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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, April 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Tiverton Public Library, 34 Roosevelt Ave, Tiverton, Rhode Island 02878.
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 |
| Deborah G. Janick | Craig R. Committo | Denise M. deMedeiros |
| Michael S. Burk | | |
Solicitor Kirsch, Administrator Jones, and Town Clerk Chabot were also present.
President Edwards V gave the floor to Councilor Perry
Councilor Perry recognized this week as Reading Week for our school system. He had the privilege to read today at Pocasset School in Miss Simpson’s first grade class this morning and at Ranger School Mrs. Reimels’ first grade class this afternoon. He was presented with a thank you award from each class. He recommended others to volunteer for this wonderful opportunity.
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. March 23, 2026 – Regular Meeting
2. March 23, 2026 – Executive Session
B. Acknowledge Receipt of Minutes from Boards/Commissions/Committees
1. Conservation Commission (1)
2. Historic Preservation Advisory Board (1)
3. Harbor Commission (1)
4. Semiquincentennial Commission (1)
C. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports
1. Town Administrator – Departments’ Monthly Reports – March 2026
2. Town Administrator – Police and Fire Department Overtime Reports – March 2026
3. School Department YTD Budget v. Actual Report – February 2026
4. Cemetery Commission – 2025 Annual Report
D. Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence
1. Town of Lincoln - Resolution relating to LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING
2. Town of Lincoln - Resolution in support of MUNICIPALITIES COLLABORATING IN REVIEWING,
ANALYZING, AND RESPONDING TO THE 2024 & 2025 AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAWS
3. Town of Lincoln - Resolution in support of legislation allowing Lincoln to establish a tax
exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans
4. Town of Lincoln - Resolution congratulating the Enrico Caruso Society on the 100th Anniversary of
its founding
5. Town of Lincoln - Resolution in Opposition to House Bill H-8073 and Senate Bill 2710 related to
restricting the possession of prohibited firearms
6. Town of Lincoln - Resolution in Support of H-7971 relating to PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -
LABOR AND PAYMENT OF DEBTS BY CONTRACTORS
7. Town of Lincoln - Resolution in support of Joint Resolution 7678 CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT
LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON CITY AND TOWN AFFAIRS
8. Town of East Greenwich – Resolution in support of the Implementation of the Rhode Island Blue
Ribbon Commission on Education Funding Recommendations
9. Town of East Greenwich - Resolution relating to LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING
10. Town of Portsmouth – Resolution in support of H-7971 relating to PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS
- LABOR AND PAYMENT OF DEBTS BY CONTRACTORS
11. Town of Portsmouth – Resolution in support of Joint Resolution 7678 CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT
LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON CITY AND TOWN AFFAIRS
12. Town of Portsmouth - Resolution in support of H-8013 RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER
VEHICLES - MOBILE AND MANUFACTURED HOMES
13. Letter from Al and Nancy Cormier related to Viti violations
14. Letter from Sandra Van Hof related to high-density LMI housing developments
E. DPW Director Silvia – Request approval of FY26 budget transfer:
1. $11,000.00 from Acct# 5540-5101 DPW Maintenance Workers to Acct# 5130-5180 Maint. Labor
Seasonal
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the Consent Agenda. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed 6-0-1, with Councilor Burk absent.
Without objection, Council President Edward V took item 8-B and 8-C out of order.
B. Tiverton Police Dept./Recreation Commission - Discussion and possible vote to approve 2026 National
Night Out Softball Tournament and Community Event at Bulgarmarsh Recreational area on Saturday,
Aug 29, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
C. Tiverton Police Dept./Recreation Commission – Discussion and possible vote to approve Child Safety
& Wellness Day event at 300 Industrial Way (Longplex) on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 11am-3pm
Councilor Paull motioned to approve events 2026 National Night Out Softball Tournament and Community Event at Bulgarmarsh Recreational area on Saturday, Aug 29, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Child Safety & Wellness Day event at 300 Industrial Way (Longplex) on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 11am-3pm. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed 6-0-1, with Councilor Burk absent.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING A COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM OR OTHER TOWN BUSINESS
Resident Gary Monahan commented that he disliked banners and signs. As the current Vice Chair of the Recreation Commission, we worked hard on the Banner Policy and he believes it to be a very fair policy.
Resident Deborah Dupont commented on Mega trash & recycling collection. She expressed her concerns about automated collection, including blue bin disposal, PAYT trash bags vs stickers, and cart purchase. She stated that we are not ready to go with carts.
Semiquincentennial Commission Chair, Peter Moniz, reminded residents to fly the Red, White and Blue by July 4th, including bunting and flags, to celebrate the 250th anniversary.
6. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS– Discussion and possible votes
A. Acknowledgement of resignations:
1. Richard Taylor from the Planning Board & Technical Review Committee, effective March 25, 2026
2. Steven Lopes from the Dog Park Committee, effective March 30, 2026
3. Martin Van Hof from the Open Space and Land Preservation Commission, effective March 23, 2026
4. Robert Sedoma from Cemetery Commission, effective April 15, 2026
Councilor Paull motioned to accept the resignations with regret. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
B. Board of Canvassers – Candidate to fill position for Tiverton Board of Canvassers (6) Year Term,
Term ending March 1, 2033
Tiverton Democratic Town Committee Candidates are as follows:
1. Paul Amaral
2. Carol Herrmann
3. Dan Deren
4. Linda Jenkins
5. Nicholas Pizzolato
Tiverton Republican Town Committee Candidates are as follows:
1. Judith Jones
2. John Moran Jr.
3. Mark Constance
$. Christopher Borden
5. Cynthia Isherwood
Council President Edwards V called for a roll call vote.
Council President Edwards V motioned to appoint Paul Amaral to the open seat on the Board of Canvassers. Seconded by Councilor Janick.
Council President Edwards V motioned to appoint Judith Jones to the open seat on the Board of Canvassers. No second.
Council President Edwards V called the vote on motion to appoint Paul Amaral to the open seat on the Board of Canvassers, with term ending March 1, 2033.
The motion passed unanimously.
C. Board of Canvassers - Republican Alternate position, (6) Year Term, Term ending March 1, 2033
1. Judith Jones
2. John Moran Jr.
3. Mark Constance
$. Christopher Borden
5. Cynthia Isherwood
Council President Edwards V motioned to appoint Judith Jones to the Republican Alternate seat on the Board of Canvassers, with term ending March 1, 2033. Seconded by Councilor Paull. The motion passed unanimously.
D. Harbor Commission - (9) Member Board (2) Year Terms
(1) Vacancy Public member, (1) Vacancy Planning Board representative
1. Tyler Slade Divoll, 44 Jiley Hill - Requests appointment for term ending 7/15/2027
2. Gary Monahan, 67 Tanglewood Drive - Requests appointment for term ending 7/15/2027
Candidates, Tyler Slade Divoll and Gary Monahan, were interviewed by the Council.
As per council policy, Council President Edwards V stated the council vote on appointment at the next council meeting.
E. Open Space and Land Preservation Commission - (9) Member Board (3) Year Terms (4) Vacancies
1. Jonathan Miguel Klinker - Requests re-appointment for term ending 4/15/2029
2. John Nery - Requests re-appointment for term ending 4/15/2029
3. Jean Paul Forcier - Requests re-appointment for term ending 4/15/2029
Councilor Burk motioned to reappoint Jonathan Miguel Klinker, John Nery, and Jean Paul Forcier to the Open Space and Land Preservation Commission, with terms ending 4/15/2029. Seconded by Councilor Janick. The motion passed unanimously.
F. Recreation Commission - (7) Member Board (3) Year Terms (2) Vacancies
1. Katelyn Monast - Requests re-appointment for term ending 4/15/2029
2. Edward J. Sevigny - Requests re-appointment for term ending 4/15/2029
Councilor Burk motioned to reappoint Katelyn Monast to the Recreation Commission, with term ending 4/15/2029. Seconded by Councilor Paull. The motion passed unanimously.
Edward J. Sevigny’s reappointment request was tabled to the next council meeting based on concerns he is an employee of the town.
G. Historical Cemeteries Commission - (5) Member Board (3) Year Terms (2) Vacancies
1. Eileen Costa - Requests re-appointment for term ending 4/15/2029
2. Bradford Labine - Requests re-appointment for term ending 4/15/2029
Councilor Committo motioned to reappoint Eileen Costa and Bradford Labine to the Historical Cemeteries Commission, with terms ending 4/15/2029. Seconded by Councilor Paull. The motion passed unanimously.
H. Cemetery Commission - (5) Member Board (3) Year Terms (2) Vacancies
1. Melissa Napier - Requests re-appointment for term ending 4/15/2029
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to reappoint Melissa Napier to the Cemetery Commission, with term ending 4/15/2029. Seconded by Councilor Paull. The motion passed unanimously.
I. Conservation Commission - (7) Member Board (3) Year Terms (4) Vacancies
1. Lizabeth Cottrell - Requests re-appointment for term ending 4/15/2029
2. Thomas Ramotowski - Requests re-appointment for term ending 4/15/2029
Councilor Perry motioned to reappoint Lizabeth Cottrell and Thomas Ramotowski to the Conservation Commission, with terms ending 4/15/2029. Seconded by Councilor Paull. The motion passed unanimously.
J. Dog Park Committee – (9) Member Board (3) Year Terms, (5) Vacancies
1. Kenneth Carlisle - Requests re-appointment for term ending 4/15/2029
Councilor Paull motioned to reappoint Kenneth Carlisle to the Dog Park Committee, with term ending 4/15/2029. Seconded by Councilor Perry. The motion passed unanimously.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) – Discussion and possible votes
A. Kenneth and Erin Welchman - Requesting approval of Sound Variance for wedding at 149 Blueberry
Lane on August 28, 2026, from 5:00pm – 10:00pm (SPE-64)
President Edwards V opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the Sound Variance for wedding at 149 Blueberry Lane on August 28, 2026, from 5:00pm – 10:00pm. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
B. Cultural Survival/Candyce Testa – Approval of sound variance for Cultural Survival Bazaar at Tiverton
Four Corners Arts Center, 3852 Main Road, on July 24-26, 2026, from 10 am to 6 pm, and approval of
special event permit (non-advertised) (SPE-151)
President Edwards V opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Attorney Nick Olinsky, from the Four Corners Owners Association, had reviewed the video from the last meeting and would like to dispel some information as inaccurate. The owner of 3848 Main Rd may not be aware of the extent to which her deed is burdened by easements, covenants, and restrictions. Some of those easements, covenants, and restrictions require her to allow parking for at least up to eight festivals or events, specifically Cultural Survival on her lot. All the lots in the village commercial zone, the properties all meet their parking requirements by using adjacent lots by way of easements and covenants that run with the property, not with the owner of the property. Each one of those lots to meet the parking requirements from the Tiverton Zoning Ordinance uses adjacent lots. And then in addition to that, there is a specific mention in the declaration of covenants, easements, and restrictions that burdens that property that states that the owners of the of parcels at 28 East Road and 3852 Main Road shall be entitled to have, among other things, not more than eight festivals, such as Cultural Survival and the Antiques Festival, which may involve the use of parking spaces in lawn areas on other parcels, provided that they have written notice, that the festival people pay for all clean up after any such festivals and indemnify the owners for all damages and injuries. Additionally, they are all required to have liability insurance on their property.
Event organizer Candyce Testa stated she was to review parking, trash, and restrooms from the last meeting. She has met with the Police Chief regarding parking and logistics, with police details for all three days, and hiring attendants to direct parking, including specific parking requirements for vendors and staff. We will increase the amount of parking signage directing people to Holland's field and explore the possibility of having a cart to transport people to and from the field. We'll still have a receptacle large enough to contain all the trash that's generated. We'll make sure that all of our vendors are asked to dispose of their own waste and we'll have a trash removal company come and remove anything that's left behind. And about restrooms, we'll have five regular restrooms, one ADA specific restroom, and two handwashing stations that will be serviced on Saturday.
Adrian Burke, owner of a business located at 3848 Main Road, stated they are having a legal review of these documents since it has become necessary for her company to do so. There are certain amendments that have been referenced that are not recorded. She requested a map where everything will be positioned for the event to review. Councilor deMedeiros provided her with a from council backup that is available online and with the application. She would like to know if they are going to have some kind of driving service to help people get shuttled from auxiliary parking, does that driving company need to be licensed and in a business that does transport public or could it be somebody's friend or another business that's providing services to one of the owners.
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the sound variance for Cultural Survival Bazaar at Tiverton Four Corners Arts Center, 3852 Main Road, on July 24-26, 2026, from 10 am to 6 pm, and approve special event permit. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed 6-1, with Councilor Burk opposed.
C. Approval of the proposed amendment to the Tiverton Code of Ordinances Chapter 2, Article V
Finance, Division 4, Sections 2-130, 2-131, and 2-133 regarding School Capital Revolving Fund
Ordinance to address the Tiverton School Deficit
President Edwards V opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the amendments to the Tiverton Code of Ordinances Chapter 2, Article V Finance, Division 4, Sections 2-130, 2-131, and 2-133 regarding School Capital Revolving Fund Ordinance to address the Tiverton School Deficit. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
D. Approval of the proposed amendment to the Tiverton Code of Ordinances, Articles of Appendix A –
Zoning Ordinance:
1. Article IV, District Use Regulations: Revising Section 9(f) “Veterinary office or animal hospital” to
allow by right in the Waterfront W2 zoning district
2. Article VI, Other District Regulations: Adding a performance standard in Article VI, Section 10(H),
for: “Veterinary office or animal hospital”
President Edwards V opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the amendments to the Tiverton Code of Ordinances Articles of Appendix A – Zoning Ordinance, Article IV, District Use Regulations, Revising Section 9(f) “Veterinary office or animal hospital” to allow by right in the Waterfront W2 zoning district, and Article VI, Other District Regulations: Adding a performance standard in Article VI, Section 10(H), for: “Veterinary office or animal hospital”. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
8. GENERAL BUSINESS
A. Little League Board President Mike DeCotis – Requesting reconsideration of banner policy
Mr. Mike DeCotis, President of Tiverton Little League, is requesting the Council reconsider the town’s banner policy. Little League relies heavily on sponsorships to fund operations, equipment, and field maintenance. Sponsor banners are a primary benefit offered to local businesses who support the league. The current policy limits what banners look like and where banners can be displayed, which reduces the league’s ability to attract and retain sponsors. Mr. DeCotis emphasizes that the league is a community‑based, volunteer‑run organization serving many local children.
Recreation Chair Gilfillen stated that the League has been given two years to come into compliance with Recreation Commission policy.
Based on feedback from Paul’s Press, Mr. DeCotis asks the Council to modify or relax the policy to allow banners, outlined in green, containing the company logos without any alteration, during the season at the fields where games are played.
Council discussion includes clarifying what the current policy allows (green banners with white lettering) and acknowledgment of the league’s community value.
Councilor Paull mentioned that this item was on the agenda for discussion only.
D. DPW Director Silvia - Discussion and possible vote to approve Resolution 2026-0011 appropriating
$175,000.00 to fund Playground Renovations for Pocasset Field and Hooper Park, and $9,800 to fund
Police Department flooring additional costs, from the Casino Revenue Account Fund 650
Councilor Perry motioned to approve Resolution 2026-0011 appropriating $175,000.00 to fund Playground Renovations for Pocasset Field and Hooper Park, and $9,800 to fund Police Department flooring additional costs, from the Casino Revenue Account Fund 650. Seconded by Councilor Committo, the motion passed 6-1, with Councilor Burk opposed.
E. Recreation Commission - Discussion and possible vote to advertise for public hearing regarding 2026
summer camp fees
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to fund advertising for public hearing regarding 2026 summer camp fees. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
F. School Department – Discussion and possible vote to approve $44,364 appropriation from FY25
Casino Gaming Fund 650 for emergency HVAC repairs at Ranger and Pocasset Elementary Schools
Councilor Paull motioned to approve $44,364 appropriation from FY25 Casino Gaming Fund 650 for emergency HVAC repairs at Ranger and Pocasset Elementary Schools and direct Solicitor to provide Resolution. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed 6-1, with Councilor Burk opposed.
G. School Department – Discussion and possible vote to approve $168,500 appropriation from FY25
Casino Gaming Fund 650 to offset state-mandated curriculum costs and technology investments
Councilor Burk motioned to continue this item to the next council meeting. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
H. School Department – Discussion and possible vote to approve grant application to US Tennis
Association for High School tennis court improvements, up to a maximum of $150,000 match
Councilor Burk motioned to approve grant application to US Tennis Association for High School tennis court improvements, up to a maximum of $150,000 match. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
I. Administrator Jones – Discussion and possible vote to authorize Administrator to sign Memorandum
of Understanding regarding the use of space at Fort Barton School by Tiverton Recreation Commission
Councilor Perry motioned to authorize Administrator to sign Memorandum of Understanding regarding the use of space at Fort Barton School by Tiverton Recreation Commission. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed 6-0-1, with Councilor Paull absent.
J. Administrator Jones – Mega Disposal presentation; Discussion, review, and possible vote regarding
trash and recycling collection contract proposal options
Councilor Burk motioned to approve a one-year contract extension with Mega Disposal and to direct the Administrator to go out for Request for Proposal (RFP) with both options (manual and automated collection). Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
K. Administrator Jones – Discussion and possible vote to extend ground maintenance services contract
with DaPonte’s Landscaping Services
Councilor Janick motioned to extend ground maintenance services contract with DaPonte’s Landscaping Services. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
L. Administrator Jones – Update regarding Comprehensive Community Plan Update Request for
Information (RFI) proposals
Administrator Jones reported that several Request for Information (RFI) proposals were received and reviewed by the Planner. The Comprehensive Community Plan requires a full rewrite that is due in 2028. The Request for Proposal (RFP) specifications will be advertised/posted and will be returning with bid responses in the future.
M. Administrator Jones – Update on Town Hall renovations
Administrator Jones reported that renovations are progressing and that Council meeting of May 11, 2026, will be held in council chambers.
N. Council President Edwards V – Discussion and possible vote on possible amendments to the Council
Policy: Boards, Commissions, and Committees (Amended March 11, 2024), regarding the
Appointment Process
Councilor Burk motioned to direct the Solicitor to provide an update to Council Policy: Boards, Commissions, and Committees (Amended March 11, 2024), regarding the Appointment Process. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Solicitor Marcello: R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation: NC-2013-0087 Town of Tiverton v. LAL
Construction Company – Discussion and update on litigation and potential consent judgment
Settlement
B. Administrator Jones: R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2) – Potential Litigation/Legal Advice – State
Planning Council decision regarding Chase Marina Redevelopment Project.
Council President Edwards V motioned to enter into Executive Session for agenda item 9-A and 9-B. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.
The Council entered a closed executive session at approximately 9:43 p.m.
The Council returned to open session at approximately 10:24 p.m.
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to seal the minutes of Executive Session. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Solicitor Marcello reported for item 9-A, consent judgement settlement was approved by the council and will be made public once accepted by the other party and for item 9-B, a vote was taken, but the disclosure of any such votes taken in executive session at this point would be detrimental to the interests of the town, and therefore, they will not be disclosed at this time.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
A True Copy.
ATTEST______________________________________
Joan B. Chabot, CMC, Town Clerk