EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 1, 2023
Town Council Vice President Michael Lefebvre
led Council and the Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town
Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m., on Monday, May 1, 2023, in Council Chambers,
Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Roll Call: Daniel W. Patterson Present
Michael A. Lefebvre Present
Calvin A. Ellis Absent – On Vacation
Olivia DeFrancesco Present
Diane Bampton-Allen Present
Also Present: Also Present: James P. Marusak, Esq., Town Solicitor
Lynn M. Hawkins, Town Clerk
Kenneth G. Findlay, Council Assistant
A. THE TOWN OF EXETER EXTENDS ITS MOST HEARTFELT THANKS
AND APPRECIATION TO EACH AND EVERY FIREFIGHTER, VOLUNTEER, ORGANIZATION, INDIVIDUAL – THERE ARE TOO MANY TO LIST – WHO HELPED THE TOWN’S FIRE DEPARTMENTS FIGHT, CONTAIN, AND BEAT
THE HISTORIC BRUSH FIRE ON FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023, WHICH ULTIMATELY BURNED 700 ACRES OF NATURE CONSERVANCY AND PRIVATE PROPERTIES
IN THE VICINITY OF WILLIAM REYNOLDS ROAD. WITH THEIR HELP AND GALLANT EFFORTS NO HOMES WERE LOST OR SERIOUS INJURIES OR
FATALITIES SUSTAINED: Council thanked all the first responders, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to helping fight the fire.
B. ON FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023, MERCY MAE PAGE OF 708 GARDNER
ROAD, WITH HER MANY CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN, GREAT
GRANDCHILDREN, AND GREAT-GREAT GRANDCHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE WAS PRESENTED THE BOSTON CANE BY COUNCILMAN CALVIN ELLIS IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS RECOGNIZING THAT ACCORDING TO THE TOWN’S RECORDS MERCY IS CURRENTLY THE TOWN’S OLDEST CITIZEN AT
99 YEARS OF AGE: Council congratulated Mercy and her family.
C. ANNUAL DOG LICENSING: APRIL 1 – JUNE 1, $6.00; AFTER JUNE 1,
$6.00 PER LICENSE PLUS $25.00 LATE FEE PER LICENSE; OBTAIN AT CLERK’S OFFICE, ANIMAL SHELTER, OR, ONLINE; FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE TOWN’S WEBSITE: Council reminded dog
owners to license their dogs before June 1.
D. FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING: TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023, 7:00 P.M.,
EXETER-WEST GREENWICH JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, SENIOR
GYMNASIUM, 930 NOOSENECK HILL ROAD, WEST GREENWICH, RHODE ISLAND (NOTE: CHANGE OF VENUE DUE TO HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM RENOVATIONS): Council urged the Public to attend and vote.
E. EXETER DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IS ACCEPTING
APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 “GROWERS GIVEBACK” PROGRAM; APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE AND ARE DUE BACK BY MAY 31, 2023: Council urged the Public to apply.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to approve the Agenda Order; seconded by
Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST:
There was nothing from the Reynolds Charitable Trust Committee for Council’s consideration.
B. REPORTS:
1. TOWN CLERK
2. TREASURER
3. TAX ASSESSOR
4. TAX COLLECTOR
5. TOWN PLANNER
6. ANIMAL CONTROL
7. TRANSFER STATION
8. EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY
9. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
10. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
11. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
12. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT/PUBLIC SAFETY
13. RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST COMMITTEE
14. EXETER JOB CORPS ACADEMY
15. EXETER-WEST GREENWICH SCHOOL DISTRICT
16. EXETER-WEST GREENWICH REGIONAL SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
Ms. Allen removed Nos. 8 and 16.
C. COMMUNICATIONS:
Mr. Lefebvre removed No. 19. Ms. DeFrancesco removed No. 18.
D. SCHEDULE OF MAY MEETINGS AND EVENTS:
The Schedule was not removed.
E. BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:
1. BILL SHEET
2. TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS
3. TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES AND ABATEMENTS
There were no Tax Assessor’s Abatements.
1. COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 6, 2023
2. COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING, MARCH 13, 2023
3. COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING, APRIL 10, 2023
4. COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING, APRIL 19, 2023
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to approve the Consent Agenda as amended;
seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. VACANCIES:
1. PERSONNEL BOARD (5 MEMBERS NEEDED): Letters of interest received
are being held. Once five are received, this Board will be activated. These vacancies
will continue to post.
2. CONSERVATION COMMISSION (7 MEMBERS NEEDED): Letters of
interest received are being held. Once seven are received, this Board and Commission
will be activated. These vacancies will continue to post.
B. RESIGNATIONS There were no Resignations.
C. APPOINTMENTS:
1. JUVENILE HEARING BOARD ALTERNATE MEMBER (TO SERVE
THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT): No letters
of interest have been received. This vacancy will continue to post.
2. JUVENILE HEARING BOARD MEMBER (TO SERVE THREE-YEAR
TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT): Council has Letter of Interest
(June Communication No. 1) from Wendy Fenner-Aubin.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to appoint Wendy Fenner-Aubin as Juvenile Hearing Board Member to serve the ensuing term; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
3. EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST COMMITTEE MEMBERS (TO FILL FOUR-YEAR TERMS BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT):
No letters of interest have been received. This vacancy will continue to post.
4. WOOD-PAWCATUCK WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL ALTERNATE MEMBER: No letters of interest have been received.
This vacancy will continue to post.
5. LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBERS (ONE) (TO SERVE THREE-
YEAR APPOINTMENTS FROM DATE OF APPOINTMENT): No letters of interest
have been received. This vacancy will continue to post.
6. BOARD OF CANVASSERS ALTERNATE MEMBER (TO SERVE UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING MAY 3, 2027): Republic Town Committee Chair, Diane Allen, reported
that she may have someone interested in serving.
7. FINANCE CLERK: Town Treasurer Maria Lawler suggested that this vacancy
be removed.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to remove Agenda Item No. 6.C.7, Finance Clerk,
from the Agenda; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
8. ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER: Council has Director Robert Shappy’s recommendation.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to appoint Jensen Tavares as part-time Animal
Control Officer; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
D. EXPIRING TERMS:
1. RICHARD BOOTH, ZONING BOARD OF REVIEW MEMBER (TERM
EXPIRING JUNE 30, 2023): The Clerk will contact Mr. Booth to inquire whether
he wishes to be reappointed and will post the Expiring Term Notice.
A. PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION: EARL ADAMS,
APPLICANT; TO HOST RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD LEAP FEST, AIRBORN SOLDIER COMPETITION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2023, 8:00 A.M.
TO 5:00 P.M. (RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 2023), AT HIS ADDRESS
300 HOG HOUSE HILL ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND:
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to open the Public Hearing; seconded by
Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Mr. Adams: The competition was hosted by Mr. Adams’ last year. There were no issues.
It was a sold-out success. Improved access for parking in the hayfield will be off Hog House Hill Road. There will be a viewing areas for the competition and military hardware. The Guard will have medical teams present and coordinates with the Exeter Emergency Director, Fire and Rescue Departments, and Town Sergeant. Town Sergeant Scote Miller did not have an issue with this event last year and had no objection to it being granted this year. The Guard starts
with practice on Thursday before the public event and runs through Monday.
The Clerk reported that the application was duly advertised and abutters noticed and that
$123.50 is due for advertising and certified mailings.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to close the Public Hearing; seconded by Ms. Allen;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to grant Public Entertainment License to Earl Adams for Rhode Island National Guard Leap Fest as advertised, subject to fees being paid; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Tish Davis, William Reynolds Road: Ms. Davis thanked everyone, the fire fighters, police, National Guard, and Exeter folks, who fought the April 14 wildfire. She had to evacuate her home but was kept well informed. She appreciated everyone’s efforts.
Asa Davis, Beechwood Hill Trail: 1) It is not the new Public Works Director’s fault that the Public Works budget is shy. It is the fault of the previous Public Works Director and Council who approved questionable expenditures; and 2) There was a small fire on Sodom Trail that went unnoticed started by an ATV leaking fuel, which he is afraid could happen to his property
where ATVs are trespassing.
A. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: AWARDING OF BID: REPLACEMENT OF 2018 EXPLORER XLT 4X4: There were three bids duly received and opened from the same dealer, Tasca Commercial Trucks. Director of Public Works Robby Shappy’s recom-mendation is a 2022 F350 Super-cab 4x4 pickup. The original plan was to trade in the Explorer.
The Town Sergeant’s office wishes to buy the Explorer from Public Works with Vehicle Replacement Funds.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to award Tasca Commercial Trucks the bid for a 2022 Ford F-350 Super-cab 4x4 Pickup minus the trade-in; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to allow the Town Sergeant’s Department to buy the 2018 Explorer XLT 4x4 for the sum of $22,000.00 out of the Vehicle Replacement Fund and paid into the Public Works Equipment Fund; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and
voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE RECOVERY CORPORATION AND THE TOWN
OF EXETER: Exeter has entered into the agreement each year. Director of Public Works
Robert Shappy has reviewed the agreement and approves.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to accept Solid Waste and Recycling Services Agreement Between Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and the Town of Exeter; seconded by Ms. Allen.
Discussion: D. Lewis being approved to ride on Exeter’s cap is no longer part of this agreement, as they have sold the business.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
C. COMPLAINT REGARDING 415 HOG HOUSE HILL ROAD: Mr. Lefebvre and Building Inspector Ron DeFrancesco inspected the property. The matter is being turned
over to Zoning Inspector Hal Morgan.
D. CONSTELLATION POWER AGREEMENT: The Town currently has a contract
with Constellation Power, through which the Town has had a rate of $.06/kilowatt for four
years. The contract expires on December 31. Town Treasurer, Maria Lawler, requests authority to work with Constellation’s representative to enter into a new contract, possibly sooner than later, if the market suggests that it would be better to contract before the end of the year.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to authorize Town Treasurer Maria Lawler to
negotiate and enter into contract with Constellation Power on Council’s behalf;
seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
E. DORI BOARDMAN, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR:
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORT: Ms. Boardman reported: 1) During the recent wildfire, she set up Emergency Operations at Incident Command, which was heavily involved. The firefighters were outstanding. She thanked them for their hard work and the Public Works’ and Town Sergeant’s Departments and other Town Staff who answered the call and helped; 2) The Emergency Operations Center should not be on top of Incident Command. She asked Council for a recommendation where she could set up an Emergency Operations Center, which Exeter does not have presently have. Having an Operations Center separate from Incident Command would have been easier and more efficient during the wildfire. Council made suggestions where she could set up; and 3) She suggested that Council issue a proclamation
of thanks to the wildfire firefighters.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson for the Town Clerk to issue an official Proclamation honoring all the volunteers and first responders, etc.; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Ms. DeFrancesco read Communication No. 18 into the record. The Red Cross thanked
Ms. Boardman for her “incredible partnership and work during the wildfire,” “leadership and collaboration,” which was “invaluable in providing much needed assistance,” “dedication to the safety and well-being of the community,” and “ability to coordinate with Red Cross and others,” which was crucial. Her quick response and efficient management was a testatment to her expertise and experience essential to providing relief to those affected and those responding.
Council thanked Ms. Boardman.
F. RUBBISH REMOVAL LICENSE APPLICATION: EASTERN WASTE SERVICES LLC, d/b/a, CHARLIE’S RUBBISH REMOVAL, 280 DRY BRIDGE ROAD, NORTH KINGSTOWN, RHODE ISLAND: Eastern, who bought out D. Lewis, needs its own license.
The Clerk reported that all requirements have been met.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to grant Rubbish Removal License Application to Eastern
Waste Services, LLC, d/b/a Charlie’s Rubbish Removal; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
G. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: REQUEST TO USE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS: FORESTRY BUCKET TRUCK: The funds for this truck were approved
at last year’s Financial Town Meeting. Public Works currently has a utility bucket truck that
can reach 50 feet. A forestry bucket truck would reach 90 feet. There are a lot of trees that Public Works needs to clean up that cannot be reached with the utility bucket.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to grant request to go out to bid for a forestry bucket truck; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
H. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: REQUEST TO EXTEND BID: CRACK SEALING: Indus Industries has provided its agreement to extend the bid. Director of Public Works recommends extending the bid.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to extend the crack sealing bid with Indus Industries; seconded by Ms. Allen.
Discussion: The extension will be for one year.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. USE OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS: TOWN HALL ADDITION V. NEW TOWN HALL V. PURCHASE OF 742 TEN ROD ROAD:
Mr. Findlay provided Council with a Request for Proposals for architectural services
for a new Town Hall.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to go out to bid for architectural services
for a new Town Hall; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously
in the affirmative.
The RFP will be circulated to the Inspectors and Zoning and Planning Boards
for their comments.
B. JULY 2022 COMMUNICATION NO 16: GOVERNOR MCKEE: RHODE
ISLAND CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND: MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITY FACILITIES MATCHING GRANT: Town Treasurer Maria Lawler reported
that she has not received an update or status.
C. SPLIT ROCK MOBILE PARK: 1) REQUEST OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR RANDY McGOVERN TO OBTAIN ENGINEER’S REPORT AND REQUIRE VIOLATIONS TO BE CORRECTED TIMELY; 2) TRAILER PARK LICENSE RENEWAL APPLICATION: SPLIT ROCK MOBILE PARK, 480 SOUTH COUNTY TRAIL: Council has not had an update since April 3. Attorney Marusak will write Attorney
Bogosian.
D. SIGNAGE ON MAJOR ROUTES INTO TOWN: Mr. Findlay reported: He will work with Director of Public Works Rob Shappy to apply online for a permit with the Scenic Roadway Commission. Once approved, approval of the sign by Council and the Scenic Roadway Commission will have to be obtained. Once prices are obtained, Council will have to decide how many sigs and where they will be placed.
E. MEMORIAL DAY PARADE COMMITTEE: The Clerk reported: The Committee is moving along. There is a line up. There will be two food trucks at the Library and the usual
free hot dogs. Yard signs and flyers are being made. The new members to the committee are bringing new ideas and new participants. Member, Randy Rusk, is requesting a Council member(s) to speak at the ceremony following the parade. Ms. Allen and Ms. DeFrancesco
will be present.
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-01: RESOLUTION URGING PASSAGE OF STATE
LEGISLATION REGARDING GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS IN LIEU OF PROPERTY TAX FOR STATE-OWNED PROPERTIES IN THE TOWN OF EXETER: Representative Megan Cotter presented the resolution at the House Hearing
last week.
G. TOWN OF EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES; CHAPTER 14, BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS; ARTICLE IV, IMPACT FEES: Mr. Findlay will contact
the consultant (who wrote the formula) about revising the fees.
H. EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST COMMITTEE: REQUEST FOR ADVICE AND CLARIFICATION: PROPERTY GRANTS: The Committee has
not provided Council with information.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to remove Agenda Item No. 10H, Exeter Rural Land Preservation Trust Committee, Request for Advice and Clarification, Property Grants, from the Agenda; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
I. TOWN EMAILS AND RECORDS: OFFICIALS, STAFF, BOARDS, AND
COMMISSIONS: The Clerk will contact IT Director James Angi for a status.
J. REQUEST OF RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION:
NUMBER OF ADUs PERMITTED BY THE TOWN DURING TWO PREVIOUS
CALENDAR YEARS AND NUMBER OF ADUs ISSUED A CERTIFICATE OF
OCCUPANY BY THE TOWN DURING THE TWO PREVIOUS CALENDAR YEARS:
The Clerk will inquire of IT Director James Angi whether the ADU field has been added to the
e-permitting program and will contact Building Inspector Ron DeFrancesco to inquire how many
Certificates of Occupancy have been issued in the last two years for ADUs.
K. REQUEST OF SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR: GRANT ADMINISTRATION
FEES:
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to remove Agenda Item No. 10K, Request of
Social Services Director, Grant Administration Fees, from the Agenda; seconded
by Mr. Patterson.
Discussion: Mr. Lefebvre noted that Social Services Director, Jessica DeMartino, did not
provide Council with a letter. Is she not interested in the fees? Ms. DeFrancesco answered
that Ms. DeMartino is absolutely interested in the fees but the agenda item will be reworded
in order that she be compensated for the money she brings into Town.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
L. LIBRARY HVAC: PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT: Library Director Tien Tran has told the contractor that the Town will not be signing its maintenance agreement, as it is too high. He has talked to the previous company that maintained the system, who will submit an agreement for Council’s approval.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to remove Agenda Item No. 10L, Library HVAC Preventative Maintenance Agreement, from the Agenda; seconded by Ms. Allen;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
M. MARCH COMMUNICATION NO. 26: ASA DAVIS: PETITION TO COUNCIL
TO ACCEPT THE IMPROVEMENTS AT THE END OF ESTATE DRIVE: Council
has the Town’s response to Mr. Davis, which lays out his options in regard to having the road
accepted.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to remove Agenda Item No. 10M, March Communica-tion No. 26, Asa Davis, Petition to Council to Accept the Improvements at the end of Estate Drive, from the Agenda; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
N. HISTORIC PRESERVATION: WOODY HILL AND HALL SCHOOLS:
Mr. Findlay reported: Chair of the Historical Committee, Sheila Reynolds, will have a local,
retired contractor submit the cost for the repairs.
O. RECENT ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT: APPENDIX A, SECTION 2:
INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION: Following last month’s discussion, no
changes to the ordinance will be made.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to remove Agenda Item No. 10O, Recent Zoning
Ordinance Amendment, Appendix A, Section 2, Interpretation and Application,
from the Agenda; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. TOWN COUNCIL ASSISTANT’S REPORT: TOWN COUNCIL ASSISTANT, KENNETH G. FINDLAY: The Library has received a grant in the amount of $2,500.00
to install automatic door openers and has been made a beneficiary to an annuity in the
amount of $280,000.00 to be collected when the donor/patron passes away.
B. SOLICITOR’S REPORT : JAMES P. MARUSAK, ESQ. : Attorney Marusak
had nothing to report. Council is invited to call him with any questions.
C. REPORTS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:
Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District: Ms. Allen reported: 1) The recent referendum was very poorly attended. Between both towns, only 200 residents voted;
and 2) The District is going out to bid for security upgrades.
Tax Assessor, Kerri Petrarca: Ms. Petrarca gave birth recently.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to send Tax Assessor, Kerri Petrarca, a $100.00
Walmart gift card for baby supplies; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously
in the affirmative.
No. 18 04/24/2023 Letter from Rhode Island Red Cross to Exeter Emergency
Management Association: Thanks and appreciation to Dorian Boardman for
response during wildfire in Exeter: Addressed previously this evening.
No. 19 04/25/2023 SBA Communications Corp: Revenue Sharing Details by
Tenant; May 2023: The Town receives fees for the tower. SBA has tenants who
pay them.
Council did not enter into Executive Session.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to adjourn the meeting; seconded
by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council is scheduled for
Monday, June 5, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC
Exeter Town Clerk
Approved: June 5, 2023