MINUTES
EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 17, 2023
Town Council President Daniel Patterson
led Council and the Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Special Meeting of the Exeter Town
Council was called to order at 6:30 p.m., on Monday, July 17, 2023, in Council Chambers, Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Roll Call: Daniel W. Patterson Present
Michael A. Lefebvre Absent -- Other Commitment
Diane Bampton-Allen Present
Olivia DeFrancesco Absent -- Other Commitment
Calvin A. Ellis Present
Also Present: Lynn M. Hawkins, Town Clerk
Kenneth G. Findlay, Council Assistant
Council has an analysis of costs from Director of Public Works
Robert Shappy to install plexiglass and soundproofing panels in the stairwell leading to
the second floor. The question was asked: Why not sheet rock the half wall rather than
install plexiglass? Discussion ensued. Mr. Shappy will provide costs to sheet rock the half
wall to the ceiling and install sound-proofing panels. This matter will continue to Unfinished Business on Council’s August 7 Regular Meeting Agenda. The costs will come out of the
Town Clerk’s Budget but be approved by the Town Council President.
Mr. Findlay explained: Several years ago, an impact fee study was done and the ordinance changed.
An impact fee study is based on a project or projects. At the time of the study, the projects
were brine for the roads and some roadwork. The study is based on the projected costs of
those projects. Monies collected from impact fees since then were to be applied to the costs
for those projects. If the money is not used for those projects, it goes back to the payee.
Once the projects are done, the Town would find another project. An appeal process can
be added to the ordinance. If impact fees are appealed and lowered, the money has to be
made up some other way. This matter will continue to Unfinished Business on Council’s
August 7 Regular Meeting Agenda.
(TO SERVE THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT):
Member, Diane Gemma, seeks reappointment.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to reappoint Diane Gemma as Reynolds Charitable
Trust Committee Member for the ensuing term; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Council has the minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 3, 2023, when it continued
the increase for three months. Diesel fuel prices are not going down.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to continue the temporary increase for another
three months; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
body. The new body will be installed by the vendor. The old body is beyond repair. The
hinges are rotted off. Buying a new body is cheaper than buying a new truck at $411,000.00. This truck is used for basin cleaning. It is a good truck. Put the money into it and keep it going.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to allow Public Works to go out to bid for replacement
of Viking Proline All Season Dump Body Model PL1011SD; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
It will be a while before the truck is available (2024 model; 2023 is not available). Payment for this truck was
approved at this year’s Financial Town Meeting.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to allow Public Works to go out to bid for Replacement of 2007 4x4 F350 Service Truck; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
40’ X 8’ STORAGE CONTAINER: In cleaning the Public Works yard, two trailers used
for storage needed to be moved. When Public Works attempted to move them, because they
are so old, they fell apart.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to allow Public Works to go out to bid for 40’ x 8’ Storage Container; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The containers at the Transfer Station are about 20 years old. The metal is paper thin and beyond repair.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to allow Public Works to go out to bid for Two
40-Yard Receiver Containers for the Transfer Station; seconded by Ms. Allen;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
70’-75’ FORESTRY BUCKET TRUCK: This truck will be paid for with American Recovery Plan Funds. Public Works recently tested one. Public Works has a 50’ Utility Truck, but this Forestry Truck will allow them to trim larger trees that they cannot get with the Utility Truck.
Tree trimming helps prevent loss of power.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to allow Public Works to go out to bid for 70’-75’ Forestry Bucket Truck; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
There were no Other Administrative Issues.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Ellis;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The Special Meeting was adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC
Exeter Town Clerk
Approved: August 7, 2023