New Shoreham Town Council Meeting and

Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road, Block Island

Monday, June 17, 2025

6:30 PM

 

 

Present: First Warden Keith Stover, Second Warden Nancy Dodge, Town Council members Molly O’Neill, William McCombe, and Tristan Payne.  Also present were Interim Town Manager Amy Land, and via Zoom, Town Solicitor Nick Solitro.  Deputy Town Clerk Keisha Brown was present for the recording of minutes. 

 

First Warden Stover called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.

 

Tristan Payne made a motion to go into closed session, William McCombe seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

 

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

6:30 p.m.

1.      Discuss and act on Town Manager contract negotiations and job performance, character, or physical or mental health. Pursuant to RI General Laws 42-46-1(a) (1) the meeting may be held in closed session for discussions of the job performance, character, or physical or mental health of a person or persons provided that such person or persons affected shall have been notified in advance in writing and advised that they may require that the discussion be held at an open meeting

 

Keith Stover reported that no votes were taken in closed session

 

7:00 p.m.

 

2.      Swear in new Police Officer Philip Trudel

 

First Warden Stover thanked Officer Trudel for his commitment to the Town. Deputy Clerk Keisha Phillips-Brown swore in Police Officer Philip Trudel.

 

Mr. Payne made a motion to convened as the Board of License Commissioners.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

 

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

 

Board of License Commissioners

3.      Discuss and act on an application for an F1 liquor license for Full Moon Party on August 9, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Southeast Lighthouse, Plat 8, Lot 1

 

Lisa Nolan was present, representing the Full Moon party. Ms. Nolan explained that SE Lighthouse is planning a Fund-raising event on Aug 9, 2025. Tickets will be sold in advance. Beer and Wine will be served by tips certified bartenders, appetizers will be provided, no music planned. Armbands will be provided, differentiating adults from minors. She stated that its not being advertised as a family event, more of an evening cocktail party. Bill McCombe asked if they will charge for drinks, Ms. Nolan advised that drinks are included with the cost of the tickets. There will be security at the gate all evening. Molly O’Neill reminded everyone that no coolers or outside alcohol is allowed at these events.

 

Paul Deane- The protocols that were used at ConserFest worked, he also noted his disdain for alcohol at every event.  Tristan Payne asked if she applied for this license last year, Ms. Nolan stated that they haven’t had an event such as this in over 20 years.

 

Ms. Dodge moved to approve the F1 Liquor License for Full Moon Party on August 9, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Southeast Lighthouse, Plat 8, Lot 1.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Oneill and carried.

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

 

4.      Discuss and act on an application for six F1 liquor licenses for Persephone’s Kitchen on July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, and August 14, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 235 Dodge Street, Plat 6, Lot 132

 

Kaleigh Bernier was present, representing Persephone’s Kitchen. This is the 3^rd year applying for this license, this is for select cocktails and mocktails for desert night for the Dodge Street Market.

 

Nancy Dodge stated that she believes that this was not the appropriate license or a necessary license for this business. She stated that an existing business wanting to provide alcohol six times to enhance business, seems like a backdoor approach to a liquor license, she stated that there are other businesses in the vicinity that serve alcohol.

 

Molly O’Neill stated that she spoke with the DBR, and they advised that she should probably apply for a liquor license. She stated that this license is permissible. Ms. O’Neill stated that she would like to see someone at the door regulating alcohol being brought on and off the property.

Kaleigh responded that there was someone at the door that made sure no one left with the glasses.

 

Keith Stover stated that Kaleigh and Persephone should consider this fall if there is a different category of licenses that would be more appropriate for them.

 

Paul Deane stated that the same stipulations that are put on the liquor license holders should be put on the F1 licenses, such as tips certified bartenders, liquor service areas and the like. He stated that he also liked the idea of approving two at a time so they can address and issues that may arise in between.

 

William McCombe stated that his concern is not that Persephone would serve alcohol responsibly, his concern was that this was a family friendly atmosphere that now wanted to serve alcohol.

 

Tristan Payne stated that this is not the intended use of this license and for that reason he is not in favor.

 

Molly O’Neill stated that she does not have an issue with the event as long as the rules are followed wristbands etc., also it is the 3^rd year that it would be done, without issue.

 

Keith Stover stated just like ConserFest he is asking Kaleigh to sit with the Chief and come up with a plan.

 

Molly O’Neill stated that she would be ok approving the first two licenses being that the dates are so close and require them to come up with a plan with the Police Chief.

 

Tristan Payne asked Chief Deane about the type of crowd that usually attends these events, Chief Deane stated that there’s isn’t usually a crowd. He voiced concern about the people that live out here that don’t drink and that want to go to a nice event.

 

Tristan Payne made a motion to deny six F1 liquor licenses for Persephone’s Kitchen on July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, and August 14, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 235 Dodge Street, Plat 6, Lot 132, Nancy Dodge seconded the motion.

 

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

 

Mr. Payne made a motion to adjourn as the Board of License Commissioners, Nancy Dodge seconded, and all were in favor.

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

 

Town Council Agenda

5.      Public Comment

No public comment was presented.

 

6.      Consent Agenda:

a.      Approval of minutes: June 2, 2025; and June 4, 2025 open and closed

b.      Authorize three-year agreement with Curia Systems, Inc for electronic police ticketing and payment software

c.       Authorize contract extension with Libra Planners to provide Planning Services through June 30, 2026 with amended fee schedule

d.      Authorize agreement with Scott Kettelle for Consulting Services related to the Public Safety Building Complex

e.       Authorize the sending of the letters by Judy Gray, Chair of the Coastal Resilience Committee in support of the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems

f.        Act to amend fee schedule to implement an administrative fee of $25 for a Motor Vehicle for Hire vehicle exchange

g.      Receive Correspondence:

                                         i.            RI Public Utilities Commission Notice of Tariff Advice Application of Interstate Navigation Company to change rate schedules to add a new school rate

 

Ms. Dodge requested to pull items 4(b) (c) and (d) off the consent agenda for discussion.

 

Mr. Payne made a motion to approve the consent agenda excluding items 4 (b) (c) and (d).  Ms. Dodge seconded the motion, and it carried.

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

 

 

4 (b) Curia systems- Nancy Dodge stated there are things under contract that have different prices that she would like clarification on. Ms. Dodge questioned the number of tickets written in a year, Police Chief Deane reported 300-500 Traffic and up to 80 for Wardens Court.

 

Amy Land explained that the Implementation price will be $7,000.00, training cost $4,800.00.

Chief Deane explained that in the past Beth had hand counted tickets- Curia automates system, this also system kicks unpaid tickets over to tribunal. The equipment will be covered by the BURN grant.

 

Nancy Dodge made a motion to Authorize a three-year agreement with Curia Systems, Inc for electronic police ticketing and payment software, Molly O’Neill seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

 

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

 

4 (c) Libra Planners- Nancy Dodge queried if the price of $800 for remote attendance is a flat rate of is there was an added hourly cost. Amy Land responded that the rate was flat.

Ms. Dodge asked if the cost of $50,000 would include assisting with the comprehensive plan, Amy Land stated that an RFQ will be done for comp plan.

 

Nancy Dodge made a motion to Authorize contract extension with Libra Planners to provide Planning Services through June 30, 2026 with amended fee schedule, William McCombe seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

 

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

 

4 (d) Scott Kettel – Tristan Payne asked how many meetings the Commission for the Public Safety Building Complex has had, Amy Land advised that they have had 5 meetings. Mr. Payne asked if the commission had reviewed the deed, Ms. Land stated that Mike Shea had reviewed it. Mr. Payne also questioned the funds that will be used to pay for this contract. Ms. Land stated that the 3.5 million federal appropriations will be used. There was discussion regarding design and Scott Kettell’s credentials.

 

William McCombe made a motion Authorize agreement with Scott Kettelle for Consulting Services related to the Public Safety Building Complex, Nancy Dodge seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

 

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

 

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

a.      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)

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

 

First warden Keith Stover announced the vacancies

 

8.      Discuss and act on letter from Block Island Taxi Owners Sue Ann Millikin and Cathy Payne requesting legislation to regulate shuttles and courtesy vehicles

Tabled to next agenda due to quorum issue.

 

9.      Receive and act on Financial Reports

 

Mona Helterline gave the Financial Report, she stated that financials are in flux this time of year

Revenues-

·         Town Clerks License fees-similar

·         Building Permits- Met budget

·         Short Term Rental-$97,400 YTD

·         Cemetery Lots and Fees- Exceeded budget 28k

·         Coastguard Rents- Met Budget- extra 5k for June will help offset Thomas property lack of Rent

·         Thomas property- under

·         Police officer fines- exceeded Budget by $4,000

·         Sales Tax/ Hotel Tax- 2-month lag, still have another 3 months of revenue to bring in

 

Nancy Dodge asked about reimbursement from The Trust for insurance claims for the fire alarm trust. Mona stated that we have been asked to submit the bills as a lump sum when the project is done. Mr. McCombe ask for a general number that the Town was hoping to get reimbursed. Mona Helterline stated that this year’s expenses are $150,000 this year. Amy Land reported that the total project is $225,000, this is based on the original lightning strike.

 

Nancy Dodge asked about the payments on the Thomas Property- Amy Land reported that a total of $1,356,000.00 has been paid.

 

10.  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, Legislative Update, Thomas Property)

 

Amy Lewis Land reported that

 

·         Staff has been extraordinarily busy

·         Fire Marshall approval of the AAS Fire Alarm System -thanks to Howell, supported by Chief Hobe, Chief Deane, Mike Shea and Tom Risom

·         Solicitation Interest for Managers- It will be offered to Executive level staff at the School, Town, Water, Sewer, BIHS first, then departments level at the same entities.

·         Approval of the Hazard mitigation plan

·         Piping plover nest-might have eggs- If viable, potentially closing area to vehicle if they hatch. Keep dogs leashed.

·         Legislative bills- not sure what happened today.

o   School bond construction signed by governor.

o   Minor challenges last minutes with Water district legislation, but all three might make it out of house and senate as early as today.

o   William McCombe stated that he would like to see the Town have a meeting with the league of cities and towns

·         William McCombe asked for an update on the Coast Guard station- south wall, patched, windows seal, shingles, kitchen area work, painting in the worst rooms. Not structurally unsafe, so plan will be put in place to do work going forward.

 

11.  Discuss and act on the appointment of Town Manager Amy Lewis Land

 

William McCombe made a motion to appoint Amy Land as Town Manager, Nancy Dodge seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

 

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

 

12.  Discuss and act to give advice and consent on the Town Managers recommendations:

 

a.      Adopt job description of and appoint Millicent McGinnes Highet as Town Clerk & Director of Administration

Tabled to next agenda

 

b.      Appoint Mona Dwyer Helterline as Finance Director

Ms. Dodge  made a motion to Appoint Mona Dwyer Helterline as Finance Director.  Mr. Payne seconded the motion, and it carried.

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

 

13.  Act to approve the employee agreements between the Town of New Shoreham and:

a.      Amy Lewis Land as Town Manager for a three-year term

b.      Mona Dwyer Helterline as Finance Director for a three-year term

c.       Millicent Highet as Town Clerk and Director of Administration for a two-year term

 

William McCombe made a motion to approve the employee agreement between the Town of New Shoreham and Amy Lewis Land as Town Manager for a three-year term. Nancy Dodge seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

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

 

Molly O’Neill made a motion to approve the employee agreement between the Town of New Shoreham and Mona Dwyer Helterline as Finance Director for a three-year term. Tristan Payne seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

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

 

 

14.  Discuss and act on Resolution in support of Town of New Shoreham participation in and commitment to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

 

Alison Carey reported that Brigid Price and Sandra Kelly worked on this project together to get it to finality. This is a 3–5-year commitment. Ms. Carley stated that she has been sitting in on Westerly’s meetings to get an understanding of the framework.

 

Nancy Dodge made a motion to adopt a Resolution in support of Town of New Shoreham participation in and commitment to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

William McCombe seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

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

 

 

15.  Receive update and act on Memorandum of Agreement by and between the State of Rhode Island and the Town of New Shoreham for the maintenance of state roads, July 1, 2024-June 30, 2034

 

Amy Lewis Land explained that she had a conversation with DOT last week. She spoke on the Capital components. The first one being the Road network; Block Island state of good repair is a line item in the draft TIPS program; they are proposing $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $2,000,000 per year after that to deal with roadway infrastructure. The State is currently holding public hearings on this. The final plan is expected to be approved by October. Their commitment right now is that the funds are available, and they plan to move ahead, and this is a top priority.

 

The Facility is on the other side of the capital component; the DOTs response was that they do not have a plan. Ms. Land stated that she was told that New Shoreham should pursue it from a Political and lobbying perspective to repair the roads going forward. She stated that Mike Shea has identified some areas of the road that are particularly bad and need attention immediately. She asked the dot if they would fund it if it was executed alongside the work that they are doing and they are entertaining the idea. It would be outside of this contract.

 

Ms. Land recommended that the Town Authorize execution of the Agreement as drafted, then submit a letter indicating intention to terminate in the absence of meaningful performance towards capital for both roadway and building, by July 1, 2026.

 

William Mc Combe made a motion to execute Memorandum of Agreement by and between the State of Rhode Island and the Town of New Shoreham for the maintenance of state roads, July 1, 2024-June 30, 2034, to include letter of notice. The motion was seconded by Nancy Dodge.

 

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

 

16.  Receive and Act on Interim Finance Director recommendations re:

a.      Authorization of over expenditures of certain appropriations, not exceeding the adopted FY2025 Budget

Mona Dwyer Helterline gave a summary of the expected overages

 

·         Admin- Town Manager wages, due to severance package

·         Recreation -Extended hours at the beach and wage increases

·         GIS technology

·         Police Dept Technology

·         Security

·         Human Services-Senior Coordinator

·         Programming

·         Savings in Finance Dept

 

Ms. Helterline stated that they have offset the overages

 

Nancy Dodge made a motion to authorize over expenditures of certain appropriations, not exceeding the adopted FY2025 Budget Tristan Payne seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

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

 

b.      Assignment of 2025 capital and operating funds for use in 2026, renewal of prior years’ unexpended assignments and release of expired assignments

What will be added, extinguished etc.

 

·         Town Beach

·         Hospitality Center

·         Library HVAC

 

Renewals of Prior Year’s unexpected assignments

 

·         Redeployments of Generators

 

Nancy Dodge made a motion for the assignment of 2025 capital and operating funds for use in 2026; renewal of prior years’ unexpended assignments and release of expired assignments Tristan Payne seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

 

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

 

c.       Authorize transfer of landing fees to the General Fund

William McCombe made a motion to authorize transfer of landing fees to the General Fund

Nancy Dodge seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

 

d.      Receive and act on recommendations regarding uncollectible taxes

William McCombe made a motion to authorize transfer of landing fees to the General Fund

Nancy Dodge seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

 

17.  Raise items for future agendas

Property acquisition

Transportation committee

Low Speed Vehicles as rental vehicles

 

Nancy Dodge made a motion to adjourn at 9:38pm, William McCombe seconded and all were in favor.

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

 

 

 

Keisha Phillips-Brown

Deputy Town Clerk

 

Date Approved: 07/07/2025