MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 6, 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 October 6, 2025, in Council Chambers, Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Roll Call: Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr. Present
Diane Bampton Allen Present
Olivia DeFrancesco Present
Calvin A. Ellis Present
Also Present: Kenneth Sylvia, Esq., Town Solicitor
Patricia L. Whitford, Deputy Clerk
Kenneth G. Findlay, Council Assistant
A. RECOGNITION: FAIRWEATHER SCIENCE, LLC, FOR LEADING
THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION AND FEMA APPROVAL OF THE 2025
TOWNS OF EXETER AND WEST GREENWICH MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION AND FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE:
Mr. Morrissey read into the record and thanked Ms. Boardman, EMA Director.
B. MR. MORRISSEY SHARED. LYNN HAWKINS, TOWN CLERK, AND HE ATTENDED THE 911 CEREMONY AT THE VETERAN’S CEMETERY, ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2025. MR. MORRISSEY SPOKE. MS. HAWKINS HELPED IN PLACING OF THE WREATH.
Mr. Ellis requested a brief Executive Session.
Motion made by Mr. Ellis to enter into Executive Session to discuss Agenda Item RIGL 42-46-(a)(3): Security; Security at Exeter Clerk’s Office; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative. Council entered Executive Session at 6:40 p.m. Mr. Morrissey excused the Council.
Executive session was left open for further discussion at the end of the Regular Meeting.
Mr. Morrissey called the Regular Meeting back to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Morrissey requested under New Business to move Agenda Item 9B above 9A. Motion made by Ms. Allen to accept the agenda order as amended. Seconded by Mr. Morrissey. Mr. Morrissey voted yes. Ms. Allen voted yes. Ms. DeFrancesco voted no. Mr. Ellis voted no.
Motion failed.
A. REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST: REQUESTS FOR APPROVAL:
1. RYAN’S LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING, $300.00
2. RECOMMENDATION: APPLICANT A; EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
UP TO $2,000, APPLICANT B; COLLEGE COST ASSISTANCE UP TO
$7,000.00, APPLICANT C; WOOD RIVER HEALTH SERVICES INC.
$7,000.00, (VOUCHER INCLUDED)
The vouchers were not removed.
B. COMMUNICATIONS: Ms. Allen removed No 4. Mr. Ellis removed No 1.
C. BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:
1. BILL SHEET: September 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025
2. TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS: None
3. TAX COLLECTOR’S ABATEMENTS: None
4. TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES:
$213.37, one account
None of the above were removed
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025
MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to accept the minutes of September 2, 2025., Regular Council Meeting; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to accept the Consent Agenda as presented; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; 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. BUILDING ZONING CLERK
3. PLANNING CLERK
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to post the positions for part-time Building/Zoning Clerk and part-time Planning Clerk; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. RESIGNATIONS: None
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 ALTERNATE MEMBER
(TO SERVE THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT)
No letters of interest have been received. This vacancy will continue to post.
3. COUNCIL CANDIDATE TO FILL UNEXPECTED COUNCIL VACANCY
(PURSUANT TO SECTION 406 OF THE TOWN CHARTER, “IN THE EVENT
THAT THE OFFICE OF A COUNCIL MEMBER SHALL BECOME VACANT
FROM ANY CAUSE, SUCH VACANCY SHALL BE FILLED BY THE COUNCIL WITH THE CANDIDATE WHO RECEIVED THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF VOTES AMONG THE UNSUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FOR THE COUNCIL AT THE
LAST TOWN ELECTION…THE NEW MEMBER SHALL BE SWORN IN AT
THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FOLLOWING HIS OR HER APPOINTMENT”)
The next unsuccessful Town Council candidate from the Election of 2024 is Jamie Schiffer.
Motion made by Ms. Allen to appoint Jamie Schiffer to fill the vacancy on the Council; seconded by Mr. Morrissey. Discussion: Mr. Ellis stated last month Mr. Adams was appointed. What is going on with that appointment? Mr. Adams has declined the appointment. Vote taken: Mr. Morrissey, yes; Ms. Allen, yes; Ms. DeFrancesco, no.
Mr. Ellis, no. Motion fails.
Mr. Ellis asked if Mr. Schiffer was present. He is. Mr. Schiffer came forward and gave a brief background of himself. He has lived on Yawgoo Valley Road for 20 years. He is a retired investigator for the FBI. Council thanked Mr. Schiffer.
D. EXPIRING TERMS: None
A. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES:
CHAPTER 14 -- BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS;
ARTICLE V -- DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES -- PUBLIC WORKS,
FACILITIES, VEHICLES, EQUIPMENT, STREETS AND ROADWAYS;
SECTION 14-248 -ADMINISTRATION OF IMPACT FEES;
SECTION 14-248(c)(1) --IMPACT FEES;
SECTION 14-248(k) and (l) -- PETITIONS FOR REDUCTION IN COMMERCIAL IMPACT FEES
MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to open the Public Hearing on the Impact Fees; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Treasurer Maria Lawler started the hybrid meeting with Mr. Ben Griffin from Tischler Bise, the company the Town engaged to do the impact fee study. After the presentation, there was a question. Mr. Davis stated, in accordance with RIGL 45-15-5, basic principles of fiduciary responsibility include only collecting the correct amount of funds from the right payers and then making sure those funds are spent only for the purposes by which they are legally and properly collected. Mr. Davis is claiming this process has not been handled properly within the Town.
Mr. Ellis questioned Treasurer Lawler how the impact funds are recorded. Ms. Lawler replied impact fees are labeled in separate account not in the general fund.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to close the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to approve the Impact Fee ordinance as presented; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Rita Casady: Ms. Casady spoke in regards to her neighbor’s water runoff onto her property and requested that she could say more when we reach the agenda item.
David Thornley: The issue on Bates School House Road. Ms. Ellsworth has said go to Josh Chase.
Ted Nataly: He quoted the Charter in how the next candidate for Council should be appointed.
Brad Anderson: On Mill Pond Road, the speeding is still taking place. He would like to see the police take notice.
Paul Kulp: On Mill Pond Road, the speeding is still taking place. Mr. Kulp would like to speak on the agenda item.
Asa Davis: He stated the ethics training went well; riding on other town contracts is illegal.
Tracey Acquaro-Pees. Ms. Acquaro-Pees spoke on the speed continuing on Mill Pond Road
A. REQUEST TO EXPAND SPLIT ROCK MOBILE HOME PARK PURSUANT
TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES, ARTICLE II, SECTION 26-36:
JEFFREY F. CAFFREY, ESQ., ON BEHALF OF SHORELINE PROPERTIES,
INC., 400 SOUTH COUNTY TRAIL, SUITE A207, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND,
APPLICANT: Mr. Caffrey, Esq., spoke on being heard at the Planning Board. He is here tonight looking for direction. Mr. Morrissey asked if they have a Zoning Certificate. Mr. Thornley, Zoning Inspector, was present and stated they do not need a certificate. Ms. DeFrancesco read the comments from the Planning Board. The Planning Board would like the Council to give the Board the opportunity to clarify discrepancies by modifying the Exeter zoning ordinance to cover the expansion of an existing trailer park. The Board asked that the applicant file an application for a major land development to allow for a thorough review of all aspects of the proposal. Solicitor stated the Zoning Ordinance and the Trailer park ordinance do not match. He and the Solicitor for Planning agree there should be a new ordinance drafted to cover the discrepancies.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to give the Planning Board the opportunity to clarify the discrepancies by modifying the Exeter zoning ordinance to cover the expansion of an existing trailer park and that the applicant needs to file an application for a Major Land Development with the Planning Board to allow for a thorough review of all aspects of the proposal. Seconded by Mr. Morrissey. Discussion: Mr. Ellis suggested after working with the Planning Board the language could get back to the Council by the December meeting.
Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT TO ZONING MAP/FARM OVERLAY
DISTRICT: MILAN EARL ADAMS, III, APPLICANT, OF HOG HOUSE HILL
ROAD a/k/a SHERMAN ROAD, RELATIVE TO PLAT-BLOCK-LOT 64-1-8,
64-1-9, 64-1-17, 64-1-19, 64-1-22, 64-1-23, 64-1-26
9B was heard before 9A due to questions from the Planner and Planning Board. Mr. Adams and Attorney Mr. Pagliarini, Esq., have requested this item to be carried over to November. Ms. DeFrancesco believes the application should be withdrawn.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to grant Mr. Pagliarini’s request to carry over. Seconded by Mr. Morrissey. Vote taken: Mr. Morrissey, yes; Ms. Allen, yes; Ms. DeFrancesco, no; Mr. Ellis, yes. Motion carries.
C. 94 BATES SCHOOL HOUSE: NEIGHBORS’ CONCERNS Mr. Ellis spoke. He has had conversation with Ms. Casady. Ms. Casady spoke in regards to the noise and diesel fumes, along with the water run off onto her property coming from 94 Bates School House Road. Crossman Engineering had done a peer review for the Town of the report that was done by the land owner’s engineer at 94 Bates School House Road.
MOTION was made by Mr. Ellis to have Karen Ellsworth, the Town’s Deputy Zoning Inspector, review the report from Crossman and report back to the Council in November; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
D. FUTURE TOWN HALL, 742 TEN ROD ROAD: INITIAL PLANNING, NEEDS ASSESSMENT, REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS, FACILITY LAYOUT AND DESIGN: There are six applications. Mr. Findlay reviewed and feels he would like to have someone else to review with him, the Planner and one other person, maybe a member of the Planning Board.
Motion made by Mr. Ellis to ask the Planner and one other person of his choice to review with the qualifications resumes with Mr. Findlay; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
E. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: REQUEST TO GO OUT TO BID FOR
ONE 60K AND ONE 40K ALL SEASON DUMP TRUCKS:
Ms. Allen asked Solicitor Syliva to explain his findings from last month’s discussion on the wording from Financial Town Meeting in regards to buying the trucks. Solicitor Sylvia stated with his research, there is no legal problem. Mr. Shappy, Director of Public Works, spoke on the need for purchase of the two trucks. Purchase of the 60K will save time and money in hauling material. The Town has 108 miles of road, The approximate cost for 60K All Season is $265,417.85 and approximate cost for a 40K is $246,634.85. These trucks should have an approximate seven-year life span.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to go to bid for the purchase of one 60K and one 40K All Season dump trucks; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative
F. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: REQUEST TO RIDE SOUTH
KINGSTOWN’S BID FOR LINE STRIPING: Mr. Shappy, Director of Public Works, stated he has a bid from South Kingstown. The Town could ride on for line stripping, for some of our roads. At present, there is an approximate six-week window left this year. There will be two double lines on the roads. Solicitor Sylvia was asked if this permission could be granted. The answer was yes.
Motion made by Ms. DeFrancesco to approve the bid for the line striping; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
G. NEW ROAD: TRAFFIC SAFETY ISSUES: There is a wall on the left side of New Road off Ten Rod Road, which makes it tight for vehicles coming in and out. The road width in that area is approximately 17 feet wide. The road should be measured from the center to find the road width. There are rocks on the right side that maybe could be moved. A mirror installed across Ten Rod Road might help to see while pulling out of New Road.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to engage a surveyor to survey New Road at the entrance off Ten Rod Road and to install a mirror across Ten Rod Road with permission to install the mirror on the pole; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
H. REQUEST FOR STATE POLICE PATROL: MILL POND ROAD, YAWGOO VALLEY ROAD, AND LIBERTY ROAD: Mr. Morrissey spoke about speed all over Town.
Mr. Morrissey did call the State Police. They came out. While they were present, the speeding cut down. Now, the police are not present, the speed has picked up again. Mr. Morrissey stated he will place another call to the State Police and ask them to patrol the area. Paul Kulp asked about the contract the Town has with the State Police. He would like a copy.
I. TOWN SERGEANT DEPARTMENT: REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION:
VEHICLE REPLACEMENT FUND: Town Sergeant Miller asked which is it Town Sergeant Vehicle Replacement Fund or Vehicle Replacement Fund. When Richard Brown, past Town Sergeant, and Scote Miller started the Fund, it was Town Sergeant Vehicle Replacement Fund. The details that are done is where the money comes from. Those funds are used to purchase Town Sergeant new vehicles and maintaining the vehicles. Town Treasurer explained the money for the purchase of the 60K truck came out of this fund, $284,000.00. The insurance money collected for the truck that burned was $58,000.00, which was restored to the Vehicle Replacement Fund. The Fund balance at present is $177,000.00. Town Sergeant Miller stated at Financial Town Meeting this year, he was granted the go ahead to purchase two new cars. He wants to be sure the money is in the account.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to bring the fund to $200,000.00, take $23,000.00 from the discretionary fund; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to clarify the Vehicle Replacement Fund as the Town Sergeant Vehicle Replacement Fund. Seconded by Ms. Allen. Discussion: Solicitor Sylvia stated if a new Council was elected, the fund name could be changed. Vote taken: Mr. Morrissey, yes; Ms. Allen, yes; Mr. Ellis, yes; Ms. DeFrancesco, no. Motion carries
J. RHODE ISLAND ENERGY/VERIZON NEW ENGLAND: JOINT POINT POLE PETITION: WOLF ROCK ROAD, INSTALL NEW P5-25 BETWEEN EXISTING P5 AND P5-50;
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to grant the Pole Petition as recommended by Director of Public Works; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
K. FORMER TOWN DUMP: TEN ROD ROAD----CURRENT CONSTRUCTION
ACTIVITIES:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to asked our Zoning and Building Inspectors to investigate what is taking place at the former town dump site; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
L. MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS: TOWN CLERK’S AUTHORITY TO CLOSE THE
EXETER CLERK’S OFFICE TO THE PUBLIC: Mr. Ellis he presented a list of items for the agenda and questioned Clerk Ms. Whitford why these items were changed., Ms. Whitford stated that she received notice from Solicitor Sylvia on how to list these items. Solicitor Sylvia had
e-mailed stating he had spoken with Mr. Ellis. Brief discussion on closing of the Town Clerk’s Office. It has been the understanding that the Town Clerk can close the Town Hall when she needs.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis, the authority to close the Town Clerk’s Office Building is the call of the Town Clerk; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
M. BOARD OF CANVASSERS: RELOCATION OFFICE AND OPERATIONS: Mr. Ellis wishes to see issues such as water heater, clearance from Fire Marshal, Ms. Hawksley, and James Angi with the IT, move along so the Board of Canvassers can locate there.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to have Mr. Findlay, Project Manager, look into these issues, to relocate the BOC into the building; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
N. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to discuss including a Town Administrator salary at budget time; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. FIRE REMEDIATION STATUS: 700 TEN ROD ROAD: This item is listed under Executive Session and will be discussed then.
B. BATES SCHOOL HOUSE ROAD PEER REVIEW: STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN: Crossman Engineering did a peer review for the Town on the engineering report which was done for 94 Bates School House Road. Crossman’s bill is $3,000.00.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to pay Crossman Engineering $3,000.00 for the peer review, moneys to come out of the Discretionary Fund. Seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco. Discussion: Crossman paid attention to the storm water runoff to the adjacent properties. Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
C. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE: Tax Assessor has sent a list of businesses to the Task Force.
D. EXETER JUVENILE HEARING BOARD: LETTER SENT TO SUPERINTEN-DENT AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE, EXETER-WEST GREENWICH SCHOOL DISTRICT, REGARDING REFERRAL OF EXETER STUDENTS TO THE EXETER JUVENILE HEARING BOARD: Letter was sent by the Town Clerk on September 10, 2025. No return letter has been sent back to Council as of this date.
E. ETHICS TRAINING: There were two schedule sessions. The Training sessions went well with good attendance.
F. WELCOME SIGNAGE IN AND OUT OF TOWN:
Mr. Findlay stated this item should be discussed at budget time to go out to bid.
G. RI250 COMMISSION: EXETER HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION: The Commission is moving along. Exeter and West Greenwich are doing activities together.
Ms. Allen pulled #4, the resolution from Westerly opposing changing the name of Victory Day.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to draft a resolution to be placed on the next agenda for council approval; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Mr. Ellis pulled #1, the minutes from Job Corp. He stated that Job Corp is 17 in the country. There are 150 Job Corps in the country. Job Corp is up and running at this point.
MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to have a five-minute recess at 10:40 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Allen. Voted: Mr. Morrissey, yes; Ms. Allen, yes; Ms. DeFrancesco, no; Mr. Ellis, yes.
Motion carries.
Mr. Morrissey called the Council back to order at 10:44 p.m.
MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to enter into Executive Session to discuss agenda items: RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (3): SECURITY: SECURITY AT EXETER CLERK’S OFFICE RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) LITIGATION; TOWN OF EXETER V NATIONAL MORTGAGE RECOVERY SYSTEMS GP; RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) POTENTIAL LITIGATION: DAVIS V. TOWN OF EXETER; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Council entered into Executive Session at 10:45 p.m., adjourned Executive Session at 11:00 p.m., and reassembled in Open Session.
Motion made by Mr. Morrissey to seal the minutes of the Executive Session; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Motion made by Ms. Allen to affirm all votes taken in Executive Session; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to adjourn at 11:05 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Next Regular Meeting of the Town Council is scheduled for Monday November 3, 2025.
Respectfully Submitted
Patricia L. Whitford
Deputy Clerk
Approved: November 3, 2025