[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6089289,"mediaKeyId","2874953-1c6384f21c0d479ecc8b7c60a6b76dfd","parentId",2874953,"title","Votes at a glance: Burrillville Town Council actions, March 12, 2025","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",344000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2874953-1c6384f21c0d479ecc8b7c60a6b76dfd&start=344&end=344","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2874953-1c6384f21c0d479ecc8b7c60a6b76dfd/thumbnail_344000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6089289/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Burrillville-Town-Council-actions-March-12-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089289-e65db3cfa2f08eee4523e02b27e26fb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771056250&Signature=To88M7zYy2IX4eqeIgupeHf40LBr2JbNd~30ZYbykON4J1xjIYAE2u-C~spyzCIE~kEVAXrDs2J9sVXNVbKfNSiv4u-rr57L5dWlPwoNSnsxO0GaqELW2fNcsKbVm7ML6DrqzhoziRdcUgJiPdX5UBPRNOoxor~~uvbNkUAbELGOtbg4WGFpiVrxxPNKYzlXhyYs-y6lEzE6B0Nmud3VAXl3VMMhYnyl2tcq~whVBEaGH2JaDMCd3BkgFMqKsq~nJJNZNU35uYMRFK17Bun1yaGA~xgXCQQxHPkU~HmVTF3X5xhswGNGEZXaqOSUOmtTaKP3BheIz5gKUvTrfHLAYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Burrillville Town Council","date","2025-03-12T00:00:00Z","article","The Burrillville Town Council took the following formal actions during its March 12, 2025 meeting. Where the transcript did not list individual roll-call names, tallies are provided.

• Consent agenda: Approved as presented (motion made by Mr. Battelon; second by Ms. Brown). (Outcome: approved)

• Special-event license (Bridal Harvest Festival) and Class F-1 liquor license on town property for September 2025: Approved provided stipulations are met (mover: councilor; second: Mr. Houle). (Outcome: approved)

• Comprehensive Plan amendment (Chapter 11 Future Land Use Map): Adopted changes reclassifying several parcels from Farm Residential F5 to Single‑Family Residential R7 consistent with recent zoning actions (motion by Mr. Anderson; second by Vice President). (Outcome: approved)

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application and related resolution for a homeownership rehab (property on Foster/Steer Farm Road): Adopted resolution to set priorities and submit CDBG funding request (presenter: Joe Garlick; motion by Mr. Anderson; second by Mr. Battelon). (Outcome: approved)

• Fiscal-year 2024 audit and single-audit report: Accepted the town’s 2024 financial statement and single audit report presented by auditors (Kyle Hunters and audit team). (Outcome: accepted)

• Harrisville Pond Dam financing: Authorized staff to seek additional financing from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (motion carried). (Outcome: approved)

• Establishment of Burrillville 250 commission revolving fund: Approved creation of a separate fund to receive commission proceeds and donations (motion and second recorded). (Outcome: approved)

• Spay/neuter program fund (Fund #319) under R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-24-9: Approved creation of the fund to segregate canine-surcharge fees for low-cost spay/neuter programs and to retroactively transfer receipts to 07/01/2024. (Outcome: approved)

• Rock Avenue parking/Overlook nursing home safety complaint: Referred to administration and ordinance subcommittee for further study and possible codification. (Outcome: referred)

• Proposed resolution requesting repeal of chapters 276 and 299 of the Public Laws of 02/2017 (private land-trust exemption): Motion to submit the resolution to the legislature failed (ayes: 3; nays: 4). (Outcome: failed to pass)

• Reappointment of Adam Schatz to the Conservation Commission: Referred to screening (motion and second recorded; vote 6–1 to refer). (Outcome: referred to screening)

• Resolution supporting House Bill H-5457 (Public Records Act fees): Council voted to support the bill that would change records‑request fee standards (motion carried). (Outcome: supported)

• Response request from ACLU re: local enforcement of federal immigration laws: Council received and filed the ACLU letter; administration will review policy but no new ordinance was adopted. (Outcome: received and filed)

• Resolution opposing Rhode Island 2025 gun-control legislation (Second Amendment sanctuary reaffirmation): Adopted and will be forwarded to state officials. (Outcome: approved)

• Executive session disclosures: Council announced two approvals taken in executive session—(1) approved a collective bargaining agreement between the Burrillville School Committee and Rhode Island Council 94 AFSCME on behalf of School Employees Local 2231 through 06/30/2028; and (2) approved an employment contract for Town Manager Michael C. Wood through 06/30/2028 and authorized the council president to sign. (Outcomes: both approved)

Ending: For several items the council authorized staff follow-up or referrals; the council did not forward the land‑trust repeal request to the legislature. Residents were encouraged to follow posted agendas and the administration’s forthcoming bill postings for the state session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","03-12-25 Burrillville Town Council Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal actions taken by the Burrillville Town Council during the March 12, 2025 meeting, including approvals for events, planning changes, grants, funds, and personnel actions taken in executive session.","taxTitle","Burrillville, Providence County, Rhode Island","taxId",79685,"location","Rhode Island","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6089294,"Town manager warns of multiple state bills that could alter local zoning and open-space protections",261,8468000,8729000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2874953-1c6384f21c0d479ecc8b7c60a6b76dfd&start=8468&end=8729","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2874953-1c6384f21c0d479ecc8b7c60a6b76dfd/thumbnail_8468000.jpg","/articles/6089294/Rhode-Island/Town-manager-warns-of-multiple-state-bills-that-could-alter-local-zoning-and-open-space-protections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089294-15fe8316262a5cac6edc82f2fca147a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771056250&Signature=eTe-NtHqNZ6Le8BmBKoCygGuRxDemPYHnYXCRPCStD-i2l38opC5YXOUK3~y-160zvnN9cB0NjwwXfq2x-VIfXBjP7G3tSd~9cjY1auGyExnd2T1t72yfAzvMNRQ9GBo6khQyg1hjD7AMaDwK-Hy0oPxBb9enH-BtD79Tmondy4HlIhSLtgcqzo9iwPWunDEfL-JyLnt3cIvY7vrjGaKVXodY1Fq1qlDBX6-bGiyoW8oXh3CuAc~zMi9lJ3j2OO13zDYc660K~diviB~o47Z1GVslzERcJgfAqa53uq4IhbTUF4ly3SnYMtp2Fiohjg8CVsyx2ODFSrV0SAJVfJY-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town Manager Michael C. Wood warned the Burrillville Town Council that a package of bills in the current Rhode Island legislative session could significantly change local land-use controls and make it harder for rural communities to preserve open space.

Wood said the speaker has introduced roughly a dozen bills this session and highlighted three measures he called especially consequential: (1) allowing higher-density housing in commercial and industrial zones by right; (2) enabling state-owned property to be developed by the state without local zoning input; and (3) permitting a new housing product (described as a dormitory-style option) to be built by right in communities.

Wood told residents and councilors the measures repeat trends from the last two years and would “encroach on our ability to save our land and use our land and density and housing that’s going to come our way.” He urged residents who care about open space and rural character to follow committee hearings and contact legislators.

Councilors and the manager noted the town has taken defensible zoning steps, including creating restrictive farm-residential zones and updating the comprehensive plan to guide growth toward village centers. The manager urged participation at the statehouse, saying, “If you care about the communities, you care about what’s going on at the statehouse, my suggestion is you get mobbed, put out there and make your voices heard.”

Ending: The town will post the identified bills and encouraged citizens to attend hearings; officials said they will monitor and, where appropriate, seek legislative changes to preserve local decision-making and rural character.","Burrillville town manager Michael C. Wood told the council that the General Assembly is advancing a package of bills that would shift local control over zoning, allow higher-density housing types by right and enable state development on state land without local zoning input.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6089298,"Burrillville council reaffirms Second Amendment sanctuary stance, adopts resolution opposing proposed state gun-control bills",483,4585000,5068000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2874953-1c6384f21c0d479ecc8b7c60a6b76dfd&start=4585&end=5068","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2874953-1c6384f21c0d479ecc8b7c60a6b76dfd/thumbnail_4585000.jpg","/articles/6089298/Rhode-Island/Burrillville-council-reaffirms-Second-Amendment-sanctuary-stance-adopts-resolution-opposing-proposed-state-gun-control-bills","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089298-2c27f7856345b846a6025ddffc93ed39/orig.mp4?Expires=1771056250&Signature=CG1bN~24ZYvAAoog50rkIkim1cVzJcJs~a00YHW-qaiYRFnQLd17OOiw~kAuFto334R3Ci5KZ4EurL~CrQ0uMLuvwilUDK4t5kRbBvdoISzNSyDAUry11sBU-rDAzZ9qXuCegBhwFSm2wWp9zhBxzAsvojENN6X0Q6tcuTmvbCniUBj8IujDwS8qZ-bbqYflM01UB014zpzuog4MQVbdj7fI59YGCRiS-C69Bw5NONZ4eDg3JxTE1R0zuo79OBBbyWLzuFiI3NULLoW1D6iabZW-2LnHB-47Ra9NW2zLL7t-NrpAHbfQF3hFY~YuJJmZBCBek2-wwVR8Ftf34iXUIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Burrillville Town Council voted to reaffirm its 2019 declaration as a Second Amendment sanctuary and adopted a resolution opposing a package of proposed state gun-control bills, including proposals framed by sponsors as an assault‑weapons ban.

Council leaders said the resolution would be forwarded to state legislators, the governor and other officials. The resolution cites U.S. Supreme Court precedents, Rhode Island constitutional language, and existing state law that prohibits government lists or registers of privately owned firearms and their owners.

Public comment was strongly in favor of protecting gun rights. Shane Bridal, who said he holds a carry permit and is a former U.S. Marine, said he moved back to Burrillville partly because of the town’s stance: “If we lose the Second Amendment you will lose all other right to any other amendment,” he said. Several other residents and members of the Wallum Lake Rifle and Gun Club described volunteer-run hunter-safety, junior-marksmanship and community programs and urged the council to oppose legislation they said would criminalize common firearms used for sport and hunting.

Supporters and several council members argued that statewide proposals were overly broad and would impose unfunded costs on municipalities for storing surrendered or seized firearms if registration or storage requirements were enacted.

The adopted resolution declares that the council “finds and declares that these gun restriction bills…infringe upon the rights of the people of the town of Burrillville” and states the council will not appropriate local funds for capital construction or storage systems required to enforce such laws, should the General Assembly enact them.

Ending: The council will forward the resolution to state officials and urged residents who oppose the pending legislation to testify at the General Assembly. Several council members encouraged constituents to attend legislative hearings and provide testimony.","The council adopted a resolution reaffirming its 2019 declaration as a Second Amendment sanctuary and opposing several gun‑control bills pending in the Rhode Island General Assembly; the meeting drew many supporters of legal gun ownership to speak in favor of the measure.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6089302,"Burrillville council approves additional financing request to repair Harrisville Pond Dam",285,1483000,1768000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2874953-1c6384f21c0d479ecc8b7c60a6b76dfd&start=1483&end=1768","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2874953-1c6384f21c0d479ecc8b7c60a6b76dfd/thumbnail_1483000.jpg","/articles/6089302/Rhode-Island/Burrillville-council-approves-additional-financing-request-to-repair-Harrisville-Pond-Dam","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089302-169ff4fb3fea6c2baa7e22c4b5fd7f17/orig.mp4?Expires=1771056250&Signature=fPbC3H3Ao7CurF4SeBR87kWvhQ1iqp7fW4XW3ODSV0U~D0ZemfP8Tbh3NYVXLZmsswwghxI8NxghZILlrshOJra2oC9YsCUPliTazq~GFFDaiMJwtaHJyu3lhBEvk~MMXAB9qsSq1kyjeocqgVDXCP1HiOFaZlKM4yJvYnaU-bNoZgbh-~~8WbakV83sUK3vRHpG8PrnbfH-ju9tlDkFIGYagY3Ebu1u8IjBcbQfP5LzeS8mMIff5SI8aMMdbncMZ1cmbSVLD2d8ufx2cA9p4qaL9kX0mjFbBOk8m8aj~fFlcg1-tvb7Oo8PtOKYg5olNZctHuJ7OG83s0-UWj3Fig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Burrillville Town Council voted to authorize the town to seek additional financing from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank to cover increased costs for the Harrisville Pond dam repair project.

Town Manager Michael C. Wood and the finance director presented revised cost estimates and financing options. The repair package included options for a 15‑year or 20‑year borrowing schedule; council members were told the Infrastructure Bank offered a lower interest rate than a standard municipal bond.

The town manager said the project has been “many years” in the making and that costs have “gone up extraordinarily” since initial estimates. He recommended seeking the Infrastructure Bank approval for roughly $1.8 million in additional financing so the town can award contracts and proceed if the bank approves the request.

Council members asked about permits. Mr. Wood said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management have been involved and a final state permit remained outstanding. He said the town will continue trying to secure external grant support but that timing and bid increases require moving forward on financing to avoid further delays.

Council President Donald Fox described the discovered problem: an old secondary gate and rotten structure that caused a leak and a sinkhole behind the dam. “They sandbagged it, controlled the leak, but it’s still not a good situation,” Fox said.

After discussion, the council approved the motion to pursue the additional Infrastructure Bank financing. The motion was made and seconded and carried with no recorded oppositions.

Ending: The council’s action authorizes the town to seek the additional infrastructure financing; if the Infrastructure Bank approves, the town will proceed to award the project contract and schedule the work under the selected bond timeline.","Council authorized town staff to seek additional financing through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank to cover increased bids for the Harrisville Pond dam repair; councilors discussed permitting and rising costs before approving the action.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_46":117,"_48":118,"_50":119,"_52":120,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":121,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":122,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6089305,"Burrillville council rejects resolution seeking repeal of private land-trust tax exemption after heated public comment",1109,2273000,3382000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2874953-1c6384f21c0d479ecc8b7c60a6b76dfd&start=2273&end=3382","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2874953-1c6384f21c0d479ecc8b7c60a6b76dfd/thumbnail_2273000.jpg","/articles/6089305/Rhode-Island/Burrillville-council-rejects-resolution-seeking-repeal-of-private-land-trust-tax-exemption-after-heated-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089305-e3963ab1b08240e7815e44855625d8e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771056250&Signature=ksy2Gl7rc5BtbSFOspNXpkUes7zs~CjEQiDhqU6GW4-cckTrfY8z4qXRBg1DPaKym6gS-HsQUgUikWo-o6nvxZwD9b2GrIchlfUMgiOjbzHkSJMpPkXID-IoBRlruiZlb6Y02QBI37TdRbdiEwpHVBegx5YfLgMLiYlbkPVnCm6Mzl15ZENSelCyhqYxdIA-R3-OQGIs~04iaxzYNWHpkDAvUATtuNYkWhTRIWsqRhmDL2GZIwAIJui6mVpv178cPPq9jJYw5NXjebS94y5e-EiAKhJGT60KVneFnym82ha081a1WBPvA6SFMbBGwjyuSmMWPr3yOrbtPz70Sq5uMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Burrillville Town Council declined to submit a resolution asking the state legislature to repeal chapters 276 and 299 of the Public Laws of 02/2017, which authorize an aggregate tax-exempt value for certain private land-trust holdings.

The resolution, which the council president read into the record, would have asked the General Assembly to remove the statute that exempts private land-trust property up to a specified aggregate value. Supporters of the resolution said local officials should control land-acquisition and tax policy; opponents raised concerns about public access to conserved land and the practical effect on conservation nonprofits.

The dispute drew a large public turnout. Pia Muller, who identified herself as a resident at 45 Darcy Lane, told the council that the Burrillville Land Trust (BLT) is a volunteer-run private nonprofit and “The BLT has never closed off a property to hunting where the previous owners have allowed hunting.” She urged the council to recognize the different capacities of private land trusts.

Chris Watson, a resident, said the BLT’s tax-exempt status is established in state law and asked the council to explain the reason for seeking repeal. “Why would you want to remove the tax-exempt status from a nonprofit?” he asked.

Other speakers described the land trust’s work and public access to trails. Betty Mancucci, a long-time BLT board member, said the BLT holds 293.14 acres across 14 properties and that several parcels are advertised and signed for public use, including the Bobcat Loop Trail and the Clear River Preserve Trail. “We have trails open to the public on several properties,” Mancucci said.

Some residents said removal of the exemption would shift tax burden to homeowners. Ron Dano, who identified himself as a lifelong resident and taxpayer, said, “Any piece of property that doesn’t pay taxes that is tax exempt affects my tax bill.” He said he supports conservation work but believes equal access should follow if property is tax-exempt.

Town officials provided background on the municipal process and on values. A town official summarized the BLT holdings and tax figures, saying the land trust’s current holdings would have produced about $3,941 in property taxes at the town’s current rate if they were on the rolls and noting that appraised values and assessed values differ across parcels. The resolution itself cited the town’s interest in assuming or coordinating land-acquisition oversight and in avoiding competition with private organizations for grants and state resources.

Council debate included procedural motions. A motion to table the resolution was proposed but failed. Later, a motion to submit the resolution to the legislature was made and seconded; the council recorded three ayes and four nays, and the motion failed.

The council did not adopt any change to local tax policy. Several speakers urged better communication and meetings between council members and local conservation organizations. The land-trust debate concluded without formal action to change the town’s approach to conservation or taxation, but the episode highlighted a persistent tension between conservation efforts and local fiscal concerns.

Council members said the issue would remain in public view and recommended continued dialogue between the town and private conservation groups.

Ending: The council’s vote leaves the statutory exemption intact unless legislators act; residents and BLT leaders urged the council to meet with the trust to resolve misunderstandings and to consider cooperative approaches for future land-protection efforts.","The Town Council voted down a resolution asking the General Assembly to repeal parts of the 2017 law that exempt some private land-trust property from local tax; the proposal sparked hours of public comment and debate over access, conservation and taxes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Burrillville Town Council actions, March 12, 2025

Town manager warns of multiple state bills that could alter local zoning and open-space protections

Burrillville council reaffirms Second Amendment sanctuary stance, adopts resolution opposing proposed state gun-control bills

Burrillville council approves additional financing request to repair Harrisville Pond Dam

Burrillville council rejects resolution seeking repeal of private land-trust tax exemption after heated public comment