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, July 6, 2021 at 6:00 P.M.
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues, Presiding
Vice President Thomas P. Welch, III
Councillor Terri Flynn
Councillor Christopher M. Logan
Councillor M. Theresa Santos
Councillor Dennis B. Turano
Councillor Barbara A. VonVillas, Members Present
All Council members were present, with the exception of Councillor Flynn who joined the meeting by zoom.
ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION TO AGENDA ITEMS ARE ON CLERKBASE THROUGH THE TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN WEBSITE https://clerkshq.com/Middletown-ri
POSTED – JUNE 30, 2021
REGULAR MEETING – JULY 6, 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, July 6, 2021; 6:00 P.M. Zoning Board Interviews; 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 July 23, 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: 898 4471 4543; or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89844714543
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.
Council President Rodrigues noted that appointments to the Zoning Board of Review will be made at the July 19, 2021, Regular Meeting of the Council.
1. Zoning Board Interviews:
a. Lawrence Frank, joined the meeting by zoom
b. Gregory M. Huet, present
c. Stephen Huttler, present
d. Judith Rosenthal, joined the meeting by zoom
e. Adam Souza, present
f. Christopher Sousa, joined the meeting by zoom
g. Henry “Rick” Lombardi, present
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said interviews.
All applicants were sent the following questions, which were answered in writing by each applicant, prior to the interview.
Zoning Board Planning Board Interview Questions:
Zoning Board Interview Questions:
5. What would you like Middletown to look like 5 years from now?
6. What do you believe is Middletown’s most important land use issue and how should it be addressed?
Each applicant summarized their answers for the above questions, which were submitted to the Council prior to the meeting.
Additional questions asked by the Council, which were answered by applicants were:
Applicant Lawrence Frank was asked by Councillor Flynn about his career prior to retirement.
Applicant Lawrence Frank was asked by Councillor Flynn if he was able to work in a group setting, noting some feel he is confrontational and aggressive.
Applicant Greg Huet was asked by Vice President Welch as to why he chose the Zoning Board.
Applicant Greg Huet was asked by Councillor Flynn if he had attended any Zoning Board meetings.
Applicant Stephen Huttler was asked by Vice President Welch to explain the idea/concept of a Branding Exercise for the Town of Middletown.
Applicant Stephen Huttler was asked by Vice President Welch to tie the branding exercise to the Zoning Board.
Applicant Stephen Huttler was asked by Councillor Santos about being a lawyer, does he specialize in real estate?
Applicant Stephen Huttler was asked by Councillor Flynn how many years he has lived in Middletown.
Applicant Stephen Huttler was asked by Councillor Flynn if he had attended any Zoning Board meetings.
Applicant Stephen Huttler was asked by Councillor Flynn if he will search for hard questions to support the Zoning Code and Comprehensive Community Plan.
Applicant Stephen Huttler was asked by Council President Rodrigues if he lives in Middletown full time.
Applicant Judith Rosenthal was asked by Vice President Welch how she feels working with an all-male board.
Applicant Judith Rosenthal was asked by Councillor Flynn what Blue Industries are.
Applicant Adam Souza was asked by Councillor Santos how long he has lived in Middletown.
Applicant Adam Souza was asked by Council President Rodrigues if he had zoomed for any Zoning Board meetings.
Applicant Christopher Souza was asked by Councillor Santos how many farms are in Middletown.
Applicant Christopher Souza was asked by Councillor Flynn his thoughts on the Comprehensive Community Plan.
Applicant Henry F. Lombardi, Jr. was asked by Councillor Flynn what the role of the Comprehensive Community Plan is to a Zoning Board member.
All Applicants answered Council inquires.
Council President Rodrigues announced that Zoning Board appointments will be made at the July 19, 2021, Regular Meeting of the Council.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess this meeting for five minutes at 7:03 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene this meeting at 7:08 p.m.
2. 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 Grinnell, 790 Green End Avenue, reviewed her email communication below.
Good afternoon,
My name is Melissa Grinnell, and I am a lifelong resident of Middletown. Currently, I live on Green End Avenue. I am located right near the juncture of Paradise Avenue and Berkeley Avenue. This is my 6th year at the address. Unfortunately, this location is a magnet for car accidents. The area only has 2 stop signs. I have listened for the past six years to cars screeching to a halt, people honking their horns, (for what seems like minutes), and unfortunately, cars continuously crashing over the years. Last summer, I even called 911 for an older woman who was hit by an oncoming car. Yesterday was the last straw. My 11 year old son, and his two friends became witnesses in a head on collision that resulted in a car flipping over and landing in a ditch. There are multiple children who live in this area. My son was inches away of having debris fly into his face. I have pictures. These children are traumatized. Last night my son cried and was concerned because he felt like he did not do a good job protecting his friends. The other two children also cried to their mother, (another Middletown resident who grew up on this island).
We must do better to protect these children. I know this has been addressed before. I am now making this my crusade to put a four way stop sign at this intersection. Please let me know when and where I can speak at the public forum.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Melissa Grinnell
George Perry, 214 Peckham Avenue, addressed the Council noting concern with the Town rights of ways to the water (Taggarts Ferry and Pebble Beach), explaining the areas to the rights of way need to be landscaped to allow for easier access. Mr. Perry also suggests a non-resident parking sticker for access to the water similar to Newport.
Komes Rozes, 1223 Green End Avenue, addressed the Council suggesting that speed humps be placed on Wave Avenue to slow the traffic on that road.
3. (Continued from the June 21, 2021, Regular Meeting)
Approval of Minutes, re: Regular Meeting, April 19, 2021.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
4. (Continued from the June 21, 2021, Regular Meeting)
Approval of Minutes, re: Special Meeting, April 28, 2021.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
5. (Continued from the June 21, 2021, Regular Meeting)
Approval of Minutes, re: Regular Meeting, May 3, 2021.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
6. (Continued from the June 21, 2021, Regular Meeting)
Approval of Minutes, re: Special Meeting, May 8, 2021.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
7. (Continued from the June 21, 2021, Regular Meeting)
Approval of Minutes, re: Regular Meeting, May 17, 2021.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
8. Approval of Minutes, re: Special Meeting, May 19, 2021.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
9. Communication of Noelle K. Clapham, Attorney-At-Law, Robinson & Clapham, re: Notice Pursuant to R.I.G.L. §45-15-05 – Personal Injury Sustained by Cheryl Hatch on 10/29/20. (Action to receive and forward to the RI Interlocal Risk Management Trust)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication and forward to the RI Interlocal Risk Management Trust.
10. Application of Shanji Jin dba Charming Nail & Spa, 957 West Main Road, for RENEWAL of a Body Works Establishment License for the 2021-2022 licensing year.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license renewal.
11. Application of Jingzhe Qiu, Middletown, for RENEWAL of a Body Works Personnel License to be used at Charming Nail & Spa, 957 West Main Road, for the 2021-2022 licensing year.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license renewal.
12. Application of Stephen Charles Schwarz, Middletown for RENEWAL of a Private Detective License for the 2021-2022 licensing year.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license renewal.
13. Application for Special Event Permit for MHS Class of 2020 One Year Reunion, Bonfire, pizza dinner, yard games to be held on Monday, July 19, 2021, rain date Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Third Beach. (Applicant requests all fees to be waived, including the cost of public safety details.)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit and waive all fees.
14. Application for Special Event Permit from the Newport County YMCA for the Newport County YMCA for an Aquatic Camp to be held June 28, 2021 to September 3, 2021, Monday thru Friday 10 am – 3 pm at Second Beach, Non-Lifeguard area of the beach.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to grant said Special Event Permit.
Michael Miller, Executive Director, Newport County YMCA, addressed the Council requesting to amend the Special Event Permit to include the use of surf boards.
Council discussion centered around if the YMCA received permission from Island Sports to bring their own equipment, the YMCA provides their own lifeguards and approving the amended petition subject to approval from Island Sports who is the Town’s concessionaire.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit, contingent upon legal approval (written permission from the Town concessionaire) from the Town Solicitor’s team.
Councillor Flynn recused herself from acting on the following item #15 of business, due to a possible conflict of interest.
15. (Continued from the May 3, 2021, Regular Meeting – First Public Hearing, Special Meeting, June 15, 2021)
(Public Hearing Advertised; Abutters notified)
An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
Public Hearing Remains Open.
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title XV Land Use, Chapter 152 Zoning Code, is amended by adding new Article 30 – Atlantic Beach Overlay District; adding a new column and other revisions to Section 602 regarding uses allowed in the Atlantic Beach Overlay District; adding new lines to section 603 regarding dimensional requirements for the Atlantic Beach Overlay District; and adding definitions regarding signs to Article 12, Section 1202. (Planning Board Recommendation is on file)
Public Hearing remains open.
Council President Rodrigues reviewed the proposed ordinance.
Karen Barbera, 36 Wolcott Avenue, addressed the Council speaking in support of the ordinance and a boardwalk in the area. Ms. Barbera noted she does not support more hotels in the area.
David Dittmann, 44 Oceanview Drive, member of MEDAC, addressed the Council, noting support for the ordinance. Mr. Dittmann does not support more hotels in the area and likes the seacoast village concept.
Komes Rozes, 1223 Green End Avenue, addressed the Council noting he does not support the ordinance and wishes the businesses in the area had more input with ordinance.
Judith Rosenthal, 99 Shore Drive, addressed the Council noting concern with the uses table in the proposed ordinance.
Valerie Gelb, 94 Shore Drive, addressed the Council noting concern that short-term rentals in the area are being included as transient rooms – hotel/motel rooms. Ms. Gelb explained that you should attract people to businesses, not just hotels.
Rick Medeiros, 52 Tuckerman Avenue, addressed the Council noting agreement with Valerie Gelb. Mr. Medeiros explained the need for balance in the area.
Bird Jones, 306 Tuckerman Avenue, addressed the Council urging the Council to pause and place a moratorium on hotels in the proposed Atlantic Beach District.
John Jovan, 138 Esplande, addressed the Council speaking in opposition to more hotels in the proposed Atlantic Beach District.
Art Weber, 145 Island Drive, Planning Board Member, addressed the Council noting the design of the proposed Atlantic Beach District Plan is to be a welcoming gateway to the Town. Mr. Weber explained that the Planning Board held two workshops for the public to give input on the proposed plan.
Antone Viveiros, 1 Admiralty Drive, Apt. 11, addressed the Council suggesting the Council not allow more hotels or gas stations in the proposed Atlantic Beach District area.
Komes Rozes, 1223 Green End Avenue, addressed the Council noting that the proposed ordinance is devastating to the businesses in the proposed Atlantic Beach District. Mr. Rozes hopes the Council will help/support the current businesses.
Melissa Grinnell, 790 Green End Avenue, addressed the Council noting that the proposed Atlantic Beach District area does not need more hotels, explaining the traffic in the area is congested.
Barbara Wright, 76 Purgatory Road, addressed the Council urging the Council to protect the water view and allow commercial businesses to thrive in the proposed Atlantic Beach District area.
Judith Rosenthal, 99 Shore Drive, addressed the Council inquiring the next step in the process and how to prohibit hotels.
Discussion centered around the landscape in the area, balance between residential and commercial businesses, the number of hotel rooms in the district, pending applications for hotels in the area and 279 hotel rooms include current plus proposed rooms.
Komes Rozes, 1223 Green End Avenue, addressed the Council noting the proposed ordinance restricts current businesses from making changes to their properties.
David Dittmann, 44 Oceanview Drive, addressed the Council, inquiring if the 279 rooms includes current short-term rentals in the area.
Discussion centered around that the 279 rooms include the current short-term rentals in the area, impact of the proposed ordinance on existing businesses, pausing the adoption of the proposed ordinance, abutters were notified by the Town Clerk within 200 feet, the Town Planner notified abutters within 200 feet for the Planning Board meeting and the Planning Board holding another public meeting regarding the proposed ordinance.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to continue this item to September 20, 2021 and keep the public hearing open.
Mike Flynn, 34 Warren Avenue, addressed the Council noting this matter has gone on for years, and urges the Council to prohibit hotels in the area.
Judith Rosenthal, 99 Shore Drive, addressed the Council, noting agreement with Mr. Flynn and suggests not extending the matter.
Rick Medeiros, 52 Tuckerman Avenue, addressed the Council requesting the Council to define parameters of the conversation they will be having with the business owners in the area.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to September 20, 2021 and keep the public hearing open.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess this meeting at 9:18 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene this meeting at 9:29 p.m.
16. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First Reading)
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code Title XI, Chapter 113, entitled “Food Services” is amended by (1) adding a definition for “ice-cream truck” to Section 02, entitled “Definitions”; and (2) amending provision (C) of Section 04, entitled “Restrictions on Permits”.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan noted that this amendment is to allow for ice cream trucks to operate within the Town.
17. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First Reading)
An Ordinance in amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title III, Administration, Chapter 34 Taxes, Section 34.02, Exemption on Residential Property.
Council President Rodrigues noted there is a typo in one of the numbers in this ordinance.
On motion of Council President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the July 19, 2021, Regular Meeting.
18. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First Reading)
An Ordinance in amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title III, Administration, Chapter 34 Taxes, Section 34.30, Real Property Exemptions. (Tax Exemptions for Veterans)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
Tax Assessor George Durgin noted that the change in the exemption amounts allow the taxpayer to receive the same tax benefit as last year.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
19. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First Reading)
An Ordinance in amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title III, Administration, Chapter 34 Taxes, Section 34.40, Real Property Exemptions. (Tax Exemptions for Blind Persons)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
Tax Assessor George Durgin noted that the change in the exemption amounts allow the taxpayer to receive the same tax benefit as last year.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
20. Communication of Megan DeAscentis, Special Olympics Coordinator, YMCA, re: Requesting support for the Newport County YMCA Charity Golf Tournament.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication and sponsor a tee in the amount of $150.00 to be appropriated from the Council President’s Discretionary Fund.
21. (Continued from the May 3, 2021, Regular Meeting for more information from the Planning Board; Continued from June 7th & 21st, 2021)
Public Hearing Advertised.
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, is amended by adding Article 27B – Outdoor Lighting.
(Planning Board recommendation on file; additional information from the Planning Board on file) (Requires advertising for a future public hearing)
Discussion centered around the expense to advertise for public hearings, lighting differences being defined by zoning districts, lighting ordinances in other communities and continuing this matter to July 19, 2021.
On motion of Council President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the July 19, 2021, Regular Meeting.
Council President Rodrigues recused from acting on the following item of business #22, due to a possible conflict of interest.
Vice President Welch presiding.
22. (April 5, 2021 this item was forwarded to the Planning Board for further review)
Public Hearing (Advertised; Abutters Notified)
An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First Reading)
An Ordinance in Revision to the Comprehensive Community Plan.
The future land use plan, map L-4, of the Land Use element of the Middletown Comprehensive Community Plan is amended to bring consistency between the Future Land Use Plan and the Town’s Zoning Map for selected parcels fronting on Aquidneck Avenue, Browns Lane, Carriage Trail Drive, Dexter Street, East Main Road, Fairway Drive, Goldenrod Drive, Green End Avenue, Johnson Terrace, Loring Street, Meadow Lane, Mitchell’s Lane, Morrison Avenue, Oakwood Road, Prospect Avenue Reservoir Road, Ridgewood Road, River Run Road, Toni-Lynn Terrace, Turner Road, Wayside Avenue, Wintergreen Drive, Wood Terrace and Wyatt Road. Subject parcels are identified on attached map. (Planning Board recommendation on file; additional information from the Planning Board on file) (Requires advertising for a future public hearing and notify abutters)
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to advertise said ordinance and notify abutters for a future public hearing.
Council President Rodrigues retuned to the dias.
23. Proposed amendment to the Town Code Title XV, Chapter 152, Entitled “Zoning Code” (1) Amending the definition of “Farm-Promotion Accessory Use” in Section 400, entitled definition of “Farm-Promotion definitions for “Agriculture Operations”, “Farm (small)”, “Farm (large)”, and Mobile Food Establishment” thereto; (2) amending Subsection (F) of Section 703, entitled “Accessory Uses and Structures”, and, (3) amendment section 722, entitled “Farm Promotion Accessory Uses”. – Planning Board recommendation on file. (Council approval for this item allows for the required advertising for a future public hearing)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to advertise said ordinance for a future public hearing.
Discussion centered around Simmons Farm wanting a food truck on their premise, part of the ordinance is includes items sold on the food truck must be produced on the farm, Farm Accessory Use Guest House and this ordinance only adds mobile food trucks.
Council President Rodrigues noted he has a farm and is recusing from the vote.
Vice President Welch presiding.
Council President Rodrigues recused from acting on the following vote item #23, due to a possible conflict of interest.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to advertise said ordinance for a future public hearing; Councillor Flynn voted NO to said motion.
Council President Rodrigues returned to the dias.
Item #24 was heard after item #2, Public Forum.
24. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Middletown Out of School Opportunity Community Assessment.
Superintendent of School Rosemarie Kraeger reviewed the memorandum above.
Councillor Turano reviewed the history of the Town creating a department for community outreach. Mr. Turano requests that the Town Council and School Committee pass a joint resolution to prioritize education in the community for all residents and students.
Discussion centered around Councillor Turano preparing a joint resolution with the Town Solicitor to be presented to the Town Council and School Committee.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve hiring Maryclaire Knight, principal of Knight Consulting, LLC, to conduct the assessment of current educational opportunities in Middletown outside of the classroom.
The Council addressed the Consent Calendar at this time.
25. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Traffic Safety Studies for Miantonomi Avenue and High Street.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
26. Resolution of the Council, re: Award of contract to PARE Corporation for Traffic Safety Studies for Miantonomi Avenue and High Street and authorize the Finance Director to execute the agreements on behalf of the Town.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum in item #25.
Discussion centered around notification of the project to the residents and travel/meeting reimbursements to the vendor.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
27. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Commodore Perry Sidewalk Project.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
28. Resolution of the Council, re: Commodore Perry Sidewalk Project – National Grid working with J.H., Lynch & Sons and authorizing the Finance Director to make payment on behalf of the Town.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Discussion centered around the sidewalks will be asphalt.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
29. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Escrow Agreement – RIDOT, Newport & Middletown.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Council President Rodrigues reviewed the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around the funding source for the project coming from the General Fund.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the Escrow Agreement with RIDOT, Newport and Middletown.
30. Memorandum of Finance Director, re: FY22 Civic Appropriations – Requesting guidance as to how the Town Council desires to proceed with individual awards.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Council President Rodrigues noted that this item can be treated like the Consent Calendar.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to review the FY22 Civic Appropriation requests that have increased from last year and approve all other requests, which have not increased.
On motion of Council President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize an FY22 Civic Appropriation to Child & Family Services of Newport County, Inc in the amount of $9,500.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize an FY22 Civic Appropriation to the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center in the amount of $10,000.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize an FY22 Civic Appropriation to Newport Mental Health in the amount of $59.000.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize an FY22 Civic Appropriation to the Norman Bird Sanctuary in the amount of $7,500.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize an FY22 Civic Appropriation to the Wildlife Rehabilitators Ass. Of RI in the amount of $3,200.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize an FY22 Civic Appropriation to the Boys & Gils Clubs of Newport County in the amount of $20,000.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize an FY22 Civic Appropriation to Butler Basketball Club in the amount of $10,000.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize an FY22 Civic Appropriation to Looking Upwards in the amount of $4,000.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize an FY22 Civic Appropriation to Middletown Babe Ruth in the amount of $4,000.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize an FY22 Civic Appropriation to the Middletown Hockey Boosters in the amount of $10,000.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize an FY22 Civic Appropriation to the Middletown Youth Soccer Club in the amount of $5,000.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize an FY22 Civic Appropriation to the Middletown Youth Football & Cheerleading in the amount of $13,000.
31. Appointment of four (4) members to the Zoning Board of Review; one (1) vacancy, Regular Member, term expiring April 2026, one (1) vacancy, First Alternate, term expiring April 2022, one (1) vacancy, Second Alternate, term expiring April 2022 and (1) one vacancy, Third Alternate, term expiring April 2022.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the July 19, 2021, Regular Meeting.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 10:35 p.m.
_______________________________
Wendy J.W. Marshall, CMC
Council Clerk
Supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri