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New Shoreham Town Council Meeting
Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road
Wednesday, March 19, 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, Land Use Attorney Kerin Browning 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 the job performance of the Interim Town Manager, Interim Director of Administration and Interim Finance Director. 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.
Mr. Payne moved to go into closed session at 6:31 p.m. to discuss the job performance of the Interim Town Manager, Interim Director of Administration and Interim Finance Director. 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. The motion was seconded by Ms. O’Neill and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
Mr. Payne moved to adjourn the closed session at 7:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
Mr. Stover reported that no motions were made in closed session.
Mr. Payne moved to seal the minutes of the closed session. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
7:00 p.m.
Board of License Commissioners
2. Discuss and act on request for relief from On Island Entertainment Management, Inc., d/b/a Wetherbee’s under New Shoreham Liquor License Rules and Regulations, Section II (E) New License Applications, Relief regarding application for a new Class BV Beverage License
Mr. Stover moved to convene the Board of License Commissioners at 7:03. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
Christopher Willi was present representing On Island Entertainment Management, Inc. He explained that he was requesting relief under Section II(E) of the New Shoreham Liquor Rules and Regulations to allow him to file a new liquor license application out of time. He stated that he was applying for a new Class BV license, and the community at large will benefit if the application is approved. He explained that the Club Soda space and license did not become available until after the new license filing period. He noted that he was applying to open a year-round family restaurant open for lunch and dinner.
Mr. Payne moved to grant relief to On Island Entertainment Management, Inc. to allow them to apply for a new liquor license outside of the September 15th – September 30th filing timeframe. The motion was seconded by Ms. O’Neill and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
3. Hold Public Hearing, discuss and act on New Beverage License: Class BV Beverage License for On Island Entertainment Management, Inc, Stockholder: Christopher Willi, d/b/a Wetherbee’s, 35 Connecticut Avenue, Plat 17, Lot 7-2
Mr. Payne moved to convene a public hearing for the New Beverage License: Class BV Beverage License for On Island Entertainment Management, Inc. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
Christopher Willi was present representing On Island Entertainment Management, Inc. He explained that he was interested in opening a pizzeria restaurant in the old location of Club Soda at the Highview, Plat 17, Lot 7-2. He stated that he planned to stay open year-round for lunch and dinner, opening in October 2025. It was noted that a letter from Shel Swanson was received expressing his concern over noise. Mr. Willi stated that he was very concerned about addressing noise issues and protecting the neighborhood. He committed to collecting trash in the area as necessary.
Police Chief Deane stated that he had no issues with the application.
From the audience:
· Jeffery Bloom of 1254 Connecticut Avenue noted that he feels the noise and garbage issues come from the housing, not from Club Soda. He stated that he is supportive of the application.
· John Cullen of 1123 Connecticut Avenue noted that the bar has a pretty dramatic impact on the neighborhood. He raised the following issues: the bar brings large groups of people to the area late-night; it increases the road traffic; police presence in the area is lacking; and litter is an issue.
Mr. McCombe moved to grant the New Beverage License: Class BV Beverage License for On Island Entertainment Management, Inc, Stockholder: Christopher Willi, d/b/a Wetherbee’s, 35 Connecticut Avenue, Plat 17, Lot 7-2. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
Mr. Payne moved to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Ms. O’Neill and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
First Warden Stover called the meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:24 p.m.
Town Council Agenda
4. Public Comment
From the audience, Chris Blane questioned the status of the stonewall built on Town property at Mansion Beach. An update on this item will be on the next agenda.
5. Consent Agenda:
a. Approval of minutes: March 3, 2025 open and closed; March 5, 2025
b. Act to approve Town Fee Schedule additions for Film/Photo Productions:
i. Still photo with crew of 20 or less: $300
ii. Video shoot with crew of 20 or less: $500
iii. Still photo with crew of 21 or more: $500
iv. Video shoot with crew of 20 or more: $1,000 to $2,500
c. Act to award bids for Town Services:
i. Bed and Breakfast: Spring House for $120/$150 off season
ii. Road Materials: Christian Reeves d/b/a Three Bears, LLC: Road Mix $90 cubic yard; Sifted Sand $90 cubic yard; Cold Patch $900/2000 lbs.; 2”-4” Erosion Stone $90 cubic yard; Road Salt $90 cubic yard
iii. Collection of trash and tippy cans: Block Island Recycling Management (BIRM): $40,500 plus $55 per extra pickup
d. Act on a one-year extension of contract between the Town of New Shoreham and EH Services, Inc. DBA Fair Play Turf for Athletic Field Maintenance Services in the amount of $20,900
e. Receive Correspondence:
i. Mark Maguire, Chair Block Island Housing Board:
1. Requesting a Warrant item on May 5, 2025 Financial Town meeting to support the development of the O’Brien Property housing project in the amount of $2,000,000
2. Requesting the support of Rhode Island House Bill H5310 Creating a Housing and Conservation Trust Fund and Senate Bill S0037 Allowing municipalities to levy up to 2% tax on real estate conveyances in excess of $900,000
ii. Notice to Town Property of a public hearing for a new Class BH Liquor License for 585 Hospitality, LLC April 7, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall
iii. Barbara MacMullan re: Block Island Land Trust willingness to meet w/Town Council, Planning Board and Housing Board
iv. Chris Warfel re: Block Island Land Trust interactions
Mr. Payne moved to approve the items on the consent agenda including changes to the minutes. The motion was seconded by Ms. O’Neill and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
6. 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. 4/2025)
iii. Water District Commission: Two Alternate positions (1-year terms exp. 4/2025)
iv. Board of Canvassers: Two Alternate positions (1-year terms exp. 3/2026)
The vacancies were announced.
7. Continued public hearing, discuss and act on amendments to New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance Article 2, Section 202 Definitions re: Tent, Trailer & Shipping Container; Article 1, Section 111 General Prohibitions, Article 5, new Section 519 Tents
The continued public hearing was opened.
Mr. Stover stated that he would like to add an exemption to the tent regulations to permit tents for workers or customers to take shelter from the weather. Ms. O’Neill suggested that businesses find legal avenues such as pergolas, awnings, garages, etc., instead of allowing tents for such purposes.
Mr. Payne moved to send the item to committee. The motion was not seconded.
Mr. McCombe stated that the issue needs more study to determine the problems, and if needed, the appropriate solutions. He questioned whether preexisting storage containers and tents are subject to grandfathering. Land Use Attorney Browning stated that when an ordinance is changed, structures are grandfathered except for when they fall under “nuisances,” as in this case. Therefore, pre-existing storage containers and tents are not subject to grandfathered status.
Land Use Attorney Kerin Browning explained that if the Council would like any major rewrites of the proposed ordinance, the recommendations should be directed back to the Planning Board.
Discussion ensued regarding the protection of the sights of the historic downtown. From the audience, David Lewis stated that it was important to enforce the Town’s current ordinances.
Jennifer Phillips questioned the definition of storage containers and reiterated that enforcement of HDC violations is an issue.
Ms. Dodge stated that the ordinance is a massive reaction to the Harborside property, and it is an overreach. She suggested that the Council meet and discuss what the needs and concerns are regarding tents and containers.
Mr. Payne moved to table the ordinance. Mr. McCombe seconded the motion. The motion and second were withdrawn.
Mr. Payne moved to close the public hearing and take no action. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and it carried unanimously.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
8. Discuss and act on request of VVO Real Estate Holding, LLC for a five-month extension of a Special Temporary Permit under Section 112 of the Zoning Ordinance for the Harborside property, Plat 6, Lot 107 (originally issued August 21, 2024, extension granted 2/19/2025)
Attorney Joshua Parks, representing VVO Real Estate Holding LLC explained that they were applying for an extension of the Special Temporary Permit that was granted by the Town Council on February 19, 2025 for the use of storage containers on the Harborside property. He noted that the applicant was looking to extend the permit for an additional five months, as allowed by ordinance. He explained that the Harborside hotel has received approvals from HDC and the drawings have gone out for construction bid, with ground breaking in the spring. He shared a copy of the bid drawings. He explained that the fencing to screen the property has been shored up with posts added between the fencing gaps. He noted that a “coming soon” banner has been commissioned to affix on the fence facing Water Street. He further noted that another option was to install dark green mesh fabric on the fence for screening. Discussion ensued.
Mr. Payne moved to approve the request of VVO Real Estate Holding, LLC for a five-month extension of a Special Temporary Permit under Section 112 of the Zoning Ordinance for the Harborside property, Plat 6, Lot 107 in compliance with the plan submitted. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 3 (Dodge, Payne, McCombe) Nays: 2 (O’Neill, Stover)
Mr. Stover stated that he voted no, because the extension of a Special Temporary Permit brings with it the presumption that you have earned it and have handled your last one well. He further stated that, in his opinion, that is not the case.
9. Receive initial presentation of FY2026 General Fund Operating and Capital Budget
Interim Town Manager Land presented the FY2026 budget, highlighting the following:
· She thanked the Department Heads for their knowledge and work and Interim Finance Director Mona Dwyer Helterline for bringing forward a responsible and balanced budget.
· The budget provides for a 5.1% increase over the current year for a total budget of $20,190,124.
· It includes funds for increased school funding; additional staffing; dredging needs for Harbors; implementation of job classification adjustments; introduction of a Communications and Alarm Officer staff position; growth in the Capital Budget; revaluation services and Comprehensive Plan updates.
· The budget includes a tax levy increase of $3.75%.
· The estimated state reimbursement for the phased-out car tax is $164,315.
· The budget accommodates an 8% increase in health insurance rates and 10% for dental insurance rates.
· Funding has been included to support a Human Resources consultant.
· Deer Management has been increased to $35,400 for deer tail and tag reimbursement.
10. Review of financial reports
Interim Finance Director Dwyer Helterline reviewed the financial reports noting the following:
· Under Other Town Fees and Income: there will be an insurance claim filed to cover costs of the lightning strike.
· The Meal Tax is up 7.29%.
· The Hotel Tax is down 9.2%.
· The Cottage Tax is up 26%, which includes third party room sellers.
· Expenses under Contingency are mostly made up of costs associated with Highview Lane Sewer repair and the lightning strike.
· Human Services overages are being covered by a grant to support the senior ride service.
11. Discuss and act on legislative change to the Landing Fee
Mr. McCombe recused himself.
Ms. Land stated that the costs the landing fee has been previously allocated to amount to an increased to $1.68. She noted that the legislator’s feedback was to have Interstate Navigation on board with the increase. She has reached out to Interstate to open discussions regarding their support. It was noted that straight inflation is $1.17.
Ms. Dodge moved to request an increase in the Landing Fee from $0.50 to $1.00. There was no second.
The item will be addressed at a later date.
12. Discuss and act on the following legislative items:
a. Resolution in support of Rhode Island Senate Bill S0037 enabling communities to set, by ordinance, an additional conveyance tax rate on consideration in excess of $900,000 to be used for affordable housing
Mr. McCombe returned to the table.
This item will be addressed at a future meeting.
b. Request of Middletown to support enabling legislation for an additional local hotel tax up to 3% to be used for municipal infrastructure, resiliency and housing
Ms. Land explained that Middletown is seeking legislation to allow for an additional local hotel tax of up to 3% to be used for municipal infrastructure, resiliency and housing. She asked the Council if they had an appetite for the legislation. Ms. Dodge suggested that we wait and see if it moves forward.
c. Updates regarding Rhode Island Senate Bill S0418 and related bills expanding the hotel tax to whole house rentals
Ms. Land reported that she, the lobbyists and the legislators are following the bills regarding the expansion of the hotel tax to include short-term rentals.
13. 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:
· The Police Department has fully implemented body-worn cameras.
· Recruiting for the CSO program this summer has been strong.
· Work at the bottom of the bluff stairs to the beach will begin in April.
· Road milling will begin on March 24th which will include the intersections of Pilot Hill and Mohegan Trail, and Snake Hole/Lakeside Drive/Mohegan Trail, and Connecticut Avenue from Old Town Road to the dirt section of Connecticut Avenue.
· The installation of a shared memorial stone at the Island Cemetery is being planned. It would give families the option of memorializing a loved one who has passed and is not buried in the Island Cemetery.
· New cemetery plots in the expansion area should be ready for sale this summer.
· All vessels aground, ashore or derelict should be removed by April.
· The Planning Board has been working on ordinance revisions to outdoor lighting and deck and balcony provisions. They are also collaborating with HDC on adding parcels to the Historic District.
· The RI Fire Marshall has granted conditional approval of the fire alarm monitoring system.
· A working group including Town staff, Tourism Council and Chamber members are working on a collaborative approach to operations at the Visitor Center.
· The CBDG grant for Corn Neck Road will be resubmitted for 2026, as requested by the grant regulators.
· URI Senior Day is May 14th.
· The library has been selected by URI as the Library of the Year.
· The repeater system for police and fire radios is close to implementation.
14. Raise items for future agendas
The following items for future agendas were raised:
· Receive reports from the attorneys on car rentals, moped licensing, and PUC matters.
· Needed ordinance updates.
Mr. Payne moved to adjourn at 9:18 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.
Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, O’Neill, McCombe) Nays: 0
Millicent Highet, MMC
Town Clerk
Date Approved: 4/7/2025