Middletown Fire To Buy New Rescue Boat

The Middletown Town Council approved the purchase of a $79,000 fire rescue boat to replace the town's failing one.

The Middletown Town Council voted to replace the town's failing fire rescue boat at a cost of $79,474 during Monday night's meeting. The 14-year-old vessel was deemed structurally deficient in a survey by Johnson Marine Services in 2012. Although Marine-1 is still seaworthy, its hull was compromised after a door was cut into its starboard side to make the boat more conducive to deep water rescues shortly after its purchase in 1999. The intention was to allow emergency personnel to more easily move injured or unconscious people from the water. This design, however, causes great amounts of water to seep in and swamp the boat's cockpit.  "The door was cut too low and it will sink," said Fire Chief Ronald Doire. "It actually has sunk during a …

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Council Recognizes MHS Soccer and Football State Champions

The Middletown Town Council commended and congratulated Middletown High School athletes this week.

  Middletown Town Council recognized and congratulated two Middletown High School teams this week for bringing the title of state champions back to Middletown. The girls' soccer team won the Division III State Championship this year, coached by Dave Kolator and assistant coach Steve Turcotte.  They defeated Rogers in the division semi-finals, which advanced them to the state finals, where they defeated Tollman with a score of 5-0. "After reaching the state final the previous two seasons and coming away disappointed, the girls on the varsity soccer team made bringing home the state championship their sole goal for the 2012 season," said Council President Chris Semonelli. The high school football team also brought home the championship. …

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Semonelli Presents as Council President for First Time

Middletown Town President Chris Semonelli talks about his priorities and expectations for the next two years

  The following presentation was made by the newly elected council president, Chris Semonelli, at the first Middletown Town Council meeting held on Monday, Nov. 19 Before I begin my remarks, I would like to thank all of you who participated in the election process and voted – either for me, or my fellow Councilors, or for those who were not elected to our Council.  As involved citizens, you are the backbone of a functioning democracy.  We may disagree, but we are blessed with the freedom to express our disagreement and resolve, or at least express our differences at the ballot box.  It is a privilege and responsibility I and you take seriously. Thank you for being part of the democratic process! Bob and I and the entire Council would also …

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Chris Semonelli Nominated as Town Council President

The council elect voted this morning during a special session

The newly elected Middletown Town Council has approved the nomination of Chris Semonelli as president, during a special meeting held Saturday morning at Town Hall. Semonelli's nomination was proposed by Barbara VonVillas, and was approved by a 6-1 vote, with Theresa Santos opposed.   Robert Sylvia was nominated as vice-chairman, backed by an unanimous vote. The council elect will vote on the nominations on Monday. According to the charter, “The president shall preside at meetings, and shall be recognized as head of the town government for all ceremonial purposes, and by the governor for purposes of military law. The president shall have the same right to speak and vote as any other members.” Congratulations Chris Semonelli! What do you …

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Cares About Middletown

7:11 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012

I couldn't agree with you more. And he's also the same guy that tried to give out big pay raises to Middletown personnel on his way out the door the last time he was on the council. But he's back and we're stuck with him for another 2 years.   more ›

Local Voices - Antone Viveiros: "Thank You to the People of Middletown"

A letter to Middletown residents from former Town Council Member Antone Viveiros

Just In: Middletown Election 2012 Results!

The final results for 2012 Middletown Elections

After nearly a two day wait, the final election results are in from the Rhode Island Board of Elections.  The complete election results can be found on the bottom of the article. Here are some highlights: Middletown Town Council, More than Half the Seats Change There will be four new faces on the seven member council.   Three councilors were not re-elected, including Council President Arthur Weber as well as Councilors Antone Viveiros and Edward Silveira.  Richard Cambra did not run for re-election. Voters re-elected Bruce Long, Christopher Semonelli and Barbara Vonvillas for the two year term.   Former council members Theresa Santos,  Robert Sylvia, and Paul Rodrigues, a former council president, also won seats, along with Richard Adams…

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tired of it

2:15 pm on Monday, November 12, 2012

big blue you are right on...the nerve of these folks picking the new member of the School Committee...they have disrepected Mr. Crowley's hard work with such a person as divicive as he is....no respect these people their own egos are more important   more ›

New Faces to Sit on Middletown Town Council

Although there are 700 absentee ballots outstanding, it appears Middletown Town Council will have new faces.

[updated at 9:30 a.m. The official count will be available around 2 p.m. this afternoon, according to officials.] After Tuesday's election, Middletown Town Council might have several new members.  The results do not include 700 absentee ballots that remain to be counted.  Three incumbents did not receive enough votes for re-election, including current Council President Arthur Weber.  Councilors Edward Silveria and Antone Viveiros also did not receive enough votes at the polls. Councilor Richard Cambra did not seek re-election.  Challenger Paul Rodrigues was the top vote-getter for Middletown Council, pulling in 3262 total votes.  "I am very proud," said his 88 year-old mother, Georginna Rodrigues with a wide smile during the democratic …

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Red Storm

5:56 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

I noticed that. Was this appointment a joke! What a slap in the face to the school committee not to mention the disrespect to Mr. Crowley. The TC picked someone who is polar opposit that wonderful man. A disgrace. All of the TC should have been dethroned!   more ›

Blog: Chris Semonelli Seeks Re-election to the Middletown Town Council

Councilor Chris Semonelli on why Middletown residents should re-elect him to Middletown Town Council

Voters To Decide on Beach Pavilion in November

The Middletown Council unanimously approved the beach pavilion bond referendum Monday night. Estimated construction costs are $4.5 million.

After nearly a decade of discussions, Middletown residents will vote on a bond referendum to construct a new pavilion at Second Beach. First proposed by Councilor Chris Semonelli, the council unanimously voted to approve the motion during Monday night’s regular council meeting. According to town administrator Shawn Brown, the estimated cost would be around $4.5 million. The individual property tax rate would increase around .14 cents, from $13.73 to $13.87. For a house valued at $290,000, that would translate into a $41 increase. For a commercial property valued at $676,000, it would increase taxes by $96. John Bagwill, Director of Easton’s Point Association, said the board of directors also voted unanimously to support the referendum …

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Letter: VonVillas Supports Second Beach Pavilion Bond Referendum

Councilor Barbara A. VonVillas says while she does not support increasing debt, she believes voters should decide.

To the Editor, On Monday, April 2, the Middletown Town Council will consider a proposal for a November 2012 bond referendum to support a new Second Beach Pavilion. I do not support increasing debt at this time, but I can appreciate the passion of Mr. Semonelli and the Beach Commission for a new structure that is badly needed, and I will support the proposal because I believe the voters should have the opportunity to weigh in on this important issue. Similarly, I have proposed three additional questions for the November ballot, none involving the expenditure of funds, but all asking the voters to express their wishes regarding issues that have been deadlocked at the Town Council level for more than three years. 1. Shall the Town of …

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