From saying goodbye to a beloved #MiddletownRI resident to asking the state to ease up on new taxes on parking at Second and Third beaches, the Town Council was busy Tuesday night. Check out Meeting Matters for more about what's happening in our town.
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Tuesday night, Jan. 20, 2026
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road
Absent: None
Of Note:
- Held a moment of silence for Jake Cathers, a local resident who passed away recently after a battle with cancer. Councilor Charlie Roberts said Cathers was widely involved in the community from the unified sports program, coaching softball and girls tennis, the Middletown Prevention Coalition and more. The council also approved making a $5,000 donation to the James Jackson Cathers Supplemental Needs Trust to assist Cathers’ oldest son.
- Asked the state’s legislative delegation to introduce legislation that would exempt Second and Third beaches from the state tax on short-term parking services. Council members said due to recently approved changes by the General Assembly, the town would be losing important revenues generated by both beaches.
- Got a briefing from George Krol of the Middletown 250 Commission about activities planned and discussed to celebrate America’s upcoming birthday. Krol said a variety of events were on tap from community concerts, speakers, a scavenger hunt as well as a Second Beach fireworks show being discussed potentially in early July. Council leaders thanked the group for its work and said they looked forward to hearing more as the schedule firmed up.
- Approved a waiver from the town’s noise ordinances to allow the pouring of concrete for the Middletown Middle High School outside the hours of 7 am-9 pm through July 21. Project officials said there were 16 separate pours planned, with two taking place last week that were well inside the allowable sound limits.
- Okayed a new scoring worksheet to grade properties from the town’s Open Space & Fields Committee. Committee Chairperson Nicholas Coogan said the goal was to update how available parcels were judged and streamline the process.
- Continued discussion to March 2 about a proposed ordinance change requiring horses to wear waste bags while walking on town streets, parks and related areas.
Next Meeting: Monday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/MMM-12026
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