EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 9, 2026
Due to the Blizzard of 2026, this meeting was
postponed and continued from March 2, 2026, to tonight.
Council led the Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council was called to order at 6:32 p.m., on Monday, March 9, 2026, in Council Chambers, Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Roll Call: Diane Bampton Allen Yes
Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr. Yes
Jamie S. Schiffer Yes
Joseph M. Turner Yes
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Also Present: Kenneth Sylvia, Esq., Town Solicitor
Lynn M. Hawkins, Town Clerk
Kenneth Findlay, Council Assistant
Mr. Morrissey commended and thanked the Department of Public Works for a great
job during the Blizzard. He read Communication Nos. 1, 10, and 13 into the record.
Town Sergeant Scote Miller was also thanked for his work during the Blizzard.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Agenda Order as presented;
seconded by Mr. Turner; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST: REQUESTS FOR APPROVAL:
1. NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS OF RHODE ISLAND, $2,000.00
2. CHIMNEY REPLACEMENT, $10,000.00
3. EDUCATION ASSISTANCE, $1,849.00
4. EXETER-WEST GREENWICH HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR AWARDS, $3000.00
The vouchers were not removed.
B. COMMUNICATIONS: Ms. Allen removed No. 37. Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 6, 16,
30, 31, 33, 36, and 38.
C. BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:
1. BILL SHEET: February 1, 2026 – February 28, 2026
2. TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS: None
3. TAX COLLECTOR’S ABATEMENTS: $4,528.82.
4. TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES: None
No bills, appropriations, or abatements were removed. Mr. Ellis noted that the Tax Collector’s Abatements represent motor vehicle taxes that are not collectible. Tax Collector Kimberly Robitaille has made every effort to collect them, including sending them to a collection agency.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
There were no minutes.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to approve the Consent Agenda as amended;
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. 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.
3. BOARD OF TAX AND ASSESSMENT REVIEW ALTERNATE MEMBER
(ONE NEEDED) (TO SERVE THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT): No Letters of Interest have been received. This vacancy
will continue to post.
4. PLANNING BOARD CLERK: No Letters of Interest have been received.
This vacancy will continue to post.
B. RESIGNATIONS: There were no Resignations for Council’s consideration.
C. APPOINTMENTS: There were no Appointments for Council’s consideration.
D. EXPIRING TERMS:
1. WILLIAM GALLAGHER, TOWN CONSTABLE (EXPIRES APRIL 1, 2026)
2. TOM ALLEN, SPECIAL CONSTABLE (EXPIRES APRIL 1, 2026)
3. STEPHEN VANNER, SPECIAL CONSTABLE (EXPIRES APRIL 1, 2026)
4. ALAN GUSTAFSON, SPECIAL CONSTABLE (EXPIRES APRIL 1, 2026)
Town Sergeant Scote Miller reported that the Town Constable and Special Constables
wish to be reappointed.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to reappoint William Gallagher as Town Constable and
Tom Allen, Stephen Vanner, and Alan Gustafson as Special Constables for the ensuing term; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES:
(SEE TOWN CLERK FOR COPY IN ITS ENTIRETY)
APPENDIX A, ZONING:
ARTICLE 1, ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES
SECTION 1.2., DEFINTIONS
REMOVE IN ITS ENTIRETY:
SECTION 1.2.68, MOBILE HOME OR TRAILER
ADD:
SECTION 1.2.68(a), MANUFACTURED HOME
SECTION 1.2.68(b), MOBILE HOME
SECTION 1.2.68(c), MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED HOME PARK
ARTICLE III, CONFORMING AND NON-CONFORMING LOTS AND USES
ADD:
SECTION 3.3.1 , EXPANSION OF PRE-EXISTING MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED
HOME
SECTION 3.3.1.1, PURPOSE
SECTION 3.3.1.2, APPROVAL PROCEDURE
SECTION 3.3.1.3, MINIMUM STANDARDS AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 26, MANUFACTURED HOMES AND TRAILERS:
ARTICLE II, TRAILERS AND TRAILER PARKS:
DIVISION 1, GENERALLY
SECTION 26-31, DEFINITION
SECTION 26-32, CAMPING TRAILERS
SECTION 26-33, INSTALLATION PERMIT AND CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
REQUIRED; FEES
SECTION 26-34, APPLICATION OF ARTICLE PROVISIONS TO EXISTING
TRAILER PARKS MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED HOME PARKS
SECTION 26-35, STANDARDS GOVERNING OPERATION OF TRAILER PARKS
MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED HOME PARKS
SECTION 26-36, EXPANSION OF TRAILER PARKS MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED
HOME PARKS
DIVISION 2, LICENSE
SECTION 26-62, APPLICATION; CONTENTS
SECTION 26-63, NOTICE OF HEARING
SECTION 26-64, HEARING ON ISSUANCE; ISSUANCE OR DENIAL; BONDS
SECTION 26-65, REGISTRATION OF TRAILERS HOMES WITHIN TRAILER
PARKS MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED HOME PARKS
SECTION 26-66, EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL; ANNUAL FEES
SECTION 26-67, REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION ENFORCEMENT
B. PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATION TO TOWN COUNCIL
(SEE TOWN CLERK FOR COPY IN ITS ENTIRETY)
Attorney McCaffrey, on behalf of his client, requested that the amendments be sent back to
the Planner and Planning Board “for further discussions and until they reach a good alternative.” Mr. Ellis noted that this is a complex proposal and that there is a difference of opinion regarding
the amendments. He suggested holding this matter until a date uncertain until Council hears back from the Planning Board.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to refer this matter to the Planning Board to be sure that
they continue to work with the gentleman and see if they can come back with something that meshes; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
No one wished to make a Public Comment.
A. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
1. EMA INTERNS: STATUS: CURRENT PROJECTS:
2. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER: SPACE OFFERED
AT RHODE ISLAND FIRE ACADEMY:
3. CIVIL AIR PATROL: FLYOVERS OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURES
TO PROVIDE PRE-DISASTER DOCUMENTATION:
4. DAM MANAGEMENT CONCERN: EDWARDS POND DAM:
5. DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY: EXECUTION
AND STEPS GOING FORWARD:
6. BLIZZARD OF 2026: ACTIONS TO ASSIST RESIDENTS:
B. RESOLUTION OF THE EXETER TOWN COUNCIL: EWG HAZARD
MITIGATION PLAN: ANNUAL UPDATE: DATE CHANGE:
C. DISASTER PAY POLICY: FEMA REIMBURSEMENT
Director of Emergency Management Dori Boardman reported on Agenda Items 9A, 9B, and 9C. As an Emergency Management Director, Ms. Boardman’s position is broken into five missions. She is working on many programs under each. She provided Council with copies of her detailed report and summarized.
Prevention: Regarding cyber attacks, the Rhode Island Fusion Center and the Rhode Island
State Police will contact her if there is a cyber attack. IT Director, James Angi, has assured
her that we are protected.
Protection: Ms. Boardman has three ways to convey emergency messages: through CodeRed, her email distribution list, and the State Emergency Management Agency notification system (“IPAWS”). These were used most recently during the Blizzard.
Regarding Dam Emergency Action Plans, there are five dams in Exeter, one is designated significant (Edwards Pond Dam) The other four are designated as high hazard (Slocum,
Boone Lake, Yorker Mill Pond, and Metcalf Wildlife Marsh). Level One dams are in a condition that should be watched. Level Two dams are in serious condition and should be addressed. Level Three dams are at a point that they need immediate attention. Only two
of the high hazard dams have approved emergency action plans. The other three do not
have plans. Pursuant to RIGL 46-19-9, “…an emergency action plan shall be prepared for each significant or high hazard dam by the city or town wherein the dam lies.” and “…emergency action plans shall be updated on an annual basis and shall be filed with the Rhode Island emergency management agency, department of environmental management, the chief of the local police department, and the local city or town emergency management official.” Ms. Boardman has contingency funds to hire an engineering firm to write the plans. The costs
can be passed on to the dam owners. She requested that Council authorize her to work with Council Assistant Findlay to develop a request for qualifications to hire an engineering firm
to update all emergency action plans. The significant dam (Edwards Pond Dam) failed inspection by the State in 2015. Because of a shortage of funds, the Office of Dam Safety
took it off the inspection list. She requested authorization to work with the Town Solicitor
to write a letter to the Department of Environmental Management requesting that an
engineering inspection be conducted annually on Edwards Pond Dam. Discussion ensued.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to authorize Emergency Management Director Boardman
to move forward on the dam emergency action plans; seconded by Mr. Schiffer.
Discussion: Discussion ensued regarding costs and the request for qualifications bidding process. This is not on tonight’s agenda, thus cannot be considered this evening per the
Rhode Island Open Meetings Act.
Back to the Motion: The motion and second were withdrawn.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to continue Ms. Boardman’s request for a request for qualifications to Council’s April agenda; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously
in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to authorize letter to the Department of Environmental Management requesting an engineering inspection be done on the Edwards Pond Dam; seconded by Ms. Allen.
Discussion: This issue has been ongoing. The owner has been contacted and has not
responded.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Mitigation: Mitigation is an effort to reduce loss of life and property damage by lessening the impacts of future natural disasters. Last year, with West Greenwich Emergency Management,
a FEMA grant was secured to write a hazard mitigation plan. A consultant was hired to write
the plan. It is required that the plan be updated annually (January) or when changes are necessary. Because the plan was finished in August of 2025, January 2026 was too soon for
an update. The resolution submitted by Ms. Boardman would extend the update to August
of 2026.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to adopt resolution changing annual update for hazard mitigation plan; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Ms. Boardman has hired a University of Rhode Island graduate student, Isabella Johnson,
to coordinate with her, Planning, Public Works, and the Library to advance the mitigation
projects that were identified in the Hazard Mitigation Plan (over 100) and determine which
are feasible and which are not. The final plan will be presented to Council for approval and
sent to Rhode Island Emergency Management for final approval. Ms. Johnson will present
her project in May to Council. Ms. Johnson will graduate in May and be moving on.
Response: During the Blizzard, Ms. Boardman worked from her home office. She was connected to the State Emergency Operations Center and coordinated with the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. Residents were assisted as best as possible. Resources
were limited. Town Treasurer Maria Lawler and Director of Public Works Rob Shappy helped to create an initial damage assessment, through which the Town can apply for a presidential declaration. Council President Diane Allen signed a local declaration of emergency.
Exeter does not have an Emergency Operations Center from which Ms. Boardman can work during disasters. She works for home, as she did during the Blizzard. The Rhode Island Fire Academy has offered its whole facility to her during a disaster, free of charge. Together, they are drafting a memorandum of understanding to present to Council. The Information Technology Disaster Resource Center, out of Massachusetts, trained in emergency response systems, will come in to help in the emergency operations center during a disaster, free of charge.
Ms. Boardman is working with Tax Assessor Kerri Petrarca to develop a GIS operational picture. The Air National Guard, Civil Air Patrol Unit, has done a flyover of the Town’s infrastructure. It is important to know what infrastructures look like before a disaster, so when applying for FEMA reimbursement there are before and after photos.
Preparedness: All of the above will help the Town to be better prepared for disasters.
Another University of Rhode Island graduate student, Yvonne Wingard, has been hired
and is working on a crisis communications plan. She is researching questions such as
how do we communicate during a disaster and how do we improve? She is working with
all departments. She established a connection with the school district for a contact between
the school and Ms. Boardman’s office during a disaster. She is working on common,
pre-scripted messaging to be used and distributed by all departments. Ms. Wingard will
present her project to Council. Ms. Wingard will graduate in May and be moving on.
Ms. Johnson and Ms. Wingard are proving to be a tremendous help to Ms. Boardman.
D. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES:
ZONING, APPENDIX A, ARTICLE V, OFF STREET PARKING AND LOADING; SECTION 5.1.D, OFF STREET PARKING FACILITIES: Ms. Allen suggested
forwarding the amendment she provided to the Planning Board.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to forward proposed amendments to Exeter Code
of Ordinances, Zoning, Appendix A, Article V, Off Street Parking and Loading,
Section 5.1.D, Off Street Parking Facilities, to the Planning Board; seconded by
Mr. Morrissey.
Discussion: The amendments would allow small businesses in RU3 and 4 Zones to keep
vehicles 20,000 pounds or more on their property. Mr. Ellis noted that, unless there are complaints, many businesses are grandfathered. If they are not a public nuisance, there
should not be a problem. Ms. Allen’s amendment would grandfather the ones that are not.
Back to the Motion: Mr. Ellis withdrew his motion. Mr. Morrissey withdrew his second.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to forward to the amendments to the Planning Board for their input and to see what changes they would like to make; seconded by Mr. Morrissey.
Discussion: Mr. Schiffer felt the amendments turn a blind eye to zoning. Ordinances are in place. Because some businesses are not following the ordinances, Council is saying it is okay, we will make it right?
Mr. Turner felt this approach highly correlated towards Mr. Labossiere, who has 20,000-pound vehicles in a CR5 Zone. Council should be making community-wide decisions, not taking actions to benefit specific individuals, who have not been following rules and regulations. Twenty thousand-pound vehicles on properties conflicts with the comprehensive plan’s ideal
of keeping the Town rural.
Discussion ensued regarding the intention of the amendments and who it will affect and how.
Back to the Motion: Voted as follows:
Diane Bampton Allen Yes
Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr. Yes
Jamie S. Schiffer No
Joseph M. Turner No
Calvin A. Ellis No
Motion fails
E. RUBBISH REMOVAL LICENSE APPLICATION: REPUBLIC SERVICES,
1080 AIRPORT ROAD, FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS, JESSICA VELILLA,
APPLICANT: The Clerk reported: The Applicant has met all requirements.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to approve Rubbish Removal License for Republic Services, 1080 Airport Road, Fall River, Massachusetts, for the ensuing term; seconded by Mr. Ellis.
Discussion: Republic Services has previously been licensed by the Town.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
F. INTERSECTION AT TRANSFER STATION AND ROUTE 102: TRAFFIC SAFETY ISSUES: INSTALLATION OF MIRROR: Director of Public Works Robert Shappy will order and install a mirror if Council wishes. It is a great idea and will assist
patrons entering and existing the Transfer Station.
MOTION made by Mr. Turner to direct Director of Public Works Robert Shappy
to purchase and install a mirror at intersection of Route 102 and the Transfer Station; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
G. SIGNAGE AT TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE BUILDING: TOWN ANNOUNCE-MENTS: A sign would be used to inform the Public of meetings, events, announcements, closures, emergencies, etc. Route 102 is a scenic highway. The type of sign would have
to comply with scenic highway guidelines. Options will be explored. This agenda item
will carry to Council’s April agenda as Unfinished Business.
H. ROUTE 102/TEN ROD ROAD VICTORY HIGHWAY SCENIC BYWAY
DESIGNATION: PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATION: One of the Board’s recommendations is to send a resolution to the Governor, Rhode Island Department of Transportation, the General Assembly, Exeter’s Senator and Representatives, and the
Rhode Island Scenic Roadways Board, requesting that the 1999 Scenic Highway
Guidebook be updated.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to refer the Planning Board’s recommendation to the
Town Clerk in order that she may “Exeterize” the resolution selected and place it
on Council’s April Agenda for its consideration; seconded by Ms. Allen.
Discussion: Myrna George, Resident, suggested hiring a technical writer and involving
as many people as possible to define a scenic roadway and the history. It would be
cheaper than a study and would boost civic pride and involvement.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
I. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HEALTHCARE ADVOCACY AND FAIR
REIMBURSEMENT TO PRESERVE LOCAL ACCESS TO CARE: Reimbursement would help to provide healthcare to those in need.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to adopt Resolution Supporting Healthcare Advocacy
and Fair Reimbursement to Preserve Local Access to Care; seconded by Mr. Morrissey.
Discussion: The resolution is about appropriate reimbursement for healthcare in South County and at South County Health, which provides essential healthcare services to residents of Exeter.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
J. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL S2275 HOUSE BILL
H7447 RELATING TO LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING –
COMPREHENSIVE PERMITS: This resolution supports the Towns being
able to count the affordable housing in a project at the start of the application
process rather than at the end. Mr. Ellis finds Portsmouth’s resolution
(Communication No. 16) more engaging and comprehensive.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to adopt Resolution in Support of Senate Bill S2275
House Bill H7447 Relating to Low and Moderate Income Housing, Comprehensive Permits; seconded by Mr. Schiffer.
Discussion: Because he finds Portsmouth resolution (Communication No. 16) more
engaging and comprehensive, Mr. Ellis will vote no.
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
K. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF RHODE ISLAND HOUSE BILL 7356
AND SENATE BILL 2216 - SCHOOL EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECKS:
Council felt that background checks would help to protect students and hoped that
Exeter-West Greenwich is doing background checks as a rule.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve Resolution in Support of Rhode Island
House Bill 7356 and Senate Bill 2216 – School Employee Background Checks;
seconded by Mr. Turner; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
L. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION ALLOWING EXETER
TO ESTABLISH A TAX EXEMPTION FOR 100% SERVICE-CONNECTED
DISABLED VETERANS:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve Resolution in Support of Legislation Allowing Exeter to Establish a Tax Exemption for 100% Service-connected Disabled Veterans;
seconded by Mr. Morrissey.
Discussion: Mr. Ellis noted that firefighters receive $100,000.00 off the assessed value of
their property. The amount suggested in the resolution for 100% service-connected disabled Veterans is $5,000.00. Though Council voted the $5,000 last month, reconsidering, Mr. Ellis thought the $5,000.00 should be more.
Back to the Motion: Voted as follows:
Diane Bampton Allen Yes
Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr. Yes
Jamie S. Schiffer Yes
Joseph M. Turner Recuse
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Motion passes.
A. REQUEST FROM STATE COMMANDER/VETERAN SERVICE OFFICER
JOHN CIANCI: PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR VETERANS: This matter
is being addressed. See Agenda Item No. 9L. This item will be removed from the agenda.
B. FUTURE TOWN HALL, 742 TEN ROD ROAD:
1. INITIAL PLANNING, NEEDS ASSESSMENT, FACILITY LAYOUT
AND DESIGN: The Board of Canvassers has been requesting that the September and
October elections be held in the building. The State has approved the space. Mr. Findlay
has contacted Building Inspector Ronald DeFrancesco regarding a Certificate of Occupancy
and IT Director James Angi regarding internet. Mr. Ellis read a recent letter from the Board
of Canvassers again asking when they can expect to move to the building.
2. SELECTON OF ARCHITECT: CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT:
Mr. Findlay and Attorney Sylvia are reviewing the second draft of the contract. Mr. Turner inquired: 1) What is the monetary value of the contract? There is not one. Services will be
per hour through construction; and 2) When can Council expect the final contract? No
estimated time.
C. NEW ROAD AND TEN ROD ROAD INTERSECTION: TRAFFIC SAFETY
ISSUES: SURVEY/SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS: The survey has been ordered
but not yet received.
D. STATUS: RI250 COMMISSION: EXETER HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION: Sheila Boothroyd Reynolds, Chair, reported on behalf of the Committee:
1) A successful scavenger hunt was held in the Fall. Another will be held in May and will start
at the Library’s Craft Fair on May 2; 2) The Committee participated in the 250th Scroll-A-
Thon, a national art project. Exeter-West Greenwich was selected as the school to represent Rhode Island at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, from June to September; 3) At the Library’s Craft Fair on May 2, the Committee will be selling its “swag,” promoting the 250th Celebration, and soliciting volunteers, who are sorely needed; 4) There is a FaceBook page, ExeterRI250th; 5) and the Committee is compiling a history profile of Exeter’s Revolutionary War Soldiers buried in Exeter, after which, they will do the same for other wars.
No. 6 02/04/2026 Town of Burrillville: Resolution No. 26-01, In Support of House
Bill 2026 – H 7049 and Senate Bill 2026 – S 2147, Adjusting Primary Election Day to Wednesday after Labor Day: The change would alleviate challenges created and caused
by having Primary Day the Tuesday after Labor Day.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to “Exeterize” this resolution and place it on Council’s
April agenda; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
No. 16 02/09/2026 Town of Portsmouth Resolutions: 1) 2026-01-27-A, In Support of Municipalities Collaborating in Reviewing, Analyzing, and Responding to the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws, Joint Municipal Statement; 2) 2026-01-27-B, Regarding Low-Moderate-Income Housing; 3) 2026-01-27-C, Requesting the General Assembly to Consider Amending Legislation Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units; and 4) 2026-01-27-E, In Support of Legislation to Modernize and Standardize the Access to Public Records Act (APRA): Mr. Ellis removed these before Council addressed Agenda Item No. 9J. He felt
they were more comprehensive. No action taken.
No. 30 03/03/2026 Rhode Island Department of Health Center for Drinking Water
Quality: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Project Priority List, State Fiscal Year 2027 Applications: This communication will be forwarded to Town Planner William DePasquale for his review and investigation of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
No. 31 03/03/2026 Town of Burrillville: Burrillville’s Support of the Blue Ribbon
Commission Report February 26, 2026: This resolution supports recommendation in the
Blue Ribbon Report equalizing opportunity, creating a fair and transparent funding system
for Rhode Island’s public schools. This letter will be “Exeterized” and placed on Council’s
April agenda.
No. 33 03/03/2026 Town of Portsmouth: Resolution #2026-02-25 C, In Support of
Rhode Island House Bill H7224 (2026 – An Act Relating to Towns and Cities- Award
of Municipal Contracts): This resolution supports increasing municipal contracts from $10,000.00 to $25,000.00.
MOTION by Mr. Ellis to place this resolution (Communication No. 33) on Council’s
April agenda to show that Council supports the change to $25,000.00; seconded by
Mr. Schiffer.
Discussion: Two years ago, the Legislature changed the State Purchasing Laws
for State purchases. Municipalities’ small purchases were not changed at the time.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative
No. 36 03/03/2026 Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns: Fiscal Year 2026 Salary
Survey Booklet: Mr. Ellis suggested that Council review the Salary Survey prior to beginning budget discussions.
No. 37 03/03/2026: Town of Hopkinton: Resolution of the Hopkinton Town Council
in Support of Municipalities Collaborating in Reviewing, Analyzing, and Responding
to the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws: Ms. Allen agrees with the resolution. She may
want to make some changes. This resolution will be “Exeterized” and placed on Council’s
April agenda for consideration.
No. 38 03/03/2026 Ian O’Hara from Save the Bay: Request to speak with a member
of The Land Trust regarding the Wetland Reserve Easement Program and two parcels
for the program: 391 Stony Lane and the Rhode Island Raccoon Hunters Association:
Exeter’s Land Trust is inactive. 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 8:28 p.m. and reconvened in open session at 8:39 p.m.
Mr. Ellis removed Agenda Item 12.A.3, which he had put on.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to enter into Executive Session under RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2), Potential Litigation [1) 72 Austin Farm Road, Order to Cease and Desist,2) 189 Yawgoo Valley Road, Zoning Violations, and 3) Scott Labossiere, Notice of Violation] and Litigation [1) Town of Exeter v. National Mortgage Recovery Systems and 2) Asa Davis
v Town of Exeter, New Suit]; seconded by Mr. Turner; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to invite Zoning Inspector David Thornley into Executive Session regarding 72 Austin Farm Road and 189 Yawgoo Valley Road; seconded by
Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative. (Mr. Thornley entered
Executive Session at 8:39 p.m. and left Executive Session at 8:49 p.m.)
Council entered into Executive Session at 8:39 p.m. and adjourned Executive Session
at 9:21 p.m.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to reenter 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. Morrissey; and voted unanimously
in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Ellis;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 9:21 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council is scheduled for Monday,
April 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC
Exeter Town Clerk
Approved: April 6, 2026