The Town Council handled a number of items at its meeting Tuesday night from Town Hall. #MiddletownRI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Tuesday night.
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road.
Absent: None.
Of note:
- Received an update that a project to add new pickleball courts to Linden Park at 141 West Main Road was currently out to bid by the Town. Town officials have said the goal was to start work on the new courts in the spring.
- Learned a question will be on the Nov. 8 ballot giving voters the choice to decide whether “marijuana commerce” will be allowed in Middletown. Town Administrator Shawn J. Brian said the way the item was put forward by the General Assembly, either all “marijuana commerce” would be allowed in town or none at all, something that would be up to the voters to decide on Election Day.
- Got a report from School Committee Chairwoman Theresa Spengler about the school’s continuing projected deficit, which now stands at about $2 million. Spengler cited continued “underfunding” by the council and higher costs for some items like transportation, out-of-district tuition and $215,000 in previously unknown health and medical liabilities dating back to 2017 as reasons for the rising deficit.
- Heard compliments from council President Paul M. Rodrigues about the Middletown Monday Night Concert Series, specifically the final night on Aug. 29 featuring The Ravers, fireworks and food trucks. Saying what he saw was “awesome” and featured a “good community environment,” Rodrigues complimented town staff for their hard work creating an outstanding signature event in Middletown.
- Held the first public hearing on proposed amendments to the town’s comprehensive plan to demonstrate the community’s multi-prong efforts to address affordable housing across the town. The second public hearing on the language was expected to before the council on Sept. 19.
- Conducted the first public hearing on tweaks to the town’s off-street parking rules, intended to make the regulations clearer, easier to understand and work with down the line. The second public hearing on the item was expected to before the council on Sept. 19.
- Voted unanimously to surplus two 2013 Dodge Chargers at the end of their useful life from the Police Department.
Next Meeting: Monday, Sept. 19, 2022 at 6 p.m. in Town Hall.