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 6:30 p.m., on Monday, May 4, 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. Morrissey 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.      Ryan’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc., $950.00

The voucher was not removed.

B.     COMMUNICATIONS:  Ms. Allen removed Nos. 4, 7, and 10. 

Mr. Morrissey removed No. 2. 

C.     BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:

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

2.      TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS:  None

3.      TAX COLLECTOR’S ABATEMENTS:  None

4.      TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES:  $34.09; $249.87

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.

2.      EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST COMMITTEE

MEMBERS (THREE NEEDED) (TO SERVE FOUR-YEAR TERM

No.   7:   PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

A.     LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION:  RETAILER’S CLASS BV LIQUOR

LICENSE; MATTHEW RICHARDSON, APPLICANT, TILTED BARN BREWERY LLC, 1A HEMSLEY PLACE, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND:

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to open as the Exeter Liquor Licensing Board and to open the public hearing; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Tilted Barn has a Manufacturer’s Brewer’s License from the State Department of Business Regulations which allows them to make and sell beer.  They are in the process of installing

a pizza oven under the Town’s farm café ordinance.  In order to serve liquor with the pizza

(or other food), they need this license from the Town.

The Clerk reported:  All requirements have been met.  Certified mailing and advertising

fees are owing in the amount of $215.88.  If this license is approved, the Liquor License

Cap (13 currently) will have to be raised.

MOTION made by Mr. Turner to raise the Liquor License Cap to 14; seconded by

Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

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 Retailer’s Class BV Liquor License to

Matthew Richardson, Tilted Barn Brewery, subject to the fees being paid;

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

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to close as the Exeter Liquor Licensing Board;

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

No.   8:   PUBLIC COMMENT:

Gregg Allen, 11 Raymond Potter Lane:   1) Distributed two exhibits, A and B.  Exhibit A,

report from Planning Board to Council issued last week, shows a change in classification

for conservation/recreation district.  It says conservation/residential.  He queries whether that was a mistake or planned; 2) It is interesting that the Planning Board Solicitor and Town Solicitor are from the same office.  How did that get by?  It raises a red flag; and 3) Exhibit B.  On December 4, 2023, Council held a public hearing regarding accessory housing and approved the Planning Board’s package.  In residential RE-2, RE-3, RE-4, CR-5, one accessory unit as defined in Article 1, Section 1.2, shall be permitted.  CR-5 is lumped with RU-2, RU-3, and

RU-4.  Perhaps that could have been another mistake?  The advertisement did not allude to this.  It only had to do with accessory units.  Any attempt to classify CR-5 as residential is illegal, given the conditions and explanation of the public hearing.  Last, February, the Zoning Solicitor used Section 43, Section 2, accessory housing, as a legal precedence to instruct the Zoning Board and Zoning officials that CR-5 should be regarded as residential.  This miscarriage of legal

advice has caused immediate and catastrophic damage to many citizens.

Steve Deutsch:  Is a member of the Chestnut Hill Church Baptist Church at 467 Ten Rod Road (Route 102).  Chestnut Hill is the oldest church in Exeter, founded in 1750.  The Church was built in 1838 as a Greek Revival Church and has been part of the community for 225 years.  Many know the Church because of the1892 tuberculosis scare and Mercy Brown, the vampire, who is buried in the Church cemetery.  The Church donates to the Exeter Food Bank and helps those in need.  He invited all to visit the church on May 24 for tours and to attend service at 10:00 a.m.  At 1:00 p.m., the Church will enter a float in the Exeter Memorial Day Parade. 

On July 4, beginning at 12:30 p.m., the Church will participate in the National Bell Festival with a cookout and service in honor of America’s 250^th Anniversary.  At 2:00 p.m., bells and bell towers across America will ring their bells 250 times for The National Bell Festival, Let Freedom Ring Ceremony, creating a canopy of sound over the nation.  America’s forefathers quoted the Holy Bible as the backbone and primary cultural and linguistic framework for

shaping the political philosophy of the nation’s founding documents. 

Asa Davis, 146 Beechwood Hill Trail: 1) He requested an invitation to attend Executive Session this evening, if possible, to discuss the list of cases on that agenda and his recent settlement offer; 2) Regarding Agenda Item No. 9A, this is Mr. Ellis’ fourth Charter violation.

Mainly, though he amended his filings, the violations pertain to him being Treasurer for the

Washington Council Regional Planning Council and not reporting that position on his Ethics filings the years he was Treasurer.   

No.   9:   NEW BUSINESS:

A.     COMPLAINT FILED PURSUANT TO TOWN OF EXETER CHARTER

SECTION 910, FORFEITURE OF OFFICE FOR VIOLATIONS OF CHARTER:

Attorney Sylvia has recused from this agenda item.

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

CONSIDERATION, CONFIRMATION, OR DISMISSAL OF AGENDA ITEM

9.A.2:  Council is in receipt of Mr. Ellis’ recusal.  He declined public hearing.

2) CONSIDERATION, CONFIRMATION, OR DISMISSAL:  COMPLAINT

OF ASA S. DAVIS, III, DATED MARCH 9, 2026, REGARDING TOWN COUNCIL MEMBER CALVIN A. ELLIS FOR ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF EXETER TOWN CHARTER:  Ms. Allen:  This is for the voters to decide at election rather than the Town

Council.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to dismiss forfeiture of office for Council Member Calvin Ellis for alleged violations of the Exeter Town Charter; seconded by Mr. Morrissey;

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

B.     EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY:

1.      REQUEST FOR APPROVAL:  COMMUNITY LIBRARY MUNICIPAL GRANT:

Mr. Findlay:  The grant is being offered to community centers and libraries.  Upgrading

of the Library restrooms qualifies.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to approve Community Library Municipal Grant;

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

2.      REQUEST TO GO OUT TO BID:  UPGRADE PUBLIC RESTROOMS:

MOTION made to go out to bid to upgrade the Library’s public restrooms;

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

C.     COMMERCIAL USES IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS MORATORIUM:

1) POSSIBLE EXTENSION OF EMERGENCY MORATORIUM FOR SIXTY DAYS:

Ms. Allen:  According to the Charter, the Council President grants emergency moratoriums.

She did not approve the emergency moratorium and is opposed to it.  The Town Planner has been working towards updating zoning.  Funds were put aside for him to hire a consultant. 

She did not know what the emergency is or why the moratorium needs to be extended. 

Mr. Schiffer:  The moratorium is for new permits.  Extend the moratorium until updates finished.

Mr. Turner:  That is the intent.  It is not for pre-existing uses.  The moratorium does not affect any current use permits or anyone that has been completing work under the confines of the law.

Mr. Ellis:  There will be no changes until the public hearing.  The moratorium should be continued until this is sorted out.  It is his understanding that the moratorium cannot be

extended more than sixty days.  Thanked the Town Planner for his work on the amendments.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to continue the emergency moratorium for another sixty

days; seconded by Mr. Schiffer; and voted as follows:

                                    Diane Bampton Allen              No

                                    Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr.                 No

                                    Jamie S. Schiffer                                 Yes

                                    Joseph M. Turner                               Yes

                                    Calvin A. Ellis                         Yes

                                    Motion passes.

July 14 is the expiration of the extension.

2) REVIEW OF TOWN PLANNER’S MEMORANDUM AND DRAFT ORDINANCES:  LUMBER WOOD PROCESSING; FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME GROUP, FAMILY DAYCARE HOME; HOME ANTIQUE, ART, BOOK, STATIONERY, AND GIFT

SHOPS; HOME-BASED RETAIL, OFFICE, OR ARTISANAL USES; PROHIBITED USES IN A RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT:

Town Planner William DePasquale:  In response to Council’s moratorium, issued on March 16, 2026, which imposed an emergency ordinance and temporary moratorium on commercial

development in residential areas, he submitted a memorandum to the Town Council on April 20, 2026, in which he states that he reviewed the current zoning use table for RE-2, RU-3, RU-4,

and CR-5 districts.  He examined each current use line item, reviewed reference materials, and neighboring towns, and identified two cases in which potential commercial operations are allowed in residential zones that warrant further consideration. A decision whether the district was primarily business or residential was not made regarding these legacy business.  After his review, it is clear that this location, which is on a major highway, should function as a business district with residential uses allowed by right. The comprehensive plan calls for a study to better align the Route 2 and Route 3 properties and need for increased economic development.  The memorandum includes these Planning Board-approved proposed amendments: lumber wood processing; family child care home, group family daycare home; antique, art, book, stationary, and gift shops; home-based retail, office, or artisanal use, and prohibited uses in a residential district.  These four are just the beginning of necessary changes in order to comply with the comprehensive plan, protect the Town, protect zoning districts, and keep up with changing legislation.  Council, the Planner, and the Public engaged in lengthy review and discussion. 

Mr. DePasquale had hoped that tonight the amendments would be worked through and changes, if any, made, through motions; then, he would redraft for public hearing.  Council will hold a work session on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., for further review.

3) POSSIBLE SCHEDULING OF PUBLIC HEARING: MORATORIUM ORDINANCE: 

The moratorium has been extended to July 14.  A public hearing has to be held before that date.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to hold public hearing July 13 on changes to the zoning ordinance regarding commercial activity in residential areas; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

D.     STATE REPRESENTATIVE MEGAN COTTER:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT:

1.      RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL 2025 – H 5202 RELATING

TO EDUCATION AND REGIONALIZATION BONUS

2.       RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL H-7446 AND SENATE BILL

S-2691 RELATING TO LOW-AND MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING –

PROTECTION OF DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES

3.      RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT OF

BOATING LAWS ON BEACH POND AND IMPROVED PUBLIC SAFETY

4.      RESOLUTION REQUESTING PARITY IN AMBULANCE SERVICE

REIMBURSEMENTS FOR SERVICES PROVIDED ON STATE-OWNED

PROPERTY

Nos. 1 through 4 were reviewed with Representative Cotter last month.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve all four resolutions requested by

State Representative Megan Cotter as presented; seconded by Ms. Allen;

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

E.      RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL S-2917 AND HOUSE BILL

H-8015 RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES – RHODE ISLAND HOUSING RESOURCES ACT OF 1988: 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve Resolution in Support of Senate Bill S-2917

and House Bill H-8015 Relating to Towns and Cities – Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1988; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

F.      RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL H-8029 RELATING TO TAXATION – COLLECTION OF TAXES GENERALLY:

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve Resolution in Support of House Bill H-8029 Relating to Taxation – Collection of Taxes Generally; seconded by Ms. Allen; and

voted unanimously in the affirmative.

G.      PROCLAMATION SUPPORTING JUNE AS MEN’S HEALTH MONTH:

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to accept Proclamation Supporting June as Men’s Health Month; seconded by Ms. Allen.

Discussion:  The Library will hold programs in honor of Men’s Health Month.  The Library Board will show its support financially.  A request for funding from Council will be on the

June agenda.

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

H.      STATE BODY CAMERA PROGRAM:  SAFETY SECURITY AND SUPPORT

FOR TOWN SERGEANT, ZONING INSPECTOR, AND ANIMAL CONTROL

OFFICERS:  The State will supply the cameras at no cost. Mr. Findlay will work with

the Town Sergeant, Zoning Inspector, and Animal Control Officers to develop a policy.

I.       STATUS OF PARADE ROUTE FLAGS:  The Memorial Day Parade Committee

bought new flags for the telephone poles along the parade route.  Tressa Barner, Memorial

Day Parade Committee Member, requests that Council reimburse the Committee for the

flags. The Committee has a $7,000.00 balance, raises funds, and receives donations. 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to pay half the cost of the parade route flags out of the Discretionary Fund. 

This agenda is for status, not a request to expend funds.  The request for reimbursement

will be put on Council’s June Agenda.

Motion withdrawn.

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

PAINTING, EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR, ANIMAL SHELTER FACILITY:

The exterior is in need of new paint.  The interior walls are flaking.

MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to go out to bid for Painting, Exterior and

interior, Animal Shelter Facility; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously

in the affirmative.

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

STANDBY GENERATOR, SALE AND INSTALLATION, ANIMAL SHELTER

FACILITY:  For the animals’ sake, it is imperative that there are electricity and heat.

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to go out to bid for Standby Generator, Sale and

Installation, Animal Shelter Facility; seconded by Mr. Schiffer; and voted

unanimously in the affirmative.

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

REQUEST TO START A FOOD PANTRY FOR PETS IN EXETER:  Director of
Public Works Rob Shappy and is in support of a pets’ food pantry and will meet with

Ms. Roth.

M.    REQUEST TO GO OUT TO BID:  TOWN LEGAL SERVICES: 

Council has Town Solicitor Ken Sylvia’s recusal.  Attorney Sylvia left Council table. 

Ms. Allen:  When former Solicitor Marusak retired and when his law firm raised

its rates, Council did not go out to bid. 

Mr. Turner:  With this being an election year, this would be more appropriate

for the next Council to address. 

Mr. Ellis:  In the midst of litigation, this is not the time to change solicitors. 

Considering concerns regarding expenses, he suggested that Council hold

an executive session performance review.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to conduct a performance review in

executive session next month to express concerns and to see if any

issues can be addressed; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted

unanimously in the affirmative.

Attorney Sylvia returned to Council table.

No.   10:   UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

A.     SIGNAGE AT TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE BUILDING:  TOWN ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Funds for the sign will be discussed at the upcoming

budget public hearing.

B.     FUTURE TOWN HALL, 742 TEN ROD ROAD:  INITIAL PLANNING,

NEEDS ASSESSMENT, FACILITY LAYOUT AND DESIGN:  Mr. Findlay

will meet with the architect this week to finalize floor plans to present to Council

at its next meeting.

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

ISSUES:  SURVEY/SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS:  The surveyor will be doing the

survey next week.

D.     STATUS:  RI250 COMMISSION:  EXETER HISTORIC PRESERVATION

COMMISSION:  The Committee will be sending flyers for Light to Unite (light up

Exeter red, white, and blue) and the planting of a Liberty Tree at the Library.

No.   12:    EXECUTIVE SESSION: 

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to enter into Executive Session under:

RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2)  -Non-Public Potential Litigation Matters

                                   -Potential Litigation: 415 Hog House Hill Road, Zoning Violations;

                                   -Litigation: Labossiere v Town of Exeter; Davis v Town of Exeter

RIGL 42-46-5(a)(5)  -Non-Public Potential Real Estate Acquisition, Lease, or Disposition

RIGL 42-46-5(a)(7)  -Non-Public Potential Public Funds Investment];

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

Council entered into Executive Session at 9:24 p.m., adjourned Executive Session

at 11:00 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; seconded by

Mr. Turner; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

No.   13:    ADJOURNMENT:

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

and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 11:01 p.m.

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

June 1, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

                                                                                                Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                                                Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC

                                                                                                Exeter Town Clerk

Approved:   July 6, 2026