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| TOWN OF WEST WARWICK RHODE ISLAND 1170 Main Street West Warwick, RI 02893 (401) 822-9200 www.westwarwickri.org |  |
WEST WARWICK TOWN COUNCIL
Regular Town Council Meeting
Town Council Chambers
October 7, 2025
6:00 P.M.
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M I N U T E S
*Please Note: Any matter listed on this agenda may be acted upon by the Town Council*
A. Meeting called to order by the Town Council President at 6:08 P.M.
B. Prayer led by Council
C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
D. Roll Call taken by Town Clerk
Councilman Mark Dennison - Present
Councilman Jason Licciardi - Present
Councilman Jason Messier - Present
Council Vice President Maribeth Williamson - Present
Council President David Gosselin - Present
E. Quorum on Record Declared by Town Clerk
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison to move Item K03 up for immediate consideration. All Ayes
03 Proclamation for Mobile Integrated Healthcare Week
President Gosselin reads the proclamation aloud.
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Licciardi for approval of Proclamation for Mobile Integrated Healthcare Week. All Ayes
F. Presentation on the Proposed Development at 1190 Main Street (Former Post Office)
Attorney Resnick was in attendance on behalf of the developer that is interested in rehabilitating this property. He shares several different plans that include converting the former post office into 43 units. They would include a mix of one bedroom and efficiency apartments. The property does not currently have enough space for the parking that is required of 43 units. He asks the town to consider several alternatives. He states that a portion of the Town Hall parking area is state road. His client would like the Town to consider abandoning a portion of that lot to provide parking to the project.
Discussion ensues related to the parking shortage at Town Hall and surrounding areas. Further information is needed regarding the ownership of the abandoned roadway.
NO VOTES WERE TAKEN.
G. Consent Agenda
01 Approval of the Minutes of September 16, 2025, Town Council Meeting
02 Cancellation of Taxes in the Amount of $3,643.03 as requested by the Tax Assessor
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of the Consent Agenda. All Ayes
H. Ordinances
01 Second Reading of Ordinance #2025-5 (tabled) Amending Chapter 11 – Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article II – Operation, Section 47 – Motor Vehicle Restricted Routes and Appendix C – Traffic Ordinances – No Parking Kulas Road
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of Ordinance #2025-5 (tabled) Amending Chapter 11 – Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article II – Operation, Section 47 – Motor Vehicle Restricted Routes and Appendix C – Traffic Ordinances – No Parking Kulas Road.
J. Licciardi – No
J. Messier – No
M. Dennison – No
M. Williamson – No
D. Gosselin – No
MOTION FAILS
02 Second Reading of Ordinance #2025-6 (tabled)Amending Section 5.1 Table of Use Regulations, Non-Residential Uses E. Retail Business, 49. Cannabis Retail Sales and Section 5.3 Special Use Permits, 7. Cannabis Retail Sales as amended by Ordinance 2025-6.1 Amending Section 5.1 Table of Use Regulations, Non-Residential Uses E. Retail Business of the West Warwick Zoning Code as amended.
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of Ordinance #2025-6 (tabled)Amending Section 5.1 Table of Use Regulations, Non-Residential Uses E. Retail Business, 49. Cannabis Retail Sales and Section 5.3 Special Use Permits, 7. Cannabis Retail Sales as amended by Ordinance 2025-6.1 Amending Section 5.1 Table of Use Regulations, Non-Residential Uses E. Retail Business of the West Warwick Zoning Code as amended.
J. Licciardi – No
J. Messier – Yes
M. Dennison – No
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
03 First Reading of Ordinance #2025-10 Amending Chapter 11 – Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article II – Operation, Section 47 – Motor Vehicle Restricted Routes and Appendix C – Traffic Ordinances – Do Not Enter Campbell Street
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison to move Ordinance #2025-10 Amending Chapter 11 – Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article II – Operation, Section 47 – Motor Vehicle Restricted Routes and Appendix C – Traffic Ordinances – Do Not Enter Campbell Street to second reading.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
J. Licciardi – Recusal
J. Messier – Yes
M. Dennison – Yes
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
I. Business Licenses
01 Request from Jessica Sansone for an Amplifier/Loudspeaker and Theatrical Performance Shows Exhibitions Permit for an event to be held on October 31, 2025, at 25 Kulas Road
02 Request from Community Marketing LLC. For Halloween Expo to be held at 100 Factory Street on October 25, 2025
03 Request from Community Marketing LLC. For RI Christmas Festival to be held at 100 Factory Street on November 22-23, 2025
04 Request from Narragansett Bay Quilters Association for an Event License at 100 Factory Street on April 18-19, 2026
05 Request from Narragansett Surfcasters for an Event License at 100 Factory Street on January 10, 2026
05 Request from Mark Herd for Trading Card Show at 100 Factory Street on December 7, 2025
06 Request from Michael Antonucci for XWA Entertainment for Professional Wrestling Event at 100 Factory Street on November 1, 2025
07 Request from Cheri Lemery for Theatre Rehearsal and plays at 100 Factory Street on November 9, 2025
08 Request from Micky Meyer for a Reptile Show at 100 Factory Street on October 11, 2025
09 Request from RCG Catering for a Food Truck License
10 Request from Anthony Gelfuse dba Rosie’s Express Laundry for a Dry Cleaner/Laundry License
11 Request from West Warwick Wizard Athletic Awards Assoc. for a Raffle License
12 Request from Sacred Heart Church for a Bazaar/Raffle License
13 Request from West Warwick Elks for Bingo/Raffle License
14 Request from New England Homemade Donuts LLC for a Victualing House
J. Messier recuses himself.
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of the Business Licenses.
VOTE:
J. Messier – Recusal
J. Licciardi – Yes
M. Dennison – Yes
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
J. Appointments and Resignations
01 Request from James F. Marsh Jr. for Appointment to the West Warwick Arctic Redevelopment Commission
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of request from James F. Marsh Jr. for Appointment to the West Warwick Arctic Redevelopment Commission. All Ayes
K. New Business
01 August 2025 (FY26) Monthly Finance Report
K. Benoit, Finance Director, reads the following report:
Current year tax collections total $21,200,846.75 which is 30.70% of the budget for current year taxes. To date, one quarter has been collected. The next quarter is due October 15th . Prior year tax collections total a debit balance of $2008.92. The debit balance is a result of reversals for refunds, NSF Checks and payment transfers. Also, The line has been adjusted by $318,093 for the 60-day rule that was accrued back to Fiscal Year 2025. That adjustment represents collections from July and August 2025. Overall, the revenues are at 23.56%, which is 6.89% higher than anticipated 2 months into the fiscal year. This is mainly attributed to strong tax collections, higher than expected Finance revenues and the receipt of the Distressed Communities payment in full for the year. Expenditures are trending under budget at 12.19%. This is 4.48% lower than what is expected 2 months into the fiscal year. Nearly all of the operating departments are running on target or slightly below budget. The Civic Center has current operating expenditures of $171,449.18 and operating revenues of $71,404.12. The majority of summer camp revenue is collected prior to camp starting on 6/16 but the bulk of the expenditures for summer camp appear after 7/1. The bank balance as of 9/24/2025 is $ 7,888,239.64. We earned an additional $9,588.23 in interest on the $3,000,000 invested in the interest-bearing sweep account with Citizen’s bank for the month of August bringing the balance to 3,345,043.14.
02 Discussion/Action – Request from the Fire Department for Purchase of Turnout Gear Cleaning and Inspection
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of request from the Fire Department for Purchase of Turnout Gear Cleaning and Inspection. All Ayes
03 Proclamation for Mobile Integrated Healthcare Week
This item was considered earlier in the meeting.
04 Consideration of Property Damage Claim from Rhode Island Energy
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of payment of Property Damage Claim from Rhode Island Energy. All Ayes
05 Resolution Transferring FY2025 Surplus Funds For Capital Projects to be Used in FY2026 and Forward From General Fund 100 to Special Revenue Fund 850
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of Resolution Transferring FY2025 Surplus Funds For Capital Projects to be Used in FY2026 and Forward From General Fund 100 to Special Revenue Fund 850. All Ayes
06 Request from Narragansett Electric-Verizon New England Inc. for Pole Installation on East Greenwich Avenue
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of request from Narragansett Electric-Verizon New England Inc. for Pole Installation on East Greenwich Avenue. All Ayes
07 School Building Committee Update and Bond Referendum on October 8, 2025
Manager Knott reminds the body of the upcoming vote on October 8th at the West Warwick Civic Center from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
L. Upcoming Appointments
02 Sewer Use Board of Review – Appointment to fill a vacancy as a regular member for three-year term
03 Tax Assessment Board of Review -Appointment to fill a vacancy for three-year term
04 School Building Committee – Architectural, Engineering, Construction Experience Needed
05 Recreation Committee – Appointment to fill vacancy for three-year term
06 Pawtuxet River Authority – Appointment to fill vacancy for three-year term
07 Pawtuxet River Authority – Appointment or Re-Appointment for three-year term
08 Artcic Village Redevelopment Agency – Appointment or Re-Appointment for five-year term
M. Upcoming Town Council Meetings and Events
October 8, 2025 – School Bond Referendum
October 21, 2025 - Regular Town Council Meeting
November 4, 2025 Regular Town Council Meeting
N. Public Forum
Nicole Knott, of the 250th Commission, invites the public to the 250th Commission fundraiser, “Colonials and Cocktails” being held on November 14, 2025 at West Warwick Country Club. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Civic Center.
Tom Oates, of 6 Colonial Way is concerned with the parking issues in town. Citizens need to comply. He apologizes for using the term “enforcement” previously.
O. Executive Session –
Council may vote to move to Executive Session pursuant to R.I. General Law 42-46-5 (a)(1)- discussions of job performance, character, physical or mental health of a person or persons
01 Discussion/Action on personnel, selection, contract negotiation, and appointment process for Solicitor Services
MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by J. Licciardi to return to open session. All Ayes
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Licciardi to seal the minutes of Executive Session.
All Ayes
NO VOTES WERE TAKEN.
P. Adjournment
MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by J. Licciardi to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 P.M. All Ayes
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah S. Rapose, MMC
Town Clerk