Minutes 2026-01-12

PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 12, 2026

MINUTES

7:00 PM – Town Council Chambers, Portsmouth Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road
MEMBERS PRESENT: David M. Gleason, Keith E. Hamilton, Mary A. McDowell, Sharlene
Patton, and David Reise
MEMBERS ABSENT: Juan Carlos Payero and Sondra Blank
Time: 7:00 PM

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

SITTING AS THE PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL

1. Roll Call
PRESIDENT’S EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Sympathies expressed on the passing of Carrigan
Nelson.
CONSENT AGENDA – Motion to receive and place on file made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by
Ms. Patton. 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 #1231 on 12/4/25 in the amount of $230,120.57 as approved by the
Finance Director
Payment Voucher #1241 on 12/11/25 in the amount of $262,891.39 as approved by the
Finance Director

Payment Voucher #1248 on 12/18/25 in the amount of $154,738.75 as approved by the
Finance Director
Payment Voucher #1256 on 12/23/25 in the amount of $4,156.74 as approved by the
Finance Director
Payment Voucher #1262 on 23/31/25 in the amount of $63,530.80 as approved by the
Finance Director
2. CRMC – Public Notice 2025-11-047
Kristin Miller, 10 Fairgreen Ln, Old Greenwich, CT 06870 for a State of Rhode Island
Assent to construct and maintain a residential boating facility consisting of a fixed pier
approximately 4’ x 7’, a 3’ x 20’ ramp and a 6.5’ x 23’ float, extending to 50’ beyond Mean
Low Water and 1.8’ water depth. Project Location: 34 Aquidneck Avenue.
3. CRMC – Public Notice 2025-11-063
Geoffrey Van Gorkom, 305 Riverside St, Portsmouth, RI 02871 for a State of Rhode Island
Assent to construct and maintain a residential boating facility consisting of a 4x76’ fixed
pier, a 3x24’ ramp and an 8x18.75’ float. The facility shall extend 90’ beyond Mean Low
Water (MLW) at a depth of approximately 2 feet, requiring a 40’ Variance to Section
1.3.1(D)(11)(1). Project Location: 305 Riverside Street.
4. Letter informing that Walgreen’s, located at 2456 East Main Rd, closed on 12/4/25.

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5. Letter informing that J&W Ice Cream, Inc. d/b/a Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream, located at
1016 East Main Rd, Unit 2A, has changed the business name to Clemmie’s Homemade Ice
Cream

SITTING AS THE BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

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. PUBLIC HEARING: Victualler License with Extended Hours (between 2am – 6am) – New:
Application from West Main Donuts LLC d/b/a Dunkin Donuts, 1550 West Main Rd
(#9362) – Motion to open the public hearing made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton.
Motion passed unanimously. Motion to close the public hearing made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by
Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously. Motion to approve the license made by Mr. Gleason,
seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
2. PUBLIC HEARING: Transfer of a Class BV Alcoholic Beverage License (#9364):
Application to transfer a Class BV Beverage License from Rocco’s Little Italy LLC d/b/a
Rocco’s Little Italy to RWR Hospitality LLC d/b/a Rocco’s Little Italy, 880 East Main Rd
a. Application for a Class BV Alcoholic Beverage License: RWR Hospitality LLC
d/b/a Rocco’s Little Italy, 880 East Main Rd – Motion to open the public hearing
made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously. Motion to close the
public hearing made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously. Motion
to approve made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Victualler License:
RWR Hospitality LLC d/b/a Rocco’s Little Italy, 880 East Main Rd (#9364) – Motion to
approve made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Entertainment License:
Rhode Island Rugby Football Foundation, Beast of the East Rugby Tournament, Gardner
Seveney Sports Complex, from April 18 & 19, 2026 (#9377) – Motion to approve made by
Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN – Motion to adjourn as the Board of License Commissioners made by Mr. Gleason,
seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
MINUTES – Motion to approve the minutes made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. McDowell.
Motion passed unanimously.
12/8/25 & Exec.

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

1. Transfer station and curbside sales update – As of December 31st, we have: 92 households on
Prudence Island signed up for the transfer station; 2,032 mainland households using the Hedly St
Transfer Station; and 3,213 signed up for curbside on the mainland. That’s 5,245 of our 6,474
eligible mainland households, or just over 80 percent participation, which means about 1,229
households, roughly 19%, are not enrolled in either program. Just a reminder, the transfer station
will be closed and there will be no curbside pickup next Monday, January 19th due to the MLK
Federal Holiday. All curbside pickups will be delayed one day, including Friday’s pickup (which
will be done on Saturday).
2. Chief Peters elected to Rhode Island Chief of Police Association (RIPCA) Executive Board – On
December 16th, Chief Peters was elected by the members of the Rhode Island Chief of Police

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Association to become the newest member of its Executive Board. Chief Peters was sworn-in to the
Sergeant-at-arms position at a ceremony held yesterday.
3. Rural Health Care grant – Late last month, the Governor announced that Rhode Island has been
awarded approximately $156 million in federal funding over five years through the Rural Health
Transformation Program to improve access to care in rural communities, including Portsmouth. The
funding is intended to support initiatives such as mobile health services, EMS modernization,
hospital-at-home programs, workforce development, and community-based care. We are taking a
closer look at whether there may be opportunities that align with services already provided by the
Portsmouth Fire Department. One early concept under discussion is a potential community
paramedicine/mobile integrated health model that could allow scheduled home visits and certain
levels of care to be provided directly to residents on Prudence and Hog Islands. This is very
preliminary, and we will monitor the State’s implementation guidance and evaluate opportunities
that make sense for Portsmouth.
4. Rhode Restore for FY26 – RIDOT has approved the receipts associated with our FY26 road
paving work under the Rhode Restore program. We’ve also submitted our anticipated FY27 paving
plan and expect continued grant participation next year, assuming the program is funded through the
Governor’s upcoming budget.
5. Update on Frank Carson playground improvement – As part of last year’s budget, the Council
appropriated $20,000 for improvements at the Frank Carson Playground. We are treating that
funding as the first step in a broader improvement effort, and the Recreation and Public Works
Departments are working with the Parks and Recreation Committee to help frame the scope of
work, with an emphasis on neighborhood input, ADA accessibility, age-appropriate design, and
consistency with the Town’s adopted master plans. In support of that effort, the Parks and
Recreation Committee conducted a site visit in October with the Public Works Director to better
understand site conditions and potential scope. As part of ongoing maintenance and safety efforts,
DPW has already removed several existing structures that posed potential safety concerns. The
current funding is expected to support early-stage work (such as site assessment, design, or other
preparatory improvements) that will position the playground for more substantial upgrades. To
support that next phase, my working draft of the upcoming FY budget includes additional funding
for Frank Carson Playground improvements.
6. Audit update – Our Municipal Audit was completed last month and submitted to the State
Division of Municipal Finance on December 22nd – the first community to do so and only one of
six so far to be completed. The Town and State websites and hardcopies have been distributed to the
Council and Clerk’s Office. The Auditor will present the report at the February 9th.
7. Town Hall closed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Town Hall will be closed next Monday, January
19th in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

1. Resignations:
Conservation Commission – Motion to accept Marc Smith’s resignation with regret made by
Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
Dog Park Committee – Motion to accept Richard Gottlieb’s resignation with regret made by
Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Reise. Motion passed unanimously.
Juvenile Hearing Board – Motion to accept Susan Cooper’s resignation with regret made by
Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Reise. Motion passed unanimously.
Planning Board – Motion to accept Christopher O’Connell’s resignation with regret made by
Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Reise. Motion passed unanimously.

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Prudence Island Planning Commission – Motion to accept Raymond Naughton’s and Laurie
Greaney’s resignations with regret made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Reise. Motion passed
unanimously.
2. Appointments:
Dog Park Committee (Unlimited membership, 2 applicants) – Motion to appoint Helen
Andromalos and Kim Colicci made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed
unanimously.
Economic Development Committee (4 vacancies, 1 applicant) – Motion to appoint
Alexander Gardner made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
Design Review Board (Re-Appt) – Motion to reappoint Frank Munro made by Mr. Gleason,
seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
Dog Park Committee (Re-Appt) – Motion to reappoint Joyce DeCosta made by Mr.
Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
Economic Development Committee (Re-Appt) – Motion to reappoint Emil Cipolla made by
Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
Tree Commission (Re-Appt) – Motion to reappoint Scott Wheeler and James Jordan made
by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS (Discussion/Action)
1. Approve a $150 assessment on all Prudence Island households in lieu of transfer station stickers.
/ K. Hamilton – Motion to form an ad hoc working group to study the transfer stations and
curbside pickup costs and present findings by April 1, 2026. Members to include DPW, Town
Council, Solid Waste and Recycling Committee, Prudence Island Planning Commission, and Town
staff made by Ms. McDowell, seconded by Mr. Reise. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Monthly Finance Reports. – Motion to receive and place on file made by Mr. Gleason, seconded
by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
a. November 2025 Finance Report
b. November 2025 School Finance Report
3. Request to have Town Staff and Legal formulate various Resolutions that address the Town
Council Legislative Priorities for 2026 and 2025 discussed on 12/8/25. – Motion made by Mr.
Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton, to have resolutions drafted for Land Use, Zoning and Housing to
restore local control, RhodeWorks Restore Paving program continued, Local Tax Classification
Authority granting the Town Council authority to adopt a tax classification plan by ordinance
applicable to taxes assessed on or after December 31, 2025, Public Records Reform to standardize
and streamline the APRA process, and Public Boating Access Infrastructure to clarify State
obligations and ensure funding for ramp and pier repairs. Motion passed unanimously.
4. RIDOT response to Town’s proposed Opticom CM agreement. – Motion to approve signing the
agreement made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS (Discussion/Action)
1. Request approval of the Prudence Island Planning Commission bylaws – Motion to approve with
the following amendments, strike the last sentence under Article 3 section 2, and correct the
numbering of articles and sub-sections, made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion
passed unanimously.
2. Request to have minutes submitted by Town Boards, Commissions, and Committees be placed
on the Consent Agenda as acknowledgement for the record; no discussion or action required. –
Motion to put links with the posted minutes on the Consent agenda made by Ms. Patton, seconded
by Mr. Gleason. Motion passed unanimously.

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3. Discussion and possible action to require all boards, commissions, and committees to post
meeting agendas and approved minutes on the Town website. – Motion to link the posted
agendas and past agendas and minutes from the Secretary of State’s website to the related boards
and committee page made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
4. 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. – Motion to continue to 1/26/26 Town Council
meeting made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE – Motion to move items 4 and 6 to the next meeting under the continued
discussion 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, and to receive and place on file the
remaining correspondence made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Reise. Motion passed
unanimously.
1. Monthly RIRRC Report. / Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp. November, December
2. Notice of LNG vaporizing at Old Mill Lane, EFSB Docket No. SB-2021-04. / The Narragansett
Electric Company d/b/a Rhode Island Energy
3. Letter urging the Town to reject the installation of Flock safety cameras. / M. McGunagle, Policy
Associate, ACLU of Rhode Island
4. Resolution regarding low and moderate income housing. / West Greenwich Town Council
5. Resolution affirming its strong support for preserving the Name, Significance, and Observance
of the Victory Day Holiday. / Warren Town Council
6. Resolution requesting the General Assembly consider amending legislation relating to accessory
dwelling units. / Cumberland Town Council
7. Visiting Nurse Home & Hospice 2024 Annual Report. / J. Fairbank, CEO Click here
8. Letter regarding the lack of proper decorum during the November 24, 2025 Town Council
meeting and a request to ensure that standards of decorum are applied consistently. / L.
Fitzmorris, President, Portsmouth Concerned Citizens
9. Portsmouth Housing Authority Annual Report for 2025. / PHA Board of Commissioners
FUTURE MEETINGS
Jan 26 6:00 PM – Town Council Meeting
Feb 9 7:00 PM – Town Council Meeting
Feb 23 7:00 PM – Town Council Meeting
ADJOURN – Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed
unanimously.
Time: 9:30 PM

________

Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk