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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, May 12, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Tiverton Town Hall, 343 Highland Road.
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 | Craig R. Committo |
| David Perry | Denise M. deMedeiros | Deborah G. Janick |
| Michael S. Burk | | |
Interim Town Administrator Jones, Solicitor Marcello, Clerk Chabot and Deputy Clerk Veegh were also present.
President Edwards V noted the upcoming 2025 Emergency Medical Services Week would be May 18-24 and a Resolution to support should be included on the next meeting agenda.
A. Approval of Town Council Minutes
1. April 7, 2025 – Regular Meeting (Councilor Burk abstains, not present)
2. April 7, 2025 – Executive Session (Councilor Burk abstains, not present)
3. April 10, 2025 – Special Meeting
B. Acknowledge Receipt of Minutes from Boards/Commissions/Committees
1. Dog Park Committee (1)
2. Budget Committee (1)
3. Harbor Commission (1)
4. Cemetery Commission (1)
5. Historic Preservation Advisory (1)
C. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports
1. Town Administrator – Departments’ Monthly Reports – April 2025
2. Town Administrator – Police and Fire Department Overtime Reports – April 2025
D. Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence
1. Town of Scituate – School Transportation Resolution
2. Town of North Smithfield - School Transportation Resolution
3. Town of Barrington
a. Resolution in support of the Restoration of General Revenue Sharing to Cities and Towns
b. Resolution in support of Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns 2025 Legislative Priorities
c. Resolution declaring Barrington a sanctuary town for transgender people and all members of the
LGBTQIA2S+ community and their allies
e. Resolution in support of the 2025 Composting and Organic Waste Division Act
f. Resolution in support of S-57 and H-5393 regarding the maintenance of sidewalks
National Public Works Week Proclamation
4. Town of Hopkinton
a. Resolution in support of H-5201 relating to the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act
b. Resolution in support of H-5204 relating to Transportation of School Pupils Beyond City and
Town Limits
c. Resolution opposing S-0851 relating to State Affairs and Government - Tourism and
Development
d. Resolution opposing Specific Land Use Legislation Proposed in the RI General Assembly
e. Resolution opposing H-5887 relating to Holidays and Days of Special Observance
5. Town of Exeter - Resolution in support of Amendments to RIGL 16-21.1-1 regarding Funding of
Student Transportation
6. Town of New Shoreham – Resolution opposing a Statewide Non Owner Occupied Property Tax
7. Letter from Karen Ephraim regarding proposed zoning ordinance changes to allow construction and
demolition processing facilities in the Tiverton Business Park
Councilor Janick motioned to approve the Consent Agenda items. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING A COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM OR OTHER TOWN BUSINESS
Karen Ephraim of 74 N. Christopher Avenue relayed concerns regarding proposed zoning ordinance changes and the allowance of a construction debris processing facility in the Planned Development Park (PDP).
Jamie French from Craig Avenue spoke about zoning concerns, noting that it was the Tiverton tax payers brought a sewer line to Tiverton, and the result was many new multi-story homes and apartments on Souza hill that many are now complaining about. She also stated that the new zoning allows more height and setback limits excessive of what the state is requiring. She complained about industrializing our water front.
Without objection, council President Edwards V brought forward item 9-B.
B. Administrator Jones– Discussion and possible vote regarding the appointment of Special Officers,
Jamian Malo, Paul Manning, Faith Melo, and Liam Haage, to serve as Community Service Officers
Administrator Jones introduced Lieutenant John LeDoux, the community policing director, who explained the officers are primarily high school seniors or college students, aimed at enhancing community presence and support during the busy season. There were five recruits - Jamie Mallow, Paul Manning, Faith Mello, Liam Hague and Jackie Morocco who will assist in patrolling local beaches and addressing minor issues like parking and beach regulations.
The Administrator called for a motion to swear in the Community Service Officers
Councilor Paull motioned to instruct the Town Clerk to swear in the Community Service Officers. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
The Town Clerk swore in the Community Officers.
6. BOARD OF LICENSING – Discussion and possible votes
A. Philomena Santos-Higgins/Cystic Fibrosis Foundation MASS-RI Chapter, Natick, MA - Request approval
of Special Event license for Cycle for Life Ride through Tiverton on Saturday, September 20, 2025,
from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (September 21 rain date) - subject to meeting all legal requirements
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve the Special Event license for Cycle for Life Ride through Tiverton on
Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (September 21 rain date) - subject to meeting all legal requirements. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
B. Charles Mulcahy, 65 Beech Avenue, Tiverton – Requesting Private Detective license renewal
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the Requesting Private Detective license renewal for Charles Mulcahy - subject to meeting all legal requirements. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) – Discussion and possible votes
A. Approval of the proposed amendments to the Tiverton Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 BOATS AND
WATERWAYS, DIVISION 4 Moorings. This proposed ordinance will amend Section 14-103 Renewal of
existing permits. The amendments would change the date from December 15 to January 3 to be
consistent with the mooring service provider, and amend the notification process.
President Edwards V opened the public hearing. No one presented and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the changes. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
8. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS– Discussion and possible votes
A. Planning Board - (9) Member Board, (3) Year Terms, (2) Vacancies
1. Cheryl Valentine, North Christopher Ave. - Requests appointment - term options ending
7/15/2026 & 7/15/2027
Ms. Valentine was interviewed by the Council.
Councilor Janick motioned to waive policy and proceed to appointment. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Perry motioned to appoint Cheryl Valentine to the Planning Board for a term ending 7/15/2027. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
2. Stephen Clarke, 31 Peaceful Way – Requests appointment to Harbor Commission as Planning
Board member – term ending 7/15/2025
Councilor Paull motioned to appoint Cheryl Valentine to the Harbor Commission as Planning Board member for a term ending 7/15/2025. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
A. DPW Director Rogers – Discussion and possible vote to approve RIRRC (RI Resource Recovery Corp.)
Tiverton FY26 & FY27 Municipal Agreement
Councilor Paull motioned to approve and direct the administrator and solicitor to counter sign. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
C. Administrator Jones – Discussion and possible vote to authorize reimbursement to Warren Police
Department for equipment related to a lateral transfer to Tiverton Police Department
Administrator Jones explained that we hired Officer Scott DeCosta to the Tiverton Police Department. He had been a recruit in the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy and within two days of graduating, had expressed interest in moving over to Tiverton. Negotiations with the Town of Warren, it was understood there were no regulations to prevent an officer to laterally transfer post-graduation. He noted that Warren would consider this a closed matter if they received the equipment reimbursement. He asserted that the situation has happened to Tiverton, in the reverse, with other towns, many times prior.
After substantial discussion, a consensus was reached that while some reimbursement items seemed legitimate, many items would have easily been repurposed.
Councilor Burk stated he would prefer that the police and fire chief's associations work for legislation or common agreement among municipalities that outlines what happens under these circumstances in terms of reimbursement.
Councilor Perry did not believe we should be liable and voiced concern that this would start an unwanted trend.
Councilor Committo motioned to have the Administrator work with police department to prepare a new list of items of equipment that actually transferred from Warren to Tiverton. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
D. Administrator Jones - Discussion and possible vote to authorize $7,000.00 for emergency floor repairs
in the Clerk’s office
Administrator Jones explained an area of structural deficiency was discovered underneath the recording room area of the Clerk’s office. The area was also inspected by the building official.
Councilor Paull motioned to authorize the Administrator to expend no more than $7,000 for emergency floor repairs in the Clerk's office. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
E. Administrator Jones - Discussion and possible vote for purchase of furniture for the Clerk’s office
Administrator Jones noted the item had been scheduled to be part of the gaming funds discussion in July, however, he was concerned that as of June 1st, potential tariffs may impact the price.
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to authorize the purchase of furniture for the Clerk’s office in an amount not to exceed $38,000.00. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
F. Councilor Edwards V - Discussion and possible vote to approve Resolution 2025-0019 in support of
S-57 and H-5393 Related to the Maintenance of Sidewalks
Councilor Burk motioned to approve Resolution 2025-0019 in support of S-57 and H-5393 Related to the Maintenance of Sidewalks. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
G. Council President Edwards V - Discussion and possible vote to approve Resolution 2025-0020
appropriating funds from Fund 650 (Casino Special Revenue Fund) for:
| Municipal Capital | Town Hall Emergency Repair | $7,000 |
| Municipal Capital | Town Hall Furniture | $38,000 |
| Fire Department | Pumper Truck E-One Cyclone | $40,000 |
Councilor Perry motioned to approve Resolution 2025-0020 appropriating funds from Fund 650 (Casino Special Revenue Fund). Seconded by Councilor Committo, the motion passed unanimously.
H. Council President Edwards V – Discussion and possible vote to approve a five-year (5) lease
agreement for the municipal recycling center with Street Legal LLC located in the Tiverton Industrial
Park
Solicitor Marcello explained the council had previously authorized this town administrator and himself to negotiate a lease with Street Legal LLC. The lease terms were a $1.00 per year for 5 years which would allow the recycling center to remain until then. The lease would not be executed until after the closing which would happen after abandonment of the roadway at the next council meeting on May 27.
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the lease as written. Seconded by Councilor Committo, the motion passed 6-1, with Councilor Burk abstaining.
I. Council President Edwards V - Discussion and possible vote to advertise proposed Code of Ordinance
Zoning amendments to include:
1. Article II, Definitions: Add definitions for “Car vault.”
2. Article III, Zoning Districts: Adds “Planned Development Park (PDP) Floating Zone” to the list of zoning districts in Article III.
3. Article IV, Sections 4, 7, 10 and 13: Adding to the District Use Table: “Car vault” (§4(s)); “Facility primarily engaged in the creation or operation of information technology or financial services” (§7(d)); “Facility primarily engaged in scientific, medical, or technological research” (§7(e)); “Retail business of less than 20,000 square foot building footprint, with liquor license” (§10(b)); and “Retail sales and/or rentals with open lot storage (other than display for sale)” (§10(h)). Further adding a column for the PDP Zone and amending some uses in the Industrial Zone to recognize that a column was added for the PDP.
4. Article IV, Section 19, updating and clarifying the Ordinance. Most significantly clarifying uses permitted by right and uses permitted by special use permit and amending the approval process to comport with the general laws; and
5. Article VI, Other District Regulations: performance standards are proposed in Article VI, Section 10, for: “Car vault” (§4(s)); and “Retail business of less than 20,000 square foot building footprint, with liquor license” (§10(b))
Solicitor Marcello explained the changed encompassed items sent to Planning Board as well as state law mandates.
Councilor Paull motioned to approve advertise proposed Code of Ordinance Zoning amendments. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
J. Review, discussion, and possible vote on the Proposed FY 26 Expenditure Budget for all municipal
Departments and Tiverton School Department
K. Overall discussion, review, and possible votes on FY 26 Budget and FY26 Revenue Projections,
including resolutions, miscellaneous supporting financial data, and tax worksheet
L. Discussion and possible vote on the FY 26 Preliminary Unified Budget Ordinance and set Public
Hearing date
Council began discussion on municipal budgetary matters for the upcoming fiscal year. The following items encompass agreed upon changes from the proposed FY26 Budget.
1010 Town Clerk’s Office – Software Maintenance was reduced from $15,413 to $7,538.
1070 Planning Board – Professional/Tech Services was reduced from $20,000 to $10,000.
1080 Zoning Board of Review – Public Stenographer was reduced from $15,000 to $7,500.
1120 Town Administrator – Automobile Expense was reduced from $5,000 to $0.00.
2190 Insurance Services – Group Health Retirees was increased from $1,050,000 to $1,100,000, Liability & Casualty/Buildings and Personal Property increased from $320,000 to $335,000 and Liability/Property/Workers Compensation was reduced from $125,000 to $95,000.
3310 Fire Department – Medical Physicals was reduced from $16,000 to $6,000.
5540 Public Works – Clothing Allowance was increased from $1,200 to $15,000. Snow Removal was reduced from $130,000 to $50,000. Sand, Salt, Gravel was reduced from $110,000 to $75,000.
5530 Landfill Operations – Recycle Center Equipment Rental was reduced from $21,200 to $2,500 and Bulldozer Repairs reduced from $25,000 to $5,000.
5130 Building Maintenance Division – Maintenance/Laborer Part-Time/Seasonal was reduced from $38,720 to $20,000.
6200 Economic Development Commission - NC Chamber & Dev Council Dues increased from $1,215 to $1,225.
6250 Civic Appropriations – Little Compton Food Bank was reduced from $5,000 to $2,000.
8790 Beaches – Online & Credit Card Processing was increased from $0 to $500.
After the changes, the new total for Municipal Expenses was $25,459,711 translating into $3.4%
Council began discussion on Revenue for FY2026.
Clerk Chabot explained that Tobacco Dealer’s License and Trade Names were zeroed as the state now handles those items.
Treasurer Saurette noted that for the last two years, the Council put in $310,000 of the PAYT revenue to offset trash. She reported that as of April 30, there was a $1,050,000 shortage in the landfill account that does not include an expected grant in May. Council agreed to add $350,000. The PY Gaming Revenue Transfer had been re-directed to paving. This brought total non-tax revenue to $15,309, 583.
Much of the discussion revolved around school appropriations and resulting tax levy increases, with council members weighing the need for fiscal responsibility against the demands of the school system. Council President Edwards V reminded that the schools have a current fiscal year deficit of an unknown dollar amount that will need to be solved.
Ultimately, the council reached a tentative agreement on a 3.43% increase, understanding that while it would lead to a .30 per thousand levy increase for homeowners, it was a necessary step to ensure the town's educational and operational needs were met.
The Solicitor advised that he would work with the treasurer to prepare the ordinances for the meeting scheduled for the following day on May 13.
Councilor Burk motioned to direct the Solicitor to work with the Treasurer and Town Administrator to develop a budget ordinance to reflect changes made and come back to us tomorrow. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Councilor Burk motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Paull seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
A True Copy.
ATTEST______________________________________
Joan B. Chabot, Town Clerk