The #MiddletownRI Town Council reminds everyone of "National Small Business Week" from May 4-10 and other matters Monday night during a busy meeting in Town Hall.
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday night, April 21, 2025
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road
Absent: None
Of Note:
- Unanimously approved a resolution proclaiming May 4-10 as National Small Business Week at the request of council President Paul M. Rodrigues. Noting more than 99 percent of all private sector employees and close to two thirds of new jobs in America are from small businesses, Rodrigues encouraged everyone to support small businesses in the community. “Small businesses make up the backbone of every small community,” Rodrigues said.
- Named Downes Construction as the owner project manager to renovate the town’s building at 110 Enterprise Center. Finance Director Marc Tanguay said five proposals were submitted for the project and Downes scored the highest in the town’s review process. Rodrigues — a member of the Library Building Committee — said he was impressed with Downes Construction’s presentation and the fact they specialized in library renovations. Local officials said Downes Construction would help the town get the maximum reimbursement possible from the state for the entire project.
- Heard for the second straight meeting from the Middletown Economic Development Advisory Committee (MEDAC) about the need to bury utility lines in the lower Aquidneck Avenue area. MEDAC Chair Valerie Gelb encouraged the council put money into the Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) account to show support for the effort, which she said would help improve the look, feel, walkability and resiliency of the area. In response, Rodrigues said no decisions would be made Monday night and the issue would be discussed as part of the proposed Fiscal 2026 budget discussion starting Saturday.
- Held a moment of silence for the passing of lifelong local resident Joe Garcia. Rodrigues said Garcia was a combat medic in the Korean War and one of the original five men who formed the Middletown Fire Department, serving the community for 28 years. Following his lead, Rodrigues noted Garcia’s son Allan was a proud member of the Middletown Police and his granddaughter Olivia works as the town’s Animal Control Officer. “He was the ultimate gentleman,” Rodrigues said, noting Garcia never had a bad word about anyone.
Next Meeting: Saturday, April 26 at 8 am in Town Hall for a department-by-department review of the proposed Fiscal 2026 budget. The School Department portion of the discussion begins at 1 pm in the Town Council chambers.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/MMM-42125
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