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 at the Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road, Middletown, RI and by telephone conference call/webinar, on Monday, February 7, 2022, at 5:30 P.M.
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues, Presiding
Vice President Thomas P. Welch, III, arrives at 5:45 P.M.
Councillor Terri Flynn, joined by zoom
Councillor Christopher M. Logan
Councillor M. Theresa Santos
Councillor Dennis B. Turano
Councillor Barbara A. VonVillas, Members Present
POSTED FEBRUARY 2, 2022
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 7, 2022
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 regular meeting to be held on Monday, February 7, 2022, at 5:30 P.M. Executive Session; Presentation Immediately following Executive Session; 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting at the Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road, Middletown, Rhode Island. Said meeting will be conducted in person, by telephone conference call/ webinar, in accordance with Executive Order 22-01 issued by Governor McKee on January 6, 2022, 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: 831 5011 6458 or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83150116458.
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, or a member of the public so 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, with the exception of the Public Forum Session, 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 five (5) minutes.
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.
Lieutenant Joanne Alboum from the Middletown Police Department addressed the Council requesting a meeting with the Town Council and Town Administration in Executive Session regarding the Police Chief.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan, responding to Ms. Alboum, noted the item is not on the agenda and is a personnel issue, which requires notice to the person being discussed. Mr. Regan explained that person has the right to attend in executive session or request the matter to be discussed in open session.
Lieutenant Joanne Alboum is to contact Town Administrator Shawn Brown regarding the issue and request.
1. Executive Session - Pursuant to provisions of RIGL, Sections 42-46-2, 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (a), (5) Land Acquisition, (5) Land Acquisition, (5) Lease (JFK School), (1) Collective Bargaining (Police) and (1) Collective Bargaining (NEARI) - review, discussion and/or potential action and/or vote in executive session and/or open session.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess open session and reconvene in executive session at 5:39 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess executive session and reconvene in open session at 6:39 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint the Town Administrator to negotiate with the NEARI Union.
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. Citation of the Council, re: Middletown J.H. Gaudet Middle School Boys Soccer Team.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said presentation.
3. Memorandum of Council President Rodrigues, re: Boys Soccer Team Jackets.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum and authorize $2,800.00 for Championship Jackets for the team to be appropriated from the Council President’s Discretionary Fund.
Council President Rodrigues and Vice President Welch presented a citation and soccer ball to the Middletown J.H. Gaudet Middle School Boys Soccer Team.
Couch Jim Teeters recapped the season, introduced the team members, and noted their positions played.
The Team Captains presented School Committee member Liana Ferreira Fenton with the trophies received by the Middletown J.H. Gaudet Middle School Soccer Team.
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 submit a public participation form to the Council Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. All items discussed during this session will not be voted upon.
Sara Porier and Susan Adie, both from Middletown, addressed the Council reviewing the following:
A Community Choice Aggregation Plan for the Middletown
Feb 7, 2022
Electricity consumption is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Rhode Island. Middletown is heavily dependent on fragile natural gas infrastructure, which directly contributes to climate change and sea-level rise, posing an existential threat to Middletown’s future. While energy providers offer renewable options, the higher price is a deterrent for many residents and businesses. One solution that is being adopted by several Rhode Island communities is Community Electricity Aggregation. This brief provides background on CCA, their benefits, and examples of R.I communities that are adopting plans.
How it works
By aggregating their demand for renewable electricity, communities can negotiate a set rate that is more affordable than the rate at the individual level. Rates are negotiated with local providers by certified brokers who work on behalf of the community at no cost to the municipality. When municipalities negotiate rates together, they are able to access even more savings through lower bulk rates. In the state of MA, for example, savings for consumers in communities with CCA plans run between 7.8 and 8.2%.
Benefits
● CCA programs provide cost stability and savings, both directly through a more diverse and resilient energy system, and by accessing the advantages of joining with other municipalities and bargaining collectively with electricity suppliers.
● Securing a set rate that’s more competitive expands access to renewable energy for residents and local businesses.
● Savings can be invested to benefit program participants.
● Increasing the demand for locally produced renewable energy drives jobs.
● This initiative aligns closely with Comprehensive Plan goals to “Educate and engage residents and businesses in addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions” (N-VII.A.1. ) and “to promote energy efficiency programs” (H-IV.D.2.).
● By shifting away from non-renewable sources of electricity, Middletown will support the state of Rhode Island’s Act on Climate mandate.
Local examples
Barrington, Central Falls, Portsmouth, Providence and South Kingston have enacted enabling resolutions and are in the process of developing and approving CCA programs. Newport City Council recently approved their aggregation plan and has held public hearings without any major concerns. Elsewhere, Narragansett is working with a broker to develop an energy aggregation plan, and is in the process of reviewing the initial draft before presenting it to the Council for review, and then public hearing, and eventually vote for approval. Little Compton has begun preliminary discussions.
Why now: Portsmouth is already in the bidding process with providers, and Newport should have its plan approved in the next two weeks. There is a window of opportunity for Middletown to engage in this effort in conjunction with their neighbors which would leverage a larger group buy for a better rate. However, this means that we need to have the Town Council authorize the development of a plan (not actually a commitment to implementing it, just the development phase) so that we can begin the statutorily set development and review process.
Recommendation: To help secure an affordable rate for renewable energy for our community, we recommend that the Town Council pass a resolution authorizing the research and development of a Community Choice Aggregation Plan for Middletown.
The Town of Middletown may review the City of Newport’s competitive bidding for CCA consulting services, including their Request for Proposals, responses received, and other information the City of Providence has made available.
For reference:
City of Newport CCA resolution (attached)
Town of Portsmouth resolution (attached)
It was requested the item, A Community Choice Aggregation Plan for Middletown, be placed on the next Council agenda.
Councillor Turano requested that items #8 through #13 be heard under the regular portion of the agenda.
5. Approval of Minutes, re: Regular Meeting, January 3, 2022.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
6. Approval of Minutes, re: Special Meeting, January 10, 2022.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
7. Application of the Middletown Senior Citizens Center, 650 Green End Avenue, for RENEWAL of a Bingo License for the 2022-2023 licensing year. (Request for fee to be waived)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license and waive said fee.
8. Memorandum of Finance Director, re: School Department – Surplus Property.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
9. Resolution of the Council, re: School Department – Surplus Property.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Councillor Turano inquired if the carts could be remarketed or scrapped?
Council President Rodrigues noted the carts may be scrapped.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown responded that there is no use for the carts, they may be placed online for people to bid on.
A vote was taken at this time.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
10. Memorandum of Finance Director, re: Financial Report – Six Months Ended December 31, 2021.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to the February 22, 2022, Regular Meeting of the Council.
11. Communication of Accounting Manager, re: Quarterly Tax Collector’s Report as of 12/31/2021 – Town of Middletown.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to receive said communication and report.
Councillor Turano noted financial matters should not be on the consent calendar.
Council President Rodrigues explained that he directed the Clerk to put the items on the consent portion of the agenda, due to the number of items that need to be addressed at this meeting.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the following:
The Finance Office can set up monthly payment plans for tax bills.
Councillor Santos noted the town will accept any amount paid on an account before the due date.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication and report.
12. Communication of Tax Assessor and Finance Director, re: Cancellation of Taxes for certain Middletown residents.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
13. Resolution of the Council, re: Cancellation of Taxes for certain Middletown residents.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Councillor Turano noted that there is only a small amount being abated.
A vote was taken at this time.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
14. Application for Special Event Permit from Gray Matter Marketing for the Aquidneck 10k, 10k Road Race around Sachuest Beach & surrounding area to be held on Sunday, March 20, 2022, from 7:00 am to 12:30 pm (Start time – 10:00 am), Event Location Sachuest Beach, Indian Avenue, Third Beach Road, Sachuest Road, Hanging Rock Road and Green End Avenue.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event permit.
15. Application for Special Event Permit from East Bay Community Action Program for Molar Express, Dental visits for children 2-21 free care for uninsured to be held on Friday, February 25, 2022, from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm at Linden Park. (Applicant requesting all fees to be waived)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to grant said Special Event permit and waive said fee.
Council President Rodrigues noted this is a great program for the community.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event permit and waive said fee.
16. Application for Special Event Permit from Pulse Gym & Studios for Pulse Beach Boot Camps (Fitness training with weights & cardio performed in a Boot Camp Style) to be held at Second Beach (Surfer’s End) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 12, 2022, to September 1, 2022, at 5:30 am to 7:30 am and Saturdays, July 2, 2022, to August 27, 2022, at 6:45 am to 7:45 am.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to grant said Special Event permit.
Councillor Flynn noted last year the fitness camps were located on the east side of the rock.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event permit.
17. Application of Nicholas Petsonias dba Mykono Pub for an Amusement License for the 2021-2022 Licensing year. (New - Small band, Acoustic Guitar and Karaoke)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to grant said license.
Discussion centered around the prior establishments at this location had restrictions on their amusement licenses and proximity of the business to the residential neighbors.
On motion of Councillor Flynn, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant the license with conditions, acoustic music only, no amplification, doors and windows closed and ceasing at 10:00 p.m.
18. Memorandum of Town Planner, thru Town Administrator, re: Purgatory Road Sidewalk 30% design plans.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Town Planner Ronald Wolanski reviewed the memorandum above.
Mr. Wolanski requested the Town Council to authorize the Administrator to proceed to the 90% design and bidding for construction.
19. Public Hearing (Advertised and Abutters Notified).
Proposed Purgatory Road Sidewalk.
Public Hearing was declared open.
Jan Hayes, Middletown, addressed the Council presenting photos of trees in the area, which are on file in the Office of the Town Clerk. Ms. Hayes noted concern that the beautiful trees will be removed to install the sidewalk, explaining the shade of the trees provides ecological benefits. Jan Hayes inquired what the curbing material will be for the sidewalks (soft or hard), the width of the road, the width of the sidewalk and the shoulder.
Scott D’Amelio, Engineer, VHB, addressed the Council responding to Ms. Hayes, explaining that the road is currently 24 feet and would be increased to 28 feet, the sidewalk would be 5 feet wide with concrete curbing and there will be a grass strip along the sidewalk where it is able to be installed.
David Kilroy, Middletown, addressed the Council noting concern with the removal of the trees.
Jason Goldfarb, Middletown, joined by zoom, addressed the Council noting he is not in favor of the grass strip, there is a speed issue which should be resolved before putting in a sidewalk. Mr. Goldfarb also expressed concern with elderly having to remove snow from the sidewalk, maintenance of the sidewalks and removal of the trees.
Matthew Kirby, Middletown, addressed the Council in opposition to the sidewalks, explaining they are aesthetically inconsistent with the area. Mr. Kirby noted concern with the removal of the trees and that a bike cannot jump that type of curbing to get off the roadway, explaining it is easier to move onto grass than a hard curb. Matthew Kirby inquired about accessibility for wheelchairs.
Ian Guest, Middletown, addressed the Council noting that there are serious safety issues, but is concerned that the sidewalk will create environmental issues. Mr. Guest inquired if there would be an environmental study for the area.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown noted the cherry trees in that area have a 30 to 40-year life, explaining they are nearing the end of their useful life and will be looking to be replaced in the next 10 years.
Michele Kirby, Middletown, addressed the Council noting concern that the trees will be removed to install the sidewalk and inquired the height and width of the sidewalk and the location of the telephone poles.
Scott D’Amelio, Engineer, VHB, addressed the Council and responded to Mrs. Kirby’s inquiries that the road would be increased to 28 feet, the sidewalk would be 5 feet wide a curbing of 6 inches. Mr. D’Amelio noted the telephone poles generally follow the backside of the proposed sidewalk.
Karen Barbara, Middletown, addressed the Council inquiring the porosity of the sidewalks, if they would be tree friendly or will the roots come through the sidewalk.
Discussion centered around accident data for the area, if the seniors in the area know they are responsible for cleaning the sidewalks during snowstorms or they will be fined, there is a list for the seniors who need assistance cleaning their sidewalks, other options for a sidewalks other than concrete, requesting an advisory opinion regarding the sidewalks from the Roads and Utilities Advisory Committee, the condition of the trees in the area are no longer safe and not always having enough room for a grass strip between the curb and the sidewalk.
Jan Hayes, Middletown, addressed the Council inquiring if the residents will lose part of their land to install the sidewalks and that people with all abilities will be able to use the sidewalk.
Council President Rodrigues explained that the sidewalk must the ADA compliant.
Nadine Goldfarb, Middletown, joined by zoom, addressed the Council suggesting a grass sidewalk and inquired if the installation of the sidewalk could be a public vote.
Council President Rodrigues explained that public hearings are for public/resident input on a Town project.
Nadine Goldfarb, Middletown, joined by zoom, addressed the Council inquired if the residents want a sidewalk and suggested something other than a concrete sidewalk.
Discussion centered around safety in the area is priority, there will not be an actual bike lane, the Council hears the public comments, pedestrian safety, drainage in the area, and considering burying the telephone poles in the area, permeable surface for the sidewalk, contacting RIDOT to see if the scope of the project can be changed to have a permeable surface on the sidewalk, moving forward to the 90% design does not obligate the Town to the project and asking the Roads and Utilities Advisory Committee to review the project.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize the Administration to proceed to 90% design and bidding for construction.
There being no other persons present, by telephone or webinar desiring to be heard, public hearing was declared closed.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess this meeting at 8:42 pm.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene this meeting at 8:52 pm.
20. Public Hearing (Advertised).
Town of Middletown PY2020 & 2021 CDBG Application – Small Cities Community Development Block Grant for certain projects. Statewide approx. $13 million available to undertake a range of activities including:
a) Improved housing opportunities for low and moderate-income families and individuals.
b) Provision of employment opportunities for low and moderate-income individuals.
c) Provision of community facilities and services principally benefiting low and moderate-income families and individuals.
Public Hearing was declared open.
Rain Dougherty, Program Director, Church Community Housing Corporation, addressed
the Council presenting a PowerPoint - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Program Years 2020/2021, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Edward McPhearson, representing Newport County Mental Health, joined by zoom,
addressed the Council noting appreciation for the Council consideration of their CDBG
request.
Town Planner Ronald Wolanski addressed the Council explaining the next step is to close the public hearing, the second public hearing will be held on February 22, 2022, at which time the Town Council will decide the project list for funding.
Discussion centered around that the CDBG is not part of the Governor’s 250 million for affordable housing, landlords cannot apply for this grant to keep rents low and there are other options for landlords to rehab their properties.
Christen Belden, Executive Director of Church Community Housing Corporation, joined by zoom, addressed the Council noting that there is an existing rehabilitation loan program, which includes loans for multi-family properties, there is also a forgivable loan. Mr. Belden explained there are other resources outside of Church Community Housing.
There being no other persons present, by telephone or webinar desiring to be heard, public hearing was declared closed.
21. Communication of St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, re: Request for support by placing an ad in the Parade Bulletin or donating to the parade committee.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication and approve a half-page ad (cost$140.00) in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Booklet to be appropriated from the Council President’s Discretionary Fund.
22. Communication of Paul A. Croce, Chairman, Middletown Planning Board, re: Recommended amendments to Town Code Chapter 94-Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
Town Planner Ronald Wolanski reviewed the communication above.
Discussion centered around the concern that the ordinance would add an additional cost to Town road projects and the Town Solicitor, Town Administrator and Town Planner will meet to edit/amend the proposed ordinance and will bring the ordinance back to the Council for consideration.
23. Communication of Jim Gibson, representing Middletown Youth Soccer Clubs, re: Requesting the Town Council to partner with a local nonprofit consortium to enhance the Youth Soccer Clubs – Proposal to install a modular Urban Soccer Park at the Potsy Field location.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
Jim Gibson, Middletown and Tom Loughborough, Newport, addressed the Council presenting a Project Proposal Brochure, proposed Urban Soccer Park, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk. Mr. Gibson and Mr. Loughborough suggest placing a modular urban soccer park, which is a complete modular five vs. five short-sided turf field, at the basketball area of Potsy Field.
Council President Rodrigues noted the Town has been working on making that area a type of town center.
Discussion centered around the support for the proposal, other areas in the Town where the soccer park could be located, the amount of time it takes to construct and disassemble the structure and no funding will be needed from the Town only an area to place the structure.
Nick Coogan, Chair Open Space and Fields Committee addressed the Council noting the committee met with Mr. Gibson and Mr. Loughborough last month. Mr. Coogan explained the Open Space and Fields Committee will work with Mr. Gibson and Mr. Loughborough to find a list of options for the proposed modular soccer park.
Discussion centered around the size of the structure, having the structure at Second Beach parking lot during the winter or Oliphant School ball field and the need for activities for Middletown Youth.
24. Communication of Charlie Roberts, Co-Chair, Middletown Public Schools Building Committee, re: Presenting the $60 million Option F Conceptional Design and Cost Estimate.
25. Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Middletown and the Middletown School Department, re: Grant of funds from the Town to expand the “Beyond the Bell” program.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the Memorandum of Agreement above.
Councillor Flynn suggested adding to the end of paragraph 6 “and generating the expected results”.
Discussion centered around there is a reporting requirement for the grant, how to measure the results/success of the program, the Finance Department monitors the funding, and the grant has its own separate fund and cannot be filtered through the Outreach Department.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Middletown and the Middletown School Department.
26. Memorandum of Councillor Flynn, re: School Building Repairs/Municipal Outreach Department - Room Fee/Tax.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Councillor Flynn reviewed the following, including the attached slide:
Thank you, Mr. President and Councilors.
Two years ago, this concept was presented when Middletown citizens made it clear that they would feel safer and better served if Middletown had more firefighters. And firefighters cost money.
The concept is simple: visitors staying overnight at a hotel or short-term rental pay a nominal fee, or tax, per room per night.
Submitted in the Docket, and on the screen, is a spreadsheet of potential revenue. When this concept was brought forward for the fire department expansion, it was March and June of 2020; COVID was especially impacting area tourism and there were hardly any vacationers here. That trend has now reversed.
It was also pointed out at that time, that using a fluctuating revenue stream for salary line items is not good accounting practice, which is a very fair point.
That was two years ago. Notable in the last three months: A Community Needs study was presented by Maryclaire Knight in November, in December this Council passed a Resolution titled “Prioritizing Quality Education for Middletown Students, Families & Residents,” and in January, just three weeks ago at Council’s last meeting, the School Building Committee recommended a 90-million-dollar bond to address Middletown’s crumbling school infrastructure.
Tonight's proposal takes the same concept and applies it to the school building and Outreach needs of the community. It creates a revenue stream that is OK to be flexible. For example, in the top right corner of the spreadsheet, at one dollar per room and 50% occupancy, which is the least revenue generating scenario, the resulting revenue of $365,000, is more than the $302,000 that Council recently approved through the Outreach Program to fund the expansion of the School Department’s Beyond The Bell program. Even the most minimum collection would directly help Middletown students.
As stated in the Docket request, one dollar per night per room for a week is the cost of one drink, and five dollars per night per room for a week is the cost of one meal; not one drink per night and not one meal per night, but one single drink or one single meal of the week's visit. The Docket Packet also shows that flat fees are not uncommon in the hotel industry and are listed on invoices as: “Service Charges” or “Daily Destination Fees" or "Resort Fees" and they range from $15 per day to $25 and $35, PER NIGHT.
This does not seem a big ask for visitors to help the community they enjoy visiting and to help Middletown residents. If Middletown didn't need it, Middletown would not ask this of its visiting guests. However, Middletown taxpayers cannot do it alone any longer. Short term ARPA funding or ESSR grants or state COVID allocation is temporary funding; Middletown has education infrastructure, learning loss and Outreach needs that need long-term dedicated funding sources. This could be one of them. This is not funding that goes to the General Fund, but a funding source that is dedicated to school buildings and Outreach.
Now is the time to consider this proposal.
Mr. President, Councilors, the Middletown taxpayers look forward to your discussion and consideration."
Enter slide
Evan Smith, President/CEO of Discover Newport, joined by zoom, addressed the Council presenting a PowerPoint presentation, which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Discussion centered around the ability to tax is at the State level and enabling legislation would be needed to establish this tax, if business owners have given input for this proposal and the Town Administrator will forward information to the Council from the 2018 discussion on this subject.
On motion of Councillor Flynn, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to continue this item to February 22, 2022.
27. Memorandum of Town Planner, thru Town Administrator, re: CDBG-CV grant award – Senior Center HVAC.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
28. Resolution of the Council, re: CDBG-CV grant award – Senior Center HVAC – Authorizing the Town Administrator to accept the grant on behalf of the Town and to provide any additional information to or documents required by Office of Housing and Community Development, to make any assurances required in connection with this program, to execute an agreement with the State of Rhode Island and to otherwise act as the representative of the Town of Middletown in all matters relating to this grant.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Discussion centered around that matching fund are not needed for the project, the $278,000 will pay for the entire project and if there will be a funding gap because the estimate for the project was completed a year ago.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
29. Memorandum of Town Planner, thru Town Administrator, re: FY21 ARPA Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation grant – 2nd Beach Building.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum above.
30. Resolution of the Council, re: Authorizing the Town Administrator to prepare and submit grant application under the American Rescue Plan Act’s Competitive Tourism Grant program requesting $92,000, with an anticipated Town match of $23,000.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
31. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Comprehensive Plan – Proposed amendments for Housing Element section.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum above.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan noted the more detailed and more up to date the affordable housing plan is within the Comprehensive Community Plan, it puts the Town in a better position legally to defend any decisions that might be made by the Planning Board, where they either reject a project or reject a part of an affordable housing project.
On motion of Councillor Flynn, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to forward this draft to the Planning Board to take the next step.
32. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: FY2021 Budget Adjustments as of June 30, 2021.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
33. Resolution of the Council, re: FY2021 Budget Adjustments as of June 30, 2021 - General Fund Budget Adjustments.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum above.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
34. Resolution of the Council, re: FY2021 Budget Adjustments as of June 30, 2021-School Department Budget Adjustments.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
35. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: FY2022 Budget Adjustments as of December 31, 2021.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum above.
36. Resolution of the Council, re: FY2022 Budget Adjustments as of December 31, 2021 – School Department.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 10:41 p.m.
___________________________
Wendy J.W. Marshall, CMC
Council Clerk
Supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri