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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, January 29, 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, Town Clerk Chabot, 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. January 12, 2025 – Regular Meeting
2. January 12, 2025 – Executive Session
B. Acknowledge Receipt of Minutes from Boards/Commissions/Committees
1. Harbor Commission (4)
C. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports
1. Town Administrator – Departments’ Monthly Reports – December 2025
2. Police and Fire Department Overtime Reports – December 2025
3. Treasurer Saurette – Budget and Revenue Reports – December 2025
4. School Department YTD Budget v. Actual Report – December 2025
D. Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence
1. RIDOT – Letter re: disposition of surplus state land
2. Cannabis Control Commission – Letter related to adult-use cannabis retail license applications
E. Approval of Tax Assessor Abatements – $17,576.40
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the Consent Agenda items. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING A COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM OR OTHER TOWN BUSINESS
Resident Susan Anderson, also chair of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, reminded the Council that the Preserve Rhode Island, in partnership with the RI Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission (RIHPHC), will be hosting a demolition delay webinar with the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) on Wednesday, February 11th from 12:00-2:00pm. She encouraged all members to attend.
Resident Jamie French spoke re: resolution 2025-0006 related to water district merger of the North Tiverton Fire District and the Stonebridge Water District. She stated that although a dissolution or the resolution had occurred, there was no withdraw to leave to take the resolution out of the record. Solicitor Marcello responded that despite the resolution being rescinded, it cannot be taken out of the record. The Clerk will update the resolution to indicate its rescission.
Without objection, President Edwards V moved forward item 10-G.
G. Councilor Perry – Recognition of Ms. Christine Costa as recipient of the Teaching America250 Award from the Jack Miller Center
Ms. Costa was recognized as the Rhode Island recipient of the Teaching America250 Award She is a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Tiverton Middle School in Tiverton, Rhode Island, where she has devoted nearly three decades to teaching. She explained the $5,000 prize would be used for field trips to the Massachusetts Historical Society and the Adams’ National Historic Park where students will have hands-on interactions with primary sources led by guest speakers, culminating in the production of multiple “breaking news” segments highlighting the relevance of the Declaration during specific points in American history.
6. PRESENTATION of 2026 Legislative Priorities
A. Discussion related to possible legislation affecting the Town of Tiverton
1. Short Term Rentals
2. Water Districts
Homestead Exemptions
3. Statewide Transportation process from concept/idea to implementation for public safety/traffic safety improvements on public ways for the community
4. State Enabling legislation to establish different tax classifications (i.e. residential, commercial, mobile home)
5. Statewide School Transportation Funding formula
6. Opportunities for state grants
7. Updating and clarifying veteran and Gold Star family property tax exemptions
8. Land Use Legislation
Representative Edwards was present to speak on current legislation related to the town. Thus far, he had
submitted 11 of 13 housing bills passed last year. He noted the one related to watershed, specifically Stafford Pond and watershed north of us in Fall River, would receive the bulk of his attention.
President Edwards noted reinstated RI truck tolls unfairly affecting municipal solid waste collection and potential solutions. Rep. Edwards confirmed a related draft would be submitted the following day.
Councilor Perry noted he had been working with Assessor Robert on developing certain senior citizen tax deductions with house values under $500,000.00.
Councilor Janick asked if there were any potential legislation related to the medically uninsured and
underinsured and low Medicaid rate. Rep. Edwards responded that it is discussed every year but is limited by the funding decreases.
Councilor Burk raised the issue of short term rentals, stating he would love to see something that enables
towns to take a more assertive approach. Rep. Edwards replied the matter remained at the state level.
Councilor Janick noted concerns over numerous developer proposals totaling over 1000 units currently before the Planning Board, as well as the 10% low to moderate housing requirement and its effects on infrastructure. She opined that the Planning Boards’ hands were tied. Rep. Edwards disagreed, stating that the Planning Board can indeed say no, but the town must be willing to go to court to defend the position. He added that some residential development, however, is warranted.
7. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS– Discussion and possible votes
A. Acknowledgement of resignations:
1. V.A. Lopes from the Planning Board, effective February 1, 2026
Councilor Perry motioned to accept the resignation with regret. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.
A. Annual Tree Warden Appointment to end January 31, 2027
1. Frankey Ramos, Manchester’s Tree & Landscaping, 13 Edmond Lane
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to appoint Frankey Ramos as Tree Warden for a term ending January 31, 2027. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) – Discussion and possible votes, subject to meeting all legal requirements
A. Approval of the proposed amendments to the Tiverton Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10 – ANIMALS adding Sections 10-4 Keeping Of Feral And/or Back Yard Feeder Cats and 10-5 Prohibited Feeding of Wildlife
President Edwards V opened the public hearing.
Shirley Anne Dupere of 4230 Main Road queried the basis for the ordinance and questioned the necessity of same. Animal Control Officer Victoria Sartini responded, stating that although not currently required by the state, feral and outdoor cats need general care such as rabies vaccinations and spay/neutering. Ms. Dupere asked if people were offered resources, to which Officer Sartini confirmed that she hosts an annual rabies clinic every year in town and noted that a contracted partner, The Potter League, offers a low cost spay/neuter clinic that offers same day walk in service. She furthered that she also connects people with many local 501c3 as well as independent resources when needed. She added that the ordinance does not prohibit feeding cats, but requires if a person is feeding a cat for over 60 days, it is the owner's responsibility to get it vaccinated for rabies and get it spayed or neutered.
Police Chief Costa reiterated the necessity for the ordinance as a tool to address persons feeding but failing to take proper care of the animals. Officer Sartini furthered that most often, the issue is simply a lack of education, and not repeat offenders.
Ms. Dupere stated that she was against the way the ordinance was written, instead suggesting a tax funded trap/neuter/release program rather than paying an ACO to handle the matter and overburdening the existing Rhode Island resources that are funded by donations and fundraisers.
Resident Jamie French spoke, noting that placing the proposed ordinance on social media garnered over one hundred responses, with only two persons in favor. She suggested having an agreement with a local vet for spay/neuter services that other communities often do.
President Edwards closed the public hearing.
After further discussion among the council, the vote was moved.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the proposed amendments to the Tiverton Code of Ordinances as listed. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
9. BOARD OF LICENSING - Discussion and possible vote
A. Arthur Brown, 76 Robin Drive – Requesting renewal of Private Detective license, subject to meeting all legal requirements
Councilor Perry motioned to approve the Private Detective license. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk stepped away from the table.
B. Alison Murphy/Be Green Kids Consignments, Inc. - Request approval of special event permit for Be Green Kids Consignments Sale event at Longplex Family & Sports Center on April 30, 2026, through May 4, 2026, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, subject to meeting all legal requirements
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve the special event permit as listed. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
C. Alison Murphy/Be Green Kids Consignments, Inc. - Request approval of special event permit for Be Green Kids Consignments Sale event at Longplex Family & Sports Center on September 30, 2026 through October 4, 2026, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, subject to meeting all legal requirements
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve the special event permit as listed. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
D. Jose Souza/RetroXpo - Request approval of special event permit for RetroXpo event at Longplex Family & Sports Center on April 4, 2026, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, subject to meeting all legal requirements
E. Jose Souza/RetroXpo - Request approval of special event permit for RetroXpo event at Longplex Family & Sports Center on September 5, 2026, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, subject to meeting all legal requirements
Councilor Perry motioned to approve the special event permits as listed under items D. and E. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk returned to the table.
F. Pine House Kitchen & Bar, 13 Crandall Road (LIQ-23-26) – Request for change of hours from Mon-Sun 11am-12am to Mon-Sun 6am-1am (continued from 11-24-2025)
Pine House Kitchen & Bar owner Jared Machado addressed the council to answer questions related to the hours change request. Mr. Machado explained the intention of the expansion of business hours was for the opportunity to serve breakfast with alcoholic beverages in order to maximize profits.
Solicitor Marcello confirmed that food service must be available during hours of alcohol service.
Councilor Committo requested further details around the requestor’s plans to open for breakfast, questioning why he had not yet attempted to offer breakfast without offering alcohol. Mr. Machado explained that alcohol sales return a significantly higher profit than food alone, and was concerned it would not be worth it.
Councilor Perry commented that he knew a few restaurant owners that have told him breakfast was their biggest money maker. He expressed disagreement that Mr. Machado needed liquor plus breakfast to be profitable.
Councilor Burk said he was in agreement with Councilor Perry, noting that McDonald’s makes lots of money on breakfast without serving alcohol. He stated that Mr. Machado’s argument was specious.
When asked if any further occurrences had happened since the police had been called prior for after hour noise disturbances, Chief Costa confirmed there had been no calls since then, that officers have performed regular compliance checks and everything seemed to be in order.
Councilor Janick expressed concerns about the request to extend to 1:00am as well as intoxicated drinkers driving with heavier morning traffic.
Councilor Paull commented that all Mr. Machado seemed to be concerned about was the liquor license when he had not yet attempted to serve breakfast.
President Edwards V, expressed support for the change of hours request, noting having been a bartender himself at one time for many years, he remembered only making money between 12:00 and 1:00 am when other bars were closed. He reminded that, per Chief Costa, no recent incidents had taken place.
Chief Costa warned that there must be strict adherence whatever closing hours were decided.
Solicitor Marcello reminded that back in December, the Class BV liquor license renewal for Pine House Kitchen and Bar was approved, at the current hours of 11:00 a.m. to 12 a.m. for 3 months through March 1st, with the expectation of Mr. Machado to return before the council within that time frame to answer questions.
Councilor Paull motioned to deny the request for change of hours and extend the BV liquor license thru December 1, 2026. Motion was seconded by Councilor Perry.
President Edwards V asked Councilor Paull if he would be opposed to amending his motion to extend the hours on Friday and Saturday till 1:00am. Mr. Paull declined to amend his motion.
Councilor Edwards motioned to amending the current motion to extend the hours on Friday and Saturday till 1:00am. Motion was seconded by Councilor Committo. The motion failed 5-2, with Councilors Burk, Janick, deMedeiros, Paull and Perry opposed.
President Edwards then called the vote on the original motion.
The original motion passed unanimously.
10. GENERAL BUSINESS
A. Councilor Janick – Discussion and possible vote on proposed Resolution 2026-0001 Regarding Low and Moderate Income Housing
Councilor Janick stated that she had received an enormous amount of support for the proposal. She requested a minor edits in the second “whereas” after “Tiverton Planning Department currently has five comprehensive permit applications pending, to add the language “and others with plans in various stages totaling approximately 1,003 units. “
Councilor Janick motioned to approve Resolution 2026-0001 Regarding Low and Moderate Income Housing, as amended. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
B. DPW Director Silvia – Discussion on Cynthia Ave Engineering Design bids received (cont. from 1-12-26)
President Edwards V, noted the item had been continued and Director Silvia was now looking for direction.
Councilor Burk asked if it had been determined that the town had never accepted the street. Director Silvia responded with his opinion that the previous council accepted the fact that the road exists and it's a public way, yet it had never been accepted as a town road.
Cynthia Avenue resident Audrey Sanford, disagreed, stating that the road had indeed been previously accepted as a “grandfathered street” that it had once been paved, had street lights, and had always taken care of by the town.
After significant discussion, it was agreed that further research, review of historical records and a legal opinion by the Solicitor should commence in order to come to a solution. President Edwards V confirmed that in the interim, the DPW would continue the twice per year grading schedule.
Without objection, President Edwards V moved forward item 10-D.
D. DPW Director – Request to transfer up to $100,000 from municipal capital (Fund 640) to snow removal account # 5540-6451
Director Silva noted the transfer account should have been listed as 6698 Sand, Salt & Gravel.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the transfer. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
C. Police Chief Costa - Announcement of 2025-2026 Safety Grant and Scholarship reimbursement from the RI Interlocal Risk Management Trust
Chief Costa explained that per their contract, all of the recent promotions must be sent to supervisory school within a year, and this grant would enable a significant number to attend school beginning in March. .
D. DPW Director – Request to transfer up to $100,000 from municipal capital (Fund 640) to snow removal account # 5540-6451
This item was addressed previously in the meeting.
E. Administrator Jones – Update on Town Hall renovations
Administrator Jones was absent; the item would be continued to the next meeting.
F. Council President Edwards – Authorization to work with Pare Engineering related to a request for proposals for trash pick-up associated with the prior community survey
Administrator Jones was absent; the item would be continued to the next meeting.
G. Councilor Perry – Recognition of Ms. Christine Costa as recipient of the Teaching America250 Award from the Jack Miller Center
This item was addressed previously in the meeting.
H. Council President Edwards – Discussion and update on FY25 school deficit reduction plan and request for Solicitor to amend appropriate ordinance Section 2-130 Tiverton School Department Capital Improvement Revolving Fun
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Administrator Jones - R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2) Collective Bargaining: Update on AFSCME Local 2670A negotiations
Administrator Jones was absent; the item would be continued to the next meeting.
12. GENERAL BUSINESS (continued)
I. Administrator Jones – Discussion and possible vote to ratify the proposed three-year contract with AFSCME Local 2670A, July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028, and Fiscal Impact Statement
Administrator Jones was absent; the item would be continued to the next meeting.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Councilor Burk motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor deMedeiros seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
A True Copy.
ATTEST______________________________________
Jean Marie Veegh, Deputy Town Clerk