STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS COUNTY OF NEWPORT
The Town Council of the Town of Tiverton, County and State aforesaid held a Regular Council Meeting on
Monday, November 9, 2020 at 7:00 via a Virtual Meeting viewable at Tiverton Videos on YouTube.
Council President Hilton called the meeting to order with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
Members present
| Council President Hilton | Councilor Perry | Council Edwards |
| Vice-President deMedeiros | Councilor Clarke | Councilor Driggs |
| Councilor Cook | | |
| | | |
Town Administrator Cotta, Solicitor Marcello, and Deputy Clerk Veegh were also present.
BUSINESS BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL
President Hilton read the items on the Consent Agenda.
Note 3: All items listed within the Consent Agenda are to be considered routine by Town Council and will
ordinarily be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a
member of the Council, or a member of the public so requests and the Town Council President permits,
in which event the item will be removed for separate consideration later on the agenda.
A. Approval of Town Council Minutes
1. October 26, 2020 – Regular Session
2. October 26, 2020 – Executive Session
B. Acknowledge Receipt of Minutes from Boards/Commissions/Committees
1. Board of Canvassers (2)
C. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports
1. Department Monthly Reports – October 2020
2. Police and Fire Department overtime reports – October 2020
D. Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence
E. Approval of Tax Assessor Abatements
F. Approval of License Renewals – Non-Advertised (December 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021)
Tobacco Dealers License Renewals
Victualling License Renewals
Holiday License Renewals
Antique License Renewals
G. Town Administrator – Distribute Contract of the Town and of George E. Sansoucy, P.E., LLC to provide
valuation and consulting services regarding the Tiverton Power Plant project.
H. Solicitor/Town Clerk – Distribution of Impact Statement for Town Administrator Christopher Cotta’s
contract
Councilor Cook removed Consent Agenda items 4-B-1.
Councilor Edwards motioned to approve Consent Agenda items with the exception of 4-B-1. Councilor
deMedeiros seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Cook expressed concern over the attendance record for some of the board members, suggesting evening meetings to accommodate those with daytime jobs. President Hilton noted the 5 member board has only 3 voting members, all of whom are polled for availability - adding that some of members are getting older and prefer daytime meetings. She believed it was not the Council’s place to interfere if the Chair has no issue.
Councilor Edwards motioned to approve Consent Agenda item 4-B-1. Councilor Cook seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The Public May Send Written Comments via email to publiccomment@tiverton.ri.gov or by regular
mail to the Town Clerk at 343 Highland Road, Tiverton, RI 02878 or place in the grey drop box located
outside Town Hall by 12:00 noon on Monday, September 28, 2020
A. Comments received - none
A. Acknowledgement of resignation of Pamela A. Poli from the Library Board of Trustees effective
October 20, 2020
Councilor Edwards motioned to accept with regret the resignation of Library Board of Trustees member
Pamela A. Poli, thanking her for her many years of service. Councilor deMedeiros seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
A. Jaivik Patel/Tulsi Convenience LLC d/b/a North Tiverton News, 15 Main Road – Requesting
Approval of Tobacco License
Councilor Edwards motioned to approve the Tobacco License. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
A. Town Clerk - Update on results of November 3, 2020 General Election
Clerk Mello was absent due to connectivity issues. Solicitor Marcello updated that Boards of Canvassers throughout the state received a letter from the Board of Elections indicating that due to recounts and other issues, certification would not likely happen until the end of November. Deputy Veegh added that provisional ballots were transported to the State today, and the write-in vote tabulation was in process. Administrator Cotta added that the Budget Committee members remain undetermined as write-in votes (from mail ballots) have not yet been received from the State. President Hilton noted due to certification delays, an additional meeting in November will be required before the new Council is seated. Vice-President deMedeiros clarified that per Charter, the new Council must be sworn in at a regularly scheduled meeting, which will likely take place on December 14.
B. Town Administrator – Assessor/Revaluation Update
On behalf of Assessor Robert, Administrator Cotta noted as interior inspections were suspended earlier, residents will be receiving a data mailer to verify interior information. Changes can be made via a website before next 30 days. If no changes are needed, no action will be required. Residents should expect to receive their preliminary reassessment valued in March of 2021. He added that Assessor will be conducing exterior drive by reviews in November and December in a marked town car.
Councilor Edwards motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
A True Copy.
ATTEST_________________________
Nancy L. Mello, Town Clerk