EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 4, 2024
The Town Council led 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, March 4, 2024, in Council Chambers, Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Roll Call: Daniel W. Patterson Present
Michael A. Lefebvre Present
Diane Bampton Allen Present
Olivia DeFrancesco Present
Calvin A. Ellis Present
Also Present : James P. Marusak, Esq., Town Solicitor
Lynn M. Hawkins, Town Clerk
Kenneth G. Findlay, Council Assistant
A. PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY, APRIL 2, 2024: EARLY VOTING WILL BE HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EXETER TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE BUILDING, 675 TEN ROD ROAD, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 THROUGH MONDAY, APRIL 1, 9:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.; VOTING ON TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2024, WILL BE HELD AT THE USUAL POLLING LOCATIONS, 7:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M., SAMPLE BALLOTS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE EXETER CLERK’S OFFICE: The Public was encouraged to vote and to vote early.
B. PUBLIC HEARING: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE: MONDAY,
MARCH 11, 2024, 7:00 P.M., WAWALOAM SCHOOL CAFETERIA, ROUTE 102, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND: The Public was invited to attend.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Agenda Order as presented;
seconded by Mr. Patterson; and approved unanimously in the affirmative.
A. REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST: REQUEST FOR APPROVAL:
None this month.
B. COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Ellis removed No. 9. Mr. Patterson removed
Nos. 7 and 8.
C. BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:
1. BILL SHEET: February 1, 2024 – February 29, 2024
2. TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS: None this month
3. TAX COLLECTOR’S ABATEMENTS: None this month
4. TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES: Account Nos.
00-4517-16, 00-4532-30, 27-2551-15
Because there was a purchase at Allen Seed, Ms. Allen removed the Bill Sheet.
1. TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 5, 2024
2. TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, EXECUTIVE SESSION
FEBRUARY 5, 2024
3. TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING, FEBRUARY 8, 2024
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve Consent Agenda as amended;
seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Bill Sheet as presented;
seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted as follows:
Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Michael A. Lefebvre Yes
Diane Bampton Allen Abstain
Olivia DeFrancesco Yes
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Motion passes.
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
will continue to post.
2. CONSERVATION COMMISSION (7 MEMBERS NEEDED): Letters of interest received are being held. Once seven are received, this Commission will be activated.
These vacancies will continue to post. There will be a Charter Amendment on the
November Election Ballot to change the number of members from seven to five.
B. RESIGNATIONS: There were no resignations.
C. APPOINTMENTS:
1. EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST COMMITTEE MEMBERS (TWO) (TO SERVE FOUR-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT):
No Letters of Interest have been received. This vacancy will continue to post.
2. BOARD OF CANVASSERS ALTERNATE MEMBER (TO SERVE UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING MAY 3, 2027): The Republican Party has made a recommendation.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to appoint Shelly Miller as Board of Canvassers Alternate
Member to serve the unexpired term ending May 3, 2027; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
3. JUVENILE HEARING BOARD ALTERNATE MEMBER (TO SERVE UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2026): No Letters of Interest
have been received. This vacancy will continue to post.
4. PUBLIC WORKS WORKER: Director of Public Works Rob Shappy has
submitted a recommendation to Council.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to hire Charles Cinquegrana as Public Works Worker;
seconded by Ms. Allen.
Discussion: Mr. Cinquegrana has good skills, stood above the other applicants, and
will be a great asset to the crew.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
5. WILLIAM MUNROE, BOARD OF CANVASERS MEMBER (TO SERVE
SIX-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT): This matter will
be discussed in Executive Session.
6. BARBARA LAIRD, LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES (TO SERVE THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT): Ms. Laird has indicated
that she wishes to be reappointed.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to reappoint Barbara Laird as Library Board of
Trustees Member to serve three-year term beginning date of appointment; seconded
by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
7. BRIAN LESINSKI, EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST (TO SERVE FOUR-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT): Mr. Lesinski
has indicated that he wishes to be reappointed.
MOTION made by Ms. Ellis to reappoint Brian Lesinski as Exeter Rural Land Preservation Trust Member to serve four-year term beginning date of appointment; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
D. EXPIRING TERMS:
1. WILLIAM GALLAGHER, CONSTABLE (TERM EXPIRING APRIL 1, 2024):
2. STEVE VANNER, SPECIAL CONSTABLE (TERM EXPIRING APRIL 1, 2024):
3. TOM ALLEN, SPECIAL CONSTABLE (TERM EXPIRING APRIL 1, 2024):
Town Sergeant Scote Miller recommends that William Gallagher, Constable, Steve Vanner, Special Constable, and Tom Allen, Special Constable, be reappointed. Each have submitted
their requests to be reappointed.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to reappoint William Gallagher as Constable, Steve Vanner
as Special Constable, and Tom Allen as Special Constable for an additional year; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: The terms of Constable and Special Constables are one year. They are reappointed annually. Special Constable, Al Gustafson, was missing from the list. His reappointment will
be on next month’s agenda.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
4. JOHN McDONOUGH, TAX BOARD OF REVIEW MEMBER (TERM EXPIRING APRIL 1, 2024): Mr. McDonough does not seek reappointment. He is retiring and will be
“heading for warmer climates.”
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to post for Tax Board of Review Member; seconded
by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER APPLICATION: FROM MATTHEW THOLE,
8 TWILIGHT TRAIL, RICHMOND RI 02892, OWNER, HOMESTEAD RESTAURANT/
MST, INC., TO IRYNA MAKHLOUF, 4 DRUMMOND DRIVE, LINCOLN RI 02865, OWNER, HOMESTEAD EXETER INC., FOR PROPERTY (HOMESTEAD RESTAURANT/MST, INC.) LOCATED AT 750 SOUTH COUNTY TRAIL,
EXETER RI 02822, PLAT 79/BLOCK 2/LOT 12:
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to convene as the Exeter Liquor Licensing
Board; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to open the Public Hearing; seconded by
Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Charles Reilly, Esq., was present on behalf of Ms. Makhlouf, for any questions.
Applicant is aware of the two invoices, they are not outstanding and not in dispute,
and will be sure they are paid before the closing.
Matt Thole, Owner, Homestead Restaurant, noted that the invoices are not outstanding,
are not in dispute, and will be paid tomorrow.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to grant Transfer of Liquor License of Homestead Restaurant, 750 South County Trail, Exeter, Rhode Island, to Iryna Maklouf,
4 Drummond Drive, Lincoln, Rhode Island, subject to payment of two outstanding invoices; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion:
Ms. Maklouf stated that she and her husband, George, will be running the business. This
is not their “first rodeo.” They are buying the restaurant as an investment. Restaurants
are their family business and passion. They value family and tradition. It is important to
them to maintain family values, good food, good culture, and a good atmosphere. The Homestead has done this for 31 years. They plan to keep the Homestead the same. They
hope to pass the family business down to their son as their legacy.
Council thanked Mr. Thole for all his years of a successful business in Town.
Mr. Thole has been working for the family business since he was a teenager. He thanked Council. Exeter has always been business friendly.
Ms. Hawkins reported that there is $150.00 owing in advertising fees and that Building Inspector Ronald DeFrancesco requires additional parking spaces. Mr. Thole spoke to Mr. DeFrancesco today. The spaces will be added before the business is sold.
Back to the Motion: No action was taken.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to close the Public Hearing; seconded
by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to grant Transfer of Liquor License of
Homestead Restaurant, 750 South County Trail, Exeter, Rhode Island, to
Iryna Maklouf, 4 Drummond Drive, Lincoln, Rhode Island, subject to the
payment of outstanding invoices being paid, fees to the Town being paid,
and additional handicap parking spaces being installed; seconded by
Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Council wished the new owner good luck.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to adjourn as the Exeter Liquor Licensing Board
and reconvene as the Exeter Town Council; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Asa Davis: 1) There is a center at the North Kingstown Town Beach that runs programs that may help with the requirements of the Community Facility Grant; 2) Mr. Davis listed several attributes about the Zoning Inspector that should be considered before benefits are awarded to him; 3) Regarding the number of Town legal cases, the majority are not his; 4) Mr. Lefebvre has called Mr. Davis a bully and coward. Bullies and cowards choose the easier wrong instead of the harder right, say one thing and do the opposite, exploit the weak instead of helping, lie to cover up, and then lie some more. None of these describe him. If Mr. Lefebvre gives reasons for calling him a bully and a coward, Mr. Davis will apologize if he agrees.
Clinton Lockwood: Mr. Lockwood lives at 40 Gentry Circle, across from the old dump. For seven years, he has felt tremors and shock waves through his property and home, causing broken concrete in the cellar and to the garage floor. In 2022, his insurance Amica, denied his claim, citing it as earth movement. No damage has been done to his neighbors’ homes. He does not sleep at night. He hears trees falling in the woods. He invited Council to visit his property to
see the damage. He seeks Council’s help. He will send Council a letter to address at its next meeting.
A. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF FULL FUNDING OF CATEGORICAL
TRANSPORTATION AS OUTLINED IN RIGL 16-7.2-6: The State had promised
when the schools became regional that it would “foot” the bill for the transportation costs.
They have never paid the whole bill and cut it every year. It is a $10,000,000.00 line
item in the school budget.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to adopt Resolution in Support of Full Funding
of Categorical Transportation as Outlined in RIGL 16-7.2-6; seconded by
Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: This is an example of the Town putting its faith in the State. The School
does what it needs to do to comply.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. FEBRUARY COMMUNICATION NO. 22: LETTER FROM MR. AND MRS. JAMES GREENLESS JR.: SEEKING ADVICE FOR RESOLVING AN ISSUE WITH THE BOONE LAKE DAM MANAGEMENT DISTRICT OVER THE COLLECTION
OF TAXES AND PLACEMENT OF A LIEN ON HIS PROPERTY: At Council’s request, Attorney Marusak reviewed this matter, not for legal advice, but for clarification: The Boone Lake Management District is its own entity and separate from the Town. Council has nothing
to do with its operation and cannot do anything about the Greenless’ issue. The District does
not collect taxes. It collects fees to maintain the dam. Its ability to collect fees is allowed by ordinance and state laws and similar in fashion to how municipal taxes are collected. Liens are placed on the properties from the moment the fees are assessed.
Mrs. Greenless stated that the issue is whether the District had the right to place a lien on the property when they had funds in hand and the concern is that the District can do whatever they want without recourse. She has a problem with those who think they have authority because of the position they are in but who do not.
Recourses available to the Greenlesses include: the Greenlesses suing the District for improper procedure, if they believe that is the case; or initiation changes to the ordinances or bylaws.
Mr. Ellis sat on Council when the District was created. It was created because of struggles existing at the time. The District is self-governing. More Boone Lake residents should get involved.
C. RESOLUTION OF THE EXETER TOWN COUNCIL CHANGING THE LOCATION OF ITS APRIL 1, 2024, REGULAR MEETING FROM COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT THE EXETER CLERK’S OFFICE, 675 TEN ROD ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND, TO THE PROGRAM ROOM, AT THE EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY, 773 TEN ROD ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND: Because voting for the Presidential Preference Primary is being held in Council Chambers through April 2, Council cannot meet
in Council Chambers on April 1, 2024.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to approve Resolution Changing the Location of its April 1, 2024, Regular Meeting, to the Exeter Public Library Program Room; seconded by
Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL: MS (“MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS”) RIDE THE RHODE CYCLISTS PARADE, JUNE 9, 2024, STARTING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND, TRAVELING THROUGH SOUTH KINGSTOWN, NORTH KINGSTOWN, EAST GREENWICH, AND WEST GREENWICH, AND EXETER
AND FINISHING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND: This race goes through Exeter annually. There have been no issues. Town Sergeant Scote Miller has reviewed the
communication and route and does not believe a detail is necessary or required.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to approve Request for Multiple Sclerosis Ride the Rhode Cyclists Parade through Exeter on June 9, 2024; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
E. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: PROPERTY DAMAGE: MAIL ROAD:
A resident alerted Public Works to the unloading of heavy equipment on the tar road. The
Public Works Director and Superintendent responded. There was scar damage to the Town
road. Most probably, potholes will form. A police report was made. Mr. Ellis suggested a
letter be written to the owner of the equipment.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis direct the Clerk to follow up with Mr. Patterson to write
the owner of the equipment from Council and request that they address and correct
the damage to Mail Road; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in
the affirmative.
F. REQUEST OF EXETER HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION: HALL SCHOOL:
SECURING OF DESKS TO FLOOR: Historical Association President, Sheila Reynolds, addressed the history of the Association and its role in the restoration and upkeep of Town historical buildings. It works in partnership with the Town through Town funds and funds it obtains as a 501(c)(3). There appears to be difficulties with the partnership. How are the Association and Council going to move forward together in the future? This comes about because after the Hall School was restored, the desks were not secured to the floor, which is dangerous. She reached out to the Department of Public Works and received an email from the Council President that any work to be done in the historical buildings should go before Council. Lengthy discussion ensued. No outsiders or groups are to do work or use the buildings without Council knowing. The Public Works Director and Superintendent will meet with Ms. Reynolds to determine what size screws to use to bolt the chairs to the floor. In order to avoid any moisture gaps, they will ensure that screws are used that will not go through the floor. The Historical Association will continue to work through Mr. Findlay, as it always has.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to direct the Public Works Director and Superintendent to use appropriate size screws to secure the desks and chairs to
the floor in the correct direction; seconded by Ms. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously
in the affirmative.
Ms. Reynolds and her committee will assist with the installation.
G. GOGOV MOBILE APP: Mr. Ellis asked Mr. Findlay to research the app and advise Council at the next meeting whether the app should be mobilized to create better communication
between the Town and its residents. This app is for municipalities. It keeps the public engaged. It provides instant notifications to residents, real time alerts, an easy request submission tool, and timely news, updates, and event alerts.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to direct Council Assistant Kenneth Findlay to research
the GoGov Mobile App and report back at Council’s next meeting; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. USE OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS: POSSIBLE ACQUISITION
OF 742 TEN ROD ROAD: This agenda item will be removed. The property was purchased
by the Town on February 29, 2024. Discussion regarding the uses of and plans for the new building will be on Council’s Special Meeting Agenda of March 18 and going forward.
B. STATUS: JULY 2022 COMMUNICATION NO 16: GOVERNOR MCKEE:
RHODE ISLAND CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND: MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITY FACILITIES MATCHING GRANT: 1) REQUEST FOR APPROVAL: SUBAWARD AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS PANDEMIC RECOVERY OFFICE (“STATE AGENCY”) AND TOWN OF EXETER (“SUBRECIPIENT ENTITY”): Town Treasurer Maria Lawler reported that the Town is slated to receive approximately $600,000.00 without a match.
The application for the grant designates the community facility to be located in the center
room at 742 Ten Rod Road for the next five years. Should the Town not adhere to the
rules, uses (programs), and requirements (reporting) regarding the community facility,
the funds would have to be returned. It will be labor intensive. Insurance is required.
The final draft of the subaward agreement has not been received. Ms. Lawler and
Ms. Hawkins have been doing desk reviews with the State. A site review will be
required soon.
C. STATUS: UPDATE TO TOWN OF EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES;
CHAPTER 14, BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS; ARTICLE IV,
IMPACT FEES: Mr. Findlay reported: Town Planner William DePasquale and Tax
Assessor Kerri Petrarca have a plan to resolve the disparity between the commercial
and residential fees. Mr. Findlay will ask them to report to Council in writing.
D. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS: REQUEST FOR GUIDANCE: INCIDENT
AT 5 WEST SHORE DRIVE: A letter was sent to the property owner regarding a rock wall
he has built on the Town road. The property owner responded with a request that his rocks be left for him. The Department of Public Works will begin clearing the rocks at the end of March.
E. EXETER TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE BUILDING, 675 TEN ROD ROAD:
ROOF AND BASEMENT ISSUES: Mr. Findlay will have specifications ready for
next month’s meeting.
F. PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS TO PLANNING DEPARTMENT:
Council awaits the Planning Board’s recommendations.
G. PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS: NOVEMBER 2024 ELECTION:
There will be three on the November Election Ballot.
H. SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE: RI250 COMMISSION: CREATION
OF LOCAL 250TH COMMITTEES AHEAD OF 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES: Sheila Reynolds, President, Exeter Historical Association, reported that the Association will be the lead group. They have been invited
to the State House by the 250th Commission and the Secretary of State for a meeting.
Lauren Fogarty from the Secretary of State will attend the Association’s meeting next
month to discuss moving forward.
No. 7 02/08/2024 Brian Lesinski: Request to be reappointed to the Exeter Rural Land
Preservation Trust Committee: Addressed previously this evening.
No. 8 02/08/2024 Barbara Laird: Request to be reappointed to the Exeter Public
Library Board of Trustees: Addressed previously this evening.
No. 9 02/09/2024 Office of Rhode Island Secretary of State: RI250 Presentation;
American Association for State and Local History - Forming a Local 250th Commission; Local 250th Committee Draft Resolution: Addressed previously this evening.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to take a five-minute recess; seconded by
Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Council entered into recess at 8:35 p.m., reconvened in Open Session at 8:45 p.m.,
and entered into Executive Session.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to enter into Executive Session to discuss Agenda Items:
A1 [RIGL 42-46-5(a)(5), Possible Acquisition of Real Property, 742 Ten Rod Road];
B1[RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2), Collective Bargaining, Public Works, Wage Modification Request];
C1 [RIGL 42-46-5(A)(1), Job Performance/Character, Board of Canvassers Member]; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Council entered into Executive Session at 8:45 p.m., adjourned Executive Session
at 9:16 p.m., and reassembled in Open Session.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to seal the minutes of the Executive Session;
seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to affirm all votes taken in Executive Session;
seconded by Mr. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ms. Allen;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council is scheduled for Monday,
April 1, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC
Exeter Town Clerk
APPROVED: April 1, 2024