In the shortest meeting on recent record, the Town Council covered a lot of ground, including updates on tax bills, pickleball courts, affordable housing and other items. #MiddletownRI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday night.
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road.
Absent: Dennis Turano.
Of note:
- Heard a report from Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown that there are 12 appeals of town tax bills, a low number compared to prior years. Those wishing to file appeals with the town are asked to contact the Tax Assessor’s office non-holiday weekdays from 8 am-4 pm or visit https://mdl.town/TaxAppeals. The deadline to file appeals is Dec. 12.
- Learned the bids to build new pickleball courts at Linden Park were not “favorable” for the town and work would need to be done to determine how best to move forward. Previously, the council committed to building four new courts at the front of the park at 141 West Main Road for the popular, growing sport.
- Got word that six architects submitted proposals to design a new middle-high school and combined elementary school part of plans to regionalize schools with the City of Newport. Brown said the School Building Committee would be making a recommendation on which firm to go with at an upcoming meeting.
- Were informed work continues to progress with plans for new affordable housing on the Peckham School and Oliphant School sites, with additional information likely available within the next month or two.
- Approved a $5,000 allocation to Community Blessings Foundation to assist the nonprofit group meet its transportation needs for its clients.
- Referred a request from council President Paul M. Rodrigues and Councilwoman Terri Flynn to the Planning Board to review a proposal for inclusionary zoning.
- Okayed the purchase of a John Deere tractor mower to assist with the removal of snow and ice from area sidewalks during the winter season. Public works Director Robert Hanley said the equipment would assist the staff throughout the year and was needed to update the department’s fleet. “It’s certainly a worthwhile purchase, especially safety wise,” Rodrigues said.
Next meeting: Monday, Oct. 17, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall.