Minutes 2026-04-27

PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 27, 2026

MINUTES

6:30 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, and David Reise
MEMBERS ABSENT: Juan Carlos Payero
Time: 6:30
EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to go into Executive Session under RIGL 42-46-5(a) (2) made
by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. 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. – DPW – 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. – Prescription health care benefit – One
vote taken.
ADJOURN – Motion to seal the minutes and adjourn to open session made by Mr. Gleason,
seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
Time: 7:00 PM Break
7:00 PM – Town Council Chambers, Portsmouth Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road
Time: 7:05 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 this meeting. One
vote taken. It passed 4-2.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Residents may address the Town Council on matters relevant to the authority and jurisdiction of
the Town Council, and not otherwise on the agenda, during the public comment period.
Michael DiPaola, 37 Lawton Brook Lane, against the sign ordinance.

PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

1. Proclamation proclaiming May 3-9, 2026 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week
TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND

PROCLAMATION

57th ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK
MAY 3-9, 2026
WHEREAS, the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital part of
local government, exists throughout the world; and

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WHEREAS, the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk is the oldest among public servants; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk provides the professional link
between the citizens, the local governing bodies, and agencies of government at other levels; and
WHEREAS, Professional Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality
and impartiality, rendering equal service to all; and
WHEREAS, the Professional Municipal Clerk serves as the information center on functions of
local government and community; and
WHEREAS, Professional Municipal Clerks continually strive to improve the administration of
their office through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops, and the annual
meetings of their state, provincial, county, and international professional organizations; and
WHEREAS, it is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments and dedicated service
of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that I, Keith E. Hamilton, President of the Portsmouth
Town Council, do hereby proclaim the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as
PROFESSIONAL MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK
and do extend sincere appreciation to Jennifer M. West, CMC, and to all Professional Municipal
Clerks in the Town of Portsmouth for the vital services they perform and their exemplary
dedication to the communities they serve.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand this 27th day of April, 2026.

____

Attest:____
Keith E. Hamilton
Jennifer M. West, CMC
Town Council President

Town Clerk
CONSENT AGENDA – Motion to approve as presented made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms.
Patton. Motion passed 5-0. 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 #1420 on 4/9/26 in the amount of $328,649.31 as approved by the
Finance Director
Payment Voucher #1430 on 4/16/26 in the amount of $81,071.03 as approved by the
Finance Director
2. Committee Minutes:
Conservation Commission 2/19/26, 3/5/26
Parks and Recreation Committee 2/19/26, 3/19/26
3. Peddler License – Mobile Food Establishment (MFE), Renewal:
a. MacKinnon Enterprises LLC d/b/a Sprinkles Ice Cream, 9 Bowens Wharf, Newport
(#9448)
b. SW Food LLC d/b/a Newport Sushi Co., 8 Garfield St., Newport (#9449)
c. Baby Duck, LLC d/b/a Tacofied, 38 Dean Ave, Johnston (#9451)
d. Antonio Miranda d/b/a/ La Guaguita Del Sabor, 3 Pine Drive, Hopkinton (#9456)
4. CRMC – Public Notice 1984-05-013 Modification
Joseph & Mary McDowell, 94 Point Road, 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. This application is a modification of Assent

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1984-05-013. 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. Peddler License – Mobile Food Establishment (MFE), New:
Newport Creamery Restaurant LLC d/b/a Newport Creamery, 781 Tiogue Ave, Coventry
(#9452) – Motion to approve made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed
unanimously.
2. Class F1 Daily Liquor License:
Travel Tavern LLC, 198 Summit Dr, Cranston, for a Graduation Celebration at 29 Chelsea
Dr on June 13, 2026 from 4:00-7:00pm (#9460) – 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 all minutes made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion
passed unanimously.
3/23/26 & Exec.
4/13/26 & Exec.

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

1. End of winter operation at RI Energy Old Mill Lane site – We’ve been informed that winter
operations for the 2025–2026 season have now been completed, and all LNG trailers have been
removed from the site. Crews will remain on site to complete miscellaneous projects including
driveway restoration, plantings, and some equipment-related work, including valve work. That work
is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete.
2. Community Aggregation Program reminder – I just want to briefly follow up on the Council’s
discussion at our last meeting regarding the Community Electricity Aggregation Program. Since
that meeting, we’ve updated the Town’s website to more prominently feature the recent rate update
through a homepage banner, making the information easier for residents to access. That update
clearly outlines the options available to participants and provides step-by-step guidance for anyone
who may wish to change their participation level or opt out of the program. We’ll continue to
monitor feedback and make sure residents have clear and accessible information as this moves
forward.
3. Portsmouth Award nominations – We will begin accepting nominations for the annual
Portsmouth Award next week. This award recognizes an individual, local business, or organization
that reflects the very best of Portsmouth through consistent excellence in professional and
community leadership, and whose contributions directly benefit our town. Details will be posted on
the Town website, along with a press release, and nominations will be accepted through June 30th. I
would encourage residents to take a few moments to consider someone deserving of this recognition
and submit a nomination.
4. Arbor Day – I’d like to note that the Town will be observing Arbor Day this Friday, May 1st,
with a ceremony at Hathaway School beginning at 9:15 a.m. This year’s observance will include the
dedication of a tree in memory of our late Town Historian, Jim Garman. Jim was a valued member
of our community, and we hope this will be a meaningful way to recognize his lasting contributions
to Portsmouth. Council President Keith Hamilton has signed the Arbor Day Proclamation and will

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be present to read it at the ceremony. I’d like to acknowledge and thank Rhode Island Energy for
the donation of the tree, our Department of Public Works for preparing the site, and the Portsmouth
Tree Commission for their continued involvement.
Just a reminder that all dogs must be licensed by this Thursday, April 30th per State Law. Late fees
of $20.00 will go into effect on May 1st.

RESIGNATIONS, REMOVALS AND APPOINTMENTS

1. Resignations:
Dog Park Committee – Motion to accept Richard Nassau’s resignation with regret made by
Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Removals:
Bristol Ferry Town Common Committee – Motion to accept the removal of Ms. Nanci
Smith. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS (Discussion/Action)
1. Portsmouth Solid Waste Ad Hoc Committee Hedley Street Transfer Station (TS) Comments and
Recommendations. – Motion for the Prudence Island Transfer Station sticker fee to be set at
$175 per household, $10.00 for an additional car and a $10.00 placard for Short-term Rentals,
which stays with the property and it would allow for Prudence Island stickers to use the Hedly St.
Transfer Station for diversionary items only, made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion to eliminate the 2nd contracted worker at the Hedly St. Transfer Station made by Mr.
Gleason, seconded by Ms. McDowell. Motion passed 4-2. Mr. Hamilton and Ms. Blank in dissent.
Motion to sit down and officially approach and reopen the contract with Mega with our concerns
and look for fiscal cost savings regarding curbside made by Ms. McDowell, seconded by Mr. Reise.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion to move the Waste Diversion Manager into the DPW budget made by Mr. Gleason,
seconded by Ms. Blank. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion to request a sticker cost for curbside with Pay As You Throw bags made by Mr. Gleason,
seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion to meet as a group with 2 Councilors, Town Administrator and staff regarding curbside and
fiscal efficiencies prior to meeting with Mega made by Ms. McDowell, seconded by Ms. Patton.
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. March 2026 Finance Report
b. School Finance Report: January 2026, February 2026
NEW BUSINESS (Discussion/Action)
1. Request approval for the 8th grade class at St. Philomena School to have a campfire at Sandy
Point Beach on June 4h from 2:00 pm to sunset. – Motion to approve made by Mr. Gleason,
seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Proposed revised entry/exit routes for Polo. – Motion to approve made by Mr. Gleason,
seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Request approval of a resolution requesting immediate reform of the ISO-NE Day-Ahead
Ancillary Services Initiative. – Motion to approve made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms.
Patton. Motion passed unanimously.

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TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND

RESOLUTION #2026-04-27

RESOLUTION REQUESTING IMMEDIATE REFORM OF THE ISO-NE

DAY-AHEAD ANCILLARY SERVICES INITIATIVE
WHEREAS, the Town of Portsmouth is a participating customer in Rhode Island’s active
municipal aggregation programs, we hereby express our concern with the implementation of the
Day-Ahead Ancillary Services Initiative (DASI) by ISO New England (ISO-NE) and its impact
on our community; and
WHEREAS, Portsmouth participates with seven other Rhode Island municipalities in a
municipal aggregation program as part of a joint buying group, collectively serving a population
of over 300,000, with an intended goal of providing a competitive pricing choice and fuel source
options to our residents; and
WHEREAS, for the past three years, the programs appeared to have delivered on that promise:
the supply used by the vast majority of customers in the programs has provided renewable
energy options while remaining cost competitive; and
WHEREAS, the implementation of DASI is saddling customers with unexpected costs that
negatively impact affordability, with costs far exceeding estimates across New England, in just
the first year of implementation, and
WHEREAS, many household budgets are already strained from the high cost of living in New
England, and while we appreciate the importance of reliability for the future of our regional grid,
the design and implementation of DASI does not adequately balance cost impacts; and
WHEREAS, the unprecedented cost increases are imposing substantial and unanticipated
burdens on electricity consumers across New England, and consumers should not be expected to
shoulder unnecessary costs; and
WHEREAS, we are aware that ISO-NE is considering reforms this spring and we urge a
thorough and careful review to ensure that the proposed reforms will effectively address the
pricing issues we have seen to date; and
WHEREAS, New England's electricity system must remain both reliable and affordable, and in
its current form DASI is falling short of that responsibility and must be reformed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Portsmouth
respectfully requests that ISO-NE work expeditiously towards reforms of the DASI and take
prompt action to adopt the Internal Market Monitor's (IMM's) recommendations for reform
which can help correct DASI’s flaws and bring relief to ratepayers already paying some of the
highest rates in the country; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk is hereby directed to transmit copies of this
Resolution to the Governor, members of the Town’s Legislative Delegation, all municipalities
within the State of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, and the ISO
New England Board of Directors, ISO New England, Inc., One Sullivan Road, Holyoke, MA
01040-2841, urging immediate action on these matters.
Approved by Town Council action on this 27th day of April, 2026.

_______

Keith E. Hamilton, Town Council President
ATTEST: ______
Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk
4. Request to perpetually proclaim April 24th as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day and to fly

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the Armenian Flag in the Council Chambers on that day every year. – Motion to approve made
by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND

PROCLAMATION

**PROCLAMATION PERPETUALLY PROCLAIMING APRIL 24TH AS

“ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY”**
WHEREAS, from 1915 to 1923, approximately 1.5 million Armenians were systematically
persecuted, deported, and killed in the Armenian Genocide; and
WHEREAS, April 24th is internationally recognized as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day,
marking the anniversary of April 24, 1915, when hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and
community leaders were arrested in Constantinople, an event widely regarded as the beginning
of the genocide; and
WHEREAS, Armenian communities throughout the United States and around the world observe
this day to honor the memory of the victims and to ensure that the lessons of history are
remembered and taught to future generations; and
WHEREAS, Armenian Americans have made significant contributions to the civic, cultural,
economic, and social life of communities throughout the United States, including the State of
Rhode Island; and
WHEREAS, remembrance of this tragic chapter in human history serves as an opportunity to
reaffirm our commitment to human rights, dignity, and the prevention of crimes against
humanity wherever they may occur; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the Armenian Genocide honors the memory of those who perished and
stands as a reminder of the importance of vigilance against intolerance, hatred, and persecution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Portsmouth Town Council hereby
proclaims April 24th as “ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY” in the Town
of Portsmouth and encourages all residents to observe this day with appropriate remembrance
and reflection in honor of the victims of the Armenian Genocide and in recognition of the
enduring resilience and contributions of Armenian Americans.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the Armenian flag shall be flown at Portsmouth Town
Hall on April 24th of each year in remembrance of the victims of the Armenian Genocide and in
recognition of Armenian heritage and the contributions of Armenian Americans.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Portsmouth Town Council has hereunto set its hand this 27th day
of April, 2026.

_______

ATTEST:_____
Keith E. Hamilton, Town Council President
Jennifer M. West, CMC, Town Clerk
5. Request approval for Sandy Point Beach proposed parking fee schedule, elimination of 4-pack
passes and increasing stickers from 2 per household to 3. – Motion to approve made by Mr.
Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
6. Request approval of letter in support of Bristol litigation against RITBA. – Motion to approve
made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
Time: 8:52 Break
Time: 8:57 Return to Open Session
7. Presentation and Submission for Review – Town Administrator’s Proposed Budget Fiscal Year
July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
(Proposed Budget is Available on the Town’s Website or by using the following:
FY 27 Town Administrator's Proposed Budget)

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a. Town Administrator opening statements
b. Budget – Revenues – Motion to increase the Interest Income line from $400,000 to
$450,000 with the new Finance Revenue total being $456,000, made by Mr. Reise, seconded by Ms.
Patton. Motion passed 5-1. Ms. Blank in dissent.
Motion to have the Town Administrator and Finance Director present our current investment
strategy and present a future investment plan going forward as soon as possible made by Ms.
McDowell, seconded by Mr. Reise. Motion passed unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE – Motion to receive and place on file made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by
Ms. Patton. Motion passed unanimously.
1. Certificate of Special Recognition acknowledging the Dept. of Public Works for their
extraordinary efforts during the Blizzard of 2026. / Governor D. McKee
2. Resolutions adopted on April 6, 2026. / Exeter Town Council
a. In support of House Bill 7049 and Senate Bill 2147 adjusting primary election day to
Wednesday after Labor Day.
b. Letter of support for the Blue Ribbon Commission’s report, Equalizing Opportunity:

Creating a Fair and Transparent Funding System for Rhode Island’s Public Schools.
c. In support of House Bill H7224 (2026 – An Act Relating to Towns and Cities – Award
of Municipal Contracts).
d. Opposing Senate Bill 2389 and House Bill 7305 relating to the Access to Public Records
Act (APRA).
3. Resolutions adopted on April 13, 2026. / Charlestown Town Council
a. Concerning Municipal authority over land use and housing decisions.
b. Joint Municipal Statement supporting Portsmouth’s resolution in support of municipalities
collaborating in reviewing, analyzing, and responding to 2025 affordable housing laws.
c. Concerning Senate Bill S2275 relating to comprehensive permit review and affordable
housing unit accounting.
d. Identifying shortcomings in the housing 2030 element of the Rhode Island State Guide
Plan.
FUTURE MEETINGS
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
ADJOURN – Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Patton. Motion passed
unanimously.
Time: 10:06 PM