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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 Tuesday, May 26, 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 |
Absent
Denise M. deMedeiros
Solicitor Romano, Town Clerk Chabot, and Deputy Town Clerk Veegh were also present.
4. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH
A. Police Officer Jonathan Smith
Officer Jonathan Smith was sworn in following his graduation from the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy. Police Chief Costa relayed that Officer Smith grew up in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, was an all-state swimmer at Bishop Hendricken High School and swam collegiately at Roger Williams University before pursuing law enforcement. Officer Smith’s badge was pinned on by his mother. Town Clerk Chabot administered the official oath.
5. PROCLAMATIONS
Liberty Days of Celebration Week - June 14, 2026, through July 4, 2026
Council President Edwards V read aloud a town proclamation to officially declare the period from June 14th, 2026 through July 4th, 2026, as the Liberty Days of Celebration in Tiverton, Rhode Island.
Celebrating Leroy E. Kendricks Retirement
From Tiverton Wastewater District
Council President Edwards V read aloud a town proclamation honoring Leroy E. Kendricks, retiring from Tiverton Wastewater District after nearly 19 years of service. Mr. Kendricks helped establish the independent Tiverton Wastewater District in June 2014 which opened the door for critical USDA rural development loans and grants. Under his leadership, the district expanded from 350 accounts to nearly 1,000, now serving 25% of the town. He helped secure $10.5 million for the town, connecting 212 houses and significantly improving water quality in Mount Hope Bay.
Rep. Edwards and Senator Felag presented Kendricks with a Senate citation and a House resolution to celebrate his volunteer spirit, persistence, and dedicated career in wastewater management.
Rep. Edwards and Senator Felag then presented a check for $1,500 to the fire department and a $10,000 check to the police department for digital speed signs in front of Pocasset School.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Town Council Minutes
1. April 30, 2026 – Executive Session
2. May 7, 2026 – Special Meeting
3. May 11, 2026 – Executive Session
B. Acknowledge Receipt of Minutes from Boards/Commissions/Committees
1. Historic Preservation Advisory Board (1)
2. Open Space Commission (1)
3. Litter Control Committee (1)
4. Recreation & Beaches Commission (1)
5. Cemetery Commission (1)
C. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports
1. Treasurer Saurette – Budget and Revenue Reports – April 2026
2. School Department YTD Budget v. Actual Report – April 2026
D. Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence
1. Town of Burrillville – Resolution in opposition to Rhode Island 2026 Gun Legislation
2. Town of Portsmouth – Resolution REQUESTING LEGISLATIVE ACTION TO CLARIFY AND
REAFFIRM STATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC BOATING ACCESS INFRASTRUCTURE
3. New Shoreham – Resolution related to PUBLIC HEALTH CRISES – DEER
4. South Kingstown – Resolution in support of H-8298 RELATING TO CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT -- 2026
BOND REFERENDA
5. Letter from Patti Buchanan re: FLOCK Safety cameras
6. Letter from Virginia Nugent re: FLOCK Safety cameras
7. Letter from Nancy Pearson-Dias and Paul Dias re: FLOCK Safety cameras
8. Letter from Sandra Van Hof re: Vital at Tiverton Commons’ Planning Board presentation
E. Approval of Police Department Budget Transfers
| From Account: | Account Description: | To Account: | Account Description: | Amount |
| 3330-5101 | Personnel Service - Police | 3330-5107 | Holiday pay | 33,000.00 |
| 3330-5101 | Personnel Service - Police | 3330-5102 | AFSCME salaries | 23,000.00 |
| 3330-5101 | Personnel Service - Police | 3330-5103 | Deputy Chief salary | 8,000.00 |
| 3330-5101 | Personnel Service - Police | 3330-5104 | Overtime | 100,000.00 |
| 3330-5101 | Personnel Service - Police | 3330-5105 | Shift Differential | 17,000.00 |
Councilor Janick pulled item A-3, as she noted she had not attended that meeting.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the Consent Agenda except for item A-3. Seconded by Councilor Paull, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Janick noted she had not attended the May 11 meeting.
Councilor Burk motioned to approve the Consent Agenda item A-3. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed 5-0-1, with Councilor Janick abstaining, absent.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING A COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM OR OTHER TOWN BUSINESS
Resident Ivy Hall urged the Tiverton Town Council to vote against allocating $23,000 in the fiscal year 2027 budget for four Flock cameras. Her arguments included cybersecurity and safety risks, potential data leaks, privacy violations and constitutional concerns. She noted neighboring Portsmouth previously voted unanimously to reject the cameras over Fourth Amendment concerns. She stated that Tiverton is statistically very safe, with crime rates roughly 65% lower than the national average, and that audits in other municipalities show little to no correlation between these cameras and crime reduction. She suggested taxpayer funds would be better utilized if invested directly in the local school system or a continuing education fund for the fire department.
Semiquincentennial Commission Chair Peter Moniz provided an update regarding the town's upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations. In addition to the "Liberty Days of Celebration" running from June 14th through July 4th, he reminded Liberty Pole Event – a short ceremony at Bulgarmarsh Park on June 14th that will feature guest speakers, music, the raising of the flag, and red, white, and blue cupcakes. He encouraged the town to fly the red, white, and blue to become the number one town in Rhode Island for holiday displays.
Resident Christopher Englert shared his perspective on the town budget and taxes. Speaking from his technical background, he said public tax dollars are not equal to private dollars due to an economic "deadweight loss factor" and, using a conservative 1.35 multiplier, a $60 million town budget actually costs residents about $81 million in real private purchasing power. He requested future town accounting include a line item to reflect this true cost. He added that the proposed 2.7% property tax increase translates to roughly $60 to $80 more per resident annually.
8. GENERAL BUSINESS
A. Cemetery Commission Chair Sylvia - Discussion and possible vote to approve change to grave lot
refund policy regarding perpetual care funds
In the absence of Chair Sylvia, Councilor Paull explained that the modification seeks to withhold the perpetual care fund portion of a purchase when issuing a refund, because those specific funds are legally deadlocked in long-term investments.
Councilor Janick pointed out that this policy is rarely utilized, as there have only been two cases requiring refunds over the last two years.
Councilor Burk brought up an unrelated error on page six of the handbook that specifies old branches of the military and advises updating it to reflect that Congress now officially recognizes six armed forces, which legally includes the Space Force.
It was decided to continue the item to the next meeting to ensure Chair Sylvia could be present to explain the changes.
Councilor Paull motioned to continue item 8-A until the next meeting. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.
B. Police Chief Costa – Discussion and possible vote to award bid to Ocean State Air Solutions for Police
and Fire Departments HVAC for $59,314.51, and to approve additional allocation from Fund 650
Police Chief Costa noted an agenda error where he included the police dept. portion only, but explained both police and fire bids were included in the backup. The police upgrades of $59,314.51 combined with fire upgrades of $34,854.27 totaled $94,168.78. Allocated capital funds did not cover the total, but unspent funds from other departments would cover it. A reimbursement grant adds an extra $25,000. Official fund reallocation requires a separate future resolution. After lengthy discussion, a motion was made to approve the entire amount contingent upon a final funding layout.
Councilor Burk motioned to award the bid to Ocean State Air Solutions for Police and Fire Departments HVAC for $94,168.78, contingent upon available funding. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed 4-2, with Councilors Committo and Perry opposed.
C. Administrator Jones - Discussion and possible vote to award bid to Mancini Demolition, Inc. for
$21,200.00 for Town Farm Demolition
A discussion ensued regarding where the funding for the project would come from. With Administrator Jones’ absence, Councilor Committo suggested holding the vote until he was present for comment.
Councilor Paull motioned to award the bid to Mancini Demolition, Inc. for $21,200.00 for Town Farm Demolition. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed 5-1, with Councilor Committto opposed.
D. Administrator Jones - Discussion and possible vote to award bid to Corkery Tractor Trailer, Inc. for
$13,387.00 for Surplus Vehicles
Acknowledging the Corkery Tractor Trailer, Inc. bid was $1,887 higher than East Bay Recycling, Councilor Committo suggested awarding the bid to the latter to “help out a local business”. Councilor Paull concurred. Solicitor Romano cautioned against this approach, explaining there should be a more substantial reason than location alone to legally bypass the highest bidder.
Councilor Perry motioned to award bid to Corkery Tractor Trailer, Inc for $13,387.00 for Surplus Vehicles. Seconded by Councilor Committo, the motion passed 4-2, with Councilors Paull and Committo opposed.
E. Council President Edwards V – Discussion and possible vote on Joint Resolution 2026-01 regarding
FY25 School Department deficit
Councilor Perry motioned to approve Joint Resolution 2026-01. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
F. Town Clerk Chabot – Election’s update:
1. Declaration of Candidacy filing period June 22, June 23, and June 24, 2026. Must be received
no later than 4:00 p.m. on June 24.
2. Party endorsements due June 25
3. Nomination papers available for pickup on June 30
4. Completed nomination papers due July 10
The Clerk noted that election season was approximately 30 days away, reiterating the above-listed updates.
G. Schedule Reminders:
1. Additional Proposed Charter Amendments meeting on June 1, 2026
2. FY27 Unified Budget Ordinance Public Hearing on June 8, 2026
President Edwards V restated the above-listed updates.
H. Administrator Jones - Discussion and possible vote to approve fiscal impact statement for Tax
Collector Toni-Lyn McGowan, effective 3/24/2026.
Due to Administrator Jones’ absence, item H would be held to the next meeting.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Town Administrator – R.I.G.L 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)(2) Litigation update - L & T, LLC d/b/a Sakonnet Liquors
related to the issuance of Class A liquor License to East Horizon, Inc. d/b/a Hot Shot Liquors
President Edwards V noted items 9-A and 9-B would be tabled.
Councilor Edwards V motioned to enter into Executive Session for agenda item 9-C. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
The Council entered a closed executive session at approximately 8:25 p.m.
The Council returned to open session at approximately 8:32 p.m.
Councilor Burk motioned to seal the minutes of Executive Session. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Burk motioned to accept the request to refund the application fee pending withdrawal of the application with prejudice. Councilor Paull seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Councilor Burk motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
A True Copy.
ATTEST______________________________________
Joan B. Chabot, CMC, Town Clerk