Minutes 2026-01-27

PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 27, 2026

MINUTES

6:00 PM – Town Council Chambers, Portsmouth Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road
MEMBERS PRESENT: David M. Gleason, Sondra Blank, Keith E. Hamilton, Mary A.
McDowell, Sharlene Patton, Juan Carlos Payero, and David Reise
SCHOOL COMMITTEE: Emily Copeland, Frederick Faerber III, Isabelle Kelly, Jack Delehanty,
Brett Fox and Karen McDaid
ABSENT: Emily Skeehan
Time: 6:00 PM

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

SITTING AS THE PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL

1. Roll Call
PRESIDENT’S EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – The president thanked the DPW for all of their hard
work during the recent snowstorm.

PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

Proclamation honoring the life and legacy of Carrigan Nelson. – February 8th will forever be known
as Carrigan Nelson Day aka Cancer Warrior Day in Portsmouth.
NEW BUSINESS (Discussion/Action)
1. Joint Town Council/School Committee budget presentation. – No votes taken.
2. Approval for RIDE (Rhode Island Department of Education) Stage II Submission. – Motion to
approve made by Mr. Payero, seconded by Ms. Blank. Motion passed unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA – Motion to receive and place on file made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr.
Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
Directions to view licensing applications: 1) Click on OpenGov, 2) Click Records and then type in the
record number which is listed on the agenda, 3) Click on the highlighted record to view the application
1. Bills
Payment Voucher #1284 on 1/8/26 in the amount of $64,512.61 as approved by the
Finance Director
Payment Voucher #1291 on 1/15/26 in the amount of $442,489.21 as approved by the
Finance Director
2. Committee Minutes:
Bike & Pedestrian Advisory Committee 12/18/25
Board of Canvassers 12/16/25

Parks and Recreation 11/20/25
MINUTES – Motion to receive as presented made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero.
Motion passed unanimously.
1/12/26

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TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

1. Mount Hope Bridge - alternating lane closures – The Rhode Island Bridge and Turnpike
Authority has begun the first phase of installing a dehumidification system on the Mount Hope
Bridge, with work continuing through April. This phase involves installing scaffolding above the
bridge deck to support future construction while keeping the bridge open to traffic. Alternating lane
closures are in effect Monday-Thursday from 9:00a.m.-3:00p.m., and Fridays from 9:00a.m.-1:00
p.m. Residents and commuters should plan for possible delays during these hours and use caution
when traveling through the work zone.
2. Governor's budget released – We highlighted earlier that the Governor’s proposed budget has
been published. State aid for the school district is proposed to increase slightly, while aid to the
Town is projected to remain relatively flat over last year. With respect to the proposed Town
budget, we are on track to deliver it to the Council at the end of March. The budget meetings are
scheduled to begin April 27th.
3. Update to Boards and Committees pages – At the Council’s request, the Town Clerk has updated
the Boards and Committees pages on the Town website to improve access to meeting information.
The pages now include direct links to upcoming meeting agendas, as well as links to past agendas
and minutes through the Secretary of State’s website.
4. Inspector fees – I was included in an email request last week from one of the Town’s contract
inspectors asking that the per-inspection fee be re-evaluated, along with some comparative
information from other communities. The current rate for electrical inspections is $35 per
inspection. The Finance Director, Planner, and I will review this as part of the upcoming budget
process, and any recommended adjustments will be brought forward to the Council for
consideration during the budget discussions this spring.
5. Winter trout & salmon stocking – Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
completed its winter trout and salmon stocking last week, and Upper Melville Pond in Portsmouth
was one of the selected locations. The pond was stocked with trout and salmon. Anglers are
reminded that a current fishing license is required for those 15 and older, and that applicable trout
stamp and regulations apply.

RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

1. Resignations:
Solid Waste Recycling Committee – Motion to accept with regret Laura Carlisle’s
resignation made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Appointments:
Prudence Island Planning Commission – Motion to appoint Joseph Fertitta and Zachary
Weinberger made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS (Discussion/Action)
1. Flock safety camera presentation. Request approval of MOU for the installation of a camera. /
Capt. M. Alboum, Rhode Island State Police – Motion to not approve the MOU for the
installation of a camera made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed
unanimously.
2. Discussion/action to garner support to enact a Moratorium to examine the effects of the 30 bills
enacted by the General Assembly over the last several years, as described by Town Planner Lea
Hitchen at the 12/8/25 Town Council meeting. Click here
a. Resolution in support of municipalities collaborating in reviewing, analyzing, and
responding to the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws. – Motion to approve made by Mr.
Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.

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TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH, RI

RESOLUTION #2026-01-27-A

RESOLUTION OF THE PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF

MUNICIPALITIES COLLABORATING IN REVIEWING, ANALYZING, AND RESPONDING
TO THE 2025 AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAWS
WHEREAS, Article XIII of the Rhode Island Constitution and the Home Rule Charter of the Town of
Portsmouth reserve to municipalities the authority to govern local affairs, including land use, zoning, and
comprehensive planning, except where expressly limited by state law; and
WHEREAS, Rhode Island General Laws §§ 45-22.2, 45-23, and 45-24 establish a comprehensive statutory
framework affirming municipal authority over land development, subdivision review, zoning, and the adoption
and implementation of locally approved comprehensive plans; and
WHEREAS, recent legislative changes were made to those General Laws (the “2025 Affordable Housing
Laws”), including but not limited to those pertaining to:

Mandated permitting of accessory dwelling units (2024 7062A/2998A)

Positioning abandoned properties for redevelopment (2024-7986Aaa/2992A);

Removing controls on procedures for approvals from permitting authorities (7949Aaa/3001A);

Limiting local zoning laws regulating affordable housing developments (2024-7948A/2999A);

Restricting wetlands zoning regulations as applied to housing development (2024-7982/2994);

Limiting local control of applications for home construction (2024-7951A/2988A); and

Undercounting mobile homes that serve as affordable housing (2024-7984Aaa/2993aa).
WHEREAS, the Town of Portsmouth recognizes the statewide need for increased housing affordability
and supports policies that promote housing opportunities while remaining consistent with constitutional home rule
principles and municipal planning authority; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 State Affordable Housing Laws impose uniform standards and procedural requirements
that may conflict with locally adopted comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, infrastructure capacity,
environmental constraints, and fiscal conditions unique to individual municipalities; and
WHEREAS, a one-size-fits-all approach to housing development risks undermining the statutory role of
municipal planning boards and zoning authorities, weakening local democratic decision-making, and creating
adverse impacts that are inconsistent with sound land-use planning; and
WHEREAS, municipalities throughout Rhode Island share common concerns regarding the scope,
interpretation, and application of the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws and their consistency with home rule
authority and established planning law; and
WHEREAS, the coordinated action of municipalities is necessary to ensure that statewide housing objectives
are pursued in a manner that is lawful, balanced, and respectful of local governance.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. RESOLVED, that the Town of Portsmouth affirms its constitutional and statutory home rule authority over local land
use, zoning, and planning, and asserts that state housing law(s) must be implemented in a manner consistent with these
principles;
2. RESOLVED, that the Town of Portsmouth calls upon other Rhode Island municipalities to collaborate in reviewing,
analyzing, and responding to the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws and their impacts on municipal authority and local
planning processes, and specifically supports coordinated municipal efforts to seek judicial review or other appropriate
legal remedies, including joint legal action where appropriate, to clarify the extent to which the law may preempt or
impair municipal home rule powers;
3. RESOLVED, that in furtherance of a collaborative approach the Town of Portsmouth directs it Town Solicitors, in
cooperation with the Solicitor or Solicitors of any other interested Rhode Island municipality willing to work
cooperatively towards these goals, to explore legal options to:
a) Enjoin the enforcement of those portions of the 2025 Affordable Housing laws which are in conflict with State
and Local Home Rule Charter provisions;
b) Enjoin the enforcement of those portions of the 2025 Affordable Housing laws which are in conflict with local
comprehensive planning documents and goals;
c) Seek guidance from the courts as to the rights of local planning and zoning authorities to impose reasonable
limits on development projects in their cities and towns;
d) Determine a reasonable timeframe to assess the impacts of accelerated and unchecked low/moderate income
housing developments on the infrastructure of a municipality, including sewer and water capacity, traffic
congestion and safety, public safety service capacity, and their schools;

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e) Allow a reasonable and workable timeframe to allow modification of comprehensive community plans in order to
permit them to be amended to conform with the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws;
f) Allow a reasonable and workable timeframe to allow assessment of the immediate impacts already felt by cities
and towns since the adoption of the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws, to allow those findings to be communicated
to the Rhode Island General Assembly, and to propose legislative changes that would serve to mitigate the most
damaging impacts of the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws.
4. RESOLVED, that, pending legal clarification and inter-municipal coordination, the Town of Portsmouth urges
municipal planning boards and zoning authorities, including its own, to exercise caution and heightened scrutiny in
reviewing applications submitted pursuant to or under the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws, consistent with existing
statutes, local ordinances, and the advice of municipal legal counsel;
5. RESOLVED, that the Town of Portsmouth calls upon the General Assembly and relevant state agencies to work
collaboratively with municipalities to amend or interpret the law in a manner that preserves local planning authority, is
consistent with the guidance of local comprehensive plans, recognizes the need for infrastructure integrity and
environmental protections, and reflects and respects the character of each individual community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk is hereby directed to transmit this resolution to the
governing bodies of all Rhode Island municipalities, the Governor, members of the General Assembly.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Town's Legislative
Delegation requesting that they introduce the appropriate legislation and work for its passage in the 2026 session
of the General Assembly.
Adopted this 27th day of January 2026.

____

Keith E. Hamilton
Portsmouth Town Council President
ATTEST: ______
Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk
i. Joint Municipal Statement – Motion to approve and send out with the Resolution in
support of municipalities collaborating in reviewing, analyzing, and responding to the 2025
Affordable Housing Laws, including a letter requesting that any Town who joins return the
completed signature page, made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed
unanimously.
JOINT MUNICIPAL STATEMENT
Rhode Island Municipalities on the 2025 State Affordable Housing Laws
We, the undersigned Rhode Island municipalities, recognize the urgent and
legitimate need to expand access to affordable housing throughout the State of Rhode
Island. We share a commitment to solutions that are equitable, sustainable, and
responsive to the diverse housing needs of our residents.
At the same time, we affirm that Rhode Island municipalities are
constitutionally and statutorily vested with home rule authority over local land use,
zoning, and comprehensive planning, as set forth in Article XIII of the Rhode
Island Constitution and the Rhode Island General Laws governing municipal planning and
zoning.
Rhode Island’s cities and towns vary significantly in geography, infrastructure
capacity, environmental constraints, fiscal resources, and existing housing stock.
Accordingly, a uniform, one-size-fits-all approach to affordable housing policy
risks producing unintended and inequitable outcomes that may conflict with locally
adopted comprehensive plans, strain municipal infrastructure, and undermine long-
established planning processes.
We are collectively concerned that aspects of the 2025 State Affordable
Housing Laws, as currently written or applied, may impair municipal home rule
authority and disrupt the balance between statewide housing goals and local
governance. These concerns warrant careful review, legal clarity, and constructive
intergovernmental dialogue.

Therefore, we jointly state the following:

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Page 5
1. We affirm municipal home rule authority over land use, zoning, and planning,
and assert that state housing mandates must be implemented in a manner
consistent
with constitutional and statutory protections of local governance.
2. We call for collaboration among Rhode Island municipalities to evaluate the
impacts of the 2025 State Affordable Housing Laws and to share legal, planning,
and policy analysis.
3. We support coordinated municipal efforts to seek clarification or judicial review,
including joint or class-based legal action where appropriate, to resolve
questions regarding the scope, interpretation, and lawful application of the law.
4. We urge state leaders and agencies to engage directly with municipalities to
amend, interpret, or implement the law in a manner that allows flexibility based
on local conditions, infrastructure capacity, environmental considerations, and
community planning goals.
5. We support responsible, lawful administration of local land-use review processes
during this period of uncertainty, including careful scrutiny of applications
submitted pursuant to the 2025 State Affordable Housing Law, consistent with
existing statutes and upon advice of municipal legal counsel.
Signature Page
Joint Municipal Statement of Rhode Island Municipalities
Regarding the 2025 State Affordable Housing Laws
By signing below, the undersigned municipality affirms its support for the principles and
positions set forth in the Joint Municipal Statement of Rhode Island Municipalities Regarding
the 2025 State Affordable Housing Laws, as approved in accordance with local municipal
procedures.
This signature signifies endorsement of the Statement’s shared concerns and call for
collaboration and does not constitute independent legal action by the undersigned
municipality.
Municipality Information
Municipality Name: ______
Governing Body (check one):
☐ Town Council  ☐ City Council  ☐ Other: ___
Date of Local Authorization (if applicable): ___
Authorized Signatory
Name (Print): _______
Title:
☐ Council President
☐ Mayor
☐ Town/City Manager
☐ Other Authorized Official: ____
Signature: _______
Date: ____
Attestation
Town/City Clerk Name (Print): ____
Clerk Signature: _______
Date: ____
Contact Information (for coordination purposes)
Primary Contact Name: _______
Title/Department: ______
Email: ________
Phone: _______

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Page 6
b. Resolution regarding low and moderate income housing. – Motion to approve made by
Mr. Reise, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed 6-1. Mr. Payero in dissent.
TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH, RI

RESOLUTION #2026-01-27-B

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH REGARDING

LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING
WHEREAS, the Town of Portsmouth recognizes the need for more low- and moderate-income housing in town; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Portsmouth has a State approved Comprehensive Community Plan, dated January 23, 2023,
with a Housing Element that lists goals, policies, and actions that are in the process of being implemented; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Portsmouth is making significant progress to increase our affordable housing stock from
2.66% to 3.5% via rental assistance vouchers and two long-term deed restricted single-family housing units
constructed in 2025. Additionally, an elderly affordable housing project, containing 54 LMI units is currently under
construction with another three comprehensive permit applications recently completing the preliminary approval
process; and
WHEREAS, these four comprehensive permit projects are all concentrated in the northern vicinity of Portsmouth,
posing long-term negative effects to roadways, evacuation routes, utilities, and emergency response; and
WHEREAS, any additional comprehensive permit projects beyond those currently in the pipeline will have
devastating effects on the Town’s rural character, provision of public safety and other services, environment, and
budget; and
WHEREAS, recent changes to the Rhode Island Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Act have significantly
constrained municipal authority on comprehensive permit applications, and the required findings for such applications
give less discretion to local review boards than they have for conventional development applications.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council respectfully requests the Rhode Island General
Assembly and the Governor reinstate “Required findings for denial” in the Low and Moderate Income Housing Act, at
Title 45, Chapter 53, Section 4 of the Rhode Island General Laws, and to enact a law providing that for purposes of
calculating a municipality’s progress toward the 10% affordable housing goal, affordable units shall be counted at the
issuance of a building permit. This will help cities and towns reduce the adverse impact of receiving an
overabundance of comprehensive permits in a short period of time, which will allow thoughtful decisions that will
benefit all of our residents.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council respectfully requests the respective City and Town Councils
of Rhode Island join in our request to have the General Assembly enact legislation to restore “Required findings for
denial” and to count affordable units when a building permit is issued.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Town of
Portsmouth’s State Senator and Representatives, the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, the Speaker of the House
of Representatives, the President of the Senate, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, and all municipalities
within the State of Rhode Island for their consideration.
Adopted this 27th day of January, 2026.

____

Keith E. Hamilton
Portsmouth Town Council President
ATTEST: ______
Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk
c. Resolution requesting the General Assembly consider amending legislation relating to
accessory dwelling units. – Motion to approve made by Mr. Reise, seconded by Ms.
Patton. Motion passed 6-1. Mr. Payero in dissent.

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TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH, RI

RESOLUTION #2026-01-27-C

REQUESTING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO CONSIDER AMENDING
LEGISLATION RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
WHEREAS: The Town of Portsmouth is diverse in housing options, including dense
neighborhood including single-family, two-family and multi-family options, as well as medium
design and rural and agricultural areas; and
WHEREAS: The Town of Portsmouth supports state initiatives to increase housing stock of all
types to provide multiple diverse options for current and future residents of Portsmouth; and
WHEREAS: In 2021 the Town of Portsmouth proactively enacted local legislation that provides
for accessory dwelling units (“ADUs”) that include generous and liberal provisions including
detached ADUs; and
WHEREAS: The Town of Portsmouth is concerned that the current legislation supports the
dismantling of the option for current and future residents to live in a single-family neighborhood
and further promotes purchases for an investment through home rentals that will lead to limiting
the options for home ownership; and
WHEREAS: The current legislation provides that an ADU can be as large as a typical ranch-
style home in Portsmouth (i.e., 1,200 square feet), which is considered a principal structure, and
further is unclear whether dimensional relief may be sought for size limitations; and
WHEREAS: The Town of Portsmouth has extremely limited access to public transit, which was
recently reduced further, reducing any chance of a reduction in motor vehicle traffic as density
increases; and
WHEREAS: The Town of Portsmouth supports ADUs in all neighborhoods and zoning districts
when owner-occupied.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL
OF PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: The Town of Portsmouth respectfully requests that the General Assembly review
the current legislation for accessory dwelling units and amend to permit municipalities to (1)
require that primary residences with ADUs must be owner occupied for at least five years, (2)
ADUs not occupied by family members or caretakers must be rented at affordable rates, and (3)
limit size of ADUs to 1,000 square feet.
SECTION 2: The Town Clerk direction to forward this resolution to all of the town and city
councils in the State of Rhode Island, to the Honorable Governor, Speaker of the House, Senate
President and the Portsmouth General Assemble delegation.
SECTION 3: THIS RESOLUTION SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY UPON
ITS PASSAGE BY THE PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this
resolution to the Town of Portsmouth’s State Senator and Representatives, the Governor of the
State of Rhode Island, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate,
the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, and all municipalities within the State of Rhode
Island for their consideration.
Adopted this 27th day of January 2026.

____

Keith E. Hamilton
Portsmouth Town Council President
ATTEST: ______

Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk

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Page 8
3. Request approval of legislative priority resolutions.
a. Resolution relating to tax classification. – Motion to approve made by Mr. Gleason,
seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH, RI

RESOLUTION # 2026-01-27-D

RESOLUTION OF THE PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL

RELATING TO TAX CLASSIFICATION
WHEREAS, the Town of Portsmouth (the "Town") wishes to adopt a new Tax Classification
Plan to provide property tax relief to its residents; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of a Tax Classification Plan in any year other than a year in which the
Town has completed a comprehensive revaluation or update, in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws
§44-5-11.8, requires the passage of enabling legislation by the Rhode Island General Assembly;
and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly has previously granted such authority to other municipalities
in Rhode Island through enabling legislation.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Portsmouth
requests the Rhode Island General Assembly to adopt and ratify the proposed amendment to
Section 44-5-11.8 of the General Laws entitled "Tax Classification", attached hereto; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Town's
Legislative Delegation requesting that they introduce the appropriate legislation and work for its
passage in the 2026 session of the General Assembly.
APPROVED BY TOWN COUNCIL ACTION ON this 27th day of January 2026.

_________

Keith E. Hamilton, President
Portsmouth Town Council
ATTEST: ______

Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk
b. Resolution in support of legislation to modernize and standardize the Access to Public
Records Act (APRA). – Motion to approve made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr.
Payero. Motion to amend to include sending to our legislators made by Ms. McDowell, seconded by
Ms. Patton. Amendment passed 7-0. Motion to approve the main motion as amended passed
unanimously.
TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH, RI

RESOLUTION #2026-01-27-E

RESOLUTION OF THE PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION TO
MODERNIZE AND STANDARDIZE THE ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS ACT (APRA)
WHEREAS, the Access to Public Records Act (“APRA”) establishes the statutory framework governing public
access to governmental records in the State of Rhode Island; and
WHEREAS, municipalities, including the Town of Portsmouth, have experienced a substantial increase in the
volume and complexity of APRA requests, resulting in increased administrative, operational, and fiscal impacts on
municipal government; and
WHEREAS, the absence of uniform statewide request forms and consistent procedural standards has contributed to
inefficiencies, inconsistent application, and uncertainty for both requestors and public bodies; and
WHEREAS, modernization and standardization of APRA procedures would improve administrative efficiency,
promote consistency, and enhance accountability while preserving the public’s statutory right of access to public
records; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of a uniform statewide APRA request form and consistent procedural standards
would provide clarity for requestors, reduce administrative burden on municipalities, and support the orderly and
timely processing of requests.

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Page 9
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Portsmouth Town Council supports legislation to modernize and
standardize the Access to Public Records Act; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such legislation should include the adoption of a uniform statewide APRA
request form and consistent procedural standards applicable to all public bodies; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Portsmouth Town Council affirms its commitment to compliance with
APRA and to the principles of transparency and open government, while supporting reasonable statutory reforms to
improve efficiency and consistency in administration; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Town of
Portsmouth’s State Senator and Representatives, the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, the President of the Senate, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, and all municipalities within
the State of Rhode Island for their consideration.
Adopted this 27th day of January, 2026.

____

Keith E. Hamilton
Portsmouth Town Council President
ATTEST: ______
Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk
4. Monthly Finance Reports. – Motion to receive and place on file made by Mr. Gleason, seconded
by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
a. December 2025 Finance Report
b. December 2025 School Finance Report
5. Request to advertise a public hearing for revisions to Chapter 405 Zoning, Article IX Specific
Development Regulations, Section B Signs. – Motion to advertise for public hearing to be held
Monday, March 16, 2026 made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed
unanimously.
Revisions; Clean Copy; Existing Ordinance; Article XV Adoption
NEW BUSINESS (Discussion/Action) Continued
3. Request approval to amend resolution #2025-01-27 – Exemption from Taxation of the Real
Estate of Certain Income Eligible Senior Citizens. – Motion to approve made by Mr. Gleason,
seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH, RI

RESOLUTION # 2026-01-27-F

Exemption from Taxation of the Real Estate of
Certain Income Eligible Senior Citizens
IF YOUR INCOME IS:
YOUR EXEMPTION IS:

(DEC. 2025)
2026 TAX ROLL

CPI-U 0 - $12,779 85% of Assessed Value

(2.7%) $12,780 - $15,927 75% of Assessed Value
$15,928 - $19,075 65% of Assessed Value
$19,076 - $22,225 55% of Assessed Value
$22,226 - $25,371 45% of Assessed Value
$25,372 - $28,525 35% of Assessed Value
$28,526 - $31,669 25% of Assessed Value
$31,670 - $34,823 15% of Assessed Value

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Page 10
$34,824 - $37,716 10% of Assessed Value
Ref.: Amends 2025-01-27B
APPROVED BY TOWN COUNCIL
ACTION ON January 27, 2026

_________

Keith E. Hamilton, President
Portsmouth Town Council
ATTEST: ______

Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk
4. Request approval authorizing the resolution and the adoption of the 2025 Aquidneck Island
Regional Hazard Mitigation & Flood Management Plan. – Motion to approve made by Mr.
Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION #2026-01-27-G

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH

AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION OF THE 2025 AQUIDNECK ISLAND REGIONAL
HAZARD MITIGATION AND FLOOD MANAGEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, the Town of Portsmouth recognizes exposure to natural hazards that increase the
risk to life, property, environment, within the community; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Portsmouth participated in the development of the Aquidneck Island
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (dated 12/2025); and
WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has conditionally approved
the plan, contingent upon formal adoption by each participating jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, adoption of this plan is required to maintain eligibility for certain FEMA hazard
mitigation grants, including HMGP and BRIC; and
WHEREAS, adoption of this plan does not commit the Town of Portsmouth to any immediate
projects or funding; and
WHEREAS, pro-active mitigation of known hazards before a disaster event can reduce or
eliminate long-term risk to life and property; and
WHEREAS, The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) established new
requirements for pre- and post-disaster hazard mitigation programs; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Plan identifies mitigation goals and actions to reduce or eliminate long-
term risk to people and property in Portsmouth from impacts of future hazards and disasters; and
WHEREAS, adoption by the Town Council demonstrates its commitment to hazard mitigation
and achieving goals outlined in the 2025 Aquidneck Island Regional Hazard Mitigation and
Flood Management Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Portsmouth,
1) Adopts in its entirety, the 2025 Aquidneck Island Regional Hazard Mitigation and Flood
Management Plan (“the Plan”) and resolves to execute the actions identified in the Plan
that pertain to this jurisdiction.
2) Will use the adopted and approved portions of the Plan to guide pre- and post-disaster
mitigation of the hazards identified.
3) Will coordinate the strategies identified in the Plan with other planning programs and
mechanisms under its jurisdictional authority.
4) Will continue its support of the Hazard Mitigation Committee as described within the
Plan.
5) Will help to promote and support the mitigation successes of all participants in this Plan.
6) Will incorporate mitigation planning as an integral component of government and partner
operations.
7) Will provide an update of the Plan every five years.

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Page 11
PASSED AND ADOPTED on January 27, 2026.

_______

Keith E. Hamilton, Town Council President, Town of Portsmouth
ATTEST: ____________
Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk, Town of Portsmouth
CORRESPONDENCE – Motion to receive and place on file made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by
Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
1. Resolution regarding restoration of general revenue sharing to cities and towns. / Exeter Town
Council
2. Resolution regarding restoration of general revenue sharing to cities and towns. / Middletown
Town Council
3. Resolution in support of full funding of categorical transportation aid as outlined in RIGL
§16-7.2-6(e). / Charlestown Town Council
4. Information on Shen Yun Performing Arts culture, daily operations, and misrepresentation. / M.
Tsang
5. Happy New Year greeting. / J. Winters, NAACP
FUTURE MEETINGS
Feb 9 7:00 PM – Town Council Meeting
Feb 23 7:00 PM – Town Council Meeting
Mar 9 7:00 PM – Town Council Meeting
ADJOURN – Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed
unanimously.
Time: 8:02 PM

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Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk