THIS MEETING CAN BE HEARD IN ITS ENTIRETY ON THE TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN WEBSITE WWW.MIDDLETOWNRI.GOV 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 in person on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:01 P.M.
Members Present:
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues, Presiding
Vice President Thomas P. Welch, III
Councillor Peter D. Connerton, Sr.
Councillor Christopher M. Logan
Councillor Dennis B. Turano, arrives at 5:04 p.m.
Councillor Barbara A. VonVillas
Absent:
Councillor Charles R. Roberts
POSTED – JUNE 10, 2026
REGULAR MEETING JUNE 15, 2026
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, June 15, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. Executive Session; Immediately Following Executive Session Town Projects and Presentations and 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. Virtual access will also be provided by telephone conference call/ webinar and 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: 885 8303 6407 or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88583036407; however, virtual access is being provided only as a convenience and is not an official "location" where access to the meeting is guaranteed. Being physically present at the meeting is the only way to guarantee complete access to the meeting, as the meeting will not be paused or rescheduled if the virtual access fails.
If you choose to join the meeting by zoom or telephone, Council Rules allow for the Public to speak only during the Public Forum and Public Hearings. 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.
1. Executive Session - Pursuant to provisions of RIGL, Sections 42-46-2, 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (a), (5) Land Acquisition (East Main Road), (5) Land Acquisition, (2) Collective Bargaining (FOP), (1) Personnel (Deputy Town Administrator), (1) Personnel (Non-Classified Employees), (1) Personnel (Non-Classified Employees) and (1) Personnel (Non-Classified Employees).
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess open session and reconvene in executive session at 5:03 p.m.
Council President Rodrigues left the session at 6:10 p.m., due to a possible conflict of interest.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess executive session and reconvene in open session at 6:25 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize the administration to negotiate a development agreement with Marathon Development of Boston, MA and designate Marathon Development as the developer for the 351 East Main Road property.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to authorize the administration to support the landings application for signage at the enterprise center.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve an extension of the signing bonus until June 30, 2027.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to approve the salary for the Deputy Town Administrator; Councillor Turano voted NO to said motion.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to pass said resolution – (Non-Classified Employee’s – Vacation); Councillor Turano voted No to said motion.
Council President Rodrigues did not vote on the following resolutions.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to pass said resolution; Councillor Turano voted NO to said motion. (Non-Classified Employee’s – Compensation).
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted to pass said resolution; Councillor Turano voted NO to said motion. (Non-Classified Employee – Compensation – Senior Citizens Director).
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. Communication of Justin Bernard, Associate Director, Project Management Services, Colliers Project Leaders, re: Middletown Public Schools – Recommendation to Award for MSHS Integrated Electronic Security System – National Security Fire Alarm Systems.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
3. Resolution of the Council, re: Approve the recommendation from the Shared Facilities Director and Colliers Project Leaders to award the contract of an integrated electronic security system for the construction of the Middle-High School project to National Security Fire Alarm Systems of East Providence, RI, funding for
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution, including adding on the resolution that final authorization to execute the agreement is contingent upon the School Committee’s approval of the contract at their next meeting.
Shared Facilities Director Edward Collins reviewed the communication in item #2.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution, including adding on the resolution that final authorization to execute the agreement is contingent upon the School Committee’s approval of the contract at their next meeting, as amended.
4. Memorandum of Finance Director thru Town Administrator, re: Library Renovation Project Grants.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum above.
5. Resolution of the Council, re: The Town Council hereby accepts the grants awarded from the Champlin Foundation in the amount of $500,000 and van Beuren Charitable Foundation in the amount of $1,130,000 totaling $1,630,000 in support of the Library Renovation Project and the funds be designated and applied in accordance with the grantor’s intent as follows:
· $500,000 for the general project purpose
· $880,000 for interior renovations and furnishings
· $250,000 for sound management improvement and enhancement of the building’s acoustics.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
6. Memorandum of Finance Director thru Town Administrator, re: Library Renovation Project Donations.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum above.
7. Resolution of the Council, re: The Town Council hereby accepts the donation of $56,400 from the Friends of the Middletown Public Library, consisting of funds received through private donations in support of the Library Renovation Project, the funds be designated and applied in accordance with donor intent as follows: $53,000 for the Children’s Learning and Play Area, $3,400 for general project purposes and the Finance Director is authorized hereby to allocate and expend said funds in accordance with all town purchasing policies and procedures.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
8. Citation of the Council, re: Recognizing John Bagwill for his years of volunteer service in the Town.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said presentation.
Council President Rodrigues and Vice President Welch presented Mr. Bagwill with a citation and a gift in appreciation for all of his service to the community.
9. Citation of the Council, re: Recognizing John Ceglarski for his years of volunteer service in the Town.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said presentation.
Council President Rodrigues and Vice President Welch presented Mr. Ceglarski with a citation and a gift in appreciation for all of his service to the community.
10. 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.
Kim Blass, Middletown, addressed the Council noting concern about the lighting when leaving the Middletown High School, where she attended the West Main Road public hearing. Ms. Blass also noted that the school zone cameras should all have flashing lights to be consistent throughout the Town.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to act as a Board of License Commission.
11. Public Hearing advertised.
Application of Tito’s Cantina, Inc. dba Tito’s Cantina, 651 West Main Road for a TRANSFER of a Class BV Liquor License to Plaza Alta Group, LLC dba Tito’s Cantina for the 2025-2026 Licensing year, for use at the same premise.
Public Hearing was declared open.
Kathy Arcello, representing Tito’s Cantina noted that the proposed applicant has worked for the establishment for many years and expressed support for the transfer.
There being no other persons present or on zoom desiring to be heard, public hearing was declared closed.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license transfer.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to reconvene as a Town Council.
12. Approval of Minutes, re: Special Meeting, May 20, 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
13. Approval of Minutes, re: Special Meeting, May 27, 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
14. Approval of Minutes, re: Regular Meeting, June 1, 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
15. Application of Plaza Alta Group, LLC. dba Tito’s Cantina, 651 West Main Road for a Victualling House License for the 2025-2026 Licensing year.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license subject to Building Official, Fire Marshal and Department of Health approvals.
16. Application of David Bernath dba Milk Caffe, North Kingstown for a Mobile Food Establishment License (Cart) for the 2026-2027 licensing year. (NEW)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license.
17. Applications five (5) for Special Event Permits, including mobile catering bar outside from Sweet Berry Farm, 915 Mitchell’s Lane for use at the same premises:
a. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, for Live Music with mobile catering bar outside 6:00 pm.
b. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, for Live Music with mobile catering bar outside 6:00 pm.
c. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, for Live Music with mobile catering bar outside 6:00 pm.
d. Tuesday, August 11, 2026, for Live Music with mobile catering bar outside 6:00 pm.
e. Tuesday, August 25, 2026, for Live Music with mobile catering bar outside 6:00 pm
Events end at 8:00 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permits.
18. Application for Special Event permit from Pamela Constantine, for a Private Party with fireworks to be held at 75 Gray Craig Road.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was to grant said Special Event Permit.
Anthony Collins, representing Power Technical Fireworks, was present to answer Council inquiries.
Discussion centered around that abutters are not notified for fireworks permits, concern that the fireworks were near the City of Newport Water supply and the fireworks company follows federal guidelines for displays.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit.
19. Communication of Cheryl G. Robinson, President of Turning Around Ministries, Inc., re: Request for support by placing an ad in the Souvenir Book or making a contribution to TAM.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication and place a ½ page ad in the TAM Souvenir Booklet ($75.00) to be appropriated from the Council President’s Discretionary Fund.
20. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Proposed Ordinance Amendment Middletown Beach Parking Fees.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the memorandum above.
21. An Ordinance of the Town of Middletown (First Reading)
An Ordinance in Amendment to the Town Code of the Town of Middletown, Title III, Chapter 36, Entitled “Fee Schedule”, Section (D) Parks and Recreation (1) Beach Parking Fees.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
Mike Flynn, Middletown, addressed the Council inquiring about clarification for the free parking sticker within the ordinance.
Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan reviewed the ordinance above and noted that he would rework the ordinance for clarification.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said ordinance on its first reading.
22. 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, entitled “Zoning Code” is hereby amended by amending Section 2714, entitled “Sewage and Waste”.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to forward said ordinance to the Planning Board for review and recommendation and to advertise for a future public hearing.
23. Communication of Councilor Christopher Logan and Council President Paul Rodrigues, re: School Zone Camera Fine Revenue.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
Councillor Logan reviewed the memorandum above.
Discussion centered around if the monies from the speed zone camara’s can be restricted for upkeep of the roads.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed the following:
At the request of the Town Council, staff reviewed the request to establish a restricted revenue fund for revenues generated by the School Zone Speed Camera Program.
The revenue is currently recorded in the Town’s General Fund. Through May 31, 2026, the program has generated approximately $140K in year-to-date gross revenue.
*** Accounting Considerations
Governmental accounting guidance encourages municipalities to maintain only the minimum number of funds necessary for legal compliance and sound financial administration. For that reason, staff does not recommend establishing a separate Special Revenue Fund at this time.
The current revenue stream is relatively limited, and creating a separate fund would add administrative burden without a material financial reporting benefit. If a separate fund was established, the Town would need to record revenue and expenditures separately, track fund balance activity, and administer additional budgetary and accounting processes associated with the fund.
*** Gross Revenue Versus Net Revenue
Any discussion regarding the use or reservation of school zone camera revenue should be based on net revenue, not gross revenue. The gross revenue generated by the program does not represent the amount available for future use.
The program has direct and incremental costs that should first be recognized, including:
* Camera equipment, signs, and signage systems;
* Operating and maintenance costs;
* Incremental Municipal Court costs;
* Billing, collection, and administrative costs; and
* Police personnel costs associated with the review of each potential violation by a sworn police officer before a citation may be issued.
After these costs are accounted for, the remaining net revenue could be considered for future road, pedestrian, bicycle, and school-zone safety improvements.
*** Recommendation
Staff recommends that the revenue remain in the General Fund and that the Town Council consider committing annual net revenues from the program, through the budget process or a separate policy action, for eligible safety-related improvements.
This approach provides transparency, preserves Council discretion, avoids unnecessary fund proliferation, and remains consistent with sound governmental accounting practice.
*** Alternative Approach If Council Desires a Restricted Fund
If the Town Council feels strongly that a separate restricted fund is necessary, staff recommends a simplified approach.
Rather than recording all program revenue in a separate fund and then transferring funds back to the General Fund to reimburse program costs, the Town could continue recording the revenue in the General Fund and transfer a fixed dollar amount per paid ticket to a School Zone Safety Special Revenue Fund.
This approach would simplify the accounting, avoid repeated cost allocation entries, and still accomplish the Council’s goal of dedicating a portion of program revenue to road, pedestrian, bicycle, and school-zone safety improvements.
The fixed amount should be based on a reasonable estimate of net revenue per ticket after accounting for program costs, including equipment, signage, operating costs, Municipal Court costs, administrative costs, and police officer review. The amount could be reviewed annually through the budget process and adjusted if program costs or revenues change materially.
While staff’s recommendation remains to keep all revenues within the General Fund, a fixed per-ticket transfer methodology would provide a practical and administratively efficient means of reserving a portion of the revenue stream if the Council wishes to establish a dedicated funding source for future safety improvements.
Discussion centered around this item will be discussed at a future meeting.
24. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: Change Order #9 National Water Main Cleaning – CIPP Lining Beacon and Rosa Road.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
25. Resolution of the Council, re: The Town of Middletown would like to add additional work to the existing contract with National Water Main Cleaning to include CIPP lining and rehabilitation of sewer manhole covers on Beacon Street and Rosa Road, the Middletown Town Council approves the following change orders for the total sum not to exceed one hundred twenty two thousand two hundred thirty-two dollars and zero cents ($122,232.00) and that the funding for said change order be funded from the Sewer Fund- Fund Balance and the Town Administrator is authorized hereby to execute this change order on behalf of the Town.
Department of Public Works Director Robert Hanley reviewed the memorandum in item #24.
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 7:45 p.m.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk
Supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri