Newsletter # 4 - December 22, 2018

Middletown Leads

What is Middletown Leads?

Middletown Leads is a weekly newsletter intended to connect the Middletown community by providing information about civic undertakings by the Town.

NO MORATORIUM

The Middletown Town Council rejected the proposal to place a 6-month emergency moratorium on new proposals for development in the Atlantic Beach District.

The proposed moratorium was generally aimed at preventing an expansion of hotels in the area. It would not have halted the proposals for two hotels that are already being considered by the Planning and/or Zoning Boards, which are for relatively small establishments on Wave Ave. and Aquidneck Ave.  

The specific reason for the rejection of the moratorium was that it was categorized as an “emergency” measure; it did not meet the criteria for an “emergency.” 

On the other hand, the Town Council responded to resident concerns by referring the issue to the Planning and Zoning Boards which were directed to develop recommendations for changes in the zoning that would limit the size and height of new development in order to preserve the character of the district.

ETHICS PRESENTATION

The Educational Coordinator from the Rhode Island State Ethics Commission made a presentation to the Town Council and members from the various Town boards and commissions related to the rules intended to ensure ethical conduct, avoid the appearance of impropriety, and not use their position for private gain or advantage.

It is interesting that the reason the Ethics Commission exists is that “The years preceding the 1986 constitutional convention were marked by scandal and corruption at all levels of government.  Indeed, widespread breaches of trust, cronyism, impropriety, and other violations of ethics standards decimated the public’s trust in government.”

A person subject to the Code of Ethics . . .

may not participate in any matter in which he or she has an interest, financial or otherwise, which is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his or her duties in the public interest.

A substantial conflict of interest occurs if it is reasonably foreseeable that he or she or any family

member or business associate, or any business by which he or she is employed or represents, will derive a direct monetary gain or suffer a direct monetary loss by reason of his or her official activity.

In such circumstances, the public official must recuse. Recusal refers to a public official or employee declining to participate in a matter because of a potential conflict of interest under the Code of Ethics. 

It means that the person is not participating in deliberations or debates, making recommendations, giving advice, considering findings, or in any other way assuming responsibility for or participating in any aspect of the work or decision-making relating to the matter where there are potential conflicts of interest.

No person subject to the Code of Ethics may enter into any contract with a state or municipal agency unless the contract has been awarded through an open and public process, including prior public notice and subsequent public disclosure of all proposals considered and contracts awarded.

The appearance of impropriety is a phrase referring to a situation which to a layperson without knowledge of the specific circumstances might seem to raise ethics questions.

No person subject to the Code of Ethics may accept anything of value based on the understanding that the gift will influence that person’s judgment or official action. This prohibition includes anything of value given to that person’s family or business associates.

Other provisions are related to the following:  honoraria, political contributions, the revolving door, and financial disclosure.

A person subject to the Code of Ethics may request an advisory opinion about a particular provision of the Code which may affect him or her.  Persons subject to the Code are: 1) state and municipal elected officials; 2) state and municipal appointed officials; and 3) employees of state and local government, board, commissions, and agencies.

COUNCIL LIAISONS - CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS

Town Councilors serve as liaisons to the various volunteer boards and committees. Councilors were appointed at the Dec. 17 Town Council meeting.  Discussion led to disbanding the existing Town Council sub-committees and bringing the current status forward to be discussed by the entire council for more public transparency.

The current board and committee application process ended on Tuesday, Dec. 18. There was discussion related to ensuring fairness in the interview process required for the Planning and Zoning Boards by requiring responses to the interview questions in writing prior to the public interviews. 

Boards & Committees - Considerations

It’s worth thinking again about the discussions that took place at the Civics for Adults workshops:

“Discussion of the Planning Board, Zoning Board, and Conservation Commission drew questions about members, many of whom had been on the boards for many years. It was acknowledged that these boards often spent many meetings exploring and even researching mitigating factors, although there were questions about the extent to which the decisions of individual members might be influenced by the political preferences of others.

There was also concern about the ability of small groups of self-interested residents to influence final decisions that might not be beneficial to the town as a whole.”

“… concerns about the dominance of a small core of residents who seem to have more influence than others due to their longstanding presence on boards and committees. A suggestion was offered to appoint a nominating committee to seek prospective candidates and make recommendations.  There was agreement that term limits on all boards and committees might encourage new applicants.”

None of the above was intended to criticize individual members of any of these or the other boards who are to be commended for their steady commitment to the to the Town. It was only observed that long tenures often led to embedded positions on issues, and a Town cannot stand still if it hopes to ensure its vitality.

New ideas may need to be constrained until the time is right, but they deserve to be heard – and considered.

Newsletter #3 - December 15, 2018

Middletown Leads

Middletown Leads is a weekly newsletter intended to connect the Middletown community by providing information about civic undertakings by the Town.

How can a Middletown resident become active in town government?

Middletown has a number of Boards and Committees whose members are residents in the community with an interest in public affairs and the Town’s proposed activities. 

A primary qualification for members is objectivity. Committee members are expected to carefully consider discussion items, especially those requiring the application of rules and regulations, from a perspective of fairness without personal bias.

Most boards and committees meet on a monthly basis.

Board members are appointed for various terms, and some of the groups even have term limits that serve to encourage new participation.  Vacancies are published in the local newspapers, and now they will also appear here to reach a larger audience

Town of Middetown - Board Vacancies

The Town Council of the Town of Middletown is seeking qualified Middletown electors to serve on the following named Town boards and commissions:

Aquidneck Island Planning Commission (AIPC) – 1 vacancy, to complete a term expiring 7-2020

a regional group that addresses such issues as transportation, affordable                housing, etc.

Beach Commission- 4 vacancies, terms expire 11-2020 

            a town committee that reviews issues related to the beaches and makes                  recommendations

Citizens Memorial Committee- 2 vacancies, terms indefinite

            a town committee that reviews applications to memorialize persons or                  events

Coastal Resource Management Council- 1 vacancy, Middletown Representative, term 2019   

            a state agency (with a local rep) that regulates development in coastal                    areas   

Conservation Commission- 1 vacancy, term expiring 7-2021

            a town committee that reviews applications for development in town                    watersheds

Economic Development Advisory Committee- 2 vacancies, terms 1-2024

            a town committee that considers and reviews economic proposals and                  impacts 

Juvenile Hearing Board- 1 vacancy, Auxiliary member, term expiring 4-2021

            a board that reviews issues related to juvenile matters

Library Board of Trustees- 1 vacancy, to complete a term expiring 9-2021

            a board that approves the business of the public library as required by the              state

Open Space and Fields Committee- 5 vacancies, terms expiring 11-2021

            a committee that advises regarding matters related to parks and land                      preservation

Pension Trust Fund Committee- 1 vacancy, term expiring 2-2022

            a committee that reviews all matters related to pension investment

Personnel Board- 1 vacancy, term expiring 12-2021

            a committee that reviews and recommends candidates for town positions

Planning Board – 1 vacancy, to complete a term expiring 2-2020 and 3 vacancies, terms expiring 2-2022

            a board that reviews development applications and implements the                        Comprehensive Plan

Roads and Utilities Advisory Committee- 1 vacancy, professional member, term expiring 1-2020

            a committee that advises other entities regarding matters related to the                  Town’s infrastructure

Senior Center Board of Directors- 3 vacancies, terms expiring 1-2022

            a board that oversees the management and activities of the Middletown                Senior Center

Tax Assessment Review Board-Bi-partisan Board, Democrat or Republican Representative- 1 vacancy, term expiring 10-2021

            a board that reviews tax abatement requests and appeals

Tree Commission- 1 vacancy, term expiring 1-2022

            a 501c3 committee that plants trees on town and public property and                    reviews landscaping plans

Zoning Board of Review – 1 vacancy, Alternate member, to complete a term expiring 4-2019

            a board that considers applications for development variances and                          special use permits

How to Apply:

Applications are available at the Office of the Town Clerk, Town Hall, 350 East Main Road, Middletown or on the Town’s website www.middletownri.com.  

Please complete and return no later than December 21, 2018.

Weekly essays about Middletown community and municipal affairs will appear on the Middletown Public Library website. Questions and suggested topics are welcome.

Newsletter #2 - December 8, 2018

Middletown Leads

Middletown Leads is a weekly newsletter intended to connect the Middletown community by providing information about civic undertakings by the Town.

What is a TIF?

At the Nov. 5, 2018 meeting and after two public hearings, the Middletown Town Council approved what is known as a TIF (Tax Incremental Financing) to support improvements in the Atlantic Beach area. 

The TIF is a way to pay for capital improvements with minimal impact on the tax rate.  It works this way:  The Town conducts a complete outside reevaluation of property every 3 years. It conducts local reviews in years 2 and 3.

Depending on the balance of revenue and expenditures, the assessment for residential property could increase or decrease in any year, according to the current price an owner could expect in a sale of that property.

When a property owner makes substantial improvements, the value of the property is likely to increase as will the tax assessment. 

Commercial property is re-evaluated similarly except that the result is based on its current economic value (as opposed to the potential sale price).  When substantial improvements are made to commercial property, the economic value increases and is reflected in the increased tax assessment.

A TIF will allow the town to separate new additional tax money gained from substantial improvements to commercial properties in a specific area and dedicate that new tax money to pay for improvements in the same general area that were identified for the TIF. 

The recently approved TIF will be used in the Atlantic Beach area initially to fund the undergrounding of utilities and other beautification projects in order to create an attractive walking area for both local residents and visitors.

What impact does the TIF have on Town revenue?  It does not alter the natural balance between revenue and expenditures. 

The increased tax assessment to the improved commercial properties will be used to fund payments on the bond (plus the interest) that was needed to make the improvements. The tax assessments to other property across the town will be determined according to longstanding practice.

How will the TIF improve the Atlantic Beach District?

The TIF will provide revenue to make the Atlantic Beach District more attractive and accessible for local residents and visitors alike. Such improvements will also encourage investment, which will result in more tax revenue - a cycle that multiplies itself.

Replacing the telephone poles and utility lines by putting them underground will make the area more visually appealing. Pedestrian lighting will create a welcoming atmosphere in the evening.

Improvements to the sidewalks and intersections will enhance the surroundings and promote public safety.

An attractive, compact commercial area, walkable and close to the beaches, will provide a pleasant, well-rounded experience for locals and visitors alike.  

The most important benefit is that the TIF will support those improvements without additional burden to the taxpayers.

Will the Atlantic Beach District TIF benefit the town as a whole?

Legislative approval of the TIF is not limited to a single event.  While a proposed TIF in a different area of Town would require state approval of the new plan, the initial legislative action enables the Town to again use the method of financing improvements if an opportunity arises.

In short, it can be done again in another area of town as, for example related to the West Side Strategic Plan, if a proposed plan meets the legislative requirements.

How can a Middletown resident become active in town government?

Middletown has a number of Boards and Committees whose members are residents in the community with an interest in public affairs and the Town’s proposed activities. 

Members are appointed for various terms, and some of the groups even have term limits that serve to encourage new participation.  Vacancies are published in the local newspapers, and now they will also appear here to reach a larger audience. 

It was noted at the Civic Workshops that, while experience and knowledge of the community has its benefits, a static membership might enable more influence than is appropriate for a community that needs to be looking forward rather than backwards.

Next week’s newsletter will provide more information about Middletown Boards and Committees as well as a listing of the vacancies that will soon need to be filled.

Weekly essays about Middletown community and municipal affairs will appear on the Middletown Public Library website. Questions and suggested topics are welcome.

Newsletter #1 December 1, 2018

Middletown Leads

Middletown Leads is a weekly newsletter intended to connect the Middletown community by expanding understanding of how government works in Middletown.

The Middletown Town Council establishes policy and provides oversight of municipal activities, which are managed by a Town Administrator.

The Town Council meets twice monthly to discuss and act on business related to the Town.  Meetings are streamed on the Town’s website.

Town Council actions are the what of government. This newsletter will provide the why and what it means.

It started with a workshop -

"Community Civics for Adults," a workshop series, was recently conducted at the Middletown Library where interested citizens met to learn how municipal government works in Middletown.

The schedule included the following topics (with summaries of the discussions):

1.      Middletown - Its Citizens, Its Values, Its Government  revolved around the challenges to developing a community character. There was consensus that Middletown provided a thruway between Newport and Portsmouth, and the division of the town by the East Main and West Main roads promoted separate interests on the east side and the west side of town that undermined a sense of unity. Missing was a community culture focused on Middletown as a whole rather than on separate areas of the town.

2.      The Town Charter drew attention to the Code of Ethics, the state requirement for a 10-year charter review, and the inconsistency between the recommendations of Charter Commissions and what finally appeared on the ballots.  There was discussion about conflict of interest and outside influence on the recommendations of all committees as they translate to governmental action. Some dissatisfaction was expressed about the difference between those recommendations (in spite of substantial research and lengthy discussion) and what was finally sent to the voters or enacted by the Town Council.

3.      Government Structure and Services focused on a review of the Policy Manual and Table of Contents of the Book of Ordinances. Differences between Town Policies and Ordinances were observed, with the conclusion that policies could be relaxed as appropriate while Ordinances were effectively the laws of the town. It was noted that an inordinate amount of time passed between a recommendation based on apparent need for action and actual approval.  

4.    Strategic Planning and Services stimulated great interest in the Comprehensive Plan as it relates to governmental actions, including some confusion about the areas of responsibility of planning and zoning. Discussion provided clarity about state approval of the Comprehensive Plan and the need for zoning to conform with the Plan itself.

Discussion of the Planning Board, Zoning Board, and Conservation Commission drew questions about members, many of whom had been on the boards for many years. It was acknowledged that these boards often spent many meetings exploring and even researching mitigating factors, although there were questions about the extent to which the decisions of individual members might be influenced by the political preferences of others.

There was also concern about the ability of small groups of self-interested residents to influence final decisions that might not be beneficial to the town as a whole.

5.      Finance   brought a review of the tax structure, including rates for the previous 10 years as well as tax credits due to exemptions. There was discussion about the influence on taxes of the town’s 47% rental and/or investment properties. Concerns were expressed about the fairness of rentals and investment properties compared to owner-occupied properties. There was brief discussion about taxing rentals and investment properties at the commercial rate since they generate income. 

6.      Making a Difference led to concerns about the dominance of a small core of residents who seem to have more influence than others due to their longstanding presence on boards and committees. A suggestion was offered to appoint a nominating committee to seek prospective candidates and make recommendations.  There was agreement that term limits on all boards and committees might encourage new applicants.

Public engagement was considered particularly challenging because Middletown does not have a town publication, and newsworthy coverage is provided only by The Newport Daily News and Newport This Week, whose primary focus is Newport.

In summary, participation was exceptionally vocal. Discussion repeatedly returned to the absence of community spirit and participation in town affairs leading to a need to interest others, especially millennials, in political activism.

  

 Weekly essays about Middletown community and municipal affairs will appear on the Middletown Public Library website. Questions and suggested topics are welcome.

High School Consolidation? Why not?

In June 2018, The Newport Daily News and Newport This Week published my letter as follows:

I made a motion to initiate discussion. All I asked them to do was talk. There was no second to my motion.

What does that say?  It tells me (and the public) that the Middletown Town Council thinks it intrinsically knows best and doesn’t need or want any information that might clarify the issue or even cause them to change their minds. How arrogant!  But it’s not new.

Councilpersons generally have some area of expertise that they bring to the Council, and that’s usually a good thing because it adds personal perspective to what is often a complicated matter. It becomes a problem, however, when a councilperson regards him/herself as the ultimate expert who expects the rest of the Council to follow suit “because I know best.” It is a trap we must all be aware of and ensure that what we contribute is expansive rather than prescriptive.

So the motion for discussion of the possibility of consolidating the high schools was intended to expand knowledge to assure an informed decision.

Logical reasons were provided, of course, to affect the decision to talk or not to talk with a potential partner.  The enrollments of the 2 schools is comparable (approx. 630 students in each school) so an appropriate legislated agreement would provide equal control. 

MHS enrollment itself is only 69% of capacity; RHS has been described as having the worst condition in the state.

Educators will agree that a school of 1,200 could possibly re-instate many of the lost educational opportunities for students. Some current councilmen should be able to relate to the choices they could make when they were high schoolers as opposed to what is now available.

A 2014 referendum was approved in Newport while it was defeated in Middletown by 460 of a total of 5,198 votes and the Council leaned toward favorable funding.

Recently, however, after some questionable expenditures, this Council has been more tight-handed, approving a zero increase for FY18 and merely granting the equivalent of the lost FY19 state aid. Expenses will go up, but the funding is not likely to get better.  There is a good chance that more Middetowners would now prefer consolidation to increased taxes for schools when they are not always sure the money is being spent wisely.

Finally, it should be hard to argue with a 58% state reimbursement as identified by Senator DiPalma.

Yet, obviously, the Middletown Town Council must know best since it totally disregarded the aforementioned logic and chose to remain in the dark. One can only hope that something will happen to get them to see the light.

Thanks to the writer who said, “…Stay with it. The others on the council need to go back to school!!”

Change Is An Inevitable Occurence

In August 2018, The Newport Daily News and Newport This Week published my letter as follows:

Recently the members of the Middletown Economic Development Advisory Committee (MEDAC) received a report on the activities of Connect Greater Newport - sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce with representation from 6 East Bay communities, local businesses, and non-profits -  which is intended to provide an integrated approach to economic growth.  

Discussion centered around how to raise statewide awareness of regional opportunities, but the topic that generated the most interest related to the barriers that undermine those efforts.

There was general agreement regarding the following:

11. The local culture was repeatedly identified by potential investors as “provincial,” reflecting an unwillingness to change.

22. Residents in the area prefer small businesses, which presents a challenge. Individual larger retailers or corporations – who would only make substantial investment if it could ensure profit – have found the region to be resistant.

33. Internet services – particularly the absence of broadband – present a challenge for companies that depend on the rapid exchange of information.

44   The cost of housing in the region is prohibitive for middle-level employees with young families.

55.The sense of “community” has dissipated.

I was impressed with the efforts of the Connect Greater Newport initiative to meet with the regional partners to collect information. Clearly there are goals, and an attempt is underway to stimulate interest in promoting economic development in the area. But I’ve been around too long to be satisfied with just a vision.  I want a strategic plan – and I don’t mean more meetings.

I want to see the above issues addressed in a concrete meaningful way.

11.What can we do to change the culture so residents regard change as a positive?  An advertising campaign? A media blitz? Public meetings?

22. Have the prospective areas in the region been identified for potential development, and has that information been distributed in a concerted manner to potential investors?

33. What efforts have been undertaken to resolve the broadband issue and how can they be expedited?

44. What areas of the region could be developed into small neighborhoods of medium-priced homes, and has there been contact with developers?

55. What efforts have been made to re-engage the residents in resurrecting community spirit?

 It’s not enough to go to meetings attended by a dozen or so people. Currently the only time large numbers of residents come out is to protest some perceived infringement of their “way of life.” How about coming out to join together to make things better?

We live in an area that is aging; the young people will leave as soon as they can unless we can offer opportunity that will make them want to stay. The beaches are for our summers and the tourists, not an all-year-round way of life. We need to weigh the alternatives. We can stay the same or we can grow. But we have to be willing to change – at least a little bit.

Us vs. Them

In February 2018, The Newport Daily News and Newport This Week published my letter as follows:

When my children grew up in Middletown, it had a larger population that appreciated the benefits of differences. The military had a heavier presence then, and families from many different places brought a cosmopolitan element to the community from which we all benefitted, not just financially but also culturally. As a high school teacher, I knew students who had never left Aquidneck Island, but they had the good fortune to share friendships and common goals, such as athletic competitions, with others from across the country and even from other parts of the world.

With the decline in military presence came a decline in the birth rate and, over the years, the community changed, both culturally and financially. The local population was gradually aging, school enrollment was dropping, and Middletown had to regroup to ensure that it remained vibrant and financially stable. It did so by expanding opportunities – the Corporate Park, for example – and by promoting tourism.  The business and manufacturing worlds have had their ups and downs, but the tourist economy has continued to grow to the extent that the Town now recognizes its importance. 

Unfortunately, in some quarters, there is still an us and them mentality. While the locals do not enjoy the crowds, the increased traffic, and the competition for services, most grudgingly endure the minor discomforts of the high seasons and appreciate such benefits that accrue from hospitality taxes and increased patronage at retail establishments.

Nevertheless, there is a vocal minority that seems reminiscent of the tribalism that has asserted itself in some other areas of the country. I am concerned that we are becoming a town that has misplaced our heritage of fair and equal treatment in favor of fair treatment for us and unfair treatment for them.  

The controversy related to the Sachuest Beach campground is an example of this dual mentality. Following a break-in and loss of beach receipts, a committee was formed to review all aspects related to the beach, conduct interviews with both employees and patrons, and bring recommendations to the Town Council.

Other issues aside, parking had been a hot button issue for many years with residents complaining about a lack of preferential parking.  The committee responded to their concerns with reconfigurations, including resident parking areas, generally considered a positive move.  

The problem came with the recommendation that the campground be converted to a parking area, displacing summer residents, many of whom considered the campground their second homes. There was a public outcry – a deluge of letters followed by campers coming long distances to express their dismay.

Responding not only to their concerns but also to the point that increased parking would mean undesirably larger crowds, the Town Council chose not to close the campground but, instead, recommended fee increases of $2,000 this year and $2,000 next year.

The proposal restored the $97,500 that would have been sacrificed with the closing of the campground and provided a $4,000 per campsite increase ($2,000 per year) to appease those locals who had advocated for more resident parking and improved beach amenities while the fee increase blindsided the campers.

It’s important to recognize that campers generally cannot afford long stays in hotel rooms. I remember camping when my children were young, and it was all we could afford, not to mention the elderly that the Town Council claims to care about when it talks about local residents. Who will speak for the elderly campers, some of whom have summered here for decades?

The point?   Middletown has basically a tourist economy. Would we like more businesses or corporations to invest in our town? Yes. But we need to recognize that tourists are our bread and butter, and long-term campers are just as important as short-term wealthier visitors in hotel rooms if not more so because of what they contribute seasonally to our economy.

As several writers suggested, modest increases over time would be acceptable, but such a huge increase with little warning reeks of locals vs campers -  us vs them.

A town is not purely a business, concerning itself merely with profit and loss. It is a community where economics affect the people who live there as well as those who engage with them. If locals are to accept the financial benefits of the tourist economy, integrity demands a balance where we consider how our actions affect those who are at our mercy. 

Sometimes a relatively small issue can make us think about who we are and whom we want to be.