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, June 7, 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 2, 2021
REGULAR MEETING – JUNE 7, 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, June 7, 2021; 6:00 P.M. Executive Session; Budget Immediately following Executive Session; - 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 June 25, 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: 814 3385 2969; or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81433852969
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)
1. Executive Session - Pursuant to provisions of RIGL, Sections 42-46-2, 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (a), (2) (Potential Litigation), (1) Collective Bargaining (Teamsters) and (1) Personnel (Fire Chief) - review, discussion and/or potential action and/or vote in executive session and/or open session.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess open session and reconvene in executive session at 6:02 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess executive session and reconvene in open session at 7:18 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to ratify the hiring of Kevin P. Partridge as Interim Fire Chief, effective June 10, 2021.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to seal the executive session minutes pursuant to Section 42-46-7. RIGL.
2. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: Budget Ordinance – COVID funds.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to add information to page 70 lines 32 through 37:
Section 1D. COVID relief funds for the Town and School Department: The Town expects to receive approximately $4.7 million of funding under the American Rescue Plan. This funding shall be placed in a separate special revenue fund until such time as the Town Council determines its use under federal and state guidelines. The School Department expects to receive approximately $957,000 of ESSER funding which must be obligated by September 2023. The ESSER funds shall be place in a grant fund until such time as the School Department determines its use under federal and state guidelines.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum above.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown noted the need to make sure the ESSER funds are transparent to the residents.
Council President Rodrigues noted that once the guidelines for the funds are set, the Town Administrator will bring the information to the Council. Council President Rodrigues explained the School Committee will determine how their funding will be used.
A vote was taken on the motion above.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously, to add information to page 70 lines 32 through 37:
Section 1D. COVID relief funds for the Town and School Department: The Town expects to receive approximately $4.7 million of funding under the American Rescue Plan. This funding shall be placed in a separate special revenue fund until such time as the Town Council determines its use under federal and state guidelines. The School Department expects to receive approximately $957,000 of ESSER funding which must be obligated by September 2023. The ESSER funds shall be place in a grant fund until such time as the School Department determines its use under federal and state guidelines.
3. (Continued from the May 26, 2021, Special Meeting)
Public Hearing (Advertised)
Public Hearing Remains Open.
An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (Second Reading)
An Ordinance in amendment to the ordinances of the Town of Middletown General Fund, Parks and Recreation Fund, Sewer Fund, Refuse and Recycling Fund, Appropriating revenues for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.
Public Hearing remains open.
Councillor Flynn reviewed What does a reduction of municipal expenses look like slide, entered here:
Councillor Flynn reviewed a power point presentation Budget: Fiscal Year 2022, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Councillor Turano reviewed a power point presentation Middletown Municipal Outreach, which is on file on the Office of the Town Clerk.
On motion of Councillor Turano, duly seconded, to change the proposed 2022 budget to fund the Middletown Municipal Outreach Program with an initial budget of $95,000.
Discussion centered around if the coordinator position will be full time, hiring a consultant prior to hiring a full-time director for the Community Outreach Program and wanting more information regarding the proposed department.
Christine Arouth, representing EBCAP, addressed the Council noting the work EBCAP does with the Middletown Schools, including the Beyond the Bell Program. Ms. Arouth noted the goal is to provide wrap around services; explaining they would like to expand existing programs, but have limited funding.
Superintendent Rosemarie Kraeger addressed the Council noting the School Department wants to build on their current program. Ms. Kraeger also noted agreement with bringing in a consultant to evaluate the programs to note where there are gaps in the current program.
Rick Medeiros, 52 Tuckerman Avenue, addressed the Council noting support to hire a consultant to review the after-school programs. Mr. Medeiros suggests that Middletown replicate program other successful Towns are doing in their school systems.
Bird Jones, 306 Tuckerman Avenue, addressed the Council in support of Councillor Turano’s proposal for a Municipal Outreach Program. Ms. Jones noted the need for a strong school system, it attracts residents.
Larry Connell, 23 Shore Drive, addressed the Council noting concern with the school’s cost per student, explaining it is out of alignment. Mr. Connell stated he agrees with Mr. Medeiros.
John Bagwill, 587 Tuckerman Avenue, addressed the Council noting that 30% of the students in Middletown come from economically challenged families. Mr. Bagwill stated he agrees with Councillor Flynn to defer additional positions in DPW and Zoning.
Antone Viveiros, 1 Admiralty Drive, Apt. 11, addressed the Council suggesting the Council give the schools a 2% increase.
Superintendent Rosemarie Kraeger addressed the Council noting there are many factors which increase the cost per student. Ms. Kraeger explained that a consultant to review the school programs would be less than $95,000.
School Committee Chair Theresa Spengler, 1111 Wapping Road, addressed the Council noting the Cumberland preschool program is not certified. Ms. Spengler explained the need for a licensed program.
Councillor Turano repeated the motion above.
Discussion centered around the proposed Outreach Program, the funding for the program and the cost of a consultant being much less than funding the program.
Councillor Turano withdrew the motion to change the proposed 2022 budget to fund the Middletown Municipal Outreach Program with an initial budget of 95K.
On motion of Councillor VonVillas, duly seconded, it was voted to allocate up to $10,000 for a consultant funded from the Middletown Municipal Outreach Program; Councillor Santos voted NO to said motion.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene this meeting at 9:07 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to amend on page 68 Children, Youth & Learning Line 40 increase $10,000., page 69 Taxes Levied by Municipality Line 16 Increase $10,000.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to amend:
| on page | Name | Line | Increase/decrease | Amount | |
| 68 | Support Services | 28 | decreased | 28,600 | |
| 68 | Building | 32 | decreased | 5,000 | |
| 68 | Police | 34 | decreased | 31,000 | |
| 68 | Fire | 35 | decreased | 20,400 | |
| 68 | Public Works | 36 | decreased | 65,975 | |
| 68 | Middletown Prevention Coalition | 39 | decreased | 5,900 | |
| 68 | General Fund Debt Service | 45 | decreased | 15,000 | |
| 69 | Non-Department Specific | 2 | decreased | 15,000 | |
| 69 | Capital Improvements - Police | 5 | decreased | 133,020 | |
| 69 | Other Revenue from Local Sources | 19 | decreased | 5,000 | |
| 69 | Funds Transfer In | 22 | decreased | 128,020 | |
| 69 | Capital Improvements - School Department | 9 | increased | 1,350,000 | |
| 69 | School Department Use of Fund Balance | 35 | increased | 1,350,000 | |
| 69 | Education | 11 | decreased | 538,580 | |
| 69 | Taxes Levied by Municipality | 16 | decreased | 725,455 | |
| 70 | Appropriation to School Department | 24 | decreased | 538,580 | |
and all subtotals be adjusted accordingly.
Council President Rodrigues reviewed a power point regarding Rate Illustrations, Tax Illustration Residential, Tax Illustration Commercial and Tax Illustration Tangible, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Council President Rodrigues reviewed the following slides, entered here:
Councillor Flynn amended the previous motion by reducing the structural deficit to 75K from 170K, reduce the Building Department request by one full time employee and reduce the Department of Public Works Department request by two full time employees. (There was not second to this amendment).
The original motion was voted on at this time.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to amend:
| on page | Name | Line | Increase/decrease | Amount | |
| 68 | Support Services | 28 | decreased | 28,600 | |
| 68 | Building | 32 | decreased | 5,000 | |
| 68 | Police | 34 | decreased | 31,000 | |
| 68 | Fire | 35 | decreased | 20,400 | |
| 68 | Public Works | 36 | decreased | 65,975 | |
| 68 | Middletown Prevention Coalition | 39 | decreased | 5,900 | |
| 68 | General Fund Debt Service | 45 | decreased | 15,000 | |
| 69 | Non-Department Specific | 2 | decreased | 15,000 | |
| 69 | Capital Improvements - Police | 5 | decreased | 133,020 | |
| 69 | Other Revenue from Local Sources | 19 | decreased | 5,000 | |
| 69 | Funds Transfer In | 22 | decreased | 128,020 | |
| 69 | Capital Improvements - School Department | 9 | increased | 1,350,000 | |
| 69 | School Department Use of Fund Balance | 35 | increased | 1,350,000 | |
| 69 | Education | 11 | decreased | 538,580 | |
| 69 | Taxes Levied by Municipality | 16 | decreased | 725,455 | |
| 70 | Appropriation to School Department | 24 | decreased | 538,580 | |
and all subtotals be adjusted; accordingly, Councillor Flynn voted NO to said motion.
There being no other persons present desiring to be heard, public hearing was declared closed.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to adopt said ordinance on its second reading, as amended; Councillor Flynn voted NO to said motion.
4. (Continued from the May 26, 2021, Special Meeting)
Resolution of the Council, re: Levy Resolution.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to amend the levy resolution from “taxes, net of exemptions, shall be in a sum not less than $47,600,000 or nor more than $48,100,000,” to read as “taxes, net of exemptions, shall be in a sum not less than $48,400,000 or nor more than $48,900,000.”; Councillor Flynn voted NO to said motion.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to pass said resolution, as amended; Councillor Flynn voted NO to said motion
5. 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)
No one spoke during this session.
6. Application of Sprout and Lentil, LLC dba Sprout and Lentil, 796 Aquidneck Avenue, Unit 3, for a Class BL Liquor License for use at the same premises. (New; Requires Advertising for a future Public Hearing and Notification to abutters)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive application, advertise for public hearing to be held on June 21, 2021 and notify abutters.
7. Communication of Attorney Christopher Behan, re: Class BL Liquor License Application of Cardinal Restaurant Corp., Property 159 West Main Road, Middletown, RI (Plat 108, Lot 45) request of Council to exceed the cap on Class B liquor licenses.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to receive said communication.
Attorney Christopher Behan reviewed his communication above.
Discussion centered around getting a copy of the franchise request to serve alcohol, transferring alcoholic beverage licenses and the last time the cap for Class B liquor licenses was increased was in 1999 by vote of the Council.
A vote was taken at this time.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjust the current cap on Class B Alcoholic Beverage Licenses by increasing the number of Class B Licenses from 39 to 40.
8. Application of Cardinal Restaurant Corp. dba IHOP, 159 West Main Road, for a Class BL Liquor License for use at the same premises. (New; Requires Advertising for a future Public Hearing and Notification to abutters)
On motion of Vice President Welch Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive application, advertise for public hearing to be held on June 21, 2021 and notify abutters.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene as a Town Council.
Councillor Turano requested that items # 12, #13, #14 and #15, be heard under the regular portion of the agenda.
BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc, 173 East Main Road
Chaves Gardens, Inc., 935 East Main Road
General Nutrition Corporation #3551, 1364A West Main Road
Island Carpet & Floors, 695 West Main Road
West Marine Products, Inc. dba West Marine, 379 West Main Road
10. Application of Beach Liquors, LLC dba Beach Wine & Liquors, 43 Aquidneck Avenue, for RENEWAL of a Sunday Selling 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. Applications for the following named persons for renewal of a Tattoo License for the 2021-2022 licensing year (Licenses are for Trouble Soul Tattoo Shop, 999 West Main Road):
Angel Camacho, North Kingstown, RI
India Scott, Fall River, MA
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license renewals.
12. Communication of Emma Rodvien, Coordinator, Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board, re: Application filed by Narragansett Electric Company for a license to mobilize and operate a liquified natural gas (LNG) vaporization facility at property located on Old Mill Lane in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. (Council action to receive as information)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to receive said communication.
Discussion centered around if there will be a solution to the issue, Narragansett Electric Company is looking for a long-term solution and the Town is being represented at the Energy Siting Board.
Theresa Spangler, 1111 Wapping Road, addressed the Council noting concern of the current facility being close to residential homes and safety concerns.
At vote was taken at this time.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
13. Communication of George W. Watson, III, Robinson & Cole, re; The Narragansett Electric Company dba National Grid Portable LNG Vaporization Project, Old Mill Lane, Portsmouth, RI EFSB Application. (Council action to receive as information)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
14. Communication of Mark R. Rielly, Assistant General Counsel & Director National Grid Service Company, Inc., re: Notice of Temporary Mobilization of LNG Equipment – Old Mill Lane, Portsmouth June 2-9, 2021. (Council action to receive as information)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
15. Communication of Alexander Day, Director & Compliance Assurance – NE, re: Notification – Mobile and Temporary LNG Facilities (49 CFR, 193.2019) to Mr. Robert Bailey, Associate Public Utilities Administrator for Engineering and Pipeline Safety, Rhode Island Gas Safety Program Manager, Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities & Carriers. (Council action to receive as information)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
16. (Continued from the May 3, 2021, Regular Meeting for more information from the Planning Board)
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) – (Awaiting additional information from the Planning Board – There will be no discussion of this item; the item will be continued to June 21, 2021)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue said item to the Regular meeting June 21, 2021.
17. Proposed amendment to the Town Code Title XV, Chapter 152, Entitled “Zoning Code” (1) mending 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”. (Council action is to forward to the Planning Board for review and recommendation)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to refer said ordinance to the Planning Board for review and recommendation.
18. Application of Pete’s Ice Cream, Portsmouth, RI for a Mobile Food Establish License for the 2021-2022 licensing year. (NEW)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to grant said license.
Discussion centered around when the current ordinance was being addressed it did not take into consideration Ice Cream Trucks driving around town and continuing this matter to the next meeting for the Solicitor to review the current ordinance.
On motion of Council President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue said item to the next Regular Meeting; Vice President Welch voted NO to said motion.
19. Application for Special Event Permit from East Bay Community Action Program for the Molar Express to be held on July 1, 2, 8, 27, 30, 2021 from 7am to 6 pm to be held at Linden Park. (Applicant respectfully requests all fees to be waived)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit and waive all fees.
20. Application for Special Event Permit from Innerlight Center for Yoga & Meditation for Beach Yoga to be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday May 31 through September 6, 2021 at Surfer’s End in designated Fitness area at Second Beach from 6:45 am to 7:45 am.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to grant said Special Event Permit.
Discussion centered around the location of the event, time of the event and the Operations and Facilities Manager polices the events at the beach.
A vote was taken at this time.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit.
21. Application of SB Newport, RI dba Studio Barre Newport, 692 Aquidneck Avenue for a Holiday Sales License for the 2021-2022 licensing year. (NEW)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license.
ADDENDUM TO TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA
POSTED – JUNE 3, 2021
LICENSES
21a. Application for Special Event Permit from Gnome Surf for Gnome Surf Lessons to be held at Second Beach on Wednesdays, beginning July 7, 2021 to September 8, 2021 from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, Fridays, beginning July 9, 2021 to September 10, 2021 from 7:00 am to 10: am and Saturdays, beginning July 10, 2021 to October 16, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Applicant respectfully requests all fees to be waived)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to grant said Special Event Permit and waive all fees.
Christopher Antao, representing Gnome Surf, addressed the Council by zoom, noting the event takes place on weekdays, individual instructors surf with children that have Autism. Mr. Antao explained there is a one instructor to one child ratio.
A vote was taken at this time.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit and waive all fees.
21b. Application for Special Event Permit from Gnome Surf for Gnome Surf Camp to be held at Second Beach, Monday, July 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 20th 21st, and 22nd, 2021 and August 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th, 2021 from 10:00 am to 1:00 p.m. (Applicant respectfully requests all fees to be waived)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit and waive all fees.
22. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First Reading)
An Ordinance of the Town Code Title IX, Chapter 94, entitled “Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places” is amended by adding a new subsection (A) to Section 94.99, entitled “Penalty.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
Councillor Flynn asked for clarification.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan noted this amendment gives violators the option to pay the ticket by mail for the first offense and fines increase for second and third offenses.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan recused himself from acting on item #23, due to a possible conflict of interest.
23. Communication of Symon Cousens, Island Elements, Island Surf & Sport, Elemental Surf & Skate, 86 Aquidneck Avenue, re: Requesting a reduction in fees for the Surfer’s End Beach Equipment Concession.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to receive said communication.
Discussion centered around most residents do not take surf lessons, concern with not all the beach lots may be open and adjusting the contract.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reduce the surfer’s end beach equipment Concession fee from 27K to 18K for Island Elements.
24. Memorandum of Council President, re: Appointment of Assistant Town Solicitor.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Council President Rodrigues noted that this is a new Attorney in the Town Solicitors who will be an Assistant Town Solicitor.
Town Solicitor Peter Regan noted that Attorney Monti replaces Attorney Boivin, who recently let the firm.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Michael E. Monti as an Assistant Town Solicitor.
Town Clerk Wendy Marshall will swear Mr. Monti at a later date.
25. Communication of Councillor Turano, re: Middletown Affordable Housing Committees.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
On motion of Councillor Turano, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to combine the Affordable Housing Committee and the Senior Affordable Housing Committee to form one committee the Affordable Housing Committee.
ADDENDUM TO TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA
POSTED – JUNE 2, 2021
TOWN COUNCIL
25a. Memorandum of Town Solicitor, re: Coyne Mechanical, Inc. Bid Protest.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan reviewed the memorandum above.
Timothy Coyne, representing Coyne Mechanical, Chepachet, RI, addressed the Council noting his company followed the process to file a complete bid with the Middletown School Department.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan noted that there were deficiencies in the bid that were pointed out the RGB. Mr. Regan explained the bid was reviewed by the School Department Attorney and the Town Solicitor; the bid failed to meet the criteria.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to sustain the bid protest from Coyne Mechanical Inc.; All Councillors voted NO to said motion; MOTION FAILED TO PASS.
26. Memorandum of Town Planner, re: Contract Extension Recommendation: MIDD-020-005 CDBG Administration.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
27. Resolution of the Council, re: Authorizing the Finance Director to execute Contract Extension Recommendation: MIDD-020-005 CDBG Administration.
On motion of Vice President, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum in item #26.
A vote was taken at this time.
On motion of Vice President, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
28. Memorandum of Finance Director thru Town Administrator, re: Janitorial & Maintenance Services for Municipal Buildings Bid MIDD-021-005.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
29. Resolution of the Council, re: Award of Contract for Janitorial & Maintenance Services for Municipal Buildings Bid MIDD-021-005.
On motion of Vice President, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum in item #28.
A vote was taken at this time.
On motion of Vice President, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
30. Communication of Middletown Public Schools Building Committee, re: Requesting the Middletown Town Council to appoint a Town Council member and Alternate to the Middletown Public Schools Building Committee.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Councillor Welch to the Public Schools Building Committee and Councillor Logan as alternate.
31. Memorandum of Council President Rodrigues, re: Resignation from the Pension Trust Committee.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said resignation.
32. Council President’s Appointment of Town Council representative to the Pension Trust Committee.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Councillor VonVillas to the Pension Trust Committee.
33. Discussion of Summer Schedule – Current dates - Tuesday, July 6, 2021, Monday, July 19, 2021, Monday, August 2, 2021 and Monday, August 16, 2021.
Council discussion was to hold the meeting on scheduled dates.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 11:07 p.m.
__________________________
Wendy J.W. Marshall, CMC
Council Clerk
Supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri