Robert McCall is named interim Fire Chief for #MiddletownRI and a proposal to reimplement a second beach parking sticker for free for residents "dies on the vine." That and more action from Monday's marathon Town Council meeting here.
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MINUTES
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday night
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road
Absent: Chris Logan
Of note:
- Named Robert McCall as interim fire chief with the pending departure of Chief James Peplau. McCall has held the role previously and is well regarded by his peers and the rest of the community as a leader for the department.
- Held a moment of silence for David Eddes, a retired detective corporal with the Middletown Police. Speaking about Eddes, council President Paul Rodrigues said he always had a joke at the ready and was a good friend, family man and believer in Middletown and he would be sorely missed.
- Let a proposal to add a second beach sticker for free for residents “die on the vine” from Rodrigues and Councilor Barbara VonVillas after a majority of the council didn’t support the idea. The move supported the findings of the volunteer Beach Commission, which said the concept could cost the town too much money and adversely impact the positive parking experience of locals at Second and Third beaches.
- Held a public hearing about proposed amendments to the town’s existing short-term rental ordinances, where a variety of opinions were aired. To view the recommended changes, visit https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16433/STR-1 online. The next hearing is slated for Oct. 21.
- A proposal addressing STR registrations was withdrawn by the council in the wake of the potential impacts of a court decision on such properties in Narragansett. To view that proposal, go to https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16435/STR-2 online.
- Town Solicitor Peter Regan said a proposal from Rodrigues and Logan to bill those who rent properties year round at the residential tax rate needed ordinance support from the council and enabling legislation from General Assembly, something endorsed by the entire council. To view that proposal, go to https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16436/Long-Term online.
- Continued a briefing about the Career & Technical Education program at the Middletown school system until the council’s next regular meeting on Oct. 21. Superintendent Billy Niemeyer is expected to lead that conversation with the council.
Next Meeting: Monday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/MMM-10724
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Matt Sheley
Public Affairs Officer
401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.com