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

Absent

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

4. GENERAL BUSINESS

A. Discussion and possible vote on cleanup efforts from the Blizzard of 2026, including any need for
     Council President to declare a state of emergency locally and any possible funding approvals from
     Casino funds or other sources or transfers needed for cleanup efforts

Councilor Burk highlighted the work being done and received complaints about the process. He requested a future discussion on council roles in supporting staff. He wanted to know why Tiverton did not declare a state of emergency. He anticipates that casino funds may be needed to cover the costs and noted that State help was received.

Administrator Jones stated that emergency personnel (DPW, Police, and Fire) did a tremendous job. He and the Town EMA Director were in contact with RIEMA starting Sunday, twice a day throughout the storm. The Governor issued a state of emergency. No other cities or towns declared a state of emergency. The Governor’s Office, along with our Congressional delegation, is working on FEMA reimbursement. He is working with staff on the storm costs. The parking ban was lifted this morning. We called local vendors, and they provided help with their heavy equipment. A loader was received on Wednesday, dump trucks were also needed, and the town received permission to place snow in the bay. An after-action report will be developed, expect the executive summary to include community survey, EOC, shelter, social media, etc. He will be working with staff once activities recede.

Councilor Burk mentioned that there are people with computers and should consider others in the community.

Administrator Jones mentioned that Code Red needed to be updated.

Councilor Burk asked - what was the role of councilors?

Administrator Jones stated, from his standpoint, role is to be supportive, to forward complaints/compliments to him, and to listen to what the community experienced.

Councilor Perry thanked DPW, Fire, and Police for their efforts. Comparing Blizzard of 1978 to Blizzard of 2026. 1978 was not able to move for a week, and 2026 had roads open in 46 hours.

Councilor Janick offered kudos to DPW, Police, and Fire, a phenomenal job. An action plan should include any kind of disaster (hurricane, etc.)

Administrator Jones will be looking to get a plow on the Fire Department squad truck and will have discussions on what we can do to improve service.

Council President Edwards thanked the departments for their efforts. He also mentioned private companies that provided help and equipment – East Coast Construction, JPS Construction, and others.

Councilor Janick mentioned her neighbor Sergio, who helped out on Judson Street and other neighboring streets in North Tiverton.

Administrator Jones plans to work with everyone involved so that the council can give recognition to every vendor, every department, and all employees who came together as a community to get us through this storm.

5. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Burk motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:33 a.m.

A True Copy.

ATTEST______________________________________

                              Joan B. Chabot, Town Clerk