The Middletown Town Council held a regular meeting on July 1, addressing several key issues affecting the community, including a growing coyote problem, affordable housing updates, and a contentious sidewalk project.
Residents voiced concerns about an increasing coyote population in town, citing safety fears for pets and children. Karen Harrington said, “We’ve reached a point where it is time to take action, as has been done in the past with culling the herd to control the population.”
Council President Paul Rodrigues stated, “I think we need to do something. I think we do need to call the herd a little bit here.”
The council agreed to explore three approaches: reviewing the town ordinance on hunting, contacting the Department of Environmental Management for assistance, and considering hiring a professional to cull the coyote population.
The Council held another discussion about short-term rentals and potential zoning ordinance changes being suggested by the Short-Term Rental Sub-Committee to “regulate the growth of this industry and set the parameters required for future STRs to operate under.”
Communication of Peter D. Connerton, Sr., Chair, STR Sub-Committee, re: STR Sub-Committee Zoning Ordinance Recommendation.
Councilor Dennis Turano commented on property taxes, saying, “This system is not fair and it’s not even transparent, because we didn’t know what our taxes were going to be until we voted for it last meeting.”
The council reestablished a tax exploration committee to examine potential reforms.
The meeting also addressed a sidewalk project on Purgatory Road. The council voted to proceed with construction.
Town Administrator Sean Brown presented responses to residents’ concerns, including maintaining a 5-foot width for ADA compliance and rejecting the use of permeable materials due to cost and maintenance issues.
Memorandum of Town Administrator, re: Executive Summary – Purgatory Road Sidewalk 90% Plans.
The council also briefly touched on affordable housing, continuing the discussion to the July 15 meeting to allow for better public notice.
Council members agreed to be more selective about agenda items in the future to prevent redundant discussions.
Watch Meeting
More Details From The Meeting
Coyote Population Management:
- Residents expressed concerns about the growing coyote population and the impact on their quality of life and safety.
- The council discussed short-term and long-term solutions, including:
- Contacting the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for assistance and guidance.
- Reviewing and potentially amending the town’s ordinance to allow for more effective coyote management.
- Authorizing the hiring of a professional coyote hunter to cull the herd in the short term.
- Exploring long-term strategies such as tracking, collaring, and identifying food sources for coyotes.
- Implementing public education campaigns to discourage feeding coyotes and proper waste management.
Purgatory Road Sidewalk Project:
- The council received an update on the 90% plans for the Purgatory Road sidewalk project.
- Discussions focused on addressing residents’ concerns, including:
- Considering a 4-foot sidewalk width instead of 5 feet, with designated passing areas.
- Developing a detailed landscaping plan to mitigate the loss of trees and hedges along the route.
- Exploring alternative materials and stormwater management solutions.
- The council authorized the town administrator to proceed with construction, subject to potential design changes based on the discussions.
Tax Assessment and Reassessment:
- The council received a memorandum from the tax assessor regarding the reassessment results and the impact on property taxes.
- Residents and council members expressed concerns about the fairness of the tax system and the significant increases in taxes for some properties.
- Discussions centered around the need for tax reform, with suggestions such as:
- Establishing a tax exploration committee to gather information and make recommendations.
- Considering alternative tax methodologies, such as a tiered tax rate or a homestead exemption.
- Engaging with state legislators to seek enabling legislation for potential changes to the tax system.
Other Items:
- The council approved various resolutions and ordinances, including fee schedule changes, contract extensions, and grant awards.
- Updates were provided on ongoing projects, such as the school building project and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
Town of Middletown Recap
The Town of Middletown provided the following update following the meeting.
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday night.
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road.
Absent: Emily Tessier.
Of note:
- Heard thanks from council President Paul M. Rodrigues to the state Department of Education for the additional $30 million in reimbursements for the middle-high school project, which remains “on time and on budget.” Finance Director Marc Tanguay was expected to provide an update on the additional savings to local taxpayers at the council’s July 15 session. “It’s $30 million. That’s huge,” Rodrigues said.
- Agreed to seek short- and long-term solutions to problematic coyotes in town, including seeking guidance from the state Department of Environmental Management, looking at the town’s ordinances and implementing a culling program. Brought up by Rodrigues, people were reminded the best way to deal with coyotes was to secure easily available outdoor food sources from dumpsters to wild fruit that’s dropped from trees. They were also encouraged to “haze” problematic coyotes until they run away. This included using noisemakers, projectiles, water hoses and spray bottles with vinegar water, pepper spray or bear repellent. If those strategies don’t work, people were encouraged to contact Animal Control Officer Olivia Garcia at 401-846-1144, Ext. 7101 or ogarcia@middletownri.com. Concerns can also be submitted to https://mdl.town/Helps, the town’s online nonemergency assistance portal.
- Held another discussion about short-term rentals and potential zoning ordinance changes being suggested by the Short-Term Rental Sub-Committee to “regulate the growth of this industry and set the parameters required for future STRs to operate under.” Version A was sent to the Planning Board for review before it gets referred back to the council for two readings. For more information about the proposal, visit https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13081/STR-Subcommittee online.
- Learned efforts would continue to slow down summertime traffic on Paradise Avenue through police enforcement and potentially temporary speed tables. Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown apologized for the placement of traffic cones along Paradise Avenue on the opening weekend, something that created issues for pedestrians and bicyclists and something that won’t be repeated. “We’re trying a different way in addition to enforcement to slow down traffic,” Brown said.
- Considered amended ordinances to include electric bicycles during a first public hearing. Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan said the proposed rules were intended to bring Middletown’s ordinances in line with state laws overseeing the issue. For more, visit https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13082/E-Bikes online. The second reading is expected on July 15.
Next meeting: Monday, July 15 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall.
