From: Philip Hervey, Town Manager
To: Barrington Town Council
Subj: Town Manager Memo for October 6, 2025, Town Council Meeting
Date: October 6, 2025
The Council’s Rules of Procedure for public comments are provided at the end of this memo
AGENDA ITEM #1: Call to Order
AGENDA ITEM #2: Executive Session in Accordance with RI General Laws
· Discuss and Act Pursuant to 42-46-5 (a) (2) Litigation (Continuing Contracts Litigation, Town of Barrington, et al., v. State of Rhode Island, et al., PC-2019-10870)
· Discuss Executive Session Minutes from July 28, 2025, for placement on the next Town Council agenda to “receive”
· Adjourn Executive Session
· Reconvene into Open Session
· Motion(s) and Motion to Seal Minutes of Executive Session
AGENDA ITEM #3: Pledge of Allegiance
AGENDA ITEM #4: Land Acknowledgement
AGENDA ITEM #5: DISCUSS AND ACT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA (Items #6 - #15):
All items with an asterisk (*) are routine by the Town Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a council member or citizen so requests, and the request is for good cause in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.
Consent Agenda Item #6*: Receive Updates and Events
See my memo for a more detailed list of events, openings on boards and committees, etc.
· Tree Planting & Removal 9/1/24-8/31/25 – 65 trees removed/ 75 trees planted
· Saturday, October 4th – Great Pumpkin Harvest Party, Town Hall Grounds.
· Monday, October 13th – The Barrington Day of Caring, noon to 4:00 p.m.
Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda, as presented.
AGENDA ITEM #16: Discuss and Act: Barrington 250th Ad Hoc Committee – Change from seven full members to five full members and two alternates
TM Comment: On February 3, 2025, the Council passed a Resolution establishing a Barrington 250th ad hoc committee, with up to seven members to be appointed by the Council. The committee has an expiration date of December 1, 2027. The motion stated the committee would have the following representation:
· One member (1) from the Barrington Preservation Society.
· One member (1) from the Veterans Committee
· One member (1) from the DEI Committee
· One member (1) from the Economic Development
· The remaining members from the community at large.
At the July 28th meeting, the Council expanded the committee by four community-at-large members.
The committee currently has just four members, with two applicants on tonight’s agenda. If both are appointed tonight, the committee will need all six members to attend to reach quorum, which can be problematic. I recommend adjusting the committee to reduce the size to seven full members plus four community-at-large alternates, while keeping the requirement that four full members represent a specific board or organization. If the motion is approved, the committee would consist of four members from the three boards plus a representative from the Preservation Society, three full members from the community at large, and four alternates from the community at large.
Motion: To change the composition of the Barrington 250th Ad Hoc Committee from 11 full members to seven full members and four alternates, as presented.
AGENDA ITEM #17: Discuss and Act: Interviews and Appointments:
• Barrington 250th Ad Hoc Committee: 7 vacancies 1 vacancy from Preservation, 1 vacancy from DEI, and 5 vacancies from community at large (out of 11 full members). Interview: Catherine Horn (community at large). Appointment only: Suzanne Tedeschi-Freij (DEI)
Motion: To appoint _____________ to the Barrington 250th Ad Hoc Committee as a full member (community at large).
Motion: To appoint _____________ to the Barrington 250th Ad Hoc Committee as a full member (DEI representative).
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee: 2 vacancies: 1st alternate with term expiration of September 30, 2026, and 2nd alternate with a term expiration date of September 30, 2028. Interviews: Elysa Gordon and Carly Stearnbourne
Motion: To appoint ___________ to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee as a First Alternate, with a term expiration date of September 30, 2026.
Motion: To appoint ___________ to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee as a Second Alternate, with a term expiration date of September 30, 2028.
· Resilience and Energy Committee: 1 vacancy: 1st Alternate with term expiration date of November 30, 2027. Interview: Kim Cobb
Motion: To appoint ___________ to the Resilience and Energy Committee as a First Alternate, with a term expiration date of November 30, 2027.
AGENDA ITEM #18: Resolution to Authorize Extension of Electricity Supply Agreement. Barrington Community Electricity Program - NextEra Energy Supply Contract Recommendation (Good Energy)
TM Comment: The Town has a services agreement with energy consulting firm Good Energy, L.P., to implement and manage its community electricity aggregation program, which is designed to provide residents and businesses competitive electricity supply options with options to increase the amount of renewable energy. The program, which has been approved by the Public Utilities Commission, launched in 2022 with the selection of NextEra as the energy supplier after a competitive bidding process managed by Good Energy.
The 5-year agreement with NextEra expires in 2027. Good Energy recently managed a request for proposals process for a “follow-on” supplier for the program extending beyond the end of the term of the agreement. Proposals were received and evaluated last month.
From Good Energy’s presentation slides:
• Two highly qualified suppliers responded: NextEra Energy and Constellation New Energy (CNE). Both have significant experience in community electricity programs in New England and nationally.
• NextEra proposed to continue their purchasing strategy, which is the only strategy to have
demonstrated success in RI
• CNE proposed a new strategy not yet tested with community electricity or in RI
• Buying group evaluated results and recommended awarding extension to NextEra Energy for another 5-year term
The attached Resolution, provided by Good Energy, would authorize the Town Manager to sign off on an extension of the electricity supply agreement.
Motion: To approve the Resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute an extension of the Electricity Supply Agreement to provide electricity supply for Barrington’s community electricity program, pursuant to Solicitor review and approval.
AGENDA ITEM #19: Discuss and Act: Barrington 250th Ad Hoc Committee update on celebration planning and requests for $7,500 from Council Contingency Fund and approval of tree planting location
TM Comment: The 250th Ad Hoc Committee’s request for $7,500 from Council Contingency was discussed at the Council’s July 28th meeting. However, the item was tabled so that information on additional funding sources could be brought to the Council before deciding on the request.
Members of the 250th committee (Chair Joyce Boyle, Vice Chair Julia Lazarus and member Oliver Norton) will be attending tonight’s meeting to present their draft plan for events, including some estimated budget figures. The budget for most of the items is “TBD”. Those with estimated costs, including the finale concert on July 5th, total $11,650.
The committee also is planning a fundraiser through the sale of bricks to be placed around a tree to be planted in recognition of the 250th. I have met with members of the committee to review potential locations in the vicinity of Town Hall. An area near County Road to the south of the main entrance to Town Hall is recommended for the tree and bricks, given available sun, proximity to an existing paved path and visibility of the location.
Motion: To approve $7,500 from Council Contingency in support of events and activities planned by the 250th Ad Hoc Committee, and to approve the proposed location of the related tree planting and surrounding brick display near the main entrance to the Government Center.
AGENDA ITEM #20: Presentation - Veterans Park Bicycle/Pedestrian Connector Project
TM Comment: On September 15th, the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee passed a motion requesting the Town to retain “the services of one of the Town’s qualified on-call engineering design firms to provide materials to support the next stage of Town evaluation, decision-making and fundraising for the Veterans Park Connector Path Project.”
The motion states that the connector is a high priority project in the Town’s adopted Barrington Complete Street Implementation Plan (page 42):
• Ranked as a “Priority 1 Project - Projects with Townwide Impact”
• Ranked overall as Priority #5 of a total of 28 projects in the Plan
• Ranked as the top “Town Project” (projects 1-4 are on State roadways)
Barrington resident Arnold Robinson will be attending to present the concept, along with members of the BPAC. This is on the agenda for informational purposes. Council approval will be needed for the Town to contract with an engineering consultant based on a scope of work and cost proposal.
Motion: No motion provided.
AGENDA ITEM #21: Discuss and Act: Mussachuck Creek Corridor Study-Authorization to negotiate a contract with the Preferred Consultant
TM Comment: The Town has secured a $199,500 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant from FEMA, requiring a $66,500 non-federal share, for a flood risk project scoping study in an area identified as the “Mussachuck Creek Corridor.” The study area encompasses a large area of town beyond Mussachuck Creek in the AE12 flood zone, including Echo Lake, Brickyard Pond and associated wetlands. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the hydrology of the area and potential flood impacts and develop flood mitigation strategies. The project will include a community engagement process.
The study will put the Town in a position to leverage grant funding for implementation. A hydrology study for this area is not a new concept. The 2015 Comprehensive Plan Natural and Cultural Resources chapter includes the following action: “Complete a watershed study within priority areas, including Town Beach and Brickyard Pond, to identify and prioritize stormwater / water quality improvement projects…”
Motion: To authorize the Town to negotiate a contract with Fuss & O’Neill to complete a flood risk reduction project scoping study for the Mussachuck Creek-Echo Lake-Brickyard Pond area, as presented.
AGENDA ITEM #22: Discuss And Act: Update to Parks and Recreation Commission Bylaws
TM Comment: The Park and Recreation Commission is requesting Council approval of revisions to its bylaws.
Motion: To approve the proposed revisions to the Parks and Recreation Commission bylaws [as presented / as amended].
AGENDA ITEM #23: Discuss and Act: Kids Kove Playground Project
TM Comment: This is an update on the items discussed at the Council’s September 8th meeting related to the Kids Kove playground:
o Increased maintenance of the existing playground equipment and grounds.
o Playground renovations, including exploring funding and bringing on an architect to redesign Kids Kove to create a space that is, as described by Councilor Jancosek, “age developmentally appropriate, inclusive, ADA appropriate, and incorporates seniors.”
Follow-up actions since the Council meeting include:
• DPW arranged for a site inspection with the RI Interlocal Risk Management Trust, which took place on September 11. The Trust found the “the play structures within the playground areas were in proper working condition with no operational or structural safety concerns.” The report included a list of recommendations, which Public Works addressed the following week after closing the playground for two days. The list (including status) included:
o Remove the tree roots that are compromising the PIP surfacing. (Status: Complete)
o Repair and/or replace the PIP areas affected by the tree roots growing underneath the surface. (Status: Complete)
o Research surface alternatives (such as engineered wood fiber (EWF)) as a replacement for the worn PIP surface areas. This may need to be done throughout most of the 2–5-year-old play area. (Status: Complete)
o Monitor the weathering and rusted areas on the 2–5-year-old play structure. At this time, these areas are not safety issues however, continued weathering could cause the affected areas to become compromised over time. (Status: Will continue to monitor)
o Monitor swing chains and connectors for decay and weathering. Repair or replace as needed. (Status: Will continue to monitor)
o Monitor the ropes and connections on the play structures in the 5–12-year-old area for continued wear and weathering. Repair or replace as needed. (Status: Will continue to monitor)
o Add engineered wood fiber (EWF) in the high traffic areas throughout both play areas. (Status: Complete)
o Post playground signage for both play areas to indicate the ages that the play equipment is designed for, that adult supervision is recommended, and/or that playground use is “at your own risk”. (Status: In Progress)
o Have the playground location on a regular maintenance schedule to address changing conditions and to document any actions taken. (Status: DPW and Recreation Department are checking the playground at least two times a month)
For the longer-term plan, I recently met with Kevin Alverson to discuss a scope of work and fee to develop concepts for Kids Kove (the fee will be below the amount that requires Council approval). He is an on-call landscape architect who has worked on multiple Town projects, including designing the Latham Park playground in coordination with the playground equipment company KOMPAN. The goal is to have a concept plan with cost estimates completed by the end of this month, which could be used to support a grant application. The process will include opportunities for public input (details TBD).
One potential funding source is the RIDEM Outdoor Recreation Grant program; applications are due by 3 p.m. on November 18th. The Park and Recreation Commission on September 25th voted in support of RIDEM grant applications for a skatepark at Haines Park in the parking lot near Cove Haven Marina and expanding the Police Cove Park splashpad. A Council motion in support of the submission of grant applications to RIDEM, including prioritization and a commitment of the local match, will be needed at the November 3rd meeting.
Motion: No motion provided.
AGENDA ITEM #24: Discuss and Act: Authorization to Use Masiello Estate Donation for Purchase of New Senior Center Bus
TM Comment: Senior Services and Recreation Director Jean Bellm has been working to identify options and pricing for a new bus for the Senior Center. The existing bus has been plagued with maintenance issues. The Senior Services Advisory Board has issued a letter to the Council stating that replacing the bus is an urgent issue. The letter states “the bus’s ongoing maintenance issues—and especially the unreliable handicapped lift—are having a direct, negative impact on the quality of life of our town’s seniors.”
The Town has quotes from a dealer (provided in May of this year) for a 9-passenger gas bus with a wheelchair lift, with space in the seating area for one or two wheelchairs. Cost is approximately $125,000.
We have also been researching electric buses and potential grant funding to help offset the cost. The same vendor provided a quote for a 14-passenger with wheelchair lift electric bus totaling $308,000.
A grant that could help with the purchase is the RI Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Grant program or DERA through the state, but the State has not announced whether this would be opening this year.
To move ahead as soon as possible, the Town would need to fund the purchase with the existing budget. There is no line item at this time in the capital budget; however, we have identified a potential funding source: funding donated to the Town by the Masiello Estate. There is approximately $202,000 in the fund currently. On October 13, 2022, the Council voted to allocate $30,000 “to address the recent tragedies in Barrington from the Masiello Estate Funds to benefit bereaved children and that we delegate authority to utilize those funds to the Town Manager” and a Council member. None of these funds have been spent to date.
If the Council authorizes the use of the Masiello Estate funding for the senior center bus, we will bring quotes for Council approval at the November 3rd meeting. We will also continue to research grant opportunities for an electric bus and report back to the Council in November.
Motion: To authorize the use of funding from the Masiello Estate for the purchase of a new bus for the Senior Center.
AGENDA ITEM #25: Discuss and Act: Barrington Community Garden - Request to Amend the Town’s Fee and Fine Schedule to Increase Plot Fees from $25 to $35 per Plot
TM Comment: The Barrington Community Garden steering committee is requesting approval of an increase in fees charged per garden plot from $25 to $35, to help offset costs that have increased since the current rate was set in 2013.
Motion: To amend the Town’s Fee and Fine Schedule to increase the annual fees charged at the Barrington Community Gardens from $25 to $35 per plot.
AGENDA ITEM #26: Discuss and Act: Update - Safety Concerns of Electric Bikes and Scooters
TM Comment: Chief Correia will update the Council on this issue, which has been discussed at prior meetings.
Motion: No motion provided.
AGENDA ITEM #27: Discuss and Act: Ordinances
INTRODUCTION(S):
· 2025-11: An Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 179 Vehicles and Traffic, Article II. – Stop Intersections § 179-3 Stop intersections designated. Add a stop sign on Howard Street northbound at Fountain Avenue.
TM Comment: On September 25th, the Barrington Transportation Advisory Committee voted unanimously in support of adding a stop sign on Howard Street northbound at the intersection with Fountain Avenue. There is a stop sign on Howard Street on the opposite side (southbound). The Committee did not support the request to also add stop signs on Fountain Avenue at this location, as there are no recent vehicle accidents in this area or sight clearance concerns.
Motion: To introduce Ordinance 2025-11 amending Chapter 179 Vehicles and Traffic, Article II. – Stop Intersections § 179-3 Stop intersections designated, and to schedule a public hearing for November 3, 2025.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
· 2025-10: An Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 144 Public Lands, Use of, § 179-3 Use of Recreation areas
TM Comment: Ordinance 2025-10 would prohibit the use of any “wheeled recreational device” (bikes, skateboards, scooters, shoes with wheels) on an outdoor Town tennis, basketball, or pickleball court surface. Exceptions: strollers as well as wheelchairs or other mobility-assisted devices used by individuals with disabilities. The Town has renovated all its outdoor courts in recent years. Warranties do not protect against damage from bike tires, skateboards, etc.
The Park and Recreation Commission recommends revising the Ordinance to exempt Legion Way from the list of "no wheels" sites, as the rink is used during warmer months as a skatepark (with portable skatepark equipment) and for rollerblade hockey.
Motion: To adopt Ordinance No. 2025-8, amending Chapter 144 Public Lands, Use of, § 144-51 Use of Recreation areas, revised to exempt the Legion Way rink from the list of sites where the use of wheeled recreational devices is prohibited.
AGENDA ITEM #28: Bids
· Town Manager
o Annual licensing for Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud subscriptions
TM Comment: In September, the Town issued a request for proposals from qualified Microsoft Cloud Solution Providers (CSPs) to provide annual licensing for Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud (GCC) subscriptions. We received 13 responses by the October 1st deadline. Specifications include:
• 130 users - Microsoft 365 G3 (GCC pricing)
• 1 user - Microsoft 365 G5 (GCC pricing)
• Pricing must be Government Community Cloud (GCC) pricing.
• Vendor must be a Microsoft-certified CSP or authorized reseller.
• Vendor must provide monthly per-user pricing and annual totals.
• Vendor must allow true-up/true-down for license counts.
• Annual agreement.
The Town’s IT Systems Administrator and professional IT consultant have evaluated proposals. The motion below is based on their recommendation. The overall cost is less than what the Town currently pays for a mix of G1 and G3 licenses plus additional services that will no longer be needed.
Motion: To authorize the Town to contract with Spyglass MTG, of Lincoln, RI, to provide annual licensing for Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud subscriptions at a monthly cost of $34.02 per Microsoft G3 license, and $56.86 per G5 license.
AGENDA ITEM #29: General Public Comment:
(Maximum one statement per speaker of up to three minutes in length): To the public: This agenda item is for members of the public to speak regarding a topic that is not already on the agenda. Please indicate that you would like to speak by raising your hand. When you are recognized, please state your name and residence for the record.
AGENDA ITEM #30: Set Agenda for the next meeting of the Council: Monday, November 3, 2025 at 6:30pm, to be held in Council Chamber
- Authorization to submit applications for 2026 RIDEM Recreation Development Grant funding
- Request for quarterly summary from PBR to TC and Resilience & Energy Committee
- Presentation Nockum Hill Archaeological Study-Lot 3A
- Public EV charging stations - update Fee Schedule
- Discuss and Act: Wet Field Policy for Athletic Leagues (M. Seward)
- Public Works Department’s Provision of Services for Schools
AGENDA ITEM #31: Adjourn Town Council Meeting
BARRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL RULES OF PROCEDURE
ADOPTED OCTOBER 7, 2013
...
RULE 9 SPEAKING BY THE PUBLIC
A. REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS –
1. PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION - Members of the public shall be entitled to speak for a period of up to three minutes regarding a topic this is NOT already on the agenda. Anyone wishing to speak shall raise his or her hand, and when recognized by the President, shall approach the microphone. All members of the public addressing the Town Council shall identify themselves, at the microphone, by stating their name and address for the record. Pursuant to RIGL §42-46-6(b), public comment regarding subject matters not on the agenda but received during the public participation portion of a meeting shall be for informational purposed only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official.
2. SPECIFIC AGENDA ITEMS - Members of the public shall be entitled to speak , once, for a period of up to three minutes, and at other times when invited to do so by the President. The public may speak only after members of the Council have had an ability to be heard. The public shall address their comments to the question under debate as indicated on the agenda. Comments that are not germane to the question under debate shall be ruled out of order by the President. All members of the public addressing the Town Council shall identify themselves, at the microphone, by stating their name and address for the record.