PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 26, 2026 (Tuesday)
MINUTES (Amended)
6:30 PM – Town Council Chambers, Portsmouth Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road
Time: 6:31 PM

SITTING AS THE PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL

1. Roll Call
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sondra Blank, David M. Gleason, Keith E. Hamilton, Mary A.
McDowell, Sharlene Patton, Juan Carlos Payero and David Reise
EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to go into Executive Session under RIGL 42-46-5(a) (2) made
by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
1. 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 seal the minutes and return to Open Session made by Mr. Gleason,
seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
Time: 7:10 PM
7:00 PM – Town Council Chambers, Portsmouth Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road
Time: 7:15 PM

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

SITTING AS THE PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL

1. Roll Call
PRESIDENT’S EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Executive Session was held prior to the meeting.
There were no votes taken.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No comments made.
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 #1460 on 5/07/26 in the amount of $272,582.76 as approved by the
Finance Director
Payment Voucher #1470 on 5/14/26 in the amount of $377,601.69 as approved by the
Finance Director
2. Peddler License – Mobile Food Establishment (MFE), Renewal:
a. James Appel d/b/a Jerry’s Food Concessions, 8171 Ravenna Lakes Dr, Boynton Beach,
FL (#9407)

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b. Joshua Berman d/b/a Little Fish Tacos & Ceviche, 47 Walnut St, Portsmouth (#9470)
c. Teddi’s Food Truck LLC, 1 Talbot St, Apt 6, North Providence (#9477)

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. Peddler License – Mobile Food Establishment (MFE), New:
Rhode Rage LLC d/b/a Rhode Rage, 16 Dimond Ave, Bristol (#9475) – Motion to approve
made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Private Detective License, New:
George Ponte d/b/a Ponte Investigations Group LLC, 10 Beach Street (#9466) – Motion to
approve made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
3. 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 & 4/13/26)
4. 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 & 4/13/26) – Motion to
approve both the Entertainment license and the Victualler License for the Portsmouth
Portuguese American Citizens Club 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 all minutes made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion
passed unanimously.
5/11/26 & Exec.

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

1. Four Hearts Portsmouth Community Playground update – I wanted to provide a quick update
regarding restroom facilities at the Portsmouth Community Playground. As many know, the
playground was renovated through the tremendous efforts of the Four Hearts Foundation and
community fundraising support. Historically, the Town has not provided restroom facilities at our
playgrounds. However, portable facilities had previously been made available at this location
through Four Hearts. We heard from an astute young citizen at the last meeting that there is a desire
to continue having restroom access available at the playground this season. Four Hearts and our
Public Works Department have been working on a solution and through an agreement with a local
vendor, porta potties will be placed at the playground this year.
2. Reminder: curbside trash collection delayed this week – Just a friendly reminder that Curbside
collection is delayed by one day this week due to the Memorial Day Holiday yesterday. That means
Curbside collection normally scheduled for Friday will be conducted on Saturday this week.
Staying on the theme of waste collection, we expect to start selling Hedly Transfer Station and
Curbside Stickers June 9th. On that date, existing customers may renew online via credit card. New
sign-ups and residents wishing to change programs will need to sign up at Town Hall.
3. Reminder: Town accepting 2026 Portsmouth Award nominations – The Town is currently
accepting nominations for the 2026 Portsmouth Award. Nominations must be received at Town

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Hall by close of business on Friday June 26th. More information and nomination guidelines are
available in the News and Announcements section of the Town website.
4. Reminder: E-Bike rules – We have seen a significant increase in e-bike use across Aquidneck
Island, particularly among younger riders, and the Town has received reports and concerns from
residents regarding safety and use throughout Town. Rhode Island law requires riders to be at least
16 years old to operate an e-bike. Helmets are required for riders between the ages of 16 and 21, and
e-bikes are not permitted to be operated on sidewalks. I encourage residents and parents to take a
few moments to review the guidance available online via our Police Department or at the Bike
Newport website.
5. FY 2027 Public Budget Hearing: June 10th – A public hearing on the provisionally approved
FY27 Budget will be held starting at 7:00 PM on June 10th here in the Council Chamber.
6. June 13th hard plastic collection – Our next recycling event will be a Hard Plastics Collection
held June 13th at the Hedly Street Transfer Station. The event is for Portsmouth residents only and
will take place from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, or until the container is full.
7. Resignation of Waste Diversion Manager – Last Friday was Colby Kresge's final day with the
Town. Colby has accepted another opportunity and will be moving on to a new chapter in his
career. Colby has been an outstanding employee and played an important role in the implementation
of our curbside collection program, as well as supporting the Town’s broader waste management
efforts. I want to thank him for his dedication and contributions to Portsmouth and wish him the
very best moving forward. I am pleased to report that we have already extended an offer to a
candidate for the position, and I am hopeful we will have someone on board in June. In the
meantime, I appreciate Gavin Lopes stepping in to ensure continuity of operations and oversight of
our waste management programs until the transition is complete.
8. Verizon fiber optic cabling in Portsmouth – I wanted to provide a brief update regarding the
installation of Verizon’s underground fiber network in Town. Verizon has begun the process of
expanding underground fiber infrastructure throughout portions of the community, and we have
received questions from residents regarding utility marker flags that have recently appeared along
roadsides and within rights of way. These flags are a normal part of the utility location and planning
process and are used to identify existing underground utilities and infrastructure before installation
activity begins. Residents may see temporary markings and flags in various locations as this work
progresses. Additional information regarding the project, including updates and notices, can be
found on the Town website under News and Announcements.
9. Town Council walk-thru of Arthur Daniel Howell House – Some members of the Council have
recently expressed interest in the ongoing renovation work taking place at the Arthur Daniel Howell
House. A walkthrough would provide an opportunity to see the progress being made and receive an
overview of the project, including completed repairs and upgrades, remaining items needed for
occupancy, project timeline, and the overall business plan. For any Councilors interested, we would
like to arrange an optional walkthrough of the property. Councilors interested in participating can
contact our Director of Business Development, Rich Talipsky, so we can coordinate scheduling and
logistics.
Lastly: Before I conclude my report tonight, I would like to recognize the passing of one of our
Public Works employees, Elliott Marshall, who passed away last week.
Elliott served as a mechanic with our Department of Public Works and was someone who brought
years of experience, knowledge, and dedication to his work. The loss of a member of our Town
family is always difficult, particularly for those who worked alongside him every day.
On behalf of the Town, I want to express our condolences to Elliott’s family, friends, and his
coworkers within the Department of Public Works during this difficult time.

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We appreciate Elliott’s service to the Town of Portsmouth and will keep his loved ones in our
thoughts.
OLD BUSINESS (Discussion/Action)
1. Discussion/Action for a bylaw change to the Pension Advisory Committee to include a
secondary objective of the Committee on matter relating to the general investment of the
operating and reserve funds of the Town. – Motion to approve the Pension Advisory Committee
bylaws as amended by Ms. McDowell, seconded by Mr. Gleason. Motion to amend the main
motion to remove the Town Citizen at Large from the subcommittee in Article V, Section 1
Composition made by Mr. Payero, seconded by Mr. Gleason. Motion passed unanimously. Motion
to approve the main motion as amended made by Ms. McDowell, seconded by Mr. Gleason passed
5-2. Mr. Payero and Ms. Blank in dissent.
2. Monthly Finance Reports. – Motion to receive and place on file made by Mr. Gleason, seconded
by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
a. April 2026 Finance Report
b. School Finance Report: March 2026, April 2026
NEW BUSINESS (Discussion/Action)
1. Request to advertise for a public hearing for a sound variance to allow for live amplified music
for Safe Harbor Race Weekend at Safe Harbor New England Boatworks, 1 Lagoon Rd on
August 7, 2026, from 7:30-9:00 p.m. (OpenGov #9409). / V. Brown (5)
2. Request to advertise for a public hearing for a sound variance to allow for live amplified music
for a backyard party at 48 Aquidneck Ave on August 1, 2026, from 4:00-10:00 p.m. (OpenGov

9419). / I. Hutton (5) – Motion to approve advertising for public hearing sound variances for

both Safe Harbor New England Boatworks and 48 Aquidneck Ave., to be heard on June 22, 2026
made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Request permission to install a permanent sign in the town right-of-way on Hedly St. across from
Maplewood Farm at 234 Hedly St. – Motion to deny the permit instillation request but have staff
work with Mr. Anderson for another solution made by Ms. Patton, seconded by Mr. Gleason.
Motion passed 6-0-1. Ms. McDowell recused. Motion corrected on June 8, 2026 to reflect 7-0 vote,
made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion passed unanimously on June 8, 2026.
a. Staff opinion.
4. Request to pause, review, and restructure the Parks & Recreation Committee. – No votes taken.
5. Discuss the Little Compton Town Council Resolution requesting the RI General Assembly to
exempt the Town of Little Compton from the sales tax for the amount paid for parking at a
municipally operated beach in the Town of Little Compton. – No votes taken.
6. Review and update the existing MOU with the Prudence Island School foundation to reflect
present day circumstances. – No votes taken.
7. Investigate the possibility of generating substantial additional revenue for the Town. – Motion to
invite representatives of Ocean State Investment Pool, Fidelity Investments and TD Bank to make
presentations to the Town Council regarding investment opportunities, made by Mr. Reise,
seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed 5-2. Mr. Payero and Ms. Blank in dissent.
8. Acceptance of road construction of Ferreira Avenue as a public road and release of the
subdivision bond ($425,000) conditioned on a one-year maintenance bond equal to five percent.
– Motion to approve the release of the road bond, approve the maintenance bond in the amount of
$42,500 and must record the as built plans made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Payero. Motion
passed unanimously.

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CORRESPONDENCE

1. Resolution requesting the legislature provide the island with the tools to eliminate the public
health crisis that is tick-borne infections. / New Shoreham Town Council
2. Resolution in support of House Bill 2026-8298 entitled An Act Relating to Capital Development
– 2026 Bond Referenda. / South Kingstown Town Council
3. Resolution in support of legislative action to clarify and reaffirm state responsibility for public
boating access infrastructure, including infrastructure located within the Town of Charlestown. /
Charlestown Town Council
4. Notice of a public hearing for a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map, and
Comprehensive Community Plan. / Middletown Town Council
FUTURE MEETINGS
June 8 7:00 PM – Town Council Meeting
June 10 7:00 PM – Town Council Meeting Budget Public Hearing (Wednesday)
June 22 7:00 PM – Town Council Meeting
July 13 7:00 PM – Town Council Meeting Cancelled
July 27 7:00 PM – Town Council Meeting
EXECUTIVE SESSION - (If needed)

ADJOURN

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

OPEN SESSION

ADJOURN – Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Payero, seconded by Mr. Gleason. Motion passed
unanimously.
Time: 9:17

________

Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk