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 held by telephone conference at the Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road, Middletown, RI on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 6:00 P.M.
Vice President Paul M. Rodrigues, Presiding
Councillor Terri Flynn
Councillor M. Theresa Santos
Councillor Dennis B. Turano
Councillor Barbara A. VonVillas
Councillor Thomas P. Welch, III, Members Present
All Council members were present with the exception of Councillor Flynn who joined the meeting by zoom.
Members and Participants Present by Teleconference and Webinar/Meeting.
ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION TO AGENDA ITEMS ARE ON CLERKBASE THROUGH THE TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN WEBSITE https://clerkshq.com/Middletown-ri
POSTED – APRIL 13, 2021
REGULAR MEETING – APRIL 19, 2021
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 special meeting to be held on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Executive Session; Immediately following Executive Session Appointments; Immediately following Appointments, Items not completed at the April 5, 2021 Regular Meeting, April 19, 2021 Regular Meeting at 7:00 P.M. - Said meeting will be conducted by telephone conference call/ webinar, in accordance with Executive Order 20-46 issued by Governor Raimondo on April 15, 2020, extended to April 29, 2021, which modifies certain provisions of the Open Meetings Act (“OMA”) and the Access to Public Records Act (“APRA”) as part of the State’s emergency response to COVID-19. 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: 897 3485 8186; or on the web at .https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89734858186
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, 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, 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 three (3) minutes. Citizens that wish to speak must submit a written request either dropped off at Town Hall or emailed to both wmarshall@middletownri.com and kclancey@middletownri.com . Request must include your information, item number you wish to address and how you will be identified/named on zoom. The request must be filed at least 30 minutes prior to the meeting. If a request is not filed, you will not be able to address the matter.
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.
Police Chief William Kewer was present, acting as the Town Administrator.
1. Executive Session - Pursuant to provisions of RIGL, Sections 42-46-2, 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (a), (1) Litigation (NC2021-01505) and (5) Land Acquisition (Parcel Adjacent to John Clarke Road) - review, discussion and/or potential action and/or vote in executive session and/or open session.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess open session and reconvene in executive session at 6:01 p.m.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess executive session and reconvene in open session at 6:36 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said easement, subject to review by the Town Solicitor.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to seal the executive session minutes pursuant to Section 42-46-7. RIGL.
Immediately Following Executive Session – Appointment of Town Council Member - Appointment of Council President and/or if necessary, Appoint of Vice President
Vice President Rodrigues welcomed Mr. Logan and Police Chief William Kewer to the meeting. Mr. Rodrigues requested a moment of silence for the Brown Family and Lombardi Family for the loss of a family members.
2. Memorandum of Town Clerk, re: Appointment of Town Council Member.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Christopher M. Logan as Town Councillor for a term expiring November 2022.
Councillor Logan was sworn in by Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall.
3. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Selection of Town Council President.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Councillor Santo nominated Vice President Paul M. Rodrigues for Council President.
Councillor Flynn nominated Councillor Dennis B. Turano for Council President.
A vote was taken to Elect Vice President Paul M. Rodrigues as Council President; All if Favor.
Council President Rodrigues was sworn in by Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall.
4. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Selection of Town Council Vice President, if necessary.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Councillor Santos nominated Councillor Thomas P. Welch, III as Vice President.
Counillor Logan nominated Councillor Dennis B. Turano as Vice President.
A vote was taken to Elect Councillor Thomas P. Welch, III as Vice President; Councillor Flynn and Councillor Turano voted NO to said MOTION.
Vice President Welch was sworn in by Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall.
Council President Rodrigues noted the following:
It is an honor and a privilege to serve you and all the residents as your Town Council President. I am grateful for your support and confidence in me to lead and guide our great Town of Middletown for current and future success.
However, this position is not a solo position; this is a team position.
The letter “I” needs to be a secondary letter to the word we, in all our actions.
The letter “I” is a singular pronoun, used by a speaker in referring to herself or himself.
We will accomplish nothing in that context, the word we, a plural pronoun, uses a subject of the verb to refer to all people, especially when considered as a group.
“We” will accomplish any task or town issue at hand. In this context, a great group of Town Council members is combined with the great Town Administration and staff with the valuable input from residents is conducive to make in Middletown better today, tomorrow, and for the foreseeable future.
It takes a solid team of forward thinkers and unity, built on collaboration, with respect for one another at all times, regardless of agreement or disagreement on any issue.
A lot of times we have the same visions but see different avenues of how to get there. This creates a healthy diversity of ideas, thoughts and opinions that must be accompanied by civility at all times.
We must all be pulling the rope from the same end, and not against each other. We are here to serve the people of Middletown, to the best of our abilities.
As we transact the town's business and discuss the town issues, we must keep in mind that service will always be our top priority. Where there is current popular political talk is the word transparency, it means that the people in Middletown will always know what we are doing and why we are doing it, and that there will be ample time for you to understand the issues and participate in the discussions.
There are a lot of issues that need solutions. As Councillor Flynn had mentioned earlier, senior housing, short term rentals, and housing affordability is always on every Councilors’ mind, not just today, but for tomorrow.
Councillor Turano’s educational improvements, tax relief, water quality improvements, infrastructure improvements and of course developing new revenue streams to be able to pay for those endeavors, as well as balancing our resident’s quality of life.
We will promise you one thing for sure, that will we be passionate about protecting taxpayers tax dollars.
We are committed to seeing that the town uses its resources very, very carefully to ensure that Middletown remains vibrant and a great place to live, both now and 100 years from now. We are not making decisions just for today.
We cannot predict the future, but we can work together to position Middletown to weather any difficult issues that may arise.
We will pledge to you that we will always be available, responsive to all the people of Middletown. I said this statement, when I was sworn in as council president in 2004, it's never left my mind and I'm going to say it again, we need to remember
that we are one.
You have placed great trust in us which we will honor and respect. We are grateful and thank you for the opportunity to work with and for you. And we look forward to the work ahead.
Thank you.
Immediately Following – Appointments - Items not completed at the April 5, 2021 Regular Meeting
5. Memorandum of Councillor Flynn, re: Tax Proposal: Tiered Tax, Flat Rate Tax.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Councillor Flynn reviewed the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around tax classifications in RIGL 44-5-11.8, current law does not allow for a flat fee, the tax rate can be split between commercial and residential, enabling legislation would be needed if the Town wants a flat tax fee and how a tiered tax system would affect the Town overall.
On motion of Councillor Flynn, duly seconded, to forward this concept and Council questions to the Town Administrator, Tax Assessor and Town Solicitor; feedback to the Council by May 17, 2021 or first June Meeting.
John Bagwill, 587 Tuckerman Avenue, addressed the Council noting that MEDAC had a proposal for a Homestead Tax Exemption. Mr. Bagwill requests that when the Town reviews the tiered tax system, they also review the MEDAC proposal for the Homestead exemption.
A vote was taken
On motion of Councillor Flynn, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to forward this concept and Council questions to the Town Administrator, Tax Assessor and Town Solicitor; feedback to the Council by May 17, 2021 or first June Meeting.
6. Communication of Councillor Turano, re: Middletown Property Tax Assessment Overview.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
Councillor Turano reviewed the communication above.
Tax Assessor George Durgin reviewed the following:
Discussion centered around commercial property did not increase at the same rate as residential property, the appeal process for the taxpayers and the tax roll being on the Town website.
Michael Cunningham, 29 Allston Avenue, addressed the Council complimenting the Tax Assessor, explaining and reviewing his own personal property analysis. Mr. Cunningham noted that if building permits are not closed, it makes property assessment challenging.
John Bagwill, 587 Tuckerman Avenue, addressed the Council noting sales of properties in the Town, explaining that if purchasing properties for short-term rentals are willing to spend more on properties than a residential family.
7. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Amended parking restrictions- Wolcott Avenue.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Acting Town Administrator William Kewer reviewed the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around parking during summer months, parking at Purgatory Chasm and parking signage.
Julia Rush Toland, 455 Tuckerman Avenue, addressed the Council noting support for parking restrictions.
Discussion centered around size of parking spaces, enforcement of parking ordinance, a bike rack in the area and forwarding this issue to the Town Administrator and Town Solicitor for review.
8. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Friends of Middletown Public Library Memo of Understanding.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Council President Rodrigues reviewed the memorandum above.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the MOU for FY2022 to allow the Friends of Middletown Public Library to operate the Friends Bookstore at the Middletown Public Library.
9. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Beach Operations Plan - Update.
On motion of Councillor VonVillas, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the next Council Meeting until Mr. Brown returns.
10. Communication of Will Cronin, Operations & Facility Manager, re: Campground opening. (New Item)
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
Discussion centered around the Campground Manger being unable to open the campground prior to May 15, 2021 and expansion of the campground season dates.
On motion of Councillor VonVillas, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to open the Campground on May 15, 2021.
11. Memorandum of Town Engineer thru Town Administrator, re: Availability of funding to support Maidford River flood mitigation.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the next meeting May 3, 2021.
12. Resolution of the Council, re: Authorizing the Town Engineer to work with the Planning Department to prepare and submit grant application – National Fish and Wildlife Foundation – National Coastal Resilient Fund.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the next meeting May 3, 2021.
13. Resolution of the Council, re: Authorizing the Town Engineer to work with the Planning Department to prepare and submit grant application –Southeast New England Program (SNEP).
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the next meeting May 3, 2021.
14. Email communication of Arthur Weber, resignation from the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said resignation with regret.
15. Appointment of two (2) members to the Middletown Planning Board, two (2) vacancies terms expiring February 2024.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reappoint Paul Croce and Betty Jane Owen to the Planning Board for terms expiring February 2024.
16. 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 either dropped off a public participation request at Town Hall or emailed to both wmarshall@middletownri.com and kclancey@middletownri.com at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. All items discussed during this session will not be voted upon. (No longer than 15 Minutes total for the Public Forum)
Michael Cunningham, 21 Allston Avenue, addressed the Council encouraging them to reach out to the Ethics Commission for opinions for conflicts of interest.
17. Receipt of FY 2021-2022 Budget.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, to receive said FY2021-2022 Budget.
Discussion centered around hearing from each Town Department regarding budget requests on Saturday, May 8, 2021.
A vote was taken
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said FY2021-2022 Budget.
18. Communication of Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Superintendent of Schools, re: Middletown Public School Budget Fiscal Year July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022- In accordance: Article VIII – Section 812 – Town Charter.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, to receive said communication.
Superintendent of Schools Rosemarie K. Kraeger reviewed the memorandum above.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to act as a Board of License Commission.
19. Application of Foodlove Market Middletown, LLC dba Foodlove Market, 1037 Aquidneck Avenue for a Class BV Liquor license for use at the same premises. (New; Requires Advertising for a future Public Hearing and Notification to abutters)
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive application, advertised for public hearing to be held on May 3, 2021 and notify abutters.
20. Application of KVG, LLC dba Rock Lobster, 59 Aquidneck Avenue for Class BV Liquor license for use at the same premises. (New; Requires Advertising for a future Public Hearing and Notification to abutters)
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive application, advertised for public hearing to be held on May 3, 2021 and notify abutters.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene as a Town Council.
Council President Rodrigues requested the Consent Calendar be heard under the regular portion of the agenda.
21. At the request of the Middletown Tree Commission - Resolution of the Council, re: Proclamation in Honor of Arbor Day – April 30, 2021. (Council action to pass said resolution)
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
Council President Rodrigues read the above resolution into the record.
22. At the request of School Superintendent Rosemarie K. Kraeger - Resolution of the Council, re: Proclamation in Honor of Military Child Month and April 21, 2021 “Purple Up! For Military Kids”. (Council action to pass said resolution)
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Councillor Logan read the above resolution into the record.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
23. At the request of The Community Housing Resource Board/Housing Hotline - Resolution of the Council, re: Proclamation – Fair Housing Month in the Town. (Council action to pass said resolution)
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Councillor Turano read the above resolution into the record.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
24. Application of T-Mobile Northeast, LLC dba T-Mobile, 99 East Main Road for a Holiday License for the 2021-2022 licensing year. (NEW)
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license.
25. Application for Special Event Permit from Rhode Island Arts Foundation at Newport, Inc. dba Newport Music Festival for a Classical Music Concert to be held at the Norman Bird Sanctuary on Friday, July 9, 2021 at 5:15 am and Friday, July 16, 2021 at 5:15 am.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said special event permit.
26. Application for Special Event Permit from Reverend Shelley Dungan of The Sacred Center at St. Mary’s Church for Yoga on the Beach to be held at Third Beach, Monday – Sunday 7:00 am – 8:30 am and Monday-Friday 6:00 pm -7:00 pm, mid-June to early September.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, to grant said special event permit.
Will Cronin, Operation & Facilities Manager, joined by zoom to answer Council inquires.
Applicant Reverend Shelly Dungan joined by zoom to answer Council inquires.
Discussion centered around class times and class participants leaving the beach in time for the beach opening.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said special event permit, with the condition that the event ends at 7:45 am daily.
27. Application for Special Event Permit from Elevate Fitness for Elevate Fitness Beach Boot Camp at Second and/or Third Beaches (Tuesdays and Thursdays) beginning May 18, 2021 through September 2, 2021, 5:30 am to 7:30 am.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, to grant said special event permit.
Discussion centered around the ending time for classes, the location of the class and working with the vendors to secure a spot on the beach.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said special event permit.
28. Application for Special Event Permit from Pulse Gym & Studios for Pulse Beach Boot Camps at Second Beach– Surfer’s End (Tuesdays and Thursdays) beginning June 8, 2021 through October 1, 2021, 5:30 am to 7:30 am.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, to grant said special event permit.
Discussion centered around the ending time for classes, the location of the class and working with the vendors to secure a spot on the beach.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said special event permit.
29. Memorandum of Karen Roarke, re: Codifying Council Resolution – Sidewalks.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Karen Roarke, 26 Renfrew Avenue, addressed the Council reviewing the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around the request to be codified in the ordinances of the Town and the request being referred to the Planning Board for review.
On motion of Council President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to forward this item to the Planning Board to review and make the Esplande sidewalks part of the ordinance.
ADDENDUM TO TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING – APRIL 19, 2021
POSTED - APRIL 15, 2021
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, April 19, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Executive Session; Immediately following Executive Session Appointments; Immediately following Appointments, Items not completed at the April 5, 2021 Regular Meeting, April 19, 2021 Regular Meeting at 7:00 P.M. - Said meeting will be conducted by telephone conference call/ webinar, in accordance with Executive Order 20-46 issued by Governor Raimondo on April 15, 2020, extended to April 29, 2021, which modifies certain provisions of the Open Meetings Act (“OMA”) and the Access to Public Records Act (“APRA”) as part of the State’s emergency response to COVID-19. 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: 897 3485 8186 ; or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89734858186
If calling in by telephone pressing *9 raises your hand and pressing *6 will unmute.
29a. Memorandum of Superintendent, re: Gaudet School Track.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Superintendent Rosemarie Kraeger reviewed the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around when the project would begin, the Town Open Space Bond monies, agreement with Salve regarding the Turf field, potential repairs to the Tennis Courts and the timeline for the project.
On motion of Councillor VonVillas, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the next meeting.
30. (Continued from Regular Meeting, February 25, 2021)
Memorandum of Councillor Flynn, re: Parking Ordinance.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Councillor Flynn reviewed the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around current Planning Board projects, forwarding this to the Planning Board for review and parking at rental properties.
On motion of Councillor VonVillas, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to send this item to the Planning Board.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan recused himself from acting on the following item #31 of business, due to a possible conflict of interest.
31. Memorandum of Councillor Welch, re: STR Registration Fee.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Vice President Welch reviewed the memorandum above.
Councillor Turano recused himself from acting on the following motion, due to a possible conflict of interest.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to request the Town Administrator to keep a separate ledger of short-term rentals income and expense for the upcoming year.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan returned.
Councillor Turano returned.
32. Memorandum of Councillor Welch, re: 7th Inning Stretch.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Councillor Welch reviewed the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around this being a good idea, taking a break after the meeting has been in session for two hours, and taking a break when it is a sensible time to do so.
33. Memorandum of Town Planner, re: Engineer Contract Amendment #5 – Purgatory Road Sidewalk Design.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, to receive said memorandum.
Council President Rodrigues reviewed the memorandum above.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
34. Resolution of the Council, re: Engineer Contract Amendment #5 – Purgatory Road Sidewalk Design.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
35. Memorandum of Finance Director, re: Solid Waste and Recycling Services Agreement – RI Resource Recovery Corp. FY2022-FY2023.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Council President Rodrigues reviewed the memorandum above.
36. Resolution of the Council, re: Solid Waste and Recycling Services Agreement – RI Resource Recovery Corp. FY2022-FY2023.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
37. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Zoning Enforcement Officer.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Michael Cunningham, 21 Allston Avenue, addressed the Council noting the need for a full-time person for this position. Mr. Cunningham explained that there are enough revenue sources to support the position.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the May 3, 2021 meeting.
EMERGENCY
SECOND ADDENDUM TO TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING – APRIL 19, 2021
POSTED - APRIL 19, 2021
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, April 19, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Executive Session; Immediately following Executive Session Appointments; Immediately following Appointments, Items not completed at the April 5, 2021 Regular Meeting, April 19, 2021 Regular Meeting at 7:00 P.M. - Said meeting will be conducted by telephone conference call/ webinar, in accordance with Executive Order 20-46 issued by Governor Raimondo on April 15, 2020, extended to April 29, 2021, which modifies certain provisions of the Open Meetings Act (“OMA”) and the Access to Public Records Act (“APRA”) as part of the State’s emergency response to COVID-19. 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: 897 3485 8186 ; or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89734858186
If calling in by telephone pressing *9 raises your hand and pressing *6 will unmute.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to add the following item number 37a to extend the State of Emergency in Middletown through and including May 17, 2021, due to the current extension ending at midnight tonight.
37a. Executive Order 2021-04 Extension of State of Emergency in Middletown through and including May 17, 2021.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, to extend the State of Emergency in Middletown through and including May 17, 2021.
Discussion centered around outdoor dining for restaurants, the zoning code would require an amendment to allow for outdoor dining to continue after the executive order expires and in person council meetings.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to extend the State of Emergency in Middletown through and including May 17, 2021.
38. Memorandum of Councillor Santos, re: Resignation as Liaison to the Middletown School Committee and as Liaison to the Beach Commission.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said resignations with regret.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 10:08 p.m.
_____________________________
Wendy J.W. Marshall, CMC
Council Clerk
Supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri