EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 4, 2024
Council led the Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council was called to order at 7:03 p.m., on Monday, November 4, 2024, in the Program Room, Exeter Public Library, 773 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Roll Call: Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Michael A. Lefebvre Yes
Diane Bampton Allen Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco Yes
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Also Present: James P. Marusak, Esq., Town Solicitor
Kenneth Sylvia, Esq., Associate Town Solicitor
Lynn M. Hawkins, Town Clerk
Kenneth G. Findlay, Council Assistant
A. RHODE ISLAND GENERAL ELECTION, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024
VOTING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE USUAL POLLING PLACES, FROM
7:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M.: The Public was urged to vote.
B. THE TOWN OF EXETER WILL RING IN THE HOLIDAYS WITH ITS
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING ON THURSDAY,
DECEMBER 5, 2024, AT 6:30 P.M., ON THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE FRONT LAWN, 675 TEN ROD ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND: The Public was invited.
C. THE EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY’S ANNUAL YOUTH CRAFT FAIR WILL
BE HELD SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 11:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M. THE LIBRARY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EXETER SOCIAL SERVICES, EXETER RESCUE, TRI-COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY, AND MATTHEW’S WISH WILL CONDUCT A SPECIAL HOLIDAY DRIVE TO BENEFIT YOUTHS IN NEED.
ITEMS FOR TEENS ARE ESPECIALLY DESIRED. MORE INFORMATION
REGARDING THE FAIR AND HOLIDAY DRIVE CAN BE FOUND ON THE LIBRARY’S WEBPAGE: The Public was invited.
D. OUTGOING COUNCILMAN MICHAEL LEFEBVRE: Mr. Lefebvre did
not run for re-election. Council acknowledged his four years of service and thanked
him for it. He cared and helped. His goal was to accomplish good things.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Agenda Order as presented;
seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST: REQUESTS FOR APPROVAL:
Ryans’ Lawn Care & Landscaping, $300.00, August 31, 2024
The invoice was not removed.
B. COMMUNICATIONS: No Communications were removed.
C. BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:
1. BILL SHEET: October 1, 2024 – October 31, 2024
2. TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS: None
3. TAX COLLECTOR’S ABATEMENTS: None
4. TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES:
Account No. 00-4531-57, $1,490.85
None of the above were removed.
1. TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 7, 2024
2. TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, EXECUTIVE SESSION,
OCTOBER 7, 2024
The minutes were not removed.
E. VICTUALING LICENSE RENEWALS (12/1/2024-11/30/2025):
1. EXETER VARIETY, 250C South County Trail, Exeter, Kenneth L. Fernstrom,
Applicant
2. DUNKIN DONUTS/OAK HARBOR DONUTS, 561b South County Trail,
Exeter, Bruce Thomas, Applicant
3. MIDDLE OF NOWHERE DINER, 222 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter,
John Zarokostas, Applicant
4. 401 DELI, 567 South County Trail, Exeter, Jason Votalato, Applicant
5. NEXT TO NOWWHERE CREAMERY, 230 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter,
Demetri Melanis, Applicant
6. DUNKIN DONUTS, 260 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter, Bruce Thomas, Applicant
7. Two Scoops Café, 567 South County Trail, Unit 110, Exeter, Torrie Hieber, Applicant
The Clerk reported: Applicants 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 have met all requirements. Those licenses
were not removed. Applicant 4 is missing sales tax permit. Applicant 7 has not submitted documentation to Tax Assessor. Those licenses were removed.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve Victualing License Renewal (12/1/2024-11/30/2025) for Two Scoops and 401 Deli subject to documentation being submitted; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
F. JUNK YARD LICENSE RENEWALS (12/1/2024-11/30/2025):
1. JOHN’S AUTO REPAIR AND SALVAGE, 278 South Road, Exeter,
Timothy Strickland, Applicant
2. HIGH TOWER AUTO SALVAGE, 2670 Ten Rod Road, Exeter,
Carol J. Mann, Applicant
3. EXETER AUTO REPAIR, 565 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter
Andrew Slater, Applicant
The Clerk reported: Applicants 1 and 3 have met all requirements. Those licenses
were not removed. Applicant 2 did not submit an application. No action was taken
on that license.
G. DEALER IN JUNK LICENSE RENEWALS (12/1/2024-11/30/2025):
1. EXETER SCRAP METAL, 405 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter,
David Waddington, Applicant
The Clerk reported: The applicant has met all requirements. The license was not removed.
H. SECOND-HAND DEALER’S LICENSE RENEWALS (12/1/2025-11/30/2025):
1. COPART OF CONNECTICUT, INC., 10 Industrial Drive, Exeter,
Lisa Doherty, Applicant
2. EXETER AUTO REPAIR, 565 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter,
Andrew Slater, Applicant
3. COOKIES SHOP, 331 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter,
Rhoda Cook, Applicant
4. EW GARDNER GOLF CARS LLC, 247 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter,
James Turner, Applicant
The Clerk reported: All applicants have met all requirements. The licenses
were not removed.
I. RECYCLING LICENSE RENEWALS (12/1/2024-11/30/2025):
1. EXETER SCRAP METAL, LLC, 405 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter
David Waddington, Applicant
The Clerk reported: The applicant has met all requirements. The license was not removed.
J. TRAILER PARK LICENSE RENEWALS (12/1/2024-11/30/2025):
1. MOBILE VILLAGE, INC., 550 Victory Highway, Exeter,
Jin R. Kulsic, Applicant
2. SPLIT ROCK MOBILE HOME PARK, 480 South County Trail, Exeter,
Richard Palmer, Applicant
3. RONALD N. SHADECK, APPLICANT, 29 South Road, Exeter
The Clerk reported: Applicants 1 and 3 have met all requirements. Those licenses
were not removed. Applicant 2 has not submitted its list of mobile homes. That
license was removed.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve Trailer Park License Renewal for Split
Rock Mobile Home Park subject to list of mobile homes being submitted; seconded
by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
K. RUBBISH REMOVAL LICENSE RENEWALS (12/1/2024-11/30/2025):
1. EDWARD F. BRIGGS DISPOSAL, INC., P.O. Box 655, Exeter,
Edward F. Briggs, Applicant
2. RPE WASTE SERVICES/RPKK, INC., P.O. Box 126, Hopkinton,
Kyle Roode, Applicant
3. D. LEWIS & SON, INC., 252 South Road, Exeter, Linda J. Bilodeau, Applicant
4. CWPM, LLC (formerly E-Z Waste), P.O. Box 146, Westerly, Robert Peck, Applicant
5. REPUBLIC SERVICES, 1080 Airport Road, Fall River, Massachusetts
Jessica Velilla, Applicant
6. BM RUBBISH REMOVAL, 2380 Middle Road, East Greenwich,
Blake Macera, Applicant
7. WASTE MANAGEMENT OF RI, Inc., 1610 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston,
Eric Richard, Applicant
8. EASTERN WASTE SERVICES D/B/A CHARLIE’S RUBBISH,
280 Dry Bridge Road, North Kingstown, Gary Hoefling, Applicant
The Clerk reported: Applicants 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 have met all requirements. Those licenses
were not removed. Applicants 5 and 7 have not submitted applications. No action was taken
on those licenses.
L. FIREARMS DEALER’S LICENSE RENEWALS (12/1/2024-11/30/2025):
1. SHANBRI FARM, LLC, 332 South County Trail, Exeter,
Daniel W. Patterson, Applicant
2. THE RANGE, 560 South County Trail, William Worthy, Applicant
As he owns Shanbri Farms, Mr. Patterson recused himself. Mr. Lefebvre took over
the meeting. The Clerk reported: Both applicants have met all requirements. The
licenses were not removed.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to approve Firearms Dealer’s Licenses (12/1/2024-
11/20/2025) for Shanbri Farm and The Range; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted
as follows:
Daniel W. Patterson Recused
Michael A. Lefebvre Yes
Diane Bampton Allen Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco Yes
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Motion passes.
Mr. Patterson rejoined the meeting.
M. PRIVATE DETECTIVE LICENSE RENEWALS (12/1/2024-11/30/2025):
1. KEVIN G. PETIT, Applicant, 142 Ridge Drive, Exeter
2. STEVEN DAIGLE, Applicant, 3 Top Hill Drive, Exeter
3. DOUG WHITE, Applicant, 27 Preservation Drive
4. JASON CLARK, Applicant, 77 Cedar Grove Drive
The Clerk reported: Applicants 1, 2, and 3 have met all requirements. Those licenses
were not removed. Applicant 4 has not submitted an application. No action was taken
on that license.
N. DANCE LICENSE RENEWALS (12/1/2024-11/30/2025):
1. CORNERSTONE PUB/PB MGMT INC/YNOTT LLC
273 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter, Peter Buonanni, Applicant
2. CELESTIAL CAFÉ, LLC, 567 South County Trail, Units 101 & 102, Exeter,
Cheryl A. Zannella, Applicant
3. EFFIE FILIPPOU’S TWISTED PIZZA, 567 South County Trail, Units 106, 107,
& 108, Exeter, Effie N. Filippou, Applicant
4. SOPHIE’S BREWHOUSE, 699 South County Trail, Pamela Machon, Applicant
The Clerk reported: All applicants have met all requirements. The licenses were not
removed.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve the Consent Agenda as amended;
seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. VACANCIES:
1. PERSONNEL BOARD (5 MEMBERS NEEDED): Letters of Interest are being accepted. Those received are being held. Once five are received, this Board will be
activated. These vacancies will continue to post.
2. CONSERVATION COMMISSION (1 MEMBER NEEDED): This Commission
must have seven members in order to be activated. Six Letters of Interest have been received and are being held. One more person interested in serving is needed. Letters of interest are being accepted. This vacancy will continue to post.
B. RESIGNATIONS:
1. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS WORKER, CHARLES CINQUEGRANA, EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2024: Mr. Cinquegrana is resigning for a personal, family
matter. Though Mr. Cinquegrana’s resignation is not effective until December 1, Council
will post his position now in order to shorten the vacancy time.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to accept Charles Cinquegrana’s resignation as
Public Works Worker effective December 1, 2024, with regret; seconded by Mr. Ellis;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to post for Public Works Worker;
seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
C. APPOINTMENTS:
1. EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST COMMITTEE MEMBERS (TWO NEEDED) (TO SERVE FOUR-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT): No Letters of Interest have been received. This vacancy will
continue to post.
2. TAX BOARD OF REVIEW ALTERNATE MEMBER (TO SERVE THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT): No Letters of Interest have been received. This vacancy will continue to post.
D. EXPIRING TERMS: There were no Expiring Terms for Council’s consideration.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to open the Public Hearing; seconded by Ms. Allen;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to act as Exeter Liquor Licensing Board;
seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS: (12/1/2024-11/30/2025):
1. CLASS A:
a. WOLF ROCK WINE & SPIRITS, INC., 806 South County Trail
Terrence D. Stringer Sr. & Donna J.C. Stringer, Applicants
b. AMJ, INC. D/B/A EXETER WINE & SPIRITS, INC.
254 Nooseneck Hill Road, Brijeshkumar Patel, Applicant
The Clerk reported: Applicant a has met all requirements. That license was not
removed. Division of Taxation Clearance has not been received for Applicant b.
That license was removed.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve Liquor License Renewals for
Exeter Wine & Spirits once all conditions are met; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
2. CLASS BV VICTUALERS:
a. SKI PRO, INC., 160 Yawgoo Valley Road, Tracy Hartman, Applicant
b. YAWGOO BAKES & BARBEQUES, INC., 555 Slocum Road,
Patricia Murray & Lin Murray Patty, Applicants
c. EXETER COUNTRY CLUB, INC., 320 Ten Rod Road,
Jennifer Hendrick-McCrory, Applicant
d. CORNERSTONE PUB/PB MGMT INC/YNOTT LLC,
273 Nooseneck Hill Road, Peter Buonanni, Applicant
e. HOMESTEAD RESTAURANT, 750 South County Trail,
Iryna Makhlouf, Applicant
f. CELESTIAL CAFÉ, LLC, 567 South County Trail, Units 101 & 102,
Cheryl A. Zannella, Applicant
g. EFFIE FILIPPOU’S TWISTED PIZZA, 567 South County Trail, Units
106, 107, & 108, Effie N. Filippou, Applicant
h. TOWN PIZZA OF EXETER, 250A South County Trail,
Vincent Maher Jr. & Kelsey Lynch, Applicants
i. A TASTE OF CHINA, 567 South County Trail, Unit 109,
Xin Yan Chen, Applicant
j. SOPHIE’S BREW HOUSE, 699 South County Trail,
Norman & Pamela Machon, Applicants
k. LITTLE COUNTRY PIZZA II, 349 Nooseneck Hill Road,
Pierre Boutros, Applicant
The Clerk reported: Applicants a, b, c, d, e, f, h, i, and k have met all requirements.
Those licenses were not removed. Division of Taxation Clearance has not been received
for Applicants g and j. Those licenses were removed.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve Liquor License Renewal for Effie
Filippou’s Twisted Pizza once all conditions are met; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve Liquor License Renewal for Sophie’s
Brew House once all conditions are met; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve all Liquor License Renewals with the
exception of Exeter Wine & Spirits, Effie Filippou’s Twisted Pizza, and Sophie’s Brew House; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
3. LIQUOR LICENSE CAP: CURRENTLY AT THIRTEEN (13):
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to maintain the Liquor License Cap at thirteen (13);
seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to adjourn as the Exeter Liquor Licensing Board;
seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to close the Public Hearing; seconded by
Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Asa Davis, 146 Beechwood Hill Trail: 1) Early voting should have been held at the new building in order that the Town Hall was not so crowded and people could get their work done;
2) Regarding Firearms Licenses on tonight’s agenda, one just approved is for a shop in a
residential zone and an illegal activity; 3) Congratulations to Ms. DeFrancesco. The
Ethics Commission determined that her participation in a matter that was the subject of
a complaint was inconsequential to the outcome so did not meet the knowing and willful standard; 4) He hopes tomorrow’s election results will result in an honest, open, and ethical government at the national, state, and local levels.
A. PRESENTATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF AUDIT REPORT FOR FISCAL
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2023: Town Treasurer Maria Lawler introduced the Auditors,
Jeff Wadovick, Mike Olson, and Frank Napoli of Wadovick & Company, who provided
Council with a full audit and a summary as of June 30, 2023.
The audit was clean, unmodified, and reflected no issues.
General/Operating Fund: Total assets, $4.6 million (Cash and cash equivalents, $4.2 million; Property tax receivables and allowances, $233,000.00; Other receivables/grants, $20,000.00. Total assets, $4.6 million).
Liabilities: Total, $2.1 million (Accounts payable/accrued, $432,000.00; Other liabilities:
$1.7 million).
Unavailable Revenues/Property Taxes: $151,000.00 (property tax receivables less anything collected 60 days after year end).
Fund Balance: Total, $2.3 million (Committed Funds, $285,000.00; Assigned funds: $630,000.00; Unassigned fund balance/unrestricted fund balance: $1.4 million).
Unassigned/Unrestricted Fund Balance, at year end, should be 10-15% of property tax collections. At year end, at 9.4%, up from last year.
Revenues: Total, $18.3 million (Property taxes: $14.5 million; Intergovernmental/state funding: $2.9 million; Departments: $361,000.00).
Expenditures: Total, $17.6 million [General government, $2.1 million; Public Works,
$1.2 million; Education, 13.6 (77% of total expenses)]. Property taxes are roughly
paying education. Other receivables, pay for general operations.
Fund Balance Increase, at year end: $34,000.00.
Budget to Actual: Budgeted, $17.6 million. Actual, $18.4 million. Increase primarily
due to State cannabis funding and also higher interest rates and higher permits fees due
to large projects.
Expenses: Budgeted, $17.2 million. Actual, $17.5 million. Increase primarily due to
Public Works repairs, salaries, and legal fees.
Excess Revenues Over Expenditures: $177,000.00.
Current Year Tax Collections: Assessed $14.5 million. Collected: $14.3 million. 98.9% collection rate. Tax Collector, Kimberly Robitaille, is diligent about collecting outstanding taxes. She is constantly reviewing the tax roll, making every attempt to collect what she
can, and doing a phenomenal job. Thus, the excellent collection rate.
Financials Statements are due to the State Auditor General by December 31. Exeter is possibly the first community of the State’s 39 that is presenting this early, the first week of November,
which is unheard of. Two-thirds of the 39 will most likely request an extension. The Auditors commended Town Treasurer, Maria Lawler, for getting the process started early, being ready to start early, and having everything in such good order that the Auditors could easily and quickly review the records. Exeter has come a long way with its financial records.
Ms. Lawler noted that $33,000.00 is as close to breakeven as you can get on an $18 million budget. There were some unexpected expenses and revenue, which served to balance out.
The Town has no debt. She invited Council to contact her with any questions.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to accept and approve Audit Report for Fiscal Year
ended June 30, 2023; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: Mr. Ellis thanked Ms. Lawler for making an early audit submission happen.
Ms. Lawler recognized that it is a team effort, she and the staff. She thanked Council for
supporting everyone, all departments.
Back to Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. EXETER FOOD BANK: REQUEST FOR LETTER OF APPROVAL:
TRANSFER OF ASSETS TO TOWN OF EXETER SOCIAL SERVICES
DEPARTMENT: Sylvia Curry, Exeter resident, started and has been running the non-profit
for many years. It is time for her and her committee to turn it over. In order to dissolve a non-profit, approval and acceptance from the leadership that oversees the department to which the non-profit’s assets will be transferred must be obtained. The non-profit’s bylaws indicate that upon dissolution, the Food Bank assets will be turned over to Exeter’s Department of Social Services. Ms. Curry and her volunteers will continue to help.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve the Exeter Food Bank’s request to dissolve and to turn their funds over to the Exeter Department of Social Services; seconded by
Mr. Ellis.
Discussion: Mr. Ellis noted that when the Food Bank started many years ago, it was housed
in a corner in the Exeter Fire Station No. 1, then moved to Exeter Chapel. Ms. Curry and
others have contributed much time and effort and are commended.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
C. COMMUNITY FACILITIES GRANT: REQUESTS BY OFFICE OF PANDEMIC
RECOVERY: 1) SOLICITOR’S OPINION REGARDING PURCHASE OF 742 TEN ROD ROAD AND 2) REVISION TO JUNE 13, 2023, FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING, RESOLUTION NO. 37, NEW TOWN HALL FACILITY: Town Solicitor James Marusak
has given Council his opinion. The resolution cannot be changed. It was voted on by the voters.
D. MOTION TO RESCIND AND TO RETALLY VOTE TO REJECT VOTE TAKEN ON JUNE 17, 2024, AT A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL ACCEPTING MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITY FACILITIES MATCHING GRANT, SUBAWARD AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS PANDEMIC RECOVERY OFFICE (“STATE AGENCY”) AND THE TOWN OF EXETER: The grant funds, $800,000.00, can only be
used to buy the building that has already been bought with American Recovery Funds. There
are many requirements attached to the grant. Expenses to meet those requirements would be
borne by the taxpayers. The State would be governing how the Town would use the building
for the next five years.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to rescind and retally vote taken on June 17, 2024, at a Special Meeting of the Town Council accepting the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Matching Grant Subaward Agreement by and between the State of Rhode Island acting by and through its Pandemic Recovery Office and the Town of Exeter; seconded by Ms. Allen.
Discussion: Mr. Ellis will vote no to the motion. He has spoken with the State regarding the grant. Though he is not convinced the grant can work, he believes this Council should let the next council (following tomorrow’s election) explore one more time if there are any other options, such as, accepting only half the grant and committing only half of the building.
It is not an easy decision.
Mr. Lefebvre will vote yes to rescind the vote. This Council has been reviewing this for three years and should not leave it to a new Council to start over. He does not agree that the Town should go into debt to renovate the new building to house all departments. He believes the current building and that building should be renovated enough that the departments are split between both buildings. The goal should be to have a Town Hall and a Town Hall Annex.
Back to the Motion: Voted as follows:
Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Michael A. Lefebvre Yes
Diane Bampton Allen Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco No
Calvin A. Ellis No
Motion passes. Grant rejected.
E. EXETER CLERKS OFFICE: AWARDING OF BID: BASEMENT WATER
MITIGATION: One bid was duly received and opened from Dry Zone Basement Systems
in the amount of $40,202.50. The basement floods with each rain storm. The walls weep.
One wall actually becomes a waterfall. The water gets under things, damaging them. Recently, a furnace had to be replaced because of damage from water getting under and into it.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to postpone awarding of the bid for basement
water mitigation for one month in order to review the bid and do research; seconded
by Ms. Allen.
Discussion: Mr. Patterson has built similar systems. He noted that Dry Zone has a patented plastic used in place of pipe. The labor pricing is about right. He has a lot of questions, wants
to see a sample, and wishes to inquire of their liability if they run into unexpected issues. The basement water issues are long-standing in the current Town Hall. They affect the staff and the equipment and records stored there. It needs to be fixed. The price includes installing French drains, replacing inadequate sump pumps, and fixing other problems. It is most likely that the Town will keep the building. It should be done. Mr. Patterson and Director of Public Works Rob Shappy will meet with Dry Zone before next month’s meeting.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
LOT: The request is to use American Recovery Funds that are not encumbered. If the
funds are encumbered, the lot can be done with next year’s road budget.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve the Exeter Clerk’s Office to use American Recovery Pandemic Funds to resurface the Exeter Clerk’s Office Building Parking Lot; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
G. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: AWARDING OF BID: MINI-
EXCAVATOR WITH MULTI-ATTACHMENTS: One bid was duly received and
opened from Milton Cat. The unit is available, versatile, multi-purpose, and multi-use.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to award bid for 309 mini-excavator with multi-attachments to Milton Cat as presented in their bid for Department of Public Works; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre.
Discussion: Mr. Ellis noted that the motion is made on the recommendation of Public Works Director Rob Shappy. One use of the machine will be used to maintain trees along the Town’s roads. It is much needed. The unit will be purchased with American Recovery Funds.
Ms. DeFrancesco queried how much, after this purchase all the previous purchases, will
be left for the new building renovations.
Back to the Motion: Voted as follows:
Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Michael A. Lefebvre Yes
Diane Bampton Allen Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco No
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Motion passes.
H. MUNICIPAL ROAD AND BRIDGE PROGRAM STATE FUNDS: LOCAL
PUBLIC AGENCY AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND TOWN OF EXETER: This agreement is for 2025. The Town, in 2024,
through this program, received $300,000.00 from the State for the roads fund.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to accept Municipal Road and Bridge Program State Funds, Local Public Agency Agreement by and between the State of Rhode Island and
the Town of Exeter; seconded by Mr. Ellis.
Discussion: The Foster Public Works Director and Exeter’s former Public Works Director
worked to put this program in place. It is a good program and it is hoped it continues.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
I. SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE RECOVERY CORPORATION AND THE MUNICI-PALITY: The fees are increasing. The tipping rate will stay the same for the next several years.
The agreement will commence on the date of execution but no later than July 1, 2024, and will end June 30, 2027.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve Solid Waste and Recycling Services Agreement between the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and the Municipality;
seconded by Mr. Lefebvre.
Discussion: Mr. Patterson and Director of Public Works Rob Shappy would like to review.
Some costs indicate “to be determined.” Mr. Ellis withdrew his motion. Mr. Lefebvre
withdrew his second.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson for Director of Public Works Rob Shappy to contact Resource Recovery to obtain exact figures; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted
unanimously in the affirmative.
J. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS: EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES: CHAPTER 18, BUSINESSES; ARTICLE III, KENNELS: The Animal Control Officers originally wished
to amend the Kennel Licenses but have since given Council changes to Chapter 10, Animals,
as well. Council Assistant Ken Findlay will meet with the Animal Control Officers. This
agenda item will move to New Business on next month’s agenda.
K. REQUEST OF TOWN STAFF TO CLOSE ALL TOWN OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2024: Historically, when a request
to close was granted, if it was approved, the staff did not have to use a vacation day. Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, are paid holidays. Mr. Patterson noted that granting the request would give the employees a third paid day off for the holiday. If they are required to use a vacation day, then there is no need to close. The Clerk noted that most of the staff are taking December 23 off. Those departments will be closed anyway.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve Request of Town Staff to Close all Town Offices
and Departments on Monday, December 23, 2024; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: Mr. Lefebvre noted that Council cannot add additional days off just because the way the calendar falls. Everyone has to go to work. He did not think it proper to grant the request.
Back to Motion: Voted as follows:
Daniel W. Patterson No
Michael A. Lefebvre No
Diane Bampton Allen No
Olivia DeFrancesco Yes
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Motion fails.
L. DEPUTY ZONING INSPECTOR ORDINANCE: The proposed ordinance is ready
to go to public hearing. Depending on the outcome of tomorrow’s election, appointing a
Deputy Zoning Inspector may or may not be necessary. An Emergency Ordinance gave
Council the ability to appoint Acting Zoning Inspectors while the Zoning Inspector was medically incapacitated. That ordinance was for 60 days, extended for another 60 days,
will soon expire, and cannot be renewed. The public hearing will be scheduled for
Council’s December Agenda.
M. ESCOHEAG HILL ROAD: Mr. Ellis noted that Sheila Reynolds, Resident, had
an unfortunate mishap at the bridge. Her vehicle was damaged. This is a State road.
There is no signage. He suggested writing the State to address the bridge and signage.
Sheila Reynolds presented Council with pictures of the damage caused to her vehicle by a
strap that came loose on a logging truck when the driver slammed the brakes to avoid hitting
Ms. Reynolds. The road is narrow as is the bridge. There is no signage for speed limits or weight limits on the bridge. There is nowhere to pull over for oncoming traffic. She suggested also asking the Department of Transportation to do a study to determine weight limits and/or if the bridge needs to be redone.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to write the Department of Transportation to assess the Escoheag Hill Road bridge and road and bridge conditions and to post signage warning
of speed limits and hazardous conditions; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: State Senator Elaine Morgan and Representatives Meghan Cotter and Julie Casimiro will be copied on the letter.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
N. EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS: SHORT TERM RENTALS: ARTICLE I – ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES, SECTION 1.2 – DEFINITIONS, ARTICLE II – ZONING DISTRICT USE REGULATIONS, SECTION 2.4 – ZONING USE TABLE: The proposed amendment is ready for public hearing.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis, that, based on the recommendation of the Planning Board through the Town Planner, Proposed Amendments for Short Term Rentals be placed
On Council’s December Agenda for public hearing; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted
unanimously in the affirmative.
A. TOWN OF EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS:
ARTICLE 14, BUILDING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS; ARTICLE II, BUILDINGS; DIVISION 2, PERMIT FEES; SECTION 14-51, SCHEDULE OF
FEES: Ms. DeFrancesco recused herself from this matter and left Council table.
Mr. Findlay suggested that this matter be discussed with the Inspectors during budget discussions. This agenda item will be removed and added to budget agendas.
B. STATUS: WELCOME SIGNAGE IN AND OUT OF TOWN: The signs would
be on State roads, so an application to the State for approval has been made. Signage on
Town buildings has been changed since the original application to the State. The application
has to be resubmitted.
Ms. DeFrancesco rejoined the meeting.
C. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS: DAMAGE TO TOWN PROPERTY:
MAIL ROAD: The company that did the damage to the road has agreed to make the
repairs to Town standard and will do so on November 22.
D. STATUS: RI250 COMMISSION: EXETER HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION: The Committee is planning to sell raffle tickets at the Tree Lighting
and at the Library.
E. TOWN BUILDINGS: USES AND IMPROVEMENT PLANS:
1. 675 TEN ROD ROAD: BASEMENT WATER MITIGATION:
Discussed previously this evening.
2. 742 TEN ROD ROAD: STATUS: The Request for Proposals for architectural
services has been posted.
No Communications were removed under
Agenda Item No. 5B.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to take a five-minute recess; seconded by Ms. Allen;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Council entered into Recess at 8:57 p.m., reconvened in Open Session at 9:06 p.m.,
and entered into Executive Session.
Ms. DeFrancesco recused herself from Executive Session and left the meeting at 9:06 p.m.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to enter into Executive Session to discuss Agenda
Item 12.A, RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2), Litigation, Davis et al v. Town of Exeter et al (WC
2024-0562); seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Council entered into Executive Session at 9:06 p.m., adjourned Executive Session
at 9:24 p.m., and reassembled in Open Session.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to seal the minutes of and affirm votes
taken in Executive Session; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; 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 9:24 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council is scheduled for Monday,
December 2, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC
Exeter Town Clerk
Approved: January 6, 2024