From: Philip Hervey, Town Manager
To: Barrington Town Council
Subj: Town Manager Memo for July 28, 2025, Town Council Meeting
Date: July 28, 2025
The Council’s Rules of Procedure for public comment are provided at the end of this memo
AGENDA ITEM #1: Call to Order
AGENDA ITEM #2: Pledge of Allegiance
AGENDA ITEM #3: Land Acknowledgement
AGENDA ITEM #4: DISCUSS AND ACT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA (Items #6 - #16):
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 #5*: Receive Updates and Events
See my memo for a more detailed list of events, and the current openings on boards and committees
· Tree Planting & Removal: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025– 60 trees removed/ 87 trees planted
· Upcoming Events:
o Annual Open Government Summit: Friday, August 1, 2025, 9:00am-12:00pm RWU School of Law
o Special Town Council Meeting with Chairs and Vice Chairs of Boards and Commissions: Monday, August 25,2025 6:00pm-8:00pm
Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda, as presented.
AGENDA ITEM #17: Approve Class F-1 License: Barrington Farm School 100 Federal Road
TM Comment: The Barrington Farm School is requesting an F-1 License to serve at Barrington Farm School for Farm to Table Event on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 4:00pm-8:00pm. We are asking them to utilize the parking lot at St. Andrew’s Farm and not use the parking lot behind the Public Safety Building.
Motion: To approve the Barrington Farm School application for a F-1 Liquor License for the August 2nd Farm to Table event.
AGENDA ITEM #18: Discuss and Act: Interviews and Appointments:
· Veterans Advisory Committee· 3 vacancies: First, Second and Third Alternate, each with a term expiration date of January 31, 2028). Interview: Chris Isleib, Michele Pimental and Holden Wilson
Motion: To appoint ___________ to the Veterans Advisory Committee as a First Alternate, with a term expiration date of January 31, 2028.
· Zoning Board of Review: (1 vacancy: 3rd alternate with a term expiration date of December 31, 2025.) Interview: Holden Wilson
Motion: To appoint ___________ to the Zoning Board of Review as a Third Alternate, with a term expiration date of December 31, 2025.
AGENDA ITEM #19: Discuss and Act: $250 Million School Construction Project and Planning Board Process
TM Comment: In mid-May, the Schools were provided with a memorandum from Assistant Solicitor Amy Goins advising that “state law requires school construction projects, including the current project, to be reviewed by the Planning Board under the framework applicable to a major land development project.” Previously, the Schools were advised that the Project would be exempt from Planning Board review, as Town projects are exempt from zoning. The memo explained the reasoning for the revised opinion that the project, while still exempt from zoning, is not exempt from Planning Board review under the provisions of the Town’s Land Development and Subdivision Regulations (which are separate from zoning).
On June 30th, the School Committee issued a letter stating:
“The Barrington School Committee unanimously and strongly objects to the recent assertion that our school construction projects must undergo Planning Board review (Exhibit A). We respectfully decline the invitation to initiate what would be the first step in that process. The School Committee will not be submitting these projects to the Planning Board.” It further stated: “Attempts to change the approval process at this late stage is not only legally baseless—it is fiscally reckless,” and that, “If this action proceeds without a clear exemption for this school construction project, the School Committee will have no choice but to initiate legal proceedings to protect the integrity of this project.”
It continues: “This is a historic project and moment for our Town––and we remain committed to collaboration and transparency as we continue this project’s momentum. While we cannot participate in a Planning Board process that we believe is both unnecessary and detrimental, we would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss this project with you and other Town officials in a different setting.”
Normally, a Land Development Project such as the School Construction Project must receive Planning Board approval for the Town to issue a building permit and other permits. In effect, the School Committee is asking the Town to issue permits without this approval, despite the legal opinion that it requires Planning Board approval.
Even without the formal Planning Board process, review of the project by the Town is critical. There are many issues that concern the town related to code compliance and potential community impact: building and fire codes, security measures, floodplain development standards, traffic flow, parking, provisions for bicycle and pedestrian safety and connectivity, stormwater management, wastewater connections, lighting plans, and neighborhood buffers.
These schools are not in a remote location; they are all near neighborhoods, where traffic, noise, lighting, drainage, etc., can have negative impacts if not addressed properly in the design. An example of community impact from schools is the change to the student parking policy at the High School, which created spillover effects on neighborhood streets and at the public parking lot at the capped landfill on Upland Way. There also are traffic and safety issues on Lincoln Avenue that have continued for many years with backups on Lincoln due to pickup/drop-off and vehicles parking on the sidewalk. We also have heard complaints from residents who live near other schools, including Sowams School due to pickup and drop-off traffic and speeding.
In order to put the Town in a position to issue permits without Planning Board approval, if that is the route the Council can support, I recommend requiring the Schools to submit site plans and related information for the Building Construction Project that comply with the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations design standards and checklist requirements for the preliminary and final plan review stages.
The Town will certainly work with the Schools to ensure the plan review process is completed expeditiously to avoid any chance of delays.
Lastly, it's important that the Town and the Schools be on a renewed path toward improved communication to, for instance, sort out any design/engineering concerns. As such, it’s crucial to meet to discuss the notes and to establish a regular check-in schedule to discuss matters of mutual concern/benefit.
We also need access to plans as they are being developed. Last week, the Fire Department met with members of the school design team about fire access. A site plan described as being at the 30% completion stage was shown at the meeting, but the Fire Chief’s request for a copy – which he wanted to review with his team – was denied.
Also, it would be helpful for the Town Council to have regular updates from the School Committee. The last time the Schools presented information to the Council on the plans was at a Council meeting more than a year ago, on April 1, 2024, when the Council approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of $250 million in bonds for the construction project.
Given the transition with School administration, this seems an appropriate time to ensure that the Town and Schools are working together to ensure that what the voters approved is delivered in a timely fashion and a quality manner.
Motion: No motion provided - need Council input.
AGENDA ITEM #20: Discuss and Act: Safety Concerns of Electric Bikes and Scooters
TM Comment: The Town is in receipt of complaints regarding juveniles operating e-bikes within the Town. Chief Correia has issued a press release announcing a “measured enforcement effort aimed at curbing the dangerous operation of Electric Motorized Bicycles, so called Electric Bicycles and E-Bikes.”
According to State law, juveniles under the age of 16 cannot operate an electric motorized bicycle, electric bicycle, or an e-bike regardless of class (See R.I.G.L 31-3-2.2 and 31-19.7-1). Further, Class 4 electric motorized bicycles are recreational vehicles that are not permitted to be operated on public roadways or be registered.
Chief Correia will be available to update the Council on the Town’s enforcement efforts and answer any questions. One issue he is researching is how other RI cities and towns regulate E-scooters.
Motion: No motion provided.
AGENDA ITEM #21: Discuss and Act: Ordinances
INTRODUCTION(S):
· 2025-8 An ordinance in amendment to Chapter 179. Vehicles and Traffic, Article II. Stop Intersections, § 179-3. Stop intersections designated.
TM Comment: The Barrington Transportation Advisory Committee (BTAC) met on June 11, 2025, to review stop sign requests submitted by residents. The BTAC evaluated the conditions at each location before making its recommendations, which are as follows:
1. Remove the stop signs on Melrose Avenue (both directions) at Hawthorne Avenue, as there are no sight line issues or accident history at this location to warrant the stop signs. (The stop sign on Hawthorne Avenue is recommended to remain.)
2. Add stop signs on Walnut Road (both directions) at Alden Road, due to poor sight lines on Walnut caused by trees / vegetation, and vehicles parking along Alden during sporting events at Bicknell Field.
3. Add a stop sign on Tiffany Circle at Lincoln Avenue, due to vehicle crashes (six within the past 5.5 years at this intersection), and overall traffic conditions on Lincoln Avenue.
Motion: To introduce Ordinance No. 2025-8, and to schedule the public hearing for September 8, 2025.
· 2025-9 An Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 179 Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV. Parking § 179-14 Parking, standing or stopping always prohibited.
TM Comment: This ordinance would correct the times when parking, standing or stopping is permitted in § 179-14 due to the change in school start time a few years ago. The new times would be from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. on school days.
Motion: To introduce Ordinance No. 2025-9, and to schedule the public hearing for September 8, 2025.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
o 2025-5 An Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 185 Zoning
TM Comment: The Council on June 2nd approved Zoning Ordinance amendments proposed in response to recent changes in State law, except for revisions related to accessory dwelling units (ADU’s). The Council voted to continue the hearing on the ADU text amendments to tonight’s meeting to consider establishing a minimum lot size less than the 20,000 square feet in State law (including possibly no minimum lot size).
The section in question is § 185-141. Eligibility.
The original proposed amendments, based on State law, were as follows:
§ 185-141. Eligibility. One ADU per lot is allowed under the following circumstances:
1. On an owner-occupied property as a reasonable accommodation for family members with disabilities; or
2. On a lot with a total lot area of twenty thousand square feet (20,000 sq. ft.) or more for which the primary use is residential; or
3. Where the proposed ADU is located within the existing footprint of the primary structure or existing accessory attached or detached structure and does not expand the footprint of the structure
On June 3rd, the Planning Board discussed the lot size requirement for ADU’s. No changes are proposed for setbacks and building-lot coverage standards, but reducing the minimum lot size to below 20,000 square feet would mean there would be additional, smaller parcels where an ADU could be built without a variance. A map illustrating lot sizes in residential zones was provided to the Board to help with the discussion.
The Board passed a motion (5 for, 2 against) “to recommend that the Town Council lower the 20,000 SF threshold for minimum lot size for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) to 10,000 SF regarding Chapter 185 of the Town Code (Zoning Ordinance), with a review scheduled 12 months after implementation to evaluate outcomes.”
Assistant Solicitor Amy Goins revised the ADU provisions to reflect the Planning Board recommendation: reducing the minimum lot size stated in §185-141.1 from 20,000 to 10,000 square feet, and adding a sunset provision, where the “provisions of this Article shall expire one (1) year from the date of enactment unless renewed by the Town Council in the same manner as the enactment of a new ordinance.”
Motion: To approve Ordinance 2025-5 amending the accessory dwelling unit provisions of Chapter 185 Zoning, as recommended by the Planning Board.
o 2025-7 An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 179 Vehicles and Traffic Article IV. Parking; §179-11 Parking Prohibited Certain Hours
TM Comment: The Ordinance, based on Chief Correia’s recommendation, would establish 3-hour parking limits between the hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during school days on streets near the High School to address neighborhood concerns about students parking there.
The streets are Cherry Lane, Tiffany Circle and Priscilla Drive. Chief Correia’s recommendation to also establish time limits during school days for parking at Robert M. Gourley field off Upland Way (nine parking spaces plus an ADA space) would require a separate ordinance.
Motion: To approve Ordinance 2025-7 amending Chapter 179 Vehicles and Traffic Article IV. Parking; §179-11 Parking Prohibited Certain Hours [as presented / as amended].
AGENDA ITEM #22: Discuss and Act: Bayside Pool Construction Update / Town Resident Day Pass Program
TM Comment: The Council last year approved $115,035.69 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help cover the cost of repairs to the outdoor pool. In exchange, the Bayside Y was to provide day-pass access to residents of the Town to the outdoor pool at the following rates:
1) Family Price (family): $15
2) Individual Price (18 and over): $8
3) Individual Youth (under 18) or Senior (65+) Price: $5
The Agreement also provided residents free access during heat advisory days and on Town Beach closure days due to excessive bacteria.
The term of this Agreement is five (5) years from Effective Date, which is March 25, 2025. Extensions to the duration of this Agreement shall require consent of both the Town and the YMCA in a written instrument signed by both parties.
The opening of the pool this year has been delayed due to unexpected costs related to the repair project, so residents have had no access this summer. (The YMCA is expected to have a representative attend this meeting to discuss.)
Recommend passing a motion to extend the term of the Agreement by another year, or six years from the Effective Date.
Motion: To approve extending the term of the Bayside Outdoor Pool Agreement by another year, or six years from the Effective Date, subject to approval of the YMCA.
AGENDA ITEM #23: Discuss and Act: Bid(s)
o Pickup Truck with Plow
TM Comment: Chief Bessette is requesting Council approval of the purchase of a new 2025 Ford F350 pickup with a stainless-steel plow, replacing a 2009 truck and plow. The vehicle is used to keep the apparatus bay clear of snow in the winter, and tow fire rescue boats, an ice equipment trailer and a utility terrain vehicle. Cost after trade-in totals $74,932.23. Pricing is based on a Metropolitan Area Planning Council master price agreement.
Motion: To approve the purchase of a 2025 Ford F350 pickup and plow from McGovern MHQ, Inc., of Marlborough, MA, at a cost after trade-in of $74,932.23, with funding from the capital reserve for fire vehicle replacement.
· Town Manager
o Monastery Building at 25 Watson Avenue: Abatement and Demolition
TM Comment: The Town has hired Verdantas, LLC, to develop specifications, assist with the bidding process, and provide contractor oversight related to the abatement of hazardous materials and demolition of the vacant former monastery building at 25 Watson Avenue. The project was advertised for bid in the Providence Journal and posted to the Town of Barrington website and State of Rhode Island bidding website. The scope of work, as described in the bid documents, is summarized below:
The Former Carmelite Monastery Building Abatement & Demolition project consists of completing asbestos abatement and building demolition at the subject property, 25 Watson Ave. Barrington, RI. The work encompassed by this contract shall include, but is not limited to the following:
1. Coordinating with the Town of Barrington for building access and equipment/material staging.
2. Mobilization of all applicable equipment staged within the agreed upon location.
3. Coordination and submittals of all required shop drawings to the Engineer for approval.
4. Obtain all required State and Local permits.
5. Submit Abatement Plan to RIDOH for approval.
6. Furnish & Install Erosion Control.
7. Provide all equipment and materials needed to control dust within the project limits as directed by the Owner’s Representative.
8. Asbestos abatement within the building as shown on prepared abatement plan.
9. Proper disposal and handling of all potential hazardous materials (including but not limited to asbestos containing materials), in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
10. Demolition of building and legal disposal of non-hazardous building materials.
11. Cut and cap existing utilities as required to complete building demolition.
12. Following demolition, rough grade site to provide max of 1V:1H slope of former building area grave.
13. Demobilize from the site following final inspection by the Owner’s Representative.
The Town received six bid responses by the deadline of July 10, 2025:
§ A.A. Asbestos Abatement Co., total base bid of $488,000.
§ J.R. Vinagro Corp., total base bid of $578,841.
§ Pasquazzi Bros, Inc., total base bid of $592,872.
§ Select Demo Services, total base bid of $833,000.
§ New England Yankee Construction, total base bid of $940,433.
§ RT Nunes & Sons, total base bid of $1,526,000.
Verdantas reviewed the submitted bids and is recommending awarding the contract to AA Asbestos Abatement Co. “based on their submitted fee, demonstrated experience with similar projects, along with attendance at the prebid.” Previous demolition/asbestos abatement projects completed by AA Asbestos Abatement within the past five years include: the Mary J. Fogarty School in Providence (2025), Mill Race in Woonsocket (2025), Pleasant View Elementary in Smithfield (2023), and a demolition/asbestos project at Providence College (2023).
The cost of the work will be covered by cash flow from the subdivision and sale of the six single-family residential lots proposed at the site – four on Watson Avenue and two on Freemont Avenue.
Verdantas will be hosting a meeting for the public at the site a few weeks prior to mobilization where they will answer questions and go over the abatement/demolition schedule, site security, and work practices.
Motion: To accept the bid from A.A. Asbestos Abatement Co., Inc., of Johnston, RI, in the amount of $488,000, to include an additional 10 percent contingency.
o Bay Spring Community Learning Center Project: Increase Construction Contingency
TM Comment: At the April 7th meeting, the Council approved the construction bid for the Bay Spring Community Center (BSCC) renovation project totaling $1,221,000, with an additional $35,000 contingency. Design and construction costs are being covered by a Capital Projects Fund grant approved by the State. Most of the available funding in the BSCC capital reserve account, as of April 2025, was being used for the contingency.
Additional funding is now available for capital improvements at this building that allows for an increase in the contingency to a more typical level for a project of this size. The adopted FY2026 Town Budget included $25,000 for the Bay Spring Community Learning Center, plus $200,000 of unrestricted fund balance recommended for reallocation by the Council and approved at the 2025 Financial Town Meeting. We recommend increasing the contingency to $100,000, or 8 percent of the construction cost.
Motion: To increase the Bay Spring Community Center renovation project construction contingency by $65,000 to $100,000, with funding from the Town’s BSCC capital reserve.
· Police Department:
o Two (2) 2026 Ford Explorer XL Utility SUVs
TM Comment: The Police Department is requesting Council approval to purchase two (2) hybrid 2026 Ford Explorer XL Utility SUVs. Vendor: Tasca Automotive Group. Total cost: $89,547.60. Pricing is from a State of RI Master Price Agreement. These vehicles are about $3,000 less expensive than the 2025 hybrid SUVs purchased last year.
Motion: To accept the quote from Tasca Automotive Group for the purchase of two (2) hybrid 2026 Ford Explorer XL Utility SUVs, at a cost of $89,547.60, utilizing funding from the Police Autor Replacement Capital Reserve.
o Replacement Ductless Split System for Radio Room
TM Comment: The Barrington Police and Fire Departments are requesting Council approval of the purchase and installation of a replacement ductless split system for the radio room at the Public Safety Building. The current system is in frequent need of repair. Consistent climate control is needed to ensure the radio equipment performs reliably.
Automatic Temperature Controls, Inc. (ATC) inspected the system and has determined that the unit is at the end of its serviceable life. ATC’s quote, based on pricing from a Master Price Agreement, totals $17,983 for the replacement system (labor, materials, equipment). Funding to come from the Public Safety/Contractor Services account.
Motion: To approve the quote from Automatic Temperature Controls for the purchase and installation of a replacement ductless split system for the radio room at the Public Safety Building, at a cost of $17,983.
· Planning, Building and Resilience
TM Comment: The Town is proposing to complete a comprehensive signage regulation analysis and zoning ordinance update, including evaluation of the Town’s requirements for commercial signs. The study will include an evaluation and update of the Town’s A-frame sign regulations. The Council has paused enforcement of the A-frame sign regulations (except in cases where there is a safety issue), pending completion of updates to the sign ordinance.
The Town reviewed the three proposals submitted in response to the Request for Proposals. We recommend contracting with UMASS-Amherst Center for Resilient Metro Regions at a cost of $20,000.
Motion: To approve the proposal from UMASS-Amherst Center for Resilient Metro Regions to complete a comprehensive signage design program at a cost not to exceed $20,000.
o Foote-Maple Neighborhood Resilient Street Tree Planting Project
TM Comment: The Town has secured State Municipal Resilience Program grant funds to complete a tree planting program in the Foote Street – Maple Avenue area. The Foote-Maple Neighborhood Resilient Street Tree Planting Project, which focuses on an area of town identified in a street tree inventory as a heat island due to insufficient tree canopy cover.
The Town worked with Fuss & O’Neill to develop the bid package, specifying for the Foote-Maple area a total of 40 2” to 2.5” caliper trees (contractor planted) and 80 container trees to be planted by volunteers. The bid form also asked for pricing for 24 2” to 2.5” caliper trees (contractor-planted) for elsewhere in Town to offset tree loss, including those cut on Lamson Road for the new sidewalk.
The project was advertised, with bids due on Thursday, July 17th. Two bids were received. The Town recommends awarding the project to North-Eastern Tree Service, at a total cost of $114,400 for the Foote-Maple Neighborhood Resilient Street Tree Planting Project, plus $26,400 for trees to be planted elsewhere in Town.
Funding:
· Foote- Maple Neighborhood Resilient Street Tree Planting ($114,400 total): $93,171 MRP Grant, $21,229 Town Climate Mitigation Capital Reserve
· Trees for Lamson Road/Other Town Locations: $26,400 Town Climate Mitigation Capital Reserve
Motion: To accept the bid from North-Eastern Tree Service, Inc., of Cranston, in the amount of $140,800 for the Foote-Maple Neighborhood Resilient Tree Planting Project and additional Town street trees, with the $21,229 grant match and $26,400 for the street trees from the Climate Mitigation Capital Reserve.
AGENDA ITEM #24: Discuss and Act: Applying for National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Phase 2A Community Program
TM Comment: The Planning, Building & Resiliency Department is requesting Town Council authorization to apply for a National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Phase 2A grant to fund two additional charger units (Level 3 Fast Chargers) at Town Hall and to approve using Climate Mitigation Reserve Funds for the required 20% non-federal share match amount.
The Town in 2020 participated in a National Grid / Electrify RI Program that installed two Level 3 chargers at Town Hall, and two Level 2 charging stations (4 ports) at Police Cove Park. The Level 3 chargers cost a total of $200,378, which required a local match of $44,268. While we don’t have a cost estimate yet, it’s likely new Level 3 chargers would cost more than in 2020; the proposed location near the Town Hall overflow parking lot (north of Kids Kove playground) also is farther away from the power source than the existing stations.
The proposal is consistent with the Barrington Ready and Resilient Climate Action Plan. Strategy 1.1 calls for the Town to “accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles,” and Action 1.1.C states that the Town will identify “priority locations and install additional charging stations for EVs in public parking areas.” The target number of EV charging ports in the plan for 2030 is 94. We currently have eight charging ports available to the public in Barrington.
Usage has increased dramatically over time. The image below depicts the growth in charging sessions since January 2021 at Town Hall and Police Cove Park. Weekly usage in early 2021 totaled around 10 to 20 sessions, while in 2025 we’ve seen as many as 189 charging sessions in a given week.
Motion: To authorize the submittal of a National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Phase 2A grant to fund two additional Level 3 fast chargers at Town Hall, and to approve using Climate Mitigation Reserve Funds for the required 20 percent non-federal share match amount.
AGENDA ITEM #25: Discuss and Act: Town Council Contingency Fund:
· Special Council Meeting/Workshop with Chairs/ Vice Chairs of Boards of Commissions ($250)
· Barrington 250th Ad Hoc Committee request for $7,500
TM Comment: The Council has voted to hold a special meeting in late August with chairs and vice chairs of boards and commissions. The request for $250 would be for food and refreshments. Also, the 250th Ad Hoc Committee is asking for $7,500 to support events and other activities related to the celebration in 2026 of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
Motion: To approve the requests for funding from the Council Contingency: $250 for the August workshop with chairs and vice chairs of boards and commissions, and $7,500 to support events and activities related to the celebration in 2026 of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding planned by the 250th Ad Hoc Committee.
AGENDA ITEM #26: Discuss and Act: Expand the Barrington 250th Ad Hoc Committee
TM Comment: In February 2025, the Council approved a resolution establishing a committee to plan for events to mark the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. Currently the Committee consists of seven members: 1 member from the Preservation Society, 1 member from Veterans Advisory Committee, 1 member from the Economic Development Commission, 1 member from the DEI Committee (vacant), and 3 members from the community at large (1 vacancy).
The Committee is requesting the Council to add another three or four members. The motion below would add four members, for a total of eleven.
Motion: To expand the 250th Ad Hoc Committee by four community-at-large members.
AGENDA ITEM #27: Discuss and Act: Wet Field Policy for Athletic Leagues (M. Seward)
TM Comment: According to Park & Recreation Commission Chair Mike Seward, the Commission has voted to recommend the following policy addressing violations where a league team plays on a field that has been closed due to wet weather. He emailed me this summary:
Wet Field Policy- After much discussion, the Park & Recreation commission voted unanimously on the following motion: In the event a league team violates the wet field policy (plays on a wet field when there is a “red alert” on the Town web site) the league will be asked to repair damage caused by their actions by hiring a landscaping company to do the work in a timely manner.
The team who played or practiced on the wet field will lose both game and practice field privileges for one week, and for 2 weeks for a subsequent occurrence. Field damage will be determined by the Barrington DPW.
Given incidents of noncompliance with the wet field policy, changes are warranted. The motion below would direct the Town to provide the Council in September with a policy that is based on the Park and Recreation Commission’s recommendation and considering input from tonight’s meeting.
Motion: To direct the Administration to provide the Council for the September 8th meeting a revised wet field policy based on the Park and Recreation Commission’s recommendation.
AGENDA ITEM #28: Discuss and Act: Tree Management & Planting Program (Conservation Comm.)
TM Comment: Councilor O’Neill, liaison to the Conservation Commission, has forwarded motions by the Commission related to trees.
At the July 8th Conservation Commission (CC) meeting a motion was made and unanimously accepted to task me, as the Town Council Liaison, to ask the Town Manager for some specific information regarding the tree management program here in Barrington. The CC in its role as the Tree Commission has been discussing the topic consistently and the devastating July 3rd storm has made their questions and concerns even more pressing.
The CC would like: "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."
The CC/Tree Commission is hoping the Town Manager can locate documentation of what specific criteria the Tree Warden and DPW uses for tree removal. (It was speculated that the criteria may be a RI DEM document, or other such body beyond town.) They would also like to know if there is also specific documentation and/or a written policy for Barrington's tree planting strategy. If such documentation exists where can it be located?
Here is the link to the current tree ordinance: https://ecode360.com/7120211
Lastly there was a 2nd item in the motion that was more specific and action-oriented regarding pin oaks. As you likely know the large trees that uprooted and came down on Hemlock were pin oaks. Pin oaks do not have a tap root. Their roots run laterally making them susceptible to uprooting and not ideal street trees.
The CC's motion reads " [The CC] 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."
I recommend forwarding the Conservation Commission motions to the Town Administration for a follow-up report to the Council at the October meeting.
Motion: To forward the Conservation Commission motions to the Town Administration for a follow-up report to the Council at the October meeting.
AGENDA ITEM #29: General Public Comment: (Maximum one statement per speaker 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, September 8, 2025, at 6:30pm, to be held in the Council Chamber
a. Barrington Dog Park(s)
b. Future Legislation – Blind Exemption Amendment- M. Dimeo
c. Presentation: Nockum Hill Archaeological Study, Phase 1 Final Report
d. Safety Section Plan (SS4A) Resolutions and Letters of Support
e. New Land Use Legislation and Required Zoning Amendments
f. Use Funds from Donation from to purchase New Senior Center Bus (Masiello Estate)
g. Senior Center Dialer Program Use AT Spencer Funds
h. Request for quarterly summary from PBR to TC and Resilience & Energy Committee
i. 56 Elm Lane Buffer Request(H. Durfee)
AGENDA ITEM #31: EXECUTIVE SESSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RIGL
· 42-46-5 (a) (2) Litigation (Shineharmony Holdings, Inc. v. Tax Assessor, PC-2020-04054)
· Discuss Opioid Litigation
· Discuss Executive Session Minutes from May 5, 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 #32: 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.