New Shoreham Town Council Meeting

Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road

Monday, October 5, 2026

12:30 p.m.

 

Present: First Warden Keith Stover, Second Warden Margaret O’Neill, Town Council members Tristan Payne, Mark Emmanuelle and William McCombe.  Also present were Town Manager Amy Land, and via Zoom, Town Attorney James Callaghan.  Town Clerk/Director of Administration Millicent Highet was present for the recording of minutes.  

 

First Warden Stover called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m.

 

1.      Meet with representatives from Interstate Navigation for discussion of tourism related issues, scheduling, July 4th planning, etc.

Interstate Navigation representatives present were Attorney Michael McElroy, Operations Managers Josh Linda and Athena Linda, and Reservation Manager Jeanette Centracio.

 

First Warden Stover welcomed Interstate Navigation representatives and thanked them for their service, particularly over the last week, with a five-day wind/storm event.

 

Mr. Stover noted that mainland summer parking is an issue to brainstorm.  Ms. O’Neill noted that parking is the number one issue for the residents.  A shuttle and satellite lot were suggested.  Mr. McCombe proposed keeping an eye on the state lot leases in Point Judith.  Jeanette Centracio stated that a parking garage may be the answer.

 

When asked, Josh Linda explained that the past summer was slower than previous summers, as there were rainy weekends in July, and the economy is slower.

 

Attorney McElroy reported on the regulatory items:

·         Interstate is refinancing the loan on Motor Vessel Athena. 

·         A rate increase will be researched and discussed for the traditional ferry, as the rates do not cover the costs and must be augmented by the fast ferry.

 

Different rate structures were discussed.  Mr. Stover suggested a rate structure (similar to power structures in CT) that recompences the ferry company with set profits, regardless of ridership.

 

Ms. O’Neill suggested increasing car rates.

 

Police Chief Deane stated he wants to work with the ferry companies to adjust ferry schedules to reduce congestion.  He further stated that he has had open and very helpful communications with Interstate Navigation and they have been great to work with.

 

Mr. Emmanuelle stated his wish list: to be proactive as possible with marketing and eliminate bicycles, mopeds, and e-bikes from advertising, as it promotes congestion.

 

2.      Meet with representative from Interstate Nav for discussion of tourism related issues, infrastructure, visitor center, etc.

Due to a family situation, Adam Wronowski was not able to be present.  The item will be addressed at a later date.

 

Mr. Payne made a motion to adjourn at 1:13 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Emmanuelle and carried.

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

 

 

Millicent Highet, MMC

Town Clerk                                        

 

Date Approved: 10/21/2026