Middletown public meetings in 2025
34 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
3:00pm Special Meeting
The Town Council voted to establish a Joint Academic Integration Advisory Committee (AIAC) with the City of Newport. The council also ratified two union contracts following an executive session.
- Passed resolution to form the Joint Academic Integration Advisory Committee (AIAC) with the City of Newport
- Ratified the Council 94 Custodian Union contract
- Ratified the NEARI/Library Union contract
Regular Meeting
At its regular meeting on Dec. 18, 2025, the Middletown School Committee will consider several consent agenda items such as vouchers, invoices, and a custodial contract. The committee will also vote on the first reading of Policy 6100 (Curriculum Management System) and the second and final reading of Energy Benchmarking and Performance Tracking Policy #9240. Additional items include approval of homeschool instruction requests and discussion of surplus facilities equipment.
- Approval of vouchers (Consent Agenda)
- Approval of custodial contract (Council 94) (Consent Agenda)
- First reading vote on Policy 6100 – Curriculum Management System (Action Item)
- Second and final reading vote on Energy Benchmarking and Performance Tracking Policy #9240 (Action Item)
- Approval of homeschool instruction requests: 25‑26‑50 (Consent Agenda)
Regular Meeting
At the December 15, 2025 regular meeting, the Middletown Town Council voted to approve the transfer of a Retailer’s Class BL Alcoholic Beverage License for 963 Aquidneck Avenue to 963 Aquidneck Opco, LLC. The council also approved an upgrade of that license from BL to a BV (full liquor) license, with Councilor Roberts voting no on the upgrade. The meeting included a joint session with the Economic Development Advisory Committee to discuss a proposed Atlantic Beach District street fair. A presentation by the City of Newport Department of Utilities covered regional utility planning and future projects.
- Transfer of Retailer’s Class BL Alcoholic Beverage License for 963 Aquidneck Avenue to 963 Aquidneck Opco, LLC – approved unanimously
- Upgrade of the same license from BL to BV Alcoholic Beverage License – approved with one dissenting vote (Councilor Roberts)
- Joint meeting with Economic Development Advisory Committee discussing Atlantic Beach District street fair, including road closures, parking, and funding options
- Presentation by City of Newport Department of Utilities on “Regional Utility Now and For The Future,” covering utility line checks, funding, and upcoming water projects
- Public forum where citizens addressed road treatment, regionalization, and a request to withdraw from the West Main Road Development agreement
Regular Meeting
The School Committee will elect officers and select subcommittees. Members will vote on several policy updates and a contract for Rhode Island Student Services. The meeting also includes a vote on the resignation of the Business Office Manager.
- Vote on Residency Requirements Policy
- Vote on Display of Materials/Flags on School Property
- Vote on Human Resource Manager Job Description
- Vote on contract for Rhode Island Student Services
- Vote on resignation of Business Office Manager Lucas Lussier
Special Meeting
The Middletown Town Council held a joint workshop with the Newport City Council to review Newport resolutions on administrative regionalization and an Academic Integration Advisory Committee. Council members discussed the proposed regionalization structure, timeline, and education endowment, and heard public comments. The councils unanimously agreed to reconvene on January 12, 2026 to continue the discussion.
- Review Newport City Council Resolution No. 2025-146 – “Administrative” Regionalization
- Review Newport City Council Resolution No. 2025-43 – Academic Integration Advisory Committee
- Discussion of regionalization timeline, endowment fund, and reimbursement rates
- Public input from Middletown and Newport residents on regionalization
- Agreement to schedule next joint meeting on January 12, 2026
Special Meeting - Site Visit
The Planning Board conducted a site visit to review two applications: a preliminary plan for a 2,687‑sq‑ft arcade at 40 Valley Road, and a master‑plan request for a 36‑unit affordable housing development on 351, 361, and 393 East Main Road. The board will not make decisions at this meeting, only gather information and ask questions of the applicants. The town hopes to obtain master‑plan approval for the affordable housing project, which would provide 36 units for households earning 80‑120% of the local median income.
- Application of Derek Savas for preliminary plan approval of a 2,687‑sq‑ft arcade at 40 Valley Road, requesting a special‑use permit and design waivers (sections 521.1.B.3, 521.1.E.2, 521.1.E.3, 521.2.B.1, 521.2.C).
- Waiver requests for the arcade: vinyl siding instead of wood shingles, faux windows, vegetative screening, and pedestrian access from Valley Road.
- Town of Middletown request for master‑plan approval of an affordable housing comprehensive permit for 36 units on 351, 361, and 393 East Main Road, including zoning adjustments under sections 602, 702, 1500‑1508.
- Parcels acquired through a Rhode Island Housing grant; existing buildings to be razed; mix of single‑family, duplex, and triplex units planned.
- Discussion of a possible gated secondary emergency access driveway to the nearby High School property.
Regular Meeting
The Town Council ratified the Teamsters Union Contract and held a promotional ceremony for fire department personnel. The body also scheduled a reconsideration of an ordinance regarding animal carcass and waste disposition for January 20, 2026.
- Ratification of the Teamsters Union Contract
- Reconsideration of Ordinance Title XI, Chapter 90.03 (Disposition of Carcasses and Waste) scheduled for Jan 20, 2026
- Promotions of Bill Homer (Battalion Chief), Nate McGillivray (Captain), and Conner Gunning (Lieutenant)
- Updates on New Middle High School, ES Complex, and Library building projects
- Review of Boulevard Project, Mitchell's Lane, Purgatory Sidewalks, and East Main Road to Wyatt Road paving
Zoning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review approved two special use petitions for signs at 310 West Main Road and 1942 West Main Road, and adopted its 2026 meeting calendar. The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 PM.
- Approved sign permit for 310 West Main Road (Petition ZBR-25-29)
- Approved sign permit for 1942 West Main Road (Petition ZBR-25-30)
- Adopted 2026 Zoning Board meeting calendar
- Cancelled December 23, 2025 meeting
- Approved October 28, 2025 meeting minutes
Regular Meeting
The Middletown School Committee will meet to vote on a custodial contract, a new energy policy, and revisions to student assessment and crisis intervention policies. The meeting will also include a public forum and reports on school accountability data.
- Vote on Custodial Contract (Council 94)
- First reading of Energy Benchmarking and Performance Tracking Policy #9240
- Vote to establish Official Middletown School Colors
- Review and minor modifications of Policies
- Approval of homeschool instruction requests
Regular Meeting
The council unanimously approved the tree‑relocation agreement and the guaranteed‑maximum‑price contracts for the new Middletown Middle‑High School and Valley Elementary School, authorizing the Town Administrator to execute the agreements. It also received several project communications from Justin Bernard of Colliers Project Leaders. Additionally, the council began discussion of the town’s legislative priorities for the 2026 General Assembly session. No motions were reconsidered.
- Approval of tree‑relocation agreement for the new Middletown Middle‑High School (funded by School Improvement Bond proceeds)
- Approval of the Guaranteed Maximum Price contract with Gilbane Building Company for the Middletown Middle‑High School construction project
- Approval of the Guaranteed Maximum Price contract with Bently Builders LLC for the Valley Elementary School construction project
- Receipt of communications from Justin Bernard regarding project proposals for the new Middle‑High School and Valley Elementary School
- Discussion of legislative concerns to be addressed at the 2026 Rhode Island General Assembly session
Planning Board Meeting
The Middletown Planning Board held a public hearing and approved a combined preliminary and final plan for CGRI Middletown, LLC’s 1,940‑sq‑ft bank project at 1400 West Main Road. The Board granted a loading‑space variance, three special‑use permits (alteration of the shopping center, a drive‑up teller window, and a 26‑foot sign), and the associated waivers from design standards. The Board also approved a modification to remove a gravel driveway in the Saltwood Farm Subdivision and opened a hearing on a waiver request for a golf‑cart storage structure at 425 Mitchell’s Lane.
- Approved loading‑space variance for 0 loading spaces where 1 is required at 1400 West Main Road
- Approved Special Use Permit to alter existing shopping center at 1400 West Main Road
- Approved Special Use Permit for a drive‑up teller window at 1400 West Main Road
- Approved Special Use Permit for a 26‑foot tall, 126 sq ft sign at 1400 West Main Road
- Approved modification to remove gravel driveway in Saltwood Farm Subdivision fronting Bailey Ave & Sachuest Drive
Building Committee Meeting
The Middletown Building Committee approved Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) amendments for the Elementary and Middle-High School construction projects, totaling $150.8 million. The committee also approved a tree relocation proposal and discussed the status of a state electric vehicle charging grant.
- Approved Elementary School GMP amendment: $14,965,985
- Approved Middle-High School GMP amendment: $135,821,840
- Approved North-Eastern Tree Service proposal: $8,900
- Discussed RI NEVI Phase 2A Community Charging grant application
- Discussed Cultural, Historical, Memorial Subcommittee kickoff
Joint Meeting
The Joint School Committee and School Building Committee will meet on November 12, 2025 at the Michael S. Pinto Conference Room, 26 Oliphant Lane. They will consider and vote to approve Bentley’s Elementary School GMP and its alternates, Gilbane’s Middle‑High School GMP and its alternates, and a tree relocation proposal from North‑Eastern Tree Service. The agenda consists of opening items, a consent agenda with these three approvals, and adjournment.
- Approve Bentley’s Elementary School GMP and alternates
- Approve Gilbane’s Middle‑High School GMP and alternates
- Approve North‑Eastern Tree Service proposal for tree relocation
Regular Meeting
The Town Council received a final report from the Tax Exploration Subcommittee and a five-year budget forecast for 2026-2030. Members also received updates on the Middle High School and Library building projects, noting that library construction begins next month.
- Approved a new Victualling House License for Brazilian Brothers Meat Market, Inc. at 876 West Main Road
- Granted a Special Event Permit and waived fees for the Islander Plunge fundraiser on January 1, 2026
- Approved the salvage of a 2009 John Deere tractor surplus
- Renewed alcoholic beverage and victualling house licenses for the 2025-2026 year
- Continued an ordinance regarding the disposition of carcasses and waste to the next meeting
Building Committee Meeting
The Building Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the October 15 meeting. Members received updates on the elementary and middle‑high school construction projects, including budget status and revised GMP amendments. The committee was informed of a kickoff meeting for the Cultural, Historical and Memorial Subcommittee on October 31. No other decisions were taken at this meeting.
- Approved October 15, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 11‑0)
- Budget update: total anticipated project costs $178,492,600
- Revised GMP amendment for Elementary School to be presented Nov 12
- Revised GMP amendment for Middle‑High School to be presented Nov 12
- Cultural, Historical and Memorial Subcommittee kickoff scheduled Oct 31, 10:30 am
Zoning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review will consider several petitions for variances from town zoning ordinances. These requests include building additions, a second-floor deck, and the construction of a two-family dwelling on a lot smaller than required.
- Petition ZBR-25-22: Request to construct a two-family dwelling at 0 Dexter Street on a 6,203 sq ft lot (15,000 sq ft required)
- Petition ZBR-25-16: Request for a second floor over a garage and a 12' x 21' addition at 13 Fairview Avenue
- Petition ZBR-25-26: Request for a 15'-4" x 40'-11" two-story addition at 66 Seascape Avenue
- Petition ZBR-25-24: Request for a second-floor deck at 252 Oliphant Lane
- Petition ZBR-25-25: Request for a 10'x16' addition to a detached garage at 79 Orchard Avenue
Special Meeting - Demolition Ceremony for New Library
The Town Council, Library Board, and Library Building Committee met for a demolition ceremony at 110 Enterprise Center. The body voted unanimously to begin the ceremony for the new library project.
- Demolition ceremony for the new library at 110 Enterprise Center
- Target opening date for the library is June or July 2026
- Downes Construction serving as Owner's Project Manager
- Oudens Ello Architecture leading the design
- Ahlborg Construction serving as Construction Manager
Regular Meeting
The Middletown Town Council approved an amendment to the Town Administrator's contract, swore in new police officers and a sergeant, and granted several special event permits. The meeting also included an executive session regarding land acquisition and collective bargaining.
- Town Administrator contract amendment #5
- Swearing in of new police officers and K-9 Storm
- Granting of Dollar Tree holiday sales license renewal
- Granting of special event permits for boxing and triathlon events
- First reading of ordinances regarding animal carcass disposal and tax classification
Subcommittee Meeting
The School Committee will meet to discuss and vote on several administrative actions, including a custodial contract and student transfer requests. The body will also review policies regarding child abuse prevention and energy management.
- Vote on Custodial Contract (Council 94)
- Vote on Child Abuse Prevention and Mandatory Reporting Policy #5146
- Vote on Energy Management and Conservation Policy #9130
- Vote on using school district surplus items to purchase a new tractor
- Vote on the denial of parental requests to transfer students to Newport School District
Building Committee Meeting
The Building Committee voted unanimously to accept the September 24, 2025 meeting minutes. The committee received updates from the architect, Colliers Construction representative Ryan Healy, and project managers on the Elementary School and Middle‑High School GMP amendments and alternates. The town attorney completed contract language reviews for both GMP amendments with no comments. The next meeting on October 29, 2025 will focus on reviewing the GMP packages and alternates before recommending them to the School Committee and Town Council.
- Approval of September 24, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 11‑0)
- Introduction of Colliers Construction representative Ryan Healy
- Elementary School GMP amendment draft from Bentley, attorney review completed
- Middle‑High School GMP amendment draft from Gilbane, attorney review completed
- Plan to review and vote on GMP packages and alternates at the October 29, 2025 meeting
Special Joint Meeting with School Committee
The Middletown Town Council and School Committee held a joint meeting to discuss the City of Newport's resolution to pursue school district regionalization. The Middletown School Committee voted unanimously to not support the initiative, citing current construction projects, lack of guaranteed state funding, and the need to focus on local academic priorities.
- Middletown School Committee votes unanimously against regionalization
- Discussion of state reimbursement funds and legislation
- Joint meeting with Newport City Council and RIDE proposed
- School Committee member William Nash recused from vote
- Executive session held for collective bargaining and legal strategy
Planning Board Meeting
The board continued the CGRI Middletown bank project to the November 12 meeting. It released the performance security for Saltwood Farm Phase 2 and recommended Cross Country Lane be accepted as a town road. The board granted combined preliminary and final approval for CCE Development’s 8‑unit adaptive‑reuse project at 499 East Main Road, adding a condition that the driveway from East Main Road be closed. Inclusionary‑zoning amendment discussion was postponed to the joint Planning Board/Town Council meeting.
- Continuance of CGRI Middletown, LLC bank project to Nov 12, 2025
- Release of performance security for Saltwood Farm Phase 2 and recommendation to accept Cross Country Lane as a town road
- Combined preliminary and final approval for CCE Development, LLC 8‑unit multifamily project at 499 East Main Road, with condition to close driveway
- Discussion of inclusionary zoning amendment – no action taken, to be revisited at joint meeting
- Review and revision of draft memo to Town Council for joint meeting topics
Subcommittee Meeting
The Policy Sub-Committee will meet to review and discuss school policies. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items and a general policy review.
- Review and discussion of policies
Regular Meeting
The Town Council ratified a one‑year extension of the NEAM Teacher Assistants union contract and approved a resolution authorizing Gilbane Building Company to receive subcontracts for site improvements and landscaping for the new Middletown Middle‑High School. The Council also received applications for renewal of alcoholic beverage licenses and set a public hearing for November 3, 2025. Additional items included a resolution to approve fire‑hose surplus and a series of tax‑cancellation communications and resolutions.
- Ratified one‑year extension of the NEAM Teacher Assistants union contract
- Approved Gilbane Building Company award for site improvements & landscaping for the new Middletown Middle‑High School
- Received alcoholic beverage license renewal applications and scheduled a public hearing on Nov 3 2025
- Passed resolution approving surplus fire hoses for the Fire Department
- Adopted resolutions canceling taxes for certain Middletown residents
Building Committee Meeting
The Middletown Building Committee approved a $1.88 million contract for site improvements and landscaping at the new Middle-High School. The committee also voted on entrance signage designs and discussed updates for the Elementary School complex.
- Approved $1,882,900 contract for Xquisite Landscaping
- Voted on entrance signage design option #1
- Discussed Middle-High School construction progress
- Approved moving next meeting to 4:30pm
- Reviewed Elementary School GMP amendment
Zoning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review heard several variance petitions for residential additions and new construction. The board approved four petitions and continued one item to a future meeting.
- Approved variance for a new house at 83 Shore Drive with reduced front and side yard setbacks, conditional on CRMC approval
- Approved variance for a three-season room at 71 Gosset's Turn Drive
- Approved variance for a pergola at 146 Tuckerman Avenue
- Approved variance for a home addition at 27 Cow's Path
- Continued petition ZBR-25-16 for a second-floor garage addition at 13 Fairview Avenue to October 28, 2025
Subcommittee Meeting
The Middletown School Committee will meet to decide on a superintendent's denial of a parental request to transfer students to the Newport School District. The body will also consider a first reading of a child abuse prevention and mandatory reporting policy.
- Vote on denial of parental request to transfer students to Newport School District
- First reading of Child Abuse Prevention and Mandatory Reporting Policy #5146
- Approval of 13 homeschool instruction requests (25-26-29 through 25-26-41)
- Vote on school district surplus items
- Review and minor modifications of policies
Regular Meeting
The Middletown School Committee will consider a request to deny students' transfers to the Newport School District. The body will also review a new child abuse prevention and mandatory reporting policy and approve several homeschool instruction requests.
- Vote to support superintendent's denial of parental request to transfer students to Newport School District
- First reading of Child Abuse Prevention and Mandatory Reporting Policy #5146
- Approval of homeschool instruction requests 25-26-29 through 25-26-41
- Vote on school district surplus items
- Review and minor modifications of policies
Special Meeting
The Town Council voted to approve the purchase of a pumper-tanker for the fire department. The body also held first-reading public hearings regarding comprehensive plan and zoning amendments for a development project on West Main Road.
- Resolution approved for the purchase of a pumper-tanker
- Proposed Comprehensive Community Plan amendment for Lots 3, 4, 5, 7 and part of Lot 6 on TAP 102 (West Main Road)
- Proposed zoning change from 'Public' to LBA 'Limited Business, traffic sensitive' for parcels on TAP 102
- Proposed creation of Article 31 West Main-Coddington Overlay District
- Public hearing discussion on developer requests for alcohol service by right and two drive-thrus
Regular Meeting
The Middletown Town Council met in executive session to address collective bargaining, land acquisition, and personnel matters, then moved to open session. The Council voted to approve Gilbane Building Company’s subcontracts for final cleaning, demolition & abatement, and signage for the new Middletown Middle‑High School. It also approved several tax‑cancellation resolutions, granted a special event permit for the Harvest Fair, and authorized change‑order contracts for East Main Road projects. Additional items included a proclamation of September 20, 2025 as James “Jim” Culipher Day and discussion of a two‑tier tax ordinance amendment.
- Resolution approving Gilbane Building Company subcontracts for final cleaning, demolition & abatement, and signage for the new Middletown Middle‑High School
- Resolution passing tax‑cancellation measures for certain Middletown residents
- Special Event Permit granted to Norman Bird Sanctuary for the Harvest Fair on October 4‑5, 2025
- Resolution authorizing FJS Associates change‑order contracts for East Main Road projects
- Proclamation designating September 20, 2025 as James “Jim” Culipher Day
Subcommittee Meeting
The Policy Sub-Committee will meet to review and discuss school policies. The agenda does not list specific policies for consideration.
- Review and discussion of policies
Joint Meeting
The Joint School Committee and School Building Committee will meet on September 10, 2025 at the Michael S. Pinto Conference Room, 26 Oliphant Lane. They will consider and vote to award the contracts for final cleaning, demolition and abatement, and signage for the new middle/high school. The agenda also includes standard opening items and a consent agenda. The public is invited to attend.
- Award contracts for final cleaning, demolition and abatement, and signage for the new Middle/High School
Planning Board Meeting
The Planning Board discussed a proposed zoning amendment for inclusionary affordable housing and reviewed updates required by 2025 Rhode Island General Assembly bills. Two development projects were continued to the October meeting due to applicant absence.
- Proposed zoning amendment to implement inclusionary zoning for affordable housing
- Draft amendments to Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations to implement 2025 RI General Assembly bill H5794
- Continuance of 8-unit multi-family dwelling project at 499 East Main Road
- Continuance of 1,940 sq. ft. bank project with drive-thru at 1400 West Main Road
- Administrative subdivision approval for 118 Wolcott Ave.
Regular Meeting
The Middletown School Committee will discuss and vote on a resolution to renew efforts to regionalize school districts with the City of Newport. The body will also consider several job descriptions and the appointment of a new community member to the Building Committee.
- Vote on supporting the City of Newport resolution to regionalize Middletown and Newport School Districts
- Vote on appointing Dan Thibeault as the community member of the Building Committee
- Vote on the Memorandum of Agreement for Learn365 2025 MCOZ Summer Enrichment Camp
- Vote on job descriptions for Island Oasis Food Pantry staff and various Content Coordinators
- Approval of 18 homeschool instruction requests