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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, June 8, 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 | David Perry |
| Michael S. Burk | Craig R. Committo | Deborah G. Janick |
| Denise M. deMedeiros | | |
Solicitor Marcello, Administrator Jones, Town Clerk Chabot, and Deputy Town Clerk Veegh were also present.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Town Council Minutes
1. May 12, 2026 – Special Meeting (Councilors Edwards V and Janick abstain, absent)
B. Acknowledge Receipt of Minutes from Boards/Commissions/Committees
1. Harbor Commission (1)
2. Historical Cemeteries Commission (1)
3. Zoning Board (1)
4. Historic Preservation Advisory Board (1)
C. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports
1. Town Administrator – Departments’ Monthly Reports – May 2026
2. Town Administrator – Police and Fire Department Overtime Reports – May 2026
D. Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence
1. Letter from V.A. Lopes re: FLOCK Safety cameras
2. Letter from Pat Schneider re: FLOCK Safety cameras
3. Letter from Jay Miller re: FLOCK Safety cameras
4. Letter from Chris Englert re: budget notes/suggestions
5. Town of Hopkinton – Resolution Opposing H-7632 relating to Age-Appropriate Design Code
6. Town of Hopkinton – Resolution Supporting S-2239 regarding Local Authority over Unfunded
Education Mandates
7. Town of South Kingstown – Resolution Supporting H-8030 Entitled an Act Relating to Towns and
Cities – General Powers
8. Town of Richmond – Resolution Opposing H-7676 and S-2612 Relating to State Affairs and
Government – Open Meetings
E. DPW Director Silvia – Request approval of FY26 Budget Transfer:
| From Account: | Account Description: | To Account: | Account Description: | Amount |
| 5540-6240 | Uniform Rental | 5540-6698 | Sand/Salt/Gravel | 2,420.00 |
| 5540-6910 | Heat | 5540-6698 | Sand/Salt/Gravel | 9,775.71 |
| 5540-6928 | Continuing Education | 5540-6698 | Sand/Salt/Gravel | 1,000.00 |
| 5540-7325 | Highway Signs | 5540-6451 | Snow Removal | 5,029.00 |
| 5500-6457 | Contracted Services | 5540-6451 | Snow Removal | 65,000.00 |
| 8840-6630 | Field Rehab | 5540-6451 | Snow Removal | 2,300.00 |
| 8840-6749 | Preventative Maintenance. | 5540-6451 | Snow Removal | 9,100.00 |
| 5540-5101 | DPW Workers | 5540-5104 | Overtime | 30,000.00 |
| 5540-5168 | Clothing Allowance | 5540-5104 | Overtime | 2,050.00 |
| 5540-6459 | Roadside Mowing | 5540-5104 | Overtime | 700.00 |
| 5540-6500 | Construction Supplies | 5540-5104 | Overtime | 4,000.00 |
| 5540-6797 | Guard Rail | 5540-5104 | Overtime | 3,340.00 |
| 5540-7325 | Highway Signs | 5540-5104 | Overtime | 3,100.00 |
| 5530-6442 | Recycle Center Equipment Rental | 5540-5104 | Overtime | 1,100.00 |
| 5530-7645 | Bulldozer Repairs | 5540-5104 | Overtime | 4,251.00 |
F. Police Chief Costa – Requests approval of FY26 Budget Transfers:
| From Account: | Account Description: | To Account: | Account Description: | Amount |
| 3330-5130 | OT School Security | 3330-6167 | Uniform/Equipment Replacement | 20,000.00 |
| 3330-5108 | Longevity | 3330-7840 | Station Maintenance | 20,000.00 |
| 3330-5101 | Personnel Service - Police | 3330-5150 | Sick Leave Buy Back | 5,100.00 |
Councilor Janick pulled items D-1, 2, and 3.
Councilor deMedeiros pulled item A-1.
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the Consent Agenda except for items A-1, D-1, D-2, and D-3. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed 6-1, with Councilor Committo opposed.
Councilor deMedeiros declined explanation after realizing there was no issue.
Councilor Janick reports receiving numerous concerns from residents regarding privacy and the uncertainty of where data goes once it leaves the town or state, stating she was not convinced the measure would be in the best interest of the town. Stating she values safety but also citizen confidentiality, she suggested a pause on approving additional funding to gather clearer contract terms regarding data sharing and company ownership transitions.
Councilor Committo countered, stating the police chief and state police previously gave an excellent presentation addressing storage and safety questions. He added there is public confusion between widespread community video surveillance systems and Tiverton’s basic license plate readers.
Councilor Burk stated that while funds were placed in the preliminary budget for additional cameras, the council only previously approved the state police cameras on Route 24. He emphasized the evening's meeting is designed to let residents voice their opinions on the budget, which the council can modify until June 30th.
He noted that the camera manufacturer may be in the process of an acquisition, and utilizing the system as intended could result in additional expenses exceeding the initial $23,000 allocation. He said he would continue to oppose purchasing additional Flock cameras until a clear town ordinance is established to explicitly define how the system can be used and how any extra costs will be funded.
Councilor Paull explained there are two separate types of Flock systems: a live-feed setup, or a basic license plate capture system that Tiverton utilizes that only photographs plates and has no live feed.
President Edwards V noted the system is managed by a company preparing for an IPO and undergoes a rigorous SOC 2 security audit, making claims of easy hacking highly unlikely. He critiqued a letter received from the ACLU, stating the organization either omitted critical facts or blatantly disregarded important information. He said his supportive stance on approving the budget allocation for the cameras remained unchanged.
Councilor Perry motioned to approve the Consent Agenda items A-1, D-1,D-2, and D-3. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING A COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM OR OTHER TOWN BUSINESS
Resident Shana McDonough addressed the council regarding the school budget sharing that local parents and students are living in fear that the town could eventually lose its high school as students consider moving to neighboring Portsmouth. She said public schools are facing nationwide enrollment drops due to private schooling, charter academies, homeschooling, and uncertain federal funding. She pointed out that administrators and parent volunteers have barebones budgets, stating the number one reason students transfer to Portsmouth is due to superior athletic facilities, causing a negative domino effect on enrollment and test scores. She appealed to the council to reconsider and grant the full requested 3.75% budget increase.
Councilor Committo responded to Ms. McDonough, noted that while her concerns are valid, they should be directed at the school committee. He highlighted that the town has been highly supportive of the schools by utilizing casino revenue to fund improvements, especially for sports programs, to avoid placing the direct burden on local taxpayers.
Two other budget related speakers were asked to hold comments until the public hearing portion.
Resident Maureen Morrow voiced strong opposition to expanding use of Flock safety license plate reader cameras, saying tax dollars should not be spent on a mass surveillance system. She expressed skepticism about relying on the company's impending IPO or SOC 2 audits as indicators of safety or ethics. She argued the town should not establish sweeping tracking policies to catch the small fraction (1%) of people engaged in criminal activity.
Semiquincentennial Commission Chair, Peter Moniz highlighted the town's upcoming 250th celebrations. He encouraged everyone to fly the red, white, and blue (flags or bunting) from Flag Day (June 14th) through July 4th to symbolize unity. He invited all to attend the Raising the Liberty Pole event scheduled for Sunday, June 14th, at 1:00 PM at Bulgarmarsh Park which would include a major reenactment featuring a town crier delivering a proclamation, a tradition that likely has not occurred in the town for 250 years.
6. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2027 UNIFIED BUDGET ORDINANCE
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED UNIFIED BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH
ARTICLE III, Section 301 (b)8 of the Tiverton Home Rule Charter
| | Current 2025-2026 | Proposed 2026-2027 |
| Operations: | | |
| Capital – Education | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| Capital – Gen Government | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| Education | $ 35,156,138 | $ 36,165,967 |
| Debt Service | $ 3,964,438 | $ 2,376,763 |
| General Government | $ 1,782,900 | $ 1,832,324 |
| Finance Administration | $ 6,777,241 | $ 7,701,409 |
| Protect Person/Property | $ 8,651,202 | $ 9,477,803 |
| Grants/Health/Sanitation | $ 686,700 | $ 742,100 |
| Public Works | $ 3,241,696 | $ 3,483,474 |
| Associated Activities | $ 175,497 | $ 182,309 |
| Parks & Recreation | $ 180,037 | $ 374,107 |
| Total Operations | $ 60,615,849 | $ 62,336,256 |
| | | |
| Revenue: | | |
| Local Property | $ 43,597,766 | $ 44,890,339 |
| Motor Vehicle taxes Abatements/Uncollectable | $ 1,748,175 $ 0 | $ 1,772,849 $ 0 |
| Non-Local Property (Education) | $ 5,915,890 | $ 5,975,411 |
| Federal/State/Other | $ 9,354,018 | $ 9,697,657 |
| Total Revenues | $ 60,615,849 | $ 62,336,256 |
This is a proposed property tax increase of 1.5%. It has been estimated that the proposed increase in property tax revenues will result in a property tax rate of $11.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation as compared to the Fiscal Year 2026 property tax rate of $11.33 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The maximum rate increase for FY2027 would have been $11.62 per $1,000 of valuation based on the maximum levy increase of 4% as allowed by law.
The Proposed 2026-2027 Unified Budget is available online on the town’s website at www.tiverton.ri.gov and is also available for public inspection at the office of the Town Clerk during normal business hours.
President Edwards V opened the public hearing.
Resident Denise Miller advocated for full funding of the school budget. She pointed out a continuous cycle of underfunding, budget cuts, and teacher layoffs happening year after year. She said failure to maintain facilities and services drives local families to enroll their children in neighboring school districts and threatening the loss of the high school entirely. She argued that the town cannot rely on unpredictable, one-time funding—such as Medicaid reimbursements—to sustain basic school operations.
Resident Abigail Hillyard offered a different perspective focused on accountability, thanking the council for their thorough, item-by-item rigor in developing the municipal budget. She noted her observations of school committee meetings showed little line-item questioning, analysis, or internal pushback on their budget numbers. She shared her personal experiences with her own child, stating that federally mandated services like math instruction, adapted physical education, and occupational therapy have not been provided for months and criticized the district for paying a lawyer to attend her IEP meetings to try to shift her terminally ill child to another district, rather than utilizing those finite funds directly for student developmental needs.
Resident Sanford Mantel asked several direct technical budget related questions. He commented that the 16% to 18% pay increases were substantial but acceptable if they were a one-time adjustment to bring town employees up to competitive market rates. The council confirms these sharp increases will not repeat next year. He confirms that the funds used to pay down town bonds will ultimately be sourced from incoming casino revenue. He highlighted a lack of clarity in the education budget, pointing out that regular student transportation is improperly comingled with contract transportation line items. Asking about the town's current remaining fund balance, the treasurer clarified that it was well over the required 3% threshold at approximately $7 million. Other clarifications, such as stamp tax, rescue billing, pension funding and OPEB contributions were satisfactorily answered. He finished by questioning why the town is spending $15,000 to rent a road grader and operator. The council explained it was an ongoing recurring obligation related to Cynthia Ave. resulting from a legacy agreement made decades ago by a prior council to grade rather than paving it.
School Committee Chair Diane Farnworth addressed the town council as a citizen, raising concerns regarding transparency, town spending priorities, and long-term fiscal responsibility. Citing budget calculation discrepancies, she said the public docket stated a unified budget of $62.3 million that reflected a spending rise of $1.7 million, or a 2.84% increase. She argued the true budget reached $63.7 million when factoring in the municipal bond debt, noting that hidden spending resulted in a true spending increase of $3.1 million, or 5.2%. Noting the town used over $1.4 million in unspent casino revenue to pay down bond debt to avoid exceeding the state tax levy cap, she questioned if the town council intentionally withheld this gaming revenue during their October 2025 meeting to artificially soften the appearance of the current budget. She declared that despite rising personnel and health insurance costs, the town added new permanent financial obligations, such as funding a full-time recreation director. She warned that limited or one-time funding streams should never substitute for a sound operating budget and advocated for establishing a town wide finance committee to confront these financial planning challenges directly.
The council members responded directly to Ms. Farnsworth’s criticisms, defended their fiscal management, and ultimately closed the public hearing on the fiscal year 2027 unified budget ordinance. It was explained that using one-time casino revenue to make the final payment on the Fort Barton bond and the second-to-last payment on the Tiverton High School (THS) and Ranger refinance bonds effectively removes those liabilities permanently. They argued that clearing these bonds lowers the long-term tax burden on residents, directly aligning with the original intended purpose of the casino revenue, allowing the purchase of essential municipal equipment (such as fire engines and snowplows) and fund school facility improvements (gym and bathroom renovations) outright, avoiding standard 10-year installment interest. They noted that over the past six years, the council has consistently approved school budget increases of over 3% annually, contrasting sharply with prior decades when the school department received minimal increases. A council member criticized the school committee for requesting a flat 4% increase (later reduced from 3.75% to 3.25% by the council due to underestimated Medicaid reimbursements) without providing a single detailed proposal or specific program plan to justify the additional funds. The council emphasized that the town's general fund balance remains well over the 3% threshold (at approximately $7 million), ensuring long-term financial stability, rejecting any characterization of the budget as irresponsible, and pointing to the elimination of a structural $2 million deficit carried from the prior year.
Council President Edwards V closed the public hearing.
Councilor Perry shared the information on two posters, titled “Transparency & Trust: Where Numbers Speak Louder”. One poster included Fund 650 – Restricted Gaming Revenue by Department, and the other poster included Medicaid Funding for FY24, FY25, and FY26 to date, RIDE Capital Reimbursements for FY18 through FY22 (with note), and Capital Fund- School for FY24, FY25, and FY26. Note: TC adopted an ordinance in February 2023 to reallocate RIDE Capital Reimbursements from Town revenue to a restricted fund to provide for future School Capital projects. However, to date, it has been used to cover the overspend from the first 2 major projects and the FY25 deficit
A vote on the matter was deferred to the next scheduled meeting on June 22, 2026.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) – Discussion and possible votes, subject to meeting all legal requirements
A. Coastal Roasters/Lisa Machado - Requesting approval of sound variance for Singing Out Against
Hunger event at 1791 Main Road on August 16, 2026 from 9:00am – 1:00pm (SPE-159)
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 as requested. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
B. Evelyn’s Drive In/Jane Bitto - Requesting approval of sound variance for Singing Out Against
Hunger event at 2335 Main Road on August 21, 2026 from 4:00pm – 9:00pm (SPE-162)
President Edwards V opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve the sound variance as requested. Seconded by Councilor Committo, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Committo stepped away from the table.
C. Four Corners Merchant’s Association/Diana LeFrancois - Requesting approval of sound variance for
Four Corners Summer Celebration event at 17 Puncatest Road on August 7, 2026 from 4:00pm –
8:00pm, Rain date August 8, 2026 (SPE-163)
President Edwards V opened the public hearing.
Abutter Pam Thomason spoke in favor of the event.
The hearing was closed.
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve the sound variance as requested. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
D. Tiverton Land Trust/Aurora Goodland - Requesting approval of sound variance for A Country Day at
Pardon Gray event at 3460 Main Road on October 3, 2026 from 11:00am – 4:30pm, Rain date
October 4, 2026 (SPE-164)
President Edwards V opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Janick noted a letter was received, asking that any music be directed away from the animals.
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the sound variance as requested. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
E. 5 Main Rd Inc. dba Fireworks, 43 Main Road– Requests approval of fireworks license, subject to
meeting all legal requirements (ANN-26-4)
President Edwards V opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Perry motioned to approve the fireworks license as requested. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
8. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS– Discussion and possible votes
A. Acknowledgement of resignation:
1. James L. Spears, Jr. from the Open Space Commission, effective May 23, 2026
Councilor Burk motioned to accept Mr. Spears’ resignation with regret. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
A. Cemetery Commission Chair Sylvia - Discussion and possible vote to approve changes to the grave lot
refund policy regarding perpetual care funds and parking requirements
Cemetery Commission Chair Sylvia answered questions related to the proposed change to the grave lot refund policy and parking. She explained standard cemetery lots cost $500, with 20% ($100) legally mandated by state law to go directly into a perpetual care fund, noting the perpetual care portion of the funds cannot legally be touched once deposited. She furthered that issues have occurred where residents requested full refunds on lots they had owned for up to 10 years. Because the town has spent a decade maintaining those lots and the perpetual care deposit is locked, the commission updated the policy to prevent using town operating expenses to cover those refund shortages. Ms. Sylvia used the opportunity to highlight all changes including the town's "no parking" ordinance that was approved by the town council the previous September.
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve changes to the grave lot refund policy regarding perpetual care funds and parking requirements. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
B. Resident Christopher Englert – Discussion regarding Sovereign Youth Wealth Fund Introduction and
other town business – Budget DPW/Fire, Health, Fireworks, Water
As Mr. Englert was not present, no discussion ensued.
C. Fire Chief Ferreira – Discussion and possible vote to authorize application for Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant
Fire Chief Ferreira explained the department is applying for the FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) 3-year grant to offset the costs of hiring new firefighters, with the town contributing a 25% match in the first two years and a 65% match in the third year. Administrator Jones clarified that voting in favor does not authorize any hiring, and only allows the chief to submit the application. If FEMA approves the funding, the Fire Chief must return to the council to seek final permission before moving forward.
Councilor Paull motioned to authorize application for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed 5-1-1, with Councilor Burk opposed and Councilor Committo absent.
D. Fire Chief Ferreira – Discussion and possible vote to authorize application for Assistance to
Firefighters Grant (AFG)
Fire Chief Ferreira explained the grant application seeks $371,000 to replace the department's aging AirPacks and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Because Tiverton has a population under 20,000, the federal government requires a 5% local match, amounting to $18,565.
Councilor Paull motioned to authorize application for Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
E. Fire Chief Ferreira – Discussion and possible vote on a therapy dog program for the Tiverton Fire
Department
Chief Ferreira and Captain Wells presented a proposal to implement a therapy dog program for the Tiverton Fire Department. The primary intent was to provide behavioral health support for firefighters, helping them break their attention and de-stress after handling highly stressful emergency calls. The proposed therapy dog is Dexter, a 13-week-old hypoallergenic Bernadoodle who will live with Captain Wells as a personal family pet. Dexter will undergo standard puppy obedience training followed by formal AKC certifications to ensure he is fully accustomed to loud environments like fire pumps and trucks.
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve the therapy dog program for the Tiverton Fire Department. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Committo returned to the table.
F. Councilor deMedeiros – Discussion and possible vote for the Town Council to formally request the
Stone Bridge Fire District Water Department attends the Planning Board Meeting on June 17, 2026
Councilor deMedeiros opened discussion regarding municipal water concerns related to new housing developments. The core issue is the Planning Board raising significant questions on water infrastructure and delivery systems. She noted that while a developer-hired engineer claimed water supplies are fine, concerns remain about underlying infrastructure vulnerabilities. The Planning Board had extended a formal invitation to the Stone Bridge Fire District Water Department to attend a public meeting to answer customer questions. At the time of this meeting, Stone Bridge officials had not yet responded. Council agreed to direct the Town Administrator to strongly request Stone Bridge's attendance in writing for the upcoming June Planning Board meeting.
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to direct the administrator to contact the Stonebridge Fire District, in writing, to encourage attendance at the June 16, 2026 Planning Board meeting. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
G. Administrator Jones – Discussion and possible vote to approve allocation from Municipal Capital Fund
640 for Fire HVAC shortage
Administrator Jones addressed a funding shortage for the Fire Department HVAC project. The requested $34,854.27 for mini-split installations exceeded the $30,000 budget allocation. He recommended covering the remaining balance (not to exceed $5,000) from Municipal Capital Fund 640. He added that the police department's $50,000 roof condenser project was put on hold because the building currently lacks insulation. This will be reconsidered during the next round of gaming revenue allocations once a comprehensive installation solution is presented.
He reminded that PARE Engineering was currently conducting a public safety study evaluating unsold land in the industrial park for a potential consolidated complex, with findings expected to be ready between July and August 2026. He estimated that a finalized public safety complex consolidation would require a minimum timeline of 5 to 10 years. While council members expressed a strong desire to update the outdated facilities sooner, the administrator recommended that relocating the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the recycling center must happen first.
Council President Edwards V left the table.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve allocation from Municipal Capital Fund 640 for Fire HVAC shortage, not to exceed $5,000. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
H. Council President Edwards V – Discussion and possible vote to approve Resolution 2026-0019 in
Support of House Bill H8580 Relating to the North Tiverton Fire District
Council President Edwards returned to the table.
President Edwards V explained that the North Tiverton Fire District requested a resolution in support of efforts to reduce the number of assessors on their board by two. In response to a question from Councilor Janick, it was noted this reduction is structural and will take place through attrition. The district's lawyers drafted the legislation, and the bill will move forward to the state floor following the town's endorsement.
Councilor Paull motioned to approve Resolution 2026-0019. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
I. Council President Edwards V – Discussion regarding Administrator evaluation process
President Edwards V noted that the council is slightly behind schedule regarding the Administrator's one-year job performance evaluation. The Clerk is distributing the standard evaluation forms to all councilors. Once completed, she will compile all individual responses into a single master sheet. The feedback will be formally reviewed and discussed with the administrator during an upcoming closed executive session.
J. Discussion regarding Voter Information Guide for Proposed Charter Amendments
Clerk Chabot provided historic costs for producing and mailing the guides - the cost was approximately $3,700 in 2018 and rose to around $5,000 in 2022. Due to rising printing and postage fees, she projected a booklet will cost between $5,000 and $7,000 depending on the final page count.
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Administrator Jones – RIGL 42-46-5(a)(1) – Personnel - Job Performance Evaluation for Tax Collector
Toni Lyn McGowan – Notice given
B. Solicitor Marcello – RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) General Litigation updates
C. Solicitor Marcello – RIGL 42-46-5(a)(5) Any discussion related to the sale of public properties wherein
advanced public information would be detrimental to the interest of the public
D. Solicitor Marcello – R.I.G.L. 42-46-5(a)(2) Consideration of joining as an amicus along with Hopkinton,
Exeter, Bristol and South Kingstown in a case pending before the Rhode Island Supreme Court related
to the authority of municipalities to regulate Short Term Rental via local zoning brought by the City of
Newport. City of Newport v. 6365 Fourth Avenue Corp. SU-2025-0035-CA (N3-2023-0291A) and
SU-2025-0036-CA (N3-2023-0292A)
E. Council President Edwards V – R.I.G.L. 42-46-5(a)(2) Potential litigation and request to join other
municipalities in challenging various recent changes in state law related to zoning, planning, and
housing as potentially violated of Home Rule Charters and local community comprehensive plans
President Edwards V noted item 10-B would be tabled.
Councilor Edwards V motioned to enter into Executive Session for agenda items 10-A, 10-C, 10-D, and 10-E. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
The Council entered a closed executive session at approximately 8:50 p.m.
The Council returned to open session at approximately 9:39 p.m.
Councilor Committo motioned to seal the minutes of Executive Session. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Solicitor Marcello reported on items 10-A and 10-E; no votes were taken. For items 10-C and 10-D, votes were 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.
K. Administrator Jones - Discussion and possible vote to approve fiscal impact statement for Tax
Collector Toni-Lyn McGowan, effective 3/24/2026
Councilor Committo motioned to approve the fiscal impact statement for Tax Collector Toni-Lyn McGowan, effective 3/24/2026. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Councilor Committo motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:42 p.m.
A True Copy.
ATTEST______________________________________
Joan B. Chabot, CMC, Town Clerk