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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 27, 2026, 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 Marcello, Administrator Jones, and Deputy Town Clerk Veegh were also present.
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 21, 2026 – Special Meeting
2. March 31, 2026 – Workshop Meeting
B. Acknowledge Receipt of Minutes from Boards/Commissions/Committees
1. Cemetery Commission (1)
2. Zoning Revision Committee (4)
3. Harbor Commission (1)
C. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports
1. Treasurer Saurette – Budget and Revenue Reports – March 2026
2. School Department YTD Budget v. Actual Report – March 2026
D. Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence
1. Town of Warren - Resolution opposing H-7369 - AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS AND INSTALLATION OF
SYSTEMS
2. Town of South Kingstown – Resolution supporting H-7911 and S-3012 - EXTENDED
PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PACKAGING AND PAPER ACT
3. Town of South Kingstown – Resolution supporting H-8018 - STATE BUILDING CODE
4. Town of South Kingstown – Proclaiming April 24, 2026 as ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE
DAY
5. Town of South Kingstown – Resolution opposing proposed water rate increase by VEOLIA
WATER RHODE ISLAND, INC
6. Town of Hopkinton – Resolution supporting H-7971 - LABOR AND PAYMENT OF DEBTS BY
CONTRACTORS
7. Town of Hopkinton – Resolution opposing S-2389 and H-7305 - ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
8. Town of Hopkinton – Resolution opposing H-7035, H-7755, H-8068, H-8071 and H-8075 relating to
new restrictions on the lawful purchase, possession, ownership, or transfer of firearms
9. Town of Middletown – Resolution opposing a STATEWIDE NONOWNER OCCUPIES PROPERTY TAX
10. Town of Middletown – Resolution supporting AMENDMENTS to the FY2027 STATE BUDGET to
FULLY FUND CERTAIN EDUCATION COSTS
11. Town of Middletown – Resolution supporting FULLY FUNDING STATE AID to LIBRARIES to the FULL
TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT
12. Town of Middletown – Resolution supporting MUNICIPALITIES COLLABORATING IN REVIEWING,
ANALYZING, AND RESPONDING TO THE 2024 & 2025 AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAWS
13. Town of Middletown – Joint Municipal Statement on the STATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAWS
14. Town of Middletown – Resolution urging FULL FUNDING of the SCHOOL HOUSING AID PROGRAM
15. Town of Exeter – Resolution supporting H-7049 and S-2147 ADJUSTING PRIMARY ELECTION DAY
to WEDNESDAY AFTER LABOR DAY
16. Town of Exeter – Resolution opposing S-2389 and H-7305 - ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
17. Town of Exeter – Resolution supporting H-7224 – relating to AWARD OF MINICIPAL CONTRACTS
18. Town of Exeter – Letter supporting the Blue Ribbon Commission’s report EQUALIZING
OPPORTUNITY: CREATING a FAIR and TRANSPARENT FUNDING SYSTEM for RHODE ISLAND’s
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
19. Town of Charlestown – Joint Municipal Statement on the STATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAWS
20. Town of Charlestown – Resolution supporting S-2275 LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING --
PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION
21. Town of Charlestown – Resolution IDENTIFYING SHORTCOMINGS in the HOUSING 2030 ELEMENT
of the RHODE ISLAND STATE GUIDE PLAN
22. Town of Charlestown – Resolution concerning MINUCIPAL AUTHORITY OVER LAND USE and
HOUSING DECISIONS
23. Correspondence from Sandra Van Hof related to URI Study
E. DPW Director Silvia – Request to advertise for bids to sell surplus vehicles
DPW – 1992 Ford LN8000 – VIN # 1FDXR82A5NVA26088
DPW – 2002 New Holland Tractor TS90 – VIN # 182247B
DPW – 2008 Ford Ranger – VIN # 1FTYR14U08PA37774
DPW – 2010 Ford F550 – VIN # 1FDAF5HY1AEB09710
FIRE – 2002 Ferrara Inferno - Pumper – VIN # 1F93545272H140103
FIRE – 2011 Ferrara Igniter – Pumper – VIN # 1F9424728BH140850
FIRE – 2016 International Terra Star – Ambulance - VIN # 1HTJSSKK4GH273188
FIRE – 2014 Chevrolet Equinox – VIN #1GNFLFEK6EZ111340
F. DPW Director Silvia – Request to extend previously approved awards for FY27:
Bituminous Concrete Paving
Road Material
Catch Basin Frames & Grates
Crack Sealing
Line Painting
Septic Tank Pumping
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Inspections
G. Tiverton Litter Committee – Notice of Spring Clean Up Event on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9 AM to
Noon
Councilor Janick removed item D-11
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of item D-11. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Janick highlighted that while state law mandates funding at 25%, the new budget proposal attempted to fund libraries at a lower rate. She requested consideration of a mirroring resolution for consideration at the next meeting.
Councilor Perry motioned to approve item D-11. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING A COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM OR OTHER TOWN BUSINESS
EDC Chair Renee Jones presented an update focused on attracting a specific business and improving Tiverton's general business environment. She noted that Bioprocess H2O, a 20-year-old company located in Portsmouth, was interested in purchasing five acres in the business park for a 20,000-square-foot facility. The facility removes toxic waste from wastewater and produces no hazardous waste itself.
Ms. Jones stated that over 18 new businesses have been welcomed to town through individual outreach. The EDC also started a monthly program to highlight local businesses via ads in the Sakonnet Times. She lamented that the Secretary of State lists 741 trade names in Tiverton, yet the town's business list has only about 240 names.
Councilor Committo acknowledged that he often hears from businesses that find the process of opening in Tiverton difficult due to excessive "hoops" and a lack of consistency.
Administrator Jones noted he was already working with the new planner to make positive changes within the planning and building departments to become more "business-friendly"
6. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS– Discussion and possible votes
A. Acknowledgement of resignations:
1. Melissa Quinlan from the Dog Park Committee, effective April 18, 2026
2. Joanna Krystman from the Dog Park Committee, effective April 12, 2026
3. Paul Anderson from the Dog Park Committee, effective April 12, 2026
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to acknowledge the resignations with sincere thanks and regret. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
B. 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
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to appoint Tyler Slade Divoll to the Harbor Commission for a term ending 7/15/2027. Seconded by Councilor Committo. The motion passed.
Councilor Paull motioned to appoint Gary Monahan to the Harbor Commission for a term ending 7/15/2027. Seconded by Councilor Perry. The motion failed.
After roll call vote, four (4) councilors (Committo, Burk, Janick and Edwards) voted for Tyler Slade Divoll. Three (3) councilors (deMedeiros, Paull and Perry voted for Gary Monahan.
C. Conservation Commission - (7) Member Board (3) Year Terms (2) Vacancies
1. Derrick Foley, 45 Cliff Street – Requests appointment for term ending 4/15/2028 or 2029
Derrick Foley was interviewed by the council.
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to waive policy and proceed to appointment. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to appoint Derrick Foley to the Conservation Commission for a term ending 4/15/2029. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
D. Recreation Commission - (7) Member Board (3) Year Terms (2) Vacancies
1. Shannon McNamara, 65 E. Demello Dr. – Requests appointment for term ending 4/15/2029
Shannon McNamara was interviewed by the council.
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to waive policy and proceed to appointment. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to appoint Shannon McNamara to the Recreation Commission for a term ending 4/15/2029. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
7. BOARD OF LICENSING - Discussion and possible vote
A. Charles Mulcahy, 65 Beech Avenue, Tiverton – Requesting Private Detective license renewal
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the Private Detective license renewal as listed. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) – Discussion and possible votes
A. Approval of the proposed amendment to the Tiverton Code of Ordinances - Chapter 2
ADMINISTRATION Section 2-1 – Fees and fines for proposed changes to the Summer Camp fees
President Edwards V opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the proposed amendment to the Tiverton Code of Ordinances - Chapter 2
ADMINISTRATION Section 2-1 – Fees and fines for proposed changes to the Summer Camp fees. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
B. Approval of the proposed amendment to the Tiverton Code of Ordinances, Articles of Appendix A –
Zoning Ordinance: (cont. from 3-9-26)
1. Article II, Definitions: Amend definition of “Earth removal”; add definitions for “Agricultural
composting” and “Backyard composting”;
2. Article III, Zoning Districts: Add Section 5. Transition Rules;
3. Article IV, District Use Regulations:
a. Amend Section 4, Public and Semipublic uses, Subsection (d) Membership athletic
club, to permit the use by right in the Waterfront 1 and 2 Zones
b. Amend Section 16, Prohibited Uses (Manufactured Homes and Composting);
c. Amend Section 22. Adaptive Reuse;
d. Add Section 23. Accessory Dwelling Units
e. Add Section 24. Uses not listed in the table of uses;
4. Article V, District Dimensional Regulations: Amend Section 1. Dimensional regulations table as
to the PFD and TMS zones;
5. Article VI, Other District Regulations:
a. Amend Section 1, Yard regulations and accessory structures;
b. Amend Section 2, Departures from yard requirements;
c. Add Section 11, Design Standards;
6. Article VII, Substandard Lots of Record:
a. Amend Section 1. Substandard original lots;
b. Amend Section 2. Merger of lots under single ownership;
c. Amend Section 4. Applicable dimensional requirements;
d. Delete Section 5. Special use permits;
7. Article X, Special Provisions: Amend Section 7. Modifications to dimensional requirements;
8. Article XIV, Nonconforming Development: Delete and replace Section 1 – 8;
9. Article XVI, Special Use Permits: Amend Sections 1 – 5;
10. Article XVIII, Enforcement and Administration:
a. Amend Section 1. Zoning officer;
b. Amend Section 4, Vested Rights.
President Edwards V opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Council Committo expressed that he felt further changes were necessary to the document, though he was not prepared to present them at the meeting. He suggested continuing the matter to the May 11th meeting to allow time for further review and preparation of specific amendments.
The council questioned Attorney Romano regarding the "green highlights" in the provided document. He clarified that these were primarily stylistic changes and nothing substantive had been altered from the previous discussions.
Councilor Committo motioned to continue the item to the next meeting on May 11, 2026. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
A. Discussion and possible vote to approve AMENDED Resolution 2026-0011 appropriating $165,000.00
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 Paull motioned to approve AMENDED Resolution 2026-0011 appropriating $165,000.00 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 Janick, the motion passed 6-1, with Councilor Burk opposed.
B. Discussion and possible vote to approve Resolution 2026-0012 - $44,364 appropriation from FY25
Casino Gaming Fund 650 for emergency HVAC repairs at Ranger and Pocasset Elementary Schools
Councilor Paull motioned to approve Resolution 2026-0012 - $44,364 appropriation from FY25 Casino Gaming Fund 650 for emergency HVAC repairs at Ranger and Pocasset Elementary Schools. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed 5-2, with Councilors Burk and Committo opposed.
C. Discussion and possible vote to approve $168,500 appropriation from FY25 Casino Gaming Fund 650
to offset state-mandated curriculum costs and technology investments (cont. from 4/13/26)
D. Discussion and possible vote to approve Resolution 2026-0013 - $168,500 appropriation from FY25
Casino Gaming Fund 650 for Curriculum Implementation – Software and Chrome Book Replacement
The council discussed a potential appropriation of $168,500 from the FY25 Casino Gaming Fund (Fund 650) to address state-mandated curriculum costs and technology investments.
Superintendent Haskins and Finance Director Andrade explained the appropriation covers state-mandated curriculum materials for Science and Social Studies ($109,445) and a portion of the Chromebook replacement costs ($59,055). It was noted that this is the first year of these specific curriculum mandates, following a year of preparation, making it a deadline requirement for the school district.
Council members raised questions regarding whether these items represent true capital expenses. Mr. Andrade emphasized that the school department is striving to integrate more costs into their operating budget, though some items remain categorized as capital needs.
Mr. Andrade clarified that a total of $109,445 is allocated for new materials, specifically $59,000 for science and $50,445 for middle school social studies. The remaining $59,055 designated for Chromebook replacement represented approximately 45% of the total cost of $132,000.
Councilor Perry questioned if there was any shift away from the reliance on classroom technology. The superintendent responded that that teachers are utilizing a balanced approach, where computers are used for specific programs like Lexia (a literacy program) and math-based exercises, but core instruction is still delivered by teachers. He furthered that the district is critically evaluating how technology is integrated, prioritizing outcomes such as peer-to-peer relationships and meaningful student engagement.
Councilor Burk declared he would not be voting on the matter as he believed it was not a true capital request, stating “I think we're out of sync with how we're deciding on using casino funds”.
It was determined that item C. was discussion only.
Councilor Edwards V motioned to amend Resolution 2026-0013 and increase it to $241,445 ($109,445 for the curriculum and $132,000 for the Chromebooks). Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed 4-3, with Councilors Burk, deMedeiros and Perry opposed.
E. DPW Director Silvia - Discussion and possible vote to approve purchase of used 2024 Mack MD Dump
Truck from FY25 Casino Revenue Account Fund 650
Director Silvia explained opportunity was identified while servicing existing equipment, noting the truck has less than 8,000 miles and offers an estimated $20,000 in savings compared to other options. His plan included repurposing a plow and frame from an existing, retired town truck to further reduce costs.
Discussion ensued, with some council members expressing concerns regarding the process for such capital requests outside of the standard quarterly cycle, debating how to maintain a rigid, disciplined approach to spending casino funds.
Councilor Burk motioned to direct the Administrator to work with the Treasurer to identify funding for the 2024 Mack MD Dump Truck at a cost of $152,500.00 as possible from Capital Fund 640. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
F. Recreation Director Gilfillen - Discussion and possible vote to approve funds ($60,000.00) for the
2026 Tiverton Celebrates Fireworks and Block Party from FY25 Casino Revenue Account Fund 650
Council engaged in an in-depth discussion regarding funding the fireworks and block party given current budgetary constraints. There was deliberation on using remaining balances from past accounts and the potential for the Town Administrator to identify stop-gap funding, including the possibility of using Council contingency funds to cover the required deposit before the next meeting.
Questions were raised about the status of payments owed by the Casino, with members expressing frustration that funds are being "held hostage" regarding contractual obligations. There was an emphasis on the importance of fundraising and better planning for future annual events to avoid recurring reliance on emergency appropriations.
Councilor Burk motioned to granted authority to locate funds to cover the initial deposit (approximately 50% of the contract) required to secure the fireworks event. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
The administrator offered to report back at the next meeting on the specific account from which these funds were identified and update on the determined source for the remaining balance.
G. Harbor Commission – Discussion and possible vote to authorize the Town Administrator to send letter
to the Coastal Resources Management Commission (CRMC) in support of changing water type
designations for a portion of Nanaquaket Pond from Type 1 to Type 2, to reflect current usage
President Edwards V explained the proposal to reclassify a portion of Nanaquaket Pond from Type 1 to Type 2 waters is a necessary correction to align official designations with the pond's current, long-standing usage by the community.
Harbor Commission members Mike Gates and Bruce Cox furthered explanation and answered questions.
The council noted that the Type 2 designation is consistent with recent waterfront zoning changes, ensuring that existing businesses and residential riparian rights remain protected
Councilor Burk motioned to direct the Town Administrator to send letter to the Coastal Resources Management Commission (CRMC) in support of changing water type designations for a portion of Nanaquaket Pond from Type 1 to Type 2, to reflect current usage. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
H. Administrator Jones – Discussion and possible vote to approve Resolution 2026-0014 to authorize the
Town Administrator and/or Town Solicitor to take all necessary and appropriate steps to sell and
close on certain lots in the Tiverton Industrial Park with Longplex Ice and Golf LLC
Councilor Paull motioned to approve Resolution 2026-0014. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed 6-1, with Councilor Burk opposed.
I. Administrator Jones – Discussion and possible vote to authorize the Town Administrator to notify
RI Trust about the health care coverage of the GLP-1 Drug
President Edwards V had announced at the start of the meeting that item 9-I would be removed for executive session on the April 30, 2026 special meeting agenda.
J. Administrator Jones – Update on Town Hall renovations
Administrator Jones provided a brief progress update on the Town Hall renovations. He noted that the project is proceeding very well and highlights that recent facility improvements have particularly benefited the planning, building, and zoning offices. He affirmed the May 11 council meeting would be held in Town all chambers.
K. Council President Edwards V – Schedule of Budget Workshops – April 23 (rescheduled), April 30, and
May 7
President Edwards V confirmed the two scheduled budget workshop dates of April 30, and May 7.
L. Council President Edwards V – Schedule Charter Amendments meeting
After discussion, the Council agreed to June 1, 2026 at 7:00 pm for a Charter Amendment workshop meeting.
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Administrator Jones: R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2) – Potential Litigation/Legal Advice – State
Planning Council decision regarding Chase Marina Redevelopment Project
Councilor Perry motioned to enter into Executive Session for agenda item 10-A. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
The Council entered a closed executive session at approximately 8:52 p.m.
The Council returned to open session at approximately 9:08 p.m.
Councilor Paull motioned to seal the minutes of Executive Session. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Solicitor Marcello reported that item 10-A was informational only.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Councilor Paull motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
A True Copy.
ATTEST______________________________________
Jean Marie Veegh, Deputy Town Clerk