Town Council Meeting Wednesday, May 28, 2025 07:00 PM Town Hall - Council Chambers

In-Person Participation Only

The public may VIEW the meeting live by using the following link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88173308043, or by visiting zoom.com meeting code 881-7330-8043. Please be advised, this link will NOT allow for public participation. 

Please be advised that the council intends to discuss and/or act upon each and every item appearing on this agenda

Present:

Meeting Dates:

June 18, 2025 - Town Council Meeting
July 23, 2025 - Town Council Meeting
August 20, 2025 - Town Council Meeting
September 10, 2025 - Town Council Meeting
October 1, 2025 - Town Council Meeting

Special Recognitions

• Mt. Hope High School Gymnastics Team

• Mt. Hope High School and Kickemuit Middle School Wrestling Team(s)

Motion RE: Consent Agenda -  To Approve the Consent Agenda

A.Submission of Minutes of Previous Meeting(s)

1. A1.Town Council Meeting Minutes - May 7, 2025

2. A2.Town Council Meeting Executive Session Minutes (sealed, council only)  May 7, 2025

B.Public Hearings

1. B1.PUBLIC HEARING

   Ordinance No. 2025-7 Zoning Chapter 28 Land Use Laws (adopted 2024 - legislative session) (Public Hearing and 2nd Reading for Adoption)

   Section: 28-1 Definitions (floor area ratios)
   Section: 28-151 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
   Section: 28-221 Land Nonconforming by Area (Substandard Lots) 
   Section: 28-370 Inclusionary Zoning
   Section: 28-150,181,182, 183,185, 187,255,352 & 354  Supplementary Regulations(Development Plan Review)

C.Ordinances

1. C1.Ordinance 2025-03 - Chapter 17, Article II Alcoholic Beverages Establishments, Section 17-82 – (to decrease the number of limited BV Licenses from 8 to 7) (This ordinance is being reposted on the agenda and re-advertised to comply with the legal notice requirements not fulfilled for the previous meeting. No changes have been made to the proposed ordinance since it was originally scheduled) (2nd Reading)

2. C2.Ordinance No. 2025-04 Chapter 17, Article II Alcoholic Beverages Establishments, Section 17-82 Number of Licenses (to increase the number of Class BV Licenses from 32-33) (This ordinance is being reposted on the agenda and re-advertised to comply with the legal notice requirements not fulfilled for the previous meeting. No changes have been made to the proposed ordinance since it was originally scheduled) (2nd Reading)

3. C3.Ordinance No. 2025-05 - Chapter 16 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article V - Stopping Standing and Parking (no parking box located across from 28 Shaws Lane) (This ordinance is being reposted on the agenda and re-advertised to comply with the legal notice requirements not fulfilled for the previous meeting. No changes have been made to the proposed ordinance since it was originally scheduled) (2nd Reading) 

4. C4.Ordinance No. 2025-06 Chapter 16 Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article IX Residential Parking, Sec. 16-343 Designated residential parking zone and Sec 16-345 Designated residental parking streets (To include portions of Hope Street to the Residential Zone and update designated residential parking zones) (This ordinance is being reposted on the agenda and re-advertised to comply with the legal notice requirements not fulfilled for the previous meeting. No changes have been made to the proposed ordinance since it was originally scheduled) (2nd Reading)

5. C5.Ordinance No. 2025-08 Chapter 8, Sec 72 Independence Park Boat Ramp (Vehicle load restrictions)(with revisions to include section C) (2nd reading)

D.Licensing Board - New Petitions

1. D1.Stephan Brigidi on behalf of the Bristol Middle Passage Port Marker Project requests a One-Day Dancing & Entertainment License on August 24, 2025, from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (set up time starting at 10:00 AM) at Independence Park for the unveiling of sculptures

   a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

   b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

   c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Public Works

   d. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Parks and Recreation

2. D2.Arts in Common for PorchFest 2025 re request for One-Day Dancing and Entertainment license and street closure of a six-block section of High Street from Walley to Byfield Streets on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 2:30-6:30 pm

   a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

   b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

   c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Public Works

3. D3.Harbor Master Marsili, Chairman, Harbor Festival Committee -request  One Day Dancing & Entertainment License at Rockwell Park for the 12th Annual Harbor Festival on August 16, 2025 from 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM (see also F3)

   a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

   b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

   c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Parks and Recreation 

4. D4.Jennifer Devine, 55 Wapping Drive, Pro-Democracy Rally, request for One Day Dancing & Entertainment License at Independence Park, June 29, 2025, from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

   a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

   b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

   c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Parks and Recreation

5. D5.Gorge Moreno, Moreno LLC D/B/A Don Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina, 200 Gooding Avenue request for Modification to BV Intoxicating Beverage License (to expand alcohol service area to include outdoor seating area (Call for Public Hearing June 18th)     

6. D6.Richard Corrente, WKOC, LLC d/b/a Portside Tavern, 444 Thames Street request for Modification to BV Intoxicating Beverage License (to expand alcohol service area to add a portion of the outdoor seating area (Call for Public Hearing June 18th)     

E.Licensing Board - Renewals

1. E1.Sidewalk and Alcohol Use License Renewals 2025-2026

   a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Police Chief

   b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

   c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Public Works

2. E2.Sidewalk Use License Renewals 2025-2026

   a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

   b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

   c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Code Compliance Coordinator

3. E3.Jennifer Medina, Carvalho Group, LLC DBA Pisco y Tequila, 382 Thames Street, Unit 1 re  6-month review of Dancing & Entertainment License

   a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

F.Petitions - Other

1. F1.George Voutes, 17 Shore Road - Consideration for restrictions on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

   a. Scott Pepper, 64 Duffield Road - letter of support

   b. Jennifer Martenson, Chair, Quiet Clean Rhode Island - letter of support

   c. Kenda Swartz, 64 Duffield Road - letter of support 

   d. recommendation - Town Administrator and Principal Planner/Zoning Officer

2. F2.Bruce Goes, 82 King Philip Avenue - re no parking box located across from residence 

   a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

   b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Public Works

3. F3.Harbor Master Marsili, Chairman, Harbor Festival Committee - request permission to use/sell Alcoholic Beverages at 
   Rockwell Park for the 12th Annual Harbor Festival on August 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM  (see also D3)

   a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

   b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

   c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Parks and Recreation 

   d. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Public Works

   e. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Community Development

G.Appointments

1. G1.Zoning Board of Review - (1 two-year unexpired Alternate term set to expire March 2027)

   a. Timothy Palmer, 7 Church Cove Road - interested/appointment

2. G2.Bristol 250th Commission, re Amendment to board composition to include up to five (5) Alternate Members with terms to expire November 2027 and recommendations for interested commission members  (continued from May 7th)

   a. (draft) Resolution Amendment

   b. Sarah Griffin,11 Liberty Street, Apt 2- interest/appointment

   c. Paul Vollaro, 3 Jefferson Lane - interest/appointment

   d. Craig Evans, 80 Aaron Avenue - interest/appointment

   e. recommendation from Chairwoman, Alayne White

H.Old Business

I.Other New Business Requiring Town Council Action

1. I1.Harbor Master Marsili - recommended Bristol Marina fuel/dock pricing policy changes and recommendation for the Bristol resident discount rate

   a. recommendation - Bristol Harbor Commission

2. I2.Harbor Master Marsili re recommended changes to Moring, Docking, and Related Harbor Fees

   a. (draft) Resolution

3. I3.Steven Januario, Chairman Bristol Harbor Commission re council  consideration to grant permission to the Harbor Commission to solicit State and Federal authorization for the viability of a breakwater for Bristol Harbor  

4. I4.Bond Counsel re-Road Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements Borrowing Resolution –   authorizing the Town of Bristol, pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-12-2, to borrow up to Two Million Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,800,000) through the issuance of bonds and bond anticipation notes to fund the design, engineering, and construction of road resurfacing and drainage improvements in the Town of Bristol. 

CF.Citizens Public Forum
PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK DURING THE CITIZENS PUBLIC FORUM MUST NOTIFY THE COUNCIL CLERK PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE MEETING

J.Bills & Expenditures

1. J1.Bid No.1065 - Rogers Free Library Interior Modification Project

2. J2.Bid No. 1066 Information Technology and Consulting Service

3. J3.Bid No. 1067 - School Bus Transportation Services

K.Special Reports

1. K1.BCWA Tri-Town Monthly Report - April 2025

L.Town Solicitor

M.Executive Sessions

1. M1.Director Williamson request for Executive Session pursuant to RIGL § 42-46-5(a)(5) Discussion or consideration related to the Lease of Real Property

Consent Agenda Items:

(CA) AA.Submission of Minutes - Boards and Commissions

Approval of consent agenda = “motion to receive and place these items on file”

1. (CA) AA1.Bristol Zoning Board of Review Minutes - April 7, 2025

2. (CA) AA2.Bristol Fire Department Board of Engineers Meeting Minutes - May 5, 2025

3. (CA) AA3.Housing Authority Meeting Minutes - April 10, 2025

4. (CA) AA4.Zoning Board of Review Meeting - June 2, 2025

5. (CA) AA5.Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 1, 2025

6. (CA) AA6.Bristol Christmas Festival Committee Meeting Minutes - March 10, 2025

(CA) BB.Budget Adjustments

Approval of consent agenda = “motion to approve these adjustments”

1. (CA) BB1.Tax Assessor Leadem - re - Recommended Abatements & Additions - May 2025

(CA) CC.Financial Reports

Approval of consent agenda = “motion to receive and place these items on file”

(CA) DD.Proclamations, Resolutions & Citations

Approval of consent agenda = “motion to adopt these Proclamations, Resolutions and Citations as prepared and presented”

1. (CA) DD1.Citation - Evan Smith, Discover Newport (signed)

2. (CA) DD2.Proclamation- Retirement -Lieutenant Ricardo Mourato (signed)

3. (CA) DD3.Authorizing Resolution - Rhode Island Community Development Block Grant Program (signed)

4. (CA) DD4.Commendation - Emma Quigley Girl Scout Gold Award (signed)

5. (CA) DD5.Commendation - Fiona Sharp Girl Scout Gold Award (signed)

6. (CA) DD6.Citation - Bristol Cup Defenders 90th Anniversary (signed)

7. (CA) DD7.Resolution No. 2025-2025-05-07-I4 In Support of H 5393 and S 0057 - An Act Relating to Highways - Sidewalks (signed)

(CA) EE.Utility Petitions

Approval of consent agenda = “motion to approve these petitions”

(CA) FF.City & Town Resolutions Not Previously Considered

Approval of consent agenda = “motion to receive and place these items on file”

1. (CA) FF1.Barrington - Proclamation - National Public Works Week 

2. (CA) FF2.Barrington - Resolution - Support of Bill S-57 and H5393 Maintenance of Sidewalks

3. (CA) FF3.Barrington - Resolution - Supporting 2025 Composting and Organic Waste Diversion Act

4. (CA) FF4.Exeter - Resolution - Support of Amendments regarding Funding of Student Transportation

5. (CA) FF5.Hopkinton - Resolution - Opposing Legislation relating to Holidays and Days of Special Observance Holiday

6. (CA) FF6.Hopkinton - Resolution - Opposing S0851 relating to State Affairs and Government Tourism and Development 

7. (CA) FF7.Hopkinton - Resolution - Support of H5204 - Support of Transportation of School Pupils Beyond City and Town Limits

8. (CA) FF8.Hopkinton - Resolution - Support of H5201 - The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act

9. (CA) FF9.Hopkinton - Resolution - Opposing Specific Land Use Legislation

10. (CA) FF10.New Shoreham - Resolution - Opposing a Statewide Non Owner Occupied Property Tax

11. (CA) FF11.Warren - Resolution - Full State Funding of Private School Transportation 

12. (CA) FF12.Warren - Resolution - Requesting an Amendment regarding the duties of Public Utilities 

13. (CA) FF13.Lincoln - Resolution - Support of Senate Bill S 57 and Bill H-5393, Maintenance of Sidewalks

14. (CA) FF14.Lincoln - Resolution - Opposing Specific Land Use Legislation Proposed in the RIGA

15. (CA) FF15.Hopkinton - Resolution - Honor of Hope Valley Elementary School

16. (CA) FF16.Hopkinton - Resolution - Support of Senate Bill S-57 and House Bill H-5393 Maintenance of Sidewalks

(CA) GG.Distributions/Communications

Approval of consent agenda = “motion to receive and place these items on file”

1. (CA) GG1.Award of Bid No. 1060 - Town Administrator Contente to Stephen Gross, Clifton Larson Allen, LLP regarding Bid Award - Professional Auditing Services

2. (CA) GG2.Award of Bid No. 1061 - Town Administrator Contente to Sonia Lanthier, Poralu Marine Inc. regarding Bid Award - Marina Trash Skimmer

3. (CA) GG3.Award of Bid No. 1062 - Town Administrator Contente to Mark Schichtel, Schichtel's Nursery, Inc regarding Bid Award - Spring 2025 Tree Sourcing and Delivery

4. (CA) GG4.Award of Bid No. 1063 - Town Administrator Contente to JML Excavation Inc. regarding Bid Award - Gibson Road Shoreline Improvements

5. (CA) GG5.Recognition - The Bristol Conservation Commission and The King Phillip Little League re Arbor Day Celebration Ceremonies May 14, 2025

6. (CA) GG6.Town Administrator Contente re Letter in support of House Bill 6291

(CA) HH.Distributions/Notice of Meetings
(Office copy only)

Approval of consent agenda = “motion to receive and place these items on file”

1. (CA) HH1.Planning Board Meeting - May 8th 2025 CANCELED and rescheduled from June 12, 2025

2. (CA) HH2.North and East Burial Grounds Commission Meeting - May 14, 2025

3. (CA) HH3.BCWA Board of Directors Meeting - April 24, 2025

4. (CA) HH4.Bristol Housing Authority Meeting - May 8, 2025

5. (CA) HH5.Bristol Fourth of July Committee Wine Tasting Meeting - May 12, 2025

6. (CA) HH6.Technical Review Committee Meeting - May 20, 2025

7. (CA) HH7.Technical Review Committee Meeting - May 20, 2025

8. (CA) HH8.Bristol Christmas Festival Meeting - May 20, 2025

9. (CA) HH9.Bristol 250th Commission Meeting - May 21, 2025 

10. (CA) HH10.Bristol Fourth of July Committee General Committee Meeting - May 22, 2025

11. (CA) HH11.Recreation Board Meeting - May 28, 2025

12. (CA) HH12.Capital Projects Commission Meeting - May 27, 2025

13. (CA) HH13.Bristol 4th of July Sub Committee Meeting - Flag Day Reception - May 22, 2025

14. (CA) HH14.Bristol 4th of July Sub Committee Meeting -Military and Town Officials - May 29, 2025

15. (CA) HH15.Bristol 4th of July Sub Committee Meeting -Floats - May 29, 2025

16. (CA) HH16.BCWA Board of Directors Meeting - May 29, 2025

17. (CA) HH17.BCWA Annual Meeting - May 29, 2025

(CA) II.Claims (Referrals)

Approval of consent agenda = “motion to refer these items to the Insurance Committee and at its discretion to the Interlocal Trust”

1. (CA) II1.Leon Hill, 1185 Hope Street re auto vehicle claim 

(CA) JJ.Miscellaneous Items Requiring Council Approval

Approval of consent agenda = “motion to approve these items”

(CA) KK.Curb cut petitions as approved by the director of public works

Approval of consent agenda = “motion to grant these curb cuts per the recommendation of, and conditions specified by, the Director of Public Works”

1. (CA) KK1.Kyle Flynn, 43 Monterey Drive - re for curb cut request

   a. recommendation- Town Administrator and Director of Public Works

Adjourned: ______________________

cmjd/mc

Posted: May 23, 2025