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 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 6:00 P.M.
Council President Robert J. Sylvia, Presiding
Vice President Paul M. Rodrigues
Councillor Terri Flynn
Councillor M. Theresa Santos
Councillor Dennis B. Turano
Councillor Barbara A. VonVillas
Councillor Thomas P. Welch, III, Members Present
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 – January 12, 2021
REGULAR MEETING – JANUARY 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 Tuesday, January 19, 2021; School Committee – Pre-Budget Consultation 6:00 P.M.; 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 February 4, 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: 835 2127 0654; or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83521270654.
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.
(1) “The highest elected official of the city or town shall submit to the school committee an estimate, prepared in a manner approved by the department of administration, of projected revenues for the next fiscal year. In the case of the property tax, the projections shall include only changes in the property tax base, not property tax rates; “
(2) “The school committee shall submit to the city or town council a statement for the next ensuing fiscal year of anticipated total expenditures, projected enrollments with resultant staff and facility requirements, and any necessary or mandated changes in school programs or operations”.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin the Pre-Budget Consultation Pursuant to - Ҥ 16-2-21.
2. Communication of Robert J. Sylvia, President, Middletown Town Council, re: Information in accordance with RIGL 16-2-21.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
3. Memorandum of Theresa Spengler, School Committee Chair, with enclosures, re: Pre-Budget Consultation FY 2022.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown, Superintendent of Schools Rosemarie Kraeger and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Michelle Fonseca, presented a PowerPoint presentation of the Pre-budget Consolidation, FY2022 Town/School Revenue Conference, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk. School Committee Chair Theresa Spengler was also present on zoom to respond to Council inquires.
Discussion centered around enrollment cost per student, state mandated curriculum changes, school districts keeping tuition costs stable for the past three years and concern of students falling behind due to the pandemic.
4. 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)
Melissa Welch, 535 Wolcott Avenue, presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding Dogs on the Beach – A Proposal for the Middletown Town Council, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Ms. Welch reviewed the following:
Proposal: That the Council pursue a public relations (PR) campaign to inform the public about the rules pertaining to dogs on Middletown beaches and particularly to highlight the restrictions that go into effect May 1st, which limit dogs on the beach to 5:00am-7:45am only, per Town ordinance § 94.32(A)(1) (see references below).
Issue: Many dog owners/keepers make use of town beaches to exercise their pets, but they may be unaware of the restrictions on the times dogs are allowed on the beach during the summer months. In addition, some dog owners allow their pets to be off-leash and/or do not clean up after their pets while on the beach.
Objective: Increase awareness of and adherence to established rules for dogs on the beach, particularly during the summer.
Alignment with Town Goals: The 2021 Beach Operating Plan dated 01/04/2021 includes goals to “be good stewards of the natural environment” and to “create a positive experience for beach patrons.” Achieving these goals requires careful management of dogs on the beach, particularly during the busy summer months. This proposal also supports efforts to “improve messaging related to restrictions on dogs,” as stated in the Beach Plan.
Implementation: Conduct a multi-faceted PR campaign, particularly during the month of April 2021, to alert dog owners to the restrictions that go into effect on May 1st. Use social and traditional media, public notices, posted signs, and direct contact to hand out flyers to notify dog owners.
Proposal for direct-contact campaign: organize Town personnel/volunteers to hand out flyers at the beaches on days/times that are likely to attract dog owners (e.g., sunny weekend days). As an added incentive, attach to the flyer a doggie bag containing a wrapped piece of candy and a dog treat (see prototype on PowerPoint slide 3). Should this part of the proposal be adopted, expected costs would be approximately $50.00 to produce approximately 200 bags (costs include bags, candy, and dog treats, provided Town resources can be used for printing/copying flyers)
Way forward: Should the Council choose to pursue this proposal, next steps toward implementation would include:
· Establish a committee to coordinate with stakeholders such as Middletown Police Animal Control, beach officials, members of the public, etc.
· Develop message content and format; determine timing for PR campaign roll-out
· Identify messaging platforms such as Town website, social media, posted signage, direct contact campaign, etc.
· Compile feedback, assess impact, and make recommendations for further action
Attachment: PowerPoint presentation: “Dogs on the Beach; A Proposal for the Middletown Town Council.”
References: In summary, Town ordinance § 94.32(A)(1) - (3) states that, from 1 May to 30 September, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach only between the hours of 5:00am and 7:45am. Dogs must be leashed at all times and pet owners/keepers are required to clean up after their pets.
§ 94.32 OTHER PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS.
The following prohibitions and restrictions shall be complied with by all persons on that portion of the town's properties known as Sachuest Beach and Third Beach and the areas surrounding both Sachuest Beach and Third Beach that is either owned, controlled or leased by the town:
(A) Dogs.
(1) From May 1 through September 30, dogs shall be permitted on town beaches only between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. provided they are on a leash.
(2) From October 1 through April 30, dogs shall be allowed on town beaches provided they are leashed.
(3) Any person in control of a dog which defecates on the beach or public property must immediately remove the waste. Penalty, see § 94.99
§ 94.99 PENALTY.
(5) (a) Except as otherwise provided herein, any person convicted of violating the provisions of § 94.32(A)(1) - (3) shall be punished as follows:
1. A fine not exceeding $100 for the first offense within a calendar year;
2. A fine not exceeding $150 for the second offense within a calendar year;
3. A fine not exceeding $200 for the third and each subsequent offense within a calendar year.
Council shared support of the proposal by Ms. Welch.
5. Approval of Minutes, re: Special Meeting, December 5, 2020.
6. Approval of Minutes, re: Regular Meeting, December 7, 2020.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
7. Approval of Minutes, re: Special Meeting, December 14, 2020.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
8. Approval of Minutes, re: Special Meeting, December 17, 2020.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
9. Transfer of Burial Lot, re: Sofi M. Cofield to Tina Janaros Fowler, Section 51E, Lot 142.
10. Transfer of Burial Lot, re: Sofi M. Cofield to Michael Christopher Fowler, Section 51E, Lots 143 and 144.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said Transfer of Burial lot.
11. Transfer of Burial Lot, re: Sofi M. Cofield to Frank Robert Fowler, Section 51E, Lots 145 and 146.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said Transfer of Burial lot.
12. Transfer of Burial Lot, re: Sofi M. Cofield to Taylor Nichole Cofield, Section 51E, Lots 147 and 148.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said Transfer of Burial lot.
13. Transfer of Burial Lot, re: Sofi M. Cofield to Steven Clay Cofield, Section 51E, Lots 149 and 150.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said Transfer of Burial lot.
14. Transfer of Burial Lot, re: Sofi M. Cofield to Michael Hoyt Cofield, Section 51E, Lots 151, 152 and 153.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said Transfer of Burial lot.
15. Application of East Main Wraps, LLC dba Gansett Wraps, 510 East Main Road for a Victualling House License for the 2020-2021 licensing year. (NEW)
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license subject to Building Official, Fire Marshal and Board of Health approvals.
16. Application of La Petite Gourmande, LLC dba Power of Juice, 698B Aquidneck Avenue for a Victualling House License for the 2020-2021 licensing year. (NEW)
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license subject to Building Official, Fire Marshal and Board of Health approvals.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan is recusing himself from the following item #17 of business, due to a possible conflict of interest.
Attorney Patrick Sullivan will represent the Town in this matter.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan recused himself from the following item #17 of business, due to a conflict of interest.
Attorney Patrick Sullivan joined zoom to represent the Town on the item.
17. Public Hearing Advertised; Abutters Notified
An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First Reading)
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title XV Land Use, Chapter 152 Zoning Code – Town’s Zoning Map – TAP 113 Lot 13, which is presently zoned as Office Business Traffic Sensitive (OBA) shall be changed in their entirety to Limited Business Traffic Sensitive (LBA). (Planning Board recommendation on file)
Public Hearing was declared open.
Patrick O’Neil Hayes, Jr., Attorney for the applicant reviewed the proposal.
Council discussion centered around property location at the corner of East Main Road and Forest Avenue, there being one entrance to the property on Forest Avenue, number of Affordable Housing Units on the property, current zoning of the property is Office Business Traffic Sensitive and proposed use of the property being housing and office space.
Christopher Bicho, Owner/Applicant of Aquidneck Crossings, LLC, 96 Diane Avenue, Portsmouth, addressed the Council noting a meeting with the Town Planner who suggested this zoning change. Mr. Bicho explained there are two buildings on the property, one building which are offices that were formally apartments, the plan is to make them apartments again. Mr. Bicho noted this would be bring the property back the original zoning from years ago. Christopher Bicho mentioned he would return to the Planning Board to place another building on the property.
Council discussion centered around more Affordable Housing in the Town, there being plenty of parking for the buildings and the average price per unit $1,400 to 1,500 per month.
Lawrence Frank, 8 O’Donnell Road, sent the Town Council the information and questions below regarding this item:
This is regarding # 17 on the docket, regarding “Zoning Change Petition for 438 East Main Road”. The council should require a complete description of plans for affordable housing. The developer must provide the following:
1. The number and size of each residential unit.
2. The number of affordable units is noted as 2, why not more affordable units?
3.The anticipated rent for each market rate unit.
4. The anticipated rent for each affordable unit.
5. Whether or not the affordable units will be segregated from the market rate units
Below are the minutes from the Planning Board meeting.
Planning Board October 14, 2020
Request of the Town Council for an advisory recommendation on a petition of Landings Capital and Development, LLC to change the zoning district designation of property at 438 East Main Rd., Plat 113, Lot 13 from office business, traffic sensitive (OBA) to limited business, traffic sensitive (LBA).
1.Mr. Patrick Hayes, attorney for the applicant, explained the request to change the zoning district to a district that allows for a mixed-use development
2. Mr. Chris Bicho of landings capitol development described the desired mixed-use development including residential rental units and offices, landscaping work
3.Mr. Wolanski explained the consistency with the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use designation of limited and office business, and surrounding LB zoning.
4 Mr. Weber asked about affordable housing.
5. Mr. Bicho explained the small number of units may limit the ability to offer affordable housing, but expressed support.
6. Ms. Owen expressed support for affordable or senior housing.
7. There was discussion on previous requests on this parcel, the addition of a new building to the site, renovations, mixed use ordinance
8. Motion to forward a positive recommendation on the zoning change to the Town Council by Mr. Weber, seconded by Mr. Ciummo
9 Vote: 7-0-0
Affordable housing is sorely needed. The council should assure the town that it is committed to requiring developers to provide significant affordable housing in whatever residential project that is proposed.
Mr. Frank explained that most of his questions were answered and thinks the number of affordable units should be increased.
Neal Belden, 410 East Main Road, addressed the Council noting concern with the addition of another twelve units behind his property, which may be another forty people living in his backyard. Mr. Belden explained he is not opposed to affordable housing, just concerned with additional units on the property.
Council discussion centered around the applicant meeting with the abutters of the property and concern about the density on the property.
Henry R. Lombardi, Jr., 6 Orville Drive, addressed the Council noting support for this ordinance change and the need to look at affordable housing.
There being no other persons desiring to be heard public hearing will remain open.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan recused from the following item #18 of business.
Councillor Terri Flynn recused herself from the following item #18 of business, due to a possible conflict of interest.
Councillor Dennis Turano recused himself from the following item #18 of business, due to a possible conflict of interest.
18. Continued from the December 14, 2020, Regular Meeting.
Memorandum of Robert M. Silva, Chairman, Middletown Economic Development Advisory Committee, re: Proposed amendment – Short-Term Rentals – Chapter 98.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Robert M. Silva, Chairman, Middletown Economic Development Advisory Committee, reviewed the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around Short-Term Rental regulations that would work for the Town and the definition of Short-Term Rental be defined by the Town Council and Town Solicitor.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan recused from the following item #19 of business.
Councillor Dennis Turano recused himself from the following item #19 of business, due to a possible conflict of interest.
19. (Continued from the December 14, 2020, Regular Meeting)
Memorandum of Council President Sylvia and Vice President Rodrigues, re: Short-term Rental Ordinance and Property Tax Adjustments.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Council President Sylvia noted that there will be discussion and input tonight from Town Council, there will be further discussion from the Town Council and public input at the February 1, 2021 meeting and action on the item at the February 16, 2021 meeting.
Lawrence Frank, 8 O’Donnell Road, sent the Town Council the information and questions below regarding this item:
I have read over the Proposed Amendment -Short Term Rentals for Robert Silva (#18 on the docket) and the Short Term Ordinance and Property Tax Adjustments proposed by Robert Sylvia and Paul Rodrigues(#19 on the docket) While both identify problems with the current short term rental policy and taxation, they fails to address the complete issues of rental policies and taxation.
This is what is needed:
1. Short term rentals shall be time limited. The Silva proposal calls for 21 days. This should be changed to 30 days. This appears to be mandated by the state.
2. Short term rentals shall only be in allowed single family residences. “Residences” being stand-alone homes. The number of rooms available for rent should be limited to two rooms. Maximum rental occupancy shall be 4 persons.
3. The owner of the short-term rental property, identified above, must live on premises when the property is rented.
4. All other property that generates income from rent, except that listed above, shall be taxed at the commercial property tax rate.
5. Non-owner-occupied short-term rentals are in fact a business, and therefore should only be allowed in a business/commercial area by right.
Some current members of the council own and/or have interests in real estate in addition to their primary residence. These members should disclose which of those additional properties generate income.
The original idea of individual homeowners renting a room in their homes was to generate income to help with the expenses of that homeowner. Somehow this has metastasized into a real estate investment cancer that has upended not only neighborhoods, but made housing unaffordable to those who want to live and work here. When a home on Easton's Point has a published rate of $9000.00 a week, while 38% of renters in Middletown are cost burdened, something is clearly not right.
Councillor VonVillas noted that at the MEDAC meeting discussion centered around the definition within the Short-Term Rental ordinance. Ms. VonVillas noted the need for a system of regulation that works.
Councillor Welch noted the following regarding Short Term Rentals:
Mr. Welch read all the comments from the survey first – there are 234 and then read the ordinance to see how the complaints and comments were addressed. Of the 234 responses: 83% Middletown residents, 73% do not operate STRs, 71% live near a one.
I felt this was a decent representation – not a skewed response
On the question asking if respondents thought STRs were good for Middletown,
Add agree and strongly agree 49%
Add disagree and strongly disagree 38% (rest didn’t have an opinion)
I feel this is significant as the majority feel STRs are a good thing for Middletown when, overwhelmingly, the respondents live here, don’t operate an STR, but live near one
Pros:
· STRs support local businesses – restaurants, stores
· They employ local landscapers, cleaning services, prop mgrs.
· Gives families an alt to the cost of hotels to vacation here
· Renters do not use public schools – biggest cost of the town
Cons:
· NOISE
· Parking
· Disrespectful behavior
Current Ordinance Regulations:
· Noise: must adhere to town noise ordinance
· # people: 2/bedroom
· Parking: 1 space/2 people; not on the street or on the grass
· Fines: up to $1000/day - Citations may be issued by MPD or Zoning Officer
· Owner: either resides on site or there is a designated a rep that lives in Newport County or a staffed mgt office w/in 10 driven miles of Newport County
How I would tweak:
· Noise: The noise ordinance should be spelled out in the STR rules. There should not be a time frame for excessive noise – residential neighbors have a right to enjoy their property anytime – put children to bed
· STR owner: as it stands the representative can live in Newport County – that encompasses the islands of Aquidneck, Jamestown and Prudence; and the towns of Tiverton and L Comp it is ridiculous to think someone could respond from these regions “in a reasonable time” as required. If using a mgt co. it can be located 10 driven miles from Newport County – so that then includes Narragansett, Barrington, N Bedford, Somerset and Swansea. I think it should be simply stated the representative must be able to respond to the property within 15 minutes.
· STR Fines should be charged to the owner – let them recoup the money
· 3 violations in a year gets your STR privileges revoked for the following year
· STR registration info including owner’s contact info, # bedrooms, violation hx, etc. should be easily accessible on the town website
I think that substantial changes to the existing ordinance should be backed up by substantial data
Info I would like to see:
· Fines assessed, the # & amount, over the past 3 years and by whom
· Documentation of the OT directly associated to STR issues
Personally, I think we have a workable set of rules – what we need to do is use them – I cannot tell you how many times I highlighted the word enforcement in the survey comments
Not to just throw rocks over the fence, I suggest the town hires an additional, full time zoning officer whose job description includes: (off season) comb websites looking for unregistered STR violators, perform annual onsite inspections of all STRs looking to compare field conditions to info filed on registrations, serve as a resource for residents and STR owners alike to provide ordinance information and investigate complaints, (in season) investigate complaints and issue citations.
Judging by the number of complaints and the fine structure already in place, I think it would turn out to be a source of income for the town
Inclosing, before we change the rules we have, lets enforce them – the threat of fines isn’t curbing the bad behavior.
Council President Sylvia noted enforcement of the ordinance and that the Town requires an Attorney at the next meeting for the upcoming ordinance discussion.
Vice President Rodrigues noted a lot of frustrated residents and short-term rentals are a business which need to be taxed.
Discussion centered around the enforcement, inspections of the property and who can enforce the ordinance.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan recused from the following item #19 of business.
Councillor Dennis Turano recused himself from the following item #19 of business, due to a possible conflict of interest.
20. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Results of Short-Term Rental Survey.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed a PowerPoint presentation of the survey results regarding short-term rentals, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
21. Prioritizing Town Projects – Topics/Priorities Discussed at the Special Meeting – January 7, 2021.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin Prioritizing Town Projects.
Topics/Priorities Discussed at the Special Meeting - January 7, 2021
Agenda Format
Councillor Welch
· Wants to reinstate public forum.
· Looking for more information, some items prolong the meetings.
· Wants to make sure answers to his questions reach the public.
Councillor Turano
· Does not want to rush big issues.
Councillor Flynn
· Priorities should have their own Special Meetings.
· Items from the Planning Board should be acted on immediately.
Boards & Committees/Departments/Town Council
Councillor VonVillas
· Improve Applications for Planning & Zoning by adding additional question to the application. (No Interviews); Councillor Santos noted agreement.
Council President Sylvia
· Consolidation of Departments with School.
Councillor Welch
· What does each department do? Staffing? Suggests highlighting a day in each department to show the functions within the department.
Vice President Rodrigues
· Council Rules – Culture/Values/Behaviors/ Transparency; Councillor VonVillas noted agreement.
Councillor Turano
· List of Projects to align with Town resources.
· Website.
· See that all employee’s work as one unit.
Councillor Santos
· See that more local people work in the Town - fill Town positions
Burma Road Project
Council President Sylvia
Education
Councillor Turano
· Form a Department in the Town like McKee has done in Cumberland which provides additional assistance to students.
Council President Sylvia
· Importance of Education.
Councillor Welch
· Unification be revisited.
Councillor Flynn
· Follow up with State Representatives editing Title 16 to reconsider Unification.
Open Space
Councillor Santos
· Need to preserve open space.
Ordinances/ Ordinance Enforcement
Councillor Flynn
· Establish Taskforce to enforce STR’s & other Ordinances.
Vice President Rodrigues
· Comprehensive Review of Zoning Ordinances- Slow down development.
Councillor Santos
· Contracts - Lowest bidder not always the best for the job.
Safety
Councillor Santos-
· Police Department Police should only police local roads.
Vice President Rodrigues
· Road Safety Improvements
Councillor Santos
· Sidewalk Maintenance during snowstorms.
Councillor Flynn
· Infrastructure Safety – Walkers/bikers.
Senior Housing
Councillor Santos
· Update – keep moving forward with a plan; Council President Sylvia and Councillor Flynn noted agreement.
Vice President Rodrigues – Affordable Senior Housing.
Stormwater Management
Councillor VonVillas
· Ensure safety of drinking water; Councillor Flynn noted agreement.
Vice President Rodrigues
· Maidford River – Phased in approach and the need for partners for the project.
Tax
Council President Sylvia
· Family Housing Opportunities – Tax Incentive Opportunities
· Tax Methodology - Attract young families (Develop and Incentive)
Councillor VonVillas
· STR’s – Suggests tax as commercial.
Councillor Turano
· Give businesses a break – Phase out split tax.
Councillor Flynn
· Simple Tiered Tax – Expand Exemptions.
· Sound tax policies.
Vice President Rodrigues
· Tax Reform – Second homes taxed as commercial
Westside Master Plan
Councillor VonVillas; Council President Sylvia noted agreement.
Discussion centered around confusion with the process for Prioritizing Town projects, a spreadsheet being easier to follow and the Council President requesting each Coucillor’s top five priorities and the Council President will prepare a spreadsheet.
22. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Executive Order – Extend Budget Deadlines.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around not having budget numbers from the state, the timing for budget adoption, this budget will be for two years, the state has already extended their budget deadline, if the budget will include the consolidation of departments and the Town Administrator requesting the Council to keep the April 1, 2021 budget deadline per charter.
23. Executive Order 2021-02 Extension of Budget Deadlines Extended to Monday, May 10, 2021.
On motion of Council President Sylvia, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to withdraw this item.
24. Executive Order 2021-01 Extension of State of Emergency in Middletown through and including February 16, 2021.
25. Email communication of Councillor Turano, re: Requesting to be removed as liaison to the School Committee and liaison to MEDAC Committee.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said email communication.
Discussion centered around when the School Committee meets and how often.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded it was voted unanimously to appoint Councillor Flynn as liaison to the MEDAC Committee.
There was no appointment made to the School Committee.
26. (Continued from December 14, 2020, Regular Meeting)
Adoption of the Rules of the Council.
Council President Sylvia requested Council Members to send in formal proposals for changes to the Council Rules. The item will be placed on the February 1, 2021 agenda.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan noted that the Council should receive amendments at one meeting and act on them at a subsequent meeting.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 9:38 p.m.
__________________________
Wendy J.W. Marshall, CMC
Council Clerk
http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri
Posted on January 12, 2021 at Middletown Town Hall, Middletown Public Library, Middletown Web Site and Secretary of State Web Site.