New Shoreham Town Council Meeting and

Board of License Commissioners Meeting

Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

6:30 p.m.

 

Present: First Warden Keith Stover, Second Warden Nancy Dodge, Town Council members William McCombe, Tristan Payne, and Margaret O’Neill.  Also present were Interim Town Manager Amy Land, Interim Finance Director Mona Dwyer Helterline, and via Zoom, Town Solicitor James Callaghan.  Town Clerk Millicent Highet was present for the recording of minutes. 

 

First Warden Stover called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.

 

6:30 p.m.

1.      Discuss potential property purchase (Plat 7, Lot 152) with the Block Island School Committee.  This discussion may be held in executive session pursuant to RIGL 42-46-5(a)(5) Any discussions or considerations related to the acquisition or lease of real property for public purposes, or of the disposition of publicly held property wherein advanced public information would be detrimental to the interest of the public

School Committee members Chris Willi and Charlie Weber were present.

 

Mr. Payne moved to go into closed session at 6:31 p.m. to discuss potential property purchase (Plat 7, Lot 152) with the Block Island School Committee.  This discussion may be held in executive session pursuant to RIGL 42-46-5(a)(5) Any discussions or considerations related to the acquisition or lease of real property for public purposes, or of the disposition of publicly held property wherein advanced public information would be detrimental to the interest of the public.  The motion was seconded by Ms. O’Neill and carried.

Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe)                        Nays: 0           

 

Interim Town Manager Land explained that she has heard from the Hoyt family regarding the property next to the school, Plat 7, Lot 152.  She explained that two appraisals were received, coming in at just under $1 million.  She noted that they have yet to set a price, but the family is hoping for the market to bid up the value.  Ms. Land stated that a bidding war doesn’t work well for Financial Town Meeting nor indicate the reasonable value the Town would be looking for.

 

The Council decided to take no further action on the item.

 

Mr. Payne moved to adjourn the closed session at 6:35 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe)                        Nays: 0

 

The Town Council took a recess until 7:00 p.m.

 

Mr. Stover reported that no motions were made in closed session. 

 

7:00 p.m.

Board of License Commissioners

2.      Receive and act on an application for Mobile Food Establishment for Alberto Sanchez d/b/a Pizza Shack, location: Payne’s Dock, 878 West Side Road, (Plat 5, Lot 0)

Ms. Dodge moved to convene the Board of License Commissioners at 7:03. The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.

Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe)              Nays: 0

 

Mr. Payne recused himself.

 

Alberto Sanchez was present and explained that he was seeking a Mobile Food Truck license for a pizza trailer located at Payne’s Dock.  He noted that he has experience with catering and running a restaurant.  He stated that he would be looking to providing food in the evenings until the bar closes.  Mr. Stover expressed his confidence in the applicant but voiced his concern regarding the final selection of the MFE and its siting. 

 

Police Chief Deane expressed his concern over the congested area and the late-night hours.

 

It was recommended that Alberto Sanchez finalize equipment, hours of operation, and address any public safety issues with the Chief of Police.

 

Ms. Dodge moved to continue a Mobile Food Establishment permit for Alberto Sanchez to May 21, 2025.  The motion was seconded by Mr. McCombe and carried.

Ayes: 4 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe)              Nays: 0            Recused: 1

 

3.      Discuss and act to amend the locations list for Mobile Food Establishments and Hawkers and Peddlers operations

No action was taken on this item and it will be addressed on May 21, 2025.

 

Ms. Dodge moved to adjourn the Board of License Commissioners.  Mr. Stover seconded the motion and it carried.

Ayes: 4 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe)              Nays: 0            Recused: 1

 

Mr. Payne returned to the table.

 

First Warden Stover called the meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:28 p.m.

 

Ms. Dodge moved to rearrange the agenda to address Item #9 as the first item.   The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.

Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)              Nays: 0

 

4.      Discuss and act to adopt a Resolution in Honor of Adrian Mitchell

The resolution honoring Adrian Michell, long-time Town employee, lifelong resident and contributor to the island and community, was read aloud.

 

Mr. McCombe moved to adopt the Resolution in Honor of Adrian Mitchell.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)              Nays: 0

 

Town Council Agenda

5.      Public Comment

From the audience, Cindy Lasser asked the Town Council to please agenda noise mitigation in the downtown area before the summer. 

 

6.      Consent Agenda:

a.      Approval of minutes: April 7, 2025; and April 9, 2025

b.      Authorize Solid Waste and Recycling Services Agreement between Rhode Island Resource Recovery and Town of New Shoreham for June 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027

c.       Receive Correspondence: Letter from Chris Hobe BIVFD Fire Chief re: Wildland Fires

Mr. Payne moved to approve the items on the Consent Agenda.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)                        Nays: 0

 

Mr. McCombe asked that the letter from Chris Hobe be sent to the Block Island Times.

 

7.      Discuss and act on Board, Commission and Committees:

a.      Appoint one Town Council member to Sam P. Meadow Management Committee (term expiring 12/2025)

Mr. McCombe moved to appoint Keith Stover as a Town Council Representative to the Sam P. Meadow Management Committee with term expiring 12/2025.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)              Nays: 0

 

b.      Announce vacancies:

                                                     i.            Commission on Motor Vehicles for Hire: One (not MVFH licensee) (term exp. 12/2026)

                                                   ii.            Sewer District Commission: Two Alternate positions (1-year terms exp. 4/2026)

                                                 iii.            Water District Commission: Two Alternate positions (1-year terms exp. 4/2026)

The vacancies were announced.

 

8.      Set a public hearing date for proposed amendments to New Shoreham Zoning Ordinances Article 2 Definitions; Section 202 Definitions Adding Balcony, Deck & Porch and Article 4 Criteria for Special Use Permits; Section 406 Residential Structures Meeting Certain Thresholds

Mr. Payne moved to set a public hearing date for proposed amendments to New Shoreham Zoning Ordinances Article 2 Definitions; Section 202 Definitions Adding Balcony, Deck & Porch and Article 4 Criteria for Special Use Permits; Section 406 Residential Structures Meeting Certain Thresholds on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Town Hall, Old Town Road.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)              Nays: 0

 

9.      Receive and act on Report of Interim Town Manager (Public Works, Finance, School, School Construction Project, Library, Recreation, Administration, Harbors, Broadband, Police, Roads, Human Services)

Interim Town Manager Land presented the Town Manager’s Report, noting the following:

·         Tree trimming has been completed on the state roads.  Residents were asked to please maintain tree trimming on their private roads and drives.

·         The paving project is completed, and millings have been added to a portion of Beacon Hill Road.  Beacon Hill paving will be completed in the fall. 

·         The curbing around painted rock has be removed.

·         Susana Gardener was accepted into the New England Library Leadership Program for their mid-career leadership symposium.

·         Work will commence at the base of the bluff stairs soon.

·         The fire alarm monitoring system will be up and running in early May.

·         The Harbors quahog restock is planned for the second week of May.

·         Harbors is continuing to work with software system Mooring Info to implement a POS system for Old Harbor and shellfish.

·         The junior and senior science classes will meet with the Harbormaster and a few staff members to discuss water pollution prevention.

·         Zoning Board Applications on OpenGov will be implemented this year with an opportunity to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

·         Construction signs are not allowed and must be taken down.

·         A new CEO at the Medical Center, NettieRose Cooley began working on April 1^st.

·         A Satellite Remote Controlled Surface Water Apparatus that looks like a submarine will be coming in and out of Old Harbor as it performs survey work around the windfarm.

·         The generator at the Rescue Barn is up and running.

 

Ms. Land explained that curbing was installed around painted rock, and installed with a wider diameter than intended.  She noted the curbing has now been removed and there may be smaller installation in the future.  For the record, Mr. McCombe shared the history of painted rock, noting that the rock was first painted in 1962, by husband and wife duo Ed and Wendy Northup, when Ed Northup stood lookout for Wendy as she painted the rock.  

 

10.  Discuss Warrant item proposed by the Block Island Housing Board for $2,000,000 for development of the O’Brien Property (Plat 18, Lot 2-3)

Cindy Pappas and Chris Warfel were present representing the Block Island Housing Board.  Cindy Pappas reviewed the history of the Housing Board and both she and Chris Warfel urged the Council to vote yes and add the question to the Warrant. 

 

Mr. McCombe stated that, though he is in support of housing the Town has a responsibility to weigh all the upcoming financial obligations such as the Fire Barn, Coast Guard Station, School bond, and fire truck.  He suggested exploring other options at this time.  Mr. Stover stated that he supported the idea of putting the question forward, as sixteen units for a contribution of $2 million is a great deal.  Ms. O’Neill stated she was in favor of putting it forward, as it should be up to the voters to decide.  Ms. Dodge explained that she was not in favor, due to the Town’s other financial commitments and that the Housing Board’s potential opportunities for funding. 

 

From the audience, Keith Lewis, Kim Gaffett and Allison Carley spoke in favor of the Warrant item.     

 

Mr. Stover moved grant the request of the Block Island Housing Board and add an item to the May 5, 2025 Financial Town Meeting Warrant of $2,000,000 to support the development of affordable housing on the O’Brien Property. The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.

Ayes: 3 (Stover, Payne, O’Neill)                     Nays: 2 (Dodge, McCombe)

 

11.  Discuss and act on approval of the Warrant for the May 5, 2025 Financial Town Meeting

Ms. Dodge moved to approve the Warrant for the May 5, 2025 Financial Town Meeting as presented.  The motion was seconded by Ms. O’Neill and carried.

Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)              Nays: 0

 

12.  Receive update from Human Services Director Allison Carley

Human Services Director Allison Carley was present and reported the following:

·         She is working with organizations regarding food insecurity on the Island, such as Johnnycakes, Meals on Wheels, New Perspectives and Helping Hands Pantry.

·         She is working on “aging in place” issues.

·         She is looking into AARP’s Livable Communities program for the Island.

·         She is collaborating with the school and others regarding English language classes and literacy programs.

·         She is working with PACE which could provide in-home support for seniors covered by Medicare.

·         She is focusing on affordable housing collaboration.

·         She stated the communication between the many organizations on the Island is key and asked the Council to hold a meeting with the different housing agencies on the Island.

 

Mr. McCombe suggested that a special taxi rate should be adopted for the Rideshare Program.

 

13.  Discuss and act on the Accessible Parking Program administered by the Town for emergency parking situations at the DEM Auxiliary lot in Point Judith

Interim Town Manager Land explained that DEM and the Town have been working together to address guaranteed parking on the mainland for those with medical appointments or crisis’s.  She stated that the RI DEM has allocated 22 spots in a lot across from the ticket office in Point Judith for Block Islanders with crisis situations.  Ms. Land explained that the program will offer short-term emergency situational parking and long-term seasonal parking options if certain criteria are met.  She noted that the application and placard issuance would take place through the Human Services Department.  She reviewed the draft Accessible Parking Program policy and application.  Discussion ensued.

 

Ms. O’Neill moved to approve the Accessible Parking Program Policy and application as presented.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.

Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)              Nays: 0

 

14.  Discuss and act on the proposed rental policies for Thomas Property homes:

a.      Thomas Property Duplex Units

Interim Town Manager Land presented the policy for the rental of the Thomas Property Duplex Units.  Discussion ensued.

 

Mr. McCombe questioned whether the second duplex unit on the property would be exempted from the Consent Oder of Violette Connelly which allocates the housing opportunity to Police Officers first.  Town Attorney Callaghan stated he will consult with the Attorney General’s Office Charitable Giving Division to determine the intention of the Consent Order and suggest amendments if necessary. 

 

Discussion ensued regarding a scaled rent based on salary versus a fixed rent.  Ms. Land will review and research rent possibilities and report back at the next meeting.

 

b.      Town Manager’s House

Interim Town Manager Land presented the rental policy for the Thomas Property – Town Manager’s House.  Discussion ensued regarding the rent.  Ms. Land will come back at an upcoming meeting with updated rent possibilities.    

 

15.  Receive update on the Thomas Property project

Facilities Manager Tom Risom explained the following regarding the Thomas Property project:

·         The electrical contractor has been moving extremely slowly.

·         The project is no longer restrained by the temperature, so sheet rock and flooring will be installed shortly.

·         He is still hopeful for a June ribbon cutting.

·         The Highways crew will be doing landscaping work.

·         The propane has been installed.

 

16.  Raise items for future agendas

The following items for future agendas were raised:

·         Next step on filling the Town Manager and Finance Director positions.

·         Potential acquisition of property.

·         Tent ordinance.

·         Ambulance reimbursements – report from Block Island Health Services (BIHS).

·         Invite new COE of BIHS.

·         Noise mitigation

·         Facilitating a meeting with all housing boards

 

Ms. Dodge moved to adjourn at 9:38 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.

                        Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe)                        Nays: 0

 

 

Millicent Highet, MMC

Town Clerk    

 

Date Approved: 05/06/20254