Tiverton public meetings in 2020
24 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting, approving routine consent agenda items, reappointing a Library Board trustee, and granting BV liquor, entertainment, and victualing licenses to Buddies & Brothers, Inc. The Council also discussed funding for a wind-damaged light pole at the high school track, recycling concerns, and scheduled a wastewater management workshop.
- Approved BV liquor, entertainment, and victualing licenses for Buddies & Brothers, Inc., 77 Main Road
- Discussed $132,188 request to replace wind-damaged light pole at Tiverton High School track; no funds available
- Approved hiring Xtreme Grinding for landfill yard waste grinding at cost not to exceed $16,000
- Approved advertising for part-time Assistant Town Solicitor for prosecution
- Accepted Harbor Ridge Lane as a town street
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting that included the swearing-in of newly elected councilors, a new town clerk, and a town sergeant, followed by the election of a new council president and vice president. The council also approved a two-year contract extension with MTG Disposal LLC for trash services, authorized up to $37,000 for bulldozer repairs, and continued a public hearing on animal nuisance ordinance amendments.
- Approved MTG Disposal LLC contract extension: $717,312.36 for first year, $766,312.00 for second year and a half month
- Authorized up to $37,000 for bulldozer repairs from account 5530-7645
- Continued public hearing on animal nuisance ordinance amendments to Jan 11, 2021
- Approved Bay Street moratorium extension to June 30, 2021
- Re-appointed Tyler Loomis as Harbormaster and Maureen Morrow to Litter Committee
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council approved numerous license renewals, a new liquor license for Family Ties Restaurant, and an emergency $9,490 purchase of a Police/Fire IT server. They also discussed the release of a $5,000 surety for Winterberry Woods subdivision, contingent on residents forming a homeowners association, and approved a $4,500 budget transfer for police accreditation stipends.
- Approved new Class BV liquor license for Everett Lane, Inc./Family Ties Restaurant, 221 Main Road
- Approved emergency purchase of Police/Fire IT server for $9,490 from Municipal Capital Improvement Fund
- Approved budget transfer of $4,500 for AFSCME accreditation stipend
- Discussed releasing $5,000 surety for Winterberry Woods subdivision contingent on HOA formation
- Approved multiple license renewals including junkyards, liquor stores, and mobile home parks
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a virtual meeting to approve routine consent agenda items, including a contract with George E. Sansoucy, P.E., LLC for valuation and consulting services regarding the Tiverton Power Plant project. The body also accepted a resignation from the Library Board and approved a tobacco license. Additionally, the council discussed delays in certifying the November 3 general election results, which will push the swearing-in of the new council to a December meeting.
- Approval of contract with George E. Sansoucy, P.E., LLC for Tiverton Power Plant valuation and consulting services
- Approval of Tobacco License for Jaivik Patel/Tulsi Convenience LLC d/b/a North Tiverton News, 15 Main Road
- Acceptance of resignation of Pamela A. Poli from the Library Board of Trustees effective October 20, 2020
- Update on November 3, 2020 General Election results indicating certification delays until end of November
- Assessor/Revaluation update noting preliminary reassessment values expected in March 2021
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council approved a BVL liquor license for Groundswell Bakery & Café, subject to septic system certification, and ratified three-year contracts for Deputy Chief James Costa and Town Administrator Christopher Cotta. The council also discussed merit-based raises for department heads and scheduled a public hearing on an animal nuisance ordinance amendment.
- Approved BVL liquor license for Groundswell Bakery & Café, 3883 Main Road, contingent on DEM septic Certificate of Conformance
- Ratified 3-year contract for Deputy Chief James Costa (Oct 26, 2020 – Oct 25, 2023)
- Ratified 3-year contract for Town Administrator Christopher Cotta (Oct 1, 2020 – Sep 30, 2023)
- Approved $10,000 transfer from Financial Town Referendum account to Council Contingency Fund
- Scheduled public hearing for Nov 23, 2020 on animal nuisance ordinance amendment
Town Council Joint Workshop with Planning Board
The Town Council and Planning Board held a joint workshop to review updates to the Comprehensive Community Plan, focusing on how to manage increased development pressure. Town Planner Jennifer Siciliano presented growth projections and discussed tools like rezoning and impact fees to protect town infrastructure. The group also reviewed a draft solar ordinance, discussing the conversion of farm properties into solar farms and the potential use of municipal building roofs for solar installations.
- Review of Comprehensive Community Plan updates regarding development pressures
- Discussion of a proposed 180-unit apartment complex on Main Road
- Review of an approved master plan for 275 units off Souza Road
- Discussion of a 52-unit condo complex on Main Road
- Review of draft solar ordinance and decommission bond requirements
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a special meeting to decide which of four candidates recommended by the Personnel Board to interview for the town administrator position. After a closed session, the council unanimously selected two candidates for a second interview, with names to be disclosed once notified. The interviews are scheduled for a special meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in open session.
- Council reviewed four candidates for town administrator
- Unanimous vote to bring back two candidates for second interview
- Interviews scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. in open session
- Executive session minutes sealed
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council met virtually on September 14, 2020. They approved a consent agenda, reappointed a member to the Harbor Commission, and approved several financial items, including a $136,200 auditing contract and an additional $900,000 for the Community Septic System Loan Program. The Council also discussed but failed to approve a proposal to create an advisory committee on the town budget process.
- Approved $136,200 engagement letter with Hague, Sahady & Co. for FY20-FY22 auditing services
- Approved additional $900,000 for Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank Community Septic System Loan Program
- Approved amended sewer easement agreement with Tiverton Recreation, LLC (formerly Longplex)
- Approved police department budget transfers including $11,364.83 for overtime
- Failed on a tied vote to appoint an advisory committee to review the town budget process
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting, approving routine consent items and several board appointments. In general business, the Council authorized seeking an RFP for an appraisal of the Tiverton Power, Inc. plant, discussed a proposed flu clinic, and reviewed zoning ordinance updates. The Council also entered executive session to discuss tax appeal settlements and unpaid legal invoices.
- Authorized RFP for appraisal of Tiverton Power, Inc. at 304 Progress Road (Plat 108, Lot 105)
- Approved appointments to Harbor Commission, Zoning Board, Recycling/Landfill Committee, Conservation Commission
- Discussed EMA flu clinic proposal
- Discussed State Traffic Commission request for fishing restrictions on Nanaquaket Bridge
- Approved advertising public hearing for proposed ordinance amendment on care of dogs
Special Town Council Meeting
The Town Council held a special meeting to discuss and vote on a proposed ordinance regarding casino revenue received under state law. The ordinance establishes restricted accounts for these funds, specifically designating them for capital projects rather than the operating budget. The Council adopted the ordinance with amendments, including a one-year expiration date and a requirement for a supermajority vote to spend funds in emergencies.
- Adopted ordinance to restrict and allocate casino revenue pursuant to RIGL 42-61.2-7
- Ordinance includes an expiration date of June 30, 2021
- Added provision requiring a 5-out-of-7 supermajority vote to spend restricted funds for emergencies
- Public hearing received one written comment in opposition and two verbal comments
- Vote to continue the public hearing for two weeks failed 2-5
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a special meeting to discuss the FY2021 municipal budget, which is currently $1.3 million over the 4% cap. The Council voted to reduce the recycling center account to $200,000 and the paving account to zero, while recommending the restoration of four police officer and one DPW position. These recommendations will be sent to the Budget Committee, which retains the authority to set the final budget subject to voter approval.
- Motion passed 5-2 to reduce the recycling center account to $200,000.
- Motion passed 5-2 to restore four police officer positions and one DPW position cut by the Budget Committee.
- Motion passed 5-2 to reduce the paving account to zero, relying on the 25% resolution.
- Motion passed unanimously to reduce the OPEB contribution to zero pending investigation of police and fire contracts.
- Motion passed unanimously to recommend the Budget Committee fund $738,000 for trash services instead of $1.1 million.
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting, approving consent agenda items and accepting resignations. The most consequential action was a unanimous vote to continue the FY20 appropriation and tax levy into FY21 for up to 90 days, per state legislation H-8015, due to the state budget not being finalized. The council also scheduled a public hearing for July 7, 2020, on this matter and discussed a potential ordinance related to farmers markets.
- Voted to continue FY20 appropriation and levy into FY21 for up to 90 days per H-8015
- Scheduled public hearing for July 7, 2020, on the FY21 budget continuation
- Approved DPW requests to extend crusher rental contract, purchase catch basin blocks, and re-advertise tub grinding bids
- Accepted resignations from Library Board of Trustees member Richard Rom and Housing Authority member Laura Rom
- Continued Groundswell Bakery & Café liquor license request to July 27, 2020
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a special virtual meeting to consider a resolution supporting House Bill 8015, which would allow municipalities to carry over their previous year's tax levy while maintaining cash flow during the COVID-19 emergency. After discussion and an amendment, the council approved the resolution and authorized the Council President to sign it, including language for the Senate companion bill.
- Approved resolution urging immediate passage of H-8015 to aid municipalities in passing budgets and tax levies under Home Rule Charters
- Amended resolution to change 'could have' to 'has' in the last 'whereas' section (passed 4-1-1)
- Added language for the Senate companion bill to the resolution
- Authorized Council President to sign the resolution
- Noted 17 communities in similar position regarding tax levy collection
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council met virtually on June 8, 2020, approving consent items, a compost bin fee amendment, and several appointments and budget transfers. The Council voted down a resolution to create a Municipal Facilities Maintenance Committee, and discussed the FY21 budget, cash flow, and potential short-term borrowing. It also approved extending the Amnesty Trash Program and the Bay Street moratorium, and authorized use of town land for a dog park.
- Rejected resolution establishing a Municipal Facilities Maintenance Committee (5-2 vote)
- Approved budget transfers for DPW ($4,230) and Police ($4,300)
- Extended Amnesty Trash Program through July 1, 2020
- Extended Bay Street Moratorium to December 31, 2020
- Authorized use of 2.179 acres near Tiverton Fire Station for a dog park
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council met virtually and voted on several items, including a resolution supporting an extension of the landfill closure, which passed 4-3. A proposed amendment to increase beach pass fees failed on a tie vote. The council also approved multiple DPW and Fire Department budget transfers and contract extensions.
- Approved resolution supporting extension of landfill closure (4-3 vote).
- Rejected proposed beach pass fee increases on a tie vote.
- Approved DPW bid extensions for paving, fuel, and other services, excluding daily landfill cover.
- Approved budget transfers for DPW and Fire Department, including $21,000 for a recycling study.
- Discussed settlement with police Sergeant William Munroe, including $10,168 in back pay.
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council met virtually to ratify several executive orders issued by the Council President during the COVID-19 emergency, including postponing the Financial Town Referendum, prohibiting open burning, and extending the property tax payment grace period. The council also extended three other emergency orders through May 11 and ratified the interim town administrator's employment agreement. The meeting included discussion and debate over the legality of the executive orders, with some councilors expressing concerns about lack of prior input.
- Ratified Executive Order 2020-07 postponing Financial Town Referendum to June 20 (passed 5-2)
- Ratified Executive Order 2020-08 prohibiting open burning (unanimous)
- Ratified Executive Order 2020-09 extending fourth quarter property tax payment grace period (passed 5-2)
- Extended Executive Orders 2020-04, 2020-05, 2020-06 through May 11 (unanimous)
- Ratified Interim Town Administrator Christopher Cotta's employment agreement (unanimous)
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council met to address the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The body unanimously ratified three emergency orders issued by Council President Hilton and a temporary workplace practices policy. The Council also discussed the appointment of an interim Town Administrator following the retirement of Administrator Reitsma and the postponement of non-emergency board meetings.
- Ratification of Emergency Orders 2020-01, 2020-02, and 2020-03 issued by Council President Hilton
- Ratification of the 'Temporary Workplace Practices Due to Current Impact of COVID-19 Virus' policy
- Discussion of the appointment of an Interim Administrator after Administrator Reitsma's retirement
- Approval for boards and commissions to postpone all non-emergency meetings
- Discussion regarding the impact of the pandemic on General Fund and Casino revenue
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a special meeting to review and vote on the FY 2020/2021 municipal budget. They approved a $22,252,971 operating budget (a 2.23% increase) and made several adjustments to line items and capital expenses, including funding for the library and reductions in various departmental accounts. The council also ratified a three-year contract with the Teamsters union.
- Approved municipal operating budget of $22,252,971 (2.23% increase)
- Funded library at $587,000 (motion passed 4-2)
- Approved $6,399 for beach expenses
- Eliminated Fire Dept pickup ($42k) and Harbor Trailer ($8.5k) from capital budget
- Ratified three-year Teamsters contract (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2022)
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council appointed Town Clerk Nancy Mello as Acting Town Administrator for up to 35 days due to the current administrator's medical leave. The body awarded the EMS Third Party Billing services contract to The Dawson Group and approved a sound variance for a cultural event. Additionally, the council voted to disallow the holding of funds for Tiverton Days 2020 events, citing liability concerns, and continued that item for further research.
- Appointment of Town Clerk Nancy Mello as Acting Town Administrator for up to 35 days
- Award of EMS Third Party Billing services bid to The Dawson Group, East Providence, RI
- Approval of sound variance and special event permit for Cultural Survival Bazaar at Tiverton Four Corners Arts Center
- Vote to disallow holding of funds for Tiverton Days 2020 events (passed 4-3)
- Approval to advertise public hearing on Flood Plain Management Program ordinance amendment
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a special meeting to review the FY 2020/2021 budget, focusing on line items for the Tax Assessor, Planning & Building, Library, and Public Works. They discussed potential cuts, including reducing software funding to zero and lowering building boarding costs, and considered a merit-based salary increase system for department heads. The meeting was a working session with no final votes taken.
- Tax Assessor software capital request reduced from $30,000 to $0, to be funded next year
- Professional Tech Services for Tax Assessor reduced from $1,500 to $1,000
- Land Use building boarding cost reduced from $1,000 to $500
- Library discussed 2.9% requested increase vs. 2.05% recommended, plus Sunday hours and $27,612 in emergency repairs
- Council discussed merit-based raises instead of automatic 2% for department heads
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting on February 10, 2020, approving consent agenda items, a victualling license, $1,600 for a Budget Committee secretary, and acceptance of a parcel for the Ranger School driveway. The Council also scheduled a public hearing on the Mount Hope Bay Greenway draft design study and entered executive session for a Town Administrator performance evaluation and Teamsters contract negotiations.
- Approved victualling license for Bill Bothelo / The Cheese Wheel Village Market, 3838 Main Road
- Approved $1,600 from Council Contingency to fund a Budget Committee secretary for FY 20-21
- Approved and accepted Parcel 1/Plat 221, Lot 103 (driveway entrance to Ranger School) on North Brayton Road, subject to a 40-foot access easement for Stone Bridge Fire District
- Scheduled a public hearing on the Mount Hope Bay Greenway draft design study (VHB Engineering contract ends April 1, 2020)
- Entered executive session for Town Administrator performance evaluation and proposed three-year Teamsters contract (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2022); amended contract language regarding jacket return
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a special meeting to review specific line items of the FY 2020/2021 budget, including accounts for the Town Clerk, Board of Canvassers, Probate Court, and Tax Collector. The Town Administrator noted that final revenue estimates and state aid figures are not yet available, as they are expected in March or April. The Council discussed a proposed 2.9% increase in the operating budget and deferred decisions on larger departments and capital expenses to future meetings.
- Proposed 2.9% increase in the overall operating budget
- Town Clerk budget shows a 2.38% increase, including a 2% salary raise for the Deputy Clerk
- Tax Collector requests $30,000 in capital funds for software upgrades, with total costs estimated at $60,000
- Board of Canvassers budget increases due to presidential primary and general election staffing and cybersecurity requirements
- Legal Services account includes $15,000 for code rewrite and labor for police contract negotiations
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council approved the creation of a town-operated recycling center to replace municipal trash pickup, narrowing site options to specific Industrial Park lots. The body also approved a new solicitor services agreement, a budget transfer of $4,040 to the League of Cities & Towns, and the appointment of new members to the Harbor Commission and Library Board. Additionally, the Council rejected the purchase of surplus state land at Bulgarmarsh/Main Rd. and approved an RFP for third-party EMS billing services.
- Approved creation of a Town Operated Recycling Center, narrowing site selection to Industrial Park lots 1, 2, 3 and 14, 15, 22, 23
- Approved Solicitor Services Agreement with amendments to billing terms and scope of representation
- Approved budget transfer of $4,040 from Council Contingency to League of Cities & Towns
- Rejected purchase of surplus state land (Plat 473/Parcels 2 & 3) at Bulgarmarsh/Main Rd. for $11,000
- Approved RFP for third-party billing services for Emergency Medical Services
Joint Town Council Workshop
The Tiverton Town Council, School Committee, and Budget Committee held a joint workshop to begin discussing the Fiscal Year 2020/2021 budget. Members shared preliminary concerns, including landfill closure costs, trash collection, emergency services, school performance, and tax rates. No decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and adjourned after about 35 minutes.
- Discussion on FY 2020/2021 budget priorities
- Concerns raised about landfill closure and tipping fees
- Concerns about curbside trash collection and emergency services
- Concerns about school performance and special education costs
- Budget Committee noted voters, not the committee, decide the final budget