Click 
to view the meeting video.
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, COUNTY OF NEWPORT
The Town Council of the Town of Tiverton, County, and State aforesaid held a Special Council Meeting on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Tiverton Town Hall, 343 Highland Road, 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 | Deborah G. Janick |
| Craig R. Committo | David Perry | Michael S. Burk |
Absent
Denise M. deMedeiros
Solicitor Romano, Administrator Jones, Town Clerk Chabot, and Deputy Clerk Veegh were also present.
Council President Edwards V motioned to add an agenda item related to Crandall Road, PFAS levels and private wells, for discussion purposes only, pursuant to RIGL 42-46-6(b). Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously via a roll call vote.
Administrator Jones relayed that in May, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Department of Health routinely tested a public well at Victory Church on Crandall Road, which revealed elevated PFAS levels. In June, impacted residents approached the town planning department after receiving well-test notification letters from DEM. On July 1, the administrator's office held its first official conversation with the DEM and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). He said prescribed area residents should contact DEM for a no-cost water test, which takes 3 to 4 weeks for results. In the interim, the town will be opening a free public drinking water filling station equipped with a water filter outside Fire Station 3. The state is providing free home water filtration systems, and as delivery is delayed by 6 to 8 weeks, the building department will expedite all local installation permits. He offered that any residents with questions contact him directly on his cell phone at a number he provided.
Councilor Janick asked about residents outside the designated zone. Mr. Jones responded that testing results below 20 parts per trillion are considered safe, as are anyone connected to a public water system. He expressed deep disappointment that DEM did not give local officials a courtesy alert before entering the community, which goes against standard protocol for state or federal agencies. Despite this unnecessary confusion, he confirmed the town will focus on correcting the problem rather than wasting time assigning blame. Test results are handled entirely by the DEM and go straight to the homeowners, bypassing town files. Specific questions regarding chemical levels should go to the DEM first, but residents are urged to call the administrator's office if they do not receive a prompt response.
Councilor Committo strongly rejected the rumors blaming the local fire station for the contamination, noting contamination notices were sent to residents as far south as East Road, proving the issue is not isolated to just the fire station neighborhood.
Administrator Jones added that the director of DEM will host an in-person community meeting within 30 days to formally explain what PFAS is and clarify their handling strategy. Federal EPA funding, state funds, and grants are available to cover the costs of home water filtration systems. The town is exploring the long-term possibility of extending the North Tiverton water line, though final approval rests with the independent water departments.
4. Public Hearing
The Town Council will consider Charter Amendments and their corresponding Ballot Questions for approval to be on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The proposed amendments include updating the approvals necessary to sell town owned land, increasing and staggering the terms of the town council, clarifying the role of the Personnel Board related to the appointment of the town administrator, making the town treasurer and town clerk an appointed position, eliminating the elected budget committee, establishing the town planner as a mandated Charter position, decreasing the number of members on the Planning Board and Harbor Commission, updating language for the Zoning Board and Economic Development Commission, eliminated the Arts Committee as a Charter required commission, and other miscellaneous provisions as listed below.
Councilor Committo asked if the expectation was to include all 15 proposed amendments on the ballot. Clerk Chabot explained that the total space required depends on what state ballot questions are issued. A high volume of state-level text will push local charter amendments to a second page of the ballot. Local questions cannot be assigned sequential numbers ahead of time because they must follow behind the official state ballot questions.
Council members expressed a preference for limiting the number of items, noting an excessively long list may cause confusion, as voters rarely read lengthy text at the polls. They were also in agreement with moving forward with creating and distributing a comprehensive "voter information guide."
1. Article II Elections, Section 204 Transfer of Town Land
2. Article IV Town Council, Section 401
3. Article IV Town Council, Section 407
4. Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1007 Personnel Board
5. Article VI Financial Services, Sections 602 Town Treasurer through Section 606 Transition
6. Article VII Budget Committee and Article III Annual Budget Process/Financial Town
Referendum, Section 301(b)(6) Budget Committee
7. Article VIII Town Officials and Offices, Section 801 Town Clerk
8. Article VIII Town Officials and Offices, Section 806 Town Planner
9. Article IX Departments and Agencies, Section 903 Fire and Rescue Department
10. Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1001 Planning Board
11. Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1002 Zoning Board of Review
12. Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1008 Tiverton Harbor and Coastal Waters
Management Commission
13. Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1014 Economic Development Commission
14. Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1009 Arts Committee
15. Article XI School Department, Section 1101 School Committee
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-1. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the proposed language for Article II Elections, Section 204 Transfer of Town Land. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to put Article II Elections, Section 204 Transfer of Town Land charter proposal on the ballot. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-2.
Resident Christopher Englert raised concerns about a proposed charter amendment to change Town Council terms to four years, although he agrees with staggered terms.
Solicitor Romano requested a blanket motion for all charter amendments and ballot questions to allow for non-substantive technical changes by staff.
Councilor Burk motioned to allow for non-substantive technical changes by staff for all charter amendments and ballot questions. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Michael Janick (speaking as the chair of the Charter Review Commission) explained the background and reasoning behind the four-year staggered term proposal, noting the change brings the Town Council election rules in line with the town's School Committee and Budget Committee, which both use four-year terms. Staggering the terms ensures the town doesn't risk a 100% turnover of the council in a single election cycle, and added that it can take a newly elected official up to a full year to understand the municipal process and budget cycles; longer terms preserve vital institutional memory.
Council President Edwards V closed the public hearing.
Councilor Burk asks the town solicitor if the transition could be structured to give the four-year terms to the highest vote-getters in the current election cycle. Solicitor Romano replied that while some case law might support that approach, it is legally safer to have the change commence on November 7, 2028, to ensure voters know exactly what terms they are voting for in advance. Councilor Burk asked about transition histories of the school committee and budget committee as potential examples of his proposed strategy. The solicitor and clerk clarified that, according to the charter research, the school committee has historically always had staggered four-year terms.
Councilor Burk motioned to amend the language to be commencing November 3, 2026 and add staggered terms with the four highest vote getters receiving the four-year terms and the three others terms being converted November 7, 2028.” Seconded by Councilor Paull.
Councilor Committo expressed ethical hesitation, noting that changing the rules for the immediate election could look like sitting council members were trying to lock themselves into longer terms. He advocated that the transition should play out in the 2028 election cycle to ensure fair game and total transparency for all candidates and constituents.
The motion failed 5-2, with Councilors Committo, Janick, deMedeiros, Edwards V, and Perry opposed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the proposed language for Article IV Town Council, Section 401 and add a clause at the end commencing with the election of November 7, 2028. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to put Article IV Town Council, Section 401 charter proposal on the ballot. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-3. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the proposed language for Article IV Town Council, Section 407. Seconded by Councilor Paull.
The council then encountered a procedural complication regarding proposed changes to town land management by realizing that keeping Article II, Section 204 (Transfer of Town Land) and Article IV, Section 407, Subsection 17 (Council Powers and Duties) as separate ballot questions posed a significant risk. If voters approved one but rejected the other, it would create conflicting legal ambiguity or a "legal quandary." A similar legal mismatch was identified regarding Article X, Section 1007 (Personnel Board) and Subsection 18 of Section 407, agreeing these would also need to be combined to keep the charter structurally consistent.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-5. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the proposed language for Article VI Financial Services, Sections 602 Town Treasurer through Section 606. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
It was noted that the ballot question language was incorrect.
Councilor Burk motioned to amend the ballot question language to add “Sections 602 Town Treasurer through Section 606” after “Article VI Financial Services”. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to put Article VI Financial Services, Sections 602 Town Treasurer through Section 606 Transition charter proposal, as amended, on the ballot. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to rescind the previously approved motion for Article II Elections, Section 204 Transfer of Town Land charter proposal on the ballot. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to direct the town solicitor to provide a new ballot question for land transfers that combines Article IV Town Council, Section 407, subsection 17. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-4.
Personnel Chair Jim Camara opened comments, stating that the Personnel Board had successfully collaborated with various town councils during multiple town administrator searches. He explained the boards’ process of screening applications, identifying qualified candidates, then inviting the council to sit in on initial interviews before sending final recommendations to the council for second interviews. He strongly advocated against the proposed amendment that would remove the Personnel Board from screening town administrator candidates. He emphasized that keeping the board involved ensures a standard, unified hiring practice used across all major town roles and serves as a critical shield to secure applicant privacy under the law, protecting the town against potential complaints or legal issues.
Council President Edwards V closed the public hearing.
Council members heavily supported the Personnel Board's standard process and agreed they should not be removed from screening
Councilor Burk motioned to modify the proposed charter amendment for Section 407 by striking proposed subsection 18 and by striking the underlined language in Section 1007, (a) 1 and 2, and by adding a new enumeration to insert language that's in the current town council governance policy Section 7D under hiring of town administrator, and under Sec. 1007, (a) 2, replace underlined language with “and interviewed the selected applicants.” Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to amend the Section 1007 ballot question to clarify the role of the town council in the hiring process of the town administrator. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-6. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the charter changes for Article VII of the budget committee, striking that section in the article in its entirety and the changes to Article III, Sec. 301 (b)(6) with Article VII being reserved for the future. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the ballot question for the budget committee, which reads, "Shall the charter be amended to remove all references to a budget committee and its duties? Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-7. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the charter changes for Article VIII Town Officials and Offices, Section 801 Town Clerk. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the ballot question for Article VIII Town Officials and Offices, Section 801 Town Clerk. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-8. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the charter changes for Article VIII Town Officials and Offices, Section 806 Town Planner. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the ballot question for Article VIII Town Officials and Offices, Section 806 Town Planner. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-9. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the charter changes for Article IX Departments and Agencies, Section 903 Fire and Rescue Department. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the ballot question for Article IX Departments and Agencies, Section 903 Fire and Rescue Department. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-10. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the charter changes for Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1001 Planning Board. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the ballot question for Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1001 Planning Board. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-11. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the charter changes for Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1002 Zoning Board of Review. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the ballot question for Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1002 Zoning Board of Review. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-12. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the charter changes for Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1008 Tiverton Harbor and Coastal Waters Management Commission. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the ballot question for Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1008 Tiverton Harbor and Coastal Waters Management Commission. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-13. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the charter changes for Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1014 Economic Development Commission. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the ballot question for Article X Boards and Commissions, Section 1014 Economic Development Commission. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-14. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk expressed some hesitancy to eliminate the Arts Committee after being contacted by a few.
Councilor Burk motioned to not take action on the Arts Committee recommendations. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
After discussion, it was agreed to consider rescinding Article IX Departments and Agencies, Section 903 Fire and Rescue Department in an effort to lighten the number of ballot questions.
Councilor Burk motioned to rescind the vote on changes for Article IX Departments and Agencies, Section 903, as well as the ballot question. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item A-15.
Resident Chris Cureton asked for clarification as to the purpose of the change. Charter Committee Chair Janick gave a detailed explanation, however noting the school committee chair, who was not present, should be allowed to clarify to ensure the language aligns specifically with the practice they're looking for. The item would be held until the next meeting.
1. Discussion and vote to Approve Ballot Question for the sale of a Parcel of Land owned by the Town as identified as 0 Popular Street designated as Map 201 Lot 125
Council President Edwards V opened the public hearing for item B-1. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the Ballot Question for the sale of a Parcel of Land owned by the Town as identified as 0 Popular Street designated as Map 201 Lot 125. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Town Administrator – R.I.G.L. 42-46-5(a)(2) Collective Bargaining – Discussion related to the potential of re-opening negotiations with United Steelworkers AFL-CIO, CLC on behalf of Local 14845 of the current collective bargaining agreement which expires on June 30, 2027.
Councilor Edwards V motioned to enter into Executive Session under R.I.G.L. 42-46-5(a)(2) Collective Bargaining – for Discussion related to the potential of re-opening negotiations with United Steelworkers AFL-CIO, CLC on behalf of Local 14845 of the current collective bargaining agreement which expires on June 30, 2027. Seconded by Councilor Committo, the motion passed unanimously.
The Council entered a closed executive session at approximately 9:05 p.m.
The Council returned to open session at approximately 9:33 p.m.
Councilor Burk motioned to seal the minutes of Executive Session. Councilor Janick seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Solicitor Marcello reported that the item was discussion only; no votes were taken.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Councilor Burk motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Janick seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.
A True Copy.
ATTEST______________________________________
Joan B. Chabot, CMC, Town Clerk