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 AND MINUTES AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON CLERKBASE THROUGH THE TOWN WEBSITE OR BY USING THE FOLLOWING LINK https://clerkshq.com/Middletown-ri
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 Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 5:00 P.M.
Members Present:
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues, Presiding
Vice President Thomas P. Welch, III
Councilor Peter D. Connerton, Sr.
Councilor Christopher M. Logan
Councilor Dennis B. Turano
Councilor Barbara A. VonVillas
Absent:
Councilor Charles R. Roberts
POSTED – September 2, 2026
REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
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 Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. Executive Session; Ceremonies and Town Updates Immediately Following Executive Session 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: 856 8863 4158 or on the web at; https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85688634158; 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 (351 East Main Road), (2) Collective Bargaining ( NEARI- Town Hall), (2) Collective Bargaining (FOP), (1) Personnel (Fire Chief), and (1) Personnel (Town Administrator).
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess open session and reconvene in executive session at 5:01 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to recess executive session and reconvene in open session at 6:10 p.m.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve the amendment to the Fire Chief’s contract.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously that the Town Council authorize Marathon Development, the selected developer for the Town’s affordable homeownership project at 351 East Main Road, to submit applications and requests for approval to Rhode Island Housing, the Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing, and any other authority having jurisdiction, to modify the existing affordability requirements for the project in order to increase the pool of eligible homebuyers and improve the economic feasibility of the project, as follows:
· Of the 36 proposed homes, 31 homes may be made available to households earning up to 120% of Area Median Income (AMI), provided that the sales price of each such home does not exceed $400,000.
· The remaining five homes shall continue to be restricted for sale to households earning at or below 80% of AMI.
· This authorization is limited to seeking the required approvals and does not waive any other applicable project, funding, regulatory, or contractual requirements.
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
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION
2. Citation of the Council, re: Middletown Babe Ruth Baseball Team – Aquidneck Island League Champions.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin presentation.
Council President Rodrigues noted that the Middletown Babe Ruth Baseball Team won the Aquidneck Island 2026 Babe Ruth Championship in July, explaining the league consisted of Middletown, Tiverton and two Newport teams. Mr. Rodrigues read the Citation above.
Michael Condry, President of Middletown Babe Ruth Baseball, thanked the Council and noted that the Championship Trophy will stay at Town Hall until next year.
3. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Swearing in of Deputy Town Administrator.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin swearing in of the Deputy Town Administrator.
Council President Rodrigues and Town Administrator Shawn Brown reviewed Mr. Guthleins’ background and credentials, noting he is the first Deputy Town Administration in the history of Middletown.
Patrick Guthlein was sworn in by Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall.
4. Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Swearing in of Deputy Finance Director.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin swearing in of the Deputy Finance Director.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown and Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed Mrs. Rogers’ background and credentials.
Liz Rogers was sworn in by Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall.
5. Communication of Fire Chief, re: Swearing in Ceremony for Promotions and Appointment of New Fire Fighter.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin swearing in Ceremony for Promotions and Appointment of New Fire Fighter.
Fire Chief Robert McCall:
Good evening, Council President, members of the Town Council, Town Administrator, fellow department members, families, friends, and members of our community.
Thank you for joining us tonight. It is truly an honor for me to stand before you as Fire Chief as we recognize an important moment for the Middletown Fire Department and, more importantly, five individuals who have chosen to take the next step in their service to this department and our community.
Tonight, we recognize the promotions of Tom Reed and Kevin Mancini to the rank of Captain, Jim Gruczka and Conner Abert to the rank of Lieutenant, and we officially welcome Patrick Andrade to the Middletown Fire Department as a Probationary Firefighter.
Promotions in the fire service are about much more than receiving a new badge, putting on a different helmet, or having a new title. They represent increased responsibility, increased expectations, and a commitment to leading others.
When you become an officer, you are no longer responsible only for your own actions. You become responsible for the firefighters you lead, the decisions you make, and the example you set every day.
Our firefighters will look to their officers at two o'clock in the afternoon during a routine day at the station, and they will look to them at two o'clock in the morning when conditions are at their worst and important decisions have to be made quickly. Leadership matters during both.
Tonight, I would like to take a few minutes to recognize each of these individuals and what they bring to the Middletown Fire Department.
CAPTAIN TOM REED
Captain Tom Reed joined the Middletown Fire Department on September 5, 2006, and was promoted to Lieutenant in July 2020.
Throughout his career, Tom has taken on responsibilities that go well beyond his regular duties. He oversees the maintenance and repair of our SCBA program, has been heavily involved in the acquisition and design of new fire apparatus, and continues to play an important role in the training and development of our new firefighters.
Tom brings nearly 20 years of experience to the rank of Captain, along with a tremendous amount of institutional and operational knowledge. His understanding of our department, our equipment, and our people will serve him well as he takes on the additional responsibilities that come with this position.
Tom, congratulations on a well-earned promotion to Captain.
Mr. Reed was sworn in by Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall.
CAPTAIN KEVIN MANCINI
Captain Kevin Mancini joined the Middletown Fire Department on June 6, 2010, and was promoted to Lieutenant in July 2020.
Kevin serves as the department's Quartermaster, overseeing the issuance and management of PPE and other essential equipment for our firefighters. This is an important responsibility because the equipment we provide our members directly affects their ability to operate safely and effectively.
Kevin was also instrumental in the development and implementation of the Personal Bailout Equipment that our firefighters carry today. That equipment provides our members with an additional emergency escape option when conditions deteriorate and traditional means of egress are no longer available.
Kevin's attention to firefighter safety, equipment readiness, and the needs of our members has made a lasting impact on this department. His experience and commitment will serve both our firefighters and our community well as he takes on the responsibilities of Captain.
Kevin, congratulations on a well-deserved promotion.
Mr. Mancini was sworn in by Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall.
LIEUTENANT JIM GRUCZKA
Lieutenant Jim Gruczka joined the Middletown Fire Department in October 2007 and brings nearly 19 years of experience to his new position.
Throughout his career, Jim has been one of those senior firefighters that younger and newer members naturally look to for guidance, knowledge, and support.
Long before receiving the badge of Lieutenant, Jim demonstrated leadership through his experience, work ethic, and willingness to help the firefighters around him. His promotion to Lieutenant formally recognizes a role he has already been fulfilling within our department for many years.
I am confident that stepping into this new position will only strengthen Jim's ability to lead, mentor, and develop the next generation of Middletown firefighters.
Jim, congratulations on a well-earned promotion to Lieutenant.
Mr. Gruczka was sworn in by Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall.
LIEUTENANT CONNER ABERT
Lieutenant Conner Abert joined the Middletown Fire Department on September 11, 2020.
Since his first day with the department, Conner has been a true student of the fire service. He has constantly looked for opportunities to learn, improve, and take on additional responsibility.
In a relatively short period of time, he has developed into a firefighter his fellow members can rely on. He has also demonstrated one of the most important qualities we look for in an officer: the ability to recognize a problem and work toward a solution.
Conner has worked hard to prepare himself for this opportunity, and his promotion to Lieutenant represents both what he has already accomplished and the potential we see in him for the future.
Conner, continue being a student of this profession. Continue asking questions, looking for solutions, and learning from the people around you. I am confident you will continue developing into a strong leader that this department and the Middletown community can count on for many years to come.
Congratulations, Lieutenant Abert.
Mr. Albert was sworn in by Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall.
PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTER PATRICK ANDRADE
Tonight is also about the beginning of a career.
Probationary Firefighter Patrick Andrade comes to the Middletown Fire Department as a lifelong resident of our community. Patrick attended Middletown High School, where he was active in both academics and athletics, and he now has the opportunity to begin his fire service career in the same community where he grew up.
From the beginning of our hiring process, Patrick has shown an unmatched level of enthusiasm, not simply to become a firefighter, but specifically to become a Middletown firefighter.
There is something special about having the opportunity to serve the community that raised you. That pride in Middletown and Patrick's desire to give back to his hometown are qualities we value greatly in this department.
Patrick is currently attending the Rhode Island Municipal Fire Academy and is expected to graduate in December. At the same time, he is completing his EMT certification. The next several months will be challenging, but they will provide the foundation for what I hope will be a long and successful career with the Middletown Fire Department.
Patrick, work hard, stay humble, listen to the experienced members around you, and never stop learning. Take pride in the uniform and the patch you wear, and never forget the responsibility that comes with them.
Welcome to the Middletown Fire Department and, in my opinion, the best job in the world.
Mr. Andrade was sworn in by Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall and pinned by his mother Stacey Andrade.
Fire Chief Robert McCall:
Before we conclude, I want to recognize and thank the families here with us tonight.
Our families share in every promotion and every appointment. They live with the missed dinners, holidays at the station, overtime shifts, interrupted plans, and late-night calls. Their support allows us to do this job, and tonight belongs to them as well.
To the families of Tom, Kevin, Jim, Conner, and Patrick, thank you for supporting them and for sharing them with our department and our community.
To the five members we recognize tonight, congratulations. Take pride in what you have accomplished, but never lose sight of the responsibility that comes with wearing the uniform and serving this community.
I am proud of each of you, and I look forward to serving alongside you as we continue moving the Middletown Fire Department forward.
Congratulations, and thank you.
6. The Town Administrator will provide an update on:
a. Town Projects
b. School Building Project
c. Library Building Project
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin the Town Projects, School Building Project and Library Building Project updates.
Shared Facilities Director Ed Collins addressed the Council reviewing progress on the Library Building Project, Elementary School project and Middle High School project:
· Elementary School Project– Phase II is complete, working on a punch list of minor items, roofing is complete, painting, door replacement, elevator shaft, furniture, playgrounds, project is on time and on budget.
· Middle High School Project – masonry, roofing, fireproofing, exterior masonry, air vapor wrap, windows, two class rooms complete and project on time and on budget.
· Library construction is underway- rough inspection, framing, new HVAC system, all trades on site and ADA work on ramps. The library has received donations and grants, it is in a great position; within budget, but not on time.
7. Communication of Jay Edwards, Project Manager, Downes Construction Company, re: For the HVAC Sound attenuation for the Middletown Library at 110 Enterprise Center, The RTA’s include the following scope items: New ceiling at Teens and Children’s room, Gypsum furring at the deck below #1-9, Added soffits at RTU’s #3 & #4, Durock infills at existing curbs and Additional MEP work and lighting.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
Jay Edwards, Project Manager, Downes Construction Company, addressed the Council reviewing the memorandum above.
8. Resolution of the Council, re: The Town Council approves the change order for Ahlborg Construction Corporation in the amount not to exceed five hundred seventy-four thousand two hundred eighty-six dollars and zero cents ($574,286.00), funding for
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Terri Flynn, Middletown, addressed the Council noting that her questions regarding the library project funding/budget from the last regular meeting should be answered prior to passing this resolution. Ms. Flynn explained the Council should know where the budget is at before approving this resolution.
Discussion centered around grants and donations to the Library project, a grant was used for HVAC system, which will save taxpayers money; the HVAC system would have been placed in a future CIP and donations do not reduce the bond amount for the project.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
9. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: Library Renovation Budget.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum above.
Don Morin, Chair of the Library Building Committee, addressed the Council noting he has updated the Library Building Committee website making it easier to review the Library Project Budget.
Terri Flynn, Middletown, addressed the Council reviewing the project since the New Library Building purchase and the bond information.
Discussion centered around the memorandum above included the change order that was approved this evening, donations for the library project were specific to certain projects and funding for the bond is from the PPV Special Revenue Fund.
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.
Terri Flynn, Middletown, addressed the Council reviewing the following handouts.
Kim Blass, Middletown, addressed the Council inquiring about the sink hole on Green End Avenue and School Zone Cameras.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to act as a Board of License Commission.
11. Application Newport Pickleball, LLC dba Newport Pickleball, 866 West Main Road for an EXPANSION of a Class BV Liquor License to include the outside patio for the 2025-2026 Licensing year for use at the same premise.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said application and advertise for a future public hearing.
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, August 24, 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve said minutes.
13. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: School District IT Surplus.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
14. Resolution of the Council, re: School District IT Surplus - That the surplus property be salvaged by the Finance Director in accordance with Town Ordinance §33A.130 disposal of surplus or obsolete property.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
15. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: Police Department Surplus Vehicles – 2015 Ford Explorer.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
16. Resolution of the Council, re: The Police Department has declared a vehicle surplus due to the age and condition of the vehicle, and it has been removed from service, the vehicle is identified as follows: 2015 Ford Explorer, vin 1FKSK8AR1GFB61853 and the surplus vehicles be salvaged by the Finance Director in accordance with Town Ordinance §33A.130 disposal of surplus or obsolete property.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to pass said resolution.
17. Application of The Newport Parents Advocacy for a BINGO License to be held at the Knights of Columbus, 7 Valley Road on October 25, 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said license.
18. Application for Special Event Permit from Newport Film for an evening documentary screening at Sweetberry Farm, 915 Mitchell’s Lane, Middletown to be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, beginning at 6:00 pm until 9:30 pm. (Rain date Saturday, September 26, 2026)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to grant said Special Event Permit.
19. Communication of Peter and Ann Randall, re: Speed Bumps on Berkeley Avenue. (Council action to refer to the Town Administrator)
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to receive said communication and refer to the Town Administrator.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown noted that Council action is to send to the Town Administrator to forward to the Department of Public Works, Middletown Police Department and the Town Engineer for review. Mr. Brown explained the request should be back before the Town Council in about two months.
A vote was taken.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication and refer to the Town Administrator.
20. At the request of Council President Rodrigues, re: Email communication of Regan McEnroe request for support – Alzheimer’s Association.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve and authorize an amount after discussion for support of the Alzheimer’s Association to be appropriated from the Council Presidents Discretionary Fund.
Regan McEnroe reviewed the following:
A vote was taken
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to approve and authorize $1,289.00, for support of the Alzheimer’s Association to be appropriated from the Council Presidents Discretionary Fund.
21. Memorandum of Finance Director, thru Town Administrator, re: Resolution from Bond Counsel to Authorize the Town to Finance DPW Vehicles & Equipment and Fire Department Ambulance.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the memorandum above.
22. Resolution of the Council, re: AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT FOR USE BY THE TOWN AND THE FINANCING THEREOF THROUGH ONE OR MORE EQUIPMENT LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF SAID EQUIPMENT LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS AND DETERMINING OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH – DPW Vehicles & Equipment and Fire Department Ambulance.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, to pass said resolution.
Chris Rowe, Middletown, addressed the Council inquiring if this was new spending on top of what was already approved. Mr. Rowe noted that the Finance Director has answered his question.
Terri Flynn, Middletown, addressed the Council noting that the resolution does not include the Department of Public Works equipment.
Vice President Welch, amended the motion to include the public works vehicles and equipment, which was duly seconded.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to include public works vehicles and equipment within the resolution and pass, said resolution, as amended.
23. Memorandum of Finance Director, re: Financial Report – Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2026.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said memorandum and report.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the following slides.
24. Communication of Accounting Manager, re:FY2026 Quarterly Tax Collector’s Report as of 06/30/2026- Town of Middletown.
Council President Rodrigues noted that he would like the Town’s Auditor to come to give a presentation.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication and report.
Finance Director Marc Tanguay reviewed the above communication.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 8:11 p.m.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk
Supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri