It was busy Tuesday night for the #MiddletownRI Town Council, with appointments to several local boards and commissions, a preview of a workshop about proposed designs for Easton's Pond and more.
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Tuesday night, Feb. 17, 2026
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road
Absent: None
Of Note:
- Appointed Arthur S. Weber and Matthew Skirzenski to the town’s Planning Board.
- Named Tom Kowalczyk to the Middletown Economic Development Advisory Committee.
- Selected Marc S. Thayer for the Middletown Tax Exploration Committee.
- Heard from Conservation Chairwoman Melissa Welsh about the importance of attending a workshop tonight at 6 in Town Hall sponsored by University of Rhode Island students about planning the future of Easton’s Pond in the lower Aquidneck Avenue area.
- Supported a request from the Middletown Athletic Boosters to commit $3,000 to the 2026 Middletown High School Senior Athletic Recognition Event.
- Unanimously approved a resolution supporting the continued operation of the birthing center at Newport Hospital through House Bill H7272. “I think it’s important we keep the birthing center going on the island,” council President Paul M. Rodrigues said. “It’s a health and safety situation.”
- Unanimously approved a resolution supporting House Bill H7071 that prohibits the sale of invasive plants. Melissa Welch and Tree Commission member Karen Barbera said nonnative plants like Japanese knotweed can be extremely destructive and Rhode Island is one of five states in the country that don’t ban the sale of invasive species.
Next Meeting: Monday, March 2 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall
Document Link: https://mdl.town/MMM-21726
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.
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401-842-6543