Oct. 7, 2024 - Amended Regular Meeting
Middletown
Minutes · October 7, 2024
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, October 7, 2024 at 5:00 P.M.
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues, Presiding
Vice President Thomas P. Welch, III
Councillor Peter D. Connerton, Sr.
Councillor Emily M. Tessier, arrives at 5:32 pm
Councillor Dennis B. Turano
Councillor Barbara A. VonVillas, Members Present
Councillor Christopher M. Logan, Absent
**POSTED AND AMENDED OCTOBER 3, 2024
*POSTED AND AMENDED OCTOBER 2, 2024
POSTED OCTOBER 2, 2024
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 7, 2024
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, October 7, 2024, 5:00 P.M. 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, 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: 873 8178 7242 or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87381787242
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 10 th 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 (10
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) Potential Litigation, (2) Potential Litigation, (2) Potential Litigation, * (5) Land Acquisition, (5) Land Acquisition (West Main Road), (5) Land Acquisition, (2) Collective Bargaining (FOP), (1) Personnel (Fire Chief) and (1) Personnel (Town Administrator) - review, discussion and/or potential action and/or vote in executive session and/or open session.
Vice President Welch noted that Town Administrator Shawn Brown was notified in writing Pursuant to RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (1).
Vice President Welch noted that Battalion Chief Robert McCall was notified in writing Pursuant to RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (1).
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.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan recused himself from Potential Litigation and left the session at 5:06 p.m.
Councillor Turano recused himself from Potential Litigation and left the session at 5:06 p.m.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan returned to Executive Session at 5:39 p.m.
Councillor Turano returned to Executive Session at 5:39 p.m.
Vice President Welch recused himself from Collective Bargaining (FOP) and Personnel (Fire Chief) and left the session at 6:03 p.m.
Vice President Welch returned to Executive Session at 6:13 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess executive session and reconvene in open session at 6:40 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said claim and forward it to the RI Interlocal Trust.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously, on August 14, 2024, to authorize the purchase of 110 Enterprise Center for maximum of $3.4 million, includes all intendant costs.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution from August 14, 2024.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve and authorize the execution of the Development Agreement and Ground Lease Agreement for West Main Road project from September 18, 2024.
Vice President Welch recused himself from the following two motions.
On motion of Councillor Connerton, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to ratify the appointment of Battalion Chief Robert McCall as Interim Fire Chief.
On motion of Councillor Connerton, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the Memorandum of Agreement for the Interim Fire Chief.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to approve the Amendment No. 4, Employment Agreement Town Administrator, subject to the Town Solicitor review and authorize the Town Council President to execute the agreement; Councillor Turano voted NO to said motion.
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.
Council President Rodrigues requested a moment of silence for Retired Middletown Police Detective Corporal David Edes.
On motion of Council President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to address item #3, at this time.
2. *Resolution of the Council, re: APPROPRIATING $3,400,000 TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION OF A LIBRARY AND ALL ATTENDANT EXPENSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LAND ACQUISITION AND CAPITALIZED INTEREST AND
APPROVING THE FINANCING THEREOF THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF
APPROPRIATION OBLIGATIONS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3,400,000.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
3. Citation of the Council, re: 2024 Teacher of the Year – Christine Clancey.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said presentation.
Council President Rodrigues reviewed the following regarding Christine Clancey.
Enter press release
Council President Rodrigues and Vice President Welch presented Christine Clancey with a citation, town tile and town clock.
Christine Clancey thanked all for the prestigious recognition.
Item #2 was addressed at this time.
4. The Town Administrator will provide an update on Town Projects.
A. West Main Road Project
B. Library Project
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said Town Projects update.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the following:
Enter Library Sheet
Mr. Brown noted that taxes do not have to be raised to fund the purchase of the property.
Council President Rodrigues noted the process of how the library will be purchased and construction will be funded by the debt service rolling off the Police Station, explaining there is no cost to the taxpayer. Mr. Rodrigues also explained that this project will allow for Potsy Field to remain on West Main Road. Council President Rodrigues noted that the Town and Senator DiPalma are working with RIPTA to have a bus route to the new library location.
Karen Barbera, Middletown, addressed the Council noting she is on the Citizens Advisory Committee and the committee is ready to refocus on the library project. Ms. Barbera explained there will be plenty of public input for the project.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the following:
Enter West Main Road Sheet
Discussion centered around the process that needs to be followed for Planning and Zoning of the West Main Road project, community input for the West Main Road Project and the proposed/potential monies anticipated for the Ground Lease on West Main Road development.
John Garagliano, Middletown, addressed the Council noting that he is discouraged by local government. Mr. Garagliano expected to receive more money for the ground lease and is opposed to the project, noting infrastructure and traffic concerns in the area.
Discussion centered around the need for the Town to generate revenue from the West Main Road property and the income from the West Main Road property will assist with the funding of the school bond.
5. The Town Administrator will provide an update on the School Building Project.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said School Building Project update.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the following:
Design Update
The design team has provided updated drawings, renderings, and details showing the updated landscape plans based on the design development value engineering efforts.
The design team and consultants met with public safety representatives (PSR) from the fire and police departments to review the updated plans following value engineering. The PSR both requested the east-west connector road remain in the project. The PSR did not have any concerns if the “drive-in egress drive” was eliminated.
Budget and Schedule
The project remains on time and on budget. An updated budget summary is attached.
RIDE
RIDE Stage III DD package, including the 100% DD Drawings shall be uploaded to RIDE the week of 9/30 following receipt of the updated educational plan variance summary and signed variance request from the superintendent. The 60% construction document submission to RIDE is scheduled for January 2025.
Planning Board
The design team and consultants met with the planning board technical review committee on September 25th to review the new middle high school master plan submission and again on September 30th for a special meeting to review the proposed site. The project team is prepared to present the master plan package to the planning board at the regularly scheduled planning board meeting on October 9th or at a special meeting tentatively scheduled for October 30th.
On October 23, 2024, the School Building Committee will have a presentation from Build Rhode Island.
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; Abutters Notified)
Application of Newport Pickleball, LLC dba Newport Pickle, 105 Chases Lane, for a Class BV Liquor License, for the same premise for the 2024-2025 licensing year. (NEW)
Public Hearing was declared open.
Attorney Girard Galvin was present representing the applicant to answer Council inquiries.
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.
8. (Public Hearing Advertised)
Applications received from the following named persons, firms or corporations for RENEWAL of Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for the 2024-2025 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.
Councillor Turano requested that items #13, #14, #15 and #16 be heard under the regular portion of the agenda.
9. Approval of Minutes, re: Regular Meeting, September 3, 2024.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
10. Approval of Minutes, re: Regular Meeting, September 16, 2024.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
11. Approval of Minutes, re: Special Meeting, September 18, 2024.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
12. Petition of Aquidneck Mini Golf, LLC by Attorney Girard A. Galvin, property owner Valley Rd Real Property, LLC, for a Zoning Amendment for property located at 40 Valley Road, Lot 402A, Plat 107NE, petitioner seeks to amend the Zoning Code Section 602 to allow movie theaters, arcades and bowling alleys by right in the LB zone. (Planning Board review and recommendation on file; Council action to forward to the advertise and notify abutters for a future public hearing.)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said petition and advertise for a future public hearing.
13. 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.
14. Resolution of the Council, re: Cancellation of Taxes for certain Middletown Residents.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Councillor Turano inquired about the reasons for the tax abatements.
Discussion centered around there is a code key which gives the reason for the abatement attached to the docket item, there was a clerical error which in turn required an abatement and having residents review their field cards to ensure that they are being taxed properly.
A vote taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
15. Communication of Tax Assessor and Finance Director, re: Cancellation of Taxes for certain Middletown Residents.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
16. Resolution of the Council, re: Cancellation of Taxes for certain Middletown Residents.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Councillor Turano inquired about the reasons for the tax abatements.
Discussion centered around there is a code key which gives the reason for the abatement attached to the docket item, some people did not sign up in time for the tax credit (Tier-Tax) which in turn required an abatement and reminding residents to complete the forms needed for tax credit.
A vote taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
17. Applications received from the following named persons, firms or corporations for RENEWAL of Victualling House Licenses for the 2024-2025 licensing year. (See attached list)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license renewals.
18. Application of Alyson Sunshine, Warren for RENEWAL of a Tattoo license to be used at Secret Beach Tattoo, LLC dba Secret Beach Tattoo, 147 Aquidneck Avenue, for the 2024-2025 licensing year.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license renewal.
19. Email communication of Karen Biastre, Secretary of the Affordable Housing Committee, re: Confirmation of Appointment of Kim Blass as liaison to the Comprehensive Community Plan Committee. (Council action to confirm appointment)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said email communication and confirm appointment of Kim Blass as liaison to the Comprehensive Community Plan on behalf of Affordable Housing Committee.
20. Application of Newport Pickleball, LLC dba Newport Pickle, 105 Chases Lane, for a Victualling House License, for the 2024-2025 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 Milk and Honey Kitchen, LLC dba Milk and Honey, ~~800~~ 796 Aquidneck Avenue, for a Victualling House License for the 2023-2024 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 for Special Event Permit from FabNewport for First Tee Rhode Island Chapter, Fall Beginner Youth Development Golf Camp at Linden Park on Thursdays, October 10th, 17th, 24th, and Wednesday, October 30th, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Applicant respectfully requests 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.
23. Memorandum of William J. Niemeyer, Superintendent of Schools, re: Middletown High School CTE Program.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the October 21, 2024, Regular meeting of the Council, at the request of the School Administration.
24. (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 2024-2025 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.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan recused himself from the following items #25 & #26 of business, due to a possible conflict of interest.
Councillor Turano recused himself from the following items #25 & #26 of business, due to a possible conflict of interest.
Attorney Peter Skwirz represented the Town at this time for items #25 & #26.
25. (Public Hearing Advertised)
An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First Reading)
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code Title XV, Chapter 152, Entitled “Zoning Code” , Article 4 – Definitions, Section 400, Article 6, § 602. Schedule of District Regulations – Uses and Districts and Article 27C. Short Term Rentals, § 27C01. Short-Term Rental. Application of District Regulations. (Planning Board recommendation is on file)
Public Hearing was declared open.
Mark Donahue, Middletown, addressed the Council presenting statistics regarding the number of Short-Term Rentals in Middletown. Mr. Donahue noted support for the proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance. Mark Donahue explained that STR’s are running a commercial business in a residential neighborhood, which takes housing away from potential Middletown residents.
Bryan Hoffman, Middletown, addressed the Council spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance, explaining that occupancy should be fair and balanced. Mr. Hoffman noted that homeowners will not be able to do what they wish on their own property.
Lawrence Frank, Middletown, reviewed the following:
Enter notes
Michael Kelly, Middletown, addressed the Council noting opposition to STR’s and support for the proposed amendment, explaining the STR’s are a nuisance and taking up the housing stock.
Leon Amarant, Middletown, addressed the Council in opposition to the proposed ordinance, explaining that the proposal removes the rights of the residents. Mr. Amarant noted that it is not an easy process to obtain a special use permit.
Annabell Manning, Middletown, addressed the Council noting support for the proposed ordinance amendment.
Arthur Weber, Middletown, addressed the Council reviewing questions from John Bagwill regarding the proposed ordinance amendments. Mr. Weber then requested the Town Council to appoint residents to Town Committees with a broad breadth of knowledge.
Dave Rushlow, Middletown, addressed the Council speaking in opposition to the proposed ordinance. Mr. Rushlow explained that if you limit STR’s where will people go to vacation? Dave Rushlow noted the need to enforce Town Ordinances for Short Term Rentals.
Kelly Moran, Middletown, addressed the Council spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance, explaining that the Town ordinance is too restrictive. Ms. Moran noted studies of STR’s in others areas of the country which Middletown could learn from the data/information.
Beth Rushlow, Middletown, addressed the Council inquiring about the definition of grandfathered in. Ms. Rushlow asked if the property is left to the family, can they run it as an STR?
Attorney Peter Skwirz explained that the transfer of an STR use will go with ownership.
Council President Rodrigues noted that the second reading of the ordinance will be on October 21, 2024.
There being no persons present or on zoom desiring to be heard, public hearing remains open.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
ORDINANCE
26. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First Reading)
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code Title IX General Regulations, Chapter 98, entitled Short-Term Rental Leases is hereby amended by amending Section 98.05 Registration Form, Section 98.07 Filing Requirement, Section 98.08 Fee, Section 98.09 Occupancy Limits and Parking Requirements, Section 98.10 Owner’s Obligations, Section 98.11 Tenant’s Obligations, and Section 98.12 Local Representative.
On motion of Councillor Connerton, duly seconded, it was voted to withdraw said ordinance due to a recent ruling; Vice President Welch voted NO to said motion; Councillor Tessier was not present for this vote.
Attorney Peter Skwirz noted that last Wednesday a decision from Superior Court, regarding STR’s was handed down, this is not a final decision and does not involve Middletown.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess this meeting at 8:41 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene this meeting at 8:57 p.m.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan returned.
Councillor Turano returned to the dais.
27. Memorandum of Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan, re: Applying Owner Occupied Tax Rate to Long Term Residential Rental Properties. (At the September 3, 2024 Town Council meeting, the Town Solicitor was directed to explore an ordinance whereby Middletown taxpayers who rent their rental property on a year-round basis would be entitled to the owner occupied tax rate on such property.)
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan reviewed the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around the if the Council wanted to make the change, there would need to be enabling legislation and an ordinance to take effect for next tax year and repealing the current tiered tax rates.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
On motion of Councillor Connerton, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to send this request to the Town Solicitor’s Office to prepare enabling legislation and a draft ordinance.
28. Memorandum of Beach Commission, Charlene A. Rose-Cirillo, Chair, re: Recent Vote on Beach Pass Changes. (This is the recommendation from the Beach Commission regarding the September 3, 2024, Communication of Council President Rodrigues and Councillor VonVillas, re: Recommendation to Amend Ordinance Allowing Issuance of Second Residential Seasonal Beach Pass.)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Anne Marie Hogan, Middletown, addressed the Council noting support for residents to receive an additional Second Beach sticker. Ms. Hogan also noted that the Town should allow non-residents to pay and use Third Beach.
Council President Rodrigues reviewed the memorandum above.
Bill Seiple, Middletown resident and Vice Chair of the Beach Commission, addressed the Council noting that an additional sticker will have a financial impact and an impact on parking at the beach, explaining there are only so many spaces available to park. Mr. Seiple noted the importance of having parking spots for Town residents.
Theresa Hooks, Middletown, addressed the Council explaining that an additional beach sticker is a benefit to the resident/taxpayer. Ms. Hooks suggested the Town allow non-residents to pay and use Third Beach.
Discussion centered around data used by the Beach Commission for parking/resident statistics, an additional beach sticker would be a benefit to the residents, giving an addition sticker this year and trying it out to see the impact on the beach revenue and parking, and following the Beach Commission’s recommendation.
29. Email communication of Councillor Turano, re: To review this section of the docket and recommend we have a standing project list that is reviewed the first meeting of each month. I would also like to see the list posted on the town website for the resident to have access to so they can see the project status and timeline.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said email communication.
Discussion centered around creating a list of projects, staying focused on the big projects in the Town, and posting a project list on the Town website.
On motion of Councillor Turano, to create a master list of all our projects, which would be used to give updates on the status of the projects and timelines of projects and review at the first meeting of each month – This motion was not seconded.
30. Email communication of Councillor Turano, re: To discuss repealing the Two-Tax for residents and nonresidents. I would like to repeal the Two-Tier Tax back to the 7% from 30% and cap it where future councils cannot weaponize it against nonresidents. This decision has had a negative impact on our community's affordability and our ability to be one united town.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said email communication.
Discussion centered around a motion to reconsider would have to come from the prevailing side and be addressed at the next meeting after the motion was made, wanting to help full time residents with the tax impact and the tax impact on renters.
Leon Amarant, Middletown, addressed the Council explaining the tiered tax impacted renters and fixing the issue now will not reduce rental costs. Mr. Amarant noted landlords will not reduce the rent.
31. Email communication of Councillor Turano, re: To discuss the Pros and Cons of Partisanship vs. Nonpartisanship. I believe this will help the community understand what they are voting for on Nov. 5th and the impact the vote will have either way.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said email communication.
Councillor Turano noted that people should educate themselves regarding the difference between partisan and non-partisan elections. Mr. Turano believes that non-partisanship is friendlier.
Senator Louis DiPalma addressed the Council in support of partisan elections, explaining the benefit of partisan elections is based on facts, data and context. Mr. DiPalma encourages all to support questions #6 and #7 on the November 5, 2024 ballot.
32. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Ordinance on Animal Waste- Recommendation of Beach Commission.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum and place the proposed ordinance amendment on the first December Regular Town Council meeting.
33. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Amending Ordinance on Tree Preservation and Protection Chapter 96.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum. and place the proposed ordinance amendment on the first December Regular Town Council meeting.
34. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Adding Ordinance to Regulate Temporary Storage Units on Residential Property.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the Council explaining that the Building Official’s Department is receiving complaints regarding temporary storage containers placed on properties indefinitely.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum, direct the Town Solicitor to prepare a proposed ordinance and place on the first December Regular Town Council meeting.
35. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: ROW Parking on Wolcott Avenue.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum above.
Council President Rodrigues and Vice President Welch had a meeting with Kevin Perhamus, Wolcott Avenue resident, regarding the parking on Wolcott Avenue.
Brian Ernest, Middletown, addressed the Council explaining the Fisherman Parking Pass program in Newport and suggests Middletown do something similar.
Discussion centered around Fishing Parking passes are available in Newport for both residents and non-residents from December to March, passes can be revoked for those who do not follow the rules and identifying spaces throughout the Town for a Fisherman’s Parking pass.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown noted that he will work on identifying areas in Middletown which would qualify for a parking pass.
36. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Community Learning Center Director position.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum above.
Joe Pratt, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club, addressed the Council requesting support for the Community Learning Center Director position.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve a $50,000 match to Newport for the Community Learning Center Director position.
37. Communication of Town Clerk and Accounts Payable 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 to be allocated from the Town Council President’s Discretionary Fund.
38. Memorandum of Beach Commission, Charlene A. Rose-Cirillo, Chair, re: Recent vote on 2nd Beach Concession Deck Expansion.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Bill Seiple, Vice Chair Beach Commission, addressed the Council reviewing the memorandum above.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize the Town Administrator to engage an architect to draw up plans for the Second Beach deck.
39. Appointment of one (1) member to the Tax Exploration Committee, term to be determined.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue said item to the first regular meeting in December.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Council Clerk
supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri