MINUTES
EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 28, 2025
Council led 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, April 28, 2025, in Council Chambers,
Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Roll Call: Daniel W. Patterson No
Raymond A. Morrissey Yes
Diane Bampton Allen Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco Yes
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Also Present: Lynn M. Hawkins, Town Clerk
Kenneth Findlay, Council Assistant
In Council President Patterson’s absence, Vice President Morrissey presided.
A. BOARD OF CANVASSERS BUDGET: There were two members of the Board present. As they were a majority of the Board, Mr. Morrissey inquired whether the Board had posted this meeting. Member Nancy Anderton stated that she checked with the Secretary of State whether she had to. She was advised that since it was Council’s meeting and not theirs, they did not have to. Mr. Morrissey indicated that the Town’s Solicitor advised him that the Board did have to post pursuant to the Open Meetings Act; thus, Council could not continue with this agenda item until the Board came back and posted. This agenda item will be continued to a future date and the Board should post.
B. TOWN PLANNER BUDGET: Town Planner William DePasquale presented: His operating budget is level funded. He requests funds be added to the Comprehensive Plan
Capital Program. It is about to be approved by Statewide Planning but will need updates
in five years. Discussion ensued regarding legislation changes and their effects on the Town.
Council thanked Mr. DePasquale for all he has done for the Town since he joined it in 2021, especially with respect to the Comprehensive Plan, which was long overdue for an update.
He has done and does a “remarkable” and “phenomenal” job and brings a special set of skills
to his position.
Mr. De Paquale thanked Council. He is thankful to the Town. It has been good to him. He
is driven by passion and everyone’s commitment. He wants to do what is best for the Town.
C. BUDGET PREPARATION: Town Treasurer, Maria Lawler, presented re-draft of the proposed budget based on changes made at the last meeting. Discussion ensued. Line items were reviewed and changes made. Ms. Lawler will incorporate the changes for the next Budget Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 6.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The Special Meeting was adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC
Exeter Town Clerk
Approved: July 7, 2025