Exeter public meetings in 2020
24 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Zoning Board of Review
The Exeter Zoning Board of Review held a regular meeting via Zoom and voted 5-0 to approve a special use permit for Ultimate Fitness LLC at 570B Nooseneck Hill Road, zoned B. The applicants, Joshua and Nansi Lynch, plan to use 4,500 square feet of an existing building for a personal training/fitness center. The board also approved prior meeting minutes and a $60 invoice for Southern RI Newspapers.
- Approved special use permit for Ultimate Fitness LLC at 570B Nooseneck Hill Road (Assessor's Plat 46, Block 2, Lot 5) for a fitness center
- Applicants plan 4,500 sq ft personal training center, 150-200 clients, hours Mon-Fri 5am-8pm, Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 8am-4pm
- Planning Board advisory opinion dated 12/2/2020 reviewed; solicitor noted possible contradiction in ordinance regarding State Development Plan Review (DPR)
- Approved $60 invoice for Southern RI Newspapers
- No applications received for January 14, 2021 meeting
Planning Board Work Session
The Exeter Planning Board held a work session to discuss revising its checklists for Master Plan, Minor Land Development, and Major Land Development applications. Members agreed the current checklists are less comprehensive than those of other communities and identified additions such as peer review, soil erosion control plans, and state-level permit requirements. The discussion will continue with the new Planner.
- Reviewed checklists for Master Plan, Minor Land Development, and Major Land Development projects
- Proposed adding peer review as a required checklist item
- Discussed adding Conservation Opportunity areas from RI DEM Wildlife Action Plan
- Considered including cold water fisheries and impaired water bodies on checklists
- Suggested adding RI Scenic Roadways to checklists
Planning Board Meeting
The Board reviewed the final plan for the Morris Farm Solar project, continuing the discussion to a January meeting. They also approved a minor subdivision on South County Trail with specific conditions regarding drainage and soil types.
- Continued review of Exeter Renewables 1, LLC solar project at 89 Ten Rod Road
- Approved minor subdivision for Jade Investment Group, LLC on South County Trail
- Pre-application discussion for Rocco D’angelo minor subdivision on School Land Woods Rd
- Discussion regarding a special use permit for a fitness center at Twisted Throttle on Rt. 3
Zoning Board of Review
The Exeter Zoning Board of Review held a regular meeting via Zoom, hearing one application for dimensional relief to build a single-family home at East Shore Drive. The board voted 4-1 to approve the requested front and side setback variances, with one member opposed. The board also discussed the 2021 meeting calendar, moving the November 11, 2021 meeting to November 18 due to Veterans Day, and approved minutes and invoices.
- Approved dimensional relief for William A. Manchester Jr. at East Shore Drive (AP 19, Block 13, Lot 2): 30-foot front setback and 15-foot right side setback relief under Zoning Ordinance Article II Sections 2.4.2.4 and 2.4.2.6
- Vote: 4 in favor, 1 opposed on the Manchester application
- Moved November 11, 2021 meeting to November 18, 2021 due to Veterans Day
- Approved October 8, 2020 minutes
- Approved invoices: Southern RI Newspapers $73.75 (second invoice received, total $147.50)
Planning Board Work Session
The Planning Board held a work session to discuss proposed changes to Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinances and solar array vegetation management. Members also discussed updating application checklists and the potential hiring of a stenographer.
- Proposed amendments to Exeter Code of Ordinances regarding Accessory Dwelling Units
- Proposal to add Peer Review as a checklist item for Preliminary Plans
- Discussion on vegetation and fencing requirements for solar arrays to meet fire code
- Investigation into stenographer services for meeting transcription
- Review of preference for paper and electronic meeting materials
Zoning Board of Review
The Exeter Zoning Board of Review held a regular meeting via Zoom on October 8, 2020. The board approved a special use permit for a proposed day care center at 567 South County Trail, Suite 201, and granted a one-year extension for a property at 184 Tripps Corner Road. The meeting also included approval of prior minutes and a solicitor's report on an upcoming ordinance review.
- Approved special use permit for day care center at 567 South County Trail, Suite 201 (AP 71, Block 4, Lot 1)
- Granted 1-year extension to Ronald Barber for 184 Tripps Corner Road (AP 48 B2 L5)
- Approved revised August 13, 2020 minutes
- Approved September 10, 2020 minutes
- Solicitor noted Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance to be reviewed at Town Council meeting on 11/2/2020
Zoning Board of Review
The Exeter Zoning Board of Review met via Zoom and granted a 1-year extension of the special use permit for the Morris Farm Solar facility due to COVID-19 delays. The board also approved Robert J. Grasso's petition for a single-family dwelling with an accessory dwelling unit on South County Trail, including a dimensional variance and special use permit, with a 4-1 vote.
- Granted Exeter Renewables 1, LLC a 1-year extension of its special use permit for the solar facility at 89 Ten Rod Road, expiring 8/14/2021.
- Approved Robert J. Grasso's request for dimensional relief and a special use permit for a single-family dwelling with an accessory dwelling unit at South County Trail (AP 72 B7 L4), 4-1.
- Discussed that state law supersedes town ordinance regarding accessory dwelling units in owner-occupied residences.
- Noted that the property is still owned by Rico Corporation, not the applicant.
- Approved minutes from February 13, 2020 and March 12, 2020 meetings.
CANCELED Aug. 11, 2020 - Planning Board Work Session
The Exeter Planning Board work session scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2020, has been canceled. The agenda, which would have included call to order, public comment, a work session, and adjournment, will not take place.
- Meeting canceled
- Scheduled for Aug. 11, 2020
- Location: Council Chambers, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI
Special Town Council
The Exeter Town Council held a special meeting via Zoom to adopt the annual appropriation and tax levy, using an emergency procedure because the Financial Town Meeting could not be held safely due to Covid-19. The Council approved resolutions for the regional school district operations, the contingency fund, and the tax levy, and directed officials to certify the tax roll and issue tax bills. The meeting was largely procedural, with public comments raising concerns about the process and specific budget items.
- Approved Resolution No. 36: Regional School District operations, level-funded at $12,300,326.00
- Set aside $54,132.00 in the Contingency Fund for a School Resource Officer if schools open
- Approved Resolution No. 29: Contingency Fund appropriation of $148,558.00
- Approved Resolution No. 42: Tax Levy Resolution
- Directed Tax Assessor, Tax Collector, and Treasurer to certify tax roll and issue tax bills, holding motor vehicle excise tax bills pending state guidance
Special Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a special meeting to review and finalize a draft decision for the Morris Farm Solar project, a major land development proposed by Exeter Renewables 1, LLC at 85 Ten Rod Road. After extensive discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the preliminary plan with amendments, including conditions on pollinator ground cover, buffer vegetation, and stormwater hydrology. The board also approved several meeting minutes and an invoice.
- Approved Preliminary Plan-Major Land Development for Exeter Renewables 1, LLC (Morris Farm Solar) at 85 Ten Rod Road, zoned RU-4, AP 26, Block 1, Lot 1
- Amended condition requiring native pollinator ground cover under solar panels, with mowing schedule approved by landscape architect and fire marshal
- Revised finding of fact: remaining 71.5% of site 'is currently' in active agricultural production or undeveloped space
- Added stormwater condition noting potential unknown impacts to pre-existing hydrology
- Approved invoice for Solicitor Peter Ruggiero - $387.00
Regular Town Council
The Exeter Town Council held a teleconference meeting due to COVID-19, adopting amendments to the impact fee ordinance (Chapter 14, Article IV) and a resolution to set a hearing for the annual appropriation and tax levy, bypassing a Financial Town Meeting. The impact fee changes redirect fees from schools to public works projects, with a 4-1 vote (Patterson opposed). The budget resolution sets a virtual public hearing for July 28, 2020, and reduces the school budget from $539,000 to $315,355.
- Adopted impact fee ordinance amendments, redirecting fees to public works; over $200,000 in accumulated fees
- Adopted resolution to set budget hearing for July 28, 2020, bypassing Financial Town Meeting
- School budget reduced from $539,000 to $315,355
- Appointed Caetlyn Nichols as Animal Shelter Attendant
- Reappointed William Haas and Donna DiDonato to Planning Board
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a public hearing on a preliminary major land development plan for the Morris Farm Solar project, a 10-megawatt solar facility on 40 acres at 85 Ten Rod Road. The board discussed project details, tax agreements, decommissioning bonds, and public concerns about noise, water safety, and buffers. No final decision was made at this meeting; the hearing was part of the approval process.
- Public hearing for preliminary plan of Exeter Renewables 1, LLC solar project at 85 Ten Rod Road (AP 26, Block 1, Lot 1)
- Project includes ~17-18 acres of solar panels within 40-acre fenced area
- Developer to pay $5,000 per megawatt AC in tangible property taxes (~$50,000/year for 10 MW)
- Decommissioning bond estimated at $150,000-$300,000
- Discussion of 150-foot buffer, privacy fencing, and wetland restoration
Regular Town Council
The Exeter Town Council met via Zoom due to COVID-19, extending the municipal state of emergency through July 1, 2020, and setting a Financial Town Meeting for September 15, 2020, with a temporary budget to take effect. The council also approved appointments, a union contract extension, and other administrative items. Public comment raised concerns about DEM violations at the Public Works Garage property.
- Extended municipal state of emergency through July 1, 2020
- Set Financial Town Meeting for September 15, 2020; temporary budget adopted May 26 to take effect
- Approved resolution for emergency declaration to enable temporary budget and tax levy
- Agreed to extend union contracts one year through June 30, 2021
- Appointed Kevin McGovern to Wood-Pawcatuck Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council
Regular Town Council
The Exeter Town Council held a special meeting via Zoom to present and adopt the municipal budget and capital program for fiscal year 2020-2021. The budget totals $16,608,861, a 2.6% increase over last year, and includes a 2% salary increase for town employees, with the Town Planner receiving a 5% raise. The council also discussed temporary outdoor dining permits and other administrative items.
- Adopted $16,608,861 budget for FY2020-2021, a 2.6% increase
- Approved 5% raise for Town Planner (instead of 2%)
- Rejected $5,000 stipend for Building/Planning/Zoning Coordinator position
- Increased Board of Canvassers budget from $13,100 to $15,500
- Discussed temporary outdoor dining permits for Homestead Restaurant, Cornerstone Pub, and Celestial Café
CANCELED May 12, 2020 - Planning Board Work Session
This meeting of the Exeter Planning Board was canceled. The agenda contains only standard procedural items (call to order, public comment, work session, adjournment) and no substantive business was scheduled.
- Meeting canceled
Regular Town Council
The Exeter Town Council met via teleconference due to COVID-19, approving consent agenda items, awarding contracts for environmental engineering, asphalt paving, and chip seal, and extending the town's emergency declaration. They also discussed a letter to Statewide Planning regarding North Kingstown's rural gateway amendment and continued several items to future meetings.
- Awarded environmental engineering services for 169-175 South County Trail to Tighe & Bond
- Awarded asphalt paving bid to T. Miozzi, Inc.
- Awarded chip seal bid to New England Asphalt Services, LLC
- Approved letter to Statewide Planning seeking revocation of North Kingstown's rural gateway amendment (4-1 vote)
- Extended Declaration of Emergency for FEMA reimbursement eligibility
CANCELED Apr. 28, 2020 - Planning Board Meeting
This meeting of the Exeter Planning Board was canceled. The agenda contains only standard procedural items such as call to order, public comment, old and new business, and administrative reports, with no substantive items listed for discussion or decision.
- Meeting canceled
CANCELED Apr. 14, 2020 - Planning Board Work Session
This meeting was canceled and did not take place. The agenda contained only standard procedural items such as call to order, public comment, and adjournment, with no substantive business listed.
- Meeting canceled
CANCELED Mar. 24, 2020 - Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers was canceled. The agenda listed discussion of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and pre-application Development Plan Requests (DPR) from SCFT Associates and Everguard Investments, but no actions were taken due to the cancellation.
- Meeting Canceled
- Old Business: ADU
- New Business: SCFT Associates – Pre-App DPR
- New Business: Everguard Investments – Pre-App DPR
Zoning Board of Review
The Exeter Zoning Board of Review voted unanimously to grant dimensional relief to board member Joseph St. Lawrence for a proposed 20'x24' storage shed on his property at 316A Hog House Hill Road. St. Lawrence recused himself from the hearing and obtained an advisory opinion from the RI Ethics Commission. The board also approved prior meeting minutes and an invoice.
- Granted dimensional relief to Joseph St. Lawrence for a 20'x24' shed at 316A Hog House Hill Road (Assessor's Plat 64, Block 1, Lot 20), including relief from lot size, frontage, front setback, and side setback requirements
- Joseph St. Lawrence recused himself from the hearing; RI Ethics Commission advisory opinion #2020-15 (dated 3/3/2020) marked as Exhibit A
- Approved November 14, 2019 and December 12, 2019 meeting minutes with revisions
- Tabled February 13, 2020 minutes until next meeting for Solicitor review
- Approved invoice from Allied Court Reporters
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board approved the final development plan for Copart's expansion at 10 Industrial Drive, and voted to request a 180-day moratorium on standalone battery storage units from the Town Council to allow time to draft an ordinance. The board also approved a $720 invoice for the solicitor and discussed adding an ADU ordinance discussion to a future agenda.
- Approved Copart final development plan with conditions including DEM permit and landscape buffer
- Voted to request 180-day moratorium on standalone battery storage units, exempting residential and small business
- Approved Solicitor Ruggiero invoice for $720
- Discussed adding ADU ordinance discussion to March 10 workshop agenda
Special Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a work session and special meeting to discuss and approve amendments to the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, which will be submitted to the Town Council for review. The board also received a status update on the Comprehensive Plan update. The meeting was largely procedural, with no public comment.
- Approved ADU ordinance amendments (draft #4) for Town Council review
- Discussed 600 sq ft ADU size requirement and ADA accessibility
- Clarified that legal non-conforming lots cannot add ADUs without variance
- Comprehensive Plan update: Land Use element in progress, Climate Change and Energy element to be drafted
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a regular meeting on January 28, 2020, discussing two pre-applications for large-scale solar arrays and a related subdivision. The board also discussed an accessory dwelling ordinance and approved minutes and an invoice. No public comment was received.
- Pre-application for a 2-lot subdivision at 0 Ten Rod Road (AP 32 Block 2 Lot 9) by KMS Construction, LLC
- Pre-application for a large-scale solar array at 0 Ten Rod Road by SoCal Solar Brokers and KMS Construction, LLC
- Pre-application for a 5-acre solar array at 1029 Ten Rod Road (AP 22 Block 2 Lot 3) by Renewable Energy Solutions and David Duarte
- Discussion of accessory dwelling ordinance advisory opinion to Town Council
- Approved Solicitor invoice for $342.00
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a worksession to discuss and revise a draft accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, incorporating comments from members, a model ordinance from other towns, and state law requirements. The board agreed on several wording changes, kept a special-use permit requirement (though not unanimously), and will send the revised draft to the Town Council after a future vote. The meeting also covered administrative topics like packet distribution and the Comprehensive Plan update.
- Discussed and revised draft accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, including Article IV Sections 4.1.1 and 4.3.2
- Agreed to add item C: 'Shall obtain an advisory opinion from the Planning Board'
- Kept special-use permit requirement for ADUs, though not unanimous
- Will ask Peter and/or Jim for advice on enforcing a family-member declaration for ADUs
- Planner Sweet to revise draft and bring to next regular meeting for vote before sending to Town Council