Oct. 20, 2025 - Regular Meeting
Middletown
Minutes · October 20, 2025
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 20, 2025 at 5:05 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
Councilor Barbara A. VonVillas
POSTED – OCTOBER 15, 2025
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 20, 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, October 20, 2025, 5:00 P.M. Executive Session, 6:00 P.M. Promotional Ceremony 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: 870 4478 3496 or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87044783496; **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 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
There were no reconsiderations.
1. Executive Session - Pursuant to provisions of RIGL, Sections 42-46-2, 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (a), (5) Land Acquisition (West Main Road), (1) Personnel (Town Administrator), (2) Work session related to collective bargaining, (2) Discussion of Potential Litigation / Legal Strategy - review of statutory obligations, risks, and potential disputes arising from regionalization and legal advice regarding these issues and (5) Collective Discussion of Real Estate and Asset Transfers - potential impacts on ownership/transfer of school facilities and property and discussion and/or potential action and/or vote in executive session and/or open session.
Vice President Welch announced that Town Administrator Shawn Brown 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 5:06 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess executive session and reconvene in open session at 6:10 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Administrator’s contract – Amendment #5; Councilor 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
2. Memorandum of Police Chief, re: Request for Promotional and Swearing In Ceremony.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said Promotional and Swearing In Ceremony.
Police Chief Jason Ryan introduced Probationary Police Officers Drew Dillion, Blake Ingram, Tate Copeland and Patrol Officer Nathan Souza and read the following into the record:
All were sworn in by the Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall and pinned by a family member.
Police Chief Jason Ryan introduced K-9 Storm and read the following into the record.
K-9 Storm was sworn in by the Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall.
Police Chief Jason Ryan introduced Officer Michael Foody to be sworn in to the rank of Sergeant and read the following into the record:
Enter bio
Sergeant Michael Foody was sworn in by the Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall and pinned by a family member.
Police Chief Jason Ryan introduced Lt. Clifford McGregor to be sworn in to the rank of Major and read the following into the record:
Enter bio
Major McGregor was sworn in by the Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall and pinned by a family member.
Council President Rodrigues requested a moment of silence for Middletown Residents Tom Perkins and Agatha Perkins.
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.
Joanne Thorton, Middletown, read the following into the record:
Council President Rodrigues noted that the library project is funded from the PPV Special Revenue fund. Council President Rodrigues explained the Town has thirty-one more years to receive money from the fund and the library project will not be funded by the taxpayers.
Wendy Riel, Middletown, read the following into the record:
4. Application for Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. dba Dollar Tree, 880 West Main Road, for RENEWAL of a Holiday Sales License for the 2025-2026 licensing year.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license renewal.
5. License of Burial, re: John J. Murphy, Section 59, Graves 260, 261, 262 & 263.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license of burial.
6. License of Burial, re: Alan Kirby and Elaine Kirby, Section 56, Graves 40 & 41.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license of burial.
7. Notice from the Town of Middletown Planning Board – Public Hearing Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM at Middletown Town Hall, Council Chambers, 350 East Main Road for Newport National Real Estate LLC for a waiver from design standards section 521.2 C of the Middletown Rules and Regulations Regarding the Subdivision and Development of Land for the proposed construction of a golf cart storage structure, including proposed use of exterior building materials not meeting design requirements. Property located at 425 Mitchell’s Lane, Assessor’s Plat 124 Lot 29.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said notice.
8. 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 schedule presentation for the November 3, 2025 regular meeting.
9. Application for Special Event Permit from Newport Boxfix for Fall Fury, Charity Boxing Event, to be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Georges School, Van Buren Gymnasium, 372 Purgatory Road.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said special event permit.
10. Application for Special Event Permit from Gray Matter Marketing for the Aquidneck 10K, 10K around the area starting and ending at Second Beach to be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm. (Start time of 10K 9:00 am).
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to grant said special event permit.
Council President Rodrigues requested that the applicant be notified that there shall be no shuttle buses driving through the neighborhoods, explaining buses should be kept on the main roads.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said special event permit.
11. Application for Special Event Permit from Blue Horizon Racing, LLC for Second Beach Sprint Triathlon, Sprint-Distance Triathlon, to be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, 7:00 am start from Main parking lot at Sachuest Beach (Second Beach and on Town Roadways).
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said special event permit.
12. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First 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.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
13. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First 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 receive said ordinance on its first reading.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan addressed the Council noting the draft ordinance was requested by the Town Council. Mr. Regan explained the ordinance relates to short-term rentals and reforms the tax ordinance to the current short-term rental ordinance.
Councilor Turano noted that he would like to remove the ordinance completely.
Discussion centered around the property needs to be the owner’s primary residence to receive the residential tax rate, grandfathering applies to zoning and the owners need to reside on the property when renting.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
14. Public Hearing (Advertised)
Public Hearing Remains Open.
An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title XV Land Usage, Chapter 152, Zoning Code, Section 602 regarding Multifamily dwelling structure (3-6 dwelling units per lot) and Multifamily dwelling project including condominiums.
Public Hearing remains open.
Melissa Welch, Middletown, addressed the Council in support of the proposed ordinance noting it give options for housing.
Town Planner Ronald Wolanski reviewed the following memo:
Terri Flynn, Middletown, addressed the Council, noting concern that the ordinance could change to character of properties in Town.
Mathew Skirzenski, Middletown, addressed the Council noting the need to build all types of housing in the Town and reviewed changes in state law regarding zoning.
Alicia Reyes, Middletown, addressed the Council noting concern with maintaining quality of life and long-established neighborhoods.
Antone Viveiros, Middletown, addressed the Council noting concern with the affordability of single-family homes in the Town.
Terri Flynn, Middletown, addressed the Council inquiring if it is possible to put a condition in the ordinance to define the 120 existing properties that currently qualify and short-term rentals should not be allowed under this ordinance.
Council discussion centered around that this ordinance does not solve the housing issue, concern the state will tell the Town what areas should be zoned and the need for affordable housing lots.
Theresa Spengler, Middletown, addressed the Council noting concern with sustainability of town infrastructure when increasing housing units.
John Bagwill, Middletown, addressed the Council noting the ordinance change does not make housing affordable.
Chris Rowe, Middletown, addressed the Council noting the zoning board needs more teeth to approve or deny a petition in order to maintain the character of a neighborhood.
John Gargliano, Middletown, addressed the Council noting he does not support multifamily buildings.
Matt Skirzenski, Middletown, addressed the Council noting the need for increased housing.
Antone Viveiros, Middletown, addressed the Council noting concern with sewer and water supply.
Paul Croce, Middletown, addressed the Council noting there is the ability to put restrictions within certain ordinances to maintain the character of an area.
Gina Orszulak, Middletown, addressed the Council inquiring the reason for the ordinance and the need for affordable housing.
Alicia Reyes, Middletown, addressed the Council expressing the need to protect the neighborhoods.
Discussion centered around sending the ordinance back to the Planning Board to add restrictions.
There being no other person present or on zoom public hearing was declared closed.
On motion of Councilor Logan, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to refer this item back to the Planning Board for review, recommendation and add restrictions.
15. Public Hearing (Advertised)
Public Hearing Remains Open.
An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title XV Land Usage, Chapter 152, Zoning Code, Section 603 regarding dimensional requirements for two-family dwelling, multi-family dwelling structure, and multifamily dwelling project, and Section 1504 regarding allowable density for multifamily dwelling structure and multifamily dwelling project.
Public Hearing remains open.
No one spoke during this public hearing.
There being no other person present or on zoom public hearing was declared closed.
On motion of Councilor Logan, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to refer this item back to the Planning Board for review, recommendation and add restrictions.
16. Memorandum of Terri Flynn and Wendy Riel, re: Proposed library/office/storage space: Location and retrofit funding.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Terri Flynn, Middletown, read the following into the record:
John Bagwill, Middletown, reviewed the following:
Wendy Reil, Middletown, addressed the Council urging them to put the library project on hold and have public hearings for the residents to give their input.
Discussion centered around Section 207 of the Middletown Charter, the definition of a moral obligation bond, there will be a bus route to the new library, and the current library is at the end of its useful life.
John Gargliano, Middletown, read the following into the record:
Gina Orszulak, Middletown, addressed the Council inquiring if there is a certain amount for a bond that must go before the voters?
Discussion between the Town Solicitor, John Gargliano, Finance Director Marc Tanguay, John Bagwill and Town Administrator Shawn Brown centered around the difference between a General Obligation Bond and a Moral Obligation bond
Mary Johnson, Library Board and Library Building Committee, addressed the Council noting that all meetings of the Library Boards are public. Ms. Johnson explained the Library Board is in support of the new Library location, and the new location is more accessible to the public.
Terri Flynn, Middletown, addressed the Council requesting the financial analysis for the Library project be updated online.
17. (Continued from October 6, 2025 Regular Meeting)
Approval of Minutes, re: Regular Meeting, September 15, 2025.
On motion of Councilor Roberts, duly seconded, to approve said minutes.
Councilor Roberts explained that someone requested he pull the minutes.
Council President Rodrigues inquired what is required in the minutes.
Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall, responding to Council President Rodrigues, explained that state law requires the following: All public bodies shall keep written minutes of all their meetings. The minutes shall include, but need not be limited to:
(1) The date, time, and place of the meeting;
(2) The members of the public body recorded as either present or absent;
(3) A record by individual members of any vote taken; and
(4) Any other information relevant to the business of the public body that any member of the public body requests be included or reflected in the minutes.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Councilor Roberts, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
18. Communication of Council President Rodrigues, re: Request for update on the effort to manage the coyote population.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the communication above.
Theresa Spengler, Middletown, addressed the Council noting concern with coyotes in her area of Town.
19. At the request of Council President Rodrigues discussion and consideration of the Resolution of the City of Newport, re: Regionalization – Resolution No. 2025-146.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said discussion and consideration.
School Committee Chair Greg Huet, addressed the Council reading the following into the record:
Discussion between the Town Council, Town Administrator, School Committee Chair Greg Huet, School Committee Member Theresa Spengler centered around the City of Newport resolution, meeting with the Newport City Council, the need for enabling legislation to put a question before voters, money the city and town would receive if they regionalize and the current school funding structure is not sustainable.
On motion of Council President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to set a date and time for a meeting regarding Regionalization with the Newport City Council and administration.
20. Resolution of the Council, re: Annual support of the Community Learning Center Project Director of the Florence Gray Center of $50,000 for each of FY2026 through FY2031 be approved and funded from the additional 1% local hotel tax.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, unanimously to pass said resolution.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed that this resolution was discussed at the previous meeting.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
21. Memorandum of Finance Director thru Town Administrator, re; MIDD-026-004 Pavilion Deck Expansion at Second Beach.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
22. Resolution of the Council, re: Award of contract for PAVILION DECK EXPANSION AT SECOND BEACH to E.W. BURMAN INC; funding for the pavilion deck expansion at Second Beach will be from the Parks and Recreation Fund-Capital Replenishment Restricted Fund Balance and the Finance Director is authorized to execute agreements on behalf of the Town.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Deputy Finance Director Patrick Guthlein reviewed the memorandum in item #21.
Facilities Director Will Cronin reviewed the following memorandum.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
Council President Rodrigues recused himself from acting on item #23, due to a possible conflict of interest.
Vice President Welch Presiding.
23. Appointment of three (3) members to for the Beach Commission, terms expiring November 2027.
Vice President Welch polled the Council for nominations:
Councilor Connerton nominated Jay Bogosian, Andrea Borges and Kathleen Silveira
Councilor Roberts nominated Andrew Leys
The Council was polled:
Councilor Connerton voted for Jay Bogosian, Andrea Borges and Kathleen Silveira
Councilor Turano voted for Andrea Borges and Andrew Leys
Vice President Welch voted for Jay Bogosian, Andrea Borges and Kathleen Silveira
Councilor VonVillas voted for Jay Bogosian, Andrea Borges and Kathleen Silveira
Councilor Logan voted for Jay Bogosian, Andrea Borges and Andrew Leys
Councilor Roberts voted for Jay Bogosian, Andrea Borges and Andrew Leys
Jay Bogosian was reappointed, Andrea Borges was reappointed and Andrew Leys was appointed to the Beach Commission, terms expiring November 2027.
Council President Rodrigues Presiding.
24. Appointment of one (1) member to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee term expiring March 2028.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Kendall Tucker Holmes to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee for a term expiring in March 2028.
25. Appointment of one (1) member to the Board of Canvassers, Bi-Partisan Board, Democrat or Republican representative, alternate member, to complete a term expiring March 2029.
Council President Rodrigues polled the Council for nominations:
Vice President Welch nominated Kate Sisk
Councilor Turano nominated Paul Mankofsky
The Council was polled:
Councilor Connerton voted for Kate Sisk
Councilor Turano voted for Paul Mankofsky
Vice President Welch voted for Kate Sisk
Council President Rodrigues voted for Kate Sisk
Councilor VonVillas voted for Kate Sisk
Councilor Logan voted for Kate Sisk
Councilor Roberts voted for Paul Mankofsky
Kate Sisk was appointed to the Board of Canvassers for a term expiring March 2029.
26. Appointment of one (1) member to the Conservation Commission term expiring July 2027.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Matthew Skirzenski to the Conservation Commission for a term expiring July 2027.
27. Appointment of three (3) members to the Library Board of Trustees, terms expiring September 2028.
Council President Rodrigues polled the Council for nominations:
Vice President Welch nominated Anna Anton, Ruth Flynn Donohue and Mary (Holly) Johnson
Councilor Robers nominated Linda Martin
The Council was polled:
Councilor Connerton voted for Anna Anton, Ruth Flynn Donohue and Mary (Holly) Johnson
Councilor Turano voted for Anna Anton, Ruth Flynn Donohue and Mary (Holly) Johnson
Vice President Welch voted for Anna Anton, Ruth Flynn Donohue and Mary (Holly) Johnson
Council President Rodrigues voted for Anna Anton, Ruth Flynn Donohue and Mary (Holly) Johnson
Councilor VonVillas voted for Anna Anton, Ruth Flynn Donohue and Mary (Holly) Johnson
Councilor Logan voted for Anna Anton, Ruth Flynn Donohue and Mary (Holly) Johnson
Councilor Roberts voted for Anna Anton, Mary (Holly) Johnson and Linda Martin
Anna Anton, Ruth Flynn Donohue and Mary (Holly) Johnson were reappointed to the Library Board of Trustees for a terms expiring September 2028.
28. Appointment of (3) three members to the Middletown Prevention Coalition: one (1) member (parent sector) to complete a term expiring April 2026 and two (2) members (student sector) terms expiring April 2027.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Christopher Williams to the Middletown Prevention Coalition, parent sector, for a term expiring April 2026 and appoint Louai Alsha Rabi and Avery Kittredge, student sector, terms expiring April 2027.
29. Appointment of one (1) member, term expiring November 2027 and three (3) members, terms expiring November 2028 to the Open Space and Fields Committee.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reappoint Tim Barrow, James Cawley and George Van Duinwyk to the Open Space and Fields Committee for a terms expiring November 2028 and appoint Farouk Niazy, term expiring November 2027.
30. Appointment of two (2) members to the Outreach Committee, indefinite terms.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Jeffrey Lemler and Kiley Williams to the Outreach Committee for indefinite terms.
31. Appointment of one (1) member to the Personnel Board, term expiring December 2028.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Michael Taber to the Personnel Board for a term expiring December 2028.
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