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New Shoreham Town Council and
Board of License Commissioners
Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road
Monday, December 1, 2025
7:00 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 Town Manager Amy Land, and via Zoom, Town Solicitor Nick Solitro. Town Clerk/Director of Administration Millicent Highet was present for the recording of minutes.
First Warden Stover called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Board of License Commissioners Meeting
Mr. McCombe moved to convene as the Board of License Commissioners at 7:02 p.m. Mr. Payne seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, O’Neill, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 0
1. Receive and act on Class BV Beverage License application: Shoreham, Inc. Stockholder: Steven C. Filippi, d/b/a Ballard’s Inn, Water Street
Steven Filippi and Attorney Brian LaPlante (via Zoom) were present representing Shoreham, Inc. Mr. Filippi stated he has been working with the Police Chief Paul Deane to draw up with an operations agreement. He further stated that both he and the Chief Deane agreed that the agreement will not include placing restrictions on the license.
Police Chief Deane provided a memo recommending removing the restrictions on the Ballard’s Inn license, noting that they have worked out an agreement with the following items agreed upon between the New Shoreham Police Department and Ballard’s Inn for 2026 season:
1. Capacity compliance – continue to follow the State Fire Marshal’s established capacity limits.
2. Music limitations – Ballard’s will not host large scale festivals; no more than two outdoor live bands per day; no simultaneous outdoor band performances; and any temporary deviations will only be made after consultation with the Police Chief.
3. Private EMT’s – when private EMT’s are retained they will provide credentials, follow Block Island Health Services medical control and state EMS protocols.
4. Security and Safety – Ballard’s will maintain a trained security team with matching uniforms.
5. Holiday Medical Coverage – Ballard’s will have a private ambulance onsite for July 4th weekend and Victory Day weekend (weather dependent).
Mr. McCombe stated that the restrictions over the past three years have worked. Mr. Stover stated that the Town has no ability to respond in times of crisis, due to the Town’s lack of resources. He further stated that he felt the restrictions are important to carry forward.
Attorney LaPlante explained that RI General Law 3-5-21 in connection with fines, suspension, revocation, states any offense committed by a licensee three years after the previous offense, shall be considered a first offence. He further explained that the Board cannot look back. Additionally, he noted that the appeals were dismissed by agreement and there were never any adverse findings. Mr. LaPlante stated that the Board was acting out of bounds and has a baseless rational for imposing conditions unique to Ballard’s. He further stated the Board needs to provide competent evidence of why conditions or stipulations should be implemented.
Ms. O’Neill questioned what information sharing is taking place between the local medical center, local EMTs and any ambulance corps provided by Ballard’s. She further questioned if one outdoor band event is performing than does that prohibit a DJ event at the same time. Mr. Filippi agreed to include no simultaneous outdoor DJ events along with outdoor band performances in the agreement.
Ms. Dodge stated she appreciates the open and friendly manner in which the Board and Mr. Filippi are working together. She noted that she is pleased with the way in which Mr. Filippi and Chief Deane are working together and have come up with a solid working agreement.
Mr. Payne stated that he satisfied with the agreement.
Ms. Dodge moved to approve the Class BV Beverage license for Shoreham, Inc., noting the operating agreement between Ballard’s Inn and the Police Chief, and lifting any previous restrictions on the license
Mr. Payne seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 3 (Dodge, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 2 (Stover, O’Neill)
2. Act to Set Caps on Beverage Licenses
Mr. Payne moved to set the caps as follows: two Class A, twenty-three Class BV, one Class BVL, two Class BH, one for all following Classes C, D, E, T1, G, GD, J, L, K, ED, F2 and unlimited Class F and F1 licenses. Ms. Dodge seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, O’Neill, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 0
3. Public Hearing for Renewal of Outdoor Entertainment Licenses:
a. Shoreham, Inc. dba Ballard’s Inn
Steven Filippi and Attorney LaPlante were present representing Shoreham, Inc.
Mr. Payne moved to approve the Outdoor Entertainment license for Shoreham, Inc. Ms. Dodge seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, O’Neill, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 0
b. GSP Table Productions dba Virginica Pizza
Sadie Flateman was present representing Virginica Pizza and requested the Board remove the restrictions on her Outdoor Entertainment license to allow her to host bands larger than two musicians, as long as the amplification will not exceed the Town Ordinances or create a disturbance with respect to neighboring properties.
Ms. Dodge stated that since music will only occur at times other licensees in the vicinity are not playing, she did not object to allowing for additional musicians. Mr. McCombe noted that he was hesitant to reduce limitations when the Council has been dealing with downtown noise mitigation. Mr. Stover stated he was inclined to reduce the restriction. Ms. O’Neill stated that, as Virginica Pizza opened in August, there has not been enough time to determine if the additional license has had a negative impact on the neighborhood and she would not be in favor of reducing restrictions.
Mr. Stover moved to grant the Outdoor Entertainment license for GSP Table Productions, with the restriction that music occurs only at times other licensees in the vicinity are not playing.
Ms. Dodge seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, O’Neill, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 0
c. John Levesque dba The Lunch Bucket
Michelle Belanger was present representing the Lunch Bucket. She stated that the Lunch Bucket has not used the Outdoor Entertainment license. Mr. Stover stated that he has never been comfortable with the license.
Mr. Stover moved to deny the Outdoor Entertainment license for the Lunch Bucket. Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, O’Neill, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 0
Mr. Payne moved to adjourn the meeting of the Board of License Commissioners. Ms. Dodge seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, O’Neill, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 0
4. Public Comment
Public comment was presented by:
· Annie Hall stating that the Town has a huge problem with Lyme Disease and it is a public health hazard.
· John Gasner reiterated concern over tick-borne related diseases on Block Island.
5. Consent Agenda:
a. Act to approve minutes: November 13, 2025; November 17, 2025, 3:00 p.m. and November 17, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
b. Act to authorize the return of cemetery purchased by Frederick and Amy Knous, Plat 3, Lot 8B back to the Town for reimbursement of the total amount paid of $800
c. Receive Correspondence:
i. State of Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities & Carriers re: Interstate Navigation Company CPCN W-1169 Motion to Modify to strike the requirement that any new fast ferry vessels include space for cars and freight
ii. State of Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities & Carriers re: Block Island Utility District dba Block Island Power Company Notice of Change in Rates
iii. Request from Chris Warfel for input on a grant application of the Block Island Housing Board for a microgrid feasibility study, specifically identifying critical facilities and the facilities power needs
Mr. Payne made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, O’Neill, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 0
6. Discuss and act on Board, Commission and Committees:
a. Create a New Shoreham Local 250 Committee
Ms. O’Neill moved to create a Local 250 Committee to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the country. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, O’Neill, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 0
b. Appoint member to the Coastal Resilience Committee with term expiring 12/2027
Mr. Payne moved to appoint Lisa Sprague to the Coastal Resilience Committee with term expiring 12/2027. The motion was seconded by Mr. McCombe and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, O’Neill, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 0
c. Receive resignation from Diane Hayde from the Sewer District Commission and the Water District Commission
Mr. Stover acknowledged the resignation of Diane Hayde from the Sewer District Commission and the Water District Commission with much thanks.
d. Receive resignation from John Desmarais from the Board of Tax Assessors
Mr. Stover acknowledged the resignation of John Desmarais from Board of Tax Assessors with abundant thanks for his 30 years of service. The Council concurred and warmly thanked Mr. Desmarais.
e. Announce vacancies:
i. Commission on Motor Vehicles for Hire: One (not MVFH licensee) (term exp. 12/2026)
ii. Senior Advisory Committee (term exp. 12/2026)
iii. Police Advisory Commission (term exp. 12/2026)
iv. Local 250 Committee (term exp. 12/2026)
v. Sewer District Commission (1-year term exp. 4/2026)
vi. Water District Commission (1-year term exp. 4/2026)
vii. Board of Tax Assessors (term expiring 12/2026)
The vacancies were announced.
7. Discuss and act on annual renewal of Motorized Tricycle, Bicycle and Scooter (Moped) Rental Licenses for the 2026 licensing year:
John Leone was present representing Aldo’s Mopeds.
Ms. Dodge moved to grant a Motorized Tricycle, Bicycle and Scooter Rental license to Aldo’s Moped, Inc. for the rental of up to 34 mopeds at Plat 6, Lot 89, pending receipt of registration numbers as issued by the State of Rhode Island, Vehicle Identification Numbers as issued by the manufacturer of each vehicle and Certificate of Insurance; and in accordance with the ordinances of the Town of New Shoreham, with such license to expire December 31, 2026. Any lease agreement between a moped renter and the licensee shall include hours of operation, safety features, information regarding operation on unimproved roads, and the following language: “The horn on the vehicle is a piece of equipment designed for emergency use and should be used only in this fashion.” The motion was seconded by Mr. McCombe and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
John Leone was present representing Moped Man, Inc. Ms. O’Neill questioned whether the new structure on the Moped Man property has received a building permit or HDC approval. He stated that it was a portable structure and not a permanent fixture. Town Manager Land reported that Building and Zoning are looking into it.
Ms. Dodge moved to grant a Motorized Tricycle, Bicycle and Scooter Rental license to Moped Man, Inc. for the rental of up to 34 mopeds at Plat 6, Lot 100, pending receipt of registration numbers as issued by the State of Rhode Island, Vehicle Identification Numbers as issued by the manufacturer of each vehicle and Certificate of Insurance; and in accordance with the ordinances of the Town of New Shoreham, with such license to expire December 31, 2026. Any lease agreement between a moped renter and the licensee shall include hours of operation, safety features, information regarding operation on unimproved roads, and the following language: “The horn on the vehicle is a piece of equipment designed for emergency use and should be used only in this fashion.” The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
c. Finnimore & Fisher Inc. dba Island Mopeds
Attorney Joshua Parks was present representing Island Mopeds. Following a question from Ms. O’Neill, Attorney Parks explained operations can take place on Lot 106 and 107 pursuant to a court order from 2022 that allows operations where they have historically operated. Attorney Parks further explained that all the training will take place in the proficiency area marked on the site plan. Additionally, when questioned, Mr. Parks stated that the primary use of the Harborside Hotel has not been extinguished.
Ms. Dodge moved to grant a Motorized Tricycle, Bicycle and Scooter Rental license to Finnimore & Fisher Inc. dba Island Mopeds for the rental of up to 34 mopeds at Plat 6, Lots 106 and 107, pending receipt of registration numbers as issued by the State of Rhode Island, Vehicle Identification Numbers as issued by the manufacturer of each vehicle and Certificate of Insurance; and in accordance with the ordinances of the Town of New Shoreham, with such license to expire December 31, 2026. Any lease agreement between a moped renter and the licensee shall include hours of operation, safety features, information regarding operation on unimproved roads, and the following language: “The horn on the vehicle is a piece of equipment designed for emergency use and should be used only in this fashion.” The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
Attorney Joshua Parks was present representing Miles-Un-Ltd, Inc. Mr. Parks responded to a question from Mr. McCombe stating the execution of the rental contract is conducted on Miles-Un-Ltd. property, Plat 6, Lot 111. He further noted the moped pickup and the training is conducted in the same manner as in past years.
Ms. Dodge moved to grant a Motorized Tricycle, Bicycle and Scooter Rental license to Miles-Un-Ltd., Inc. for the rental of up to 34 mopeds at Plat 6, Lots 111, pending receipt of registration numbers as issued by the State of Rhode Island, Vehicle Identification Numbers as issued by the manufacturer of each vehicle and Certificate of Insurance; and in accordance with the ordinances of the Town of New Shoreham, with such license to expire December 31, 2026. Any lease agreement between a moped renter and the licensee shall include hours of operation, safety features, information regarding operation on unimproved roads, and the following language: “The horn on the vehicle is a piece of equipment designed for emergency use and should be used only in this fashion.” The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
Paul Filippi was present representing Ocean State Bikes, Inc. Ms. O’Neill questioned whether the new structures built on the property received a building permit or HDC approval. Mr. Filippi explained that the structures are portable structures to protect and store the mopeds. Town Manager Land stated the Zoning and Building are looking into it.
Ms. Dodge moved to grant a Motorized Tricycle, Bicycle and Scooter Rental license to Ocean State Bikes, Inc. for the rental of up to 34 mopeds at Plat 6, Lot 159, pending receipt of registration numbers as issued by the State of Rhode Island, Vehicle Identification Numbers as issued by the manufacturer of each vehicle and Certificate of Insurance; and in accordance with the ordinances of the Town of New Shoreham, with such license to expire December 31, 2025. Any lease agreement between a moped renter and the licensee shall include hours of operation, safety features, information regarding operation on unimproved roads, and the following language: “The horn on the vehicle is a piece of equipment designed for emergency use and should be used only in this fashion.” The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
8. Receive and act on Mobile Food Establishment Permit renewal applications for 2026:
· Andiamo Zeke dba Aldo’s Bakery (Boat)
· Block Island Gourmet, LLC dba Block Island Gourmet Food Truck
· Champlin’s Hotel, Marina and Resort Food Trailer
· See The Light, LLC dba Southeast Light Delights
· Alberto Sanchez dba Pizza Shack
Mr. Stover moved to approve the Mobile Food Establishment Permit renewal applications for 2026: Andiamo Zeke d/b/a Aldo’s Bakery; Block Island Gourmet, LLC d/b/a Block Island Gourmet Food Truck; Champlin’s Hotel, Marina and Resort Food Trailer, See the Light, LLC d/b/a Southeast Light Delights, and Alberto Sanchez d/b/a the Pizza Shack. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
9. Act to set a date for a public hearing regarding an amendment to the New Shoreham General Ordinances Chapter 2 Administration, Article III Boards, Committees, Commissions, Division 1 Generally, adding new section 2-51 Municipal employees serving as School Committee members
Mr. Payne moved to set a public hearing date regarding an amendment to the New Shoreham General Ordinances Chapter 2 Administration, Article III Boards, Committees, Commissions, Division 1 Generally, adding new section 2-51 Municipal employees serving as School Committee members on January 5, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall, Old Town Road. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
10. Receive and discuss a recommendation from the Shellfish Commission to amend the shellfish ordinance to establish a non-resident license by ordinance; licenses to exclude bay scallop harvesting; and update quantity limits and seasonal dates to match practices
George Davis, Chair of the Shellfish Commission was present and explained that the commission recommended the following amendments to the Shellfish Ordinances:
● Include the previously approved off-season license in the section 9-140.
● Modify language of section 9-140 to include the term “non-resident” with all non-resident license categories.
● Correct the seasonal date ranges for both tables in section 9-142.
● Correct the permitted harvesting amounts within the tables in section 9-142.
● Correct the statement of oyster and bay scallop season dates in section 9-142.
● Add a component to section 9-140, prohibiting non-resident license holders from harvesting bay scallops in the Great Salt Pond.
The Council directed the Town’s Attorneys to draft ordinance amendments addressing the Shellfish Commissions’ recommendations.
11. Discuss and act on a resolution regarding the Island’s deer herd and public health
Mr. Stover read the resolution regarding the public health crisis brought on by tick-borne disease, hosted by the island’s deer. The resolution changes the Town’s goals from management to seeking authority to work towards elimination of the deer herd.
Mr. McCombe suggested seeking support from the Department of Health. He stated that it is important to also continue with the local hunting programs while pursuing other methods beyond heard management. Mr. McCombe suggested creating an action plan that includes legislation allowing local control. Ms. Dodge concurred. Ms. O’Neill suggested also putting more funds towards the deer tail reimbursement in the meantime.
The following spoke from the audience regarding the issue:
· Mark DuPont questioned whether Lyme Disease goes away if the deer herd goes away.
· Kim Gaffett stated that presenting a scientific argument when approaching the legislature is important. She suggested contacting epidemiologist Dr. Maria Waserduke. She additionally noted that ticks have a two-year life cycle that requires a larger host, therefore, eliminating the deer would have a significant impact on the tick-borne disease.
· David Lewis stated that tick-borne diseases can ruin your life and has the potential to ruin the Island’s tourism economy.
· Andre Boudreau suggested having a face to face conversation with the RI Legislative Speakers.
Mr. Payne moved to adopt the resolution regarding the Island’s deer herd and the public health crisis. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, O’Neill, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 0
12. Receive and act on update from Town Manager on:
· Transfer station building repair estimates
· Coastal Resilience project priorities
· Revolution Wind draft RFQs for preparation of National Register of Historic Places nomination papers for Block Island assets
· Meeting with RI Department of Transportation
Town Manager Land reported the following:
· Transfer station building repair estimates amount to $97,610. There is $75,000 in the current Capital budget for planning and engineering for the transfer station. She recommended including building repairs in next year’s budget, as the required landfill work disrupts the funding plan for reworking the transfer station.
· The amendment to the GZA contract changes the priorities of the Coastal Resilience project to include planning work for the future of the beach house.
· Revolution Wind has disseminated two RFQs for the preparation of nomination papers for fourteen separate historic districts on Block Island for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The final nomination papers will be turned over to the Town to determine what to submit. She noted that the Town has no input into the Island projects, which were put forward by State and Federal organizations during Revolution Wind permitting process.
· She and Public Works Director Mike Shea met with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation regarding the much needed State road maintenance and the replacement of the highways garage. She noted that they committed $2,000,000 per year for ten years for road repair. She is working with the Town Engineer to determine what the actual cost needs will be. Funding for the highway’s building is being sought through the current DOT budget and next year’s DOT budget.
13. Discuss and act on the contract between the Town of New Shoreham and Block Island Health Services for the term of January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2030
Mr. Stover recused himself.
Ms. O’Neill requested that BIHS stream their meetings and allow the public to watch them after the fact.
Mr. McCombe moved to approve the contract between the Town of New Shoreham and Block Island Health Services for the term of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030. The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.
Ayes: 4 (Dodge, O’Neill, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 0 Recused: 1 (Stover)
14. Discuss and act on the Town Council meeting schedule for 2026
Mr. Payne moved to set the Town Council meeting schedule for 2026 as follows:
Monday, January 5, 2026 [7:00]
*WS Wed. January 7, 2026 [4:00]
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 [7:00]
Monday, February 2, 2026 [7:00]
*WS Wed., February 4, 2026 [4:00]
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 [7:00]
Monday, March 2, 2026 [7:00]
*WS Wednesday, March 4, 2026 [4:00]
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 [7:00]
Monday, April 6, 2026 [7:00]
**WS Thursday April 9, 2026 [4:00]
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 [7:00]
FTM: Monday, May 4, 2026 [7:00]
Tues. May 5, 2026 [7:00]
*WS Wed. May 6, 2026 [4:00]
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 [7:00]
Monday, June 1, 2026 [7:00]
*WS Wednesday June 3, 2026 [4:00]
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 [7:00]
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 [7:00]
*No July Work Session
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 [7:00]
Monday, August 3, 2026 [7:00]
*WS Wednesday, August 5, 2026 [4:00]
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 [7:00]
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 [7:00]
*WS Wednesday, September 2, 2026 [4:00]
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 [7:00]
Monday, October 5, 2026 [7:00]
*WS Wednesday, October 7, 2026 [4:00]
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 [7:00]
Monday, November 2, 2026 [7:00]
*WS Wednesday, November 4, 2026 [4:00]
Thurs., Nov. 12, 2026, Liquor Only [4:00]
Monday, Nov. 16, 2025 [7:00]
Monday, December 7, 2026 [7:00]
*WS December 2, 2026 [4:00]
Wednesday, December 16, 2026 [7:00]
The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, O’Neill, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 0
15. Raise items for future agendas
· Parking in New Harbor
· Electric bikes
Mr. McCombe made a motion to adjourn at 9:34 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, O’Neill, McCombe, Payne) Nays: 0
Millicent Highet, MMC
Town Clerk
Date Approved: 12/17/2025