Barrington public meetings in 2023
42 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Town Council Mtg.
The Town Council will consider several ordinance amendments regarding zoning and personnel policies, including military duty leave. The meeting also includes interviews for various board vacancies and a presentation on recreation fields.
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2023-12 regarding Chapter 185 Zoning
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2023-11 regarding military duty leave policies
- Introduction of Ordinance 2023-13 to remove sick leave credit from personnel policies
- Resolution to amend the A225 Fee and Fine Schedule for zoning fees
- Interviews for vacancies on the Harbor Commission, Park & Recreation Committee, and Resilience and Energy Committee
Town Council Mtg.
The Town Council will review a school construction bond and plan and consider several Department of Public Works equipment bids. The meeting includes a session for the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund and public hearings on liquor license renewals and parking ordinances.
- Bids for DPW equipment including three dump trucks with plows and a tandem axle cab & chassis
- Public hearing on liquor license renewals for 17 businesses, including Oxford Tavern and East Bay Oyster Bar
- Proposed ordinance amendments for Chapter 185 Zoning and Chapter 33 Personnel Policies
- Public hearing on no-parking ordinances for Prospect and Lincoln streets
- Discussion on a proposed RI DEM Grant for a skateboard park
Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The Amey Tucker Spencer Trust Fund board will meet to approve prior minutes, discuss administrative costs, and decide on funding for a hoarding plan. Public comment will be heard before adjournment, followed by a Town Council meeting.
- Approve minutes from September 11, 2023
- Discuss and act on administrative costs of the fund
- Discuss and act on funding a hoarding plan
Town Council Mtg.
The Town Council will discuss a property tax relief proposal for longtime taxpayers and the endorsement of grant projects for a skateboard park and splash pad. The body will also consider ordinance amendments regarding alcoholic beverage license renewals and no-parking zones.
- Property Tax Relief Proposal for Longtime Barrington Taxpayers
- Grant project endorsements: Skateboard Park at Haines Memorial State Park and Splash Pad Expansion at Police Cover Park
- Ordinance 2023-9: Amendment to Chapter 63 Alcoholic Beverages (License Renewals)
- Ordinance 2023-10: Amendment to Chapter 179-9 No Parking (Prospect and Lincoln)
- Request for Proposal for 2024 Beach Season vendor
Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The Barrington Town Council, acting as trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund, will meet to discuss and vote on the minutes from June 5, 2023, and to consider amendments to the Spencer Trust By-Laws. The meeting is open to public comment.
- Discuss and act on minutes from June 5, 2023
- Discuss and act on amendments to the Spencer Trust By-Laws
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will discuss and act on several items including a rescue vehicle purchase, the Lincoln Avenue Complete Streets project, and architectural services for the Bay Spring Community Center. A presentation from HousingWorks RI on housing issues and the 2023 Housing Factbook is scheduled. The council will also consider a policy brief on mitigating noise pollution and a proposal to remove additional local alcohol training requirements.
- Fire Department Rescue Vehicle Purchase bid
- Lincoln Avenue Complete Streets Project VHB bid
- Presentation by Director of HousingWorks RI on housing issues and 2023 Housing Factbook
- Policy Brief – Actions to Mitigate Noise Pollution for Health and Wellness of Barrington
- Architectural Services for Bay Spring Community Center Compact Project
Spec. Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and take action regarding 25 Watson Avenue.
- Discussion and action regarding 25 Watson Avenue
Town Council Tour of Fields
The Town Council is conducting a tour of various athletic fields. The group will visit sites within Barrington and one site in East Providence.
- Barrington High School
- Barrington Middle School
- Chianese Field
- St. Andrews Field
- Haines Park Field
Town Council Mtg.
The Town Council will discuss and act on placing a school construction bond question on the November 7, 2023 special election ballot. They will also consider an amended electricity aggregation agreement with NextEra and award several bids, including a $98,038.69 fire communication equipment upgrade and a $60,000 resilience planner contract. Interviews for multiple board vacancies are scheduled.
- Approval of a ballot question for a special election on November 7, 2023 regarding public school construction and renovation
- Amended Electricity Aggregation Agreement with NextERA
- Bid awards: Legion Way Rink Resurfacing ($36,772.40), Fire Communication Equipment Upgrade ($98,038.69), Dispatch Center Equipment Upgrade ($87,750.00), Resilience Planner Contract ($60,000.00)
- Request for $30,000 to fund a consultant for housing initiatives
- Interviews for Charter Review Commission (20 candidates) and other board vacancies
Town Council Mtg.
The Town Council will discuss and act on a town-wide property revaluation bid and a memorandum of agreement for police supervision coverage. The body will also consider a flag schedule and the installation of a second flagpole.
- Memorandum of Agreement: Police Supervision Coverage
- Town-wide Property Revaluation Bid
- Flag Schedule and Proposed Second Flagpole
- Executive Session regarding litigation: RI State Association of Fire Fighters et al. v. DOH et al.
Committee on Appropriations
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations will meet to discuss and act on the minutes of previous meetings, swear in new members, and elect officers. The main business includes reviewing the 2023 Financial Town Meeting (FTM) and discussing the future of the FTM and budget process, as well as the 2023-2024 schedule.
- Discuss and act on Patrick McCrann letter
- Review 2023 Financial Town Meeting (FTM)
- Discuss and act on 2023-2024 schedule and process
- Discuss and act on future of FTM / budget process
Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The Barrington Town Council, acting as trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund, will discuss and vote on two stipend awards for the Spencer Trust town staff liaison. The first is a one-time $2,400 stipend for onboarding and training a new administrator, and the second is an annual $2,500 stipend for ongoing management duties. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and public comment.
- Award $2,400 stipend to Spencer Trust staff liaison for July 1, 2023 to January 1, 2024, paid in two $1,200 installments
- Award $2,500 annual stipend to Spencer Trust staff liaison, paid quarterly at $625
- Discuss and act on minutes from April 3, 2023
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will hold a public hearing regarding a Class BV Full License for Oxford Tavern, Inc. The body will also discuss police and fire equipment purchases and several ordinance amendments.
- Public hearing for Class BV Full License for Oxford Tavern, Inc. at 286 Maple Avenue
- Purchase of 21 Motorola APX 8000 portable radios for the Police Department
- Purchase of 10 Multi Band APX 8000 Portable Radios for the Fire Department
- Request for additional $5,000 for Walker Farm Construction Administration from Fuss & O’Neil
- Proceeds of $5,000 from the sale of a 1985 Hummer from the Police Department
Financial Town Mtg.
The Financial Town Meeting will vote on the Committee on Appropriations' recommended $91,001,876 total budget for FY 2023-2024, a 3.98% increase over the prior year. The municipal operating budget is proposed at $20,806,933 (up 5.87%) and the school operating budget at $62,251,665 (up 4.16%). The meeting will also set the tax rate and elect next year's Committee on Appropriations.
- Municipal operating budget: $20,806,933 (5.87% increase), includes cuts of $75,004 for a DPW position and $5,000 for Town Council stipend
- School operating budget: $62,251,665 (4.16% increase), reduced by $242,049 from the request
- Municipal capital budget: $1,649,000, includes $225,000 for fire apparatus and $50,000 for park and trail improvements
- School capital budget: $388,595, unchanged from prior year, includes $203,595 for BMS/BHS one-to-one devices
- Debt service budget: $5,905,683, a 3.18% decrease from prior year
RESULTS Financial Town Mtg.
The Financial Town Meeting approved a $91,348,929 town budget and a $4,276,401 sewer enterprise fund, set a tax rate of $20.30 per $1,000, and authorized tax anticipation notes. Voters passed a motion to restore $242,049 to the school operating budget (109-62), restored $75,004 for a DPW laborer, and created a cybersecurity capital reserve account. A solar lease resolution was withdrawn, and a $25,000 rebate program for electric leaf blowers was approved.
- Restored $242,049 to school operating budget (vote 109-62)
- Approved $91,348,929 town budget and $4,276,401 sewer enterprise fund
- Set tax rate at $20.30 per $1,000 of assessed value
- Created a capital reserve account for cybersecurity
- Approved $25,000 rebate program for electric leaf blowers/trimmers
Committee on Appropriations
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting to discuss and act on the minutes of its May 10, 2023 meeting and to discuss and act on Financial Town Meeting (FTM) preparation. The agenda also includes public comment and standard procedural items. No specific financial decisions or dollar amounts are listed.
- Discuss and act on minutes of May 10, 2023 meeting
- Discuss and act on FTM preparation
- Public comment
Committee on Appropriations
The Committee on Appropriations is holding a budget hearing to discuss and act on the recommended FY 2023-2024 budget. The agenda includes a presentation of the COA recommended budget, followed by public comment. The meeting is open to the public in person or via Zoom.
- Discuss and act on minutes of April 25, 2023 meeting
- COA Recommended FY 2023-2024 Budget Presentation
- Public comment on the budget
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will discuss and act on a gun violence prevention resolution, revisions to the American Rescue Plan Act budget, and a cannabis public use ordinance. They will also consider several bids, including roadway resurfacing and a recreation field house feasibility study, and interview candidates for board vacancies.
- Discuss and act on Gun Violence Prevention resolution
- Revision to American Rescue Plan Act budget
- Discuss and act on Town's Cannabis Public Use Ordinance and Policy
- Bids for roadway resurfacing contract and recreation field house feasibility study
- Interviews for Housing Board of Trustees, Senior Center Advisory Board, and Zoning Board of Review vacancies
Committee on Appropriations
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting to prepare for an upcoming budget hearing. The agenda includes call to order, introductions, chairman's remarks, budget hearing preparation, public comment, and adjournment. The next meeting is scheduled for May 2, 2023, also for budget hearing preparation.
- Budget hearing preparation discussion
- Public comment period
- Next meeting set for 5/02/2023
Athl. Fields Workshop
The Barrington Town Council is conducting a workshop to discuss athletic fields and facilities. The meeting includes a presentation and a facilitated discussion with stakeholders regarding the potential for a town recreation center.
- Discussion on the potential for a recreation center in town
Committee on Appropriations
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations will meet to discuss and act on the school and municipal budget review, take public comment, and hold a final vote on the recommended budget. The meeting will also include approval of the previous meeting's minutes and remarks from the chairman. This is a regular meeting with no specific dollar amounts or project names listed on the agenda.
- Discuss and act on minutes of 4/4/2023 meeting
- Discuss and act on School and Municipal Budget Review
- Public comment period
- Final vote on recommended budget
- Next meeting scheduled for 4/25/2023 for budget hearing preparation
Committee on Appropriations
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting to discuss and act on the minutes of its previous meeting and to review the school and municipal budgets. This is a working session ahead of a final vote on the recommended budget scheduled for April 18, 2023.
- Discuss and act on minutes of 3/28/2023 meeting
- School and Municipal Budget Review
Amey Tucker Spencer Fund/Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council will meet to discuss and act on several items, including a revised American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding budget, bids for a kayak concession, a shade structure at Town Beach, and library HVAC units, and an electricity aggregation update. The agenda also includes a presentation on the school construction project, a public hearing on renewing the emergency declaration, and various routine consent agenda items. The meeting begins with the Spencer Trust Board, which will discuss the FY23 budget.
- Revised American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding budget
- Award bid to Bernard Wilson d/b/a Walker Farm Kayaks Concession
- Award bid for Shade Structure at Town Beach
- Award bid for Barrington Public Library Rooftop HVAC Units
- Public hearing on 2023-5 Renewal of Declaration of Emergency
Town Council as Trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The Barrington Town Council, sitting as Trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund, approved the FY2023 budget totaling $144,538, which includes funding for local programs and administrative costs. The meeting also introduced the new Spencer Trust Administrator, Karen Griffith Dieterich, and approved the minutes from the March 6, 2023 meeting. No public comment was offered.
- Approved FY2023 Spencer Trust budget of $144,538
- Funding includes $20,000 for East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP)
- Funding includes $5,000 each for TAP-IN, Meals on Wheels, and Barrington Farm School
- Administrator salary set at $30,000; management fees at $26,000
- Introduced new Spencer Trust Administrator Karen Griffith Dieterich
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will meet on April 3, 2023, following a brief Spencer Trust meeting. Key items include a presentation on the school construction project, discussion and action on the revised American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) budget, and several bids for town services. The council will also consider resolutions, ordinances, and a new victualing license for The Daily Scoop.
- Presentation by School Committee Chair on the School Construction Project
- Discuss and Act: Revised American Rescue Plan Funding Budget (ARPA)
- Award bid for Barrington Public Library Rooftop HVAC Units
- Approve new victualing license for The Daily Scoop, 230 County Road
- Public hearing on 2023-5 Renewal of Declaration of Emergency
Committee on Appropriations
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting to discuss and act on the minutes of its previous meeting and to conduct a school and municipal budget review. The agenda includes public comment and is a regular working session on the town's budget.
- Discuss and act on minutes of 3/21/2023 meeting
- School and Municipal Budget Review
- Public Comment
Committee on Appropriations
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting to discuss and act on the municipal budget presentation and review, and to discuss increasing public participation in the process. The agenda also includes routine items like approving prior meeting minutes and public comment.
- Municipal Budget Presentation and Review
- Discussion on increasing public participation process
- Discuss and Act on Minutes of 3-7-2023 Meeting
CANCELLED Mar. 14, 2023 - Committee on Appropriations
This meeting of the Barrington Committee on Appropriations was cancelled. The agenda had been set to include a municipal budget presentation and review, discussion on increasing public participation, and approval of prior meeting minutes.
- Meeting cancelled
- Municipal budget presentation and review was on the agenda
- Discussion on increasing public participation process was on the agenda
Town Council Exec. Sess.
The Barrington Town Council is meeting in executive session to discuss collective bargaining with the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local 351, and the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1774. No public votes or decisions are scheduled; the session is closed under RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2). The meeting is in-person only.
- Executive session for collective bargaining with police union Local 351
- Executive session for collective bargaining with fire union Local 1774
- Meeting is in-person only at Barrington Town Hall
- No public agenda items beyond the executive session and adjournment
Spec. Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will hold a special meeting to discuss and act on the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating and Capital Budgets. This is the only substantive item on the agenda, alongside procedural call to order and adjournment.
- Discuss and act on Fiscal Year 2023-24 Municipal Operating and Capital Budgets
Town Council as Trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The Barrington Town Council, sitting as trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund, approved FY23 funding requests totaling $31,183 for four local organizations and approved $26,000 in management fees. They also re-elected Annelise Conway as trustee president and elected Braxton Medlin as vice president.
- $20,000 to East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) for operating support
- $5,000 to Tap-In
- $5,000 to Barrington Farm School (amended from $1,183)
- $5,000 to Meals on Wheels of RI, Inc.
- $26,000 in management fees approved
Amey Tucker Spencer Fund/Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council will hold a public hearing on transferring a liquor license from the 286 Club Corporation to Oxford Tavern, Inc. at 286 Maple Avenue. The council will also discuss pre-authorizing funding for electric or hybrid police vehicles, review the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, and consider appointments to the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Housing Board of Trustees. The agenda includes routine consent items and an executive session for collective bargaining and property matters.
- Public hearing on transfer of Class BV liquor license to Oxford Tavern, Inc. at 286 Maple Avenue
- Discuss pre-authorizing funding for electric or hybrid police vehicle purchases
- Review Comprehensive Annual Financial Report with Bacon & Company
- Interviews and appointments for Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee (14 vacancies) and Housing Board of Trustees (4 vacancies)
- Renewal of Declaration of Emergency (Ordinance 2023-4)
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will hold a public hearing on transferring a full liquor license from the 286 Club Corporation to Oxford Tavern at 286 Maple Avenue. The council will also discuss pre-authorizing funding for electric or hybrid police vehicle purchases, a new town seal design, and recreation fields and facilities. A consent agenda includes routine items such as reappointments to boards, approval of a Class F license for a St. Patrick's Day dinner, and the Nayatt 5K Road Race.
- Public hearing on transfer of Class BV full liquor license to Oxford Tavern at 286 Maple Avenue
- Discuss and act on pre-authorizing funding for electric or hybrid police vehicle purchases
- Discuss and act on a new Town Seal design
- Discuss and act on Recreation Fields and Facilities
- Approve Class F license for St. Luke's Knights of Columbus St. Patrick's Day dinner
Committee on Appropriations
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting to discuss and act on prior meeting minutes and to review the municipal capital budget presentation. The agenda includes public comment and standard procedural items. No specific dollar amounts or project details are listed in the agenda text.
- Discuss and act on minutes of 1-24-2023 COA meeting
- Discuss and act on minutes of 5-25-22 Financial Town Meeting
- Municipal Capital Budget Presentation and Review
- Public comment period
Spec. Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council and members of town boards and commissions will participate in a work session. The meeting consists of ethics training facilitated by the Rhode Island Ethics Commission.
- Ethics Training Session facilitated by Lynne Radiches of the RI Ethics Commission
Spec. Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and vote on two items: a victualling license for Dunkin Donuts at 258 County Road, and a Stage One resubmission to the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) regarding the necessity of school construction. The meeting is in-person only.
- Victualling license for Dunkin Donuts, 258 County Road, owner Barrington Donuts, LLC (David Catua)
- Vote on Stage One resubmission to RIDE for school construction necessity
Town Council as Trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The Barrington Town Council, sitting as Trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund, met and approved minutes from October 3, 2022, and authorized hiring a contract Spencer Trust Administrator for up to $30,000 to assist residents in need, including managing the Home Repair Program loans. The position replaces Debra Page Trim, who was praised for her work. No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned.
- Approved minutes from October 3, 2022 (3-0-0-2, with two abstentions)
- Authorized hiring Spencer Trust Administrator as contract position, initial contract not to exceed $30,000 (4-0-0-1)
- Position will administer Spencer Trust applications and coordinate resources, including Home Repair Program loans
Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The Barrington Town Council, acting as trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund, will meet to approve minutes and discuss hiring a contract administrator for the trust. This is a routine administrative meeting with one substantive action item.
- Approve minutes from October 3, 2022 Spencer Trust meeting
- Discuss and act on authorizing hiring of Spencer Trust Administrator (contract position)
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will meet to discuss and act on several items, including authorizing ARPA funding for cybersecurity and town Wi-Fi upgrades, awarding contracts for the BAY Team, and holding public hearings on zoning signs, overtime for salaried employees, and the renewal of a declaration of emergency. The council will also interview candidates for various boards and commissions and consider the abandonment of a portion of Smith Street.
- Authorize ARPA funding for cybersecurity enhancement project
- Authorize ARPA funding for town Wi-Fi upgrade project
- Award BAY Team contracts: $33,378 for project director, $20,645 for project coordinator, and media buys up to $68,500
- Public hearing on 2022-23 Chapter 185 Zoning; Article XVIL Signs
- Public hearing on abandonment of a portion of Smith Street
Town Council Workshop
The Barrington Town Council is holding a workshop to discuss athletic fields and facilities. The agenda includes a presentation by Vice President Rob Humm, followed by public comment and discussion on the potential for a recreation center, a synthetic turf field, and field maintenance. No decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion and public input only.
- Public comment on potential recreation center in town (45 minutes, 3 min/person)
- Public comment on potential synthetic turf field in town (45 minutes, 3 min/person)
- Public comment on field maintenance (10-15 minutes, 3 min/person)
- Presentation by Vice President Rob Humm (10-15 minutes)
Committee on Appropriations
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations met to review the annual budget forecast and discuss upcoming financial challenges, including potential school construction and its impact on the town's debt and tax levy. The meeting included presentations from the Budget Forecast Committee and discussions about enrollment projections, state funding, and the need for coordination between the Town Council and School Committee.
- Budget forecast presented, assuming no new initiatives and projecting increases over four years
- Discussion of potential new school construction bond, with $80M estimated for repairs only
- Barrington Public Schools resubmitting Stage I application to RIDE for new school construction
- Proposed state legislation for property tax relief for town employees, including teachers
- Discussion of future development at Shine Harmony and Zion properties and potential student enrollment impact
Town Council Organizational Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council is holding its organizational meeting with a full agenda of routine items and several substantive discussions. The council will consider appointments and reappointments to various boards, introduce an ordinance on overtime for salaried employees, hold public hearings on zoning signs, alcohol license fees, and a renewal of the emergency declaration, and vote on a Class BV liquor license for Viola at 296 County Road. They will also discuss the Bay Spring Community Resilience Project, a lease agreement for the Bay Spring Community Center, and authorize $32,200 in ARPA funds for a cybersecurity project.
- Public hearing on Class BV liquor license for DPP, LLC dba Viola, 296 County Road
- Authorize $32,200.00 in ARPA funding for Cybersecurity Enhancement Project
- Introduction of Ordinance 2023-1: Overtime for salaried employees
- Public hearings on zoning sign regulations (2022-23) and alcohol license fees (2022-27)
- Discuss and act on Bay Spring Community Resilience Project and Bay Spring Community Center Lease Agreement