Planning Board Special Meeting - Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, 6:00 p.m.

Westerly Town Hall | Town Council Chambers

45 Broad Street, Westerly, RI 02891

 

A.    CALL TO ORDER - Mr. O’Neil called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

B.     ROLL CALL AND ATTENDANCE – Mr. O’Neil recognized all board members and staff present

 

Present: Chairman: Matthew O’Neil, Vice Chairman: Jean Gagnier,

Secretary: Derek Lombard, Members: Christopher Lawlor, Maurice Devine, Perry Kellogg, and James Nicholas

 

Absent: Solicitor for Planning and Zoning: Scott Levesque

 

Town Staff: Administrative Officer/Town Planner: Nancy Letendre, Minute Taker: Chloe Chenot, Information Technology: Lanny Fuller, and Solicitor for Planning and Zoning: James Murphy

 

C.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES – There were no minutes to approve

 

D.    CHANGES TO THE AGENDA – There were no changes

 

E.     OLD BUSINESS –

 

1.      Capital Improvement Program (CIP) –

 

The Capital Improvement Program sub-committee: Ms. Kellogg, Mr. Nicholas, and Mr. Gagnier, presented results of their in-depth review of the Capital Improvement project requests. Mr. Gagnier described the committee’s prioritization criteria, which included: compliance with Town Ordinance, the $63,000 minimum threshold, and expenditure trends. Mr. Gagnier also shared that the subcommittee met with the Town Manager, the Superintendent of Schools, and the Westerly Public Schools Head of Facilities, in addition to attending site visits. School improvements, Water Department building improvements, IT fiber network upgrades, and water well redevelopment, were top projects of importance suggested by the subcommittee. Board members gave feedback and discussed prioritized projects, based on the sub-committee’s review. Town Manager Lacey was present to provide further insight into questions posed, regarding the Scada alarm system, federal funding, state recycling reimbursements, Town acquired properties, Police Department body cameras, and budget impacts, in addition to other inquiries. The subcommittee suggested removing the body cameras as a capital expense, and the board was polled for discussion. Mr. Gagnier, Mr. Lombard, and Mr. Devine voted to change this item to an operating expense. Ms. Kellogg, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Lawlor, and Mr. O’Neil were in favor of the cameras remaining a capital item. Upon no further comment, Ms. Letendre summarized discussion and confirmed the prioritized projects, which would be incorporated into to the CIP recommendation to the Town Manager. This item will return for review and possible recommendation at the December 16^th meeting

 

2.      Planning Board Meetings Schedule for 2026

 

The draft 2026 Planning Board Meetings Schedule was reviewed and discussed. Mr. Nicholas motioned to approve the meetings schedule, and Mr. Lawlor seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the schedule passed unanimously 7-0

 

A recess was called at 8:19 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:25 p.m.

 

F.     NEW BUSINESS

 

1.      Introduction to Phase 1 Zoning Ordinance Revisions

 

Town Planner Letendre presented the Proposed Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Ms. Letendre shared that revisions to verbiage, procedure, and content were made to the document, to reflect changes in State Law. Ms. Letendre referenced supplemental material to discussion, Exhibits A, B, and C, which contained articles of State Legislation that influence proposed Zoning Ordinance changes. Board members reviewed the document and provided feedback to the Town Planner. Questions posed and topics of discussion included: zoning ordinance revision phasing, pending state legislation, local zoning ordinances, affordable housing impact, and zoning ordinance amendments. Mr. O’Neil polled the board at 8:55 p.m. to discuss the various exhibits. This item will return at the December 16^th meeting for discussion and possible recommendation

 

G.    ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S REPORT – There was no discussion

 

H.    ASSISTANT SOLICITOR FOR PLANNING AND ZONING’S REPORT – There was no discussion

 

I.       FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS & BOARD QUESTIONS –

 

Mr. Gagnier gave an update on the bus garage memorandum provided to the Town Council, including discussion of this item from the December 1^st Town Council meeting. Mr. Devine, also present at the Council meeting, shared further insight into conversation surrounding this matter. At 9:06 p.m., Mr. LaPietra commented on points made by Mr. Lombard during the Capital Improvement Program discussion. Mr. Gagnier shared with board members an opportunity to tour State Street School

 

J.      CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM FOR NEXT MEETINGS

 

1. December 16th, 2025, Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. – All members will be present

 

K.    ADJOURNMENT – Mr. Gagnier motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:09 p.m. The board was all in favor, and the meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

 

Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting- December 16th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

 

Submitted by Chloe Chenot on 12/18/2025

APPROVED BY BOARD VOTE ON 2/17/2026