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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, May 18, 2026 at 5:00 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 Charles R. Roberts
Councilor Barbara A. VonVillas
Absent
Councilor Dennis B. Turano
POSTED – MAY 13, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MAY 18, 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
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) Collective Bargaining (FOP),and (2) Potential Litigation.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess open session and reconvene in executive session at 5:01 p.m.
Vice President Welch recused himself from action on Collective Bargaining (IAFF) and left the session at 5:04 p.m.
Vice President Welch returned to the session at 5:37 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess executive session and reconvene in open session at 6:08 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to ratify the FOP agreement and authorize the Town Administrator to execute the agreement.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive the fiscal impact statement for the IAFF agreement.
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. Citation of the Council, re: Recognizing the Department of Public Works for their outstanding efforts during the Blizzard of 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said presentation.
Council President Rodrigues and Vice President Welch presented a citation to the Department of Public Works crew.
The Department of Public Works was thanked for their efforts and dedication working in the difficult conditions during the Blizzard of 2026 when the Town received approximately 34 inches of snow in a short amount of time.
On motion of Council President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess this meeting at 6:14 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene this meeting at 6:30 p.m.
3. 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.
Christopher Rowe, Middletown, addressed the Council, reading the following into the record:
Joseph Aguiar, Middletown, addressed the Council noting concern with public criticism of the Town Council, explaining that the people criticizing should run for office or be on a committee. Mr. Aguiar noted that the Town Council does their best and should not be knocked down.
Greg DeAscentis, Middletown, addressed the Council noting concern that he would have to rehome his chickens. Mr. DeAscentis requests the Town Council to amend the ordinance to allow people in R-10 zones to have chickens.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan will review the zoning ordinance relating to chickens in R-10 and R-20 zones.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to act as a Board of License Commission.
4. Application of Tito’s Cantina, Inc. dba Tito’s Cantina, 651 West Main Road for a TRANSFER of a Class BV Liquor License to Plaza Alta Group, LLC dba Tito’s Cantina for the 2025-2026 Licensing year, for use at the same premise. (Requires advertising for public hearing.)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said application and advertise for a future public hearing.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene as a Town Council.
5. Communication of Tax Assessor and Tax Collector, re: Cancellation of Taxes for certain Middletown residents.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
6. 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.
7. Application of Fire and Water Concessions, Inc. dba Salty’s, 315 Sachuest Point Road for RENEWAL of 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 renewal.
8. Amended application for Special Event Permit from Golden Hour Space, LLC formally Love Defeats Fear Yoga, Third Beach Yoga, all levels public yoga class held on Third Beach on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning June 1st, 2026, to September 30th, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. (Original application granted March 16, 2026, this is a name change only)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit, as amended.
9. Amended application for Special Event Permit from Justin Speegle/Amp Surf New England a 501(c) non-profit organization for a VA Summer Sports Camp, Surfing Clinic for Veterans with disabilities to be held at Sachuest Beach, Path 8 on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, and Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. (Applicant requests fees to be waived; Original application granted on April 20, 2026; Amendment is to add an additional day – Friday, August 14, 2026 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit, as amended.
10. Application of Olga Klimenko Sharp for a Tattoo License to be used at Troubled Soul and Company, 999 West Main Road, for the 2026-2027 licensing year. (NEW)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license.
11. Application of WS Middletown, LLC dba Wingstop, 7 East 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 Department of Health approvals.
12. Application for Special Event Permit from Middletown 250 Commission for Middletown Celebrates America 250, Games, Music, Food Trucks and Fireworks to be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm – Paradise Valley Park and from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm at Second Beach. (Applicant requests that all fees be waived)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit and waive all fees.
13. Application for Special Event Permit from St. George’s School – Camp Ramleh Yard Sale open to the public to be held at St. George’s School Hockey Rink on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit.
14. Application for Special Event Permit from Aquidneck Pediatrics, Aquidneck Pediatrics for Summer Carnival at 1272 West Main Road, to be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. (Applicant requests permit fees to be waived)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit and waive permit fee.
15. Communication of The Class of 2027 and Class of 2028, re: Request for support for the Second Annual Nine-Hole Golf Tourney at Jamestown Golf Course on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
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.
16. Petition of Anne R. Ficke and Middletown Residents, re: Traffic Calming Measures – 3rd Beach Road. (Council action to forward to the Middletown Police Department and Department of Public Works for review and recommendation.)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said petition and forward to the Middletown Police Department and Department of Public Works for review and recommendation.
17. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An Ordinance in amendment to the ordinances of the Town of Middletown, Town Code Title III, Chapter 34, Taxes, Section 34.70 entitled “Tax Classification System”, is amended by deleting Subsection 34.70(A)(1)(f).
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to adopt said ordinance on its second reading.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan reviewed the ordinance amendment noting that the section relating to Short Term Rentals has been removed.
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. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: Library Renovation Project Donations.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
19. Resolution of the Council, re: Town Council hereby accepts the donation of $107,500 from the Friends of the Middletown Public Library, consisting of funds received through private donations in support of the Library Renovation Project and be designated and applied in accordance with donor intent $75,200 for the Children’s Learning and Play Area, $25,000 for the Community Gathering and Program Spaces, $7,300 for general project purposes and the Finance Director is authorized hereby to allocate and expend said funds in accordance with all town purchasing policies and procedures.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum in item #18.
Don Morin, Library Building Committee Chair, addressed the Council noting they have been seeking donations and grants for the new library.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
20. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Change Order Approval for Library Renovation Project.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
21. Resolution of the Council, re: Authorizing the Town Administrator to approve change orders on behalf of the Town related to the Library Renovation Project above the current protocol of $25,000 to between $25,001 and $100,000 for the duration of the project. The Town Administrator shall notify the Town Council within 48 hours to ensure transparency and oversight when change orders of $25,001 and $100,000 are authorized.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum in item #20.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to amend the resolution to add after Town Administrator and before approve add “and Chairperson of the Library Board of Trustees are hereby authorized to jointly”.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution, as amended; Councilor Roberts voted NO to said motion.
22. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: Beach Erosion Study Phase Two.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
23. Resolution of the Council, re: Award of Contract to Crossman Engineering of Warwick, RI for phase two of the Beach Erosion Study to be funded the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank Community Project Assistance Grant for the amount of fifty-thousand dollars and zero cents ($50,000.00) and the remaining balance of nine-thousand dollars and zero cents ($9,000.00) be funded from the Parks and Recreation – Beach Capital Replenishment Fund and authorizing the Finance Director to execute the agreement on behalf of the Town.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum in item #22.
It was noted that Phase I of the project was successful.
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: FY2026 School Budget Adjustments as of April 10, 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
25. Resolution of the Council, re: Approval of FY2026 School Budget Adjustments as of April 10, 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the budget adjustments, attached to the resolution.
Council President Rodrigues noted that the CTE program line will increase once the new schools are in session.
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 7:17 p.m.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk
Supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri