The Town Council covered plenty of ground Monday night including hearing a report to help students connect better to the "real world" to plans to fly a Ukrainian flag in front of Town Hall to oppose Russian aggression. #LiveWorkPlay #MiddletownRI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday night.
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road.
Absent: None.
Of note:
- Heard a report from Middletown High Principal Jeffrey Heath about work to improve the education to career opportunities at the Valley Road school. In addition to trying to bring more of the “real world” to students, Heath said the effort helped with credit recovery for those who were lagging behind due to COVID-19 learning loss.
- Directed Town staff to fly a Ukrainian flag on one of the flag poles in front of Town Hall, a request from resident Vladimir Storozinsky to show the Town’s support for Ukraine and condemning Russian aggression. Resident Carol Cummings provided the funding to purchase the Ukrainian ]lag, which would ]ly where the state of Rhode Island ]lag normally was displayed.
Approved a new major project report for the first meeting of each month at the recommendation of Councilman Dennis Turano. Council members said the goal was to provide a quick, informal update on each topic so residents, businesspeople and visitors were up to speed with what’s happening across the community.
Listened to Superintendent Rosemarie K. Kraeger explain the schools were projected to be about $1.3 million in the hole at the end of the current Fiscal 2022. Kraeger said revenue shortages were caused by the loss in state aid, continued flat funding from the Town, rising costs and more special services for students were causes for the deficit.
Received a report that the Town’s Planning Board would consider the American Rescue Plan Act requests at its May 11 meeting before forwarding the item back to the council for review.
Okayed a special event permit for the Aquidneck Island Annual Police Parade on May 1 at 8:30 am on West Main Road south from Two Mile Corner into Newport. “I think it’s great that it’s back,” council President Paul M. Rodrigues said.
Applauded the work of Theresa Coish and Middletown Public Library staff for their outstanding efforts and ability to deliver a high quality product on a limited budget.
Next meeting: Monday, April 18, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall.