The #MiddletownRI Town Council keeps the momentum going Monday night, opting to shelve discussion about term limits and a new parking system for Second and Third beaches while awarding beach food, beverage and concession contracts and more.
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday night, March 16, 2026
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road
Absent: Peter Connerton
Of Note:
- Voted 3-3 to keep discussing the concept of term limits for council members, with Councilors Chris Logan, Charlie Roberts and Dennis Turano in favor and President Paul M. Rodrigues, Thomas Welch III and Councilor Barbara VonVillas against, meaning the issue is off the table — for now. Turano has been asking for term limits be put before voters on Election Day Nov. 3, saying they could help inject life into local politics. In response, Rodrigues and Welch said term limits were already in place at the voting booth every two years. Visit https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23183/Turano-Term-Limits to view Turano’s presentation.
- Awarded the food, beverage and concessions contract for Second Beach to Fire & Water Concession, Inc., the current vendor at the Sachuest Point Road summertime hotspot. For more, visit https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23184/Beach-Contract online.
- Voted unanimously against implementing a new automated parking system this summer at Second and Third beaches, saying the program was more than the community needed at this time.
- Postponed a discussion with the Planning Board about community priorities until a special May 7 meeting at 6 pm in Town Hall.
- Received a presentation from Don Morin — chairperson of the town’s Tax Exploration Committee — about unintended consequences of the town’s tax policies on some short-term rental owners. Council leaders said they wanted to see the item broached again at the group’s next regular meeting on April 6. To view the presentation, go to https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23182/Tax-Exploration-Presentation-31626 online.
- Appointed Michael Fenton to the town’s Conservation Commission.
Next Regular Meeting: April 6 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall
Document Link: https://mdl.town/MMM-31626
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