1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

Council President Edwards V called the meeting to order with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

3. ROLL CALL

Swearing in of Michael S. Burk to fill the unexpired term of Councilor Blake B. Hayden
 by the Town Clerk pursuant to Article 2, Section 202 of the Town Charter

Michael S. Burke was sworn in my Clerk Chabot.

Present

Interim Town Administrator Jones, Solicitor Marcello, Clerk Chabot and Deputy Clerk Veegh were also present.

Without objection, President Edwards V moved forward items 8-A, B and C.

                A. Recreation Chair Gilfillen – Recognition of winner and runner-up of the Tiverton 2025 Parking Pass
                   Design contest 

Recreation Chair Gilfillen explained this was the 4^th year of the parking pass contest. Students from Fort Barton, Pocasset and Ranger Schools provided the designs for this year's contest. Six finalists were selected by teachers, then a community vote narrowed them down to a first and runner up winner. Second-place winner, Van McDonough’s design will be featured on non-resident parking passes. He received a letter of recognition and a gift certificate to the Moose Cafe. Contest winner, Lola Macarusso, was also celebrated for her artwork, which will adorn the resident parking passes.

                B. Councilor President Edwards – Discussion and possible vote to appoint Patrick W. Jones as Town

                     Administrator

Councilor deMedeiros motioned to appoint Patrick W. Jones as Town Administrator. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

                C. Councilor President Edwards – Discussion and possible vote to ratify a three-year contract and Fiscal

                     Impact Statement for Town Administrator Jones

Councilor Paull motioned to ratify a three-year contract and Fiscal Impact Statement for Town Administrator Jones. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.

Patrick W. Jones was sworn in by Clerk Chabot.

4. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Acknowledgement of the resignation of Councilor Blake B. Hayden, effective March 26, 2025

B. Approval of Town Council Minutes
     1. March 10, 2025 – Special Workshop (Councilor Burk abstains, not present)

     2. March 10, 2025 – Regular Meeting (Councilor Burk abstains, not present)
     3. March 18, 2025 – Special Meeting (Councilor Burk abstains, not present)

     4. March 18, 2025 – Executive Session (Councilor Burk abstains, not present)

C. Acknowledge Receipt of Minutes from Boards/Commissions/Committees
     1. Zoning Board of Review (5)
     2. Dog Park Committee (1)
     3. Cemetery Commission (1)
     4. Parade Committee (2)
     5. Recreation and Beaches Commission (3)
     6. Open Space and Land Preservation Commission (1)

D. Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence

     1. Town of Portsmouth – School Transportation Resolution

     2. Town of Burrillville - Resolution in opposition to Rhode Island 2025 Gun Control Legislation
     3. Town of Burrillville - In support of amending RIGL 21.1-1 and 16-21.1-2 to require
          nonpublic/nonprofit schools to share transportation costs

     4. Town of Charleston – Resolution in support of H5957 related to low & moderate-income housing

     5. Town of North Smithfield – In support of amending RIGL 21.1-1 and 16-21.1-2 to require
          nonpublic/nonprofit schools to share in transportation cost

     6. Harbor Commission Chair Cox – Letter of approval of Assent for Dock including two hoists

Councilor Paull motioned to approve the Consent Agenda items. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING A COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM OR OTHER TOWN BUSINESS

Resident Jay Runcie, owner of Sakonnet River Outfitters expressed concerns related to the proposed RI gun control legislation. He argued that the ban's broad scope would not only target rifles but also shotguns, potentially affecting hunters and firearm owners. He emphasized the economic impact on his business, stating the ban could jeopardize his livelihood and lead to significant job losses.

Brian Britsky of 690 Brayton Road, remarked that he supports gun safety and believes weapons of war do not have a place in our civilian community. He stated the firearms listed on all three pieces of legislation referred to as “assault weapons” were not weapons of war. He described the legislation as a complete overreach by an unchecked supermajority in power in the state. He asked the Council to pass a resolution, as other towns in the state have done, opposing the proposed statewide ban on certain firearms categorized as assault weapons.

Sanford Mantel of Bud Way, stating he recently became interested the state’s affordable housing bills. Mentioning his independent his research and review of the state formulations, he declared that the 10% affordable housing goal is virtually unattainable. He said to attain the 10% we would have to add 2,900 additional affordable units to the current 7,482 housing units. He strongly urged the passing of Resolution 2025-0016 related to the inclusion of manufactured homes, that would be considered later in the meeting.

Leslie Simonson of 78 Reed Street stated she was in favor of this bill about gun control legislation getting to the point where it can be researched and debated. Conversely, she opposed any measurers that would take it off the table where it is no longer discussible.

North Tiverton Water District's attorney Ken Trembley declined to speak after being informed the matter would be taken up at an upcoming special meeting.

Maureen Morrow of Peaceful Way read aloud from a prepared statement that detailed her opposition of proposed Resolution 2025-0014. She stated the resolution was prepared by an outside group active in opposing any and all forms of gun-safety legislation. She noted that at a recent hearing of the House Judiciary Committee, Jerome Larkin, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, testified in support of the assault weapon ban citing public health statistics and noting that nine states in addition to the District of Columbia, have laws that ban the sale, manufacture, and transfer of assault weapons. 

Peter Moniz of Captain’s Circle took the opportunity to give the town citizens awareness of the Semiquincentennial celebration which he described as the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence the birth of our nation the United States of America. He asked residents to submit ideas for events and encouraged participation.

6. BOARD OF LICENSING - Discussion and possible votes, subject to meeting all legal requirements

7. APPOINTMENTS – Discussion and possible votes

                A. Semiquincentennial Commission - (1) Council Member

Councilor Burk agreed to join the Semiquincentennial Commission as council member.

                B. Assignment of Town Councilor Liaisons for Boards and Commission

Councilor Burk volunteered to join Harbor Commission and the Economic Development Committee. Councilor deMedeiros noted that she would like to join Stonebridge Fire District and the Zoning Board. It was agreed the councilors would email any additional requests.

Without objection, President Edwards V moved forward items 8-I. 

                I. Councilor Committo - Discussion and possible vote to approve Council Resolution 2025-0014 in
                    opposition to Rhode Island 2025 Gun Control Legislation

Councilor Committo explained he submitted the resolution because he believes the bills are poorly written and overly broad. Councilor Janick agreed while Councilor Burk stated he thought Resolution 2025-0014 was overly broad and would prefer specific alternative language.

Councilor Committo motioned to approve Council Resolution 2025-0014. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed 6-1, with Councilor Burk opposed.

8. GENERAL BUSINESS

                D. Recreation Chair Gilfillen/Councilor deMedeiros – Discussion and possible vote to approve funding

                     ($60,000.00) for the 2025 Tiverton Celebrates Fireworks and Block Party

Councilor Paull motioned to approve funding ($60,000.00) for the 2025 Tiverton Celebrates Fireworks and Block Party. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.

                E. Recreation Chair Gilfillen – Discussion and possible vote to renew the Recreation Banner Policy

Councilor Paull motioned to renew the recreation banner policy, with no sunset, at the discretion of Recreation. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.

                F. Councilor Paull – Discussion and possible vote to reallocate unspent funds of $8,860 for painting and
                     relining basketball courts at Bulgarmarsh Park Recreation Area from power plant funds allocated on

                     8/13/2024 under item 9-D

Councilor deMedeiros stepped away.

Councilor Paull motioned to approve using the unspent funds of $8,860 for painting and relining the Bulgarmarsh basketball courts. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.

Councilor deMedeiros returned.

                G. Discussion and possible vote to schedule and approve funding to advertise a public hearing on the
                     proposed amendments to the Code of Ordinance Section 14-103 Renewal of Existing Permits to
                     amend the date from December 15 to January 3 to be consistent with the mooring service provider
                     and amend the notification process

Councilor Janick motioned to approve advertising the public hearing. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.

                H. Discussion and possible vote to schedule and approve funding to advertise a public hearing on the

                     Fees and Fines Resolution regarding mooring fees

Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve schedule and approve funding to advertise a public hearing on the
Fees and Fines Resolution regarding mooring fees. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.

                J.  Councilor Janick – Discussion and possible vote to approve Council Resolution 2025-0015 in support
                     of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns 2025 Legislative Priorities

Councilor Janick motioned to approve Council Resolution 2025-0015 in support of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns 2025 Legislative Priorities, with the exception of all of the League of Cities and Towns specifications on housing land use and zoning. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.

                K.  Town Administrator - Discussion and possible vote to implement “Tiverton Trash

                     Talk: Have Your Say!” a 3-month survey campaign that includes strategic public relations, media
                    relations, and content creation tailored to effectively reach stakeholder groups

Councilor Paull motioned to approve implementation of the trash survey campaign, not to exceed $2,500.00 with funds from council contingency. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.

                L. Discussion and possible vote to approve Narragansett Electric/Verizon Joint Pole Petition to replace
                   and relocate Pole 30 14’ South to property line between 282 and 270 Riverside Drive

Councilor Burk motioned to approve Narragansett Electric/Verizon Joint Pole Petition to replace and relocate Pole 30 14’ South to property line between 282 and 270 Riverside Drive. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

                M. Town Clerk – Discussion and possible vote to award contract for Agenda and Minutes Management
                     Software, with funding from Fund 262

Councilor deMedeiros motioned to award contract for Agenda and Minutes Management Software, with funding from Fund 262. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

                N. Town Clerk – Discussion and possible vote to approve retroactive salary adjustment of 3% for

                     Deputy Clerk Jean Marie Veegh, effective from 6/2/2024 through 6/1/2025

This item was held until after Executive Session.

                O. Council President Edwards: Discussion and possible vote to amend Council Resolution 2025-0001
                    requesting legislative ratification of the Tiverton Home Rule Charter as amended to include
                      reference to House bill H6111

Councilor Perry motioned to amend Council Resolution 2025- 0001, requesting legislative ratification of the Tiverton Home Rule Charter as amended to include reference to House bill H6111. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.

                P. Council President Edwards: Discussion and possible vote to approve Council Resolution 2025-0016
                     requesting legislative action related to the inclusion of manufactured homes on leased land under a
                    long term lease in excess of thirty (30) years to count towards the 10% affordable housing mandate

Councilor Perry motioned to approve Council Resolution 2025-0016. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.

Council President Edwards motioned to amend the agenda, per R.I.G.L 42-46-5(a)(5), to add to Executive Session an item related to the sale of town owned properties in the industrial park for discussion only. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION

                A. Town Clerk – R.I.G.L 42-46-5(a)(1) – Personnel -Job Performance Evaluation for Deputy Clerk

                     Jean Marie Veegh – Notice given

                B. Council President Edwards V - R.I.G.L 42-46-5(a)(5) - Related to the sale of town owned properties in
                     the industrial park for discussion only

Councilor Edwards V motioned to enter into Executive Session for agenda items 9-A and 9-B. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

The council entered a closed executive session at approximately 8:34 p.m.

The Council returned to open session at approximately 8:53 p.m.

Councilor Burk motioned to seal the minutes of Executive Session. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed.

Solicitor Marcello reported that items 9-A and 9-B were discussion only, no votes were taken.

                N. Town Clerk – Discussion and possible vote to approve retroactive salary adjustment of 3% for

                     Deputy Clerk Jean Marie Veegh, effective from 6/2/2024 through 6/1/2025

Councilor Burk motioned to approve the retroactive salary adjustment of 3.25 % for Deputy Clerk Jean Marie Veegh, effective from 6/2/2024 through 6/1/2025, per the fiscal impact statement. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed.

10. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Burk motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.

A True Copy.

ATTEST______________________________________

                           Joan B. Chabot, Town Clerk