Minutes 2026-03-23
Portsmouth
Minutes · March 23, 2026
PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 23, 2026
MINUTES
7:00 PM – Town Council Chambers, Portsmouth Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sondra Blank, David M. Gleason, Keith E. Hamilton, Mary A.
McDowell, Sharlene Patton, Juan Carlos Payero, and David Reise
Time: 7:00 PM
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
SITTING AS THE PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL
1. Roll Call
PRESIDENT’S EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Thank you to the Newport City Council and their
invitation to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and ask that Mr. Rainer thank Colin Kennedy,
City Manager of Newport.
PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
1. Recognition/Award for Patrol Officer Noah Paon of the Portsmouth Police Department for the
2025 “Officer of the Year”
CONSENT AGENDA – Motion to approve as presented made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr.
Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
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 #1361 on 3/5/26 in the amount of $186,480.56 as approved by the
Finance Director
Payment Voucher #1368 on 3/12/26 in the amount of $209,176.82 as approved by the
Finance Director
2. Peddler License – Mobile Food Establishment (MFE), Renewal:
Longade LLC d/b/a Dels Lemonade, 729 West Main Rd, Middletown, 4 vehicles (#9422)
3. Committee Minutes:
Solid Waste and Recycling Committee 2/12/2026
Tax Assessment Board of Review 2/19/26
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:
Ragged Island Brewing Co, 54 Bristol Ferry Rd, for the Ragged Island Music Festival to
be held June 13 & 14, 2026, from 12:00-8:30 pm
– Motion to approve made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Peddler License – Mobile Food Establishment (MFE), New:
a. Triple Deuce LLC d/b/a Seb's Wood Fire Oven, 222 Wood Street Apt.1, Bristol (#9412)
b. Marina Lucia Lopez Giron d/b/a La Loncherita Food Truck, 108 Congress Ave,
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Providence (#9423)
c. Bitter Sweet LLC, 23 Aldrich Ave, Cranston (#9426)
– Motion to approve all three MFE licenses made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion
passed 7-0.
3. Victualler License, Annual, New:
Iron & Oak Kitchen LLC, 500 Anthony Rd (#9429)
– Motion to approve new annual victualler license made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero.
Motion passed unanimously.
4. Class F1 Daily Liquor License:
Travel Tavern LLC, 198 Summit Dr, Cranston, for a “Welcome Reception” at Newport Polo
Grounds on June 2, 2026 from 5:00-9:00pm (#9403)
– Motion to approve made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Entertainment License – Fee Waiver Requested:
Portsmouth Portuguese American Citizens Club, 35 Power St, for the St. Anthony’s
Feast, July 16-19, 2026, 8:00am – 1:00am (#9420)
6. Victualler License – Fee Waiver Requested:
Portsmouth Portuguese American Citizens Club, 35 Power St, for the St. Anthony’s
Feast, July 16-19, 2026, 8:00am – 1:00am (#9421)
– Motion to table both the Entertainment and Victualler Licenses for the Portsmouth Portuguese
American Citizen’s Club until the April 13, 2026 meeting made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr.
Payero. 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 Mr. Payero.
Motion passed unanimously.
3/9/26
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. Budget update – We will finish a re-assessment of the proposed FY27 budget early week. This is
due to an unanticipated and significant increase in Health and Dental premiums for next year. The
School Committee is planning to conclude their review of the School Dept. budget at their meeting
tomorrow night re-working their proposed budget incorporating the higher rates. The proposed
FY27 Town Budget is on track to be submitted to the Council at the end of the week.
2. Cities4Cities update – I’ve continued a discussion with the Cities4Cities program regarding a
potential municipal partnership with a community in Ukraine. We’ve been provided with a few
potential partner communities that are similar to Portsmouth, and we’ll be reviewing those as a next
step. Again, this is a voluntary, non-binding exchange focused on sharing ideas and best practices.
There are no financial commitments or formal obligations being proposed. Cities4Cities is working
to schedule an initial introductory meeting with a potential partner community, and I’ll keep the
Council updated as this moves forward.
3. Abandoned vessel reimbursement update – Just a quick update on the abandoned and derelict
vessels issue we raised during our legislative priority discussions. As you know, we’ve been
advocating for DEM to fulfill its responsibility for removal and reimbursement, as municipalities
have been carrying that cost. Earlier this month we received our first reimbursement check from
DEM for a 2023 case. That’s an encouraging step and reflects the recent dialogue between our
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legislative delegation and DEM. We do have additional cases in progress, and we are working to
finalize documentation so those can be submitted as well.
4. Safety Enhancement Grant Award – I’m pleased to report the Fire Dept. has been awarded a
$1,000 Safety Enhancement Grant through the Rhode Island Interlocal Trust. The funding will
support the purchase of ladder safety belts for use during aerial operations, enhancing firefighter
safety. This is a reimbursement-based grant, and staff will be coordinating the required
documentation for submission by a May 1st deadline. The Department will also be recognized at
The Trust’s annual Loss Prevention Awards Luncheon later this month.
RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
1. Resignations:
Bristol Ferry Town Common Committee – W. Dwyer III – Motion to accept with regret
William Dwyer’s resignation made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed
unanimously.
Harbor Commission – J. Parks – Motion to accept with regret Joshua Parks’ resignation
made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Appointments:
Conservation Commission (ReAppt.) – B. Ritt – Motion to reappoint Brandon Ritt made by
Mr. Reise, seconded by Mr. Gleason. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS (Discussion/Action)
1. Monthly Finance Report. – Motion to receive and place on file made by Mr. Gleason, seconded
by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS (Discussion/Action)
1. Request approval to renew Potter League Contract 2026-2029. – Motion to approve made by Mr.
Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
2. PUBLIC HEARING: Request from Matthew Gray for approval for a variance to the sound limits
set forth in the Codification of Ordinances Chapter 257: NOISE, for multiple events to allow for
live amplified music to take place throughout the summer on the lawn at Ragged Island Brewing
Co, 54 Bristol Ferry Road. The first event is the Third Annual Ragged Island Music Festival to
be held June 13 & 14, 2026, from 12:00-8:30 pm (OpenGov #9357). There will also be live
music on Wednesday evenings starting June 24 through August 26, 2026 from 6:00-8:30 pm and
Sundays June 28, July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23, and September 6 & 13, from 1:00-7:00 pm.
(OpenGov #9358)
Motion to open the public hearing made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed
7-0.
No questions asked.
Motion to close the public hearing made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed
7-0.
Motion to approve the Sound Variance with a maximum level of 75dba per ordinance Chapter 257
as we did last year made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passes 6-1. Mr. Payero
in dissent.
a. Zoning Board of Review decision
3. PUBLIC HEARING: Community Development Block Grant Application.
Motion to open the public hearing made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed
7-0.
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Review, prioritize, and approve of proposed activities and programs for inclusion in the
Town’s application for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant to undertake a
range of activities including:
a. Affordable housing: Provide funding for 40 affordable homeownership condominiums
at the corner of Bristol Ferry Rd and Sprague St and Turnpike Ave to be built by
Church Community Housing Corp. Amount: $680,000.
The following people that spoke were all against: Sal Carceller, 63 Lepes Rd.; Henry Brochtein, 5
Karen St.; David Souza, 25 Lowell Dr.; Tom Grieb, 110 Thayer Dr.; Kevin Fennessy, 2774 East
Main Rd.; Tarah Wood, 39 Wind Rock Cir; Karen Gleason, 63 Massasoit Ave; Tom Linhares, 182
West Main Rd.; and Mary Lou Lyons, 46 Prospect Farm Rd.
b. Affordable housing: Provide funding for recovery housing to be located at 79 East Main
Rd to be owned by Community Blessings Foundation dba Healthy Living in Recovery.
Amount: $1,100,000.
Christine Nolan, 155 Harrison Ave., Newport and Frank Spanella, FJS Associates, 95 Indian Point
Rd., Tiverton spoke on behalf of Community Blessings Foundation.
Karen Gleason, 63 Massasoit Ave., had general questions regarding the number of occupants and
number of bedrooms and number of staff. There will be 6-10 occupants at a time depending on the
number of children ages 6 and under, 6 bedrooms and plenty of parking. Staff will be on 24/7 or 3
shifts to cover 24/7.
Motion to close the public hearing made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed
7-0.
4. Resolutions of the Town Council regarding the CDBG Application – Small Cities Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Approving the prioritized list of projects for submission
with the Town’s 2023 CDBG application and authorizing the Town Administrator to file said
application.
a. Resolution approving the Affordable housing: Provide funding for 40 affordable
homeownership condominiums at the corner of Bristol Ferry Rd and Sprague St and
Turnpike Ave to be built by Church Community Housing Corp. – No motion seconded.
b. Resolution approving the Affordable housing: Provide funding for recovery housing to be
located at 79 East Main Rd to be owned by Community Blessings Foundation dba
Healthy Living in Recovery. – Motion to approve made by Mr. Payero, seconded by Ms.
Blank. Motion passed 5-2. Mr. Gleason and Mr. Reise in dissent.
TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH
RESOLUTION # 2026-03-23B
Resolution Relating to the Program Year 2023-2024 Rhode Island
Community Development Block Grant Program
WHEREAS:
Funds are available under the Rhode Island Community Development Block
Grant Program, administered by the Executive Office of Commerce, Office of
Housing and Community Development; and
WHEREAS:
The Governor of the State of Rhode Island has authorized the Director of said
Department/Office to disburse such funds; and,
WHEREAS:
It is in the interest of the citizens of the Town of Portsmouth that application be
made to undertake a local Community Development Block Grant Program; and
WHEREAS:
The Town Council has received the attached project to be included in the Town’s
application for PY2023-2024 Community Block Grant (CDBG) funding; and
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WHEREAS:
The Town Council held a public hearing on March 23, 2026 to accept public
comment and consider the proposed prioritized list of projects to be included in
the application; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN
OF PORTSMOUTH: That the filing of this application for the amount of
$1,100,000 to implement the activities proposed herein hereby authorized and
that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized and directed to file this
application with the Office of Housing and Community Development, to provide
any additional information or documents required by said office, to make any
assurances required in connection with this program, to execute an agreement
with the State of Rhode Island, and to otherwise act as the Representative of the
Town of Portsmouth in all matters relating to this application and any award
which may be based upon this application.
APPROVED BY TOWN COUNCIL
ACTION March 23, 2026
______
Keith Hamilton, President
Portsmouth Town Council
ATTEST: ______
Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk
5. Request approval to support the following House Bills: D. Gleason, S. Patton (10)
a. RI House Bill H7971 – Relating to Public Property and Works – Labor and Payments of
Debts by Contractors. – Motion to approve made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Reise.
Motion passed 6-1. Mr. Payero in dissent.
TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND
RESOLUTION #2026-03-23A
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL 2026 – 7971
ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS – LABOR
AND PAYMENT OF DEBTS BY CONTRACTORS
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Portsmouth respectfully requests that
the Rhode Island General Assembly enact the above referenced legislation known as House Bill
2026 – 7971, An Act Relating to Public Property and Works -- Labor and Payment of Debts by
Contractors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk is hereby directed to transmit certified
copies of this Resolution to the members of the Town’s Legislative Delegation, to all
municipalities within the State of Rhode Island, and to the Rhode Island League of Cities and
Towns, requesting their support and action during the 2026 Session of the Rhode Island General
Assembly.
APPROVED BY TOWN COUNCIL ACTION ON this 23rd day of March 2026.
_________
Keith E. Hamilton
Town Council President
ATTEST:
________
Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk
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b. RI House Bill H7678 – Joint Resolution Creating a Special Joint Legislative Commission
on City and Town Affairs. – Motion to approve made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr.
Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND
RESOLUTION #2026-03-23C
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL 2026 – 7678
ENTITLED JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE
COMMISSION ON CITY AND TOWN AFFAIRS
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Portsmouth respectfully requests that
the Rhode Island General Assembly enact the above referenced legislation known as House Bill
2026 – 7678, A Joint Resolution Creating a Special Joint Legislative Commission on City and
Town Affairs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk is hereby directed to transmit certified
copies of this Resolution to the members of the Town’s Legislative Delegation, to all
municipalities within the State of Rhode Island, and to the Rhode Island League of Cities and
Towns, requesting their support and action during the 2026 Session of the Rhode Island General
Assembly.
APPROVED BY TOWN COUNCIL ACTION ON this 23rd day of March 2026.
Keith E. Hamilton
Town Council President
ATTEST:
________
Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk
c. RI House Bill H8029 – Relating to Taxation – Collection of Taxes Generally. – Ms.
Patton requested item to be withdrawn. No votes taken.
d. RI House Bill H8013 – Relating to Motor and Other Vehicles – Mobile and Manufactured
Homes. – Motion to approve mad by Ms. Patton, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed
unanimously.
TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND
RESOLUTION #2026-03-23D
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL 2026 – 8013
ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES –
MOBILE AND MANUFACTURED HOMES
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Portsmouth respectfully requests that
the Rhode Island General Assembly enact the above referenced legislation known as House Bill
2026 – 8013, An Act Relating To Motor And Other Vehicles -- Mobile And Manufactured
Homes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk is hereby directed to transmit certified
copies of this Resolution to the members of the Town’s Legislative Delegation, to all
municipalities within the State of Rhode Island, and to the Rhode Island League of Cities and
Towns, requesting their support and action during the 2026 Session of the Rhode Island General
Assembly.
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APPROVED BY TOWN COUNCIL ACTION ON this 23rd day of March 2026.
_________
Keith E. Hamilton
Town Council President
ATTEST: ______
Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk
6. Request to revise the protocol for management salaries. – Motion to approve made by Mr.
Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
7. Request addition of a Citizens Public Forum section to Town Council agendas. – Motion to
approve and follow School Department’s format made by Ms. McDowell, seconded by Mr. Payero.
Motion passed unanimously.
8. Discussion to determine whether we should join Bristol in acquiring the RI Bridge and
Turnpike’s most recent inspection report on the Mt. Hope Bridge’s structural condition. –
Motion to have a letter of support for Bristol drafted and return draft to Council for approval made
by Ms. Patton, seconded by Mr. Gleason. Motion passed 6-1. Ms. Blank in dissent.
9. Approval of sticker prices for Curbside and Portsmouth Transfer Station. – Motion to set the
Curbside Sticker at $620 made by Mr. Payero, seconded by Mr. Gleason. Motion passed 4-3. Ms.
McDowell, Ms. Patton and Mr. Reise in dissent.
a. Request for approval of a prorated price for the Prudence Island transfer station for the
remainder of the fiscal year. – Motion made by Ms. McDowell, seconded by Mr. Payero
to approve the prorated price of $50.00 for the Prudence Island Transfer Station. Motion passed
unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE – Motion to receive and place on file made by Ms. Patton, seconded by Mr.
Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
1. Monthly RIRRC Report. / Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp.
2. Repeat Public Notice – Drinking Water Warning, significant deficiencies in Prudence Island
Water District’s water system. / Prudence Island Water District
3. Letter of unanimous support of the Aquidneck Club request to alter freshwater wetlands. /
Portsmouth Conservation Commission
4. Resolution to amend the Wavemaker Fellowship. / Warren Town Council
5. Resolution for Exemption for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities as well as
Persons with Neurological Disorders. / Warren Town Council
6. Resolution in Support of H-7298 relating to tax classification in Tiverton. / Tiverton Town
Council
7. Resolution in Support of H8181 relating to bridge replacement, reconstruction, and maintenance
fund – exemptions from tolling for waste management vehicles. / Tiverton Town Council
8. Resolution in Support of H8029 relating to Motor and Other Vehicles -Mobile and Manufactured
Homes. / Tiverton Town Council
9. Resolution in Support of H8025 relating to taxation – property subject to taxation. / Tiverton
Town Council
10. Resolution in Support of H8026 relating to taxation – property subject to taxation. / Tiverton
Town Council
11. Resolution supporting healthcare advocacy and fair reimbursement to preserve local access to
care. / Exeter Town Council
12. Resolution in support of Senate Bill S2275 & House Bill H7447 relating to low- and moderate-
income housing – comprehensive permits. / Exeter Town Council
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13. Resolution in support of House Bill 7356 & Senate Bill 2216 “School Employee Background
Checks.” / Exeter Town Council
14. Resolution in support of legislation allowing Exeter to establish a tax exemption for 100%
service-connected disabled veterans. / Exeter Town Council
15. Joint Municipal Statement supporting Portsmouth’s resolution in support of municipalities
collaborating in reviewing, analyzing, and responding to the 2025 affordable housing laws. /
West Greenwich Town Council
16. Joint Municipal Statement supporting Portsmouth’s resolution in support of municipalities
collaborating in reviewing, analyzing, and responding to the 2025 affordable housing laws. /
Bristol Town Council
17. Resolution in Support of Municipalities Collaborating in Reviewing, Analyzing, and
Responding to the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws. / Smithfield Town Council
18. Resolution in support of Senate Bill S-2917 and House Bill H-8015 relating to Towns and Cities
– RI Housing Resources Act of 1988. / Smithfield Town Council
FUTURE MEETINGS
Apr 13 7:00 PM – Town Council Meeting
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)
Time: 10:53 break
Time: 10:59 PM return
EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to go into Executive Session under RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) made
by Mr. Payero, seconded by Mr. Gleason. Motion passed unanimously.
Time: 11:02 PM Ms. Blank leaves
1. RIGL §42-46-5(a) (2) – Sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation, or work
sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation. – Disability Pension – One vote taken
2. RIGL §42-46-5(a) (2) – Sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation, or work
sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation. – Cease and Desist – One vote taken.
ADJOURN – Motion to seal the minutes and return to open session made Ms. Patton, seconded by
Mr. Payero. Motion passed 6-0.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
Time:11:53 PM
OPEN SESSION – Mr. Hamilton reported that there were two votes taken in the affirmative, one
6-0 and one 4-2, in Executive Session.
ADJOURN – Motion to adjourn made by Ms. Patton, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed 6-0.
Time: 11:54 PM
________
Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk