The Town Council of the Town of Warren, State of Rhode Island in Bristol County, met in person, and live-streamed Tuesday the 10th day of February 2026, the meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
Present: Council President Joseph DePasquale Vice-President Keri M. Cronin, Councilman John W. Hanley, Councilman Derrik L. Trombley and Councilman Louis A. Rego.
Agenda and Attachments: https://clerkshq.com/warren-ri
Led by Adrianna B. Lehane
Written public comment to be read into the record must be received via email or in writing by Town Clerk Sandrea Speroni (ssperoni@townofwarren-ri.gov) no later than 4:00 PM on February 10, 2026.
Dennis Taylor of 147 Vernon Street thanked the Town Council for giving him the opportunity to speak regarding ordinance completion. He stated that the Town has ordinances in place, but he feels that they are not being fully enforced. In particular, the snow removal ordinance, and the removal of snow on sidewalks, that is not being enforced and may cause a hazard to others. His question is how are these being handled and who is giving the citations?
President DePasquale stated that the Building Official’s Office sends out violation notices. If there is no response from the owner, then the Town will pay someone to clear the sidewalk and place a lien on the property.
Eagle Scout- Adrianna B. Lehane
TOWN OF WARREN, RHODE ISLAND
RECOGNITION
Adrianna B. Lehane
Eagle Scout
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TROOP 5
WHEREAS, Since it was founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has encouraged its
members to develop citizenship through community involvement and to
strive to attain personal goals as set forth by Scouting’s numerous programs.
WHEREAS, To fulfill the Eagle Scout requirement, Warren resident Adrianna B.
Lehane embarked on and completed a unique project, namely
constructing turtle enclosures for the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in
Bristol.
WHEREAS, Having completed the requirements for, and having been examined
by an Eagle Scout Board of Review, Adrianna Lehane has been found an
exceptional individual and worthy of the rank of Eagle Scout.
She is the first Scout of Scout Troop 5 of Bristol/Warren to have achieved
the Eagle Scout Honor since the Troop was founded in November, 2019.
THEREFORE, LET IT BE KNOWN that the Warren Town Council and the Citizens of the Town of Warren recognize Adrianna Lehane’s hard work,
dedication and commitment and hereby commemorate her outstanding
achievement.
Approved by the Town Council on March 1, 2026
Joseph A. DePasquale, President ______________________________
Keri M. Cronin, Vice-President Joseph A. DePasquale
John W. Hanley
Derrik L. Trombley
Louis A. Rego
President DePasquale presented a recognition from the Town Council and the Town of Warren to Adrianna B. Lehane for her hard work, dedication, and commitment.
Board of Canvassers-6 yr. term-1 full-time member and 2 alternates available
(3 members + 2 alternates)
1.
2.
3.
Democratic Party:
1. Nancy Fritz-5 Sunset Court, Warren, RI 02885- (Current Alternate-Democrat)
Motion by Vice-President Cronin, seconded by Councilman Trombley to re-appoint Nancy Fritz of 5 Sunset Court as the alternate representing the Democratic Party to the Board of Canvassers for the six-year term. The motion passed unanimously.
Republican Party:
1. Byron S. Kee-74 Long Lane, Warren, RI 02885- (Current Chairman-Republican)
2. Nancy L. Martel-23 Reservoir Ave. Warren, RI 02885- (Current Alternate-Republican)
3. Mary Ellen Kee-74 Long Lane, Warren, RI 02885
4. Ed Martel-23 Reservoir Ave. Warren, RI 02885
5. Cory Matton-11 Kinnicutt Ave. Warren, RI 02885
Motion by Councilman Rego, seconded by Councilman Hanley to re-appoint Byron Kee of 74 Long Lane as a full member and Nancy L. Martel of 23 Reservoir Avenue as the alternate, both representing the Republican Party to the Board of Canvassers for the six-year term. The motion passed unanimously.
Arts & Culture Commission-1 position available (9 members):
1.
Bristol County Water Authority Board of Directors-1 position (3 members):
1. Frank J. Alfano-7 Milwaukee Avenue, Warren, RI 02885
Motion by President DePasquale, seconded by Councilman Rego to appoint Frank J. Alfano of 7 Milwaukee Avenue to the Bristol County Water Authority Board of Directors as a full member. The motion passed unanimously
Conservation Commission- 1 position available (7 members):
1.
Economic Development Board-1 position available (8 members):
1.
Juvenile Hearing Board-1 alternate position available (5 members + 2 alternates):
1.
Planning Board-3 positions available (7 members + 2 alternates):
1. Richard Charles Matton-11 Kinnicutt Avenue, Warren, RI 02885 (Current Alternate)
2. Timothy Lind White-1 Stonegate Road, Warren, RI 02885 (Current Alternate)
Motion by Councilman Rego, seconded by Councilman Hanley to appoint Timothy Lind White of 1 Stonegate Road to the Planning Board as a full member. The motion passed unanimously
3. Kaitlyn Ganguzza-25 Maple Street, Warren, RI 02885
President DePasquale stated that Kaitlyn was not present due to not feeling well but will be attending next month’s Council meeting.
Motion by Councilman Hanley, seconded by Councilman Trombley to re-advertise the position giving Kaitlyn Ganguzza an opportunity to appear and interview with the Town Council.
The motion passed unanimously
Recreation Board- 1 position available (5 members):
1.
RI 250th Commission-5 positions available (13 members):
1.
Voluntary Historic District Committee-1 position available (5 members + 2 alternates):
1. Scott Lial-825 Main Street, Warren, RI 02885 (Current Alternate)
Motion by Councilman Rego, seconded by Councilman Trombley to appoint Scott Lial of 825 Main Street to the Voluntary Historic District Committee as a full member. The motion passed unanimously
Zoning Board of Review-1 position available (5 members + 2 alternates):
1. Kevin Method-14 Barker Avenue, Warren, RI 02885
Motion by Vice-President Cronin, seconded by Councilman Trombley to appoint Kevin Method of 14 Baker Avenue to the Zoning Board as a full member. The motion passed unanimously
Motion by Councilman Hanley, seconded by Councilman Trombley to advertise all open board seats. The motion passed unanimously
President DePasquale asked Solicitor Anthony DeSisto if it is permissible to add an item on the agenda, that was not previously advertised, regarding an open seat on the Bristol Warren Regional School District Joint Finance Committee.
Solicitor DeSisto stated that Rhode Island General Law § 42-46-6 states that the Town Council may add an item on the agenda by vote.
Motion by Vice-President Cronin, seconded by Councilman Trombley to add to the agenda the appointment of a member to the Bristol Warren Regional School District Joint Finance Committee from the Council. The motion passed unanimously
Motion by Vice-President Cronin, seconded by Councilman Hanley to appoint Councilman Trombley to the Bristol Warren Regional School District Joint Finance Committee. The motion passed unanimously
Acceptance of January 13, 2026, Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes
Motion by Vice-President Cronin, seconded by Councilman Trombley to accept and approve January 13, 2026 Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
O-1
Chapter 10-Harbors and Vessels, Article V. - Town Docks,
Sec. 10-70. - Use of the town docks. (1st Reading)
(a)The commercial town dock was constructed to provide slips for berthing, and a loading area for commercial fishermen. Preference will be given to low- or moderate-income commercial fishermen as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Standards, for the assignment of slips to commercial fishermen.
(b)In order to apply for a slip at the commercial town dock, an applicant's primary source of income for the three (3) previous calendar years must be derived from commercial fishing activity, and [such applicant] must be free of any felony convictions, and convictions for any fisheries violations.
Applicants must have an active Rhode Island Commercial Fishing license, a current vessel declaration, and must be able to show thirty (30) landings in the previous calendar year.
Motion by Councilman Hanley, seconded by Councilman Trombley to approve the first reading of the proposed Ordinance –1, Chapter 10 Harbors and Vessels, Article V.-Town Docks, Sec. 10-70. – Use of the Town Docks and continue the matter to the March Town Council meeting for a second reading. The motion passed unanimously.
Chapter 32-Zoning, Article VIII.-Zoning District Use Regulations, Sec. 32-45.-
Interpretation of zoning use table. (Fitness/Sports Recreation/Education)
(1st Reading)
· Request for a Public Hearing to amend the Zoning Ordinance
Sec. 32-52. Service business uses.
| Service Business Uses | R40 | R20 | R15 | R10 | R6 | VB | B | W | SD | M | CI | FC |
| Barber, beauty, shoe repair, tailor, laundry, tattoo salon and similar personal service business uses | | | | | | P | P | S | S | | | |
| Print shop, photo studio and similar specialty service business uses | | | | | | S | S | S | S | | S | |
| Radio, television or appliance repair | | | | | | P | P | S | | | S | |
| Mortuary or funeral home, not including crematory facilities | | | | S | S | S | P | | | | | |
| Catering services | | | | | | P | P | S | S | S | S | |
| Landscaping services | | | | | | | P | | | P | S | |
| Gasoline filling station, [including] minor automotive repairs | | | | | | | S | | | | | |
| General automotive repair or body shop | | | | | | | S | | | S | S | |
| Motor vehicle rentals, including limousines | | | | | | | S | | | | | |
| Boat rentals | | | | | | | S | P | S | | | |
| Boat repair and service | | | | | | | S | P | S | S | S | |
| Laundromat or coin operated washing or dry-cleaning shop | | | | | | S | S | | | | | |
| Car washing establishment | | | | | | | S | | | | S | |
| Mini-storage* | | | | | | | S | | | | | |
| Service business use with drive-through service | | | | | | | S | | | | | |
| Business incubator facility | | | | | | S | S | | S | | | |
| Kennel | | | | | | | | | | S | | |
| Fitness/Sports Recreation/Education | | | | | | | | | | | P | |
*A private, instructor-led health, fitness, and sports training facility providing personal training, small
group instruction, wellness education, athletic development, and youth sports programs. The facility operates as
a structured coaching and instructional environment
* Subject to article IX 32-61, and all other requirements of a major land development. (Amd. of 10-12-10; Amd. of 5-13)
Solicitor DeSisto stated that this ordinance needs to be referred to the Planning Board as it is a change to the ordinance and to the Clerk’s Office for advertising.
Solicitor DeSisto stated for the record that he has made the recommendation to the Building Official that would allow this business to relocate in the place they are moving to with some regulatory advice which is in connection with this ordinance.
Motion by Councilman Hanley, seconded by Councilman Trombley to refer this ordinance to the Planning Board and advertise it for a public hearing to be heard at the March 10, 2026 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Request for a Class BV Beverage License
From: Spaghetti Lane Via Porta, LLC
d/b/a Spaghetti Lane Via Porta
(Nathan Cooperman)
495 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
Motion by Councilman Rego, seconded by Councilman Trombley to close the public hearing. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Councilman Rego, seconded by Councilman Trombley to approve Class BV Beverage License for Spaghetti Lane Via Porta, LLC d/b/a Spaghetti Lane Via Porta (Nathan Cooperman) 495 Main Street Warren, RI 02885. The motion passed unanimously.
Request for a Yearly Entertainment License
From: Spaghetti Lane Via Porta, LLC
d/b/a Spaghetti Lane Via Porta
(Nathan Cooperman)
495 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
Entertainment: Live Music 2-3 Person Band/DJ/Karaoke
Motion by Councilman Trombley, seconded by Councilman Hanley to approve Yearly Entertainment License for Spaghetti Lane Via Porta, LLC d/b/a Spaghetti Lane Via Porta (Nathan Cooperman) at 437 Main Street Warren, RI 02885 Entertainment: Live Music 2-3 Person Band/DJ/Karaoke. The motion passed unanimously.
Request for a Class F Beverage License
From: Michaela Hutchinson
530 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: George Hail Free Library
530 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
Event: Library Fundraiser: A Celebration of Film
Motion by Councilman Rego, seconded by Councilman Hanley to approve the Class F Beverage License to Michaela Hutchinson of 530 Main Street, Warren, RI 02885 on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 7:00 PM-10:00PM at George Hail Free Library, 530 Main Street, Warren, RI 02885. Event: Library Fundraiser: A Celebration of Film. The motion passed unanimously.
**These items are received and filed with no other action taken.
Bristol County Water Authority Monthly Report.
Department Head Reports.
Resolution No. 2025-08 from the Town of Exeter regarding the Restoration of
General Revenue Sharing to Cities and Towns.
Resolution No. 26-01 from the Town of Burrillville in support of House Bill 2026-H
7049 and Senate Bill 2026-S 2147 adjusting Primary Election Day to Wednesday
after Labor Day.
Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton requesting the Rhode Island Governor and
General Assembly to Restore General Revenue Sharing to Rhode Island Cities and
Towns.
Resolution #2026-01-27-A from the Town of Portsmouth Town Council in Support
of Municipalities Collaborating in Reviewing, Analyzing, and Responding to the
2025 Affordable Housing Laws.
Notice of Public Comment Hearing from The State of Rhode Island Energy Facility
Siting Board in regard to The Narragansett Electric Company d/b/a Rhode Island
Energy Notice of Intent Application for F184N-E183-3 Bristol & Warren Tap 115
KV Line Rebuild Project-Docket No. SB-2025-04.
Town Manager’s “State of the Town Report”.
Motion by Vice-President Cronin, seconded by Councilman Rego to approve correspondences **C-1 to **C-8. The motion passed unanimously.
OB-1
Discussion and action on proposed easement agreement for the foot of Washington Street, westerly from Water Street to the shore of the Warren River.
Solicitor DeSisto stated that the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) had issued a violation notice due to contamination. He stated that once it is cleaned up, the DEM will place an Environmental Land Use Restriction (ELUR). He also stated that there are also some infrastructure issues due to storm water drainage from Main Street down Washington Street and then down to the property. The drainpipe that goes into the Warren River needs to be fixed, as well as other maintenance issues. Lastly, he stated that there is an offer from John (Jack) Quattrocchi, the marina owner, that he would undertake the clean-up and the infrastructure improvements on this site in exchange for the Town to waive any interest in this land. However, the Town will get a walking easement on this property. The Solicitor stated his recommendation for the Town is to accept this offer as it is cost-saving for improvements and future maintenance but still have the easement in place.
Vice-Chairman of the Harbor Commission, William Hunt spoke briefly of the concerns on this proposed easement agreement. He also stated that this agreement was never sent to the Harbor Commission for review, as they are an advisory commission to the Council.
Mr. Quattrocchi spoke briefly regarding this agreement and stated that he had made a lot of improvements to his property and does not want to delay this violation from DEM any longer.
Motion by Councilman Hanley, seconded by Vice-President Cronin to approve the agreement pending the following conditions: sunrise to sunset access, four-foot delineation/width, and bench in the right of way for public access. The motion passed unanimously.
NB-1
Discussion and action on the limitation of automatic license plate reader camera
installations in Warren without approval from the Warren Town Council.
(Councilman Trombley)
Motion by Councilman Trombley, seconded by Vice-President Cronin to direct the Solicitor to draft an ordinance with a caveat that it does not include ring cameras or other similar technologies. Vote 3-2 Councilman Hanley and Councilman Rego nay.
NB-2
Discussion and action directing the Town Manager to obtain quotes from reputable
insurers for Catastrophic Insurance Coverage for the Town of Warren.
(Councilman Trombley)
Motion by Councilman Rego, seconded by Councilman Trombley for the Town Manager to direct all Department heads to inventory all town owned vehicles and equipment then forward it to the Budget Committee to review the Town’s insurance policies, and then advise the Town Council of them. The motion passed unanimously.
Discussion and action regarding ordinance Chapter 2-Administration, Article II.-
Town Council, Sec. 2-33-Order of Business.
(Vice President Cronin)
Motion by Councilman Trombley, seconded by Councilman Hanley to amend ordinance Chapter 2-Administration, Article II.-Town Council, Sec. 2-33-Order of Business by swapping # 7. Petitions, if any with # 9. Introduction of Ordinances, if any. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Councilman Rego, seconded by Councilman Hanley to approve New 905-Gallon Sodium Hypochlorite Bulk Storage Tank Bid for Wastewater Treatment Facility bid in the amount of $37,000.00 to Hart Companies of 800 Scenic View Drive, Cumberland, RI 02864. The motion passed unanimously.
No action taken, discussion only.
3. Request from the Town Manager to be excused from the March 10, 2026, Town Council meeting.
Motion by Councilman Hanley, seconded by Councilman Trombley to allow the Town Manager to be excused from the March 10, 2026 Town Council Meeting.
The motion passed unanimously.
4. Discussion and action on the annual permit fee for the use of the commercial town docks.
Motion by Councilman Trombley, seconded by Councilman Hanley to approve the increase of the fee by a $100.00 for the annual permit fee for the use of the commercial town docks.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Councilman Rego, seconded by Councilman Trombley to overspend Police-Dispatcher Overtime (account # 01-540-01-1030) in the amount of $10,000.00 to be offset by Animal Control Wages-Union (account# 01-560-06-1020). The motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Councilman Trombley, seconded by Councilman Rego to overspend Animal Control-Assistant ACO Salary (account #01-560-06-1040) in the amount of $23,000.00 to be offset by Animal Control Wages-Union (account# 01-560-06-1020). The motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Councilman Rego, seconded by Councilman Hanley to overspend Harbor Master-Dock Maintenance (account # 01-540-04-2020) in the amount of $1,500.00 to be offset by Assistant Wages (account# 01-560-04-1030). The motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Councilman Hanley, seconded by Councilman Trombley to enter into the agreement between the State of Rhode Island and the Town of Warren regarding Municipal Road and Bridge Program Funds. The motion passed unanimously.
9. Discussion on grants that the Town of Warren has received and the cost share/match for those grants.
No motions made.
1. Discussion and action regarding updating of parking signs.
Motion by Councilman Trombley, seconded by Councilman Hanley to approve updating the parking signs as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Councilman Hanley, seconded by Councilman Trombley to reject all Burr’s Hill Park Concrete Bleachers Removal & Regrading bids and direct Department of Public Works Director and Town Manager to explore other options as well as researching any restrictions.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Councilman Hanley, seconded by Councilman Trombley to reject the Burr’s Hill Park Concrete Bleachers Repair & Rebuild bid and direct Department of Public Works Director and Town Manager to explore other options as well as researching any restrictions.
The motion passed unanimously.
1. Discussion, action and authorization for the Town Council President to sign a formal
proposal with KS State Bank regarding the Municipal Lease-Purchase Financing of
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Rescue/Ambulance Vehicle.
Motion by Councilman Rego, seconded by Councilman Trombley to approve and authorize the Town Council President to sign the formal proposal for the Municipal Lease-Purchase Financing of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Rescue/Ambulance Vehicle with option 1 with KS State Bank in the amount of $78,369.58. The motion passed unanimously.
1. Discussion and action regarding allocation of funds for Police Dispatch Consoles.
Motion by Councilman Hanley, seconded by Councilman Trombley to approve the allocation of funds for the Police Dispatch Consoles in the amount of $26,730.00.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Councilman Rego, seconded by Vice-President Cronin to adjourn.
The motion passed unanimously.
Attest:
Jessica A. Capaldi
Deputy Clerk