Tiverton Council denies business hours extension amid police concerns

Tiverton Town Council made significant decisions during its meeting on June 9, 2025, focusing on public safety, community engagement, and infrastructure improvements.

One of the key resolutions was the denial of an extension for altered business hours, prompted by concerns from the police department. Council members emphasized the importance of ensuring public safety before making any changes to business operations. The decision reflects the council's commitment to balancing economic growth with community safety, indicating that the matter could be revisited in the future.

The council also acknowledged the resignation of Stuart Hardy from the North End and Industrial Business Park Advisory Subcommittee, effective May 23, 2025. His contributions were recognized as valuable, and the council plans to seek a replacement to maintain continuity in the advisory process.

In a move to enhance firefighter support, Lieutenant Tanner Barbosa presented a request for the Tiverton Firefighters to enroll in the Rhode Island Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program. The council discussed the implications of this request, noting that while it would not incur costs for the town, it would require careful consideration of existing contracts and potential impacts on other unions. The council agreed to authorize the town administrator to collaborate with the firefighters' union to explore this option further.

Additionally, the council approved several routine contracts for the fiscal year 2026, including agreements for pipe supply and septic services, ensuring that essential municipal services continue without interruption.

The meeting also addressed community access issues at Fogland Beach, where concrete barriers have restricted vehicle access to popular clamming areas. Councilor Paul raised concerns from constituents about the barriers, advocating for their removal to restore access. The council is expected to deliberate on this matter further, weighing environmental considerations against community needs.

Overall, the Tiverton Town Council's meeting underscored its proactive approach to governance, prioritizing public safety, community engagement, and infrastructure maintenance while navigating the complexities of local governance. The council's decisions are set to have lasting impacts on the community, with further discussions anticipated in upcoming meetings.