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New Shoreham Town Council Meeting
Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
7:00 p.m.
Present: First Warden Keith Stover, Town Council members Margaret O’Neill and Tristan Payne. Also present were Town Manager Amy Land, Finance Director Mona Dwyer Helterline and via Zoom, Town Solicitor James Callaghan. Town Clerk/Director of Administration Millicent Highet was present for the recording of minutes. Second Warden Nancy Dodge and Town Council member William McCombe were absent.
First Warden Stover called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Stover noted that the non-owner-occupied tax, which is now in effect, is a state tax. New Shoreham is and has been actively opposing it.
1. Receive Certificate of Special Recognition from Governor Daniel McKee to acknowledge the Town of New Shoreham Department of Public Works
First Warden Stover read the Certificate of Special Recognition from Governor Daniel McKee aloud. The Council expressed their gratitude to the Public Works Department for their exemplary efforts during blizzard of 2026.
2. Public Comment
No public comment was presented.
3. Consent Agenda:
a. Approval of minutes: April 6, 2026 open and closed; April 9, 2026
b. Act to approve proclamation in support of National Small Business Week: May 5, 2026 – May 9, 2026
c. Act to adopt revised policy regarding the Accessible Parking Program administered by the Town for emergency parking situations at the DEM Auxiliary Lot in Point Judith
d. Receive letter of award and act to authorize Subaward Agreement with RI DEM under RI Clean Vessel Act Pumpout Grant Program 2026 for $30,585
e. Receive Correspondence: Notice of Public Hearing for an application for a variance for the construction of a single-family dwelling for Jonmathew Swienton, Beach Avenue, Plat 5, Lots 31 & 32
Mr. Stover questioned the residency requirement for the Accessible Parking Program. Ms. Land explained that the requirement is intentional, to benefit year-round residents. Ms. O’Neill questioned the breakdown between 20 long-term spots and 2 emergency spots. Ms. Land stated the breakdown is based on the need, noting the emergency spots were not always full last year. She also noted that the DEM had difficulty with empty spaces.
Ms. O’Neill asked to pull the Item 3b, the proclamation in support of National Small Business Week, from the Consent Agenda. Number 3b was pulled and no action was taken on the item.
Mr. Payne made a motion to approve items a., c, d, and e on the Consent Agenda. Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 3 (Stover, O’Neill, Payne) Nays: 0 Absent: 2 (Dodge, McCombe)
4. Discuss and act on Board, Commission and Committees:
f. Appointment of:
i. Sewer District Commission:
1. Joel Brenneman and Peter McNerney as full members (term exp. 4/2029 and term exp. 4/2031)
2. Lyle Carey as alternate member (1-year terms exp. 4/2027)
ii. Water District Commission:
1. Joel Brenneman and Peter McNerney as full members (term exp. 4/2029 and term exp. 4/2031)
2. Lyle Carey as alternate member (1-year terms exp. 4/2027)
Mr. Payne moved to appoint, to the Sewer District Commission and the Water District Commission, Joel Brenneman and Peter McNerney as full members with term expiring 4/2029 and Lyle Carey as Alternate member with term expiring 4/2027. Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 3 (Stover, O’Neill, Payne) Nays: 0 Absent: 2 (Dodge, McCombe)
g. Announce vacancies:
i. Commission on Motor Vehicles for Hire: One (not MVFH licensee) (term exp. 12/2026)
ii. Old Harbor Task Force (term exp. 12/2027)
iii. Police Advisory Commission (term exp. 12/2026)
iv. Age-Friendly Community Task Force (term exp. 12/2026)
v. Sewer District Committee and Water District Committee Alternate position (term exp. 4/2027)
The vacancies were announced.
5. Hold public hearing, discuss and act on proposed amendment to New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance, Article 2 Section 202 Definitions Items 3, 4.1, 48, and 137; Article 4 Criteria for Special Use Permits Section 405 Affordable Housing; Article 5 Performance Standards Section 502 Off-Street Parking/Sidewalks, Section 510 Accessory Use, and Section 513 Accessory Dwelling Units; and Zoning Appendix B Use Categories Allowed by Zoning District
Mr. Payne moved to open the public hearing for the proposed amendment to New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance, Article 2 Section 202 Definitions Items 3, 4.1, 48, and 137; Article 4 Criteria for Special Use Permits Section 405 Affordable Housing; Article 5 Performance Standards Section 502 Off-Street Parking/Sidewalks, Section 510 Accessory Use, and Section 513 Accessory Dwelling Units; and Zoning Appendix B Use Categories Allowed by Zoning District. Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 3 (Stover, O’Neill, Payne) Nays: 0 Absent: 2 (Dodge, McCombe)
It was noted that the Planner and Planning Board have asked that the proposed ordinance amendment to be continued to allow them to address potential new state laws and make small tweaks to what was presented.
Mr. Payne moved to continue the public hearing for proposed amendment to New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance, Article 2 Section 202 Definitions Items 3, 4.1, 48, and 137; Article 4 Criteria for Special Use Permits Section 405 Affordable Housing; Article 5 Performance Standards Section 502 Off-Street Parking/Sidewalks, Section 510 Accessory Use, and Section 513 Accessory Dwelling Units; and Zoning Appendix B Use Categories Allowed by Zoning District to July 15, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall, Old Town Road. Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 3 (Stover, O’Neill, Payne) Nays: 0 Absent: 2 (Dodge, McCombe)
6. Hold public hearing, discuss and act on proposed amendment to New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance, Article 2 Section 202 Definitions items 79. Floor Area, Living & 86. Gross Area and Article 4 Criteria for Special Use Permits, Section 406 Residential Structures Meeting Certain Thresholds (C)(1)
Mr. Payne moved to open the public hearing for the proposed amendment to New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance, Article 2 Section 202 Definitions items 79. Floor Area, Living & 86. Gross Area and Article 4 Criteria for Special Use Permits, Section 406 Residential Structures Meeting Certain Thresholds (C)(1). Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 3 (Stover, O’Neill, Payne) Nays: 0 Absent: 2 (Dodge, McCombe)
Planner Peter Friedrichs was present via Zoom and explained the following regarding the amendment:
· The state legislature is concerned about the over regulation of basements.
· It removes unfinished and finished basements from calculations of large houses.
Mr. Payne moved to close the public hearing for proposed amendment to New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance, Article 2 Section 202 Definitions items 79. Floor Area, Living & 86. Gross Area and Article 4 Criteria for Special Use Permits, Section 406 Residential Structures Meeting Certain Thresholds (C)(1). Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 3 (Stover, O’Neill, Payne) Nays: 0 Absent: 2 (Dodge, McCombe)
Mr. Payne moved to adopt the proposed amendment to New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance, Article 2 Section 202 Definitions items 79. Floor Area, Living & 86. Gross Area and Article 4 Criteria for Special Use Permits, Section 406 Residential Structures Meeting Certain Thresholds (C)(1) as proposed. Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 3 (Stover, O’Neill, Payne) Nays: 0 Absent: 2 (Dodge, McCombe)
7. Hold public hearing, discuss and act on Gary Pollard’s application to amend the Zoning Ordinance Article 1 General, Section 111 General Prohibitions, deleting (A)15. “Game Rooms;” adding to Article 3 Zoning Districts and Regulations, Section 311 Old Harbor Commercial Zone, D. Permitted Uses adding “Game Rooms”
Mr. Payne moved to open the public hearing for Gary Pollard’s application to amend the Zoning Ordinance Article 1 General, Section 111 General Prohibitions, deleting (A)15. “Game Rooms;” adding to Article 3 Zoning Districts and Regulations, Section 311 Old Harbor Commercial Zone, D. Permitted Uses adding “Game Rooms.” Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 3 (Stover, O’Neill, Payne) Nays: 0 Absent: 2 (Dodge, McCombe)
It was noted that applicant requested that the hearing be continued until May 5 2026. Mr. Stover stated that the meeting of the 5th is a difficult one, as it follows right after Financial Town Meeting. He suggested moving the hearing to May 20th.
Mr. Payne moved to continue the public hearing for Gary Pollard’s application to amend the Zoning Ordinance Article 1 General, Section 111 General Prohibitions, deleting (A)15. “Game Rooms;” adding to Article 3 Zoning Districts and Regulations, Section 311 Old Harbor Commercial Zone, D. Permitted Uses adding “Game Rooms” to May 20, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road. Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 3 (Stover, O’Neill, Payne) Nays: 0 Absent: 2 (Dodge, McCombe)
8. Review of financial reports
Finance Director Dwyer Helterline presented the financial report, noting the following:
· Revenues versus expenses are in a better position over last year.
· The first whole house rental tax payment representing January has been received amounting to $39,000.
· Building permit revenues are strong.
· Overages in Public Works are due to overtime from the February snow storms and the blizzard.
9. Receive and act on Report of Town Manager (Public Works, Finance, School, School Construction Project, Library, Recreation, Administration, Harbors, Broadband, Police, Roads, Human Services)
Town Manager Land reported the following:
· Reevaluation notices are going out shortly.
· Roping and protective fencing will be installed on Mansion Beach, North Light area and Coast Guard dune area to protect the piping plovers.
· The Town has been selected as a participant in the Living Shorelines Planning Series for shoreline restoration in Cormorant Cove along Coast Guard Road.
· The Block Island School has a community survey open to solicit community input as the school is being reimagined.
· The Age Friendly Community Task Force is focusing on transportation, both on and off Island.
· Harbors restocked 35,000 clams, therefore some areas of the Great Salt Pond are closed.
· Elevator installation at the library is moving along and it should be up and running before the season.
10. Discuss Warrant items (Fire Truck, Revetment, Water Co. Improvements, Road and Bridges) and act on approval of the Warrant for the May 4, 2026 Financial Town Meeting
Town Manager Land reviewed the Warrant items:
· Block Island Volunteer Fire & Rescue Engine 4 Replacement: Total cost of project is $1,100,000 to be covered by bonding. Mr. Payne expressed his concern over the lack of a needs and feasibility assessment on equipment and the “figure out later” philosophy when it comes to housing the fire equipment. Fire Chief Chris Hobe stated that the current engine would be sold for surplus and a new truck would take its place. Mr. Payne further questioned the limited staffing for the abundance of equipment.
· Landfill Slope Repair and Landfill Closure: Total cost of project is $3,200,000 to be covered by bonding. This project is mandated by the Department of Environmental Management.
· Water Company Capacity Expansion and Treatment Plant Improvements: Total cost of the project is $1,567,000 - $942,000 to be covered by bonding paid for by the Water District rate payer and $625,000 to be covered by grant.
· Town Road and Bridge Improvements: Total cost of project is $1,000,000 to be covered by bonding.
Ms. Land noted that the Warrant items amount to $5.3 million in aggregate, with $650,000 annually in debt service.
Mr. Payne moved to adopt the Warrant as proposed including Water Company improvements at $942,000, landfill revetment repair at $3,200,000, Town road and bridge improvements at $1,000,000 and the Engine 4 replacement at $1,100,000. Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 3 (Stover, O’Neill, Payne) Nays: 0 Absent: 2 (Dodge, McCombe)
11. Discuss and act on homestead exemption and tax classification amendments
Town Manager Land explained that an ordinance amendment has been drafted to continue the homestead exemption, addressing submission dates and removing the sunset clause. She noted that the amendment does not include expansions to the ordinance ton include other categories. She stated that more time is needed, due to state law changes and needed ordinance clarifications. She noted that the amount of the homestead exemption is voted by the Council annually. She further noted that revaluation will require an amendment to the Veteran’s exemption.
Mr. Stover suggested keeping the sunset clause in the amendment, as it keeps the ordinance in the forefront.
12. Set public hearing for an amendment to New Shoreham General Ordinance Chapter 17, Taxation and Finance, Article I In General, Section 17-1 Property Tax Classification
Mr. Payne moved to set a public hearing date for an amendment to New Shoreham General Ordinance Chapter 17, Taxation and Finance, Article I In General, Section 17-1 Property Tax Classification on May 20, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., Town Hall, Old Town Road. Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 3 (Stover, O’Neill, Payne) Nays: 0 Absent: 2 (Dodge, McCombe)
13. Receive legislative update:
Town Manager Land reported on the following bills:
The Senate has held a hearing on the moped license retirement legislation, and it received opposition from representatives of a moped rental operator. They felt the amendment was punitive and maybe trying to catch operators out on a paperwork issue. The Town explained that “Expiration and revocation” was not trying to catch any businesses, but was intended to allow a voluntary retirement of a license.
The Council gave authorization to amend the language to make it forward looking, mutually agreed upon and not punitive.
b. Online driver’s education H7498
Nothing to report at this time.
c. Minimum off-street parking requirements S2628
Nothing to report at this time.
d. Requirements for operation of recreational vehicles, manual, electric or gas powered – S2604 & H7789
Nothing to report at this time.
e. Department of Transportation funding for Highways maintenance and replacement of highway garage
There has been positive movement with the DOT. Ms. Land will report further later.
f. Non-owner-occupied property tax
Meetings have been scheduled with leadership to discuss the issues with the non-owner-occupied property tax. Discussion ensued regarding the difficulties with the law.
g. Tick-borne illness – Public health issue on Block Island
Nothing to report at this time.
14. Discuss and act on resolution regarding Joint Municipal Statement of Rhode Island Municipalities Regarding the 2025 State Affordable Housing Laws
Discussion ensued regarding the joint statement concerning the state affordable housing laws. Mr. Stover stated that he was not comfortable with being lumped in with other towns that may be opposing the legislation for different reasons. He noted that the Town is working hard to meet affordable housing needs. Ms. Land noted that some other towns are putting forward their own unique housing bills, which the Town can consider for the 2027 legislative session.
No action was taken on the item.
15. Raise items for future agendas
No items were raised.
Mr. Payne made a motion to adjourn at 8:16 p.m. Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion and it carried.
Ayes: 3 (Stover, O’Neill, Payne) Nays: 0 Absent: 2 (Dodge, McCombe)
Millicent Highet, MMC
Town Clerk
Date Approved: 5/5/2026