Minutes 2026-04-13

PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 13, 2026

MINUTES

6:00 PM – Town Council Chambers, Portsmouth Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sondra Blank, David M. Gleason, Mary A. McDowell, Sharlene Patton,
Juan Carlos Payero, and David Reise
MEMBERS ABSENT: Keith E. Hamilton
Time: 6:01 PM
EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to go into Executive Session under RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) made by
Mr. Payero, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed 6-0.
Time: 6:04 PM Mr. Hamilton arrives
1. RIGL 42-46-5(a) (2) – Sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation, or work
Sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation. – Status reports from Town Solicitors
on pending and threatened litigation involving the Town of Portsmouth. – No votes taken.
2. RIGL 42-46-5(a) (2) – Sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation, or work
Sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation. – One vote taken.
3. RIGL 42-46-5(a) (2) – Sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation, or work
Sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation. – No votes taken.
4. RIGL 42-46-5(a) (2) – Sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation, or work
Sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation. – No votes taken.
ADJOURN – Motion to go into recess and return to Open Session made by Mr. Payero, seconded
by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
Time: 7:01 PM
7:00 PM – Town Council Chambers, Portsmouth Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road
Time: 7:07 PM

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

SITTING AS THE PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL

1. Roll Call
PRESIDENT’S EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Mr. Hamilton reported that there were two votes
taken in the affirmative one 6-0 and one 4-2, in Executive at the March 23, 2026 meeting. The
Executive Session held prior to this meeting is currently in recess and will return to Executive
Session after the meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT

The following spoke during the Public Comment section of the agenda:
1. David Fiorello, 45 Hamilton Dr. – Thank you and appreciation of Town Staff
2. Bonnie Brake, 86 Summit Rd. – Concerns regarding licensing for the Portsmouth Portuguese American

TCM 4/13/26
Page 2
Club and against fee waivers
CONSENT AGENDA – Motion to approve as presented made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr.
Payero. Motion passed 6-0-1. Ms. McDowell recused.
Directions to view licensing applications: 1) Click OpenGov, 2) Click Search, 3) Click Records, and then
type in the record number listed on the agenda, 4) Click on the highlighted record to view the application.
1. Bills
Payment Voucher #1384 on 3/19/26 in the amount of $600,655.95 as approved by the
Finance Director
Payment Voucher #1396 on 3/26/26 in the amount of $35,441.25 as approved by the
Finance Director
Payment Voucher #1412 on 4/02/26 in the amount of $122,157.18 as approved by the
Finance Director
2. Committee Minutes:
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee 3/26/26 (Draft)
Economic Development Committee 1/28/26
Solid Waste/Recycling Committee 3/12/26 (Draft)
3. Peddler License – Mobile Food Establishment (MFE), Renewal:
Domenic Daniel d/b/a The Daily Grind, 2121 Elmwood Avenue, Warwick (#9434)
4. Peddler License – Specific Event:
Rugby Imports, Ltd., 885 Warren Ave, East Providence, for the Beast of the East Collegiate
Rugby Tournament, Gardner Seveney Sports Complex, April 18 & 19, 2026 (#9439)
5. CRMC – Public Notice 2025-11-015
Joseph & Mary McDowell, Portsmouth, RI 02871 for a State of Rhode Island Assent to
construct and maintain an as-built residential boating facility consisting of a 5’x81’ fixed
timber pier, a 3’x22’ ramp, two 4’x31’ floats, and two tie off piles. The tie off piles
extending 75ft beyond mean low water. The existing facility was not built in accordance
with the approved 1984-05-013 plans. A variance to CRMC Redbook section
1.3.1(D)(11)(1) is required where the facility extends 25ft beyond the 50ft standard. Project
Location: 94 Point Road.

SITTING AS THE BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

Directions to view licensing applications: 1) Click OpenGov, 2) Click Search, 3) Click Records, and then
type in the record number listed on the agenda, 4) Click on the highlighted record to view the application.
1. Entertainment License:
Portsmouth Portuguese American Citizens Club, 35 Power St, for the St. Anthony’s
Feast, July 16-19, 2026, 8:00am – 1:00am (#9420) (fr. 3/23/26)
2. Victualler License:
Portsmouth Portuguese American Citizens Club, 35 Power St, for the St. Anthony’s
Feast, July 16-19, 2026, 8:00am – 1:00am (#9421) (fr. 3/23/26) – The Entertainment and
Victualler Licenses will come back upon completion and approval of all Building and Fire
Inspections. Once completed notify the Clerk to place items back on the agenda for approval.
3. Entertainment License:
Portsmouth Youth Soccer Association, PO Box 428, for the Portsmouth Youth Soccer
Invitational Tournament, Gardner Seveney Sports Complex, June 21-22, 2026 (#9446)
– Motion to approve made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Entertainment License:
St. Barnabas Church, Annual Festival, 1697 East Main Rd, June 19-21, 2026 (#9437)
– Motion to approve made by Mr. Payero, seconded by Mr. Gleason. Motion passed unanimously.

TCM 4/13/26
Page 3
5. Victualler License – Specific Event with Fee Waiver Request:
St. Barnabas Church, Annual Festival, 1697 East Main Rd, June 19-21, 2026 (#9438)
– Motion to approve made Mr. Payero, seconded by Ms. Blank. Motion passed 6-1. Mr. Gleason in
dissent.
6. Class F Daily Liquor License:
St. Barnabas Church, Annual Festival, 1697 East Main Rd, June 19-21, 2026 (#9437)
– Motion to approve made by Mr. Payero, seconded by Mr. Gleason. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN – Motion to adjourn as the Board of License Commissioners made by Mr. Gleason,
seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
MINUTES – Motion to approve as presented made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton.
Motion passed unanimously.
3/16/26

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

1. DEM Outdoor Recreation Grant Award – The Town has been awarded a DEM Outdoor
Recreation Grant of almost $156K for the Portsmouth Senior Living Outdoor Fitness Facility.
This was a very competitive round, with 50 applications totaling more than $16 million, and our
project was identified as exceptional and will support expanded outdoor recreation opportunities for
our senior community. I want to thank our Planning Department, and especially Lea Hitchen, for
their work on a successful application. We’ll be coordinating with DEM on next steps, including
grant agreements and permitting, before the project moves forward.
2. FEMA approval of Aquidneck Island Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan – I also want to share
that FEMA has formally approved the 2025 Aquidneck Island Regional Hazard Mitigation and
Flood Management Plan, which includes Portsmouth, Newport, and Middletown. This approval is
effective through March 2031 and confirms that the plan meets all federal requirements.
Importantly, this keeps the Town eligible to apply for FEMA mitigation funding to support projects
that reduce risk from flooding and other natural hazards. I want to recognize the work of our
Emergency Management team, Planning Department, and our regional partners in developing this
plan and seeing it through the approval process.
3. Budget update – The proposed Town budget, School Dept budget, and CIVIC Support requests
have all been submitted to you. The budget meetings will start April 27th, with a budget overview
and review of revenues. Proposed expenditures will commence on Tuesday, April 28th.

RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

1. Appointments:
Conservation Commission – Motion to appoint Susan Cook made by Mr. Gleason, seconded
by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
Tree Warden (Re-Appt) – Motion to reappoint John Fitzgerald made by Mr. Gleason,
seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS (Discussion/Action)
1. Request approval for Portsmouth School Bond Memorializing Resolution. – Motion to approve
made by Mr. Payero, seconded by Ms. Blank. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Portsmouth Community Electricity summer 2026 update amended pdf backup. – No votes taken.
3. Request adoption of Sign Ordinance as amended. – Motion to approve made by Mr. Payero,
seconded by Ms. Blank. Motion passed 4-3. Ms. Patton, Mr. Reise and Mr. Gleason in dissent.
4. Update on LMI resolution of January, 27, 2026. – Motion to proceed with the next step in the
resolution with approval of attorney fees not to exceed $20,000 from the contingency fund and

TCM 4/13/26
Page 4
subject to a minimum of 6 communities committing at least $35,000 to go forward made by Mr.
Gleason, seconded by Mr. Reise. Motion passed 5-2. Mr. Payero and Ms. Blank in dissent.
NEW BUSINESS (Discussion/Action)
1. Request to advertise for a public hearing for a sound variance to allow for live music for the
Common Fence Point Improvement Association block party at 933 Anthony Rd on July 11,
2026, from 5:00-10:00 p.m. (OpenGov #9443). – Motion to approve advertising for a public
hearing to be heard at the May 11, 2026 meeting made by Mr. Payero, seconded by Ms. Blank.
Motion passed 6-0-1. Mr. Gleason recused.
2. Butts Hill Fort Restoration Committee 2026 Annual Plans. – No votes taken.
3. Request to amend Ordinance 99-6-28 -An Ordinance Relating to Adjustment of Tax
Exemptions in Years of Town Wide Real Property Reevaluation. – Motion to approve made by
Mr. Payero, seconded by Mr. Gleason. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Review of the process and timeline for discovery of the error with our completed and
accepted audit. – Motion to require any correspondence from our auditors, or the general officers
or courts of the state, be included either in correspondence or the Town Administrator’s report and
be presented to the Town Council at the next regularly scheduled meeting made by Ms. McDowell,
seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE – Motion to receive and place on file made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by
Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
1. Resolutions adopted on March 3, 2026. / Richmond Town Council
a. Requesting the General Assembly consider changing the date for the statewide primary

due to the Labor Day holiday.
b. In support of House Bill H7224 (2026 – An Act Relating to Towns and Cities – Award
of Municipal Contracts).
2. Letter informing of the start of construction for pavement improvements – West Main Rd and
Sprague St. / Rhode Island Dept. of Transportation
3. Letter in favor of not renting Seveney Fields to outside groups. / N. & M. Reaser
4. Letter of support for Community Blessings Foundation’s Healthy Living in Recovery Housing
Project. / T. Cortvriend, State Representative, District 72
5. Resolutions adopted on April 6, 2026. / Hopkinton Town Council
a. Opposing Senate Bill 2389 and House Bill 7305 relating to the Access to Public Records
Act (APRA).
b. In opposition to House Bills H7035, H7755, H8068, H8071, and H8075.
c. In support of House Bill H7971 increasing the threshold for prevailing wage.
6. Resolutions adopted on March 17, 2026. / Lincoln Town Council
a. Related to low and moderate income housing.
b. In support of municipalities collaborating in reviewing, analyzing, and responding to the
2024 and 2025 Affordable Housing Laws.
c. To enable the Lincoln Town Council to enact a tax credit for veterans.
d. In opposition to House Bill H 8073 and Senate Bill 2710.
e. In support of House Bill H 7971.
f. In support of Joint Resolution 7678.
7. Monthly RIRRC Report. / Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp.
8. Resolutions adopted on March 23, 2026. / South Kingstown Town Council
a. Supporting the Rhode Island bottle and extended producer responsibility bills (H 7911
and S 3012)

TCM 4/13/26
Page 5
b. Proclaiming April 24, 2026 as “Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day” to commemo-
rate the Armenian Genocide of 1915 to 1923, and in honor of Armenian Americans.
c. In support of House Bill 2026-8018 entitled an act relating to Health and Safety -- State
Building Code.
9. Resolutions adopted on April 6, 2026. / Middletown Town Council
a. In support of Municipalities collaborating in reviewing, analyzing, and responding to the
2025 Affordable Housing Laws.
b. In support of fully funding state aid to libraries to the full twenty-five (25) percent.
c. In support of amendments to the FY2027 State Budget to fully fund certain education
costs.
d. Opposing a statewide nonowner occupied property tax.
e. Urging full funding of the school housing aid program.
10. Resolution in support of Municipalities collaborating in reviewing, analyzing, and responding to
the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws. / Westerly Town Council
11. Resolution in support of House Bill 8015 defining accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as
affordable housing in municipalities with no minimum lot size for ADUs. / Barrington Town
Council
12. Invitation to the Aquidneck Island National Police Parade on May 3, 2026. / Sgt. B. Celico
FUTURE MEETINGS
Apr 27 7:00 PM – Town Council Meeting
Apr 28 7:00 PM – Town Council Budget Hearing
Apr 29 7:00 PM – Town Council Budget Hearing
Apr 30 7:00 PM – Town Council Budget Hearing (If needed)
May 11 7:00 PM – Town Council Meeting
Time: 9:00 PM
EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to return to Executive Session made by Mr. Gleason, seconded
by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN – Motion to seal the minutes and return to open session made by Mr. Gleason, seconded
by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
Time: 9:30 PM

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

OPEN SESSION – Mr. Hamilton reported out that there were two votes taken in Executive Session.
One vote was 6-1 and one was 5-2.
ADJOURN – Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed
unanimously.
Time: 9:30 PM

________

Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk