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, June 1, 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. Turner; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

No.   5:   APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: 

A.     REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST:  REQUESTS FOR APPROVAL: 

1.          VOUCHER ALVAREZ SPLIT ROCK MOBILE HOME PARK: $3080.57

2.          VOUCHER RYAN’S LAWN CARE MONUMENT: $950.00

No. 1 was not removed.  No. 2 was disregarded as it was approved last month.

B.     COMMUNICATIONS:  Ms. Allen removed No. 13. 

Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 5, 16, 19, and 21. 

C.     BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:

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

2.      TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS:  None

3.      TAX COLLECTOR’S ABATEMENTS:  None 

4.      TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES: One account, 

         $2,063.16; Two accounts, $2,607.76; Three accounts $529.33;

         Four Accounts $576.04.  See Town Clerk for details.

None of the above were removed.

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.     SECOND-HAND DEALER’S LICENSE APPLICATION:  7TEN PERSPECTIVES,

LLC, d/b/a LAUREE’S SHOP AROUND THE CORNER, 367 NOOSENECK HILL

ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND, PLAT 33/BLOCK 1/LOT 24, LAUREEN

ANDREWS, APPLICANT:

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

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Ms. Andrews:  The shop will be open Wednesday through Sunday, will sell second-hand, consignment, and artisan items, and is just about ready to open.

The Clerk:  All requirements have been met.  Advertising and certified mailing fees in the amount of $131.86 are owing.

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 Second-hand Dealer’s License to Laureen

Andrews for Lauree’s Shop Around the Corner as advertised, subject to all fees

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

B.     OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION:  FRIENDS

OF THE EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY, APPLICANT; TO HOST ITS ANNUAL

FUNDRAISER, THE “EXETER FALL FESTIVAL” TO BENEFIT THE EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026, 10:00 AM. TO 3:00 P.M.,

AT YAWGOO VALLEY SKI AREA, 160 YAWGOO VALLEY ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND, TO INCLUDE MUSIC, ARTISANS, VENDORS, AND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT:

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

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Helen Douglas, Friends of the Exeter Public Library:  Invited everyone to attend.  This is

the Library’s biggest fundraiser.  There will be the usual face painting, music, etc.  New

this year: a local martial arts studio will be performing; there will be a walking magician. 

The Town’s and Town Council’s support are appreciated.  Requested that the application

fee be waived.

Mr. Ellis:  Recognized the work Ms. Douglas has done over the years on behalf of the

Library. The Friends and the Library Board work together in harmony to accomplish

good things at the Library.

The Clerk:  All requirements have been met.  Advertising and certified mailing fees

have been paid.

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 Outdoor Entertainment License to Friends of

the Exeter Public Library to hold Exeter Fall Festival as advertised, and to waive the application fee, subject to advertising and certified mailing fees being paid; seconded

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

C.     OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION:  KAREN LEVIN

ON BEHALF OF THE FRIENDS OF EXETER ANIMALS; TO HOLD A CLASSIC

CAR SHOW, INCLUDING VENDORS, ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026

(RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2026), 10:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M., AT

THE EXETER ANIMAL SHELTER, 169 SOUTH COUNTY TRAIL, EXETER,

RHODE ISLAND:

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

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Beth Hurst, Volunteer, Animal Shelter:  Highly recommended that everyone attend.  It is

a lot of fun.  Last year, there were 150 cars.  There will be a DJ, food, raffle tables, and

prizes.

The Clerk:  All requirements have been met.  The application fee, $100.00, and $206.60

in advertising and certified mailing fees are owing.

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 Outdoor Entertainment License to Friends

of the Exeter Animals as advertised and to waive the application fee; seconded by

Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

D.     OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION:  KIMBERLY

CULLEN ON BEHALF OF KITO MARKET OF WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND;

TO HOLD A WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET AT THE EXETER PUBLIC

LIBRARY, 773 TEN ROD ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND, THURSDAYS,

3:30 P.M. TO 6:30 P.M., STARTING JULY 2, ENDING SEPTEMBER 3:

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

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Ms. Cullen, Founder, Kito Market:  Wishes to bring a pure farmer’s market to Town and

support local farmers.  Has reached out to Exeter farmers.  About one-third are interested.

Will advertise on Facebook and Instagram and will distribute flyers.

Discussion ensued:  The Library Board has the application.  It has concerns (such as insurance,

clean up, safety) and wishes to meet with Ms. Cullen. There will be tiered fees to participate.  Exeter farmers will be charged the lowest fee. Ms. Cullen has worked with the Library Director on logistics and has spoken to the Fire Marshal.  Kito Market is for profit. The Library has excluded renting of its space to for-profits.  If approved, this could set a precedent of renting Town space to for-profits. A portion of the proceeds (percentage to be determined based on participation) will be donated to the Library.  Kito does small boutique, events.  This is its

first farmer’s market. 

The Clerk reported:  All requirements have been met.  Application, certified mailing, and advertising fees are owed in the amount of $337.92.

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 Outdoor Entertainment License to Kimberly

Cullen, Kito Market, as advertised, subject to all fees being paid and Library Board approval; seconded by Mr. Schiffer; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

E.     PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION:  REGINA KILDAY,

SECRETARY EXETER GRANGE; TO HOLD CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC AND DANCING EVENTS, AT ITS LOCATION, 469 TEN ROD ROAD, FROM 2:00 P.M.

TO 6:00 P.M., ON JUNE 7, SEPTEMBER 13, OCTOBER 4, NOVEMBER 15, AND DECEMBER 13, 2026; SIMPLE REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SOLD; ALCOHOL

WILL NOT BE SERVED OR BE ALLOWED ON THE PREMISES; AN ENTRY

FEE OF $15.00 PER PERSON WILL BE CHARGED TO PAY FOR THE BAND

AND TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE GRANGE:

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

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Regina Kilday, Secretary, Exeter Grange:  The first dance event in April, which they obtained

a license for, went very well and was a great success.  The dance floor was full.  People were enthusiastic about the Grange coming back and improvements made.  They would like to have several more dances.

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

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to grant Public Entertainment License to Exeter Grange

to hold classic country music and dancing as advertised; seconded by Mr. Morrissey;

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

No.   8:   PUBLIC COMMENT: 

Ted Nataly:  1) At the February meeting, Mr. Ellis wanted a member of the public to speak when there was a motion on the floor.  The Solicitor said it was allowed.  It was not.  On

May 14, 2026, a chaotic meeting was held at the Library.  Council was allowed to violate

every Open Meeting law.  The Solicitor is misinterpreting the Charter, Roberts’ Rules, and

the law; 2) The Solicitor sent a letter to the Board of Canvassers reprimanding, intimidating,

and threatening them for not posting agendas.

Shirley Medici, 165 Ridge Drive, Forest Hills:  Was present regarding a neighborhood issue.  She moved here 11 years ago to retire and loves Exeter.  It is beautiful.  Four years ago, a new neighbor moved in, affecting the quality of life in the neighborhood.  He has the right to do what he wants on his property, but seven days a week, on a tractor 12 hours a day?  There is no peace from the tractor’s noise.  He has a working farm, many noisy animals, and keeps adding more.  He has knocked down the natural surroundings, clear cut his entire property, and is building a road in back of his property.  The smell is atrocious.  She had to install an ultra-violet water system because bacteria was found in her well from the animal feces.  She cannot hear her husband across the yard.  Neighbors have tried to talk to him.  He is not approachable.

What is their recourse?

Peter Kesner, 107 Ridge Drive, Forest Hills:  Has lived in Exeter for 28 years, 11 in Forest Hills.  The owner at 73 Ridge Drive (same one Ms. Medici talked about) was putting rocks and debris on his property and encroaching on another neighbor’s property.  There was a lawsuit.  Originally, there were 10 to 12 animals. Now, there are, conservatively, 120 animals, horses, chickens, goats, sheep, turkeys, ducks.  It is a working farm.  Because of the smell and the noise,

he cannot use his back yard and has to keep his windows closed.  His peace and quiet has been

taken away and his lifestyle changed.  There are concerns about the well water.  The neighbor has his rights, but is encroaching on everyone else’s.  It is not fair.  He and another neighbor invested in arborvitaes to shield their properties.  What relief is there?

Lucca Razza, 83 Ridge Drive, Forest Hills:  He is next door to 73 Ridge Drive, where there

is a monstrosity of a farm, that is tough to live with.  The noise and smell are stifling.  He cannot sit on his porch.  Who runs a tractor that much, every hour, of every day, every weekend?  It is

constant.  He has three acres.  How can he have so much livestock?  He has roaring fires on windy days.  He has no consideration for the neighbors.  What help is there?

Mr. Ellis:  Directed the Clerk to put 73 Ridge Drive on next month’s agenda.

Gregory Allen:  1) Appreciates the Public Works Workers and their work.  They do a great job;

2)  He submitted an APRA request for the Town Solicitor’s and Planning Board Solicitor’s hours for the month of November.  The Planning Board Solicitor’s invoice was blacked out but gave the number of hours.  The Town Solicitor’s invoice was completely blacked out.  The reasoning was that his invoices are client/attorney privilege and contain entries pertaining to litigation.  The Town Solicitor is an officer of the Town.  His activities are supposed to be clear to the people. Or, is it a secret?  The public has a right to have an idea what is spent on cases.  He is taking

a stand against the Solicitor because his reasons do not hold up.  How can the people vote at Financial Town Meeting on legal expenses if they cannot see them?

Asa Davis, 146 Beechwood Hill Trail:  1) Last month, the Solicitor properly recused on the complaint against Mr. Ellis.  When a prior complaint was brought, the Solicitor at the time,

Jim Marusak, did not recuse.  Looking at Attorney Marusak’s bills, which were redacted in

some respects, Attorney Marusak handled Mr. Ellis’ WCRPC resignation with the Secretary

of State, which was not Town work.  Mr. Ellis approved the payment.  Is that ethical?;

2) Elaine Morgan posted online approval of totally disabled, 100% service connected, veterans’ credit for Exeter residents, $5000.00 off the assessed value of the property annually; and 3) Thousands are spent on legal expenses each month, a structural problem.  The Town Solicitor financially benefits by more litigation.  There was talk last month that it would not be good to change solicitors with outstanding litigation.  If you are not going to change while you have litigation, that is another incentive for the solicitor to keep litigation going. 

No.   9:   NEW BUSINESS:

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

DESIGN, CONSULTING, AND PLANNING FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS

(ON-CALL SERVICES):  Five bids were duly received and opened.  A committee (the Director of Public Works, Superintendent of Public Works, and Council Assistant) will

score the bids and provide Council with a recommendation next month.

B.     DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:  AWARDING OF BID:  EXETER

ANIMAL SHELTER:  STANDBY/BACKUP PROPANE GENERATOR:  Two bids

were duly received and opened.  Both bids were the same, except for a $10,000.00 price difference.  The generator will be paid with funds from the Animal Shelter Donations

Account.  Director of Public Works recommends Rhode Island Generator of Woonsocket,

Rhode Island.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to award bid for Animal Shelter Standby/Backup

Propane Generator to Rhode Island Generator in the amount of $18,000.00 upon

the recommendation of the Public Works Director; seconded by Ms. Allen.

Discussion:  The smart switch on the generator was explained.  Another electrical

panel will have to be installed at the shelter.

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

C.     EXETER LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES:  REQUEST FOR FUNDING

TO HELP SUPPORT MEN’S HEALTH INITIATIVE PROGRAMS TO BE HELD

AT THE LIBRARY IN THE MONTH OF JUNE:  Mr. Findlay, Chair, requests Council

to co-share the programs and requests funds, $500.00, from Council. The Board has $250.00. 

Ms. Allen suggested $250.00.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to provide $500.00 to the Library Board of Trustees

to hold men’s health programs; seconded by Mr. Turner.

Discussion:  The Treasurer asked where to pull the $500.00 from.  After discussion,

it will be pulled from the Discretionary Fund.

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

D.     EXETER MEMORIAL DAY PARADE COMMITTEE:  REQUEST FOR

FUNDING TO HELP PURCHASE PARADE ROUTE FLAGS:  Ms.  Allen

suggested removing this agenda item.  The parade was cancelled due to rain. 

There were not very many expenses.  There was not much used from the fund. 

The bulk of the balance will carry.  There will be $3000.00 added to the fund,

if approved at the Financial Town Meeting.  The Committee raised funds and

paid for the flags when they were ordered. Mr. Ellis felt Council should show

the Committee its support and contribute to the decorations.  If the voters at

Financial Town Meeting do not approve the additional funds proposed,

Mr. Ellis will bring this agenda item back.

E.     OFFICE OF THE TOWN TREASURER:  AWARDING OF BID: 

AUDIT SERVICES:  The Auditor General is reviewing the bid received. 

This agenda item is continued to Council’s Regular Meeting of July 6, 2026.

F.     RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO RHODE ISLAND HOUSE BILLS

H7035, H7755, H8068, H8071, AND H8075:  Ms. Allen:  The bills propose to

take gun rights and second amendment rights away, make felons out of law-abiding

citizens, and require gun owners to have million-dollar liability insurance policies.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to approve Resolution in Opposition to Rhode

Island House Bills H7035, H7755, H8068, H8071, and H8075; seconded by

Mr. Turner; and 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.

G.     EMA DIRECTOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE: URI COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WATER QUALITY STUDY:  Director Boardman:  In August of 2023, the Department of Health found a high concentration (314 PPT; supposed to be less than 20) of PFAS in the public water supply at Ladd Center and Job Corps, believed to be caused by fire-fighting foam used at the Fire Academy.  The water supply has been taken off line and is no longer used.  PFAS has been used in products for decades and can enter the environment from the air and waste water.  In December 2025, Ms. Boardman met with the University of Rhode Island to determine how to best approach residents (in the Yawgoo area, which tested positive for PFAS) to collect drinking water samples from private wells of participating households to help understand potential sources of PFAS.  The study is funded by the Department of Health and the USEPA.  Yawgoo Ski Area has been contacted and is in favor of the study.  The study will span a half-mile radius from there.  Funding includes paying for the testing at each household.  Ms. Boardman requested Council’s endorsement for the study. 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve URI Cooperative Extension Water Quality Study; seconded by Mr. Turner; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

H.     EMA DIRECTOR’S REQUEST:  TO PURCHASE AED SUPPLIES:  Director Boardman:  She would like to purchase a unit ($1529.00) for the Narragansett Rod & Gun

Club, who supports the Food Bank and community.  She does not have the funds in her

budget and is requesting Council for the funds from the Discretionary Fund.  Following

discussion, no action was taken.

I.      COMMERCIAL USES IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS MORATORIUM:

POSSIBLE EXTENSION OF EMERGENCY MORATORIUM FOR SIXTY DAYS;

SCHEDULING OF PUBLIC HEARING: MORATORIUM ORDINANCE:

The Charter is not clear whether a moratorium can be extended a second time. 

There was no action.  The Public Hearing is scheduled for July 13, 2026.

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

PAINTING, EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR, ANIMAL SHELTER FACILITY:

The kennel walls have to be sandblasted before they can be painted.  The material on them

is flaking and dangerous to the animals.  The shelter has not been painted in a very long

time.  The animals will be housed in neighboring communities while the work is being

done.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to go out to bid for Painting, Exeter and Interior,

Animal Shelter Facility; seconded by Mr. Turner; and voted unanimously in the

affirmative.

K.      NEW TOWN HALL: ARCHITECT CONTRACT FOR PHASE 2 OF DESIGN 

AND CONSTRUCTION:  The initial contract indicated there would be an addendum.

MOTION made by Mr. Turner to move to Phase 2 of the design and construction of the new town hall project; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

No.   10:   UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

A.     SIGNAGE AT TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE BUILDING:  TOWN ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Ms. Hawkins has reached out to the State Scenic Highway Division

to procure signage rules and regulations and awaits a response.  She will contact them again.

B.     FUTURE TOWN HALL, 742 TEN ROD ROAD:  STATUS:  Mr. Findlay has

met with the Fire Marshal and inspectors.  The building is approved for issuance of the

Certificate of Occupancy.  He also met with the Board of Canvassers to review set-up

for the Primary and General Election.

C.     NEW ROAD AND TEN ROD ROAD INTERSECTION:  TRAFFIC SAFETY ISSUES:  SURVEY/SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS:  Department of Transportation

approval is needed in order to make changes at the intersection.  Following discussion

regarding the survey findings and possible improvements, the following motion entered:

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to give the Department of Public Works Director Rob Shappy permission to work with the Department of Transportation to straighten out

the intersection of New Road and Ten Rod Road; seconded by Mr. Turner; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

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

REQUEST TO START A FOOD PANTRY FOR PETS IN EXETER:  There was

not an update. 

E.     STATUS:  RI250 COMMISSION:  EXETER HISTORIC PRESERVATION

COMMISSION:  The Committee is partnering with the Rhode Island Historical Society and

the RI250 Commission’s initiative, “Planting Roots of Freedom Across Rhode Island.” A Liberty Tree Planting honoring the State’s pivotal role in the American Revolution will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at the Exeter Public Library.  All are invited.  The Committee is also partnering with the National Flag Foundation’s initiative, “Light to Unite.”  All Exeter residents are asked to light up the Town red, white, and blue, on July 4, 2026, as

a national evening of unity to celebrate the Nation’s 250^th Birthday.

No.   12:    EXECUTIVE SESSION: 

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

Board of Canvasser Member and Town Solicitors; RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2), Labossiere v.

Town of Exeter and Asa Davis v. Town of Exeter; and Non-Public Potential Litigation Matter; seconded by Mr. Schiffer; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Council entered into Executive Session at 8:51 p.m., adjourned Executive Session

at 10:07 p.m., and reconvened in open session.

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

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:

MOTION made by Ms. Allen adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Turner;

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 10:07 p.m.

The next Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council is scheduled for Monday,

July 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

                                                                                                Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                                                Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC

                                                                                                Exeter Town Clerk

Approved:   July 6, 2026