The #MiddletownRI Town Council covered 72 items during its first business meeting Monday night. In addition to naming Jason Ryan as Police Chief, a new shared facilities director was appointed among other news moving the community forward into 2025.
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday night, Dec. 16, 2024.
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road.
Absent: None.
Of Note:
- Appointed Ed Collins as Shared Facilities Director. A new position for Middletown, Collins will be responsible for overseeing all town and school buildings to provide better continuity and avoid a duplication of services, a job even more critical with the upcoming construction of a new middle-high school in the spring. Collins worked as Middletown school facilities director in September 2005-November 2014 before leaving for another opportunity.
- Approved a resolution to seek enabling legislation from the General Assembly aimed at giving homeowners a break on their taxes if they rent their properties on a long-term basis. Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan said the move was the first step in the process that also requires council approval. The council also received a proposal from the Middletown Economic Development Advisory Committee to help those who rent long term as well through Vice Chair Valarie Gelb.
- Heard a plan from Councilor Chris Logan to place Automated External Defibrillator (AED) boxes at various town properties, similar to a move recently at the Gaudet field complex on Turner Road. Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said he will report back on the item at the council’s next meeting. Logan said the AEDs would help save lives and cost about $2,500 apiece to install.
- Updated the town’s use of American Rescue Plan Act money, with about $322,000 set aside to redo the playgrounds at Howland and Linden parks. Town officials said both existing playgrounds were in sad shape and needed to be improved and using remaining ARPA money was the quickest way to accomplish that goal.
- Will consider revisions to the council’s rules and appointments to boards and committees at the group’s next session on Jan. 6.
- Named John Mello Jr. as the new town engineer.
Next Regular Meeting: Monday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/MMM121624
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