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| REGULAR MEETING | WESTERLY TOWN COUNCIL | COUNCIL CHAMBERS |
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| MONDAY | JULY 21, 2025 | 6:00 P.M. |
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1. 6:04 P.M. CALL TO ORDER
Present: Pres. Duhamel, Vice Pres. Scialabba
Councilors LaPietra, Niemeyer, Healy, Van Dover, Aiello
T. Mgr. Lacey, T. Sol. Conley
Co. Clk. LeBlanc, T. Sgt. Falcone
INVOCATION – Councilor Scialabba
SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Council President Duhamel
2. RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS & MEMORIALS
a. Condolence – George Kent
Mrs. Lynn Kent, wife of the deceased, along with three grandchildren, was present to accept the aforesaid resolution, read aloud by Councilor Aiello
b. Appreciation – Veterans of the Korean War
Members of the Amancio-Falcone-Gaccione VFW Post 8955 were present to accept the aforesaid resolution, read aloud by Councilor Van Dover.
c. Proclamation – Purple Heart Day, August 7, 2025 and Purple Heart Town, Westerly
The aforesaid proclamation was continued to the August 4, 2025 Regular Meeting.
3. PRESENTATIONS
a. Lead Service Line Replacement Opportunity – Community Infrastructure Partners (CIP)
Present: Shawn Kerachsky, President and CEO, Community Infrastructure Partners (CIP)
Sean Agid, Chief Business Officer, Community Infrastructure Partners (CIP)
Mr. Kerachsky and Mr. Agid gave a PowerPoint presentation on Federal Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Program, which is attached hereto and made a part of the record of these proceedings, stating that all lines must be replaced over a ten-year period starting in 2027. The presentation addressed funding provided by the Federal EPA of which 49% is structured as principal forgiveness for disadvantaged communities, noting that CIP estimates that 78% of Westerly’s LSLs are in disadvantaged census tracts, and 51% is designated as low-interest loans currently structured as 0% over 20 years. It was stated that Rhode Island is receiving the minimum annual allocation of $28.5M per year, for a total of $142.5M, based on its size. They addressed the Town’s opportunity to develop a lead service line (LSL) replacement program to replace an estimated 2,000 LSLs over the next two years and Westerly LSL replacement projections. They addressed the cost to become lead-free.
Mr. Kerachsky and Mr. Agid responded to questions from the Council regarding the replacement of lead service lines from the curb to the house and inside the house, reimbursement for lead service lines already completed, community outreach and engagement, applications and reporting, grant funding, commencement of construction; and CIP contracts with the Town and vendors.
b. Spring Avenue Extension Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) Application – Evidence to be presented by Michael Rubin, Esq. on behalf of Caroline Contrata
Present: Michael Rubin, Esq. and Caroline Contrata
Attorney Michael Rubin gave a PowerPoint presentation, which is attached hereto and made a part of these proceedings. He addressed an April 1939 Revision Plat Map showing final endorsements by Town officials; a 1923 statute, as amended, revealing the effect of the Town’s approvals; and a portion of a reproduction of the April 1939 Plat, which was appended to the 2008 title memo, which omits showing the approvals. He addressed an aerial photograph taken in 1941 showing clear boardwalk passage, which he will email to the Town Clerk for distribution to the Council.
Town Solicitor Conley addressed the research and significant resources working together as a team on rights-of-way. He noted that there was an error on July CRMC ROW Subcommittee Meeting agenda regarding the hearing on Spring Avenue Extension, stating that the hearing is scheduled for August, not July 22, 2025. He stated that the Town has filed a Motion to Dismiss the Weekapaug Fire District complaint that CRMC should not move forward with its hearing and that the Town is waiting for the Judge’s decision.
Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. LaPietra, to move to Item #6 – Public Hearings at this time. A poll vote was taken as follows and the motion carried: (So Voted 4 to 3 – Councilors Healy and Scialabba and Council President Duhamel dissented)
YES NO
Aiello Healy
Niemeyer Scialabba
LaPietra Duhamel
Van Dover
4. CITIZENS COMMENTS
Sign-Up Sheets will be available at the Council Meeting for any citizens wishing to be heard. Citizens who do not sign up to speak will have an opportunity to be heard following the individuals listed on the sign-up sheet.
When addressing the Council, please state your name and address; please conduct yourself in an orderly and respectful fashion. Citizens will have up to five (5) minutes and one opportunity to speak. The comments of citizens accessing this portion of our meeting are neither adopted nor endorsed by this body but heard as requested. Comments shall be limited to agenda items only. If the matter is scheduled for a public hearing, the comments shall be deferred to that agenda item.
a. Lisa Ferraro, 56 Elm St – re: Item #7.a – Resident Zone Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance
b. April Dinwoodie, 1 Fallon Trail, former Chair, Multicultural Committee – re: Item #5.c.1.b –Review of Liaison Appointments; One-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor
Councilor Aiello, on a point of order, stated that the item listed on the agenda is a “Review of Liaison Appointments,” not the content about a one-on-one conversation or emails between a Councilor and an applicant. He stated that comments could be in line with the second Citizens’ Comments, but not the first Citizens’ Comments which is limited to agenda items only.
Council President Duhamel ruled that the point of order is not well taken because the topic is part of the agenda and it was specific with the agenda setting meeting to allow this incident to be discussed.
Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. LaPietra, to appeal the decision of the chair. A poll vote was taken as follows and the motion failed. (Voted 1 to 5 – Councilors Niemeyer, Healy, Scialabba, Van Dover and Council President Duhamel dissented; Councilor LaPietra absent)
YES NO
Aiello Niemeyer
Healy
Scialabba
Van Dover
Duhamel
LaPietra – absent
In response to Councilor LaPietra’s comments, Council President Duhamel, on a point of order, stating that he does not have to be insulting to the Council President.
c. Geoff Serra, 64 Sherwood Dr – re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One on one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor
Councilor Aiello, on a point of order, stated that he appreciates the audiences’ applause after each speaker but asked that the public be reminded that this is a Council meeting and to hold off the applause.
Council President Duhamel ruled that the point of order is well taken.
d. Tim Flanagan, 34 Springbrook Rd, Multicultural Committee member – re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor
e. Lori Wycall, 25 Winnapaug Rd– re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor
f. Joseph Farside, Esq., 2800 Financial Plaza, Providence, RI, representing to Weekapaug Fire District – re: Item #3.b – Spring Avenue Extension Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) Application – Evidence to be presented by Michael Rubin, Esq. on behalf of Caroline Contrata
g. Thomas Micele, 42 Quannacut Rd – re: Item #3.b – Spring Avenue Extension Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) Application – Evidence to be presented by Michael Rubin, Esq. on behalf of Caroline Contrata; re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor
h. Benjamin Weber, 3 Blossom Ct – re: Item #3.b – Spring Avenue Extension Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) Application – Evidence to be presented by Michael Rubin, Esq. on behalf of Caroline Contrata; re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor
i. Maurice Devine, 10 Brown Dr – re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor; re: Item #8.a.1 and 2 – Legislation Relating to Criminal Offenses – Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025
Councilor Duhamel, on a point of order, stated that citizens will not use racial slurs at the podium.
Motion by Mr. LaPietra, Seconded by Mr. Van Dover, that Mr. Devine be given an additional 10 seconds to speak to complete his comments. (Voted Unanimously)
j. Kevin Lowther, 17 Yarmouth Dr – re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor
k. Jonathan Daly-LaBelle, 22 Top St – re: Item #8.a.1 and 2 – Legislation Relating to Criminal Offenses – Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025; re: Item #7.a – Residential Zone Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance; re: Recall; re: President Trump
Councilor LaPietra, on a point of order, questioned if President Trump is a topic on the agenda.
l. Perry Kellogg, 10 Newall Terrace – re: Item #7.a – Resident Zone Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance
m. Richard Provost, 1 Branch St – re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One on one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor
n. Anthony Palazzolo, 285 Pendleton Hill Rd, North Stonington, CT – re: Distributed a copy of July 22, 2025 CRMC ROW Subcommittee Meeting agenda, which is attached hereto and made a part of the record of these proceedings; re: Item #3.b – Spring Avenue Extension Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) Application – Evidence to be presented by Michael Rubin, Esq. on behalf of Caroline Contrata
o. Caroline Contrata, 22 Mariner Heights – re: Item #3.b – Spring Avenue Extension Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) Application – Evidence to be presented by Michael Rubin, Esq. on behalf of Caroline Contrata
p. Leslie Dunn, 74 Brandywine Dr – re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor
q. Mackenzie Avedisian, 27 Memory Ln, Hopkinton, RI – re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor
r. Adele Perrone, 16 State Street – re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor
s. Grace Penney, 4 Meadow Ridge Rd – re: Item #3.b – Spring Avenue Extension Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) Application – Evidence to be presented by Michael Rubin, Esq. on behalf of Caroline Contrata
t. Jean Gagnier, 6 Narragansett Ave – re: July 21, 2025 Town Manager Report – Item #1 – Town Manager’s and Town Solicitor’s Responses to Councilor Alexandra Healy’s Inquiry regarding Immigration; re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor; re: July 21, 2025 Town Solicitor Report – Item #1 – Memorandum from Town Solicitor Conley, dated July 16, 2025 regarding Eminent Domain Powers
u. Linda Doran, 73 Shore Rd – re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor
v. Joy Cordio, 37 Tower St – re: Item #8.b – Creating a Possible Marketing Message Promoting Westerly, RI; re: Item #3.b – Spring Avenue Extension Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) Application – Evidence to be presented by Michael Rubin, Esq. on behalf of Caroline Contrata; Information presented by Town Solicitor Conley; re: Item #5.c.1.b – Review of Liaison Appointments; One-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor; Item #7.a – Residential Zone Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance
COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE (Councilors may have up to five (5) minutes to respond to Citizens’ Comments, should not engage in discussions between Councilors, shall maintain decorum, and shall refrain from personal attacks and disparaging remarks. A level of decorum is the expected standard.)
Councilors responded to Citizens’ Comments regarding the one-on-one interview between an applicant for re-appointment to Multicultural Committee and a Councilor, the Councilor’s apology, residency of the applicant, and suggestions of the need for accountability, a policy and procedures for future interviews, a formal admonishment of Councilor Van Dover and Councilor Niemeyer, a proposed ordinance requiring mandatory ethics training, and the possible abolishment of the Town Council Liaison Appointments Committee. Councilors also responded to Citizens’ Comments regarding the possible referral of Residential Zone Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance to the Economic Development Commission, immigration policy, public access to the shore, eminent domain, and a suggestion that all board, committee, commission meetings be recorded.
Councilor Niemeyer, on a point of order, stated that Councilor LaPietra’s comments regarding the residency of the applicant for the Multicultural Committee are out of order.
Council President Duhamel ruled that the point of order is well taken.
9:03 P.M. FIVE-MINUTE RECESS
9:12 P.M. RECONVENED
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approval of Minutes
Regular – 6/2/25 (amended), 6/16/25, 7/7/25
Motion by
Motion by
Motion by
Councilor Van Dover requested that the minutes be continued to the next meeting so that they can be reviewed for possible amendments.
Ms. Scialabba withdrew her motion and Ms. Healy withdrew her second.
Motion by Ms. Scialabba, Seconded by Ms. Healy, that the July 7, 2025 Regular Meeting minutes be continued to the August 4, 2025 Regular Meeting. (Voted Unanimously)
b. Fiscal Matters
Motion by
1. 25/26-4 Resolution Authorizing Payment to The Law Office of Cameron & Mittleman LLP (Litigation Matters - $1,170.87)
c. Resignations and Appointments
1. Appointments:
a. Westerly 250th Commission for the Semi Quincentennial – Liaison Appointment
Council President Duhamel appointed Councilor Michael T. Niemeyer as Council Liaison to the Westerly 250th Commission for the Semi Quincentennial.
b. Review of Liaison Appointments – Discussion and Possible Action
Council President Duhamel stated that he will place the reorganization of the Town Council Liaison Appointments Committee on the next agenda.
Town Clerk LeBlanc entered into the record correspondence received from Geoffrey P. Serra regarding the process for interviewing applicants for boards, committees and commissions.
Councilor LaPietra tried to ask Town Solicitor Conley a question about making a motion.
Council President Duhamel stated that Councilor LaPietra was out of order because he was not recognized by the Chair and that the Council has moved to the next agenda item.
Councilor Aiello, on a point of order, stated that, if a Councilor spoke up before the Council moves to the next agenda item, he/she has a right to address the item, but he does need to address the Council President before he addresses the Town Solicitor.
Councilor Aiello stated, for the record, that the Council President did not rule on the point of order.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Adv. on 7/14/25 for this time)
a. Proposed Ordinance – “An Ordinance in Amendment of Article IX, Regulations, of Chapter 206 of the Westerly Code of Ordinances Entitled ‘Sewers’” (Amend §206-55. General discharge prohibitions and §206-58. Specific pollutant limitations) – Discussion and Possible Action
Motion by
Town Manager Lacey explained that the pollutant limits are set by RI DEM for the sewer treatment plant. He stated that the ordinance would be approved pending approval by RI DEM.
No one appeared in favor or in opposition.
Motion by
Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. LaPietra, to revert to Item #4 – Citizens’ Comments. (Voted Unanimously)
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Proposed Ordinance – “An Ordinance in Amendment of Part II of the Town of Westerly Code of Ordinances Entitled, “General Legislation” Chapter 145 Entitled, “Housing Standards” Section 25 Entitled “Residential Zone Short-Term Rental Registration” ” (Amend §145-25. Residential Zone Short-Term Rental Registration) – Discussion and Possible Action
(Refer Possible Amendments to the Economic Development Commission)
Councilor Niemeyer stated that he was in favor of referring the ordinance to the Economic Development Commission to analyze the economic impact of short-term rentals and then separately to the Planning Board at a future meeting to analyze the impact as to how it relates to affordable housing.
Councilor Aiello stated that he was not in favor of referring the ordinance to the Economic Development Commission; that it was already reviewed by the Planning Board and a recommendation was provided; that any new information can be referred back to the Planning Board who can enlist the support of the Economic Development Commission; that the Council should wait for comments and information from the Town Solicitor; and that amendments could possibly be made to the Zoning Ordinance to stop further growth of short-term rentals.
Councilor Van Dover suggested that the Council be provided with a copy of Lisa Ferraro’s questions posed under Citizens’ Comments.
Councilor Scialabba felt that the Council should look at the ordinance internally first before it is referred to another board.
Motion by Ms. Scialabba, Seconded by Ms. Healy, to waive the 9:30 p.m. curfew and continue with the meeting. (So Voted 6 to 1 – Councilor LaPietra dissented)
Town Solicitor Conley stated that he provided the Council with a review of pending cases in the State and, although the cases are not final, he believed the matter should be approached as a land use issue. He stated that the court’s guidance at this point is that the cities and towns should look at regulating short-term rentals through the zoning code and add a use map. He suggested that the Town craft regulations through the mechanism of a zoning ordinance and regulations.
Councilor LaPietra stated that his proposal is a zoning amendment that would be presented to the Planning Board for a recommendation. He also felt that the Council look at the ordinance internally first before it is referred to another board.
Councilor Healy stated that the Planning Board has already provided a recommendation and that she is in favor of the Council holding a workshop for further discussion of the ordinance.
It was the consensus of the Council that a workshop be scheduled to discuss the Residential Zone Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance; that any questions or concerns from the public to be provided to the Town Clerk who will compile them for the Council to evaluate; and that the Council be provided at the workshop with the Planning Board recommendation and any other data from a prior Council.
8. NEW BUSINESS
a. Legislation Relating to Criminal Offenses – Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025 – Discussion and Possible Action
1. Senate Bill No. 0359, Introduced 2/21/2025
2. Senate Bill No. 0359 Sub A, Introduced 6/17/2025 – Signed by Governor
Discussion was held regarding the draft resolution submitted by Maurice Devine that was presented to the Council prior to the legislation being passed.
Councilor Van Dover to provide a draft resolution for the Town Solicitor’s review for placement on the August 4, 2025 Regular Meeting agenda.
b. Creating a Possible Marketing Message Promoting Westerly, RI – Refer to Economic Development Commission – Discussion and Possible Action
Motion by
9. COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS
(Backup materials for the following reports can be viewed on the Town of Westerly website at www.westerlyri.gov. Written communication is not considered an agenda item.)
a. Liaison Reports
1. Chamber of Commerce – Downtown River Glow with live music and floating bonfires is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025; 100th Anniversary Party will be held on August 3, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the green in Watch Hill – tickets available on the Chamber website (Councilor Scialabba)
2. Tower Street Community Center – Attended Planning Board meeting; reduced size of building due to funding; Wood River Health will focus on behavioral health; Main Street project – a total of 11 residential units in the former Elite Cleaners site and a total of 3 residential units in the apartment building next to Ray’s Barber Shop (Councilor Van Dover)
3. Economic Development Commission (EDC) – Developing a list of suggestions on how to move forward with the Route One Corridor Study; will have to come before the Town Council to form a working group comprised of members of the EDC, Architectural Review Board and Planning Board (Councilor Niemeyer)
Councilor Van Dover stated that, instead of coming before the Council to request the appointment of a working group, the EDC, Architectural Review Board and Planning Board will hold a joint meeting.
b. Town Council – 7/21/25
1. Item #10 7/21/25 – From April Dinwoodie, former Chair, Westerly Multicultural Committee – re: Re-Appointment interview – Town Clerk LeBlanc entered into the record correspondence received from Tara DiMuccio and Lori Wycall, which is attached hereto and made a part of the record of these proceedings.
2. Item #7 7/21/25 – From RI State Traffic Commission to Rep. Samuel Azzinaro – re: Request for installation of dedicated right-turn only land on Rte. 1 northbound at intersection with Sandy Hill Rd – Responding to Councilor Healy, Town Manager Lacey reported that the request was originally denied; however, the Town pushed back and the State is now reconsidering the request. He stated that the State will respond to the Town, but there is no timeframe as to when a response will be received.
c. Town Manager – 7/21/25
1. Item #1 7/21/25 – re: Response to Councilor Alexandra Healy’s Inquiry regarding Immigration – (a) Town Manager’s Response and (b) Town Solicitor’s Response
Councilor Healy explained that her intention was to bring education and awareness about the difference between a judicial warrant and ICE Forms I-200, I-205 and I-247A and that the Town’s policies are not exposing the Town or officers to liability.
Town Manager Lacey reviewed his responses to questions submitted by Councilor Healy.
Town Solicitor Conley reviewed his responses to questions submitted by Councilor Healy
Town Clerk LeBlanc entered into the record correspondence received from Tara DiMuccio, which is attached hereto and made a part of the record of these proceedings.
2. Item #8 7/21/25 – Correspondence from State of Rhode Island State Traffic Commission address to Robert Rocchio, P.E., Chief Engineer of Infrastructure (RIDOT) regarding the intersection of Granite Street/Franklin Street/East Avenue – Town Manager Lacey reported that RIDOT approved the Town’s request for the implementation of an exclusive pedestrian phase and the installation of a No Turn on Red sign for Granite Street southbound approach to its intersection with East Avenue/Franklin Street. He explained that this will enhance safety by allowing pedestrians to cross any approach to the intersection while all vehicular traffic is stopped and will avoid vehicles making a right-turn onto East Avenue from Granite Street without stopping and potentially entering into direct conflict with pedestrians who may be crossing the East Avenue crosswalk. He stated that a similar request will be submitted for the John Street crosswalk.
Councilor Aiello stated that a No Turn on Red Sign was installed directly next to the traffic light but suggested that an additional No Turn on Red Sign be installed that is more easily visible to motorist.
d. Town Solicitor – 7/21/25
1. Item #1 7/21/25 – Memorandum from Town Solicitor Conley, dated July 16, 2025 – re: Eminent Domain – Town Solicitor Conley briefly addressed his memorandum.
Councilor Van Dover explained that she wanted more of a generic description of the process for eminent domain and asked if the memorandum can be amended to include the steps to be taken.
Town Solicitor Conley stated that he can amend the memorandum to include the steps to be taken but asked that the steps not be taken for granted and to look at the steps in light of the issues outlined in the memo.
e. Town Clerk
1. Recall Petition – Town Clerk LeBlanc stated that the deadline for the submittal of required signatures for the Petition to Recall Council President Duhamel was Thursday, July 17, 2025, and she reported that no signatures were submitted.
f. Agenda Referrals and Backlog Agenda (Items to be assigned to future agendas)
1. Agenda Referral List – Councilor Aiello reiterated the request that the agenda referral list be attached to the agenda as it had been by the prior Council.
2. 2. Draft Town Council Agendas – Councilors Aiello and LaPietra requested that the draft agenda be sent to all Councilors at close of business Wednesday prior to a Monday meeting.
3. Residential Zone Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance – Councilor Healy requested that a workshop be scheduled for discussion on the short-term rental ordinance.
4. Proposed Ordinance regarding Fort Road – Councilor LaPietra requested that the proposed ordinance prohibiting any infrastructure on the sandy part of Napatree be placed on the August 4, 2025 Regular Meeting agenda.
5. Council Training – Responding to Councilor Healy’s request for Council training, Town Manager Lacey stated that the Human Resources Department has various training modules that can be made accessible to the Council.
6. Town Council Liaison Appointments Committee – Councilors Aiello and LaPietra requested that the aforesaid committee be abolished.
7. Formal Admonishment – Councilor Niemeyer requested a formal admonishment of Councilor Van Dover and himself regarding the one-on-one interview of a candidate for the Multicultural Committee.
g. Requests of Town Manager by Councilors
1. Lead Service Line Replacement – Responding to Councilor Healy, Town Manager Lacey stated that, if the Council wants to enter into the contract, CIP would come back to the Council with the funding received and the amount of financing needed from the Town.
h. Requests of Town Solicitor by Councilors
a. Town Council Liaison Appointments Committee – Councilor Niemeyer requested recommendations from the Town Solicitor for shoring up the board, committee and commission interview process.
10. CITIZENS COMMENTS
When addressing the Council, please state your name and address; please conduct yourself in an orderly and respectful fashion. Citizens will have up to five (5) minutes and one opportunity to speak. The comments of citizens accessing this portion of our meeting are neither adopted nor endorsed by this body but heard as requested. Comments shall be open to agenda items and any Town Government matter over which the Council has supervision, control, jurisdiction, or advisory power. Other matters may be heard by a majority vote of the Council.
COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE (Councilors may have up to five (5) minutes to respond to Citizens’ Comments, should not engage in discussions between Councilors, shall maintain decorum, and shall refrain from personal attacks and disparaging remarks. A level of decorum is the expected standard.)
a. Maurice Devine, 10 Brown Dr – re: Item #8.a.1 and 2 – Legislation Relating to Criminal Offenses – Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025; re: July 21, 2025 Town Manager Report – Item #1 – Town Manager’s and Town Solicitor’s Responses to Councilor Alexandra Healy’s Inquiry regarding Immigration
b. Donna Parssinen, 29 Haversham Rd – re: Item #7.a – Residential Zone Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance – sought clarity of a workshop; re: Item #8b – Creating a Possible Marketing Message Promoting Westerly, RI
c. Jean Gagnier, 6 Narragansett Ave – re: July 21, 2025 Town Solicitor Report – Item #1 – Memorandum from Town Solicitor Conley, dated July 16, 2025, regarding Eminent Domain; re: July 21, 2025 Town Manager Report – Item #1 – Town Manager’s and Town Solicitor’s Responses to Councilor Alexandra Healy’s Inquiry regarding Immigration; re: Ethics Training
d. Anthony Palazzolo, 285 Pendleton Hill Rd, North Stonington, CT – re: Niantic Avenue Right-of-Way
e. Carrie Dunn, 7 South Essex Dr – re: Item #7.a – Residential Zone Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance – sought clarity of a workshop; re: $500 annual registration fee – questioned use of funds
COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE
Councilors responded to Citizens’ Comments regarding comments expressed by Jean Gagnier; residential zone short-term rental registration ordinance relating to the increase in the annual registration fee and use of funds, proposed amendments to the existing ordinance, and the format to be followed for a workshop discussion; the Westerly Police Department; Niantic Avenue right-of-way; and ethics training.
11. ADJOURNMENT
11:21 P.M. Voted unanimously to adjourn.
ATTEST:
Mary L. LeBlanc, MMC
Council Clerk
Details of the aforesaid proceedings are available on video on the Town of Westerly website.