From: Philip Hervey, Town Manager
To: Barrington Town Council
Subj: Town Manager Memo for November 3, 2025, Town Council Meeting
Date: November 3, 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 October 6, 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 - #14):
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 10/1/24- 9/30/24: 63 trees removed/ 77 trees planted
· List of Rhode Island Food Pantries and Meal Sites Options is available online: https://www.batchgeo.com/map/26eff6812d67d5064df83d3e1df62b5e
· Locally, TAP-IN at 281 County Road operates a food pantry. The organization is accepting donations of food (soups, beans, pasta, rice, and shelf-stable milk). If easier, you can always shop their Amazon Wish List from this link: https://a.co/06tsn6J. They are open to help or receive donations 9:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings.
· Abatement and demolition of the former monastery building at 25 Watson Avenue is expected to start this week (week of November 3rd). https://www.barrington.ri.gov/361/25-Watson-Avenue
Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda, as presented.
AGENDA ITEM #15: Discuss and Act: Interviews and Appointments:
• Barrington 250th Ad Hoc Committee: (5 vacancies 1 vacancy from Preservation; and 4 vacancies from community at large: 4 alternates with term expiration of December 1, 2027). Interview: Sara Emmenecker, Julieanne Fontana, Laura McNamara
Motion: To appoint the following to the Barrington 250th Ad Hoc Committee as alternates, with a term expiration of December 1, 2027:
______________________ ______________________ ______________________
• Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee: (2 vacancies: 2 alternates term expiration date of March 31, 2026). Interview: Paul Armstrong
Motion: To appoint ___________________ to the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee as an alternate, term expiring March 31, 2026.
• Committee on Appropriations: (1 Vacancy: Full member with expiration date of May 20, 2026). Interview: Jacob Brier, David Larson, and David Lauria
Motion: To appoint ___________________ to the Committee on Appropriations as a full member, term expiring May 30, 2026.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee: (1 vacancy: 2nd Alternate term expiration September 30, 2028). Interview: Carly Stearnbourne
Motion: To appoint ___________________ to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee as a 2nd alternate, term expiring September 30, 2028.
• Harbor Commission: (1 vacancy: 1 full member term expiration date of December 31, 2027). Interview: Kevin Jones
Motion: To appoint ___________________ to the Harbor Commission as an alternate, term expiring December 31, 2027.
AGENDA #16: PUBLIC HEARING: Discuss and Act: Application for Capital Stock Ownership Transfer of Class BV Full License
Name of Applicant: DPP, LLC d/b/a Viola 296 County Road Barrington, RI 02806
From: Dino Passaretta
Submitted By: DPP, LLC d/b/a Viola, 296 County Rd., Barrington
To: Ali Castrovillari and Donald Poissant
Submitted By: DPP, LLC d/b/a Viola, 296 County Rd Barrington
TM Comment: We are in receipt of an application to transfer Viola’s liquor license.
Motion: To approve the application to transfer the liquor license for Viola, 296 County Road, from Dino Passaretta to Ali Castrovillari and Donald Poissant.
AGENDA ITEM #17: PUBLIC HEARING: Discuss and Act: Liquor License Renewals:
TM Comment: A public hearing is required before voting on liquor license renewal applications received by the Town. The motions below are for the Council’s consideration, after opening and closing the public hearing on each license class.
Motion 1: To grant but not issue until final paperwork is received by the Town for the following Class A Retail licenses:
· Grapes & Grains, Inc. d/b/a Grapes & Grains, Inc., 24 Bosworth Street
· Brickyard Wine & Spirits LLC d/b/a Brickyard Wine & Spirits LLC, 250 County Road
Motion 2: To grant but not issue until final paperwork is received by the Town for the following Class D Full licenses:
· American Legion Post #8, Inc. d/b/a American Legion Post #8, Inc., 2 Legion Way
· Barrington Democratic Club d/b/a Barrington Democratic Club, 186 Roffee Street
· Barrington Yacht Club d/b/a Barrington Yacht Club, 25 Barton Avenue
· Rhode Island Country Club d/b/a Rhode Island Country Club, 150 Nayatt Road
Motion 3: To grant but not issue until final paperwork is received by the Town for the following Class BV Full licenses:
· Tyler Point Inc. d/b/a Bluewater Bar and Grill, 32 Barton Avenue
· Stock Food Group, Inc. d/b/a East Bay Oyster Bar, 308 County Road
· Oxford Tavern Inc., d/b/a Oxford Tavern, 286 Maple Avenue
· Kee-Aree LLC d/b/a Tong-D, 156 (Rear) County Road
· New Sushi Express, Inc. d/b/a Miku Japanese Cuisine, 306 County Road
· DPP LLC, d/b/a Viola, 296 County Road
Motion 4: To grant but not issue until final paperwork is received by the Town for the following Class BVL Limited licenses:
· Pepperoni’s LLC d/b/a Piezoni’s Pizza, 222 County Road
· Leon’s Kitchenworx LLC d/b/a Leon’s Café and Catering, 230 Waseca Avenue
· J & A Restaurant Enterprises Ltd. d/b/a Nacho Mamma’s,18 Maple Avenue, Unit 3
· Spaghetti Lane, LLC d/b/a Spaghetti Lane, 8 Anoka Avenue
· Sowams A. M. Inc. d/b/a Prince Ali’s Kebab, 305 Sowams Road
· PC Barrington, LLC d/b/a Plant City Barrington, 188 County Road
AGENDA ITEM #18: Presentation: “A Place Called Nockum” Archaeological Study
TM Comment: Stephen Venuti will make a presentation on the results of Phase 1 of an archaeological study completed at a Town-owned open space parcel on George Street. Mr. Venuti was a member of the team of volunteers who helped staff put together applications for American Battlefield Protection Program grants awarded to the Town by the National Park Service to complete a full archaeological study at this property, based on historical evidence suggesting the site was where conflict occurred at the onset of King Philip’s War in the 1670s.
Motion: No motion provided.
AGENDA ITEM #19: Discuss and Act: Authorization of Amendments to the Town 457 Plan to comply with SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022
TM Comment: Please see the memo from Finance Director Maryanne Crawford. The motion would authorize the Town to amend Barrington’s 457 Plan documents to preserve the option for employees earning over $145,000 in the prior year to make “catch-up contributions” to a Roth plan in an after-tax basis, effective January 1, 2026, in compliance with Federal law.
Motion: To authorize an amendment to the current 457 Plan document to ensure compliance with Secure 2.0 Act of 2022 provisions prior to the January 1, 2026, deadline.
AGENDA ITEM #20: Discussion: “Ready and Resilient Barrington” – First Annual Report
TM Comment: Please see attached memo and progress report.
Motion: No motion provided.
AGENDA ITEM #21: Discuss and Act: Tree Management and Planting Program
TM Comment: At the July 28th meeting, the Town Council passed a motion requesting information related to the Town’s program for tree removal and tree planting. The Council motion refers to the Conservation Commission’s motion passed at its July 8th meeting, as described below.
1) Request for information related to the Tree Management and Planting Program which is required as part of the Tree Ordinance including information related to criteria for tree removal and tree planting strategy, and
2) Strongly suggest DPW to inspect pin oaks due to their height, shallow root system and that they are reaching maturity. The tree inventory could provide information related to locations of pin oaks.
DPW Director Alan Corvi has provided a memorandum with the requested information.
Motion: No motion provided.
AGENDA ITEM #22: Discuss and Act: Parks and Recreation Committee (PRC) Recommends the Town Council Apply for a Large DEM Recreation Grant and a Small DEM Recreation Grant to Fund:
· Kid’s Kove Playground Renovations
· Police Cove Splash Pad Improvements
TM Comment: On October 23rd, the Park and Recreation Commission passed a motion supporting submitting RI DEM Recreation Development grant applications for two projects:
1. Large Grant - Replacement of equipment and redesign of Kid’s Kove Playground with additional multigenerational features elsewhere outside the Library/Senior Center
2. Small Grant – Expansion of the splash pad at Police Cove Park
· Kids Kove Playground Project: At recent meetings, the Council has discussed making improvements to the Kids Kove playground and adding features in the vicinity of the Library/Senior Center that would be accessible to people of all ages, such as outdoor exercise equipment stations. In recent weeks, the Town has been working with landscape architect Kevin Alverson and playground equipment vendor KOMPAN on a conceptual plan and cost estimate, which will be needed to apply for the RIDEM grant – see attached. (The concept and estimate were not ready in time for the Park and Recreation Commission meeting.) The playground equipment at Latham Park was provided and installed by KOMPAN in 2019.
Survey
In addition, the Recreation Department in October posted an online survey that generated 186 responses and conducted field interviews with nine families on site, including parents, grandparents, and caregivers. The summary report (attached) included the following findings:
§ High community use: 54% visit weekly and approximately 89% visit at least monthly
§ A desire for active, challenge-based equipment such as obstacle courses, ziplines, and climbing structures.
§ The need for comfort features including shade structures, seating, and safe surfacing.
§ A strong call for accessible and inclusive design (84% support), ensuring people of all ages and abilities can play together.
§ Interest in nature-integrated and eco-conscious design, such as natural playground features and pollinator gardens.
§ An emphasis on community connection, envisioning Kid’s Kove as a social and programmatic hub alongside the library.
Concept and Cost Estimate
1. Redesign of Kids Kove
The proposal is to replace all the existing equipment with new playground equipment, along with additional new amenities. Kevin Alverson provided the following summary:
o Picnic/Outdoor Classroom and Community space to be in back right (southeast) corner overlooking the Palmer River and would have a fabric, removable roofed shade/rain cover
Above: Kids Kove – Existing and Proposed
§ Toddler area would be in the front right (southwest) quadrant and include a climbing structure and ramped playhouse with slide
§ New swings would be opposite the gazebo along the east edge and provide a transition between 2-5 and 5-12 areas and include standard swings, a toddler and/or baby swings, a basket swing, and you and me swings
§ A new central spine accessible walkway would span the center of the playground and provide a transition from 5-12 and overactive use areas to the 2-5 and passive classroom space
§ Along the central spine would be inclusive 2-12 sensory panels progressing from one use area to the other
§ 5-12 Area would be generally the north section of the playground and include a large climbing structure, spinners, and a large multi-use play structure with sensory, multiple slides and a sail shade covering portions of it.
§ A double zipline would be placed along the northwest edge of the site
§ Adjustments to the parking area would provide for a narrow walkway along the parking edge that would connect to the cemetery as well as the existing trails at the north and east sides of the Civic Center
2. Multigenerational Features
The plan also includes several fitness stations with exercise equipment adjacent to ADA-accessible paths outside the Library/Senior Center, including a new path filling in a gap between the Senior Center parking lot and Tap-In. The idea is to provide these activities along a continuous accessible route between the bocce/croquet area near the river and Kids Kove, utilizing the existing ADA-compliant walkway in the hillside to the north of the Tap-In parking lot.
Summary
The total estimated cost, including an additional 10% contingency, totals $1.02 million. I’ve identified items that could be included in two phases, depending on how much funding is available. (See Preliminary Cost Estimate (with potential phasing) spreadsheet, attached.)
The playground equipment, including installation and freight, totals approximately $647,000. The equipment options could be adjusted as well, if needed. Other costs associated with the playground include demolition and excavation, walkways, engineered wood fiber, additional chain-link fencing to expand the playground to the north, a shade pavilion and shade sails.
The fitness equipment, with freight and installation, totals approximately $21,000. Additional costs relate to the site itself, including creating surfacing for each fitness station, extending the path, and loam and seed. The “fitness loop” project in total is estimated to cost around $52,000.
· Police Cove Park Splash Pad: The Town in 2023 hired VHB to provide a concept and cost estimate for the Police Cove Park project to be included in a RI DEM Recreation Development small grant application. That application was unsuccessful.
Expansion of the splash pad is still very much a need. It is extremely popular on hot days, especially among families with small kids. It also is used by the Town about once a week for summer camps. But it can become crowded, as it occupies just a small portion of the concrete plaza behind the seawall.
The goal will be to expand the splash pad into the adjacent grass area to provide additional splash pad features, while keeping the water overall usage roughly the same. The water bill typically totals about $9,000 a year. The proposed grant budget would also include funding for new fencing for safety, additional benches, and possibly walkway extensions if needed to accommodate foot traffic patterns. The total cost estimate is approximately $175,000, with $125,000 to come from the RIDEM grant program. The Town would be responsible for covering the remaining cost of approximately $50,000, which is sufficient to meet the grant program’s minimum 25% local match of $41,667.
Two motions are offered for the Council’s consideration. If either or both grant applications are approved, the Town will need to secure sufficient funding to cover the total project cost and provide the required local match. Potential sources include the existing capital budget for Parks and Trails improvements, additional capital appropriations in FY2027, other Town funds and other grant programs, etc.
Motion 1: To approve the submittal of a RIDEM Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Large Grant application for the replacement of equipment and redesign of Kid’s Kove Playground with additional multigenerational features in the vicinity of the Library and Senior Center.
Motion 2: To approve the submittal of RIDEM Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Small Grant application for the expansion of the splash pad and other improvements at Police Cove Park.
AGENDA ITEM #23: Discuss and Act: Bids
· BAY Team
· RFQ- Project Director Contracts: Project Leads Co-Directors and Trainers: awarded to Madeline Marlow and Bethanie Rado
TM Comment: Steven Eiland, Regional Director of the BAY Team / Prevention Coalition is requesting Council authorization to contract with project directors needed to manage the Mental Health Awareness Training grant. All funds for this work come directly from SAMSHA; no BAY Team funding comes from the municipal budget. The Town serves as its fiscal agent.
Motion: To authorize contracting with Bethanie Rado and Madeline Marlow as project lead, co-director and trainer for the Mental Health Awareness Training grant, as recommended by The BAY Team, in the amount of $30,047 annually per contract employee based on the compensation schedule set forth by SAMSHA and reviewed on an annual basis.
· Senior Center
o 2026 Microbird 9 PSG + 2 WC-Ford Transit Dual Rear Wheel- Anderson Motors
TM Comment: At the October 6th meeting, the Council approved the use of the Masiello Estate funding for the purchase of a new senior center bus. The Town has a quote from Anderson Motors for a 9-passenger 3.5L gas bus with space for two wheelchairs, totaling $128,963.
This pricing is valid off a Sourcewell purchasing contract, as well as the Massachusetts OSD VEH111 Contract.
The Town has investigated electric buses to provide a comparison. We have identified only one EV bus available for purchase – a 14-passenger electric commercial bus with wheelchair lift, totaling $307,949. The purchase could be made in a lump sum or spread out over 3 to 7 years at an interest rate of 5.2 to 5.25%. The higher price is due in part to the fact that this bus is significantly larger than the 9-passenger bus. There was a federal grant program assisting communities with transitioning from gas to electric vehicles that might have helped offset a portion of the cost, but there is no indication the program will be reopened anytime soon.
Another issue is the Senior Center’s three drivers are not familiar with driving a bus of this size and all prefer the 9-passenger version, which is the same size as the current bus.
We recommend proceeding with the purchase of the bus, as quoted by Anderson Motors.
At this time, the Senior Center plans to retain the existing bus to have a backup vehicle on hand. We will explore options for purchasing a smaller electric passenger van that could replace the old “backup” bus and supplement the 9-passenger bus in making trips in town and in the region. This would need to be discussed as part of the development of the Town’s capital improvement budget.
Motion: To accept the quote in the amount of $128,963 from Anderson Motors for a new 2026 Microbird 9-passenger + 2 WC-Ford Transit dual rear wheel bus for the Senior Center.
· Department of Public Works
o Police Cove Seawall Engineering Services- GZA
TM Comment: The seawall at Police Cove Park continues to deteriorate, threatening the upland improvements at the park, including the splash pad. The harbormaster dock also ties into the shore at the seawall. The Town has contracted with GZA of Providence to develop preliminary options to repair the seawall in compliance with CRMC regulations. During this process, the Town received input from CRMC that the most cost-effective option – adding riprap to protect the wall – would not be possible due to the presence of what they consider coastal wetlands where the stone would be installed.
According to GZA, the options available include:
1. Reconstruction of the wall in its current footprint. Wall composition may change (i.e., install of a modular block wall in lieu of reinforced concrete) but the toe of the new wall must be within 1 foot of the existing.
2. Installation of another wall system outboard of the existing wall, remaining within 1 foot of the existing wall toe. This could be a steel sheet pile wall, FRP sheeting, or a similar system.
The Town prefers Option 2, as Option 1 would require demolition and replacement of the concrete plaza that includes the splash pad. Both options are estimated to cost around $500,000 to construct.
To move forward with the engineering and construction of the seawall repair project, the Town will need to add to the GZA scope. Additional tasks include – conceptual construction cost comparison, repair design and construction documents, bid solicitation support, and construction oversight. The total cost of the additional services comes to $60,500. The Town Council previously committed $47,500 in American Rescue Plan Act for this project; the remaining $13,000 would come from the climate mitigation capital reserve fund.
Motion: To accept the proposal from GZA to provide additional engineering services for the Police Cove Park seawall repair project in the amount of $60,500, as presented, and to approve $13,000 in climate mitigation capital reserve funds for this purpose.
AGENDA ITEM #24: Discuss and Act: Ordinances
INTRODUCTION(S): (none)
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
o 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 approve Ordinance 2025-11 amending Chapter 179 Vehicles and Traffic, Article II. – Stop Intersections § 179-3 Stop intersections designated, as presented.
AGENDA ITEM #25: 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 #26: Set Agenda for the next meeting of the Council: Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6:30pm, in Council Chamber
a. Public EV charging stations - update Fee Schedule
b. Sowams National Heritage Area: Support its Designation and appoint Heather Kilmartin to committee
c. Discuss and Act: Wet Field Policy for Athletic Leagues (M. Seward)
d. Public Works Department’s Provision of Services for Schools
e. Mussachuck Creek Corridor Study-Authorization to negotiate a contract with the Preferred Consultant
f. Parks and Recreation Committee (PRC) Recommends the Town Council allocate $1,500.00 annually to cover dog waste removal fees for the town’s Dog Park(s)
AGENDA ITEM #27: 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.