Town Council Meeting Wednesday, January 28, 2026 07:00 PM Town Hall - 10 Court Street, Bristol Rhode Island *AMENDED

Note: If communications assistance is needed or any other accommodations to ensure equal participation, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 253-7000. Anyone requesting interpretive services for the deaf or hard of hearing must notify the Town Clerk’s office at 253-7000, 72 hours in advance of the meeting date and anyone requesting assistive listening devices or wishing to speak on a matter designated “CA” (consent agenda) or citizens public forum on the council docket must notify the Council Clerk prior to the commencement of the meeting.

In-Person Participation Only

The public may VIEW the meeting live by using the following link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88380973610, or by visiting zoom.com meeting code 883-8097-3610. 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:

February 18, 2026 - Town Council Meeting
March 11, 2026 - Town Council Meeting 
March 16, 17, 18, 23, 2026 - Budget Workshops

The Pledge of Allegiance

Motion RE: Consent Agenda -  To Approve the Consent Agenda

A.Submission of Minutes of Previous Meeting(s)

  1. A1.Town Council Meeting Minutes - January 7, 2026

B.Public Hearings

C.Ordinances

  1. C1.Ordinance 2026-01 Chapter 17, Article II Alcoholic Beverages Establishments, Section 17-82 – (to decrease the number of Class BV Liquor Licenses from 33 to 32) (1st Reading)

D.Licensing Board - New Petitions

  1. D1.Philip Fitting, for Explore Bristol - Request for One-Day Dancing & Entertainment License on June 12, 2026, from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Independence Park (see also D2, D3)

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Police Chief

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

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

  2. D2.Philip Fitting, for Explore Bristol - Request for Mobile Food Establishment Event Permit for British Cars in Bristol Event on June 12, 2026, from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Independence Park (see also D1, D3)

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Police Chief

    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

  3. D3.Philip Fitting, Explore Bristol, requests to sell/serve alcohol in support of British Motorcars in Bristol, at Independence Park on June 12, 2026, from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (see also D1, D2)

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

    c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Community Development

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

    e. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director Public Works

E.Licensing Board - Renewals

  1. E1.3-Month Review for AZJ Aidan’s d/b/a Aidan’s Pub, Michael Cockcroft, 5 John Street – Modification of Dancing and Entertainment License for expansion of premises (to include outdoor entertainment on Fridays) (continued from October 22nd)

    a. follow up/update from Bristol Police Department to Jeff Quinlan (November 5, 2025)

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Police Chief

  2. E2.Kevin Amaral, Vigilant Brewing 44 Ballou Blvd., requests modifications to Dancing & Entertainment License (adding additional days and hours)

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

    c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Community Development

F.Petitions - Other

  1. F1.Frank Fales, Carnival Chairman for the Fourth of July Sub Committee  Request Use of Town Common for Carnival, June 19 – July 4, 2026, from 5:00-10:00 pm - (Complete shutdown of the carnival will be 10:30 pm) and July 4th from 12:00-6:00 pm.  (Set-up dates will begin on June 15th with the removal date of July 5 & 6, 2026)

    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 Department of Public Works

  2. F2.Marianne Bergenholtz, 366 Hope Street, Unit 1, requesting Council consideration to maintain the current number of BV liquor licenses (33) to allow for the application for restaurant -Bistro 205

  3. F3.Sara Castilloux, 9 Third School Street, requests existing Accessible parking spot be relocated for driveway accessibility

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Public Works

  4. F4.Dean Greg Bowman, Roger Williams University, request for Council consideration to proclaim January 30th as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution

    a. (draft) Proclamation

G.Appointments

  1. G1.Tree Warden - one-year term set to expire January 2027

    a. Steven Saracino, 219 A Queens River Drive - interest/reappointment

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator Contente

  2. G2.Board of Fire Engineers (terms to expire February 2027)

    a. recommendation- Fire Chief DeMello

  3. G3.North & East Burial Grounds Commission – One (1) five-year expired term ending January 2031; one (1) five-year unexpired term ending January 2028; and one (1) five-year unexpired term ending January 2029.

    a. Joshua Cabral, 192 Wood Street - letter of resignation

    b. Salome Farya, 367 High Street - interest/appointment

  4. G4.Rogers Free Library Board of Trustees - 2 three-year terms set to expire January 2029

    a. Kasey Feijo, 667 Metacom Avenue, Unit 16 - resignation

    b. Marie Knapman, 14 Goulart Avenue - interest/reappointment

  5. G5.Special Constables/Fire Police appointments to fill one-year term(s) set to expire January 2027

    a. Recommendation: Fire Chief DeMello

  6. G6.Special Constables/Private Investigators, Matrons & Retiree Officers - appointments to fill one-year term(s) set to expire January 2027

    a. recommendation - Police Chief Lynch

H.Old Business

  1. H1.RI State Police- Office of the Superintendent and Director of Public Safety requests approval of the installation of a Flock Safety camera in the Town of Bristol (continued from 11/12/2025)

    a. (Draft ) RISP policy (written directive) 

    b. (Draft )MOU between the RISP and Bristol Police Department

    c. (Draft) Bristol Police Department policy on ALPR (Flock)

    d. Chief Kevin M. Lynch – ALPR (Flock) Comments and Research for the Bristol Town Council

    e. Copy of resolution passed by the Bristol Town Council in 2017 (To Protect Immigrants in the Town of Bristol) 

    f. Director Mark Porter, RWU  Public Safety- Letter of Support 

    g. Sharon and Warren Wollschlager- 123 Beach Road- Letter of Opposition

    h. Members of Stand-up RI- Letter of Concern 

  2. H2.Kayla DaSilva, 205 Franklin St, Unit 2, requests council consideration to keep Holiday lights installed after Christmas and reactivate them for one month in June or July. (continued from 1/7/2026)

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Public Works

I.Other New Business Requiring Town Council Action

  1. I1.Discussion and possible action to propose amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance to establish a public hearing process when required license documents are not provided in a timely manner

  2. I2.(Draft) FY 2026–2027 Budget Schedule
    Discussion and possible action to amend the date of the provisional budget vote from April 1, 2026, to March 25, 2026 (Special Town Council Meeting)

  3. I3.Director Rensehausen, Bristol Parks and Recreation – Beach Fee Modifications
    Discussion and possible action to amend beach parking and season pass fees, including updates to the Town fee schedule.

    a. (Draft) Resolution Bristol Parks and Recreation Beach Parking fee and Season Pass modifications

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 1079 - Real Estate Brokerage Services for the Former Byfield School

  2. J2.Bid 1080- Stage and Sound-Bristol 4th of July Concert Series 2026

K.Special Reports

L.Town Solicitor

M.Executive Sessions

  1. M1.Executive Session pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(1) for discussion related to the job performance, character, or physical or mental health of a person or persons

  2. M2.Executive Session pursuant to RIGL § 42-46-5 (a)(5) Discussion or consideration related to the Acquisition or 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 Fire Department Board of Engineers Meeting Minutes - January 5, 2026

  2. (CA) AA2.Zoning Board of Review Meeting Minutes - December 1, 2025

  3. (CA) AA3.Rogers Free Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes - November 20, 2025

  4. (CA) AA4.Planning Board Meeting Minutes - December 11, 2026

(CA) BB.Budget Adjustments

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

  1. (CA) BB1.Tax Assessor Leadem - Recommended Abatement & Additions as of January 28, 2026

(CA) CC.Financial Reports

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

  1. (CA) CC1.Town Treasurer Carulli - YTD - Budget Actuals for the month-end of January 

(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 - Caron Jewelers - Recognizes and Congratulates on the Occasion of it 70th Anniversary and Sincere Appreciation for its Many Years of Service to Town of Bristol

  2. (CA) DD2.Commendation - Congratulates Christopher Stone on Earning the Esteemed Rank of Eagle Scout

  3. (CA) DD3.Resolution No. 2026-1-07-I1 - Town Council with the Advice of the Bristol Harbor Commission, Desires to Amend the Fee for Off-Season Parking at the Marina Ferry Dock

  4. (CA) DD4.Resolution No 2026-1-07-I2 Policy for Conducting Bureau of Criminal Identification Checks for Applicants to the Town Board, Commission, Committee, or Town Appointment Positions (signed)

  5. (CA) DD5.Citation - The Portuguese Beneficial Association Dom Luiz Filipe (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.Town of Exeter Resolution no. 2025-08 Regarding the Restoration of General Revenue Sharing to Cities and Towns

(CA) GG.Distributions/Communications

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

  1. (CA) GG1.Town Clerk Cordeiro to Mr. Steve Pristawa - Referral for review of Traffic Conditions at the Intersection of Jameson Drive and Metacom Ave

  2. (CA) GG2.State Traffic Commission Secretary Sean Raymond to Town of Bristol-  regarding the request for installation of an exclusive pedestrian phase at Metacom Ave and Gooding Ave

  3. (CA) GG3.Director of Parks & Recreation, Rensehausen to Town Administrator Contente re BYSA request for Power to storage shed

  4. (CA) GG4.Town Administrator Contente to Peter Squatrito, The Beach Shack re Extension of Bid #1004 - Bristol Town Beach Concession

  5. (CA) GG5.Town Administrator Contente to Courtney Poissant, CP's Catering re Bid Award No. 1076

  6. (CA) GG6.Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, Mount Hope Bridge - Alternating Lane Closures, Dehumidification Project

  7. (CA) GG7.Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission re Distribution of Cannabis Licenses 

  8. (CA) GG8.State of RI State Traffic Commission to Town of Bristol regarding request for the installation of a traffic signal at Metacom Ave. and Jameson Dr. - STC Agenda February 4, 2026

(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.Conservation Commission Meeting - January 6, 2026

  2. (CA) HH2.Harbor Commission Bristol Harbor Protection Team Subcommittee Meeting - January 12, 2026

  3. (CA) HH3.Bristol Republican Town Committee 2026 Calendar

  4. (CA) HH4.Planning Board Meeting - January 8, 2026

  5. (CA) HH5.Bristol Fourth of July Committee Carnival Subcommittee Meeting - January 12, 2026

  6. (CA) HH6.Bristol Fourth of July Committee Ball Subcommittee Meeting - January 12, 2026

  7. (CA) HH7.BCWA Public Hearing Meeting - January 22, 2026

  8. (CA) HH8.Bristol Christmas Festival General Committee Meeting - January 12, 2026

  9. (CA) HH9.Bristol Fourth of July Committee General Committee Meeting  - January 15, 2026

  10. (CA) HH10.Rogers Free Library Board of Trustees Meeting - January 15, 2026

  11. (CA) HH11.The North and East Burial Grounds Commission Meeting - January 14, 2026

  12. (CA) HH12.Bristol Housing Authority Meeting - January 22, 2026

  13. (CA) HH13.BCWA Board of Directors Meeting - January 22, 2026

  14. (CA) HH14.Zoning Board of Review Meeting - February 2, 2026

  15. (CA) HH15.Planning Board Comprehensive Plan Update Meeting - January 22, 2026

  16. (CA) HH16.Fourth of July Subcommittee Monte Carlo Night Meeting - January 22, 2026

  17. (CA) HH17.Recreation Board Meeting - January 28, 2026

  18. (CA) HH18.Recreation Board 2026 Meeting Schedule

(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”

(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”

Adjourned: ______________________

/mc

Posted: January 23, 2026