The Town Council meets tonight for a moment of silence for the loss of a council member's father, to swear in a new fire chief and other matters of local interest.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 712-2221 or msheley@middletownri.com
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
Middletown Town Council
When: Monday night.
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road.
Absent: Vice President Thomas P. Welch III.
Of note, the council:
- Held a moment of silence for Thomas P. “Tucker” Welch, Jr., who passed away over the weekend. Welch is the father of council vice president Welch. Council President Paul M. Rodrigues said the loss was a significant one for the Town and Welch worked hard to make Middletown the best community it could be after moving from the Fifth Ward in Newport.
- Swore new Fire Chief James Peplau into his new role with the community. Before an audience filled with family, friends as well as firefighters and chiefs from across the region, Peplau said the appointment was a “dream come true” and one he would work hard to carry on the proud tradition of Middletown Fire. Rodrigues thanked Interim Fire Chiefs Robert McCall and Kevin Partridge for their work on the Town’s behalf, helping lead Middletown Fire while a new chief was hired.
- Received a report from Steve Cabral of Crossman Engineering about several potential studies about future development across the community. The council received the information and asked for a report from town staff on recommendations for how best to move forward down the line.
- Expressed a desire to get commercial truck traffic off Chase’s Lane, a proposal Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan said he would put together a draft ordinance for an upcoming meeting. Council members said they were concerned about the size and impact of the commercial traffic on the residential neighborhood. “It’s not an anti- business move,” Rodrigues said. “It’s a safety move. It’s a commonsense move.”
Next meeting: Monday, August 16 at 6 p.m. in Town Hall.
