MINUTES
EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
MAY 11, 2026
The Special Meeting of the Exeter Town Council was called
to order on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., in Council Chambers, Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
ROLL CALL: Town Council Members: Diane Bampton Allen,
Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr., Calvin A. Ellis,
Jamie S. Schiffer, and Joseph Turner (arrived late, 6:44 p.m.)
ALSO PRESENT: Maria Lawler, Town Treasurer
Lynn M. Hawkins, Town Clerk
Kenneth G. Findlay, Council Assistant
Ms. Robitaille has submitted her resignation effective May 26, 2026. Council is sorry
to see her leave. She was a great asset to the Town, serving many years.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to accept Resignation of Kimberly Robitaille, Tax
Collector, with great regret; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously
in the affirmative.
The Clerk will send a letter thanking Ms. Robitaille for her excellent service to the
Town over the years.
In light of
Tax Collector Kimberly Robitaille’s resignation, Council made the following motion:
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to appoint Tax Assessor Kerri Petrarca as Interim
Tax Collector; seconded by Mr. Ellis.
Discussion: Ms. Petrarca is very familiar with and uses the collections system. Ms. Petrarca and Ms. Robitaille worked together regarding taxation throughout their tenures. She is an excellent choice. Appointing her makes sense. She creates the bills and will now collect on them. At Financial Town Meeting, it is being proposed that the Town have a Tax Assessor/Collector. Many cities and towns combine the positions. Ms. Petrarca is the likely and best candidate
for the position. She has experience with the systems and the Town. Combining the positions would bring the two departments together, leading to cohesiveness, better functionality, and cross training. It will also save on benefits by combing two positions into one. The Tax Collector’s salary line in the budget will be distributed mainly for Tax Assessor/Collector.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. PRESENTATION OF PROPOSED MUNICIPAL BUDGET AND CAPITAL PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 (JULY 1, 2026, TO JUNE 30, 2027); QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS; PUBLIC COMMENT:
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to open the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Turner;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Town Treasurer Maria Lawler reviewed the proposed budget to date. It is reflective
of the changes Council made at the last meeting, and, in light of the Tax Collector’s
recent resignation, the salary for Tax Collector has been eliminated and redistributed
mainly to Tax Assessor to compensate her for the additional duties and responsibilities
as Tax Assessor/Tax Collector. The adjustment helps the bottom line and helps to bring
some other salaries where they should be in comparison to other city and towns’ salaries
for like positions. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the benefits to the Town and
taxpayers if the positions are combined, how the position of Tax Collector has changed
over the years (there is less billing and collection because tangibles below $50,000.00
and motor vehicles are no longer taxed), and that a Tax Collector’s Clerk and Deputy
Treasurer will be needed. Everyone is sorry to see Ms. Robitaille leave. Over the years,
mutual respect and admiration were built. Ms. Petrarca and Ms. Lawler have worked
together for many years and are ready to take over.
Mr. Morrissey: Noted there is an overtime stipend for the Public Works Director in the
budget. Will there be one for the Public Works Superintendent? Ms. Lawler: The Superintendent is salary. His classification will change to hourly. The overtime for Public Works Workers is increased to accommodate the Superintendent’s overtime. Discussion
ensued regarding how the overtime will pay out.
Mr. Ellis: Read Board of Canvassers Member Nancy Anderton’s letter. Ms. Anderton is
requesting a salary increase of $1300.00, to continue to serve as Chair. Last year, the Board
of Canvassers’ salaries were increased. Ms. Anderton was given more than the other two members. Discussion ensued regarding Ms. Anderton’s duties, how the increase would
affect the budget, and posting of Board of Canvassers’ agendas and minutes.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to increase Ms. Anderton’s salary by $1,300.00.
There was not a second. Motion fails.
Following discussion: Municipal Fuel Excess Cost will be increased by 8%.
Memorial Day Parade Fund will be increased to $3,000.00.
Changes discussed this evening will be reflected in the proposed budget
to be presented at the Financial Town Meeting on June 9.
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 adopt the proposed budget and capital program
for Fiscal Year 2026-2027as presented and amended this evening, May 11, 2026;
seconded by Mr. Turner; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. CONTRACTED ARCHITECT, BREWSTER THORNTON’S PRELIMINARY DESIGNS: Mr. Findlay presented Council with Brewster’s floor plans (Existing, Options
A, B, and C, and Phase 2 build out) and pros and cons regarding each, which include which
staff who will move in Phase 1 and the planned timeline. Lengthy review and discussion
ensued. Mr. Findlay’s suggestion was Option C.
MOTION made by Mr. Turner to adopt Option C with potential for Phase 2 in the
future; seconded by Ms. Allen.
Discussion: The process of requesting bids needs to start. The window for using the Covid funds is closing. If they are not spent by December, they have to be returned to the State.
The plans show staff that Council did not intend to move. The departments Council wanted
to move would mean the building would not be open five days a week and at times would
mean staff would be alone in the building. Reconsideration will be given as to which departments it makes sense to move. Mr. Ellis read a statement from the staff outlining
their concerns regarding the plans. The architect will meet with the staff for their input.
The focus will be on the design of the building, then which offices will move will be
determined. Discussion continued.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. REQUEST TO GO OUT TO BID: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES:
This was premature on the agenda. Mr. Findlay did not have a final design.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Turner;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The Special Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC
Exeter Town Clerk
Approved: July 6, 2026