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 6:32 p.m., on Monday, July 6, 2026, in Council Chambers,

Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.

No    4:   APPROVAL OF AGENDA ORDER:

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

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

No.   5:   APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: 

A.     REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST:  REQUESTS FOR APPROVAL: 

1.      The Dream Program, $7,000.00

2.      Ryan’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc., $600.00

3.      Ryan’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc., $300.00

The vouchers were not removed.

B.     COMMUNICATIONS:  Ms. Allen removed No. 15.

Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 2, 6, 11, 16, 20, and 21.

C.     BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:

1.      BILL SHEET:   June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026

2.      TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS:  None

3.      TAX COLLECTOR’S ABATEMENTS:  None

4.      TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES: 

         One Account, $888.00 (See Town Clerk for details)

As the company she works for submitted an invoice, Ms. Allen removed the Bill Sheet.

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: 

There were no Public Hearings.

No.   8:   PUBLIC COMMENT:

Monica Myles, Public Affairs Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”): 

The SBA is reaching out to Rhode Island’s large and small businesses and non-profits that were economically affected by the Blizzard on February 22, 2026.  Those businesses that did not receive anticipated revenue because there were no customers or supplies could not be delivered   can apply to the SBA for a low-interest rate disaster loan (businesses, 4%; non-profits 3.62%;

up to 30-year terms; no application fee; first payment not due until one year after loan received; interest does not accrue in the first year; maximum amount, up to $2,000,000.00).  The deadline to apply is March 10, 2027.  She left paperwork with the Clerk for the public.

Asa Davis, Resident:  1) Distributed Cease & Desist (2^nd Notice, dated July 5, 2026) to Council; 2) Referencing pie chart distributed at recent Financial Town Meeting, was Solicitor Sylvia directed by Council to produce it?  How much time did he spend on it?; 3) The land past the Estate Drive cul-de-sac is not Town property and never was.  It was disclaimed by Council as a paper street and never accepted.  It is not trespassing if you do not own it.  The gate placed there by the Town is on private land.  If Council ordered it placed, they need to order it removed;

4) Councilman Turner’s home on Kings Crossing is built on a paper street, which was illegally created and in violation of Charter 38-105 and 106; and 5) the Town’s maps are Council’s responsibility and should be corrected and updated.

Martina Baligian, Resident:  Lives on Estate Drive and is very concerned.  Thanked Council and the Solicitor for taking action regarding the paper street at the end of Estate Drive, but knows things are far from over.  Asa Davis had untruths in his letter to Council dated June 29; i.e., the property owners abutting the paper street did not disclaim use, the paper street was never blocked by the abutters, and, he cleared the area in front of the truck and moved a cement block near its

tire. 

Gregg Allen:  He distributed to Council a letter from the RI Wood Operators Organization, a statewide, non-profit, volunteer organization that represents all factions of the forest industry. 

It outlines their position on wood cutting.

Ted Nataly:  1) During the extreme heat on Friday, he saw that the Library posted that it and

the Clerk’s Office were serving as cooling centers. Because it was a holiday, the Clerk’s Office was closed.  The Library was open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Both buildings were closed on the weekend.  The Emergency Management page on the Town’s website said nothing about the cooling centers.  He emailed the Director who has not responded.  We are paying for a service we are not receiving.  Arrangements should have been made to ensure the cooling centers were open.  Will this happen in winter too?; 2) Under Executive Session on this agenda is “non-public potential litigation.”  What is that?  It is not clear and a violation of Open Meetings; and 3) Also

under Executive Session, under Asa Davis, is “various unfiled and/or threatened matters.”  Does this mean that Mr. Davis is threatening the Town or Town Council?

Shirley Medici:  Regarding Agenda Item No. 9H, 73 Ridge Drive, she asked:  1) How is the manure handled or going to be handled?; 2) Can she have the contact information for the URI representatives who were present last meeting regarding the water supply?; 3) Will the Town perform water quality inspections?; and 4) Will the Town follow up with visitations within

the year?

No.   9:   NEW BUSINESS:

A.     DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:  AWARDING OF BID: ENGINEERING    

DESIGN, CONSULTING, AND PLANNING FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS

(ON-CALL SERVICES):  Bids were received and are being reviewed.

B.      DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:  REQUEST TO GO OUT TO BID:

2027/2028, 40K GVW, SIX-WHEEL DUMP TRUCK:  The funds for this truck were

approved at the recent Financial Town Meeting.  There will be a trade in.  Parts from

the trade in will be used on the new truck.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to go out to bid for 2027/2028, 40K GVW, six-wheel

dump truck; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

C.     OFFICE OF THE TOWN TREASURER:  AWARDING OF BID:  AUDIT

SERVICES:  One bid was duly received and opened.  It has been approved by the State Department of Finance. The State previously awarded only three-year contracts.  It is

now allowing five-year contracts.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to award Wadovick & Company the bid for $105,625.00

over a period of five years; seconded by Mr. Schiffer; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

D.     EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY:  AWARDING OF BID: PUBLIC RESTROOM

UPGRADES:  Two bids were duly received and opened:  Coastal companies, $53,354.00; Global Funding, $75,210.00.  The bid amounts are far above the grant amount received

for this project.  Library Director Tien Tran requests to go out to bid again with revised specifications.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to reject the two bids received and post a new request

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

E.     RESOLUTION REQUESTING CONTINUED FUNDING OF THE

RHODE RESTORE PROGRAM IN THE STATE BUDGET:

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to approve Resolution Requesting Continued Funding

of the Rhode Restore Program in the State Budget; seconded by Mr. Schiffer.

Discussion:  The legislative session has ended and concluded. This bill was approved.

Back to the Motion:  Motion and second withdrawn.  No action taken.

F.     RESOLUTION OPPOSING PASSAGE OF 2026 H7676 AND S2612

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT – OPEN MEETINGS:

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis that no action be taken on Resolution Opposing Passage

Of 2026 H7676 and S2612 Relating to State Affairs and Government – Open Meetings; seconded by Ms. Allen.

Discussion:  The legislative session has ended and concluded.  This bill did not pass.

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

G.     OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE REFUND REQUEST:

KITO MARKET:  The application for this license was approved.  The applicant

has withdrawn it and is requesting a refund of the fees:  $100, application; advertising,

$50.00; certified mailings to abutters, $187.92.  The advertising and mailing fees were

expended and have been paid by the Town. 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to refund half of the application fee, i.e., $50.00;

seconded by Ms. Allen.

Discussion:  The Town should be reimbursed for advertising and certified mailings. 

The work to process the application was performed.

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

H.     73 RIDGE DRIVE:  NEIGHBORS’ COMPLAINTS:

Mr. Ellis:  Council has Zoning Inspector, Dave Thornley’s findings and comments.

Zoning Inspector, Dave Thornley:  He met with the neighbors.  He visited and inspected

the property with Animal Control Director Rob Shappy, Town Sergeant Scote Miller,

and Scott Marshall, Lead Veterinarian for RI Department of Environmental Management,

and Kyle, Project Manager, Southern RI Conservation District.  Only a setback violation

was found, which the owner has agreed to remedy. 

Peter Kesner, 107 Ridge Drive:  Appreciates Council’s and the Zoning Inspector’s quick

actions.  He would not be here if there was no smell or sound.  He would not have spent $8000.00 on arborvitaes if there was not an issue. He has nothing against his neighbors

having animals.  Exeter is rural.  His neighborhood was quiet until his neighbors built

their farm.  He understands they have their rights, but do their rights supersede his quality

of life?  He does not go in his backyard and he is not the only one.  He keeps his windows

closed in order not to see, hear, and smell it.  There are roosters, sheep, and goats, about. 

130 animals.  Wants his peace and quiet and quality of life back.  It is unfair that one

neighbor can take it away from all the others. 

Hind and Angelo Petrocelli, 73 Ridge Drive:  Moved to Exeter in 2019.  Chose Exeter because

of its community, values, and rural character.  Cares for their home.  It is one of the highest valued in the neighborhood.  They do not want to bring the values down.  They understand the neighbors’ concerns.  She is a senior director of engineering in a technology company.  Her husband is principal project manager for State of Rhode Island.  Want to teach their two children life values.  They have animals and a fruit and vegetable garden.  When they harvest, they share with the neighbors who accept it.  The kids are excited to plant seeds and watch them grow.  They care for the animals.  A veterinarian and others come in regularly.  They fenced the

entire property, planted arborvitaes, and do everything they can to diminish any impact to

the neighbors.  They understand the concerns about the water.  They do not want to drink polluted water.  They have it tested every year.  One of her neighbors takes pictures of them

in their yard.  Where is their privacy and right to be on their own property?  They want to live peacefully and happily alongside their neighbors without issues. The recent visit by the Town’s officials was not the first visit.  They have always welcomed their inspections.  If they are doing something wrong, if there are complaints, they want to know and correct them.  They do not want to be harassed constantly and repeatedly being inspected with no clear violations.

What is the process to them? 

Council:  It appeared to Council that the neighbors’ issues are a civil matter.  Hopes they

can be worked out so everyone can live peacefully.

Shirley Medici, 165 Ridge Drive:  How many times have the inspectors been to the property? 

How are they getting rid of the manure?

Mr. Thornley:  The previous zoning inspector was there, before 2024, prior him being elected

in 2024.  Mr. Thornley inspected once last year and once this year.  They are composting the manure.

Ms. Medici:  Is concerned about the water supply.  Is there something that can be done about possible contamination? She and the neighbors are coming to Council regarding this health and safety issue.  As their government, they should be protecting them.  If something happens, they

have brought this to Council’s attention.  The neighborhood did not have a farm before the neighbors moved in.  They do not know the results of the inspections or the water tests.  She

had her water tested.  Bacteria was found.  She had to put an $1800.00 system in and has to have yearly testing, $400.00 every time, because she lives near a farm. She was given Mr. Thornley’s inspection report.  She thanked Council for its time.

I.      CONSIDERATION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT:

1.      TAX ASSESSOR/TAX COLLECTOR:  Tax Assessor Kerri Petrarca has been serving

as Interim Tax Assessor/Collector since Tax Collector Kimberly Robitaille retired in May.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to appoint Kerri Petrarca as Tax Assessor/Tax Collector according to the vote of the voters at the Financial Town Meeting in June; seconded by

Mr. Turner; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

2.      PART-TIME TOWN ADMINISTRATOR:

MOTION by Ms. Allen to appoint Council Assistant Kenneth Findlay as Part-time

Town Administrator according to the vote of the voters at the Financial Town Meeting

in June; seconded by Mr. Turner.

Discussion:  Mr. Turner:  The Town needs a Town Administrator because it needs accountability.  The Town has been recently reviewing and revising the zoning tables

and ordinances.  Currently, there have been multiple individuals, both elected and unelected, offering direction and opinions on zoning and planning matters, which creates confusion, inefficiencies, and inconsistent communications.  As Town Administrator, one of Mr. Findlay’s first responsibilities will be to serve as the Town’s single point of contact for the development

of the new zoning ordinance in coordination with the Town Planner to ensure an efficient and accountable process for all communications and direction regarding the proposed ordinance changes and that should flow through the Town Administrator’s office.

No elected official, board member, committee member, staff member, or resident should circumvent that process or issue independent direction outside of the authority of the Town Administrator.  By establishing a single point of coordination, it will enable Exeter to efficiently and effectively develop proper zoning ordinances that are consistent with the Town Compre-hensive Plan while providing clear accountability throughout the process.  This should not be viewed as an opportunity to rush or shortcut ordinance development.  The goal is to ensure that proposed changes are thoughtfully researched, collaboratively developed, legally sound, and

free from unnecessary ambiguity before they are presented for public review and consideration.

Mr. Ellis:  What Mr. Turner articulated is exactly what has been discussed for a long time and should be what happens.  The approach taken regarding the vote for Town Administrator at the Financial Town Meeting was off base.  Council has not discussed the protocols for a Town Administrator.  Regarding proposals for expenditures outside of the budget, he read from the Town Charter, Section 306, “No proposal for the expenditure of money other than those contained in the budget presented by the Council shall be acted upon at any financial town meeting, unless it shall have been presented in a petition signed by at least 50 electors of the Town and shall have been filed with the Town Clerk at least 20 days prior to the date of the meeting.  The warrant for the meeting shall include notice of all such proposals for expenditure.”

He is not opposed to the idea of a Town Administrator or Mr. Findlay being appointed.  He is opposed to the process that ensued.  Clearly, changing the resolution for Town Council Assistant from $40,000 to $80,000 and changing the whole job description was not appropriate.  It is not

the time.

Ms. Allen:  The voters at the financial town meeting thought it was time.  Sixty-three percent of the people surveyed during the Comprehensive Plan process felt that a Town Administrator was needed.

Mr. Ellis:  Only 60 people were at the financial town meeting and thought so.  That is the language in the Charter.  Should we ignore it?

Back to the Motion:    Voted as follows:

                                    Diane Bampton Allen                       Yes

                                    Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr.             Yes

                                    Jamie S. Schiffer                               Yes

                                    Joseph M. Turner                             Yes

                                    Calvin A. Ellis                                    No

                                    Motion passes.

Myrna George, Resident:  At the financial town meeting, she stood to add the $40,000 to the Council Assistant’s resolution with the understanding that Council would have at least six months to deliberate the requirements of the position.  Is there a job description?  Is there a policy?  Without those, how will Mr. Findlay have direction on what to do?

J.      TOWN TREASURER:  REQUEST FOR DIRECTION:  DISTRIBUTION

OF FUNDS APPROPRIATED AT FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING:  RESOLUTION

NO. 1C, TOWN COUNCIL ASSISTANT:  Based on the vote taken under Agenda Item

No. 9J, Ms. Lawler withdrew this request.  Mr. Findlay will get the full amount appropriated.

K.     742 TEN ROD ROAD:

1.      APPROVAL OF FINAL PLAN:  Mr. Findlay reported:  At a recent meeting, Council  approved Option C of three plans provided by the architects.  The architects met with the Town Planner, Town Treasurer, Tax Assessor/Collector, and the Board of Canvassers.  They went through the building and everyone’s needs.  Everyone is happy with the plan before Council tonight. There is enough room, enough staff, and enough operational space.  The architects

will now do the engineered plans. 

MOTION made by Mr. Turner to approve the plan as presented and previously reviewed and amended, which was Option C presented earlier this year; seconded by Ms. Allen.

Discussion:  Mr. Ellis:  Council had voted to move the Board of Canvassers, Social Services, Zoning, and Planning to the building.  Now, it will be Tax Assessor/Collector, Treasurer, Board of Canvassers, Zoning, and Planning.  When did it change and how?  Mr. Findlay:  The reason

for the change was to have enough staff to have the building open five days a week.

Back to the Motion:    Voted as follows:

                                    Diane Bampton Allen                       Yes

                                    Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr.             Yes

                                    Jamie S. Schiffer                               Yes

                                    Joseph M. Turner                             Yes

                                    Calvin A. Ellis                                    No

                                    Motion passes.

2.      REQUEST TO GO OUT TO BID:  CONSTRUCTION:

MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to go out to bid for construction of 742 Ten Rod Road; seconded by Mr. Turner; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

No.   10:   UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

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

MENTS:  The Clerk provided Council with the State’s comments regarding putting a lighted, digital sign on the front lawn.  Because Route 102 is designated a Scenic Highway, an application for an exemption to have the sign will need to be made to the Federal government.  Informational signage will be addressed when the new building opens.  This agenda item will

be removed for the time being.

B.     FUTURE TOWN HALL, 742 TEN ROD ROAD:  STATUS:  Previously addressed. 

See Agenda Item No. 9K.

C.     NEW ROAD AND TEN ROD ROAD INTERSECTION:  TRAFFIC

SAFETY ISSUES:  SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS:  Public Works Director Rob Shappy

was not able to meet with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation last month.

D.     DECEMBER COMMUNICATION NO.  6:  LETTER FROM NANCY ROTH: 

REQUEST TO START A FOOD PANTRY FOR PETS IN EXETER:  Animal Control Director Rob Shappy was not able to meet with Ms. Roth last month.

E.     STATUS:  RI250 COMMISSION:  EXETER HISTORIC PRESERVATION

COMMISSION:  The nation’s 250^th Birthday has passed.  Public Works Director Rob Shappy and members of Exeter’s 250^th Committee did a beautiful job decorating the Clerk’s Office Building with banners and red, white, and blue lights.  This agenda item will be removed.

No.   12:    EXECUTIVE SESSION: 

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to enter into Executive Session under: RIGL 42-46-5(a)(1)

[Social Services Director and Town Sergeant]; RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) [Non-public Potential Litigation Matter]; and RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) [Labossiere v. Town of Exeter and Asa Davis

v. Town of Exeter]; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Council entered into Executive Session at 8:34 p.m., adjourned Executive Session

at 10:18 p.m., and reconvened in open session.

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

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.

No.   13:    ADJOURNMENT