Click 
to view the meeting video.
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, COUNTY OF NEWPORT
The Town Council of the Town of Tiverton, County, and State aforesaid held a Regular Council Meeting on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Tiverton Public Library, 34 Roosevelt Ave, Tiverton, RI, 20878.
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
Present
President John G. Edwards V Vice President David J. Paull David Perry
Craig R. Committo Michael S. Burk Denise M. deMedeiros
Absent
Deborah G. Janick
Solicitor Marcello, Clerk Chabot, and Deputy Clerk Veegh were also present.
Council President Edwards - Clarification on letter to the editor related to the "Tiverton Trash Talk," survey published in the Sakonnet Times and incorrectly attributed to Council President John Edwards, V.
President John G. Edwards V began the meeting with the above clarification regarding a Sakonnet Times letter to the editor that was incorrectly attributed to him. He made it clear that he did not write the letter, nor were the feelings expressed in the letter were not his. He furthered that an active public survey on the trash options remained open until July 31st and he welcomed citizen input. Although the online edition had been corrected, he expected a forthcoming retraction in the print edition.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
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. June 23, 2025 – Regular Meeting
2. June 23, 2025 – Executive Session Meeting
3. June 30, 2025 – Special Meeting
B. Acknowledge Receipt of Minutes from Boards/Commissions/Committees
1. North End and Industrial/Business Park Advisory Subcommittee & Economic Development Commission (2)
2. Conservation Commission – (2)
3. Economic Development Commission – (1)
C. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports
1. Treasurer Saurette – FY25 Gaming revenue update
D. Fire Chief Bailey - Request approval of budget transfers:
$103.77 from 3310-5100 Fire Chief’s Salary to 3310-5112 Fire Marshal Salary
$1,046.33 from 3310-5105 Differential to 3310-5112 Fire Marshal Salary
$2,058.99 from 3310-5111 EMS Incentive to 3310-5112 Fire Marshal Salary
$2,513.34 from 3310-5111 EMS Incentive to 3310-5103 Deputy Salary
$58,289.73 from 1020-6890 Council Contingency to 3310-5105 Firefighter Salaries
$47,702.00 from 1020-6890 Council Contingency to 3310-5104 Overtime
$10,584.08 from 1020-6890 Council Contingency to 3310-5107 Paid Holidays
$4,223.14 from 1020-6890 Council Contingency to 3310-5112 Fire Marshal Salary
$4,990.00 from 3310-6922 Educational Allowance to 3310-6928 Firefighter Training
$6,494.14 from 3310-6642 NFPA Mandated Insp. to 3310-7640 Apparatus Maintenance
$505.86 from 3310-7611 Fuel, Oil & Tires to 3310-7640 Apparatus Maintenance
Councilor Burk pulled items 4-C-1
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the Consent Agenda items except items 4-C-1. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
Re: Item C-1, Councilor Burk had a question on page 1, related to recreation wheelchair swing zeroed out but also showing nothing was spent. Treasurer Saurette explained that the amount was zero because it was allocated the previous year. She confirmed the project was complete with $628 remaining.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve Consent Agenda items 4-C-1. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING A COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM OR OTHER TOWN BUSINESS
Noting that President John G. Edwards noted that
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) – Discussion and possible votes
A. John Cipolla – Requesting approval of Sound Variance for wedding at the Boat House, 227 Schooner Drive on September 6, 2025, from 6:00pm – 10:30pm (SPE-89)
Mr. Cipolla briefed Council on his sound variance request for his son’s wedding, explaining the planned entertainment includes a singer performing classic standards and a jazz keyboardist for the cocktail hour and a DJ would then entertain through 10:30pm.
President Edwards V opened the public hearing.
At least 12 residents that live near the Boathouse were strongly opposed to granting the variance, expressing concerns about noise levels from previous events at the Boathouse, citing noise disturbances that have affected their quality of life. Several mentioned that the frequency of events - often multiple times a week – has become intolerable. Some also raised questions noise ordinances enforcement and the potential for setting a precedent if the variance was granted.
The Cipolla’s pointed out that previous events had been allowed to feature live music without issue, arguing that denying their request would be unfair.
President Edwards V closed the public hearing.
Council deliberated and acknowledged the challenge of balancing local business interests with residential quality of life. Councilor Burke acknowledged the Cipolla family had followed the necessary procedures to seek approval, unlike some previous events at the Boathouse that had gone unregulated. Councilor Paul suggested reviewing police reports to assess any documented noise complaints from the Boathouse.
After further discussion, Council agreed upon a need for future discussions about the Boathouse's operations and the potential impact on the surrounding community.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the Sound Variance requested by John Cipolla for a wedding at the Boat House, 227 Schooner Drive on September 6, 2025, from 6:00pm – 10:30pm. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
B. Approval of the Petition to Abandon Communication Drive. Continued from 7/14/2025
President Edwards V opened the public hearing.
Portsmouth resident Jeff Kielbasa, spoke to object to the abandonment that he declared would negatively impact his vacant lot on 1220 Fish Road, by blocking access via Communication Drive. He disagreed that he had suitable access on Fish Road.
President Edwards V explained the intent to abandon the road - that does not exist - was related to a closing requirement on a current offer to purchase a large parcel of land.
It was suggested that Mr. Kielbasa could potentially contact the purchaser of the land, to work out a possible easement for access.
Council for Longplex Ice & Golf, LLC, Dan Reilly stated for the record, that the plan currently before the planning board seeking master plan approval, requires the road to be abandoned because the site plan goes over where this road is currently located. He furthered that the entire industrial park had been carved into very small lots that would have to be merged and paper roads abandoned, so it can be developable. He added that the lot still legally has frontage on Fish Road and the paper roads only existed for, roughly, the past 12 years.
President Edwards V closed the public hearing.
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the abandonment of Communication Drive. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
C. Approval of the proposed amendment to the Tiverton Code of Ordinance Chapter 42 - FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, Article II Open Burning Section 42-34(a)(1) to remove the burning permit restriction between May 1 and September 30th. Continued from 7/14/2025
President Edwards V opened the public hearing.
Peter Moniz of 83 Captain’s Circle, asked for clarification on what changes had been made. President Edwards V clarified that the only change was to remove the restriction on burning from May 1st to September 30th, with fire department approval. He reiterated his earlier concerns about burning in the summer, especially green or wet material, and the smoke impacts on surrounding neighbors.
Councilor Committo acknowledged Mr. Moniz’ concerns, affirming that it fire department deems the burning material is dangerous or inappropriate, they will not give a permit.
Renee Jones suggested the Council let residents know they would need a permit by potentially including it on the garbage school mailings.
Treasurer Denise Saurette of 45 South Avenue, spoke in her individual capacity, supported Mr. Moniz’s assertion that we have a short summer season, and that they cannot sit outside if someone is burning, as her husband has health issues with asthma.
President Edwards V closed the public hearing.
Councilor Committo motioned to approve the proposed amendment to Article II Open Burning Section 42-34(a)(1) to remove the burning permit restriction between May 1 and September 30th. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed by a vote of 5-1, with Councilor Burk opposed.
7. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS– Discussion and possible votes
A. Planning Board - (9) Member Board (3) Year Terms (4) Vacancies, Terms end 7/15/28 (3), 7/15/26 (1)
1. Stuart Hardy, 51 Summerfield Lane – Requests re-appointment for term ending 7/15/2028
2. Janice Gomes, 58 Massey Road - Requests re-appointment for term ending 7/15/2028
2. Adam Rapoza, 31 Carpenter Street - Requests appointment
3. Allyn Meyers, 31 Nicholson Place - Requests appointment
Councilor Burk motioned to reappoint Stuart Hardy, 51 Summerfield Lane, to the Planning Board for a term ending 7/15/2028. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed by a vote of 4-2, with Councilors Committo and Perry opposed.
Councilor Burk motioned to reappoint Janice Gomes, 58 Massey Road, to the Planning Board for a term ending 7/15/2028. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed by a vote of 4-2, with Councilors Committo and Perry opposed.
Mr. Rapoza was not in attendance.
Mr. Meyers was interviewed by the council.
Councilor Burk motioned to waive policy and proceed to appointment. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to appoint Adam Rapoza, 31 Carpenter Street, to the Planning Board for a term ending 7/15/2028. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to appoint Allyn Meyers, 31 Nicholson Place , to the Planning Board for a term ending 7/15/2026. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
B. Zoning Board - (7) Member Board (5) Year Terms (1) Vacancy (2) Alternate Vacancies
1. George S. Alzaibak, 63 Stoney Hollow Road – Requests re-appointment to 7/15/2030
2. Edwin K. Schober, Jr., 124 Long Pasture Way - Requests re-appointment as 1st alternate, term ending 7/15/26
Councilor Edwards V motioned to reappoint George S. Alzaibak, 63 Stoney Hollow Road, to the Zoning Board for a term ending 7/15/2030. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to reappoint Edwin K. Schober, Jr., 124 Long Pasture Way, to the Zoning Board as 1st alternate for a term ending 7/15/2026. Seconded by Councilor DeMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
C. Economic Development Commission - (5) Member Board (4) Year Terms (2) Vacancies
1. Renee Jones, 161 Highland - Requests re-appointment to 7/15/2029
Councilor Burk motioned to reappoint Renee Jones, 161 Highland Road, to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending 7/15/2029. Seconded by Councilor Edwards V, the motion passed by a vote of 3-2-1, with Councilors Committo and Perry opposed and Councilor Paull abstaining.
D. Conservation Commission - (7) Member Board (3) Year Terms (3) Vacancies
1. Zachary Guerette, 30 Edmond Lane - Requests appointment to 4/15/2028
Mr. Gurette was not present for interview.
Councilor Paull motioned to table this item for the next meeting. Seconded by Councilor DeMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
E. Harbor Commission - (9) Member Board (2) Year Terms (4) Vacancies
1. David Stewart, 593 Highland Road - Requests re-appointment to 7/15/2027
2. Charles E. Lawrence, 108 Long Pasture Way - Requests re-appointment to 7/15/2027
Councilor Paull motioned to reappoint Charles E. Lawrence, 108 Long Pasture Way, to the Harbor Commission for a term ending 7/15/2027. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.
8. GENERAL BUSINESS
A. Semiquinentennial Commission Chair Moniz - Update on commission activities
A planting of two trees at the town hall, red maples known as George Washington and Ben Franklin with the assistance of the Tree Commission. A new flag pole and ground improvements at Town Hall. Sakonnet Bridge patriotic lighting on the week of July 4th. Various events, displays and lectures at the Library on multiple occasions. Potential permanent commemorative locations to include the Mount Hope Bay Greenway Liberty Trail bike and pedestrian pathway, Coastal Reserve Linear Park. They would also work to promote the community to participate in flying the US flag and other colors of our flag throughout the town. A public raising of the Liberty Poll on June 14th, a colonial tradition of establishing a gathering, with possible speaker and musical event. Other events would include a historical scavenger hunt, a Patriot Night at the middle school on February 4th, the burying of a time capsule. He concluded noting the ideas were tentative and in progress.
B. Town Clerk Chabot – Discussion and possible vote to ratify the three-year contract renewal and approve the fiscal impact statement for Deputy Clerk Jean Marie Veegh
Councilor Paull motioned to ratify the three-year contract renewal and approve the fiscal impact statement for Deputy Clerk Jean Marie Veegh. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
C. Councilor President Edwards – Update on meeting of working group (Council President, School Committee Chair, Administrator, Superintendent, Finance Director, Treasurer, and legal counsel) regarding the School Department FY25 budget deficit
Councilor President Edwards V informed the meeting had been scheduled for August 5, to discuss the plan is to repay the town and prevent growing the deficit. His intention was to have something ready for ratification at the next meeting on August 12.
D. Councilor President Edwards - discussion and possible vote on Resolution 2025-0028 regarding Birthing Center at Newport Hospital
Councilor deMedeiros recused from this item and left the table.
Councilor Paull motioned to approve Resolution 2025-0028 regarding the Birthing Center at Newport Hospital. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor deMedeiros returns to the table.
E. DPW Director Silvia – Discussion and possible vote to authorize purchase of a Ford F-600 or similar dump truck with lift, gate plow, and sander, not to exceed $125,000.00 from Capital Fund 640
Councilor Paull motioned to authorize the purchase of a Ford F-600 or similar dump truck with lift, gate plow, and sander, not to exceed $125,000.00 from Capital Fund 640. Seconded by Councilor DeMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
F. Administrator Jones – Discussion and possible vote to authorize USDA grant application with matching funds for DPW and Police Department vehicles
Councilor DeMedeiros motioned to authorize the USDA grant application with matching funds for DPW and Police Department vehicles. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
G. Administrator Jones – Discussion regarding Beach parking and hours of operation
In Administrator Jones’ absence, President Edwards V, relayed the Administrator expressed a desire to explore expanding beach hours by two additional hours to potentially increase revenue and expand lifeguard hours until 6pm. He furthered that rules and regulations must be proposed by Recreation, thus, the Administrator would like Council affirmation prior to pursuing the potential policy change. After discussion, Council was in agreement with the potential increase in hours.
H. Administrator Jones – Discussion and possible vote to authorize increase in Life Insurance Coverage to $100k for the Town Clerk and Treasurer to be consistent with Department Heads
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the increase in Life Insurance Coverage to $100k for the Town Clerk and Treasurer. Seconded by Councilor DeMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
I. Solicitor Marcello – Discussion and direction regarding demolition ordinance
Solicitor Marcello explained the ordinance would extend the time period for which a person cannot demolish a house that may be considered historic, after a demolition permit is issued. He added that the Town would likely have to seek special legislation for this from the general assembly.
Council President Edwards V, suggested that, alternatively, there be improved communication flow and process to ensure Historic Preservation was notified promptly of demolition permits.
Sue Anderson, Chair of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, responded that in the case of the Lafayette house demolition, the General Assemble had never approved demolition. She explained her drafted demolition plan would take care of all demolition, whether a new or old building.
After further discussion, Council was in agreement with Solicitor Marcello’s suggestion to have a round table meeting with the building official and Ms. Anderson to continue discussion on proposed ordinance and a process to establish a potential historical property list.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Solicitor Marcello - R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2) - General update on all pending litigation
B. Solicitor Marcello - R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2) Opiod Litigation – Purdue Direct Settlement Authorization (CL- 175090) Discussion and possible vote to authorize the town solicitor to execute various settlement documents
C. Town Clerk Chabot – RIGL 42-46-5(a)(1) – Personnel -Job Performance/Annual Evaluation for Deputy Clerk Jean Marie Veegh – Notice given
Councilor Edwards V motioned to enter into Executive Session for agenda items 9-A and 9-B. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
The council entered a closed executive session at approximately 9:51 p.m.
The Council returned to open session at approximately 9:54 p.m.
Councilor Perry motioned to seal the minutes of Executive Session. Councilor Paull seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed.
Solicitor Marcello reported that item 9-A discussion only, and item 9-B, a vote was taken to authorize the Solicitor to sign opioid settlement documents.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Councilor Perry motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Paull seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
A True Copy.
ATTEST______________________________________
Joan B. Chabot, CMC, Town Clerk