Tiverton public meetings in 2024

Regular School Committee Meeting

The Tiverton School Committee approved consent agenda items including meeting minutes and a budget process letter, and discussed but tabled further discussion on the Council 94 Memorandum of Agreement. The committee considered entering executive session for legal advice on the superintendent search and FY25 budget, but the record states no executive session was held.

• Approved Regular Session Minutes from December 2, 2024 and Executive Meeting Minutes from same date
• Recognized former School Committee Member Michael DeCotis
• Heard brief presentation on School Committee Orientation by Attorney B. Scungio
• Tabled discussion of Council 94 MOA (union contract)
• Considered entering executive session for legal advice on superintendent search and FY25 budget, but did not hold one

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council held a combined meeting with retiring and newly elected councilors, including a swearing-in ceremony. The council approved the consent agenda, which included an extension of the Bay Street moratorium until June 30, 2025, and made several committee appointments. Public comments raised concerns over proposed high-density zoning changes in north Tiverton.

• Approval of Bay Street Moratorium Extension to June 30, 2025
• Correction of ARPA funds to convert DPW garage maintenance equipment to a second truck approval
• Appointment of Mike Burk to the North End and Industrial/Business Park Advisory Subcommittee
• Swearing-in of new Town Council members, Town Clerk, and other officials
• Town accepted a $5,000 grant for a police virtual firearm training system

Regular School Committee Meeting

The Tiverton School Committee held its regular meeting on December 2, 2024, administering oaths to new members, electing officers, and making subcommittee assignments. The committee approved policy revisions on fiscal management (3-2), accepted a $3,500 ACT grant for middle school basketball, and approved a gas and electric rate proposal. A capital update included discussion of $65,000 for chimney removal, $136,152 for door replacements, and $47,000 for a sound system, but no vote was recorded on the motion to approve those items.

• Policy revisions #310, #331, #332 approved 3-2 with two abstentions
• ACT grant of $3,500 accepted for TMS boys and girls basketball
• Capital update: $65,000 for THS chimney removal, $136,152 for exterior doors at multiple schools, $47,000 for THS auditorium sound system
• Gas and electric rate proposal approved unanimously
• Oath of office administered to new members Farnworth, Sherman, Paquette; Farnworth elected chair, Pallasch elected vice chair

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Town Council approved an amendment to the Zoning Code regarding special use permit conversion periods. The body also voted on several board appointments and renewed various business, liquor, and shooting range licenses.

• Approved zoning amendment extending special use permit conversion period to February 28, 2025
• Approved tax assessor abatements totaling $18,555.69
• Appointed Robin A. Sedoma to the Housing Authority
• Re-appointed Tyler Loomis as Harbormaster
• Renewed liquor licenses for multiple establishments, including Bally's Tiverton Casino & Hotel ($2,500)

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council approved a consent agenda, accepted a resignation, made board appointments, ratified a RIDOT road/bridge agreement, authorized advertising for vacant positions, and approved capital transfers. The council also allocated $1,445,000 in remaining ARPA funds to cover the pumper, Pocasset and Town Farm basketball courts, DPW pickup, and garage maintenance equipment, and approved numerous recreation events for 2024-2025.

• Allocated $1,445,000 in ARPA funds for pumper, basketball courts, DPW pickup, and garage maintenance equipment
• Ratified RIDOT Municipal Road & Bridge Program (MRBP) FY25 Agreement
• Approved $10,000 capital account allocation for fire gear extractor/dryers to Station 2 painting and hand railing
• Approved Tax Assessor Abatements totaling $1,551.43
• Amended North End subcommittee resolution to remove requirement that chair be a council member

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Town Council approved a funding allocation for road work and scheduled a public hearing for a zoning ordinance amendment. The body also processed numerous board appointments and resignations.

• Approved $215,555 from RIDOT MRBP program for DPW Paving – Drainage Account #5540-6794
• Scheduled a November 25 public hearing for a Zoning Ordinance amendment regarding Special Use Permits
• Approved Tax Assessor Abatements totaling $3,149.11
• Re-appointed members to the Economic Development, Juvenile Hearing, and Zoning boards
• Accepted resignations from the Cemetery Commission, Library Board, and Litter Committee

Regular School Committee Meeting

The committee approved consent agenda items, home school requests, and a $250 donation to the THS Journalism Club. They received budget updates for FY24 and FY25, reviewed first readings of fiscal policies, and discussed a $41,000 annual Centegix Badge Safety Alert system. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss administrator contracts.

• Discussed Centegix Badge Safety Alert system at $41,000 annually ($8,200 per school)
• Reviewed FY24 and FY25 budget updates; FY25 spending at 10% vs 17% in FY24
• First reads of Policy #310 (Fiscal Management), #331 (Budget Statement), #332 (Spending Plan)
• Accepted $250 donation from Sherman Family/Newprot Propane to THS Journalism Club
• Approved home school requests for four students for 2024-2025 school year

Special Town Council Meeting

The Town Council held a special meeting to consider a single business request. The council voted unanimously to approve a victualling license for Mina Younan/Mediterranean Pizza.

• Approval of victualling license for Mina Younan/Mediterranean Pizza (ANN-24-7)

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council ratified a collective bargaining agreement with IAFF Local 1703 (Tiverton Fire), effective June 2025 through June 2028. The council also approved a $24,970 USDA grant for PFAS gear, authorized a letter requesting dismissal of the Bowen Aquaculture Lease, and appropriated funds for a DPW pickup truck and a transmission repair.

• Ratified IAFF Local 1703 (Tiverton Fire) contract, June 2025–June 2028
• Accepted $24,970 from USDA Community Facilities Grant for Fire Department PFAS gear
• Approved up to $20,000 to rebuild transmission in 2015 Mack Dump Truck
• Authorized letter to CRMC requesting dismissal of Bowen Aquaculture Lease #2020-04-037
• Resolution 2024-0016 appropriated $65,000 from Casino Special Revenue Fund for DPW pickup truck

Regular School Committee Meeting

The Tiverton School Committee met on October 7, 2024, and approved a Tiverton High School band trip to New York, received presentations on administrator goals, and noted the Town Council's approval of $799,000 in capital funds for the schools. Three policy first reads (Fiscal Management, Budget Statement, Spending Plan) were tabled. The committee also approved consent agenda items including meeting minutes and enrollment, and later moved into executive session.

• Town Council approved $799,000 in capital funds for school items; board thanks town
• Approved THS band trip to New York
• Tech Director presented goals including 1-to-1 devices and safety/security cameras
• Tabled first reads of Policies 310 (Fiscal Management), 331 (Budget Statement), and 332 (Spending Plan)
• Future meeting scheduled for October 22, 2024 (THS Data Presentation) and November 12, 2024

Special Town Council Meeting

The Town Council approved Resolution 2024-0015 to appropriate funds from the Casino Revenue Account to cover school capital expenses due to delayed RIDE reimbursements. They also approved a preliminary allocation of $2,311,765 from remaining FY2023 and FY2024 casino funds for various department requests, including fire, schools, recreation, DPW, police, and library, and directed the solicitor to finalize a resolution at the next meeting.

• Approved Resolution 2024-0015 appropriating funds for school capital expenses from the Casino Revenue Account.
• Preliminary allocation of $2,311,765 from casino funds: Fire Department $446,500 (PFAS-free gear, gear extractor, dryers).
• School requests: $127,000 (middle school condenser, locker rooms, security cameras, floor scrubbers) and $647,000 (doorknob replacements, vestibule film, gym dividers).
• Recreation: $410,000 for pickleball/tennis courts and 50% of a basketball court at Pocasset School.
• DPW: ~$443,000 for street cleaner, pickup truck, and garage maintenance equipment; Police $75,000; Library $15,000; additional EMS training aid $50,000.

Regular School Committee Meeting

The Tiverton School Committee approved the consent agenda including September enrollment, and approved 14 home school requests for the 2024-2025 school year. The committee recognized two National Merit Scholarship seniors, authorized a food pantry partnership at the high school, and approved planning stages for a Tiverton Middle School field trip to the Azores. New after-school clubs (Ping-Pong and Trading Card Game) were approved, and the committee referred capital spending oversight to the policy subcommittee to draft a policy.

• Approved 14 home school requests for 2024-2025 school year (vote 3-0)
• Recognized THS seniors Nolan Page and Cooper Thomas for National Merit Scholarship Program
• Approved partnership with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center to start a food bank at Tiverton High School, open Tuesdays 4–6 p.m.
• Approved planning stages for a TMS field trip to Sao Miguel, Azores (vote 3-0)
• Referred School Committee oversight of capital spending to the Policy Subcommittee

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Town Council approved an ordinance adding Class C Alcoholic Beverages Retail Licenses with a maximum of two licenses. The body also authorized several budget transfers and a contract renewal for planner services.

• Approved amendment to Chapter 6 to add Class C Tavern licenses (max 2)
• Authorized $108,117.57 in fire account transfers to restore ARPA funds
• Repealed the $25.00 per unit deed fee for Countryview Estates
• Approved $4,762.56 in Tax Assessor Abatements
• Authorized renewal contract with Weston & Sampson for Planner Services

Regular School Committee Meeting

The Tiverton School Committee met to approve various administrative contracts, donations, and student requests. The body decided on a significant capital expenditure and finalized the employment contract for the Finance Director.

• Approved a Capital Request for $127,000.00
• Approved the Finance Director contract for Brendan Andrade
• Accepted a $1,000.00 donation from the Tiverton Lions Club for CTE expenses
• Accepted a donation of 400 student desks/chairs from CCRI for Tiverton High School
• Approved home school requests for 25 students for the 2024-2025 school year

Regular Town Council Meeting

The council held public hearings and voted on two zoning amendments. It approved a change to allow temporary storage of non-hazardous materials for public utility projects in commercial and industrial zones, with a sunset clause ending January 1, 2029. It also amended the solar energy systems ordinance to remove special use permit requirements and clarify setbacks. Additionally, the council approved tax abatements totaling $5,662.60 and appointed two members to the Harbor Commission.

• Approved zoning amendment to allow temporary storage for utility projects in commercial/industrial zones with sunset clause (passed 6-1).
• Approved amendment to solar energy systems ordinance, removing special use permit requirement and clarifying roof setbacks.
• Approved tax abatements of $5,662.60 for three unbuildable waterfront lots and a residence with limited views.
• Appointed Michael David Gates to the Harbor Commission for a term ending 7/15/2026.
• Received public comment on excessive construction noise; council president will speak to building inspector.

CANCELLED - Aug. 26, 2024 - Regular Town Council Meeting

This regular Town Council meeting was cancelled. No business was conducted or decisions made.

Regular School Committee Meeting

The Tiverton School Committee held its regular meeting, approving a consent agenda and several new business items including grants, a field trip, an after school program, and 39 homeschooling requests. They discussed a proposed town charter amendment requiring monthly financial reports to the town administrator and council, and received an update on the forensic audit which found no adverse findings. The committee also approved the use of $255,000 in casino funding for security door replacements at three schools. The committee then entered executive session to discuss administrator contracts and the superintendent's evaluation.

• Approved $255,000 casino fund allocation for security door replacements at Pocasset, Middle School, and Ranger
• Approved two Up with Arts grants totaling $1,550 ($800 for online journalism subscription, $750 for conference registration)
• Approved 39 homeschooling requests for 2024-2025 school year
• Discussed proposed charter amendment requiring school committee to submit monthly financial reports to town
• Forensic audit update: no adverse findings, next phases payroll and general ledger

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Town Council approved several recreation projects, including a feasibility study for an outdoor fitness park at $51,788.80 and a request for proposals for tennis/pickleball courts at Town Farm. They also approved up to $20,000 from powerplant funds for basketball rims at Bulgarmarsh Park, renewed an auto junkyard license at 413 Bulgarmarsh Road, and made multiple board appointments. Public comment included opposition to developing the Tiverton Business Park with Rhode Island Ready due to environmental concerns.

• Approved RFP for installation of tennis/pickleball courts at Town Farm
• Approved $51,788.80 for feasibility study on outdoor fitness park installation
• Approved up to $20,000 from powerplant funds for basketball rims and backboards at Bulgarmarsh Park
• Renewed auto junkyard/second-hand dealers license for Sakonnet Recycling at 413 Bulgarmarsh Road
• Appointed members to Harbor Commission, Budget Committee, Planning Board, Recreation Commission, and Board of Canvassers

Special Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council voted 4-3 to approve a proposed Charter Amendment requiring monthly school department financial reports to the Town Administrator and Council, which will appear on the November 5, 2024 ballot. The council also allocated $925,000 from casino gaming funds for a fire pumper, approved paying off streetlights and a ladder truck, and encumbered $255,000 for school door replacements. Discussion on Warren Avenue stop signs and dog park parking was deferred due to prior public comment or absent staff.

• Charter Amendment approved 4-3: adds Section 1103 to Article XI requiring monthly school financial reports on operating budget, capital budget, and revenues; ballot question in November 2024
• Casino Gaming Capital Fund: $925,000 allocated for fire pumper; funds approved to pay off streetlights and ladder truck; $255,000 encumbered for school door replacements at Pocasset, Middle School, and Ranger
• Bay Street Moratorium Extension approved: moratorium extended to December 31, 2024
• Public comments on Warren Avenue truck traffic; Councilor Paull to request new stop signs; DPW staffing and dog park parking discussed but no votes taken
• Executive session held for litigation updates on Highland Ridge Farm v. Town and BCP Properties v. Town; no votes taken

Regular School Committee Meeting

The Tiverton School Committee voted to terminate the Athletic Director and Data Manager contracts, each by a 4-1 vote. The committee approved a food service contract with Chartwells, accepted an SBA Capital Fund Grant for $85,200, and adopted the High School Handbook. The FY25 budget of $35,790,734, using fund balance and casino funds for tech and books, was discussed. The meeting also included approval of consent agenda items, including the May financial report, and a motion to enter executive session for superintendent evaluation and administrator contracts.

• Vote to terminate Athletic Director contract (4-1)
• Vote to terminate Data Manager contract (4-1)
• Approval of Chartwells food service contract
• Acceptance of SBA Capital Fund Grant for $85,200
• FY25 budget discussion: $35,790,734 adopted on June 29, 2024

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Town Council approved tentative contracts for the Tiverton Police (IBPO Local 406) and salary increases for the Tiverton Fire department (IAFF Local 1703). The body also heard updates on RIDOT paving projects and approved a special event permit.

• Ratification of tentative IBPO Local 406 (Police) contract
• Approval of IAFF Local 1703 (Fire) salary increase to $52,000 for non-probationary staff plus an additional 10% increase
• Receipt of $7,000 legislative grant for fire department public education house
• Approval of sound variance and special event permit for Singing Out Against Hunger at 1791 Main Road
• RIDOT paving project updates for Main, Highland, Bridgeport, Riverside, Souza, and Fish Roads

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Town Council approved the FY25 Unified Budget Ordinance and allocated funds from casino gaming revenue to the School Department. The council also authorized the purchase of six public safety vehicles using a congressional grant and gaming revenue. Additionally, a public hearing was scheduled for July 31 regarding a proposed charter amendment on financial reporting.

• Approved $285,861 from casino gaming capital fund for school technology and textbooks
• Authorized purchase of six public safety vehicles using $75,000 in gaming revenue and a $280,000 grant
• Scheduled July 31 public hearing regarding proposed Charter Amendment on agency reporting
• Approved three-year contract renewal for animal shelter services with Potters
• Amended ordinance to limit open lot storage to specific zones and non-hazardous materials

CANCELLED - Jun. 30, 2024 - Special Town Council Meeting

The Special Town Council meeting scheduled for June 30, 2024, was cancelled. The intended agenda included discussions and potential votes regarding FY 2025 budget revisions for the Tiverton School Department and municipal expenditures.

• FY 2025 Budget Revisions
• Tiverton School Department Budget and Revenue
• Municipal Expenditures, Appropriations, and Revenue

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Town Council approved several ordinance amendments regarding zoning and finance. These changes include defining cannabis-related businesses and allocating casino gaming revenue to a paving account. The council also granted various sound variances for upcoming local events.

• Approved cannabis-related business uses within the Planned Development Park via special use permits
• Allocated $200,000 annually from casino gaming revenue to the restricted Paving Account
• Created a new 'Snow Removal' restricted appropriation account
• Appointed Debra J. Bottomley to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board
• Approved sound variances for events at 20 Fogland Road and 3852 Main Road

Special Town Council Meeting

The Town Council voted on several adjustments to the FY25 Unified Budget Ordinance, including updates to state aid revenue figures. The council reallocated funds from general government capital to the school budget and increased the General Fund revenue by $100,000.

• Updated Non-Local Property (Education) Revenue to $5,850,781
• Decreased FY25 Capital – Gen Government from $154,028 to $0
• Increased FY25 school local contribution to $807,872
• Increased General Fund revenue from $1.5M to $1.6M
• Approved tentative FY25 budget with a 3.16% year-over-year increase

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Town Council presented the proposed $58,384,819 Unified Budget Ordinance for fiscal year 2025. A public hearing was held to discuss school funding and potential layoffs. The council also reviewed proposed amendments to fishing and beach parking ordinances.

• Proposed $58,384,819 Unified Budget Ordinance
• Proposed ordinance amending fishing rules at Fogland and Grinnell’s Beach
• Proposed vehicle parking regulations and fees for town beaches
• Approval of DPW bid awards for paving and road materials
• Approval of Fire Department budget transfers

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting on May 28, 2024, covering routine approvals, appointments, and several zoning and ordinance items. The council approved an additional $60,000 for the North Tiverton Revitalization and Design project with Weston & Sampson, and discussed proposed zoning amendments for a new R-120 district and conservation development. Two public hearings on beach fishing and parking ordinances were continued to June 10, 2024. The council also entered executive session for property, litigation, and fire contract matters, ratifying a 10% salary increase for non-probationary firefighters.

• Approved $60,000 additional funding for Weston & Sampson North Tiverton Revitalization and Design proposal, from Casino and/or APRA funds
• Continued public hearing on ordinance to restrict fishing at Fogland and Grinnell's beaches and Stone Bridge walkway to June 10, 2024
• Continued public hearing on ordinance for beach parking fees and restrictions at Grinnell's and Fogland Beaches to June 10, 2024
• Discussed proposed zoning amendments creating new R-120 district and conservation development requirements, with public hearing set for June 24, 2024
• Ratified firefighter contract offer with 10% salary increase for non-probationary members effective July 1, 2024, and $52,000 probationary salary

Special Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council and School Committee held a special joint meeting to review the FY2025 school department budget. The council decided on a 2% increase in the local contribution, which the school committee noted results in an overall 2% decrease in total appropriation due to reduced state aid. The council also unanimously approved resolutions supporting state legislation 2024-H 8265 and 2024-H 8266, and entered executive session to discuss Fire Department investigations and litigation. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for June 12, 2024, with finalization expected June 15, 2024.

• Council decided on 2% increase for School Department local contribution for FY2025
• Public hearing on school budget scheduled for June 12, 2024; finalization expected June 15, 2024
• Unanimously approved resolutions supporting 2024-H 8265 and 2024-H 8266
• School Committee accepted $5,000 grant for a fitness center from Representative Edwards
• Executive session held regarding Fire Department misconduct investigation and litigation

Emergency Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council held an emergency meeting to address staffing shortages and public safety concerns in the Tiverton Fire Department. Fire Chief Bailey reported nine vacancies out of 32 positions, two staff on FMLA leave, and the temporary closure of Station 1 on Friday. The council discussed options including per diem hiring, changing the Fire Marshal's position, and increasing entry-level pay to $52K to attract recruits.

• Fire Department has 9 vacancies out of 32 positions, with 2 staff on FMLA leave
• Station 1 was closed Friday but reopened at night; 3 stations open with 6 staff on duty
• Entry-level firefighter pay set at $52K; application to be updated
• Council can set per diem rate for out-of-town hires
• Two recruits starting Monday; 4 spots open in next academy

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting on May 13, 2024, approving routine consent items, several board appointments, and a special event permit. The council also voted to advertise multiple zoning amendments, including for recreational cannabis and a new R-120 district, and set public hearing dates. In executive session, the council voted to ratify a contract to transfer DPW union representation from Teamsters to Steelworkers.

• Approved special event permit for Touch-A-Truck at Longplex Family & Sports Center, 300 Industrial Way, on June 16, 2024
• Voted to advertise zoning amendments for recreational cannabis retail, testing, cultivation, and manufacture
• Voted to advertise FY25 Preliminary Unified Budget; public hearing set for June 12 or 18, 2024
• Voted to advertise zoning amendments creating R-120 district and conservation development projects
• Ratified contract to move DPW employees from Teamsters to Steelworkers Union (4-1 vote)

Special Town Council Meeting

The Town Council discussed and voted on the proposed FY 25 budget, including municipal, school, and capital expenses. The council also passed a motion stating they do not support closing any educational facilities in Tiverton.

• Approved preliminary FY 25 School Expenses of $33,587,602
• Approved preliminary FY 25 Municipal Expenses of $24,647,827 plus adjustments
• Approved preliminary FY 25 Capital Expenses of $154,028
• Approved FY 25 Revenue projections including $1,500,000 from the General Fund
• Passed motion against the closure of any town educational facility

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting on April 24, 2024, approving several ordinances and appointments. Key actions included approving a parking ordinance that extends the no-parking season and clarifies restrictions, and supporting a partnership between the Police Department and CODAC Behavioral Healthcare. The council also accepted the annual audit report, approved a sound variance for a wedding, and made numerous board appointments.

• Approved ordinance extending no-parking season from May 1 to October 1 on certain streets, clarifying area from Fogland Road and Puncatest Neck Road to shore
• Approved sound variance and special event permit for wedding at 488 Neck Road on June 22, 2024, 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm
• Supported partnership between Tiverton Police Department and CODAC Behavioral Healthcare for treatment and recovery services
• Accepted clean audit report for fiscal year ending 6/30/2023
• Continued to May 28, 2024: fishing restrictions at Fogland and Grinnell's Beach and beach parking fee ordinance

Special Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council held a special meeting to discuss and vote on the proposed FY25 budget for multiple departments. The Harbor Master budget was increased, while several other departments saw no changes. The council also entered executive session to discuss collective bargaining and potential litigation, but took no votes on those items.

• Harbor Master budget increased from $8,500 to $10,000; radio/communication devices from $750 to $1,230; total now $38,240
• Boards and Commissions and Civic Appropriations budget items continued to next meeting
• School budget information not received; formal APRA request to be made
• April 27 meeting canceled; rescheduled to May 4
• Executive session on Teamsters Local 251 contract negotiations and potential litigation on student information disclosure

Special Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council met to discuss and vote on the proposed FY 25 budget for 25 departments, including tax offices, public works, parks, and senior services. Key changes include removing $100,000 for a new Fire Department Engine 1, adding an Assistant Planner at $52,000, and increasing the Paving/Drainage Restricted Account to $300,000. Several budget items were continued to the next meeting.

• Removed $100,000 for new FD Engine 1 from Municipal Capital
• Added Assistant Planner at $52,000, new Land Use total $393,850
• Snow Removal reduced by $25,000 to $100,000
• Paving/Drainage Restricted Account increased to $300,000
• Senior Bus Driver salary increased by $202 to $12,702

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council held a public hearing on three proposed ordinance changes affecting fishing and parking at Fogland and Grinnell's beaches, but did not vote, continuing the hearing to April 24. The Council also approved consent agenda items, special event permits, a budget transfer, and other routine business.

• Public hearing continued on proposed ordinance to restrict fishing at Fogland and Grinnell's beaches and ban it on the Stone Bridge walkway.
• Public hearing continued on proposed ordinance to extend no-parking season on certain streets to May 1-Oct 1.
• Public hearing continued on proposed ordinance to require beach parking fees/passes and ban overnight parking at town beaches.
• Approved $50,000 budget transfer from Snow Removal to Paving-Drainage.
• Approved special event permits for the Courtney Roderick Run for Recovery 5K and the Tiverton 4 Corners 4th of July Antiques Show.

Special Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council held a special joint meeting with the School Committee, RIDE, and state legislators to discuss the school district's financial issues, including a projected $1.2 million drop in state education aid for FY2025. RIDE officials explained the funding formula, and officials debated the causes of the district's structural deficit, including staff cuts, spending, and revenue. The council also entered executive session to discuss IAFF Local 1703 negotiations, with no votes taken.

• Discussion of $1.2 million projected drop in state education aid for FY2025
• RIDE presentation on funding formula factors: declining enrollment, median income $108,000 vs $95,000 statewide, rising property values
• School district cut 37.7 staff positions over past four years
• School Committee Chair cited $1.7 million loss in state aid over four years
• Executive session on IAFF Local 1703 collective bargaining negotiations

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting covering consent agenda approvals, special event permits, and a public hearing on a summer concert sound variance. The most consequential discussion concerned the potential financial impact of closing Fort Barton Elementary, including a potential loss of state housing aid, and the council voted to request detailed school budget actuals from FY 2019-2025. The council also approved a special event permit for the Miriam Hospital Gala and tabled a July 4th antiques show pending a parking plan.

• Approved special event permit for Miriam Hospital Gala & Auction at Longplex, 300 Industrial Way, May 11, 2024 (4-2 vote)
• Approved sound variance for 2024 Tiverton Summer Concert Series (July 12-Aug 23, rain dates Aug 30 & Sep 6)
• Voted to request school department detailed budget actuals for FY 2019-2025, including ESSER funds and Medicaid reimbursements
• Approved Pocasset Cemetery Commission fee increase for mechanical device & greens rental from $75 to $100
• Approved RIDOT Municipal Road & Bridge Program FY25 Participation Form submission

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council held its regular meeting on February 26, 2024, approving a consent agenda, several licenses and permits, a new Field Use Policy, and numerous 2024 recreation events. The council also voted to advertise proposed amendments to town ordinances regarding beach parking, fishing areas, and street parking. Several items were discussed, including a statistical revaluation presentation that was postponed, and an update on the annual audit.

• Approved victualling license for Borderline Takeout, LLC, 2 Main Road
• Approved special event permits for Be Green Kids Consignments at Longplex (May 1-5) and Cultural Survival Arts Bazaar at 3852 Main Road (July 27-28)
• Approved new Field Use Policy and fee structure with amendments
• Approved 2024 events: Child Safety and Wellness Day (June 1), Trunk or Treat (Oct 19/26), Tiverton Celebrates Parade and Fireworks (May 25), National Night Out (Aug 10), Summer Concert Series, Summer Movie Series, Holiday Movie Night
• Voted to advertise amendments to Chapter 78 (beach parking, street parking) and Chapter 54 (fishing areas) with fines

Zoning Board of Review

The Tiverton Zoning Board of Review will hold a continued hearing on a request for three special use permits to build a Seasons Corner Market at 0 Souza Road. The project includes a convenience store, drive-through coffee shop, and a gas station with four pumps. The board may also take agenda items out of order.

• Special use permit for gasoline filling station at 0 Souza Road (Plat 119-Lot 624)
• Special use permit for restaurant with drive-through service
• Special use permit for signage
• Continued from December 6, 2023, January 10, 2024, and February 22, 2024

CANCELLED - Feb. 20, 2024 - Special Town Council Meeting

This special Town Council meeting scheduled for February 20, 2024, was cancelled. The agenda had included discussion and a possible vote on allocating Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Casino Gaming and ARPA funds, but no action will be taken.

• Meeting cancelled
• Agenda item: allocation of FY 2022-2023 Casino Gaming and ARPA monies

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Tiverton Town Council held its regular meeting, approving a resolution supporting state legislation to designate Sapowet Marsh as open space, ratifying a contract for a forensic audit of School Department expenditures, and awarding several other contracts. The council also approved licenses, appointments, and discussed a significant decrease in state school aid, scheduling a joint meeting with the School Committee and state legislators.

• Approved resolution supporting House Bill H7060 and Senate Bill 2415 to designate Sapowet Marsh Management Area (296 acres) as open space for passive recreation
• Awarded contract to Marcum LLP for forensic audit of School Department expenditures, revenues, and policies
• Awarded contract to Tidal Basin for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, not to exceed $25,587.60
• Awarded contract to North-Eastern Tree Service for tree work at Fort Barton, not to exceed $22,000.00
• Approved victualling license for Helger's Ice Cream at 2490 Main Road and special event licenses for home show and Cycle for Life Ride

Zoning Board of Review

The Tiverton Zoning Board of Review will meet to decide on a continued special use permit for a home on a substandard lot, and to hear new petitions for a dimensional variance for a solar array, a use variance for a garage, and to approve prior meeting minutes.

• Special Use Permit for Alfred Sousa at 0 Crandall Road (Plat 514-Lot 163) to build a single-family home on a substandard lot in R-80 district
• Dimensional Variance for Church Community Housing Corp. at 471 Cottrell Road (Plat 314, Lot 106) for roof-mounted solar panels exceeding 18-inch setback in R-40 district
• Use Variance for Jamie S. Desa at 80 Stone Church Road (Plat 910, Lot 156) to rent a 3-stall garage for private storage and mechanic work in R-80 district
• Approval of November 1, 2023 and December 6, 2023 meeting minutes

Zoning Board of Review

The Tiverton Zoning Board of Review will consider a continued application for a Special Use Permit to build a Seasons Corner Market at 0 Souza Road. The project includes a convenience store, drive-through coffee shop, and a gasoline filling station with four pumps. The board will vote on three special use permits for the gas station, drive-through restaurant, and signage.

• Special Use Permit for Gasoline Filling Station (Article IV, Section 10(j))
• Special Use Permit for Restaurant with Drive-Through Service (Article IV, Section 8(e))
• Special Use Permit for Signage (Article XII, Section 11)
• Property at 0 Souza Road (Plat 119-Lot 624) in General Commercial and Pedestrian Friendly Destination districts
• Application continued from December 6, 2023 and January 10, 2024

Town Council Workshop

The Tiverton Town Council held a joint workshop with the School Committee and Budget Committee to discuss the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget. The budget is in process, with union contract negotiations for police, fire, and DPW noted as factors. The school committee has not yet started its budget work. A follow-up meeting on February 20, 2024, will address casino gaming funds and ARPA money for capital expenditures.

• Discussion of FY2024/2025 budget process
• Police union contract negotiations to start this month; contract ends June 2025
• DPW contract in negotiation for 1.5 years; Fire contract ends 2025
• February 20, 2024 Council meeting to discuss casino gaming funds and ARPA money for capital expenditures
• Budget due to Town Administrator by March 19, 2024

Zoning Board of Review

The Tiverton Zoning Board of Review will hold a regular meeting with two new dimensional variance requests and will continue a special use permit application for a proposed Seasons Corner Market to a special meeting on January 22. The board will also approve minutes and set its 2024 calendar.

• Continued special use permit for Seasons Corner Market at 0 Souza Road (Plat 119-Lot 624) to January 22 special meeting
• Dimensional variance request by Paul B. and Iria F. Faria for 0 Bridle Way (Plat 209, Lot 132) to allow 26.1 ft rear setback where 60 ft required
• Dimensional variance request by Emmett Little for 1285 Main Road (Plat 302, Lot 275) to allow 8 ft fence where 7 ft allowed
• Approval of September 6, 2023 and October 5, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approval of 2024 Zoning Board annual calendar

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Town Council approved revised operating hours for Sakonnet River Outfitters and filled several vacancies on local boards and commissions. The council also reviewed wastewater facility planning costs and discussed fire department staffing needs.

• Sakonnet River Outfitters business hour revision: Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sun 9am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm
• Appointment of Maureen Iwanski to the Library Board of Trustees
• Re-appointment of Melissa R. Quinlan to the Juvenile Hearing Board
• Appointment of Steven Lopes to the Dog Park Advisory Committee
• Renewal of contract with GS Lawn and Garden for recreational facility management