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Barrington, RI

Barrington public meetings in 2024

42 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 9, 2024

Spec. Town Council Mtg.

Town Council will consider the Haines Park Field Improvement Project

The Barrington Town Council will discuss and act on bids for the Haines Park Field Improvement Project. They will also review updates to the ARPA budget allocations and revise the engineering scope and fees for South Lake Drive. A discussion on Town Council Curriculum 101, covering practices and procedural rules, will be held.

parksbudgetengineeringcouncil-procedures
Mon Dec 2, 2024

Town Council Organizational Mtg.

Town Council and School Committee members sworn in at organizational meeting

The Barrington Town Council and School Committee will be sworn into office. After the swearing‑in, the Town Council will conduct its organizational meeting. The agenda also provides information on accessibility accommodations for participants.

governmentcouncilschool-committeeorganizational-meetingaccessibility
Mon Nov 25, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to sell land for affordable housing and ratify labor contracts

The Town Council will consider selling a parcel of land to develop age-restricted and affordable housing, ratify collective bargaining agreements with the fire fighters and police unions, and decommission the Charter Review Committee.

housingbudgetroadslaborpublic-safetycouncilaffordable-housing
Mon Nov 4, 2024

Amey Tucker Spencer Fund

Trustees approve $121,000 Super Senior grant program

The Barrington Town Council, acting as trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Trust, approved the minutes from the October 7, 2024 meeting. They then approved the establishment of a “Super Senior” resident grant program, allocating $121,000 and setting eligibility criteria such as a minimum age of 80, a 10‑year home‑ownership requirement, and income limits based on HUD’s low‑income thresholds. The board also discussed the Housing Board’s down‑payment assistance program and the town’s 10% affordable‑housing mandate, but no motion was adopted.

senior-grantshousingfinancetrust-fundaffordable-housing
Mon Nov 4, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

Council will consider senior aid, housing assistance, and budget fund requests

The Town Council will approve minutes from the October 7 Spencer Trust meeting and discuss and act on the "Super Senior" Financial Assistance Program, the Housing Board's Down Payment Assistance proposal, and budget requests for the Home Repair, Emergent, and Crisis Funds. The council will also address public hearings on STOP‑intersection ordinances (Fireside, Old Chimney, Copper Kettle) and review bids for public‑works equipment and projects. Additional items include routine consent‑agenda approvals, licensing renewals, and updates on ARPA budget allocations.

senior-aidhousingbudgetlicensingtransportationpublic-works
Thu Oct 24, 2024

Jt. Council and School Cte. Mtg.

Consider MOU for synthetic turf fields at Barrington Middle School

The joint meeting of the Barrington Town Council and School Committee will discuss a Memorandum of Understanding to install synthetic turf fields at Barrington Middle School. The agenda also includes discussion of advisory committee charges, a consent agenda, and several contracts with various entities. Public comment will be taken before adjournment.

synthetic-turfschool-committeetown-councilcontractsadvisory-committeespublic-comment
Wed Oct 16, 2024

Spec. Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to discuss climate action and resilience

The Town Council will convene a special meeting to discuss and act on the Climate Action/Ready and Resilient Barrington presentation. The session is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Salem Auditorium at the Barrington Public Library.

climateresiliencecouncilpublic-libraryagenda
Mon Oct 7, 2024

Amey Tucker Spencer Fund

Town Council debates new senior tax exemption program using Spencer Trust funds

The Barrington Town Council met to approve the September 9, 2024 Amey Tucker Spencer Trust Fund minutes and to discuss a proposed "super senior" tax relief program funded by the Spencer Trust. Council members examined income limits, eligibility criteria, and the amount of trust funds to allocate, while noting legal concerns about using the trust without income restrictions. The meeting also included an executive‑session on personnel, litigation over Sowams Road, and collective‑bargaining matters, and continued a public hearing on Ordinance 2024‑3 and 2024‑6.

senior-taxspencer-trustexecutive-sessionappointmentordinance
Mon Oct 7, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to discuss Spencer Trust programs and local ordinances

The Town Council will meet in executive session to discuss personnel and litigation before convening as Trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund. The public session includes votes on municipal bids, board appointments, and a public hearing regarding Barrington Beach parking stickers.

zoningpublic-workshousingveteransordinancesbudget
Mon Sep 9, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

Barrington Town Council to hold public hearing on liquor license for Plant City Barrington

The Town Council and Amey Tucker Spencer Fund trustees will meet to discuss municipal ordinances, budget amendments, and board appointments. The session includes a public hearing for a liquor license and discussions on the town's Climate Action Plan and Senior Tax Relief Program.

liquor-licensebudgetordinancesclimate-action-plansenior-services
Mon Sep 9, 2024

Amey Tucker Spencer Fund

Council approved $50/hr contract for Spencer Trust Administrator until June 2025.

The Barrington Town Council, acting as trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Trust Fund, approved the minutes from the May 6, 2024 meeting and voted to extend the Spencer Trust Administrator contract at an hourly rate of $50 through June 30, 2025. The council also discussed possible changes to the Home Repair Assistance program, including raising the forgivable loan limit from $20,000 to $30,000, and reviewed the payment process for contractors and the policy for refurbished appliances. Public comments were heard before the meeting was adjourned.

trust-fundcontractshousinghome-repairvendorsappliances
Mon Aug 19, 2024

Spec. Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to consider victualling license for Chipotle

The Town Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and act on a single business license. The body will decide whether to approve a victualling license for a specific restaurant location.

business-licenserestaurantcounty-road
Tue Aug 13, 2024

NO QUORUM - Aug. 13, 2024 - Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to consider victualling license for Chipotle

The Town Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and act on a single business license. The meeting is scheduled for August 13, 2024, at Barrington Town Hall.

business-licenserestaurantcounty-road
Tue Aug 13, 2024

NO QUORUM - Aug. 13, 2024 - Jt. Town Council Mtg. with DEI Cte.

Town Council and DEI Committee discuss staffing and community initiatives

The Town Council and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee are meeting to discuss collaborative opportunities and project updates. A primary point of discussion is the potential for a part-time or full-time employee to lead DEI work, as suggested in a 2021 consultancy report.

deistaffingpublic-facilitiescommunity-eventstown-council
Thu Aug 1, 2024

Jt. Council and School Cte. Mtg.

School Committee and Town Council consider Middle School field proposal and contracts

The Barrington School Committee, meeting jointly with the Town Council, will discuss and act on a field proposal for Barrington Middle School. The committee will also consider the Assistant Superintendent contract and a notice of reappointment for non‑union, non‑certified employees. Additional items include a school construction update and several district contracts. Public comment will be taken before adjournment.

school-committeetown-councilpersonnelconstructioncontractseducation
Wed Jul 31, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to discuss School Committee letter on athletic fields

The Barrington Town Council will meet on July 31, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The agenda includes a discussion and possible action on a School Committee correspondence dated July 21, 2024 concerning the town’s athletic fields. No other substantive items are listed.

schoolathleticscouncilbarrington
Mon Jul 22, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

Barrington Town Council to discuss comprehensive plan and local ordinances

The Town Council will review a ten-year update of the Comprehensive Plan, including climate action and complete streets studies. The body will also act on several ordinances regarding liquor license fees, traffic stops, and non-union employee pay scales.

zoningroadsclimateordinancespublic-worksbudget
Mon Jun 3, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

Barrington council reviews police gear bids, staff pay scales, and recreation center ballot

The Barrington Town Council will consider bids for police vehicles and radios, review an ordinance amending pay scales for non-union employees, and discuss a November ballot question about a new recreation center that could affect local voters. The council will also process routine consent items, including board resignations, monthly department reports, and committee appointments.

policebudgetrecreationordinancesplanninglocal-government
Wed May 22, 2024

Financial Town Meeting

Barrington voters approve $95.8M budget, 4.92% increase over last year

The 2024 Financial Town Meeting voted on a total budget of $95,844,395 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, a 4.92% increase from the prior year. The budget includes a $65.6 million School Operating Budget (up 4.96%) and a $21.9 million Municipal Operating Budget (up 4.78%). The tax levy is estimated to increase by 3.82%. Voters also authorized the issuance of up to $5 million in emergency notes.

budgetschoolsmunicipal-operatingcapital-projectstax-levydebt-servicepublic-safety
Wed May 8, 2024

Cte. on Approp. and Budget Forcasting Cte.

Barrington budget hearing for FY2025 set for May 8

The Committee on Appropriations is holding a budget hearing with invited Town Council and School Committee members. The agenda includes a budget presentation and public comment, with no specific dollar amounts or line items listed in the agenda text.

budgetpublic-hearingappropriations
Mon May 6, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

Council to allocate $500,000 affordable housing fund, vote on beach pass changes

The Town Council will discuss and act on allocating $500,000 approved by voters for affordable housing, consider a resolution amending non-resident beach pass rules, and vote on a resolution supporting suicide prevention barriers on bridges. They will also interview candidates for several boards and commissions and consider bids for multiple town projects.

affordable-housingbeach-passesbudgetordinancespublic-safetyresolutionssuicide-preventiontown-council
Mon May 6, 2024

Amey Tucker Spencer Fund

Spencer Trust trustees allow Housing Board to explore flexible downpayment aid

The Amey Tucker Spencer Trust Fund trustees voted to allow the Housing Board of Trustees to explore creative solutions for the downpayment assistance program, which has had no takers. The Housing Board seeks to remove the requirement that funds comply with state affordable housing law, aiming for more flexible terms like FHA-level income limits and shorter deed restrictions. The trust has about $370,000 available for Barrington's 'poor and unfortunate' residents.

affordable-housingdownpayment-assistancehousing-boardspencer-trustbarrington
Tue Apr 30, 2024

Cte. on Approp. and Budget Forcasting Cte.

Budget committee to review slide deck for upcoming budget hearing

The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting to discuss the budget hearing slide deck, which will be used to present the town's budget to the public. The committee will also approve minutes from its April 3 and April 9 meetings. Public comment will be taken.

budgetappropriationspublic-meeting
Tue Apr 9, 2024

Cte. on Approp. and Budget Forcasting Cte.

Committee to vote on school and municipal budgets

The Barrington Committee on Appropriations will discuss and vote on the school and municipal operating and capital budgets. The meeting includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.

budgetschoolmunicipalcapitalpublic-comment
Wed Apr 3, 2024

Cte. on Approp. and Budget Forcasting Cte.

Barrington budget committee to discuss municipal and school budgets

The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting to discuss the municipal budget and the school budget. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the March 19 meeting, public comment, and adjournment. No specific dollar amounts or proposals are listed in the agenda.

budgetschoolsmunicipalpublic-meeting
Mon Apr 1, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

Council to discuss $250M school bond, turf field referendum, and Bay Spring renovation

The Barrington Town Council will hold an executive session on the Carmelite Monastery property and litigation, then meet publicly to discuss and act on several major items. Key decisions include a resolution for up to $250 million in school construction bonds, a proposal for a synthetic turf field referendum in November 2024, and conceptual plans for the Bay Spring Community Center renovation. The council will also consider bids for medication safety lock bags and a needs assessment, and appoint members to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

school-constructionbondsparks-and-recreationcommunity-centerbudgetappointmentspublic-safety
Mon Apr 1, 2024

Amey Tucker Spencer Fund

Spencer Trust rejects senior tax relief proposal, tables discussion

The Town Council, sitting as the Amey Tucker Spencer Trust Fund trustees, discussed and tabled a proposal to use trust funds for a senior tax relief program. The town solicitor advised the proposal would not comply with trust restrictions and could invite legal challenges. The board voted to table the item and revisit it later in the year.

trust-fundssenior-tax-reliefproperty-taxespublic-commentbarrington
Tue Mar 19, 2024

Cte. on Approp. and Budget Forcasting Cte.

Barrington budget committee to discuss school and municipal budgets

The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting to discuss the school budget and the municipal budget. The committee will also approve minutes from its March 5 and March 12 meetings and take public comment.

budgetschoolsmunicipal-budgetpublic-comment
Tue Mar 12, 2024

Cte. on Approp. and Budget Forcasting Cte.

Barrington budget committee to review capital and operating budgets

The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting to discuss the municipal budget, including capital and operating expenses, and to discuss funding for school building projects. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

budgetschoolscapital-projectspublic-meeting
Mon Mar 11, 2024

Spec. Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to discuss FY2025 budget in special meeting

The Barrington Town Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and act on the FY2025 budget. The agenda also includes a closed executive session to discuss Town Manager Phil Hervey's salary.

budgettown-councilpersonnelexecutive-sessionbarrington
Tue Mar 5, 2024

Cte. on Approp. and Budget Forcasting Cte.

School budget, capital plan, and building financing on agenda

The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting to hear a school budget presentation covering capital and operating costs, discuss school building financing, and consider how to share budget and financial information with taxpayers. The committee will also approve minutes from three prior meetings and take public comment.

budgetschoolscapitalfinancingpublic-comment
Mon Mar 4, 2024

Amey Tucker Spencer Fund

Town Council to discuss FY2025 budget, charter review, and school construction

The Barrington Town Council will meet on March 4, 2024, to discuss and act on the FY2025 budget, the Charter Review Commission's final report, and the school construction project. The council will also consider several bids, including a $14,000 media contract for the BAY Team and a $51,785 cargo van for Public Works. The meeting includes a swearing-in ceremony for police officers and an executive session on litigation, property acquisition, and personnel.

budgetcharter-reviewschool-constructionbidspolicepublic-worksexecutive-session
Mon Mar 4, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to discuss FY2025 budget, charter review, and school construction

The Barrington Town Council will discuss and act on the FY2025 budget, the Charter Review Commission's final report, and the school construction project. The council will also consider several bids, including a $51,785 cargo van and a $26,570 stormwater management project, and will hold an executive session on litigation and property acquisition.

budgetcharter-reviewschool-constructionbidsexecutive-sessionpolicepublic-works
Mon Feb 26, 2024

Special Town Council Mtg.

Barrington Town Council to discuss FY 2024-25 budget

The Barrington Town Council will hold a special meeting to discuss and potentially act on the Fiscal Year 2024-25 municipal operating and capital budgets. The meeting includes a public comment period.

budgettown-councilpublic-hearingbarrington
Tue Feb 13, 2024

CANCELED Feb. 13, 2024 - Special Jt. Town Council and DEI Mtg.

Canceled: Barrington joint Town Council and DEI meeting

This joint meeting of the Barrington Town Council and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee was canceled. The agenda had included discussions on strategies for positive change, the DEI Committee's role, a speech pledge, and a hate speech condemnation proposal.

Wed Feb 7, 2024

Special Town Council Mtg.-School Stage II

Barrington Town Council approves Stage II school construction application

The Barrington Town Council held a special meeting to discuss and vote on the Necessity of School Construction Stage II application, which is required to meet a February 15 state deadline. The application is part of the $250 million school bond approved by voters in November. After public comment, the council voted 3-0-0-2 to approve the application, with two council members absent and abstaining. The vote does not authorize spending but allows the application to proceed.

school-constructionbondtown-councilpublic-commentenvironment
Mon Feb 5, 2024

Amey Tucker Spencer Fund

Town Council to discuss school construction, police radios, and opioid funding

The Barrington Town Council will hold a regular meeting following a Spencer Trust board session. The Council will discuss and act on several items including a presentation on school construction Stage II, police equipment purchases totaling over $102,000, and a proposal to use opioid settlement funds for an off-road rescue vehicle. The meeting also includes public hearings on three ordinance amendments and consideration of a $15,000 municipal contribution for a housing plan grant.

policeschool-constructionopioid-fundingordinanceshousingbudgetpublic-safety
Mon Feb 5, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to consider school construction update, police equipment purchases

The Barrington Town Council will discuss and act on several items, including a presentation on the necessity of school construction Stage II, purchases of police radios and a vehicle totaling over $102,000, and a $15,000 municipal contribution to supplement a housing grant. The council will also hold public hearings on three ordinance amendments concerning dogs in certain places, stop intersections, and sick leave for part-time employees.

policeschool-constructionordinanceshousingbudgetpublic-safetylicensing
Tue Jan 30, 2024

Cte. on Approp. and Budget Forcasting Cte.

Barrington committees to review budget forecast and planning

The Committee on Appropriations and the Budget Forecasting Committee, joined by Town Council and School Committee members, are meeting to set their 2024 schedule and review the budget forecasting document, including additional items from the School Building Committee. The meeting includes discussion of short- and long-term budget planning and public comment.

budgetappropriationsforecastingschool-committeetown-council
Thu Jan 25, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council sets 2024 priorities in goal-setting workshop

The Barrington Town Council will hold a goal-setting workshop to identify 3-5 high-level priorities for 2024 and develop action items for each. The council will also discuss community engagement initiatives and a proposed Respectful Speech/Condemnation Statement. No votes on specific ordinances or contracts are scheduled.

Thu Jan 25, 2024

Town Council Workshop

Town Council holds goal-setting workshop on housing, climate, recreation

The Town Council held a goal-setting workshop facilitated by Ali Mitchell of Lighthouse Consulting, discussing short- and long-term goals and strategies. Survey themes included climate resiliency, housing, recreation, building and economic development, and community input; the Council added state and local coordination as a sixth theme. The facilitator will provide a summary report to the Town within two weeks, and the Council will use it to identify responsible departments and needed resources.

housingclimaterecreationeconomic-developmentcouncil-goalsworkshop
Mon Jan 8, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to consider vehicle purchases, ordinance changes, and school construction plan

The Barrington Town Council will discuss and act on several items, including the introduction of three ordinance amendments, approval of bids for new town vehicles and equipment, and a presentation on the school construction plan. The agenda also includes interviews for board vacancies, a request for proposals for the Carmelite property, and discussion of DEI proposals. Most routine items are grouped under the consent agenda.

ordinancesbidsvehiclesschool-constructionappointmentsdeipublic-hearing