[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6500971,"mediaKeyId","5592320-90e85d8f1b4b68edabfc6ff8b74a05ff","parentId",5592320,"title","Exeter council continues hearing on proposed Farm Overlay/Floating Zone after notice, specificity concerns","audioSeconds",907,"startMs",1899000,"endMs",2806000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5592320-90e85d8f1b4b68edabfc6ff8b74a05ff&start=1899&end=2806","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5592320-90e85d8f1b4b68edabfc6ff8b74a05ff/thumbnail_1899000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6500971/Exeter/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Exeter-council-continues-hearing-on-proposed-Farm-OverlayFloating-Zone-after-notice-specificity-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500971-b6be637e0a75ea9fc7cdd3a7343669b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770624243&Signature=mBHB5aCwXdXfAFcWEmjrw93cJyroeFukwkDATvSR6ZI52GINXC~dcVA2PPhFaxy2rk4L7RfeiHUDl8vAiJvx1jt5eOlXHTrldyzMbOUaoQfvFC5x6LPo4N1J4k~IdyYhr879Bf3JcZqTFfXQjLQDAT9nf4PKz66rvqBgGsbfzGibAUgg7LsqsOMBzYoeCEHvffaL0i46oxczRsnTAKIan8CBCgHEZCakygelfhQGjfW3yOScEfptkAcw0GRPiPMxoipfjoXYuEvYsaUVzANnu6T1iZDOpAYyDSyu1JITb4uo37CQDCsjzFoaSQPzspkspPlCPLwa70KhkKQVkfzLew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Exeter, Rhode Island","date","2025-08-18T03:24:02.873Z","article","The Exeter Town Council continued a public hearing on text amendments to the town zoning code that would create a Farm Overlay District or a floating-zone alternative after staff and the town solicitor said the version advertised did not meet statutory notice requirements and the draft lacked required specificity.

Town Planner Bill Cottrell presented the council with a memorandum (dated May 21, 2025) summarizing the planning board review and the planning staff's concerns. Cottrell said the planning board voted 5-0 to support a revised, annotated draft but that the version originally advertised did not define allowed uses, operational parameters or an application and approval process in sufficient detail. \"The text amendment creating a new overlay district ... lacks the necessary specificity regarding the allowed uses and their operational parameters,\" Cottrell said.

Attorney John Pangarini, representing applicant Earl Adams, told the council his client submitted a cleaned-up version of the proposal and urged the council to proceed. \"We believe that the board could adopt it this evening,\" Pangarini said, adding the planning board had publicly reviewed the concept. The town solicitor advised otherwise: because the advertised notice described a mapped overlay district, mailed notice to abutters (within 200 feet) would have been required; that mailing was not done. The solicitor said the applicant could instead pursue a floating zone, which does not require the same mailed notice, but urged re-advertising and another meeting to avoid procedural challenges.

Adams described the intent behind the proposal as helping \"farmers keep large farms intact and to come up with additional revenue sources,\" including definitions for uses such as farmers markets, agribusiness, farm kitchens and farm events. He described the East Fest/parachute events he hosts on his property and said the planning board had worked extensively to refine definitions and eligibility criteria.

Public commenters and several councilors debated key policy questions the draft raised: whether to require five years of prior agricultural use as an eligibility threshold, how to limit event size and frequency, whether certain uses (for example commercial slaughterhouses, game preserves or exotic-animal operations) should be prohibited, and how application fees should be structured. Members raised concerns about one proposed fee calculation that tied an application fee to two cents per square foot of the farm area; one speaker warned that applied literally that method could produce very large fees.

Councilors received multiple drafts: the original advertised version, a planning-board annotated version and an applicant's \"clean\" version filed the same day. Given the notice and specificity issues, the council voted to continue the public hearing to allow the applicant and staff to publish a version that reflects the planning board's recommendations and to meet statutory advertising requirements. The council set a continuation date for the next advertised meeting and instructed staff to prepare the advertisement and a clean, strike-and-underline draft for public review.

What happened next: The council did not adopt the ordinance at the meeting. Members said they want a clear public record (a single advertised draft with underlines showing additions) and left open two implementation approaches discussed at length: (1) creating a mapped overlay/floating-zone framework that requires a specific application and planning-board recommendation for each parcel, or (2) a regulatory regime with by-right, limited and prohibited uses where many relatively small farm activities could be approved administratively but unusual or larger proposals would go to the planning board.

Why it matters: The amendment would change how the town regulates farm-based events and agribusiness activity across eligible residential and agricultural zones. Councilors said they supported preserving farms but wanted clarity on limits, notification and administrative process so future applicants and neighbors understand what is permitted.

Council action: Motion to continue the public hearing and re-advertise the proposal; motion carried by voice vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Exeter, RI Town Council Meeting June 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Exeter Town Council continued a public hearing on proposed changes to zoning that would create a Farm Overlay District or floating zone after staff and the town solicitor said the advertised version lacked required mailed notice and sufficient specificity.","taxTitle","Exeter, Washington County, Rhode Island","taxId",79826,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500954,"State issues recognition for Exeter Comprehensive Plan update 'Exeter 2044'",114,81000,195000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5592320-90e85d8f1b4b68edabfc6ff8b74a05ff&start=81&end=195","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5592320-90e85d8f1b4b68edabfc6ff8b74a05ff/thumbnail_81000.jpg","/articles/6500954/Exeter/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/State-issues-recognition-for-Exeter-Comprehensive-Plan-update-Exeter-2044","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500954-6ba34f32db8c3f5a8acfba36db173086/orig.mp4?Expires=1770624243&Signature=bSL66r14HJ9kfiH6O8Q8hkAIRZLyzjufX9J72lb4Hy14INyDJx9Ue0Y0L6Eg59PPgl4qtilXIuLJehZL53eK-1B8DGIZ5bvHeTaMAYnb4wdT~Wtdo-uzGn2uDoaL~mx4SFatdnE4SR5s7c3CzwYHV40dv0uTzkGROyuJxgyL5aQjSc7tO3wFi0aEO6e37xGTClSRcnfLX5snGSlwzDJTrgQPji4iTZFR6CDnR88~tfjUREWE-3hTbFzLkKDKdI21YR48Idz2uU~OmhnKvI52-8Rfxm-~nGnYys5XAJy2q-AI2spF99bnftbGkU914CiA4WJ1fb1Q9nqYbH1rkzDXeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilors noted that the Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning issued a letter dated May 23 certifying the Town of Exeter's Community Comprehensive Plan Update (\"Exeter 2044\") as consistent with statewide goals and policies. A councilor said the town will receive a certificate of recognition at a ceremony in Providence the following week.

Town leaders stressed that the plan is a working document that must guide future land-use decisions rather than be shelved. \"It's done. It has to be ... You can't put it aside on a shelf, but it's done,\" the councilor said.

Why it matters: State certification affirms that the town's comprehensive plan aligns with statewide planning goals and makes the town eligible for certain state planning assistance and funding programs tied to certified plans.","Town planner and councilors announced that the state Division of Statewide Planning certified Exeter's Community Comprehensive Plan Update ('Exeter 2044') as consistent with statewide goals; the town will receive a certificate of recognition in Providence.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500958,"Council approves several administrative matters: HVAC upgrade, clerk pay, remediation letter and a resolution opposing public-records bill",0,5994000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5592320-90e85d8f1b4b68edabfc6ff8b74a05ff&start=5994&end=5994","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5592320-90e85d8f1b4b68edabfc6ff8b74a05ff/thumbnail_5994000.jpg","/articles/6500958/Exeter/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-several-administrative-matters-HVAC-upgrade-clerk-pay-remediation-letter-and-a-resolution-opposing-public-records-bill","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500958-91b139bc8ab99eb8b9d2b1ca979c6c90/orig.mp4?Expires=1770624243&Signature=XnrpHdDGjX6S6ndO2pMWXwxBt-zlSOEbjE9jtsEqs8FDXAw48W1QifZJsX48EhL9EZuXUcaX-x4Yf5qUvpFLO2hZhPkuPv8~MRQ5iLXVg9e7~AzQTK906rkHcCpiHyL0D3~0cg177f9QatKj5Az55kip79rQxJJQsHpMDBE0M8H22YkMW8fiKfAGl9fzCMEstZTdlWLeXdXVb7BZaKmA~vluMBkXUrI-1qAOVq2zFHiPBSAd8ySrLi7Is0HoC8P9hnBGRaqxFXuocPZfCcmQIR~GBdpEpUdNWton88YcS~eHtZi2g-aG4b844nsl5aJiwRY4NTKM8SdxUYT69Kcz2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Exeter Town Council approved several administrative items and a policy resolution during the meeting.

Animal-control HVAC: Council approved a public-works request to proceed with an HVAC replacement/upgrades at the animal-control facility (animal shelter) after staff described equipment reliability issues during recent hot months. The vote authorized the Department of Public Works to move forward with the recommended upgrade.

Planning and zoning clerical coverage: The council approved engaging a contracted clerk to provide transcription and minutes coverage for planning and zoning board meetings. The council set compensation at a flat rate of $150 per meeting (charged to planning and zoning line items). The clerk will attend night meetings and complete minutes/transcriptions off hours. The motion passed by voice vote.

Fire remediation letter: The council authorized the town to have the building inspector send a certified letter (and arrange personal service by the town sergeant if necessary) to the owner of a Kirkland Road property to request remediation status on fire-damaged structures. Earlier attempts to contact the owner by regular mail returned undeliverable.

Resolution on public-records bill: Councilors considered a resolution opposing proposed state legislation relating to public-records access (identified in meeting materials as Senate Bill 909). The council adopted a resolution expressing opposition to the bill as drafted; the motion passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: These administrative actions affect town operations (HVAC reliability), recordkeeping for quasi-judicial boards (minutes/transcription), enforcement options for a fire-damaged property and the town's legislative stance on public-records fee changes.","Councilors approved an HVAC replacement at the animal-control facility, authorized a building-inspector letter on a fire-damaged property, set flat-rate pay for a planning/zoning clerk, and adopted a resolution opposing proposed state public-records legislation (Senate Bill 909 as discussed).",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500962,"Council adopts multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update to qualify for FEMA mitigation funding",571,4929000,5500000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5592320-90e85d8f1b4b68edabfc6ff8b74a05ff&start=4929&end=5500","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5592320-90e85d8f1b4b68edabfc6ff8b74a05ff/thumbnail_4929000.jpg","/articles/6500962/Exeter/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Council-adopts-multi-jurisdictional-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan-update-to-qualify-for-FEMA-mitigation-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500962-0b969b996da850ff9b319a372541fa90/orig.mp4?Expires=1770624243&Signature=LMSLse0eKQjeF7chWspCFDqmoy5wUwItFKqrZCw1pPK-pFsRaA4V3xWrzAOMva71iabXHw7Tgs3~vC2WFOj9pUNjCOPzVTM9bC0uyx4RYfXViWWwu4af3sU7BC~U0lT6iHZKto2QleUYUgc-J1yplN-v0Pk~~Uv6AQ0hzNWoZ3krW0qG3scBIZB93sJsopRQL3xTZaar7R8IZ-BCgDbeJmoVFvAlxQIPk96qxlSfQgOWqMjba1RzoRxg3LVtJs8jYg6TSfsX9OjecvmTVoUMUNOPr~ebw9KsY8qeyjT9cl-3xHBUGpicWUL6z2aCHhHVbyUwslWlvj9x56Jpln1Pww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Exeter Town Council adopted a resolution approving the 2025 Exeter and West Greenwich Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update.

A council member (identified in the meeting as Doreen) presented the plan and described it as the culmination of a year-long process. The presenter noted the last update occurred in 2005 and said the 2025 plan incorporates new hazard categories (including PFAS and cyanobacteria water-quality concerns, cybersecurity threats and updated floodplain information), an updated inventory of critical facilities, and a prioritized list of 90 mitigation actions.

The resolution was drafted to allow minor editorial adjustments required by the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) and FEMA during their review without requiring the council to re-adopt the document. The presenter said the state review period is 30 days and FEMA's is 90 days; once FEMA approves the plan the towns become eligible to apply for federal hazard-mitigation grant funding for pre- and post-disaster projects.

The council approved the resolution by voice vote. The presenter and staff thanked Fairweather Science Consulting (the consultant on the plan), the Town of West Greenwich and multiple local departments for their participation in drafting the plan.

Why it matters: Adoption is a prerequisite to apply for FEMA hazard-mitigation funding and provides an updated, town-level risk assessment and a prioritized list of projects and actions to reduce long-term disaster risk.","The council voted to adopt the 2025 Exeter and West Greenwich Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update, a document that identifies hazards, inventories critical infrastructure and lists 90 mitigation actions. Adoption makes the towns eligible for certain state and federal mitigation grants after state and FEMA review.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500967,"Council approves two outdoor-entertainment licenses: library fall festival and National Guard East Fest",276,893000,1169000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5592320-90e85d8f1b4b68edabfc6ff8b74a05ff&start=893&end=1169","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5592320-90e85d8f1b4b68edabfc6ff8b74a05ff/thumbnail_893000.jpg","/articles/6500967/Exeter/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-two-outdoor-entertainment-licenses-library-fall-festival-and-National-Guard-East-Fest","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500967-f5481ff3091e90becc6782e37578edba/orig.mp4?Expires=1770624243&Signature=UtST8nsp8Qdo1NaPfiWEWIf7cz2sTvikG-QtYhde-p4L8lPWPZDPhGWg-xGU4LxFmg0noFxSDOlxsb-ShsPILmZN2bWE44dxRKZT5waeWuEgUShNSiTxKUMR2d266jj2nrJXA8KT-zC9aXCkixSEECowmQM9opdpi6Xy1YEL2EPmJlbUloe9FxWW6OtmpQyPlBxMbgdyEghEH0WogrOpGnq9Tk9Aoptz1ueqkjmPt-QY2b7rxjTnEB2BezpFLQlWmdkgI0mBzCwKWJuuiFLKa~k5sNU6mniTJNvXCaGcOmQ-wGRjWTWpMMWu0yV0ugQ1aA1GQbgk5LrqeqQ2~9d-Hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Exeter Town Council approved two outdoor-entertainment licenses during the public-hearing portion of its meeting.

Friends of the Exeter Public Library: Helen Douglas, president of the Friends of the Exeter Public Library, sought an outdoor-entertainment license for the library's annual fundraiser \"Exeter Fall Festival\" scheduled for Sept. 20 (application listed Sept. 30 in the packet; the applicant asked the council to confirm the date). Douglas described food trucks, artisans, music and family activities and asked the council to waive the application fee because her group is a nonprofit and all proceeds benefit the library. \"We're really fortunate to, despite the weather every year lately, we still make a lot of money for the public library of Exeter,\" Douglas said. A councilor moved to approve the application and waive the fee; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff will notify the Friends of the final advertising costs for required public notices.

Rhode Island National Guard East Fest (Earl Adams farm): EarI Adams described the military parachute competition he has hosted on his property for several years and requested an entertainment license for the event scheduled for Aug. 2, 2025 (rain date Aug. 3), 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Adams said his farm routinely supports the event infrastructure: a 150-200 acre competition field, a nine-acre parking hayfield, multiple access points, routing for incoming and outgoing traffic, and coordination with state police and military MPs. He estimated roughly 1,000 attendees over the day and said the National Guard provides traffic control, signage, port-a-potties, medical coverage and shuttles. \"It's a very, very good event,\" Adams said. The council approved the application by voice vote; staff will provide the applicant with advertising rates and final permit paperwork.

Safety and notice: Adams and councilors described coordination with state troopers and local emergency services, including on-site medical evacuation capability by military aircraft for serious injuries. Adams said the event has run for decades in the region and that the National Guard brings its own traffic, medical and safety resources.","The council approved an outdoor entertainment license for the Friends of the Exeter Public Library's fall festival and approved an application for the Rhode Island National Guard's East Fest parachute competition on Earl Adams's farm, with town staff and presenters describing public-safety and traffic controls.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Exeter council continues hearing on proposed Farm Overlay/Floating Zone after notice, specificity concerns

State issues recognition for Exeter Comprehensive Plan update 'Exeter 2044'

Council approves several administrative matters: HVAC upgrade, clerk pay, remediation letter and a resolution opposing public-records bill

Council adopts multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update to qualify for FEMA mitigation funding

Council approves two outdoor-entertainment licenses: library fall festival and National Guard East Fest