Town Council Meeting Wednesday, April 01, 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/81856691764, or by visiting zoom.com meeting code 818-5669-1764. 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:
April 13, 2026 - Public Hearing on Budget
April 22, 2026 - Town Council Meeting
April 27, 2026 - Final Budget Adoption
May 13, 2026 - Town Council Meeting
June 3, 2026 - Town Council Meeting

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 Draft Meeting Minutes - March 11, 2026

  2. A2.*Town Council Executive Session Meeting Minutes (sealed, council only) -March 11, 2026 

  3. A3.Town Council Budget Workshop Minutes - March 16, 2026

  4. A4.Town Council Budget Workshop Minutes - March 17, 2026

  5. A5.Town Council Budget Workshop Minutes - March 18, 2026

  6. A6.Special Meeting Minutes - March 25, 2026

B.Public Hearings

  1. B1.Executive Director, Karen Binder, Blithewold Inc, 101 Ferry Road - Request for a Class BVL (limited) Liquor License (see also C1, D1)

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

    c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Community Development

  2. B2.Kelly and Lawrence Saulnier, East Landing, 205 Thames Street - Request for BVL (limited) Intoxicating Beverage License (see also C3, D2, D3)

    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 Water Pollution Control

  3. B3.Alicia V. Saldana, Qhali Corporation, d/b/a Qhali Kitchen, 34 Gooding Avenue, request for Transfer of Class BV Liquor License to Toufic Walid Assi, Qhali Bar & Grill, LLC d/b/a Qhali Bar & Grill (see also D4, D5, D6)

    a. Notice of Claim - Madina Petashvili

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

    d. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Community Development

C.Ordinances

  1. C1.Ordinance 2026-02 - Chapter 17, Article II Alcoholic Beverages Establishments, Section 17-82 – (to increase the number of BVL (limited) Licenses from four to five) (2nd Reading) (see also B1, D1)

  2. C2.Ordinance No 2026-04 Changes to Chapter 11 Fee Changes Sec. 11-1 Comprehensive fee schedule of fees - (removal of beach fees now set by resolution) (2nd Reading)

  3. C3.Ordinance 2026-05 - Chapter 17, Article II Alcoholic Beverages Establishments, Section 17-82 – (to increase the number of BVL (limited) Licenses from five to six) (2nd Reading) (see also B2, D2, D3)

D.Licensing Board - New Petitions

  1. D1.Executive Director, Karen Binder, Blithewold Inc, 101 Ferry Road - Request for a Class BVL (limited)  Liquor License (see also B1, C1)

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

    c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Community Development

  2. D2.Kelly and Lawrence Saulnier, East Landing, 205 Thames Street - Request for BVL (limited) Intoxicating Beverage License (see also B2, C3, D3) 

    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 Water Pollution Control

  3. D3.Kelly and Lawrence Saulnier, East Landing, 205 Thames Street - Request for Victualling License (see also B2, C3, 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 Water Pollution

  4. D4.Toufic Walid Assi, Qhali Bar & Grill, LLC d/b/a Qhali Bar & Grill 34 Gooding Avenue, request for Class BV Liquor License (transfer) (see also B3, D5, D6)

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

    c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Community Development

  5. D5.Toufic Walid Assi, Qhali Bar & Grill, LLC d/b/a Qhali Bar & Grill 34 Gooding Avenue, request for a Victualling License (see also B3, D4, D6)

    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 Water Pollution

  6. D6.Toufic Walid Assi, Qhali Bar & Grill, LLC dba Qhali Bar & Grill 34 Gooding Avenue, request for a Dancing & Entertainment License (see also B3, D4, D5)

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

  7. D7.Victor Gomes, Vic's Corner, 265 Wood Street- request for a Victualling License (take out only)

    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 Water Pollution Control

    e. memo- Town Clerk Cordeiro re: License  Application Status

  8. D8.Rosa Paiva, St. Elizabeth’s Church United Brotherhood Committee, 577 Wood Street – Request for One-Day Dancing and Entertainment License (Live Auction), May 23, 2026, from 5:30PM – 11:00PM

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief 

  9. D9.Rosa Paiva, St. Elizabeth’s Church United Brotherhood Committee, 577 Wood Street – Request for One-Day Dancing and Entertainment License(s), May 29,2026 (6PM – 11PM), May 30, 2026 (6PM – 11PM), and Sunday, May 31, 2026 (6PM – 10PM) 

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief 

  10. D10.Rosa Paiva, St. Elizabeth’s Church Santo Christo Committee, 577 Wood Street – Request for One-Day Dancing and Entertainment License (Live Auction), June 6, 2026 from 6:00PM – 11:00PM 

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

  11. D11.Rosa Paiva, St. Elizabeth’s Church Santo Christo Committee, 577 Wood Street – Request for One-Day Dancing and Entertainment License(s), June 5,2026 (6PM – 11PM), June 6, 2026 (6PM – 11PM), and Sunday, June 7, 2026 (6PM – 10PM) 

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief 

E.Licensing Board - Renewals

F.Petitions - Other

  1. F1.James Doherty, 106 Bradford Street requesting an additional accessible parking spot located near residence

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Public Works

  2. F2.Jordan Sawyer, East Bay Restaurant Group Corp., d/b/a Bristol Oyster Bar, 448 Hope Street, request for Transfer of Class BV Liquor License to Adolfo Escoto, Don Taco & Tequila, LLC d/b/a Don Taco & Tequila
    (call for public hearing on 4/22/26)

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

    b. recommendation - Town Administrator and Fire Chief

    c. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Community Development

G.Appointments

  1. G1.Bristol Fourth of July Committee - proposed membership 2025-2027 (two-year term)

    a. recommendation - Ana Barboza Motta, General Chairwoman, Bristol Fourth of July Committee

  2. G2.Harbor Commission - 1 unexpired three-year term set to expire March 2029

    a. Vaso "Skip" Castro, III 101 Woodlawn Avenue- interest in appointment

    b . Raymond DeLeo, 3 Captain Street - interest in appointment

    c. Bruce Palumbo, 6 Mallory Court - interest in appointment

    d. Michael Tamulaites, 51 Everett Avenue - interest in appointment

H.Old Business

  1. H1.Dana Card, 23 Dixon Avenue requests the installation of no-parking boxes across the street from the residence (continued from 3/11/2026)

    a. request to withdraw

  2. H2.Maria Angie Medeiros, Executive Director, Bristol Housing Authority re- Council consideration of a proposed amendment to the existing PILOT Agreement.   (continued from 3/11/2026)

    a. Tax Assessor/Collector Leadem - BHA/PILOT Agreement

  3. H3.Sara Castilloux, 9 Third School Street, requests existing Accessible parking spot be relocated for driveway accessibility  (continued from 1/28/2026)

    a. recommendation update - Town Administrator and Chief of Police

  4. H4.Director of Parks and Recreation, Renshausen
    Request for Town Council consideration of proposed amendments to Chapter 18 concerning the Recreation Board, Sec. 18-41 (Created; Members; Terms; Compensation) to revise the number of board members and to clarify the advisory role of the Recreation Board (continued from 2/18/2026)

    a. Draft Ordinance

    b. Communication- Director Renshausen- request to table the matter at this time

I.Other New Business Requiring Town Council Action

  1. I1.Director Rensehausen re propose renaming Former Walley School Building

  2. I2.Police Chief Lynch – Request for a Show Cause Hearing regarding the Dancing and Entertainment License and the *Class BV liquor License for Aidan’s Pub (call for show cause hearing 4/22/2026) 

  3. I3.Public Notice DEM, Office of Water Resources re Herreshoff Marine Museum Marina - William Lynn, 1 Barnside Street, requires a response by April 6, 2026

  4. I4.Town Administrator Contente requests Council consideration and action on Process Changes to Wastewater Biosolids and Compost Facility Operation

  5. I5.Director Williamson request letter of support for Congressionally Directed Spending of DPW Salt Storage Shed and Mechanic's Garage

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 1086 - Bristol End of Roadway Improvements

K.Special Reports

L.Town Solicitor

M.Executive Sessions

  1. M1.Town Administrator Contente request for Executive Session pursuant to RIGL § 42-46-5, (a)(2) potential litigation

  2. M2.Director Williamson request for Executive Session pursuant to RIGL § 42-46-5, (a)(5) - Any discussions or considerations related to the acquisition(s) or lease(s) of real property for public purposes. 

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 Planning Board Meeting Minutes - February 12, 2026

  2. (CA) AA2.Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 3, 2026

  3. (CA) AA3.Bristol 250th Commission (Amended Approved) Meeting Minutes - February 11, 2026

  4. (CA) AA4.Bristol 250th Commission (Amended Approved) Meeting Minutes - March 11, 2026

  5. (CA) AA5.Bristol Housing Authority Meeting Minutes - February 12, 2026

(CA) BB.Budget Adjustments

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

(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 March 2026

(CA) DD.Proclamations, Resolutions & Citations

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

  1. (CA) DD1.Resolution 2026-3-11-(F5) Bristol Fourth of July Celebration - 2026

  2. (CA) DD2.Joint Municipal Statement of Rhode Island Municipalities Regarding the 2025 State Affordable Housing Laws

(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. 2026-03 - In Support of Rhode Island House Bill 7356 and Senate Bill 2216

  2. (CA) FF2.Town of Exeter Resolution No. 2026-04 - In Support of Legislation Allowing Exeter to Establish a Tax Exemption for 100% Service-Connected Disabled Veterans

  3. (CA) FF3.Town of Exeter Resolution No. 2026-01 - Supporting Healthcare Advocacy and Fair Reimbursement to Preserve Local Access to Care

  4. (CA) FF4.Town of Exeter Resolution No. 2026-02 - In Support of Senate Bill S2275 House Bill H7447

  5. (CA) FF5.Town of Warren Resolution to the General Assembly Exemption for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities as Well as Persons with Neurological Disorders

  6. (CA) FF6.Town of Warren Resolution to the General Assembly - Amendment of the Wavemaker Fellowship

  7. (CA) FF7.Town of South Kingstown - Resolution in Support of Establishing Reimbursement for Community Paramedic Programs

  8. (CA) FF8.Town of Tiverton Resolution 2026-0006 - In Support of H-7298 Relating to Tax Classification in Tiverton

  9. (CA) FF9.Town of Tiverton Resolution 2026-0007 - In Support of H 8181 Relating to State Affairs and Government

  10. (CA) FF10.Town of Tiverton Resolution 2026-0008 - In Support of H 8029 Relating to Taxation

  11. (CA) FF11.Town of Tiverton Resolution 2026-0009 - In Support of H 8025 Relating to Taxation

  12. (CA) FF12.Town of Tiverton Resolution 2026-0010 - In Support of H 8026 Relating to Taxation

  13. (CA) FF13.Town of Smithfield - Resolution in Support of Senate Bill S-2917 and House Bill H-8015

  14. (CA) FF14.Resolution of the Smithfield Town Council in Support of Municipalities Collaborating in Reviewing, Analyzing, and Responding to the 2024 and 2025 Affordable Housing Laws

  15. (CA) FF15.Town of Richmond Resolution 2026-3 - Requesting the General Assembly Consider Swift Action to Change the Date of the September 2026 Rhode Island Statewide Primary Election Due to Concerns Regarding the Labor Day Holiday

  16. (CA) FF16.Town of Richmond Resolution 2026-6 - In Support of Rhode House Bill H7224

  17. (CA) FF17.Town of Lincoln Resolution 2026-2 - Related to Low and Moderate Income Housing

  18. (CA) FF18.Town of Lincoln Resolution 2026-3 - In Support of Municipalities Collaborating in Reviewing, Analyzing, and Responding to the 2024 and 2025 Affordable Housing Laws

  19. (CA) FF19.Town of Lincoln Resolution 2026-4 - To the Honorable RI General Assembly an Amendment to Title 44 Chapter 3 of the Rhode Island General Laws

  20. (CA) FF20.Town of Lincoln Resolution 2026-5 - Congratulating the Enrico Caruso Society on the 100th Anniversary of its Founding

  21. (CA) FF21.Town of Lincoln Resolution 2026-6 - To the Honorable RI General Assembly in Opposition to House Bill H8073 and Senate Bill 2710

  22. (CA) FF22.Town of Lincoln Resolution to the Honorable RI General Assembly in Support of House Bill H 7971

  23. (CA) FF23.Town of Lincoln Resolution to the Honorable RI General Assembly in Support of Joint Resolution 7678

  24. (CA) FF24.Town of Warren Joint Resolution Creating a Workgroup to Study and Report on the Long-Term Fiscal Health and Revenue Structure of the Bristol-Warren Regional School District

  25. (CA) FF25.Town of East Greenwich Resolution 2026.08 - Supporting the Implementation of the Rhode Island Blue Ribbon Commission on Education Funding Recommendations

  26. (CA) FF26.Town of East Greenwich Resolution 2026.09 - Regarding Low-And-Moderate-Income Housing

(CA) GG.Distributions/Communications

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

  1. (CA) GG1.Paul Blasbalg - Letter Regarding Appointment to Zoning Board of Review

  2. (CA) GG2.Heidi Vermilyea - Letter Regarding Appointment to Recreation Board

  3. (CA) GG3.Rachael Martin - Letter Regarding Appointment to Waypoyset Trust

  4. (CA) GG4.Tim Palmer - Letter Regarding Appointment to Recreation Board

  5. (CA) GG5.RIPTA Photo ID Bus Pass

  6. (CA) GG6.CRMC Public Notice 2025-12-079 - Herreshoff Marine Museum 1 Burnside Street 

  7. (CA) GG7.DEM Deer Archery Cooperative Map of Expanded Area

  8. (CA) GG8.Bid 1085 - School Bus Transportation Services, Award Letter

  9. (CA) GG9.Bid 1084 - Bristol Community Development Block Grant Administrative Services, Award Letter

  10. (CA) GG10.Bid 1082 - Portable Toilets for the 241st and 242nd Fourth of July Celebrations, Award Letter

(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.Bristol Fourth of July Committee Souvenir Print Subcommittee Meeting - March 18, 2026

  2. (CA) HH2.Bristol Fourth of July Committee Beverage Tasting Subcommittee Meeting - March 16, 2026

  3. (CA) HH3.Bristol Fourth of July Committee General Committee Meeting - March 18, 2026

  4. (CA) HH4.Planning Board Meeting - March 12, 2026 (Cancelled)

  5. (CA) HH5.Bristol Christmas Festival Committee Meeting - March 9, 2026

  6. (CA) HH6.Housing Authority Meeting - March 19, 2026

  7. (CA) HH7.The North and East Burial Grounds Commission Meeting - March 11, 2026

  8. (CA) HH8.Bristol County Water Authority Finance Committee Meeting - March 11, 2026

  9. (CA) HH9.Bristol Warren Regional School District Joint Finance Committee Meeting - March 19, 2026

  10. (CA) HH10.Recreation Board Meeting - March 18, 2026

  11. (CA) HH11.Bristol Fourth of July Committee Souvenir Sub-Committee Meeting - March 18, 2026

  12. (CA) HH12.Bristol Fourth of July Committee Spring Breakfast Sub-Committee Meeting - March 23, 2026

  13. (CA) HH13.Rogers Free Library Board of Trustees Meeting - March 19, 2026

  14. (CA) HH14.BCWA Board of Directors Meeting - March 26, 2026

  15. (CA) HH15.Historic District Commission Meeting - March 30, 2026

  16. (CA) HH16.Zoning Board of Review Meeting - April 6, 2026

  17. (CA) HH17.Planning Board Comprehensive Plan Update Meeting - March 26, 2026

  18. (CA) HH18.Bristol Fourth of July Committee Photography Contest Subcommittee Meeting - March 31, 2026

  19. (CA) HH19.Bristol Fourth of July Committee Archival/Memorabilia Subcommittee Meeting - March 31, 2026

  20. (CA) HH20.Bristol Fourth of July Committee Macaroni Supper Subcommittee Meeting - March 30, 2026

  21. (CA) HH21.Bristol Fourth of July Committee Souvenir Subcommittee Meeting - March 26, 2026

  22. (CA) HH22.Bristol Fourth of July Committee Bingo Subcommittee Meeting - March 30, 2026

(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.Paul Znamirowski, 56 Court Street - claim for damage

  2. (CA) II2.Karen Gieseke, 9 Court Street - claim for damage

  3. (CA) II3.Marie Troiano, 72 Oliver Street - claim for damages

  4. (CA) II4.Brian Leite, 44 Anthony Avenue - claim for damages

(CA) JJ.Miscellaneous Items Requiring Council Approval

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

  1. (CA) JJ1.Golf Course Operation and Management Agreement

  2. (CA) JJ2.Use & Access Agreement - Town of Bristol/Mount Hope Church-Reynolds School

(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.Manuel Caetano, 47 Belvedere Drive - request for curb cut

    a. recommendation - Town Administrator and Director of Public Works

Adjourned: ______________________

/mc

Posted: March 27, 2026