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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, March 23, 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. March 9, 2026 – Regular Meeting
2. February 28, 2026 – Special Meeting (amended)
B. Acknowledge Receipt of Minutes from Boards/Commissions/Committees
1. Zoning Board of Review (1)
C. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports
1. Town Administrator – Departments’ Monthly Reports – February 2026
2. Town Administrator – Police and Fire Department Overtime Reports – February 2026
3. Treasurer Saurette – February 2026 Budget and Revenue Reports
D. Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence
1. Town of Warren - Resolution to request that the RI General Assembly enact legislation that would
create a new hearsay exemption for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities as
well as persons with neurological disorders
2. Town of Warren - Resolution to request that the RI General Assembly enact legislation that would
amend the Wavemaker Fellowship to include firefighters of both paid and volunteer departments
3. Town of South Kingstown – Resolution in support of establishing reimbursement for community
paramedic programs
4. Town of Exeter – Resolution 2026-01 supporting healthcare advocacy and fair reimbursement to
preserve local access to care
5. Town of Exeter - Resolution 2026-02 in support of S-2275 and H-7447 relating to low and moderate
income housing – comprehensive permits
6. Town of Exeter - Resolution 2026-03 in support of H-7356 and S-2216 – School Employee
Background Checks
7. Town of Exeter - Resolution 2026-04 in support of legislation allowing Exeter to establish a tax
exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans
8. Town of Smithfield - Resolution in support of H-8015 and S-2917 – Relating to Towns and Cities –
Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1988
9. Town of Smithfield - Resolution in support of Municipalities Collaborating in Reviewing, Analyzing,
and Responding to the 2024 and 2025 Affordable Housing Laws
10. Letter from Susan Anderson related to trash barrels
12. Letter from Sally Black and Joanne Arruda in support of Robert Jobin’s Planning Board application
13. Letter from North Tiverton Fire District formally disavowing Jamie French comments
14. Letter from RIDOT related to Sales Tax of Short term Parking
15. Letter from Nancy Papagno related to town trash issue
E. Approval of Narragansett Electric Pole Petition to install 4 new poles on Eight Rod Way
F. Approval of Tax Assessor/Collector Abatements - $4,756.45
G. DPW Director Silvia – Request Permission to submit RIPDES MS4 2025 Annual Report to RIDEM
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the Consent Agenda. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING A COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM OR OTHER TOWN BUSINESS
Jamie French comments centered on a piece of correspondence (item #13 of Consent Agenda) from the water district that she claimed inaccurately characterized her. She stated a council member sent the water board a screenshot of one of her comments, out of context, leading the board to believe she was part of a larger town government discussion aimed at pressuring them. She said the water board was told that if they did not act on the matter, there would be "repercussions," and that the cooperative relationship between the town and the water board had been broken because of her comment. French asserted she was falsely accused of actions she did not take.
Peter Moniz, representing the 250th Commission, provided updates on local commemorative activities. He described "Flying the Red, White, and Blue" as an ongoing event encouraging residents and businesses to display the national colors throughout town via flags, bunting, streamers, or pinwheels. He informed also of the Liberty Tree Planting ceremony scheduled for April 10th at 10:00 a.m. in the side yard of the Tiverton Middle School.
6. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS– Discussion and possible votes
A. Harbor Commission - (9) Member Board (2) Year Terms (2) Vacancies
1. Tyler Slade Divoll- Requests appointment for term ending 7/15/2025 or 7/15/2027
Mr. Divoll was unable to attend. Item continued to the April 13, 2026 meeting.
7. BOARD OF LICENSING - Discussion and possible vote
A. Michael Roderick - Requesting Special Event permit for Courtney Roderick Run for Recovery on July
26, 2026, from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, subject to meeting all legal requirements (SPE-152)
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve the Special Event permit for Courtney Roderick Run for Recovery on July 26, 2026, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, subject to meeting all legal requirements. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
B. Tiverton Fire Fighter’s IAFF Local 1703 - Requesting Special Event permit for 5K running event Run
Your Axe Off on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, subject to meeting all legal
requirements (SPE – 150)
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the Special Event permit for 5K running event Run Your Axe Off on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, subject to meeting all legal requirements. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
C. Philomena Santos-Higgins/Cystic Fibrosis Foundation MASS-RI Chapter, Natick, MA - Request approval
of Special Event license for Cycle for Life Ride through Tiverton on Saturday, September 19, 2026,
from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (September 20 rain date) - subject to meeting all legal requirements (SPE-
149)
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the Special Event license for Cycle for Life Ride through Tiverton on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (September 20 rain date) - subject to meeting all legal requirements. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) – Discussion and possible votes
A. Mattye Dewhirst and Tom Couture - Requesting approval of Sound Variance for wedding at 2649
Main Road on June 6, 2026 from 7:30pm – 12:00am (SPE-148)
President Edwards V opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the Sound Variance for wedding at 2649 Main Road on June 6, 2026 from 7:30pm – 12:00am. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
B. Kim and Justin Katz - Requesting approval of Sound Variance for wedding at 189 Cottrell Road on
July 4, 2026 from 3:00pm – 9:00pm (SPE-143)
President Edwards V opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Councilor Paull motioned to approve the Sound Variance for wedding at 189 Cottrell Road on July 4, 2026 from 3:00pm – 9:00pm. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
C. Cultural Survival/Candyce Testa – Approval of sound variance for Cultural Survival Bazaar at Tiverton
Four Corners Arts Center, 3852 Main Road on July 24-26, 2026, from 10 am to 6 pm, and approval of
special event permit (non-advertised) (SPE-151)
President Edwards V opened the public hearing.
Adrian Burke, owner of a business located at 3848 Main Road, known as the Gallery Building, expressed concerns about the logistical impact of large gatherings on neighboring businesses. Relative to parking/traffic, she stated that vendors and attendees frequently use her private lots, often causing gridlock with large trailers. She added that increased demand for restrooms often leads people into her building, and her private dumpsters were filled to capacity by event-goers in previous years. She noted that previous informal shared-parking agreements are no longer in place, leaving her with the financial and liability burden.
Event organizer Candyce Testa responded that the event has been held in Tiverton for 21 years. She stated they provide on-site facilities, port-a-johns and handwashing stations. Use of a nearby field provides off-site parking with hired attendants to direct traffic.
After a lengthy discussion, the Council decided to continue the hearing to the first meeting in April. They directed the organizer to work with the Chief of Police to develop a formal parking and logistics plan. This plan should address improved signage, vendor trailer management, and the potential addition of a dedicated dumpster.
Councilor Paull motioned to approve continue the hearing to the first meeting in April, to allow time for collaboration with the Chief of Police to develop a formal parking and logistics plan that includes improved signage, vendor trailer management, and the potential addition of a dedicated dumpster. Seconded by Councilor Committo, the motion passed unanimously.
D. Approval of the proposed amendment to the Tiverton Code of Ordinances, Articles of Appendix A –
Zoning Ordinance: (cont. from 3-9-26) – Workshop date scheduled for 3-30-2026
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.
Council President Edwards V informed that the workshop is now scheduled for March 31, 2026. The public hearing would be continued until the April 13, 2026, meeting, and would be re-advertised as recommended by the Solicitor.
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
Without objection, President Edward V took item 9-S out of order.
S. Administrator Jones – Discussion and possible vote to approve $5,000.00 for dinghy dock
improvements with funding from Municipal Capital Fund 640
Council discussion ensued on maritime infrastructure improvements. Harbor Master Loomis proposed moving three pylons at the town dock to create a dedicated tie-up spot on the east side for the town's patrol and fire boats. Moving the boats from a private marina to the town dock will eliminate annual slip fees (approximately $10,000/year), provide 24/7 access, and improve emergency response times for the fire department. While a police-monitored camera is already on-site, the town administrator agreed to review adding further lighting and security due to the area being very dark at night.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the dinghy dock improvements not to exceed $10,000 with funding from Municipal Capital Fund 640. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Without objection, President Edward V took item 9-D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, O and P out of order.
D. Recreation Director Gilfillen - Discussion and possible vote to approve a 2026 Fireworks and Beach
Party event and permission to close Main Road from Lawton Avenue to Bridgeport Road on Saturday,
May 23 from 5:00-10:00pm with a rain date option of May 24
F. Recreation Director Gilfillen - Discussion and possible vote to approve 2026 Summer Concert Series
and related sound variance. Concerts be held on June 19, 26 / July 10, 17, 24, 31 / Aug 7, 14
from 6:00 to ~8:30 PM with rain date options of August 21 and 28
G. Recreation Director Gilfillen - Discussion and possible vote to approve 2026 Summer Movie Series at
Pocasset Field on July 22, 29 & August 5,12 with rain dates of August 19 and 26
H. Recreation Director Gilfillen - Discussion and possible vote to approve 2026 Fogland Beach Sunset
Series at Fogland Beach from 5:30-8:30pm on June 23, 30 / July 7, 14, 21, 28 / August 6, 13
I. Recreation Director Gilfillen - Discussion and possible vote to approve 2026 Tiverton Celebrates
Parade on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 10am – 2pm
J. Recreation Director Gilfillen - Discussion and possible vote to approve 2026 Trunk or Treat event
either Saturday, October 17 or October 24, 2026 with potential rain date of either Sunday, October
18 or 25, 2026 at Ranger School from 4:00 - 8:30pm
K. Recreation Director Gilfillen - Discussion and possible vote to approve $1,000.00 expenditure for
materials for construction of two (2) lifeguard chairs to be built by the Tiverton HS CTE program
In this segment, the Council bundled several community-related items for discussion and a single vote. The Tiverton Celebrates Parade approval would include a setup time adjusted to 9:00 a.m. to accommodate participants. The $1,000 for materials for the High School CTE program would be funded via Municipal Capital Fund 640.
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve items 9-D, F, G, H, I, J, K with a parade setup time adjusted to 9:00 a.m. and the $1,000.00 expenditure for materials for construction of two (2) lifeguard chairs funded via Municipal Capital Fund 640. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
E. Recreation Director Gilfillen - Discussion and possible vote to approve funding ($60,000.00) for the
2026 Tiverton Celebrates Fireworks and Block Party
Council debated funding for the fireworks and associated block party activities. Currently, only about $17,000 remains in the dedicated power plant civic fund. Councilor DeMedeiros proposed "borrowing" the remaining $42,826 from casino revenue, to be paid back once the town receives a long-overdue $75,000–$100,000 payment from the casino under a tax treaty agreement. Councilor Burk objected, arguing that the town shouldn't borrow against money that isn't guaranteed and hasn't arrived in the "coffers" yet.
Recreation Chair Gilfillen acknowledged the need to make the event self-sustaining through future fundraisers to avoid relying solely on town funds.
The Council voted to approve the $60,000 for the event. They directed the Town Administrator and Treasurer to find the best "stop-gap" for the $42,826 balance without strictly committing to the casino fund at this moment
Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve funding ($60,000.00) for the 2026 Tiverton Celebrates Fireworks and Block Party and direct the Town Administrator and Treasurer to find the best option for the $42,826 balance. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.
O. Administrator Jones – Discussion and possible vote to award contract for Upgrades to Bulgarmarsh
Softball Field Lights
Administrator Jones recommended awarding the contract to EW Energy Solutions, noting the proposed cost of $42,000 falls within the $55,000 appropriation previously authorized by the council
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the Administrator’s recommendation. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
P. Administrator Jones – Discussion and possible vote to award contract for Playground Renovations for
Pocasset Field and Hooper Park
Town Administrator Jones noted that some existing equipment was 25 years old and parts had been removed previously for safety reasons. After reviewing six bids, a panel recommended Kompan, the same vendor used for the Town Farm playground, citing their excellent design and warranty record. The final all-inclusive bid was $169,645, which covers equipment, excavation, and specialized engineered wood fiber surfacing. The Council discussed cobbling funds together from several sources including $50,000 already set aside for each park ($100,000 total), $23,211 from a previous recreation feasibility study, a $10,000 contribution from Pocasset PTO and the remaining balance of approximately $41,789 from gaming (casino) revenue.
Councilor Burk expressed concern about "nickel and diming" the casino fund before the official annual gaming meeting. This led to a broader agreement to shift to quarterly casino funding meetings starting in April 2026 to handle requests more systematically. Council prioritized the vote now to ensure construction at Pocasset is finished before school opens in the fall.
Councilor Paull motioned to award contract for Playground Renovations for Pocasset Field and Hooper Park as per the Administrators’ recommendation to Kompan, in an amount not to exceed $175,000 and direct the solicitor to prepare requisite resolutions to expend those funds. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
A. DPW Director Silvia - Discussion and possible vote to approve Resolution 2026-0005
appropriating $233,100.00 from the Casino Revenue Account Fund 650 to purchase a CAT930 loader
President Edwards V noted this was a carryover resolution from the prior meeting.
Councilor deMedeiros stepped away from the table.
Councilor Paull motioned to approve Resolution 2026-0005 appropriating $233,100.00 from the Casino Revenue Account Fund 650 to purchase a CAT930 loader. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed 5-1, with Councilor Burk opposed.
B. DPW Director Silvia - Discussion and possible vote to approve purchase of used 2024 Mack MD Dump
Truck from Casino Revenue Account Fund 650
Administrator Jones requested that the item be tabled until the next meeting.
C. DPW Director Silvia - Discussion and possible vote to approve drain layers/excavator license to Robert
Guidaboni of Danella Line Service
Councilor deMedeiros returned to the table.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the drain layers/excavator license to Robert Guidaboni of Danella Line Service. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
L. Councilor Perry/Paull – Discussion and possible vote to replace the island triangle at the corner of
Bulgarmarsh and N. Brayton roads not to exceed $2,500.00
Councilors Perry and Paull explained their jointly proposed improvement project - the island triangle at the intersection of Bulgarmarsh and North Brayton Roads, often decorated by the high school senior class. The plan is to replace the current off-center triangle with a squared off 10x10x10 structure featuring new blocks, fill material, flowers, and potentially new signage created by the high school shop class. A local contractor has volunteered to perform the labor for free over a weekend. The project will be managed by the Town Planner and the DPW Director to ensure it meets all highway safety standards.
Councilor Perry motioned to approve replace the island triangle at the corner of Bulgarmarsh and N. Brayton roads not to exceed $2,500.00, funded via Municipal Capital Fund 640. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
M. Councilor Perry/Paull – Discussion and possible vote to reinstate collection of bulk waste at the
recycling center
Councilors Perry and Paul proposed reinstating bulk waste collection (e.g., couches and chairs) at the town's recycling center. Councilor Perry noted frequent resident inquiries about where to dispose of large furniture, which is currently not accepted at the local recycling site. Residents often leave bulk items on the roadside for the DPW to collect and dispose of at the town's expense. Councilor Paull asserted that the town has never lost money on bulk waste dumpsters, suggesting it could even provide a "small net gain". The primary concern is whether the DEM permit for the site allows for a bulk waste dumpster. The item would be continued to the next meeting to allow the Administrator to verify DEM requirements.
N. Councilor Perry - Discussion and possible vote to authorize solicitor to draft resolution related to
ensuring special needs funding follows the child
Councilor Perry requested the town solicitor draft a resolution advocating for state-level changes to ensure special needs funding "follows the child" if they move between districts. He noted that high-cost transfers currently "blow the budget right out of the water" for local schools and hopes that more towns joining this cause will pressure the state to act.
Q. Police Chief Costa - Discussion and possible vote to award contract for Police Department Interior
Painting
Chief Costa reported receiving six bids for the project, with prices ranging significantly from $21,875 to $155,400, and recommended awarding the contract to Majestic Roofing for $22,250, noting they are a local contractor currently performing other work for the town. Councilor Committo expressed strong reservations, stating he was unsatisfied with Majestic's ongoing work at Town Hall and could not support awarding them another contract. Councilor Perry had similar concerns.
Councilor Paull motioned to award the contract for Police Department Interior Painting to Majestic Roofing in the amount of $22,250. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed 5-2, with Councilors Committo and Perry opposed.
R. Police Chief Costa - Discussion and possible vote to award contract for Police Department Flooring
Installation
Chief Costa recommended awarding the contract to Regal Flooring for $48,800. He noted that one other bid from ODP Development was slightly lower, the Chief and council members expressed reservations that ODP might subcontract the work. Regal was chosen due to their long history of exceptional work on other town projects, including the fire stations. The original capital request for this project was $39,000, but the cost of flooring has increased substantially since then, therefore a new resolution would need to be drafted for approval at the next meeting.
Councilor Paull motioned to award the contract for Police Department Flooring Installation to Regal Flooring for $48,800. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
T. Administrator Jones – Discussion and possible vote to direct Administrator to engage in negotiations
with current trash contractor
The Administrator sought the council's guidance on the town's upcoming trash and recycling contract, which is set to expire in June 2026. He explained the current agreement with MIGA includes two one-year rollover options. The administrator proposed negotiating a one-year extension to provide the town more time to develop a long-term plan.
President Edwards V noted that the contract cost has increased by approximately 50% over the last three years, now totaling roughly $1.5 million.
After discussion, the consensus was to have the Administrator meet with the contractor to negotiate the best possible deal, specifically focusing on a 5% Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase and ensuring that fuel surcharges remain waived as per the original bid specifications. He will also incorporate the discussions regarding the reinstatement of bulk waste collection and report back with a final number at the next meeting.
U. Councilor Edwards – Discussion and possible vote to request proposals (RFP) for a FICA Alternative
plan
Councilor Edwards prefaced his recommendation to issue an RFP for a Section 3121 FICA Alternative plan for the town's part-time and seasonal employees. The plan would replace the town's 6.2% Social Security match with individual retirement accounts for part-time workers, such as lifeguards, beach staff, and the council members themselves. Employee contributions would be diverted into these private, fixed-interest accounts rather than the Social Security system. He estimated the move could save the town $20,000 to $30,000 annually, potentially increasing to $50,000 if the library and school department also participate.
Councilor Burk questioned the benefit to low-wage employees, who might end up with very small, "stuck" accounts. Edwards argued the funds are portable and can be rolled into other retirement vehicles upon separation from service.
Councilor Burk motioned to direct Councilor Edwards to work with the Administrator to draft the RFP for further review. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.
V. Administrator Jones – Update on Town Hall renovations
Administrator Jones explained that the project lost six months due to asbestos abatement lasting from July until after the holidays. Further delays were caused by a serious health condition affecting the project engineer, with structural sign-offs finally completed in mid-March. All interior painting and structural work on columns and brackets have been finished to the building official's specifications. Carpet installation is scheduled for Wednesday, which will allow the front door to reopen to the public.
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Solicitor Marcello – R.I.G.L. 42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation: NC-2013-0087 Town of Tiverton v. LAL
Construction Company – Discussion and update on litigation and potential consent judgment
Settlement
Councilor Edwards V motioned to enter into Executive Session for agenda item 10-A. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.
The Council entered a closed executive session at approximately 8:56 p.m.
The Council returned to open session at approximately 9:22 p.m.
Councilor Burk motioned to seal the minutes of Executive Session. Councilor Paull seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Solicitor Marcello reported that item 10-A was informational only.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Councilor Burk motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Paull seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:23 PM.
A True Copy.
ATTEST______________________________________
Joan B. Chabot, CMC, Town Clerk