No.   1:   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 

Council led the Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.

No.   2:   CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: 

The Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council was called to order at 6:35 p.m., on Monday, April 6, 2026, in Council Chambers, Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.

No.   3:   ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

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 register their dogs.

B.     EXETER-WEST GREENWICH SCHOOL DISTRICT ALL-DAY REFERENDUM:  MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026, 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.,

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EXETER CLERK’S OFFICE, 675 TEN ROD ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND:  The Public was urged to attend.

C.            EXETER FIRE DISTRICT ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING:  WEDNESDAY,  

MAY 13, 2026, 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.

D.     FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING:  TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026, 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.

E.     EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY: ANNUAL EXETER SPRING MARKET: SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026, 10:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M.; A WIDE VARIETY OF 

VENDORS AND ORGANIZATIONS (APPROXIMATELY 50) WILL BE SET

UP  OUTDOORS ON THE LIBRARY LAWN; SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISANS

AND  BUSINESSES; SHOP FOR A VARIETY OF HANDCRAFTED GOODS

AND MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS; VIEW ANTIQUE TRACTORS AND TALK

TO MEMBERS OF THE RI ANTIQUE TRACTOR CLUB:  The Public was

urged to attend.

F.      EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WILL HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING

ON TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026, 10:00 A.M. TO 11:30 P.M, IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS EXETER CLERK’S OFFICE, 675 TEN ROD ROADE, EXETER,

TO REVIEW THE HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN:  The Public was urged

to attend.

No    4:   APPROVAL OF AGENDA ORDER:

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Agenda Order as presented;

seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

No.   5:   APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: 

A.          REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST:  REQUESTS FOR APPROVAL: 

There were no vouchers for Council’s consideration.

B.           COMMUNICATIONS: 

Ms. Allen removed No. 8.  Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 3 (#3), 10, 13 (#1 and #2), and 18.

C.          BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:

1.      BILL SHEET:   March 1, 2026 – March 31, 2026

2.      TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS:  None 

3.          TAX COLLECTOR’S ABATEMENTS:    $583.85

4.          TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES:  $3,336.28

None of the above were removed.

D.                      APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  

1.      REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 2, 2026

2.      REGULAR MEETING, EXECUTIVE SESSION, FEBRUARY 2, 2026

3.      REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 9, 2026

4.      REGULAR MEETING, EXECUTIVE SESSION, MARCH 9, 2026

5.      SPECIAL MEETING, MARCH 16, 2026

6.      SPECIAL MEETING, MARCH 17, 2026

As Mr. Turner was absent from the meeting, the Regular and Executive Session

Minutes of February 2, 2026, were removed.

E.                       KENNEL LICENSE RENEWALS:

1.      Class 1 (over 10 dogs):

a.      Ruth Gordon, Owner/Applicant, Delmyra Kennels, 191 Ten Rod Road

b.      John Mann, Owner/Applicant, Cedar Valley Pet Lodge, 76B Levitt Lane

c.      Ruth Colwill, Owner/Applicant, 174 Hallville Road 

The Clerk reported:  All requirements have been met.

2.      Class 2 (four to ten dogs):                 

a.      Gary & Barbara Donnelly, Owners/Applicants, 224 South Road

b.      Susan Newell, Owner/Applicant, 23 New Road  

c.      Kimberly White, Owner/Applicant, 82 Sodom Trail

The Clerk reported:  All requirements have been met.

F.                       HAWKER’S LICENSE RENEWALS:

1.      Warren Philippi, Owner/Applicant, Warrens Bargains Galore,

         171 Nooseneck Hill

The Clerk reported:  All requirements have been met.

MOTION made to Mr. Ellis to approve the Consent Agenda as amended;

seconded by Mr. Schiffer; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes

and Executive Session Minutes of February 2, 2026; seconded by Mr. Ellis;

and voted as follows:

                                    Diane Bampton Allen                       Yes

                                    Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr.             Yes

                                    Jamie S. Schiffer                               Yes

                                    Joseph M. Turner                             Abstain

                                    Calvin A. Ellis                                    Yes

                                    Motion passes

No.   6:   VACANCIES AND APPOINTMENTS:

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.

No.   7:   PUBLIC HEARINGS:  

A.                      PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION:  EARL ADAMS,

APPLICANT: TO HOST AT HIS ADDRESS, 300 HOG HOUSE HILL ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND, THE RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD LEAP FEST, AIRBORNE SOLDIER COMPETITION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026 (RAIN DATE:  SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2026), 7:00 A.M. TO SUNSET:

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to open the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Turner;

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Earl Adams, Applicant:  Great event.  Has held this event for several years.  He and the event help to support the military.  Longest running parachute competition.  This will

be the 42^nd year.  Paratroopers from around the world and the country participate.  It is

a one-day event.  There are a couple of practice and set-up days prior.  No Town services

are needed.  Their personnel take care of everything, including medical.  Free admission. 

Parking is in the fields.  The military are in attendance to engage with the public. More information can be found at leapfest.com. 

The Clerk reported:  All requirements have been met.  $146.90 is owed in advertising

and certified mailing.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to close the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Schiffer;

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to grant Public Entertainment License to Earl Adams

to host the Rhode Island National Guard Leap Fest Airborne Soldier Competition

on August 1, 2026, as presented and advertised, subject to all fees being paid;

seconded by Mr. Schiffer; and voted unanimously in the affirmative. e.

B.                       PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION:  REGINA

KILDAY, SECRETARY, EXETER GRANGE, TO HOLD A COUNTRY MUSIC AND DANCING EVENT; THE RHODE ISLAND REDNECKS WILL PLAY; 50 ATTENDEES ARE ESTIMATED; NO ALCOHOL; PRE-PACKAGED REFRESH-MENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE; ENTRY FEE, $15.00 PER PERSON TO PAY FOR THE BAND AND RAISE FUNDS FOR THE GRANGE; SUNDAY APRIL 19, 2026, FROM 2:00 P.M. TO 4:00 P.M.:

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to open the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Ellis;

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Council:  Sounds fun.  Glad the Grange is being revived.  Used to be square

dancing at the Grange many years ago.

Regina Kilday, Applicant/Secretary, and Tom Kilday, Executive Committee Member: 

The Rednecks, a country music band, have followers who will be attending and line

dancing.  There will not be square dancing.  Trying to get back to the Grange’s

roots and hope to build from this.

The Clerk reported:  All requirements have been met.  $102.20 is owed in

advertising and certified mailing.

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 grant Public Entertainment License to the

Exeter Grange to hold country music and dancing event at the Exeter Grange

on April 19, 2026, as advertised and posted, subject to all fees being paid;

seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

C.                      PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION:  DEBORAH

DUFFIN,  PRESIDENT, 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 16, 2026 (RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026), SATURDAY, JUNE 27,  2026 (RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2026), SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 (RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2026), AND OCTOBER 24, 2026 (RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2026):

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to open the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Schiffer;

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Deborah Duffin, Applicant/President:  This event has been held for a long time – since

Exeter’s Old Home Days.  It is a great event.  In appreciation to the Town allowing them

to use the field, the truck pullers do work on the field and track (with the Public Works Director’s approval) and make donations to the Exeter Animal Shelter and Food Bank.

The Clerk reported:  All requirements have been met.  $214.91 is owed in advertising

and certified mailing.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to close the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Turner;

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to grant Public Entertainment License to the Southern

New England Truck Pullers Association to hold truck pulls on town-owned Reynolds

Field, Exeter, on May 16, June 27, September 19, and October 24, 2026, as posted

and advertised, subject to all fees being paid; seconded by Mr. Turner; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

No.   8:   PUBLIC COMMENT: 

Ted Nataly:  At Council’s March meeting, Council allowed a member of the public to speak after Council had made a motion and it was seconded.  In all the years he has been

attending public meetings, it was his understanding that the time between a motion and

the vote was Council’s time for deliberation only.  The next time there is a topic important to him on the floor, Council will have to allow him to talk as long as he wants, and the next person, and the next.  This can go on all night on one motion.  It is not right.  Once the motion is made, Council cannot allow more public comment.

Aidan Horgan, Coalition Against Bigger Trucks:  The Coalition is a national, non-profit, non-partisan organization, solely dedicated to Federal legislation that stands to make semi-trucks 11,000 pounds heavier.  Law enforcement, chiefs’ associations, local governments, city and town leagues, and many others, including Rhode Island, are on

board with the Coalition’s mission.  Semi-trucks are 80,000 pounds and certain lengths.  The Shippers Coalition is pushing Congress to make them longer and heavier.  Every bridge, intersection, and road is built with the 80,000-pound calculation, not 91,000. 

A three-year study found, that the larger trucks crash more often, the crashes are more severe, they take longer to stop, and the damage to roads is exponentially higher.  One fully-loaded, 18-wheeler does more damage to roads than 10,000 passenger vehicles. 

The Coalition is requesting a resolution from Council, which he will send to the Clerk.

Asa Davis: 1) For public safety reasons, he opposes commercial operations in residential zones; 2) Regarding the emergency moratorium passed by Council last month, per the

Town Charter, the Town Council President must declare a state of emergency before Council can consider an emergency ordinance.  To his knowledge, that did not happen. 

If there is no emergency, there is no justification for an emergency ordinance and need

for a moratorium.  At last month’s meeting, the Town Council president said she did

not think there was an emergency, which means she did not declare one and there was

not one. 

Gregg Allen:  The Town’s civil liberties are under assault, specifically, the zoning ordinances.  There is a group of people who have an elitist, selfish program to try to

change everyone in Town to live the way they do.  There has to be a middle road and

common sense.  The moratorium passed by Council last month is a prelude to do away with all commercial activities in Town.  Some of the ideas are ridiculous.  For example,

if someone burns firewood, he or she is not able to pick up wood on the side of the road bring it home, and cut and split it to heat his or her home.  Shame on Council if they

intend to follow through with ridiculous ideas like that.  There was a lot of planning and legal work put into the moratorium.  What have they been paid?  Who directed them to

do it? Who on Council authorized this? Who is spearheading this?  There could be a whirlwind of dissent in Town if this continues.  He hopes common sense will prevail. 

If there is a problem with someone, adjustments should be made there.  It is ridiculous

to prohibit everything.  He called for transparency.

No.   9:   NEW BUSINESS:

A.                      COMPLAINT FILED PURSUANT TO TOWN OF EXETER CHARTER 

          SECTION 910, FORFEITURE OF OFFICE FOR VIOLATIONS OF

          CHARTER: 

1.      RECUSAL OF TOWN COUNCIL MEMBER CALVIN A. ELLIS FROM 

         CONSIDERATION, CONFIRMATION, OR DISMISSAL OF AGENDA ITEM

         NO. 9.A.2;

2.      CONSIDERATION, CONFIRMATION, OR DISMISSAL: COMPLAINT

         OF ASA S. DAVIS, III, DATED MARCH 9, 2026, REGARDING TOWN

         COUNCIL MEMBER CALVIN A. ELLIS FOR ALLEGED VIOLATION

         OF TOWN OF EXETER CHARTER [SECTIONS 406, 407(b), AND 910(b)],

         CONCERNING FILLING OF VACANCY ON COUNCIL WITH JAMIE

         SCHIFFER, THE NEXT HIGHEST VOTE GETTER IN THE PREVIOUS

         ELECTION (2024):

Mr. Ellis, Mr. Schiffer, and Attorney Sylvia submitted their recusals.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to dismiss complaint of Asa S. Davis, III, dated

March 9, 2026, regarding Town Council Member Calvin A. Ellis; seconded by

Mr. Morrissey.

Discussion:  Ms. Allen:  The complaint alleges Mr. Ellis violated the Charter when he voted no to appointing Jamie Schiffer as Councilman at Council’s first meeting regarding that matter. When a vacancy occurs, which had happened, the Charter states that Council shall appoint the next highest vote getter at the previous election.  At a second meeting regarding the same matter, Mr. Ellis realized his mistake and voted in the affirmative

to appoint Mr. Schiffer.

 Back to the Motion:   Voted as follows:

                                    Diane Bampton Allen                       Yes

                                    Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr.             Yes

                                    Jamie S. Schiffer                               Recuse

                                    Joseph M. Turner                             Yes

                                    Calvin A. Ellis                                    Recuse

                                    Motion passes

B.                      STATE REPRESENTATIVE MEGAN COTTER:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT:

1.      BEACH POND SAFETY

2.      EMS REIMBURSEMENT FOR STATE PROPERTY (2026 – H8153)

3.      REGIONALIZATION INCENTIVES FOR SCHOOLS (2026- H7318)

4.      AQUIFER PROTECTION LEGISLATION (2026 – H8032/H7446/S2691)  

Representative Cotter:  1) Beach Pond is becoming more and more dangerous. Jet skiiers, and out of towners are not practicing safe boating and jet skiing. Connecticut passed a

law that allows their Department of Environmental Management to work with Rhode Island’s to establish protocols.  Rhode Island needs to pass a similar law; 2) She has

been working with Fire Chief Scott Gavitt.  One of his concerns is that when Exeter

sends an ambulance to State property within its boundary, Exeter is not reimbursed. 

When Cranston, for example, responds to State property such as the ACI in Cranston,

it is reimbursed 25%.  She is sponsoring a bill for 25% reimbursement and will enter

a bill for more at future date; 3) She is seeking incentive regionalization throughout

the State.  School populations in almost every district have been declining due to such factors as fewer people having children and affordability of housing.  The bill would

be 6% for all schools that have regionalized.  It would entice other schools to regionalize; 4) In response to the new housing laws and bonus densities, this bill would require a capacity check for the aquifers. It would regulate the densities within an aquifer.  The aquifers will be taxed with the new densities.

Ms. Cotter requested Council to pass resolutions for all four of the above in support

and to help pass the bills.  Resolutions will be Exeterized and placed on Council’s June Regular Meeting. 

C.                      TOWN TREASURER:  REQUEST TO GO OUT TO BID FOR REQUESTS

FOR PROPOSALS:  AUDIT SERVICES:

Town Treasurer Lawler:  The contract with the current auditors expired last year.  Because cities and towns have had difficulty getting auditors, the State is allowing the contracts

to be five years as opposed to, normally, three years.  Once a contract is entered into, the Town is only obligated for the first year and can opt out and go out to bid again if it wishes.  The specifications have been approved by the State.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to go out to bid for requests for Proposals for Audit Services for five years; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

D.                      DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:  REQUEST TO GO OUT TO

BID/REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS:  ON-CALL SERVICES FOR ENGINEERING, CONSULTING, AND PLANNING FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS: 

Ms. Allen:  Should this request be considered during budget discussions?

Rob Shappy, Public Works Director:  He has several jobs that require engineering, one in particular, is the Mt. Tom Bridge.  He wishes to go out to bid to get costs to build into the budget. He needs an engineer “a phone call away,” not have to go out to bid each time, which is time-consuming. 

Mr. Findlay:  Noted that the Director of Emergency Management and Town Planner

are requesting similar services.  The Town’s list of pre-qualified list of engineers

and contractors needs to be updated.  Suggested compiling a new pre-qualified list

of providers to save each department time when they are seeking services.  The

departments would be consulted to be sure all types of providers make the list.

Attorney Sylvia:  A Request for Qualifications would be required to generate the list.

This process could take months.  If it becomes imperative that an engineer is needed

because the Mt. Tom Bridge fails in the meantime, perhaps engineering could be obtained as an emergency procurement.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to put out a Request for Qualifications for engineering

services for the Mt. Tom Bridge; seconded by Mr. Turner.

Discussion:  Mr. Shappy would rather the bid is written for all types listed in this agenda item and add the services the Town Planner and Emergency Management Director are

requesting.  Discussion ensued.  Some of the services may not fall under a Request for

Qualifications and may have to go out for bids.  As a priority, a request for qualifications

for Mt. Tom Bridge should be put out for engineering services.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to amend the motion to include engineering services for Mt. Tom and other engineering services, consulting and planning for public works projects; seconded by Mr. Schiffer; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Back to the original motion as amended:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

E.                      ANIMAL CONTROL:  PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE

OF ORDINANCES:  CHAPTER 10, ANIMALS; ARTICLE V, IMPOUNDMENT;          SECTION 10-173, FEES:  Mr. Findlay will work with the Animal Control Officers and

bring the proposed changes to the ordinance to Council. 

F.                       INSTRUCT PLANNING BOARD TO PROPOSE ZONING REVISIONS TO 

ROUTES 2 AND 3 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:

Ms. Allen suggested that this agenda item be forwarded to the Planning Board. 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to move this agenda item to the Planning Board

for its consideration regarding zoning revisions to Routes 2 and 3 in accordance

with the Comprehensive Plan; seconded by Mr. Schiffer; and voted unanimously

in the affirmative.

G.                      PLANNING DEPARTMENT CONSULTANT:  COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

RECOMMENDATIONS:  Mr. Ellis suggested this agenda item be sent to the Town Planner to ask him to canvass consultants. 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to ask Town Planner William Pasquale to find a

consultant or consultants and costs and report back to Council; seconded by

Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

H.                      PLANNING BOARD MEMORANDUM: RESPONSE TO MORATORIUM:

COMMERCIAL USES IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS: 

Ms. Allen:  Sees problems with this moratorium.  Persons who heat their home with firewood cannot use a log splitter to split the wood?  A lot of grandparents babysit

their grandchildren.  Is that going to be regulated?

Mr. Ellis:  Suggested inviting the Town Planner to Council’s May Regular Meeting.

Gina Thurn, Planning Board Chair:  At its last meeting, the Planning Board discussed wood processing extensively.  The child care and prohibited uses are on their next agenda.  A complete package with recommendations will be provided to Council.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to invite Town Planner William DePasquale to Council’s May Regular Meeting to address his memorandum regarding the moratorium;

seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

I. DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:  DAM EMERGENCY 

         ACTION PLANS:

1.      REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO WORK WITH COUNCIL 

         ASSISTANT KEN FINDLAY TO DEVELOP A REQUEST FOR

         QUALIFICATIONS TO HIRE AN ENGINEERING FIRM TO UPDATE

         ALL EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS;

2.      REQUEST TO SOLICIT QUALIFICATIONS TO HIRE AN

         ENGINEERING FIRM TO UPDATE ALL EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS:

See Agenda Item No. 9D.

J.                        LETTER TO GOVERNOR DANIEL J. McKEE SUPPORTING THE

BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION’S REPORT: EQUALIZING OPPORTUNITY:  CREATING A FAIR AND TRANSPARENT FUNDING SYSTEM FOR RHODE ISLAND’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to send letter to the Governor supporting the Blue

Ribbon Commission’s Report creating a fair and transparent funding system for

Rhode Island’s schools; seconded by Mr. Schiffer; and voted unanimously in the

affirmative.

K.                     RESOLUTION REQUESTING STATE ACTION TO PRESERVE AND

ENHANCE SCENIC ROADWAY ROUTE 102:

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to adopt Resolution Requesting State Action to

Preserve and Enhance Scenic Roadway Route 102; seconded by Mr. Morrissey;

Discussion:  The resolution outlines ways the State can help the Town maintain

Route 102.

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

L.                      RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL 2026-H7049 AND SENATE

BILL 2026-S2147 ADJUSTING PRIMARY ELECTION DAY TO WEDNESDAY          AFTER LABOR DAY:  When the Primary falls on the Tuesday after Labor Day

it is problematic for cities and towns. This bill will change it to the Wednesday after

Labor Day.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to support and send Resolution in Support of House Bill 2026-H7049 and Senate Bill 2026-S2147 Adjusting Primary Election Day to Wednesday After Labor Day; seconded by Mr. Morrissey.

Discussion:  The Senate and House have approved the bill.  It is being forwarded

to the Governor.

Back to Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

M.                    RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF RHODE ISLAND HOUSE BILL H7224

 (2026 – AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES – AWARD OF MUNICIPAL CONTRACTS):  If this passes, the Town’s ordinances will have

to be changed.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to adopt Resolution in Support of Rhode Island

House Bill H7224 (2026-An Act Relating to Towns and Cities-Award of Municipal Contracts); seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

N.                     RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF MUNICIPALITIES COLLABORATING 

IN REVIEWING, ANALYZING, AND RESPONDING TO THE 2025 AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAWS:  This resolution was Exeterized (Draft No. 1)

but revised to remove language concerning lawsuits against the State (Draft No. 2). 

MOTION made Ms. Allen to adopt Resolution in Support of Municipalities Collaborating in Reviewing, Analyzing, and Responding to the 2025 Affordable

Housing Laws, Draft No. 2; seconded by Mr. Schiffer.

Discussion:  Mr. Turner:  The higher density housing increases demand for municipal services.  Exeter’s fiscal gap is too large to sustain these large LMI housing projects.

Exeter is not designed for these large-scale residences.  Its roads are not sustainable

to manage the increased traffic. It does not have sewers, or a police department. 

It has limited water resources (private wells).  What is going to happen when they

become tapped out and cannot meet the demands the new homes will bring?  A

state-wide one-size-fits-all policy does not work.  What works for urban towns

does not work for rural towns. 

Council will discuss the legal aspect of this matter in Executive Session and return

to this agenda item after Executive Session.

The motion and second were withdrawn.  Council moved to Agenda Item No. 9O.

Council adjourned Executive Session at 10:04 p.m., reconvened in open session,

and returned to this agenda item.

Following discussion in Executive Session, the language regarding lawsuits will

be removed from the resolution and the addendum and the following motion

entered:

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to approve Resolution in Support of Municipalities Collaborating in Reviewing, Analyzing, and Responding to the 2025 Affordable

Housing Laws, Draft No. 2; seconded by Mr. Turner; and voted unanimously

in the affirmative.

Council moved to Agenda Item No. 13.

O.                     RESOLUTION OPPOSING HOUSE BILL 7305, AMENDMENTS TO 

THE ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS ACT:

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to approve Resolution Opposing House Bill

7305, Amendments to the Access to Public Records Act; seconded by Mr. Ellis;

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

P.                      BUDGET WORKSESSION:  CONFIRMATION OF DATES:  Dates of

unavailability of the Council members have been ascertained by Mr. Findlay.  He

will compile them and let the Clerk know which dates the upcoming budget

meetings will be held.

Q.                     DENIAL OF APPEALS:  POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION IF PROHIBITED 

ACTIVITY CONTINUES: 

Mr. Ellis queried:  How are violations enforced?  This has been an issue for a long time. 

The Building and Zoning Inspectors need to know.  He wondered if prior Zoning Inspectors felt citing violations was a futile effort and therefore were not aggressive

about violations.

Attorney Sylvia:  In general, if a violation notice is issued, the person has a certain

amount of time to appeal, whether it’s to the Zoning Board or the State Building

Standards Committee.  If the appeal is affirmed, the person can file in court if he

or she disagrees.  If the violation continues and there is not a court filing, the Town

can file in court.  The inspectors should present before Council for direction.

Council took a short pause.

No.   10:   UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 

A.                      SIGNAGE AT TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE BUILDING:  TOWN

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  The question remains whether signage on Scenic Highway

Route 102 is allowed.  There are signs that are nonglare and the color of the background can be changed so it is not harsh. 

B.                       FUTURE TOWN HALL, 742 TEN ROD ROAD:  

1.      INITIAL PLANNING, NEEDS ASSESSMENT, FACILITY LAYOUT

         AND DESIGN

Mr. Findlay:  Has been in contact with the Building Inspector, Plumbing Inspector,

and Fire Marshal in preparation of opening the building for the Fall elections. 

Has inquired of the Board of Canvassers what their needs are for the elections.

The Clerk will send the Board of Canvassers a memo asking their needs to be

submitted to Mr. Findlay by close of business on Thursday after they meet this week.

Once the architect is engaged, a needs assessment will be done.  Council will be

provided with three designs/layouts to choose from.  The query was raised regarding which departments will be moving there.  The Clerk indicated that Council made a

motion for the Board of Canvassers, Zoning, Planning, and Social Services to move

to the building.  She will pull those minutes. 

2.      SELECTION OF ARCHITECT:  CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT:

Mr. Findlay:  After many revisions, the contract is almost ready for approval. 

It will be on a budget meeting agenda for Council’s consideration.

C.                      NEW ROAD AND TEN ROD ROAD INTERSECTION:  TRAFFIC SAFETY  

ISSUES:  SURVEY/SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS:  The surveyor indicates that he

will be able to do the survey in the next week or two.

D.                      STATUS:  RI250 COMMISSION:  EXETER HISTORIC PRESERVATION 

COMMISSION:  The Committee will have a booth at the Library’s Craft Show on

May 2 and conduct a scavenger hunt from it.

No.   11:    COMMUNICATIONS:

No.     3:    03/12/2026     Town of Tiverton Resolution (2026-0008) -- In support of

H 8029 Relating to Taxation – Collection of Taxes Generally:  As it is difficult to

collect the taxes, this bill creates an automatic tax lien on mobile or manufactured

homes…upon the date of assessment of taxes.  This resolution will be Exeterized

and put on Council’s May Regular Meeting.

No.     8:    03/24/2026     Town of Smithfield:  Resolution in Support of Senate Bill 2-2917 and House Bill H-8015 Relating to Towns and Cities – Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1988:  This bill would ensure that any manufactured home…shall be included as affordable housing and credited as one-half of affordable housing units for

the purpose to reaching 10% requirement.  This resolution will be Exeterized and put

on Council’s May Regular Meeting.

No.   10:    03/24/2026     Men’s Health Network:  Request to the Town to issue

a proclamation naming June as Men’s Health Month:  The Men’s Health Network 

works to raise awareness of men’s health and encourage health and well-being.  This resolution will be Exeterized and put on Council’s May Regular Meeting.

No.   13:   03/27/2026:     Town of Lincoln Resolutions:  No. 2 Related to Low and Moderate Income Housing and No. 3 In Support of Municipalities Collaborating

in Reviewing, Analyzing, and Responding to the 2024 and 2025 Affordable Housing Laws:  Mr. Ellis wished to bring the two resolutions to the attention of Council and the Public.  No action taken

No.   18:   03/31/2026       Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns:  Weekly Legislative Update, March 30, 2026 – April 3, 2026:  Mr. Ellis noted that Council

receives legislative updates regularly from the League but this month also received

one from the Solicitor’s office.  No action taken.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to take a recess; seconded by Mr. Turner; and

voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Council entered into recess at 9:10 p.m. and reconvened in open session at 9:20 p.m.

No.   12:    EXECUTIVE SESSION:  

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to enter into Executive Session under RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2), Potential Litigation [1) Municipal Challenges to Low-Moderate Income Housing Act and 2) Non-Public Potential Litigation Matter] and Litigation [1)

Town of Exeter v. National Mortgage Recovery Systems; 2) Labossiere v. Town

of Exeter Zoning Board of Review et al; and 3) Asa Davis v Town of Exeter]; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Council entered into Executive Session at 9:20 p.m., adjourned Executive Session

at 10:04 p.m., and reconvened in open session.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to reconvene in open session; seconded by

Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to seal the minutes of Executive Session and

confirm all votes taken; seconded by Mr. Turner; and voted unanimously

in the affirmative.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to return to Agenda Item 9N; seconded by

Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Council returned to Agenda Item 9N.

No.   13:    ADJOURNMENT: