New Shoreham Town Council Meeting and

Board of License Commissioners Meeting

Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road, Block Island

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

7:00 PM

 

Present: First Warden Keith Stover, Second Warden Nancy Dodge, Town Council members Molly O’Neill, William McCombe, and Tristan Payne.  Also present were Town Manager Amy Land, 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 7:04 p.m.

 

7:00 p.m.

Board of License Commissioners

 

1.      Hold a public hearing, discuss and act on a Relocation application for a Class BV Liquor License held by Old Island Pub, LLC, Member: Paige Gaffett relocating from 85 Ocean Avenue. Plat 6, Lot 3-3 to 598 Corn Neck Road, Plat 5, Lot 7-2 (open October – April only) 
APPLICATION WITHDRAWN

 

The application was withdrawn on August 15, 2025, by the applicant and was not heard.

 

2.      Public Comment

No public comment was presented.

 

3.      Consent Agenda:

a.      Approval of minutes: August 4, 2025 open and closed; and August 6, 2025

b.      Act to approve the contract amendment between International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local 720 (representing members of New Shoreham Police Department) and Town of New Shoreham and the fiscal impact statement regarding such

c.       Act to award the contract for Professional Auditing and Agreed Upon Procedures Services to Hague, Sahady & Co., P.C. in the amount of $196,500 for up to three years through June 30, 2027

d.      Act to award the bid for Professional Services Consultant to Investigate Unmarked Black and Indigenous Grave Sites and Cemeteries around Block Island to TerraSearch Geophysical, LLC

e.       Receive Correspondence:

                                                              i.      Notice of Public Hearing: RI Department of Environmental Management Draft RIPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharge Associated with Construction Activity 9/3/2025 @ 5:00 p.m. 235 Promenade St., Providence, RI

                                                            ii.      Christopher Warfel re: Marsh protection with coconut fiber and oyster shell barriers

                                                          iii.      Notice of Zoning Board Public Hearing to Town Property re: Special Use Permit for David Roosa, Plat 10, Lot 6, Fire # 411 Payne Road

Mr. McCombe noted the following regarding:

·         Item 3 of the August 4, 2025, open minutes need to be amended to delete ii under “Mr. McCombe noted…”

·         Item 3(e)(i) is a notice of a public hearing for information only of which the Town will take no action.

 

Ms. Dodge questioned if the FY2024 audit is complete.  Ms. Land noted that it was just about completed and she will share the audit and report once finalized. 

 

Ms. Dodge made a motion to approve the consent agenda.  Mr. Payne seconded the motion, and it carried.

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

 

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

a.      Appoint Town Council representative to the Hodge Management Committee (term exp. 12/2025)

Mr. McCombe moved to appoint Tristan Payne as the Town Council representative to the Hodge Management Committee with a term expiring 12/2025.  Ms. Dodge seconded the motion, and it carried.

                        Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, McCombe, Payne, 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. 4/2025)

                                                 iii.            Water District Commission: Two Alternate positions (1-year terms exp. 4/2025)

                                                 iv.            Conservation Commission (2-year term exp. 12/2025)

                                                   v.            Police Advisory Commission (5-year term exp. 12/2030)

The vacancies were announced.

 

5.      Hold public hearing, discuss and act on proposed amendments to New Shoreham General Ordinance Chapter 7. Historical Preservation, Section 7-13 List of Lots and New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance Article 3. Zoning Districts and Regulations, Section 302. Zoning Maps, (D) Historic Overlay adding additional lots to the Historic District.

Mr. Payne moved to open the public hearing for the proposed amendments to New Shoreham General Ordinance Chapter 7. Historical Preservation, Section 7-13 List of Lots and New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance Article 3. Zoning Districts and Regulations, Section 302. Zoning Maps, (D) Historic Overlay adding additional lots to the Historic District.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

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

 

Planner Peter Friedrichs explained that, on a recommendation from the Historic District Commission, the Planning Board considered expanding the Historic District Overlay to include 71 additional lots in three regions abutting the current district: Corn Neck Road, Ocean Avenue and Connecticut Avenue/Old Town Road.  He noted the Planning Board gave a favorable advisory and finds that it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

 

Ms. Dodge questioned why the lots up Corn Neck Road were added, an area that extends the district up the road outside of other areas of the district.   Historic District Commission member Arlene Tunney stated that is was to protect the view of the fragile and historic area.  Mr. McCombe raised concerns over the “creep” of the district, adding lots.  Ms. O’Neill questioned what the impacts are to the homeowners of being in the district.

 

It was noted that letters were received from Maret and Thaddeus Asaro, Robb and Lynn Roach, Michael O’Brien and Sean and Rosalie Kivelehan in opposition of the amendment and from Gail Hall, Michael Ballard and Geoffrey Rigby-Leather & Charlotte Herring in favor of the amendment.

 

The following people spoke in favor of the adoption of the ordinance, raising the following:

·         Margie Comings, Chair of the Planning Board: in areas, the current overlay only covers one side of the road and the amendment adds the other side of the road.  She noted that the Planning Board voted unanimously to support the amendment.

·         Historic District Commission member Arlene Tunney:  It is important to preserve some unprotected areas such as Indian Head Neck and across from the Hog Pen.

·         Historic District Commission member Martha Ball presented the history of the creation of the Historic District Overlay.  She noted that the proposed change is to align zoning with HDC.  She further noted that the change will not affect the regulations or make process more stringent.

·         Historic District Commission Vice Chair Bill Cook explained that the last time lots were added was 1983, so creep is not an issue.

 

The following people spoke in opposition of the ordinance, raising the following:

·         Phil O’Brien stated that the notice of the Planning Board hearings was woeful.  He explained that all of the buildings on the O’Brien properties are historic, have been well preserved and the family are great stewards of the property.  He stated that a portion of Corn Neck Road should not be included unless all of Corn Neck Road is included.  Additionally, he raised concern that the owners of the properties were never consulted. 

·         Rosalie Kivelehan stated that she was frustrated with the lack of communication and noted that the property owners have property rights that are being infringed upon by the addition.

·         Tad Asaro raised his concern over the barriers the Historic District regulations add to upkeep of their home, and they are being placed upon them without consultation.   

·         Charlie Gustafason raised his concern over the lack of information about what it means to be in the district and what the impacts are.  He questioned whether it adds to the value or detracts from the value of the home.

·         Sean Kivelehan explained that the proposal is taking away a freedom from a hard-working family, and they have been committed to take care of the property’s past, present and future.

 

Mr. Payne moved to close the public hearing.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

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

 

Mr. Stover stated that he supports the work of the volunteer commissioners and sees the logic of matching up the Historic District Overlay with zoning.  He noted that he would be in support of removing the Indian Head Neck properties from the proposed overlay.  Ms. O’Neill concurred.  She further stated that she feels there was a lack of information regarding the impact of being included in the district.  She suggested asking the boards to come back with choices for the Council and more information for property owners.  Ms. Dodge stated that she was opposed to the amendment and finds it was not thoughtfully done.  She suggested the board goes back to the drawing board and remove all expansion into Residential A. 

 

Mr. McCombe moved to take no action on the proposed amendments to New Shoreham General Ordinance Chapter 7. Historical Preservation, Section 7-13 List of Lots and New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance Article 3. Zoning Districts and Regulations, Section 302. Zoning Maps, (D) Historic Overlay adding additional lots to the Historic District.  Mr. Payne seconded the motion and it carried.

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

 

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

Town Manager Amy Land reported the following:

·         The Departments are feeling the throws of summer.

·         Victory Day this year was busier than July 4^th.  It was a very successful weekend with very few incidents.

·         Harbors and Recreation Departments are now losing staff, as well as the Police CSOs.  All the seasonal workers were great this year. 

·         There are 3 year-round vacant positions: Harbors Administrative Assistant, Highways Worker and Dispatcher.

·         Susanna Gardner has been promoted to the position of Assistant Director of the Island Free Library.

·         Caren Ford is filling a part-time position with Land Use focusing on Short-Term Rental enforcement and the 2026 application preparation.  

 

Ms. Dodge suggested advertising the job openings with easier to find, bolder ads on the website and in the paper.

 

7.      Receive and act on Financial Reports

Town Manager Amy Land reported the following:

·         The tax bills have gone out, with the first quarter payment due by the end of the month.

·         Seasonal revenue is as expected.

·         Work will begin on capital projects in the fall.

 

8.      Discuss and act on requests of the Block Island Water Company:

a.      Authorize USDA RUS Bulletin 1780-12 relating to additional funding request ($625,000 grant/$942,000 loan) for Water Improvements Project 2023

b.      Request for warrant item authorizing borrowing up to $942,000 for Water Improvements Project 2023 at next Financial Town Meeting

Water Superintendent John Breunig explained that the original USDA grant will not be enough to finish the Water Improvement Project 2023 which includes a new well field, additional reverse osmosis treatment unit and a new water storage tank.  The USDA will provide additional grant/loan funding of $625,000 grant/$942,000 loan.

 

Ms. Dodge moved to authorize USDA RUS Bulletin 1780-12 relating to additional funding request ($625,000 grant/$942,000 loan) for Water Improvements Project 2023.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.

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

 

Ms. Dodge moved to authorize a warrant item on the May 2026 Financial Town Meeting authorizing borrowing up to $942,000 for Water Improvements Project 2023.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.

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

 

9.      Act to approve the leases for rental of the Thomas Property Duplex Units: Fire #197 North; Fire # 197 South; and Fire #390 North

Ms. Land explained that three applications were received from Town employees, and seven applications were received from income qualified residents for the rental of the Thomas Property Duplex Units.  She noted that the units were awarded to the three Town employees, with one held for a Police Officer.

 

Ms. Dodge moved to approve the leases for rental of the Thomas Property Duplex Units: Fire #197 North; Fire # 197 South; and Fire #390 North from September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

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

 

Ms. O’Neill recused herself from the vote.

 

10.  Receive and act on a recommendation from the Town Manager to authorize a one-year lease agreement between Block Island Health Services CEO NettieRose Cooley and the Town of New Shoreham for the rental of the Town Managers House.

Town Manager Land explained that the Block Island Health Services CEO is interested in renting the Town Manger’s House in order to leave the Doctor’s Residence vacant for a potential doctor.

 

Ms. O’Neill moved to approve the recommendation from the Town Manager to authorize a one-year lease agreement between Block Island Health Services CEO NettieRose Cooley and the Town of New Shoreham for the rental of the Town Managers House.  The motion was seconded by Mr. McCombe and carried.

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

 

11.  Raise items for future agendas

The following items were raised for future agendas:

·         Public service announcements regarding the upcoming storm should be issued.

·         Update the article in the paper regarding what to do in a hurricane.

 

Ms. O’Neill made a motion to adjourn at 9:01 p.m.  Mr. McCombe seconded and all were in favor.

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

 

 

Millicent Highet, MMC

Town Clerk

 

Date Approved: 9/02/2025