(Middletown, RI)--An update on the affairs of the Middletown Fire Department.A statement provided to WPRI-TV from Fire Chief Peter Faerber indicates he plans to retire next month.Faeber was the subject of union criticism at a recent Town Council meeting where claims of inadequate staffing were made following a New Year's Day fire which was first responded to by firefighters from Newport.Meanwhile, the Newport Daily News reports the Town Council has removed Town Administrator Shawn Brown from representing the town during contract arbitration hearings and union collecting bargaining negotiations, including the current and pending engagements between the town and firefighters.Council President Robert Sylvia says he believes having Brown handle those tasks has created an uncomfortable environment for him and town employees.