Middletown public meetings in 2020
27 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Meeting
The Middletown Town Council held a special meeting by teleconference on December 17, 2020. The sole substantive item was an executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding the Building Official, followed by a unanimous vote to ratify the salary and appointment for that position as recommended by the Town Administrator. The executive session minutes were sealed, and the meeting adjourned shortly after.
- Executive session on personnel (Building Official)
- Unanimous vote to ratify Building Official salary and appointment
- Executive session minutes sealed per RIGL 42-46-7
Special Meeting
The Middletown Town Council held a special meeting on December 14, 2020, primarily to discuss a Planning Board presentation on full-build traffic and environmental impacts, which included potential zoning changes. The Council voted to authorize the Planning Board to lead the project and report back in 90 days. The Council also handled routine consent items, including approving minutes, receiving communications, and granting licenses.
- Authorized Planning Board to champion zoning change and traffic study, report in 90 days
- Appointed Robert Hanley as Interim DPW Director
- Appointed Vincent Regasta Jr. as bargain successor negotiator for NEARI contract
- Approved zoning change petition for 438 East Main Road for housing including low-income units
- Granted new victualling house license to Plant City X at 619 West Main Road
Special Meeting
This was the inaugural special meeting of the newly elected Middletown Town Council, held by telephone conference. The council was sworn in, elected Robert J. Sylvia as Council President and Paul M. Rodrigues as Vice President, and unanimously appointed Peter B. Regan as Town Solicitor along with several assistant solicitors and judges. The meeting also included a speech by the new president outlining priorities such as redevelopment, affordable housing, and a revised short-term rental ordinance.
- Robert J. Sylvia elected Council President (4-3 vote)
- Paul M. Rodrigues elected Council Vice President (unanimous)
- Peter B. Regan appointed Town Solicitor (unanimous)
- Anthony Pesare appointed Assistant Town Solicitor for Prosecution (unanimous)
- Francis S. Holbrook, II appointed Municipal Court Judge (unanimous)
Special Meeting
The Middletown Town Council Elect held a special meeting to unofficially discuss and vote on leadership positions and appointments. All votes were non-binding, with binding votes to occur at the inauguration on December 7, 2020. The council elected Robert J. Sylvia as Council President and Paul M. Rodrigues as Council Vice President, and appointed several town officials including the Town Solicitor, Assistant Town Solicitors, Probate Judges, and Municipal Court Judges.
- Elected Robert J. Sylvia as Council President (4-3 vote)
- Elected Paul M. Rodrigues as Council Vice President (unanimous)
- Appointed Peter B. Regan as Town Solicitor (6-1 vote)
- Appointed Richard Sayer, Adam Thayer, and Christopher McNally as Assistant Town Solicitors (unanimous)
- Appointed Francis S. Holbrook, II as Municipal Court Judge (6-1 vote)
Special Zoning Board Meeting
The Middletown Planning Board of Appeals is holding a special meeting to consider an appeal by Eugene Goldstein of the Planning Board's October 2019 denial of a proposed 8-lot major subdivision on Prospect Avenue. The appeal has been continued multiple times since December 2019. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19 executive orders.
- Appeal of Eugene Goldstein of denied 8-lot major subdivision on Prospect Avenue
- Property located 0.3 miles east of Prospect and Aquidneck Avenue intersection, lot 66A on plat 121NW
- Appeal continued from 12/17/2019, 3/24/2020, 6/23/2020, 8/25/2020, 9/22/2020, 11/10/2020
- Meeting held via Zoom webinar per Executive Order 20-46
Zoning Board Meeting
The Middletown Zoning Board of Review will hold a remote meeting to consider a lengthy agenda of continued petitions, including several hotel projects, a solar array, and residential variances. The board will also adopt minutes and the 2021 meeting calendar. Most items are continuations of previously heard cases, with a few new full hearings.
- Atlantic Beach Suites II: special use permit for 23-unit hotel at 42-44 & 56 Wave Avenue
- James L. Paradise: variance for six residential units at 170 Aquidneck Avenue
- Newport National Real Estate: variance for clubhouse at 425 Mitchell's Lane
- Cenz Corporation: variance and special use permit for solar array at 0 West Main Road
- Newport County Regional YMCA: special use permit for 11,406 sq ft addition at 792 Valley Road
Special Meeting
The Town Council held a special meeting to consider extending the local state of emergency declared under Executive Order 2020-16. The council voted unanimously to extend the emergency through December 14, 2020, then adjourned. The meeting was conducted by teleconference due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Voted to extend the State of Emergency in Middletown through December 14, 2020
Zoning Board Meeting
The Middletown Zoning Board of Review will hold a remote meeting to consider several variance and special use permit requests, including multiple items continued from prior meetings. The board will hear requests for a hotel, a solar array, a YMCA expansion, and several residential variances, among others.
- 18-room hotel at 59 Aquidneck Ave with restaurant, parking, and buffer variances
- Ground-mounted solar system at 0 West Main Road with screening variances
- 11,406 sq ft YMCA addition at 792 Valley Road exceeding size limit
- Six residential units at 170 Aquidneck Ave requiring density and setback variances
- Clubhouse at 425 Mitchell's Lane exceeding height and footprint limits
Zoning Board Meeting
The Middletown Zoning Board of Review rescheduled its October 27 meeting to November 10, 2020, to be held via webinar due to Executive Order 20-46. The agenda includes continued petitions for a hotel at 59 Aquidneck Avenue, a solar system at 0 West Main Road, and a YMCA expansion at 792 Valley Road. New summary and full hearings cover residential variances and a mixed-use building at 819 Aquidneck Avenue.
- Variance and Special Use Permit for an 18-room hotel at 59 Aquidneck Avenue (Lot 169, Plat 115SE)
- Variance and Special Use Permit for a ground-mounted solar system at 0 West Main Road (Lot 9A, Plat 111)
- Special Use Permit for an 11,406 sq ft addition to the Newport County Regional YMCA at 792 Valley Road
- Variance for six two-bedroom residential units at 170 Aquidneck Avenue (Lots 145-147, Plat 115SE)
- Special Use Permit for a mixed residential/commercial building and art studio at 819 Aquidneck Avenue (Lot 129, Plat 114)
Regular Meeting
The Middletown Town Council held a regular meeting, voting on licenses, appropriations, and ordinances. They granted a Class C liquor license to Breakwaters Cigar & Whiskey Lounge with expanded hours, but rejected a special event permit for the Aquidneck 10K road race. The council also approved several FY21 civic appropriations and adopted a fee schedule amendment for firearm purchase applications.
- Granted Class C liquor license to Breakwaters Cigar & Whiskey Lounge, 769 Aquidneck Avenue, with expanded hours to close at 1:00 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and nights before legal holidays (Councillor Flynn voted no).
- Rejected special event permit for Aquidneck 10K road race at Second Beach on November 15, 2020; motion failed.
- Approved FY21 civic appropriations including $29,255 to Newport County Mental Health, $10,000 to Lucy's Hearth, $7,500 to Norman Bird Sanctuary (amended to $7,000), and others.
- Adopted ordinance on second reading amending fee schedule for Firearm Purchase Application Fee (Police Department).
- Approved special event permits for Newport Film Drive-In at Norman Bird Sanctuary and outdoor yoga at Paradise Valley Park.
Zoning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review will hold a virtual meeting to consider 18 petitions for variances and special use permits. Several items, including an 18-room hotel at 59 Aquidneck Avenue and a solar array on West Main Road, have been continued from previous meetings. The agenda also includes a Planning Board of Appeals case regarding an 8-lot subdivision near Prospect Avenue.
- Variance for 18-room hotel and elevated parking at 59 Aquidneck Avenue (continued since 2017)
- Special Use Permit for ground-mounted solar system at 0 West Main Road
- Appeal of denial for 8-lot major subdivision near Prospect Avenue
- Variance for six residential units at 170 Aquidneck Avenue
- Special Use Permit for drive-thru restaurant window at 619 West Main Road
Regular Meeting
The Middletown Town Council adopted an ordinance amending Development Impact Fees and forwarded a zoning change petition for 438 East Main Road to the Planning Board. The body also authorized several FY21 civic appropriations, including $18,000 to the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission, and received applications for liquor and victualling licenses. The meeting was held via teleconference due to the state's emergency response to COVID-19.
- Adopted Ordinance amending Town Code Title XV, Chapter 150 Development Impact Fees on second reading
- Forwarded zoning change petition for 438 East Main Road (housing units including low income) to Planning Board
- Authorized $18,000 FY21 Civic Appropriation to Aquidneck Island Planning Commission
- Authorized $1,700 for two bicycle repair stations at Middletown Library and Gaudet School
- Received application for Class C Liquor License for Breakwaters Cigar & Whiskey Lounge, LLC at 769 Aquidneck Avenue
Regular Meeting
The Middletown Town Council authorized the Town Administrator to execute a Memorandum of Agreement for the Maidford River Restoration Project, noting there is no cost to the Town. The Council also adopted amended rules regarding voting requirements and the review of executive session notes, with two members voting against the adoption. Several license applications for Rock Lobster 69, LLC were continued to a future meeting at the request of the applicant's attorney.
- Authorized MOA for Maidford River Restoration Project with no cost to the Town
- Adopted Council Rules amendments regarding voting and executive session note review
- Continued Rock Lobster 69, LLC liquor and other license applications to September 21, 2020
- Granted license renewals for Island Cinemas and Charming Nail & Spa
- Received notification regarding expedited excavation and disposal response on Mitchell's Lane and Wapping Road
Zoning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review holds a virtual meeting to vote on five continued petitions and eight new full hearings. Key decisions include a ground-mounted solar system at 0 West Main Road and the conversion of a commercial building into six residential units at 170 Aquidneck Avenue. The agenda also covers variances for home additions, pools, and signage at various local addresses.
- Variance and Special Use Permit for six residential units at 170 Aquidneck Avenue
- Variance and Special Use Permit for ground-mounted solar system at 0 West Main Road
- Variance for clubhouse with 40-foot clocktower at 425 Mitchell’s Lane
- Special Use Permit for indoor storage of contractor vehicles at 595 Aquidneck Avenue
- Variance for second-floor addition and deck at 86 Tuckerman Avenue
Regular Meeting
The Middletown Town Council voted unanimously to authorize the Town Administrator to execute a department consolidation study, effective immediately. They also agreed to move forward with the B1 scheme for senior housing at the Berkeley-Peckham School, including a market study. The council denied several license requests for Rock Lobster, including a liquor license for outside service, and approved a special event permit for July 4th fireworks at Peabody's Beach with conditions.
- Authorized department consolidation as presented, effective immediately
- Approved moving forward with B1 scheme for senior housing at Berkeley-Peckham School, including market study
- Denied Rock Lobster's Class BV liquor license for outside service (motion failed 2-5)
- Denied Rock Lobster's victualling house and amusement licenses (motions failed unanimously)
- Approved July 4th fireworks special event permit at Peabody's Beach with conditions, including 10 p.m. curfew
Planning Board Meeting
The Middletown Planning Board held a virtual meeting to review subdivision applications and commercial development requests. The board approved a development plan for an auto dealership expansion at 1235 West Main Rd. and granted a waiver for a parking lot expansion at the Polo Center at 710 Aquidneck Ave. Two other public hearings were continued to July 8, 2020, and the board found the town's CDBG application consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
- Approved Development Plan Review for MDR Realty II, LLC to expand a commercial building for an auto dealership at 1235 West Main Rd.
- Granted waiver for David G. Bazarsky to expand a parking lot at 710 Aquidneck Ave. (Polo Center) with a condition to remove the northern sidewalk and install a planting strip.
- Continued public hearing for Jack Gullison's 18-room hotel and restaurant project at 59 Aquidneck Ave. to July 8, 2020.
- Continued public hearing for James Paradise's waiver request at 170 Aquidneck Ave. to July 8, 2020.
- Found the Town’s proposed PY2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application consistent with the Middletown Comprehensive Community Plan.
Regular Meeting
The Middletown Town Council voted down a proposed ordinance regulating mobile food trucks, with five members opposing the measure. The council unanimously approved a $5 million Community Development Block Grant application and a resolution supporting the Scenic Third Beach utility burial project. Additionally, the council granted temporary alcohol service expansions to seven local businesses and received a plan for reopening beaches and campgrounds under COVID-19 guidelines.
- Ordinance amending Town Code Title XI, Chapter 113 (Food Service) failed to pass on second reading (2-5 vote).
- Public hearing held for PY2019 Small Cities CDBG application for $5 million in state funding.
- Resolution passed to support the Scenic Third Beach Project, a multi-million dollar utility burial effort.
- Temporary expansion of outside alcohol service granted to seven businesses, including Misson LLC and Aquidneck Restaurant & Pizzeria.
- Special Event Permits granted for Newport County YMCA Summer Camp and Rhode Races Marathon Road Race.
Special Meeting
The Town Council held a special meeting via teleconference to address pandemic-related financial impacts and pending ordinances. The body voted to reduce the FY2020 budget by $597,000 due to revenue losses from traffic violations, hotel taxes, and meal taxes. Additionally, the Council scheduled a budget meeting for Saturday, June 27, 2020, and continued the homestead exemption ordinance for further public review.
- FY2020 budget reduced by $597,000 due to COVID-19 revenue impacts
- Budget meeting scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2020, at 9:00 a.m.
- Homestead Exemption Ordinance continued to June 15, 2020, for in-person public hearing
- Food Service Ordinance (Chapter 113) received first reading, limiting mobile food licenses to beaches and special events
- Bond issue for athletic fields set to close in early June at 2.1% interest for 10 years
Regular Meeting
The Middletown Town Council met via teleconference on May 18, 2020, to act as a Board of License Commission and approve routine consent items. The council voted to receive a new Class BV Liquor License application for Rock Lobster, LLC, scheduling a public hearing for June 1, 2020. Several budget and bond-related items were deferred to a future docket, while the council passed resolutions supporting state legislation on PFAS and airport zoning.
- Received application for Class BV Liquor License for Rock Lobster, LLC at 59 Aquidneck Avenue, including outside service requests
- Approved renewal of Amusement License for HPK, Inc. dba Tickets at 15 Aquidneck Avenue
- Approved renewal of Firearms Dealers License for A&M Acquisitions, LLC dba A&M Tactical at 10 Coddington Highway
- Passed resolution supporting state bills H-7307 and S-2068 regarding PFAS in food packaging and drinking water
- Passed resolution opposing state bills S-2547 and H-7900 relating to airport zoning
Regular Meeting
The Middletown Town Council met by teleconference and unanimously approved minutes, renewed amusement, holiday sales, and Sunday selling licenses for 2020-2021, and received a communication and passed a resolution on tax cancellations for certain residents. The council also continued a public hearing on Comprehensive Community Plan amendments to June 15, 2020, and approved Executive Order 2020-06 extending the local state of emergency through May 22, 2020.
- Renewed amusement licenses for 7 establishments, including Newport Vineyards (909 East Main Road) and The Pub at Two Mile Corner (10 Maple Avenue).
- Renewed holiday sales licenses for 45 businesses, including Home Depot (862 West Main Road) and Stop & Shop (1360 West Main Road).
- Renewed Sunday selling licenses for 4 package stores, including Gold's Wine and Spirits (1374 West Main Road).
- Passed resolution for cancellation of taxes for certain Middletown residents.
- Continued public hearing on Comprehensive Community Plan amendments to June 15, 2020.
Special Meeting
The Middletown Town Council held a special teleconference meeting on March 23, 2020, with the sole item being a vote to continue the town's declared state of emergency (Executive Order 2020-01) through April 22, 2020. The council voted unanimously to approve the extension, which the town solicitor said was requested by the governor's office for all Rhode Island communities. The meeting was conducted by phone due to COVID-19 restrictions on the Open Meetings Act.
- Unanimous vote to continue Executive Order 2020-01 (Declaration of State of Emergency) through April 22, 2020
- Meeting held by teleconference per Governor Raimondo's Executive Order 20-05
- Public access via toll-free call or Zoom (Meeting ID: 607 049 762)
Regular Meeting w/ Emergency Addendum
The Town Council declared a state of emergency to manage the spread of COVID-19, closing municipal buildings and cancelling board meetings. The council also ratified a four-year collective bargaining agreement with the IAFF Fire Department union, which includes staffing increases and cost-of-living adjustments. All other agenda items, including zoning amendments and tax resolutions, were continued to the April 6, 2020 meeting.
- Declaration of State of Emergency effective March 16, 2020, closing Town Hall, Police, Fire, Public Works, Library, and Senior Center to public access.
- Ratification of IAFF Fire Department contract for July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023, with cost-of-living increases of 0%, 2%, 1%, and 1% over four years.
- Continuation of all regular agenda items (2-36) to the April 6, 2020 meeting, including the Comprehensive Community Plan amendment and Homestead Exemption ordinance.
- Resolution to memorialize the General Assembly to authorize up to $5,000,000 in General Obligation Bonds for open space and recreational areas.
- Resolution in opposition to S-2547 and H-7900 regarding Airport Zoning.
Meeting
The Middletown School Committee is meeting for a budget workshop on the proposed FY21 budget, with an action item on the agenda. The committee will also discuss the Tennis/Basketball Court Project. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Michael S. Pinto Conference Room.
- Proposed FY21 Budget discussion
- Action item on the agenda
- Tennis/Basketball Court Project discussion
Regular Meeting
The Middletown Town Council voted to amend its rules, including a 10:30 p.m. adjournment deadline and new public forum sign-up procedures. It also received a proposed mobile food establishment ordinance, approved a change order for athletic fields at the former drive-in, and discussed a proposed seasonal floating pier at Third Beach. The council also authorized settlements in litigation and an RFP for a lease during executive session.
- Amended Council Rules: added 10:30 p.m. adjournment, changed public forum sign-up to in-person 30 minutes prior, and clarified Council President/Vice President election by Council elect.
- Received memorandum on proposed Mobile Food Establishment Ordinance; first reading of the ordinance failed (3-3 vote).
- Approved change order for Athletic Fields at Former Drive-In (MIDD 020-003).
- Discussed proposed seasonal floating pier at Third Beach; public hearing to be scheduled.
- Authorized settlement of litigation (Constantine v. Durgin) and potential litigation, application for federal SAFER grant, and RFP for lease (East Main Road) in executive session.
Regular Meeting
The Middletown Town Council adopted a comprehensive ordinance amending multiple chapters of the Town Code, including business regulations and municipal court rules. The body also approved amendments to subdivision and development regulations regarding application review timeframes, while rejecting changes to street pavement widths. Additionally, the Council granted several new business licenses and special event permits.
- Adopted Ordinance amending Town Code Chapters 91A, 93, 111, 113, 115, 116, and 117 on second reading
- Approved amendments to Subdivision Regulations Sections 405, 406, and 407 regarding application review timeframes
- Rejected amendments to Subdivision Regulations Sections 504 and 603 regarding street pavement width and dead-end streets
- Approved amendments to Subdivision Regulation Section 521.1.E requiring litter management and bicycle racks on commercial properties
- Granted Victualling House License to Pizza Hollywood at 796 Aquidneck Avenue and LE BEC SUCRE at 696 Aquidneck Avenue
Regular Meeting
The Town Council ratified the appointment of Robert McCall as Interim Fire Chief and adopted a new ordinance adding rules for parking commercial vehicles and RVs. The body also approved a lease extension for the Newport Community School at JFK School through August 2021 and passed resolutions for natural gas procurement and a statistical tax revaluation. A first reading was held for a broad ordinance decriminalizing various Town Code violations to limit liability for attorney fees.
- Adopted Ordinance (Second Reading) adding Section 72.11 to General Parking Rules for Commercial Vehicles and RVs.
- Ratified appointment of Fire Marshal Robert McCall as Interim Fire Chief.
- Approved lease extension for Newport Community School at JFK School through August 2021.
- Passed resolution awarding contract for Statistical Revaluation of Taxable & Exempt Real Property.
- Passed resolution awarding contract for Natural Gas Procurement.
Regular Meeting
The Middletown Town Council approved the Police Chief’s Memorandum of Understanding and the Memorandum of Agreement with the FOP Union during an executive session. In open session, the Council granted a special event permit for the Newport Triathlon and adopted an ordinance amending the police vin check fee schedule. The body also received a first reading of an ordinance regulating overnight parking of commercial vehicles and RVs.
- Approved Police Chief’s Memorandum of Understanding and FOP Union Memorandum of Agreement
- Granted Special Event Permit for Newport Triathlon on September 13, 2020
- Adopted ordinance amending Title III, Chapter 36, Section (F)(6) regarding Police Department vin check fees
- Received first reading of ordinance adding Section 72.11 for parking of Commercial Vehicles and RVs
- Approved FY2021 Budget Meeting Schedule