At a Special Meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Middletown, RI held at Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road, Middletown, RI on Monday, July 3, 2003 at 7:00 P.M.
Council President William J. Flynn, Presiding
Vice Chair Bruce D. Allen
Councillor Karen Roarke
Councillor Paul M. Rodrigues
Councillor M. Theresa Santos
Councillor Charles J. Vaillancourt, Members Present
Councillor Suzi C. Nance, Absent
On motion of Vice Chair Allen, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
1. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An ordinance in amendment to the Town Code of the Town Middletown Chapter 34, Taxes. (Tax Deferral)
On motion of Vice Chair Allen, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adopt said ordinance.
2. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An ordinance in amendment to the Town Code of the Town Middletown Chapter 34, Taxes. (Senior Exemptions, Income Levels)
On motion of Vice Chair Allen, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adopt said ordinance
3. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An ordinance in amendment to the Town Code of the Town Middletown Chapter 34, Taxes. (Tax Classification Plan – Split Tax Rate)
George Spiratos, owner of 333 Tuckerman Avenue (rental property), addressed the Council recommending this ordinance not to be rushed through. It’s not a matter to decide in haste.
Allen Shers addressed the Council noting the adoption of this ordinance will mostly affect non-residents. Mr. Shers also noted commercial owners are opposed to this ordinance.
Councillor Nance joined the meeting at 6:25 P.M.
Richard Sheffield, 255 Indian Avenue, noted the Council should determine the budget, determine total assessed value, and change the assessments on residential property. Assessments should be fair market value or uniform and concentrate on procedure of the assessment process.
Del Martin, 761 Indian Avenue, addressed the Council, noting he sees both sides of this situation and believes this is a step in the right direction.
Carol Cummings, 738 Indian Avenue, addressed the Council noting commercial property does not have as quick a turn over as residential and notes it is impossible for equalization. Ms. Cummings requests the Council to look at the appraisal process.
Penny Spiratos, 333 Tuckerman Avenue, (father’s rental property), addressed the Council urging them to vote against this ordinance.
Don Parker, 1 Sakonnet Terrace, addressed the Council wanting an explanation and purpose of this ordinance.
Antone Viveiros, 110 Indian Hill Road, addressed the Council noting the Council should not go with at 1.5 split. Town Charter section 207, Article 13, section 4 will be in violation if this is adopted.
Richard Bohan, 632 Tuckerman Avenue, addressed the Council noting if the taxes keep rising people will be taxed out of Town.
On motion of Councillor Vaillancourt, duly seconded, it was voted to adopt said ordinance entered below; Vice Chair Allen, Councillors Nance and Santos voted NO.
4. Continued from meeting of June 30, 2003
An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown
An Ordinance in amendment to the ordinances of the Town of Middletown Entitled “Appropriating Revenues of the Sewer Fund for Fiscal Year July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004, as amended”.
On motion of Councillor Vaillancourt, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to Adopt said ordinance.
Executive Session pursuant to Sections 42-46-2., 42-26-4. and 42-46-5. (a) (1) (5), RIGL, the Council will meet in executive session to consider, discuss and act upon matters related to personnel and land acquisition.
On motion of Council President Flynn, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess this meeting at 7:30 P.M. to meet in executive session pursuant to docket item entered above.
On motion of Council President Flynn, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene this meeting in open session at 8:59 P.M.
On motion of Council President Flynn, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to seal the minutes of the executive session pursuant to Section 42-46-7. RIGL.
On motion of Council President Flynn, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn this meeting at 9:01 P.M.
Wendy J.W.Marshall, CMC
Deputy Town Clerk