New Shoreham Town Council Meeting

Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road, Block Island

Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

6:30 p.m.

 

Present: First Warden Keith Stover, Second Warden Nancy Dodge, Town Council members Margaret 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 and Director of Administration 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.

Town Council

1.      Discuss and act to authorize filing the Motion to Modify Consent Order re: Estate of Violette M. Connolly M.P. NO. WM-2011-0724 updating the site plan and configuration of the Thomas Property housing.  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.

 

2.      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 6:31 p.m. pursuant to RI General Laws 42-46-5(a)(2) sessions pertaining to litigation or reasonably anticipated litigation for discussion of modification of Consent Order re: Estate of Violette M. Connolly M.P. NO. WM-2011-0724 and to discuss and act on potential litigation regarding wall constructed on town property (Plat 3, Lot 128).  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, McCombe, Payne, O’Neill)             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. 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 two motions were made in closed session:

·         Item #1 – Mr. Stover moved to authorize the Town’s Attorney to file a motion to modify the existing consent order on the Thomas Property to reflect the as-built site plan.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried unanimously.

·         Item #2 - Mr. Payne moved to authorize the Town’s Attorney to take action to dismiss the litigation between the Town of New Shoreham and the Andersons regarding the stonewall constructed on Town property (Plat 3, Lot 128).  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried unanimously.

 

3.      Public Comment

Public comment was presented by:

·         Carlos Salinas: He noted that he is a member of Conservation Commission.  He spoke regarding the Town Councils’ letter of support from May 2025 for the CRMC application of the Block Island Club to improve and enlarge dockage and floats.  He expressed his concern over:

o   The docks have already been installed and the applicant is now looking for ratification of the project. 

o   The project is in Type 1 waters. 

o   The Block Island Club has no vegetative buffer zone.

o   The expansion calls for more motorboats which we don’t want. 

o   The Conservation Commission should have been consulted prior to the letter going out.

o   The Conservation Commission will lodge a formal protest with the CRMC.

 

·         Chris Warfel: He spoke about a dangerous situation he has become aware of.  He stated:

o   There was no communication back from the Town in the past 48 hours regarding his initial complaint.

o   The Town has discarded his knowledge. 

o   The Town as well as the Block Island Power Company, have allowed the situation to be created. 

o   The Town needs to hire professional people to do a full investigation. 

Additionally, he stated that he hoped the Town Council supports the Recreation Department Grant application.

 

4.      Consent Agenda:

a.      Approval of minutes: September 2, 2025

b.      Receive Correspondence:

                                                              i.      Public Notice from Coastal Resources Management Council for hearing October 9, 2025 re: Application from the Block Island Club (Plat 4, Lot 49) to improve and enlarge dockage and floats

Ms. Dodge questioned the background of the application under Item #4 b. i.  Town Manager Land clarified that the Council supported the application at their May 21, 2025 meeting in a letter to the CRMC.  She explained the distinction between the Conservation Commission and the Harbormaster’s input to public trust waters, noting they have separate roles with different timelines.  The item will be on a future agenda to discuss the background of the application and the CRMC process as it relates to the Town.

 

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

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

 

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

a.      Appoint Katie Cass to the Conservation Commission with term expiring 12/2025

Mr. Payne moved to appoint Katie Cass to the Conservation Commission with term expiring 12/2025.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

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

 

b.      Receive resignation of Clair Comings from the Coastal Resilience Committee

The resignation of Clair Comings from the Coastal Resilience Committee was acknowledged.

 

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

                                                   v.            Coastal Resilience Committee (term exp. 12/2027)

The vacancies were announced.

 

6.      Set public hearing date for New Shoreham General Ordinance Amendment Chapter 12 Noise, Article III Sound Level Regulations, 12-50 Regulation of Sound Equipment and Sound Amplifying Equipment

Mr. Payne moved set a public hearing date of October 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Town Hall, Old Town Road for New Shoreham General Ordinance Amendment Chapter 12 Noise, Article I In General, Section 12-4 Measurement of Sound; Article III Sound Level Regulations, Section 12-46 Maximum permissible sound levels by receiving land use; immediate threat, (d)(2) Exceptions to Table I; and Section 12-50 Regulation of sound equipment and sound amplifying equipment.  The motion was seconded by Ms. O’Neill and carried.

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

 

7.      Act on Proclamation honoring the Rhode Island State Police for 100 years of service

Mr. McCombe moved to adopt the Proclamation honoring the Rhode Island State Police for 100 years of service.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

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

 

8.      Receive update from Safe Streets for All regarding the New Shoreham Safety Action Plan

Alyson Fletcher and Zack Gavel from Safe Streets for All reviewed the New Shoreham Safety Action Plan highlighting the following:

·         The grant is a federally funded grant program from 2022 that was awarded to RIPTA with the intention of eliminating fatal and serious injuries on the roads.

·         100% of crashes that involve someone walking or biking, resulted in an injury.

·         93% of fatal or serious injuries involved someone from out of state.

·         79% of fatal or serious injuries involved someone using a bike or moped.

·         Spring Street, Corn Neck Road and downtown represent the areas with the most crashes.

·         Surveys were conducted through three popup events and an online survey with 100 respondents.

·         Key themes:

o   Poor roadway conditions

o   Unsafe speeds

o   Gaps in safe areas for walkers and bikers

o   The need for education and enforcement of distracted and impaired drivers

·         12 proposed needed infrastructure project locations comprise of all state roads and a few Town roads throughout the Island.  The projects include replacing or removing guardrails, roadway resurfacing, speed feedback signs and signage alerting dangerous curves.

·         Next steps: Council review and discuss, solicit letters of support, and plan adoption

·         Why adopt the plan: Unlock federal SS4A funding, reflect the Town’s commitment to making its roads safer for all users, recognize the contributions of the community, and identify challenges on state-owned roads, which include recommendations for action. 

 

Ms. Land noted a resolution of support will be on a future agenda.  She thanked the consultants and noted that it was a thoughtful exercise that considered all of the nuances of Block Island.

 

In response to questions, Zack Gavel explained that:

·         The data does not breakdown accident data by ebikes versus human powered bikes. 

·         The interaction between Safe Streets and the state organizations and legislators, only includes RIDOT who sits on review board. 

·         Work needs to continue locally to move projects forward. 

 

From the audience, David Lewis stated enforcement has a significant role in speeds on the Island.

 

9.      Discuss and act on letter from Sue Ann Millikin and Cathy Payne requesting legislation to regulate shuttles and courtesy vehicles

This item will be addressed at a future meeting.

 

10.  Hold public meeting, discuss and act on the submittal of the Recreation Department’s application for Department of Environmental Management Green Grant towards the construction of a pickleball court at the Ball O’Brien Park

Recreation Director David Sniffin was present and explained the Department has interest in submitting an application for the DEM Green Grant for construction of three pickleball courts at Ball O’Brien Park.

 

Ms. Dodge moved to approve the application for the DEM Green Grant to support the construction of a pickleball court at Ball O’Brien Park.  The motion was seconded by Ms. O’Neill and carried.

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

 

11.  Receive and act on Financial Reports

Finance Director Mona Dwyer Helterline was present and reported the following:

·         37% of the budget has been expended.

·         Other Town Fees and Income – North Light fees reflect $7,669.  It is the first time the North Light has been open since 2019.

·         Increased landing and mooring rental fees have resulted in $73,000 over the prior year.

·         Shellfish license income is up $7,000 over last year.

·         Negotiated Settlement line reflects the Opioid Settlement dollars received to date at $3,183.

·         The Insurance line is 97% expended and includes workers comp and property liability.  It will remain within budget by end of year.

·         Harbors had unexpected expenses to replace a boat engine and replace a pump.

·         With the North Light being open, the wages for such are reflected under the Board Committees and Commissions department.

 

12.  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:

·         CRMC will be providing and installing new signage at coastal access points.

·         The Thomas Property grass will be installed once a wet period commences.

·         The Harbors Department has hired Katie Cass as the Harbor’s Administrative Assistant.

·         The Harbors Department has returned to Town Hall for winter operations.

·         The work plan for the hardening of the dispatch office be discussed and then installed soon.

·         Planning and Zoning applications will be moving to OpenGov in October.

 

13.  Receive update on the improvement plan for the Block Island Early Learning Center regarding organization governance and parent communication

Ms. Land explained that, during the budget process, concerns were raised over the Early Learning Center’s governance, policies, and communications.  She noted that she has been attending meetings and checking in with the administration and will continue the process.

 

President Nell Barnicoat of the Block Island Early Learning Center was present.  She noted that the center has welcomed 23 children this fall.  She explained that they sent out a survey to all families that was very effective and will continue to survey periodically.  She stated that communication has improved, and they have implemented an app called Bright Wheel to send out daily photos, potty and food logs, behavior reports, general communications, resources and meeting notices.  Ms. Barnicoat stated the centers’ annual inspections have been completed.  She further stated that they have welcomed a new board member with finance background.

 

The Council thanked Ms. Barnicoat for the update.

 

14.  Receive update from Human Services Director Allison Carley regarding AARP Age-Friendly Community and the PACE program helping elders live safely at home, and other Human Services priorities

Human Services Director Allison Carley reported the following:

·         There is a lack of resources to address the summer influx regarding senior caregiver needs.

·         The DEM parking pass program was successful.

·         Top priorities include:

o   PACE RI (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) which provides Medicare/Medicaid benefits for in-home eldercare.

o   AARP Age Friendly Initiative to improve transportation, housing, social participation and community support.  The next step is for the Town Council to appoint a committee, potentially operating/merging with the Senior Advisory Committee.

o   Connecting children and families who may be facing immigration situations with support organizations and working with the school to formulate strategies to keep children safe.

·         She is working on grants.

·         She is working with the Department of Health to bring WIC and SNAP benefits to the community through a pilot site for an online ordering system.

·         She has developed a Safe Hire Checklist for caregivers in collaboration with the RI Coalition for Elder Justice.

·         The Senior Ride Service policy will be worked on and may include a voucher system and a “share” fee to be paid by the rider.

·         A $5,000 grant from the RI Office of Healthy Aging has been received.

 

Mr. Stover thanked Allison Carley and her great ability to work on broad projects while addressing critical daily urgent situations. 

 

15.  Discuss the job performance of the Town Manager. 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

Ms. Land, regarding her evaluation, stated she would like to establish a formal system to include a mutual agreed upon process, timeline, approach, tool(s), goals, and measures to set clear expectations and open communication.  She noted that as she begins to think about goal setting for the rest of the staff, she would like it to begin with her to set the right example. 

 

Mr. Stover volunteered to collect some sample tools to share with Ms. Land and the Council.

 

16.  Raise items for future agendas

The following items were raised for future agendas:

·         CRMC application process

·         Block Island Club CRMC application background

·         Safe Roads – taking care of the sand creep along Corn Neck Road

·         Transfer station planning at the October work session

·         Rental cars – options for solution

·         E-vehicles

·         Initiating the work of the Transportation Safety Committee

 

Ms. O’Neill made a motion to adjourn at 9:09 p.m.  Ms. O’Neill seconded and all were in favor.

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

 

Millicent Highet, MMC

Town Clerk

 

Date Approved: 10/06/2025