of the Council, re: Approval to award change order number eight in the amount of five hundred thirty thousand seven hundred five dollars and zero cents ($530,705.00) for supplemental services for Forest Avenue Elementary School, to HMFH/DBVW Architects, funding for
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the March 2, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Council.
10. 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.
Melissa A. Welch, Middletown, addressed the Council reviewing the flyer below regarding URI Landscape Architecture capstone class to share input on sustainable design solutions along Easton’s Pond.
11. Approval of Minutes, re: Regular Meeting, February 2, 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
12. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: School Department Surplus-Facilities Wood Shop Equipment.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
13. Resolution of the Council, re: School Department Surplus-Facilities Wood Shop Equipment and the surplus vehicles be salvaged by the Finance Director.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
Council President Rodrigues recused himself from acting on the following item #14 of business, due to a possible conflict of interest.
Vice President Welch presiding.
14. Application from Middletown Senior Citizens Center, 650 Green End Avenue, for RENEWAL of a Bingo license for the 2026-2027 licensing year – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. (Fee to be waived)
On motion of Councillor VonVillas, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license and waive said fee.
Council President Rodrigues presiding.
15. Application for Special Event Permit from Aquidneck Community Table for the Aquidneck Community Table Saturday Farmers Market to be held at the Newport County YMCA, 792 Valley Road, beginning Saturday, May 23, 2026, through Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, includes a request to waive permit fee.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit and waive said fee.
16. Application for Special Event Permit from the Newport County YMCA for the 4th Annual Charlie Holder, Sr., Memorial 5K Road Race Walk/Run and a 10K Road Race Walk/Run to be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 7:30 am to 10:45 am.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit.
17. Application for Special Event Permit from Newport County YMCA for the Newport County YMCA’s 41st Annual Thanksgiving Day Pie Run– 5-mile run; 3-mile walk/run race beginning at Newport County YMCA to be held on Thursday, November 26, 2026, at 8:30 am.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit.
18. Application of the Middletown Prevention Coalition for a Special Event Permit for Middletown Family Day, Fun Family Friendly Event designed to celebrate the importance of family engagement, a protective factor to be held at Second Beach on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, rain date Sunday, September 13, 2026. (Applicants 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.
19. Application for Special Event Permit from Quahaug Chapter Newport RI for the Camp-O-Rama, to be held at Second Beach beginning Wednesday, September 16, 2026 through Sunday, September 20, 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit.
20. Application of Middletown Donuts, LLC dba Dunkin Donuts, 811 West Main Road for 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.
21. Application of Destiny Donuts, LLC dba Dunkin Donuts, 159 East Main Road for 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.
22. Application of East Main Donuts, LLC dba Dunkin Donuts, 536 East Main Road for 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.
23. Communication of John Ceglarski, President, Middletown Athletic Boosters, re: Request for support for the 2026 MHS Senior Athletic Recognition Event.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication and authorize an appropriation in the amount of $3,000.00 to be appropriated from the Council President’s Discretionary Fund.
24. At the request of Council President Rodrigues, Resolution of the Council, re: In Support of the Continued Operation of the Newport Hospital Birth Center and Rhode Island House Bill H7272.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Council President Rodrigues noted the Newport Hospital Birthing Center is an important asset to the community.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
25. At the request of Vice President Welch, Resolution of the Council, re: In Support of Rhode Island House Bill H7071 Relating to the Prohibition on the Sale of Invasive Plants.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Vice President Welch reviewed the resolution above.
Melissa A. Welch, Middletown, addressed the Council in support of this resolution, noting passage of this resolution is a step in the right direction to control planting of invasive species.
Karen Barbera, Middletown, addressed the Council in support of this resolution noting that plant designers/landscapers are not purchasing invasive species.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
26. Memorandum of Town Engineer thru Town Administrator, re: USDOT Build Grant Application.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Town Engineer John Mello reviewed the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around what projects would be included if the grant is awarded to the Town, some of the projects will improve pedestrian safety, other projects would include drainage, funding would come from deferring road projects in the CIP, there is a 4% chance to receive the grant, and the Town can reject the grant if they wish.
Terri Flynn, Middletown, addressed the Council inquiring about the funding source, explaining she has no problem with the project and if the grant is awarded the Town Council has the right to decline the grant.
27. Resolution of the Council, re: USDOT Build Grant Application for the planning and construction of stormwater and roadway improvements on Third Beach Road and Paradise Ave., including removal of open drainage swales on both roads; installation of stormwater treatment BMP’s under sidewalks and under roadways; installation of sidewalks; and repaving of all disturbed areas of roadways to accommodate new stormwater measures, and The Town Council hereby commits local funding of up to $1.375 million toward the total project cost and authorizes the Town Engineer and Planning Department to prepare and submit the above-referenced grant application.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
28. Memorandum of Finance Director, re: Financial Report – Six Month Ended December 31, 2025.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum and report.
29. Communication of Accounting Manager, re: FY2026 Quarterly Tax Collector’s Report as of 12/31/2025- Town of Middletown.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication and report.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum and slides in item #28.
30. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Survey results from Boards, Committees & Commissions.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around written charges for each committee, some committees do not need two Council liaisons, Councillor Turano suggested the Chairs of each committee come and report to the Town Council every three months, committees are the Town Council’s responsibility, but fall under the Town Administrator’s oversight and the Town Council liaisons discussing the Round Table concept with their respective committees.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 8:09 p.m.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk