May 4, 2026 - Regular Meeting
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 4, 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 Dennis B. Turano, arrives at 5:15 p.m.
Councilor Barbara A. VonVillas, arrives at 5:22 p.m.
POSTED – APRIL 29, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MAY 4, 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 May 4, 2026 at 5:00 Executive Session; Zoning Board Interviews, Town Updates, School Construction and Presentation 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: 857 5638 6372 or on the web at; https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85756386372 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) Collective Bargaining (FOP), ** (5) Land Acquisition 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 5:17 p.m.
Vice President Welch returned to the session at 5:28 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess executive session and reconvene in open session at 5:54 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
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Kendall Tucker Holmes
b. Joseph Markey
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said Zoning Board of Review Interviews.
All applicants were sent the following questions, which were answered by the applicant during this interview.
Zoning Board Interview Questions
· Why do you want to be on the Zoning Board?
· What experience do you have that would qualify you to be a member of the Zoning Board?
· What useful knowledge or perspective from your own personal experience would you bring to the position?
· What do you think is the most important responsibility of a Zoning Board member?
· What would you like Middletown to look like 5 years from now?
· What do you believe is Middletown’s most important land use issue and how should it be addressed?
· What ideas or suggestions do you have regarding economic development in Middletown?
· Regular Zoning Board meetings typically take place the 4th Tuesday of each month, starting at 6 P.M., and Special meetings are called on an as needed basis. Are you available to attend them?
3. Appointment of two (2) members to the Zoning Board of Review, one (1) vacancy, second alternate and one (1) vacancy, third alternate, terms expiring April 2027.
Councilor Connerton nominated Joseph Markey as Second Alternate for the Zoning Board of Review, duly seconded.
Councilor Turano nominated Kendall Tucker Holmes as Second Alternate for the Zoning Board of Review, duly seconded.
A vote was taken.
Councilor Connerton, Vice President Welch, Councilor VonVillas, Councilor Logan and Councilor Roberts voted YES for Joseph Markey.
Councilor Turano, Council President Rodrigues voted YES for Kendall Tucker Holmes.
By vote of Council; Joseph Markey was appointed as Second Alternate to the Zoning Board of Review for a term expiring April 2027.
On motion of Councilor Connerton, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Kendall Tucker Holmes as Third Alternate to the Zoning Board of Review for a term expiring April 2027.
4. The Town Administrator will provide an update on:
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 Library Building Project, Elementary School project and Middle High School project:
· Library construction has been delayed, but the project is on budget.
· The library final GMP will be before the Town Council in mid-May.
· Elementary School Project– Waiting on approval for watermain, planning for furniture and playgrounds.
· The Middle High School Project – Pouring floors, site work, interior work, furniture for the facility, the roof and elevator.
Town Projects:
· Boulevard – Resident questions and answers, entered here
Town Projects are on the Town website and are updated often.
John Garagliano, Middletown, addressed the Council requesting an area in the online Projects In Motion, which are on the Town website, that the total cost of the project and how much has been spent to date.
5. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Authorization of Change Order – CTE Welding Program Supplemental Design Services.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue until the Superintendent of School arrives.
Item #5 was acted on after item #6
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer addressed the Council reviewing the memorandum above and the attached CTE Manufacturing & Industrial Trades Training Center handout, entered here:
Discussion centered around working with Electric Boat for a manufacturing CTE program, the need for CTE programs, adult education at night in the new school,
6. Citation of the Council, re: Recognizing Nicholas Coogan for his service on the Open Space and Fields Committee.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said presentation.
Council President Rodrigues and Vice President Welch presented the Citation and gift to Mr. Coogan for his service to the Town.
Item #5 has acted on at this time.
7. 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.
Karen Biastre, Member of the 250th Commission, addressed the Council noting that today is Rhode Island Independence Day and today is the kickoff of Middletown’s Historical Scavenger Hunt, prizes will be awarded on July 1, 2026.
Wendy Riel, Middletown, addressed the Council reading the following into the record:
Lawrence Frank, Middletown, addressed the Council reading the following into the record:
Theresa Spengler, Middletown, addressed the Council, noting the CTE program for the schools will increase revenue and enrollment. Ms. Spengler also noted concern with a hotel being situated at the Town Center on West Main Road, which will increase traffic , impact Town infrastructure and place a strain on the services for the Police and Fire Departments. Theresa Spengler also noted concern with Sweet Berry Farm project.
Shannon Laiho, Middletown, was heard after item #8.
Mrs. Laiho reviewed speed camara data, the response from the Town of Middletown and Rhode Island General law, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk. Shannon Laiho requested the Council to refund all the tickets from the Purgatory cameras, re-evaluate the school zone cameras and flashing lights.
The Consent Calendar was acted on at this time.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to act as a Board of License Commission.
8. Application of Newport Creamery Restaurants, LLC dba Newport Creamery Restaurants, 208 West Main Road for a Class BV Liquor License for the 2025-2026 licensing year. (NEW) (Requires advertising for public hearing and notice to the abutters)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said application, advertise for a future public hearing and notify abutters.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene as a Town Council.
The Council returned to item #7.
Councilor Turano requested that item #11 be heard under the regular portion of the agenda.
9. Approval of Minutes, re: Regular Meeting, April 6, 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
10. Approval of Minutes, re: Regular Meeting, April 20, 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
11. Memorandum of Paul A. Croce, Chairman, Middletown Planning Board, re: Proposed amendments to Middletown Zoning Code, Town Code Chapter 152 to address legislation adopted in the 2025 session of the RI General Assembly, including bills H5796, H5797, H5798. Proposed amendments to zoning ordinance Sections 400, 602, 603, 604, 728, and adding new section 731.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum and advertise for a future public hearing.
Councilor Turano requested an explanation of item #11.
Town Planner Ronald Wolanski reviewed the memorandum above.
12. License of Burial, re: Peter Rebello, Section 47E, Graves 128 & 129.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license of burial.
13. Transfer of Burial, re: Michael Flint and Pamela Flint to Susan Chase, Section 50E, Grave 100.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said transfer of burial.
14. Applications from the following-named persons, firms and corporations for RENEWAL of Sunday Sales Licenses, for the 2026-2027 licensing year:
Andrew’s at Eastgate, Ltd./Gold’s Wine and Spirits- 48 Valley Road
Golden Bev, LLC./West Main Liquors- 1374 West Main Road
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license renewals.
15. Application of The Pub at Two Mile Corner, Inc/The Pub at Two Mile Corner, 10 Maple Avenue for RENEWAL of Amusement License for the 2026-2027 licensing year.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license renewal.
16. Application of A&M Acquisitions, LLC dba A&M Tactical, 10 Coddington Highway for RENEWAL of a Firearms Dealers License for the 2026-2027 licensing year.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license renewal.
17. Application of Diggity Dawg’s LLC dba Diggity Dawgs, 40 Valley 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.
Item #18 was addressed after item #23.
18. Communication of Benjamin Wood & Jonathan Kaufman, Fire and Water Concessions, Inc., re: Request for Extended Optional Hours Salty’s at Second Beach.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to wait for the Recycling Coordinator, Operations and Facility Manager to arrive.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to approve the request of Fire and Water Concessions, SB, Inc. holder of the contract for Sachuest Beach Concession, for an extension of concession operating hours extending the hours to 8pm and authorize the Finance Director to execute said contract amendment.
Recycling Coordinator, Operations and Facility Manager Will Cronin addressed the Council noting that the request is for the concession stand to be open Thursdays through Sunday until 8:00 p.m., weather dependent.
Vice President Welch amended the motion to include this season only, duly seconded.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve the request of Fire and Water Concessions, SB, Inc. holder of the contract for Sachuest Beach Concession, for an extension of concession operating hours extending the hours to 8pm, this season only and authorize the Finance Director to execute said contract amendment.
Item #24 was addressed at this time.
19. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First 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 receive said ordinance on its first reading.
Don Morin, representing the Tax Exploration Committee, addressed the Council encouraging approval of this ordinance amendment.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
20. (Continued from April 6, 2026, Regular Meeting)
At the request of Councilor Logan, re: Resolution of the Council, re: Proclaiming the Month of May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month. On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Councilor Logan read the resolution above into the record.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
21. Memorandum of Councilor Logan, re: Tee Sponsorship for a Marvelous Wish Annual Golf Tournament.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to receive said memorandum and authorize $100.00 to sponsor a Golf Tee to be appropriated from the Council President’s Discretionary Fund.
Councilor Logan reviewed the memorandum above.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum and authorize $100.00 to sponsor a Golf Tee to be appropriated from the Council President’s Discretionary Fund.
22. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: Recommendation to Engage with SilentSherpa for Energy Consulting and Professional Services.
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 SILENTSHERPA for the energy management and professional services from the General Fund and authorize the Finance Director to execute said agreement on behalf of the Town.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Shared Facilities Director Ed Collins reviewed the memorandum, above in item #22.
James Grosso, representing SILENTSHERPA, was present to answer Council inquiries.
Discussion centered around SILENTSHERPA assists in locking energy rates and monitors the energy market.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
Item #18 was addressed at this time.
24. Memorandum of Finance Director, re: Financial Report – Nine Months Ended March 31, 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum and report.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the Financial Report – Nine Months Ended March 31, 2026 above and the slides below.
25. Communication of Accounting Manager, re; FY2026 Quarterly Tax Collector’s Report as of 03/31/2026- 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 FY2026 Quarterly Tax Collector’s Report as of 03/31/2026 – Town of Middletown above and the slide below.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk
Supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri