EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 5, 2025
Council led the Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council was called to order at 6:30 p.m., on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Council Chambers, Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Roll Call: Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Raymond A. Morrissey Yes
Diane Bampton Allen Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco Yes
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Also Present: Kenneth Sylvia, Esq., Town Solicitor
Lynn M. Hawkins, Town Clerk
Kenneth Findlay, Council Assistant
A. 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: The Public was reminded
to license their dogs.
B. EXETER FIRE DISTRICT ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING: WEDNESDAY,
MAY 14, 2025, 7:00 P.M., EXETER-WEST GREENWICH JUNIOR/SENIOR
HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM, 930 NOOSENECK HILL ROAD, WEST-
GREENWICH, RHODE ISLAND: The Public was urged to attend and plan to vote.
C. FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING: TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025, 7:00 P.M.,
EXETER-WEST GREENWICH JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM,
930 NOOSENECK HILL ROAD, WEST GREENWICH, RHODE ISLAND:
The Public was urged to attend and plan to vote.
D. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES: 2025 GROWERS GIVEBACK:
A PROGRAM PROVIDING ACCESS TO NO-COST PRODUCE AND DAIRY TO FAMILIES, SENIORS, AND INDIVIDUALS FACING FOOD INSECURITY IN OUR COMMUNITY AND OPERATING OUT OF THE EXETER CHAPEL TENTATIVELY ALTERNATING FRIDAYS, JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER:
APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE AND
MUST BE RETURNED BY MAY 31: The Public was urged to apply.
E. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: A congratulatory letter has been received from RI Statewide Planning indicating its approval of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. Council congratulated and thanked Town Planner William DePasquale for his efforts in moving
this monumental task forward and completing it. The Town has not had a State-approved Comprehensive Plan since 2009.
F. ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: SUNDAY, MAY 25, AT 1:00 P.M.;
FROM SUNDERLAND ROAD/ROUTE 102 INTERSECTION TO EXETER PUBLIC
LIBRARY; CEREMONY, VENDORS, AND FAMILY FUN FOLLOWING:
The Public was urged to attend.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to move Agenda Item No. 7B in front of 7A and approve the agenda order; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST: REQUESTS FOR APPROVAL:
There were no vouchers.
B. COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 1 and 11.
C. BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:
1. BILL SHEET: April 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025
2. TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS: None
3. TAX COLLECTOR’S ABATEMENTS:
$619.16, six accounts
See Town Clerk for details
4. TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES:
$4,555.85, two accounts
See Town Clerk for details
As there was a purchase from her employer, Ms. Allen removed the Bill Sheet.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 7, 2025
2. REGULAR MEETING, EXECUTIVE SESSION, APRIL 7, 2025
The minutes were not removed.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve the Consent Agenda as amended;
seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Bill Sheet, dated April 1 – April 30, 2025;
seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted as follows:
Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Raymond A. Morrissey 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 are being accepted. Those received are being held. Once five are received, this Board will be activated. These vacancies will continue to post.
B. RESIGNATIONS: There were no resignations.
C. APPOINTMENTS:
1. EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST COMMITTEE MEMBERS (THREE NEEDED) (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 TAX AND ASSESSMENT REVIEW MEMBER (TO SERVE UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING MAY 6, 2027): No Letters of Interest have been
received. This vacancy will continue to post.
3. BOARD OF TAX AND ASSESSMENT 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:
1. ELIZABETH VOSO, REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST COMMITTEE
(EXPIRES MAY 7, 2025): Ms. Voso wishes to continue as a member.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to reappoint Elizabeth Voso as Reynolds Charitable
Trust Committee Member for the ensuing term; seconded by Ms. Allen; and
voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Council moved to Agenda Item No. 7B, as voted earlier under Agenda Item No. 4,
Approval of Agenda Order.
A. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES:
APPENDIX A, ZONING
ARTICLE I – ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES
SECTION 1.2 – DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.2.34 – REVISE – FARM
SECTION 1.2.35 – REVISE -- FARM BREWERY
SECTION 1.2.35A – ADD -- FARM CAFÉ
SECTION 1.2.35B – ADD -- FARM CAFÉ KITCHEN
ARTICLE II – ZONING DISTRICT USE REGULATIONS
SECTION 2.4 – ZONING USE TABLE
SECTION 2.4.1.60A – REVISE – FARM BREWERIES
SECTION 2.4.1.60B – ADD – FARM CAFÉ
FOOTNOTES – ADD -- NOS. 15 AND 16
ARTICLE II – ZONING DISTRICT USE REGULATIONS
SECTION 2.4 -- ZONING USE TABLE
UPDATE CLASSIFICATIONS OF PERMITTED, USES NOT
ALLOWED, AND THOSE PERMITTED VIA SPECIAL
USE PERMIT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH RECENT ZONING
LEGISLATIONS ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to open the Public Hearing;
seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Mr. Ellis: The proposed amendments before Council this evening represent a huge amount
of work on the part of Town Planner William DePasquale, was a huge undertaking, and is
very comprehensive.
Town Planner William DePasquale: The proposed amendments to the Use Table are presented
1) to conform with recent zoning changes made by the legislature to special use permits, which Council and the Planning Board have been working on for almost two years, to have the Zoning Ordinance, Use Table, and Comprehensive Plan comply with ever-changing Rhode Island General Laws regarding land use and subdivisions; and 2) to include Farm Café in the ordinance and Use Table.
Mr. DePasquale reviewed his memorandums of March 11 and March 12, 2025, with Council. The proposed changes to the Use Table are an interim measure, providing the Town with time
to develop precise and measurable objective criteria. Amended RIGL 45-24-42, requires review
of all special uses (228 in Exeter): “…establish specific and objective criteria for the issuance
of each type of use category…criteria shall be in conformance with the purposes and intent
of the comprehensive plan and the zoning ordinance of the…Town. However, in no case shall any specific or objective criteria for a special use permit include a determination of inconsistency with the comprehensive plan.” A special use permit will have conditional approval. Subjective criteria will no longer apply. If an ordinance does not provide specific and objective criteria for a special use category, such category shall be deemed a permitted use. Putting a pause on special use permits will give the Town time to go through the 220 uses in order to develop objective standards. As it stands now, the Use Table is an “open book.” The changes in the definitions
of Farm, Farm Brewery and the addition of Farm Café, and Farm Kitchen were reviewed.
Use Table: It is proposed that each use that was a Special Use Permit will be either a “Yes”
or a “No,” giving the Planning Board and Council a pause, time, to create objective criteria for each category. It is a monumental task. It is not known how long it will take. Mr. DePasquale queried: How did Council wish to proceed tonight? Has Council looked at this? Did it wish
to discuss the categories on pause? Mr. Patterson suggested continuing this part of tonight’s public hearing but go ahead with the Farm Cafe. Mr. DePasquale cautioned Council.
Someone could come in tomorrow and apply. There would be no protection to the Town in terms of special use permits. This has been outstanding. The Town has “dodged the bullet.”
Once criteria are established, some or all can be changed back to Special Use. Lengthy discussion regarding the proposed changes to the several categories ensued between Council
and Mr. DePasquale.
Mr. Ellis suggested that the changes should be made tonight as presented to protect the Town, temporarily, and revisit in three or six months. Ms. DeFrancesco agreed and respected and supported Mr. DePasquale’s advice. Mr. DePasquale asked that Council indicate the categories that are most concerning, keeping in mind the best interest of the Town.
Public Comment:
Earl Adams, Resident: Supports Farm Cafes. Has concerns about the Use Table changes.
Ben Radcliffe, Esq., on behalf of Earl Adams: Regarding the Use Table amendments,
he understands protecting the Town as it relates to uses. Legislation says that special uses
are permitted by right. In essence, the changes will not allow property owners to use their property for the specific purposes in the categories proposed to be amended. He cautioned Council regarding unintended consequences, that they would not want to put the residents
at a disadvantage, take away landowner rights, or create confusion.
Asa Davis, Resident: Requiring that a farm operate for five years is counterproductive
and stifles the Town’s rural character and competition. Farms are a commercial venture.
It creates an unfair advantage for existing operations and prevents new. It pushes large
tracks that are not commercial into residential development. Do not be short-sighted.
Leave the future options open, by removing the five-year requirement.
Marybeth Conouyer, Resident: Council cannot go through all 228 uses tonight. Categories 10, 24, 38, 39, and 41 have been mentioned a few times. Maybe create the subjective criteria for those first, come back to Council, allow those with criteria, then do another group.
Mr. DePasquale: Agreed that legitimizing a handful of important use codes would bring the project “one step closer to the finish line,” if Council will identify which ones he should start
with.
Farm Café: This would add a new use. The concept was presented by a successful business owner in Town to allow limited food service at farm breweries. The Planning Board spent
a lot of its time on this. It had the idea to use locally grown ingredients and make it a symbiotic relationship with Town agriculture and artisans, Exeter grown, Exeter buys. It became a Planning Board application and is detailed by the Planning Board, because the Planning Board recognized issues that became a “slippery slope.” How do you stop a commercial business in
a residential zone? The Farm Brewery and Farm Café could become the primary use as opposed to a farm, which is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance, raising significant concerns regarding zoning integrity and future land use applications. An RU-4
zone, protects forestry, farming, related activities, natural habitats, wildlife, rural character, conservation and low density residential, going into the future. A business zone provides day-
to-day needs and community activities. Any use not specifically limited as a permitted use is prohibited. This is about the entirety of the Town and to protect the Town, but at the same
time embraces growth and the use of community products. The Planning Board proposes to treat a farm café as a minor land development, allowing the Planning Board to set conditions regarding parking, limiting the facility from becoming a full-blown kitchen and restaurant, the size of the kitchen, sourcing local, annual reporting, licensing. It was suggested that the annual report be due when the victualing license is renewed (in November annually). The proposed Farm Café was not a simple use to incorporate.
Matt Richardson, Tilted Barn: Was frustrated why his proposal for a Farm Café was taken
out of his hands and out of his control and given over to the Planning Board. It was his lack
of understanding and a lack of communication, not for a lack of appreciation of the work the Planning Board and Planner did. He meant no disrespect. Regarding the kitchen size, not exceeding 600 square feet maximum, to include “…cold storage unit…” The cooler should
not be included in the square footage. That would make a very small kitchen, which would not
be “doable.” He requested that the language be amended. He appreciates the Town supporting and advocating for farms and “thinking outside the box.” Allowing farm cafes is a benefit to farms and another outlet for farms to sell their products. Farming is not easy. A farm has to
sell its products. If a farm is not lucrative and successful, it may have to be sold.
Rob Correia, Planning Board Member: Mr. Correia spoke to the benefits of using locally sourced products. Farm cafes will supplement a farm’s sustainability with a business that
at the same time would benefit the community. The owners can grow their business.
Other farms can sell to the farm café.
Attorney Radcliffe: Commended the Town, the Planner, and the Planning Board for looking ahead and at additional uses for farms. It is good to expand farms in a meaningful and cautious way. The Town should be cautious in reviewing tonight’s proposed changes to the Use Table and going forward regarding all the other uses.
Milan Adams, Resident: Concerned that some of the changes proposed tonight to the Use
Table will take away operations of his farm that have been in place since 1738. Approval
tonight could affect him, his family, his farm negatively. He asked that Council take time
to evaluate the proposed changes rather than approving tonight.
Ms. Conouyer: Appreciates the benefits the ordinance will create for farms. Also appreciates that persons drinking alcoholic beverages will be subsidizing with food, therefore making the driver and the community safer when they get behind the wheel.
Mr. DePasquale: Existing uses are not being taken away or affected. Rights are not being
taken away. The changes would apply to new permitted uses and for a period of time. The Town has always worked towards regulating uses, which it will do with subjective criteria.
Attorney Radcliffe: Again urged Council to continue the changes to the Use Table at least
one month to take time to review them.
Ms. Allen: Suggested changing the cold storage language for kitchen size. Strike language
from the first sentence of the proposed definition of farm café kitchen, after the word “and,” specifically, “…and a refrigerator or other cold storage units specifically designed to preserve food freshness and safety…”
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to close the Public Hearing; seconded by
Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to move to accept and enact the portions of the
Planning Board’s recommendation that relate to Farm Breweries and Farm Cafes, specifically, in Section 1.2, Definitions, Nos. 34, 35, 35A, and 35B, and in Section 2.4, Zoning Use Table, Nos. 60, 60A, and 60B and Footnote 15, include the change in the language in Section 35B, Definitions, include licensing requirement (“A farm café
must submit an annual report to the Town Council, Planning Board, and Town
Planner as part of its required annual application under Section 18-162 of the Exeter Code of Ordinances”), and to reject the remaining changes without prejudice and request that
the Town Planner and Planning Board resubmit these separately for consideration in
the next 30 days; seconded by Ms. Allen.
Discussion: Ms. DeFrancesco felt that 30 days did not give Mr. DePasquale enough time.
Mr. Patterson queried: Should Council submit their comments to Mr. DePasquale in the next week or two, instead of sending it back to the Planning Board, and Council address this at next month’s meeting? Mr. Ellis agreed that Council ask Mr. DePasquale to reconsider the changes,
but one month is not enough time for him to create criteria. If Council is going to continue the Use Table changes tonight, it should give Mr. DePasquale at least 60 days. Mr. Sylvia noted: The proposed amendments came from the Planning Board. If Council does not approve tonight, it will have to go back to the Planning Board. The process will start over. Ms. DeFrancesco
suggested adopting the changes tonight and review in 60 days.
MOTION AMENDED AND SECONDED by Mr. Patterson and Ms. Allen to from 30 days to 60 Days.
Discussion: Council will submit their comments to Mr. DePasquale within the next two weeks.
Mr. Ellis did not support adopting the Farm Café portion of tonight’s proposed amendments and not the Use Table changes, leaving the Town vulnerable.
Back to the Motion:
Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Raymond A. Morrissey No
Diane Bampton Allen Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco No
Calvin A. Ellis No
Motion fails.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Planning Board’s recommendations as presented, subject to alterations made during tonight’s public hearing (which are to strike language from the first sentence of the proposed definition of farm café kitchen, after the word “and,” specifically, “…and a refrigerator or other cold storage units specifically designed to preserve food freshness and safety…”; and to add “as part of its required annual application under Section 18-162 of the Exeter Code of Ordinances” to Footnote 15 after “A farm café must submit an annual report to the Town Council, Planning Board, and Town Planner”) and to place this on Council’s July agenda for review, at which time Council can decide if they wish to make changes which would then require a public hearing; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION: RONALD MUSOTIC,
APPLICANT ON BEHALF OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND TRUCK PULLERS
ASSOCIATION; TO HOLD TRUCK PULLS, WITH FOOD VENDORS, FROM 9:00
A.M. TO 7:00 P.M., ON THE NORTHERN PORTION OF TOWN-OWNED
REYNOLDS FIELD, LOCATED ON SOUTH ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND,
ON SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025 (RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2025), SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 (RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025), SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025 (RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2025):
MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to open the Public Hearing; seconded by
Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Ronald Musotic, President, was present. The event will be conducted as it has been in
Previous years. They will maintain the grounds. This year, they will have a camera at
the exit gate to catch vehicles that pull out erratically.
Director of Public Works Robert Shappy: Given remediation requirements by the RI Department of Environmental Management, the truckpull track remains in the same place.
It will be moved until after the truck pull events. They will be able to use it next year.
Town Clerk Lynn Hawkins: The applicant has met all license requirements.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to close the Public Hearing; seconded by Ms. Allen;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve Public Entertainment License for the
Southern New England Truck Pullers Association as presented and advertised;
seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Council moved to Agenda Item No. 7A and resumed the normal order of the Agenda.
Asa Davis: 1) He was excluded from Council’s April 7 meeting and ejected from its
April 14; 2) Estate Drive – He thanked Public Works for removing barriers. He has put up
his 911 mailbox and is working on his driveway. He is way behind on firebreaks and trails because Verrier Tree Company was forced to use the access at Ten Rod Road, which exposed DEM and zoning violations at the new town hall. Stay tuned. Town officials, solicitors and neighbors claimed the court injunction was in effect until March 21, 2025,amounting to 822 days of illegal enforcement. In January, his survey crew was told they could not park on Estate Drive. In March, he was clearing dead fall. The State Police were called. No crime involved; 3) He responded to last month’s public comments. Mr. Nelson – it is not Town property. The Town never accepted it. The Supreme Court agreed. There was no acceptance of the land past the cul-de-sac. Mr. Streichert – Mr. Davis bought his land May 23, 1997, not 2021. He was one of the first to buy. Mrs. Mears - you were served because the Town in the first case filed for dismissal for not including indispensable parties. You do not have to spend legal costs. Disclaim interest. You will get dropped. Mr. Perras – You were not the first to buy. Mr. Davis was.
A. SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE RECOVERY CORPORATION AND THE
TOWN OF EXETER: The agreement has been reviewed by Director of Public Works
Robert Shappy and Town Solicitor Kenneth Sylvia.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to enter into Solid Waste and Recycling Services Agreement Between the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and the Town
of Exeter; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. FIRE REMEDIATION STATUS: 700 TEN ROD ROAD: Mr. Ellis was asked
by a resident why the structure was still standing, on a beautiful scenic highway and on
the parade route. It has been left as is for several years. If the property has been abandoned,
there is statutory process for dealing with nuisance properties.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to direct legal counsel to write a letter to the owner asking
that the fire-damaged property be addressed, leveled, or removed, something to that effect; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
C. TOWN OF EXETER RESOLUTION NO. 2025-04: IN SUPPORT OF
AMENDMENTS TO RIGL 16-21.1-1 ET SEQ REGARDING FUNDING OF
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION: Council felt funding should continue.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to adopt Exeter Resolution No. 2025-04, In Support of Amendments to RIGL 16-21.1.1 et seq Regarding Funding of Student Transportation; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
D. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: IMPACT FEE STUDY AND ORDINANCE
REVIEW/UPDATE/EXPANSION (“RFP”): UPDATE THE RFP AUTHORIZED
BY TOWN COUNCIL VOTE ON FEBRUARY 10, 2025, AT SPECIAL TOWN
COUNCIL MEETING, TO UPDATE THE SCOPE TO INCLUDE AN ADDENDUM
TO UPDATE ARTICLE 3 OF THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE:
Mr. Findlay stated that an update to the Growth Management Ordinance be addressed
separately from the Request for Proposals for Impact Fee Study. Council agreed. The
request for proposal will stay on track and not include an addendum as suggested.
E. DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: REQUEST FOR
CONTRACTUAL TRANSFER OF GENERATOR RESPONSIBILITY FROM
EXETER EMA TO EXETER EMS: In exchange for office space in the Exeter EMS building, Exeter’s prior Director of Emergency Management paid the generator maintenance contract.
The current Exeter Director of Emergency Management does not maintain office space in the building.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to direct the Clerk to write Exeter EMS informing
them that Exeter EMA will not longer be paying their generator maintenance contract; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
F. DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: REQUEST FOR
AUTHORIZATION TO HIRE A URI COLLEGE STUDENT INTERN TO
DEVELOP A ChatGPT 4.0 PROGRAM FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DOCUMENT ANALYSIS:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to authorize Emergency Management Director Dori Boardman to engage the services of a student(s) as requested through the procurement
policy using funds within her budget; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted
unanimously in the affirmative.
G. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE RHODE ISLAND
STATE POLICE AND THE TOWN OF EXETER: Attorney Sylvia reviewed the MOU.
Though the agreement is the same as previously, he found issues with some of the language. There are some risks, such as either party can walk away on short notice.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to adopt Memorandum of Understanding Between the Rhode Island State Police and the Town of Exeter subject to approval of the funds at the Financial Town Meeting; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. SOLICITOR’S LICENSE APPLICATIONS: GRIFFEN GOODEN (NORTH
FRANKLIN, CT), MICHAEL TREVISONE (WEST GREENWICH, RI), DANIEL
WEST (WARWICK, RI), SCOTT KAELLER (UXRIDGE, MA), MATTHEW
MAGUIRE (CUMBERLAND, RI), ROBERT O’NEILL JR. (NORTH KINGSTOWN,
RI), JOSEPH CHIARELLA (CRANSTON, RI), APPLICANTS, POWER HOME REMODELING (CRANSTON, RI): DOOR-TO-DOOR, FREE ESTIMATES, WINDOWS, ROOFING, SIDING: The company has produced the license as requested
last month, which indicates that the person(s) writing contracts are licensed by Rhode Island.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to grant Solicitor’s Licenses to applicants Griffin Gooden, Michael Trevisone, Daniel West, Scott Kaeller, Matthew Maguire, Robert O’Neill, Jr., Joseph Chiarella on behalf of Power Home Remodeling; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. STATUS: WELCOME SIGNAGE IN AND OUT OF TOWN: Mr. Findlay
is searching for a new sign company. The one he was in contact with could not do
the sign. The Department of Transportation has not approved the application.
C. STATUS: RI250 COMMISSION: EXETER HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION: The Commission had success with a table at the Exeter Library’s Spring Market and getting the word out.
D. TOWN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS: USES AND IMPROVEMENT PLANS:
1. 675 TEN ROD ROAD: STATUS: BASEMENT WATER MITIGATION:
The work by Dry Zone Basements is complete. They did a great job. The team was
courteous, conscientious, professional, cordial, and very neat. All that is left to do is
put everything back in place. Public Works and the Town Clerk has begun doing so.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to remove Agenda Item No. 10.D.1, 675 Ten Rod
Road, Basement Water Mitigation; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously
in the affirmative.
2. 742 TEN ROD ROAD: STATUS: ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES:
Attorney Sylvia and Mr. Findlay have reviewed the draft contract. Mr. Findlay
will forward their comments to the architect.
No. 1 04/08/2025 Request from Freedom Energy Logistics to have CEO, Bart Fromuth,
placed on agenda to present the benefits of Community Choice Aggregation (CCA):
This communication will be forwarded to Town Planner William DePasquale and Town
Treasurer Maria Lawler for their review and recommendation.
No. 11 04/28/2025 Verizon Fios Broadband Expansion in Exeter: a) Time Sensitive Request for Letter of Support; b) Draft Letter of Support for Verizon’s Application to
the CommerceRI Broadband Equity Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program:
The deadline for the letter has passed. No action taken.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to take a brief recess; seconded by Mr. Ellis;
and voted as follows:
Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Raymond A. Morrissey Yes
Diane Bampton Allen Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco No
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Motion passes.
Council entered into recess at 9:20 p.m. and reconvened at 9:31 p.m.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to enter into Executive Session under RIGL
42-46-5(a)(2), to discuss Potential Litigation, Public Water System, 742 Ten Rod
Road; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Council entered into Executive Session at 9:31 p.m., adjourned Executive Session
at 10:05 p.m., and reassembled in Open Session.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to affirm all votes taken in Executive Session
and to seal the minutes of Executive Session; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and
voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Morrissey;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council is scheduled for Monday,
June 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC
Exeter Town Clerk
Approved: June 2, 2025