New Shoreham Town Council Meeting and

Board of License Commissioners Meeting

Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road, Block Island

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

6:30 PM

 

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, and via Zoom, Town Solicitor Nick Solitro.  Town Clerk Millicent Highet was present for the recording of minutes. 

 

First Warden Stover called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

 

6:30 p.m.

1.      Discuss and act on potential litigation regarding wall constructed on town property (Plat 3, Lot 128). This item may be discussed in closed session pursuant to RI General Laws 42-46-5(a)(2) sessions pertaining to litigation or reasonably anticipated litigation. 

Mr. Payne moved to go into closed session at 6:30 p.m. to discuss and act on potential litigation regarding wall constructed on town property (Plat 3, Lot 128). This item may be discussed in closed session pursuant to RI General Laws 42-46-5(a)(2) sessions pertaining to litigation or reasonably anticipated litigation.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

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

 

Mr. Payne moved to adjourn the closed session at 6:45 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. Payne moved to seal the minutes of the meeting.  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.

 

7:00 p.m.

Board of License Commissioners

2.      Discuss and act on request for relief from GSP Table Productions, Inc. d/b/a Virginica Pizza for application of a new Class BVL Beverage License under New Shoreham Liquor License Rules and Regulations, Section II (E) New License Applications, Relief.  Relief is sought from:

a.      II. New License Applications (A) Applications (2): Application filing time

Mr. Payne 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

 

Sadie Flateman of GSP Table Productions, Inc. was present and stated that she was seeking relief under the New Shoreham Liquor Regulations to allow the filing of a new liquor license out of time.  She explained that the location and license did not become available until February 2025, once the previous tenant abandoned the license and lease, which was well after the September 2024 submittal period.   She further explained that the business at 125 Corn Neck Road historically held a BVL license and it would benefit the community to continue to let it function with a BVL.

 

Ms. Dodge moved to approve the request for relief of GSP Table Productions, Inc., d/b/a Virginica Pizza, granting relief from New Shoreham Liquor Rules and Regulations I. General Regulations New License Applications (A) Applications (2): Application filing time.  The relief is being granted as the location and license were not available until 2025; the location has held a license in the past; and it would be a benefit to the community to have another eatery.  Mr. Stover seconded the motion.

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

 

Ms. O’Neill she was willing to vote in favor as there was a license granted for the same location for the 2025 license season that has been abandoned.

 

3.      Hold Public Hearing, discuss and act on New Beverage License: Class BVL Beverage License for GSP Table Productions, Inc., Stockholder: Sadie Flateman, d/b/a Virginica Pizza, 125 Corn Neck Road, Plat 6, Lot 134

Sadie Flateman of GSP Table Productions, Inc. was present and explained that she was seeking a Class BVL license for her new restaurant which will serve locally raised oysters and pizza.  She stated that she intends the restaurant to be a hub for hospitality, centered around quality food with ingredients grown on Block Island.  She noted that while the building is not winterized, she plans to stay open as long as possible beyond the summer season.  She stated that she was looking forward to reviving a dining location that has not been open for a few years.

 

The liquor service area was discussed, potentially limiting the area.  Ms. Flateman stated that the license has included the entire front yard in the past.  The Board of License Commissioners agreed amongst themselves that the liquor service area should be limited to the area in the front of the building to the northeast side of the sidewalk only which includes the gravel area and grassy area surrounding it.

 

From the audience, George Davis spoke in support of issuing the license.

 

Mr. Stover moved to grant a Class BVL Liquor license to GPS Table Productions, Inc., Stockholder Sadie Flateman d/b/a Virginica Pizza, 125 Corn Neck Road, Plat 6, Lot 134, limiting the service area to the front of the building, northeast of the sidewalk, which includes the gravel area and the grass surrounding the gravel area and additionally limiting the liquor service time from noon to 10:00 p.m.  The limitation to the service area is based upon protecting the area from the traffic through the drive to the south of the premise which services three buildings; safety concerns for serving in a parking area; and that the business serves from a counter inside, therefore the outside area should be contained to be easily monitored.  The motion was seconded by Ms. O’Neill and carried.

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

 

Mr. Payne moved to adjourn the meeting of the Board of License Commissioners.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

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

 

Town Council Agenda

4.      Public Comment

There was no public comment presented. 

 

5.      Consent Agenda:

a.      Approval of Minutes: April 16, 2025 and April 23, 2025

b.      Approve the annual request of Rustic Rides Farm, Inc. for permission to use Old Mill Road, Graces’ Cove Road, Dorries Cove Road and Champlin Road for the summer months and all other Town Roads October through May, with the requirement that Rustic Rides work with Superintendent of the Roads regarding road maintenance requests, and repairing roadsides after each season

c.       Approve recommendations from the Motor Vehicles for Hire Commission:

                                                     i.            Renewal of Motor Vehicles for Hire licenses

                                                   ii.            Approval of the Taxi, Bus and Limousine waitlist

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

e.       Receive Correspondence:

                                                     i.            Notice of Public Hearing in front of the Planning Board on May 14, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. for the Town of New Shoreham, Block Island Health Services to install a ground mounted solar energy system, Plat 10, Lot 2

                                                   ii.            Letter from Block Island Taxi Owners requesting legislation to regulate shuttles and courtesy vehicles.

                                                 iii.            Notice of Public Hearing in front of the Planning Board on June 11, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. for the Block Island Land Trust re: Preliminary Hearing of a Minor Subdivision for Plat 3, Lot 118, Fire # 696 off Corn Neck Road

Ms. Dodge moved to pull Item #5c(i) off the consent agenda to address separately.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.

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

 

Mr. McCombe recused himself.

 

Ms. Dodge moved to grant the Motor Vehicle for Hire Charter Bus licenses to William McComber and Patrick Evans, pending receipt of appropriate paperwork and licensing fees.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.

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

 

Mr. McCombe returned to the table.  Mr. Payne and Ms. O’Neill recused themselves.

 

Mr. Stover moved to grant the Motor Vehicle for Hire Taxi licenses to Victoria Carson, Judy Clark, John Cullen, Gloria Hall Daubert, Charles Douglas, Thomas Durden, Mark Emmanuelle, Patrick Evans, Fiona Fitzpatrick, Nathaniel Gaffett, Richard Gann, Jon Grant, Ann Hall, Geoffrey Hall, Deborah Hart, Monica Hull-Shea, Frederick Leeder III, Vincent McAloon, Timothy McCabe, Ruth McTeague, David Milner, Kristine Monje, Brian Neville, Frank Nicastro, Christopher O’Neill, Cathy Payne, James Rondinone, David Schaller, Sue Ann Shaw, Michael Shea, Richard Tretheway and Geoffrey Ernst all pending receipt of appropriate licensing fees and paperwork, and with the stipulation that drivers state rates to passengers prior to departure.  The motion was seconded by Mr. McCombe and carried.

Ayes: 3 (Stover, Dodge, McCombe)                       Nays: 0            Recused: 2 (Payne, O’Neill)

 

Ms. O’Neill and Mr. Payne returned to the table.

 

Mr. Payne moved to remove Item #5d from the Consent Agenda, as it was not yet approved by the Coastal Resilience Committee.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

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

 

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

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

 

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

a.      Appoint Tom Doyle to the Sewer District Commission and the Water District Commission with term expiring 4/2030

Mr. Payne moved to appoint Tom Doyle to the Sewer District Commission and the Water District Commission with terms expiring 4/2030.  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.

 

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

a.      Thomas Property Duplex Units

Town Attorney Solitro reported that his colleague Attorney Callaghan has not yet heard back from his contact at the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office regarding whether the second duplex unit on the Thomas Property would be considered exempt from the Consent Order of Violette Connelly, which allocates the housing opportunity to Police Officers first. 

 

Interim Town Manager Land presented the updated policy for the rental of the Thomas Property Duplex Units.  She explained that the policy now includes the requirement to comply with the 513(C)(3)(c) Standards for Town Employee Accessory Dwelling Units: If “there becomes no immediate need for the housing by the Town, it may be rented, on a yearly basis, to a resident qualifying as a low or moderate income person or family.”

 

Ms. Land explained that she has researched and recalibrated the rents based on other similar communities, Town salaries and the cost of living.  Mr. McCombe stated that the rents have been well researched and evaluated.

 

The policy was reviewed line by line with the following clarifications given and changes made: The prohibition on subletting covers renting a room – though there is room to accept applications from two applicants who proposing sharing the unit; adding prior approval to pets; provisions regarding vacating the unit due to separation related to a change in status (employment or residency) will be included in the lease agreement; teachers will typically be given a lease term from September through August; and each lease agreement will come to the Council under the Consent Agenda approved by advise and consent.

 

A final draft will be presented at the next meeting. 

 

Ms. O’Neill moved to accept the rents as presented in the Thomas Property Duplex Units policy, with $1,100 per month for the one-bedroom unit and $1,500 per month for the two-bedroom units.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

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

 

b.      Town Manager’s House

Interim Town Manager Land presented the updated policy for the rental of the Thomas Property Town Manager’s House.  She explained that she has recalibrated the rents based on other similar communities, Town salaries and the cost of living.  Discussion ensued regarding the lease term.

 

Mr. Stover moved to approve the rental policy for the Thomas Property Town Manger’s House adding details regarding pets upon approval, term to vacate the property in the case of separation due to a change in status and setting the rent at $2,600 per month.  The motion was seconded by Mr. McCombe and carried.

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

 

8.      Discuss and act on RI legislation regarding:

Interim Town Manager Land reported on the following bills: 

 

a.      Non-Owner Occupied Property Tax – H6189

Ms. Land read a resolution in opposition to the statewide non-owner occupied property tax.

 

Mr. McCombe moved to approve the resolution in opposition to the Non-Owner Occupied Property Tax as presented.  The motion was seconded and later withdrawn.

 

Ms. Dodge suggested adding language that the Town objects to any property tax revenue being taken by the state in any circumstances.  Ms. Land suggested using the following language: The Town of New Shoreham objects to legislation imposing a statewide property tax on non-owner occupied properties regardless of how the revenue is distributed.

 

Mr. McCombe moved to approve the resolution in opposition to the non-owner occupied property tax and to forward the resolution to the State Senator and the State Representative of the Town, the League of Cities and Town and all of the City and Town Councils in Rhode Island.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.

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

 

Mr. McCombe asked that additionally a letter be sent to the League of City and Town expressing that they were not representing the Town adequately when they supported this bill.

 

b.      Whole house rental tax

There is no update on the numerous bills applying the hotel tax to short-term rentals. 

 

c.       Increase in local hotel tax

There is no update regarding the local hotel tax bill authorizing, by ordinance, a one to two percent increase to the hotel tax to return to the municipality.

 

d.      Additional Real Estate Conveyance Tax – S0037

There is no update regarding that bill increasing the real estate conveyance tax on certain properties.

 

e.       Increase the Landing fee to $1.00 – H6246

The House bill was heard last Thursday and both Lobbyist Rick McAuliffe and Amy Land were present to testify in support.  The Senate Landing fee SubA to reflect the $1.00 fee is expected soon.  She will be present to testify on Thursday when the Senate bill is heard. 

 

f.        Tax Classification

The tax classification bill allowing for an exemption for those who provide housing has been heard in the House. It will be heard in the Senate on Thursday and she will be present to testify.

 

g.      School bonding – H6099

The school bonding bill has passed the Senate.  It has not been scheduled for hearing in the House.

 

h.      Water district – S0712

The Water District bill, limiting the obligation to provide water to those in the district only was heard in the House and will be heard in the Senate on Thursday.  She will be there for the hearing.  There has been some pushback, and steps are being taken to separate New Shoreham from the Jamestown issues.

 

9.      Raise items for future agendas

The following items for future agendas were raised:

·         Bring the lobbyist to an upcoming meeting.

·         Hold a closed session on potential property purchase.

·         Receive an update from Health Services.  Ms. Land stated that she expected that to happen in June or July.

 

Ms. Dodge moved to adjourn at 8:06 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: 5/21/2025