At their meeting on Monday night, the Middletown Town Council named Robert McCall as interim fire chief. McCall, who has previously served in the role, will step in as Chief James Peplau prepares to depart.
The council also held a moment of silence for retired Middletown Police Detective Corporal David Eddes. Council President Paul Rodrigues described Eddes as a kind and humorous man who will be deeply missed.
A proposal to provide a second free beach parking sticker for residents was rejected by the council. The proposal, put forth by Rodrigues and Councilor Barbara VonVillas, was met with opposition from a majority of the council who cited potential financial strain and negative impacts on the parking experience at Second and Third beaches. This decision aligns with the findings of the volunteer Beach Commission.
The council held a public hearing on proposed amendments to the town’s short-term rental ordinances. A variety of perspectives were shared during the hearing, which can be viewed online. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for October 21st.
In other business, the council withdrew a proposal addressing short-term rental registrations due to potential legal implications related to a similar court case in Narragansett.
The council also tabled a briefing on the Career & Technical Education program at the Middletown school system until their next meeting on October 21st.
The next Middletown Town Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 21st at 6:30 pm in Town Hall.
Watch The Meeting
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
