[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6496180,"mediaKeyId","5744794-8539f09666bde4e5f7cd05d4b0aef5ce","parentId",5744794,"title","Council pauses energy contract and town‑hall energy project for more details; asks for maintenance cost estimates","audioSeconds",7,"startMs",5163000,"endMs",5170000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744794-8539f09666bde4e5f7cd05d4b0aef5ce&start=5163&end=5170","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744794-8539f09666bde4e5f7cd05d4b0aef5ce/thumbnail_5163000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6496180/Warren/Bristol-County/Rhode-Island/Council-pauses-energy-contract-and-townhall-energy-project-for-more-details-asks-for-maintenance-cost-estimates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6496180-02cfd269f59abe2af5df16bfaaaf17f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770280189&Signature=PnnjPdEJqc54LFaJ4LVBOtRsG4uFY2-gOz9JGfxd62-BQtMaHKcjxK7Wh1cc-3dR0VRMNJdiZNvD3WmO69YXth2WmzeV7pZ34M0BcaqvZEX5198m8Ghid5eYJ~7cL~U6y9L~XZD5lF-rd2H7bba9vUAEqXeIaWuit6Ug8fdFtq9kVJAWnZ9h-~nXpHKWVDQ~hqXKu-DGou7XzHoEr00SyEyiubG3JoHmlyapgJ4YKvynAt6GQw0N1YVDDu0ll0x-Yf0atJyaCHT0yNZnpxMxDnarFPFrJbTLxzTDYOVZ0ah8BZhu6t9Hlv-p5rvaB4e7J2icDMg0rYCNG2rI09f~9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Warren RI Town Council","date","2025-09-10T04:00:19Z","article","Councilors on Tuesday delayed final approval of two energy items until October after extended discussion of procurement timing, contract language and ongoing costs.

The first item was authority for the town manager to proceed with a three‑year electricity and gas supply contract negotiated through the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns. Town energy consultant Brian Sullivan explained the value of pooled purchasing and timing purchases to market windows; councilors asked to see the contract language and have the solicitor review before signing. The council continued the item to the October meeting so members can review the document and the solicitor can advise on terms.

The second item was a proposal to install an energy‑management control system at town hall using remaining Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funds plus a Rhode Island Energy incentive. The vendor proposal presented a total project cost of roughly $167,500, with grant and utility incentives covering a portion. Councilors raised detailed questions about deferred mechanical maintenance discovered at the sewer plant after a similar control system was installed there, the need for replacement of mechanical equipment, and recurring software and preventive‑maintenance costs beyond the one‑year software maintenance included in the proposal. Town energy staff and the vendor explained the system provides visibility into building operations and typically achieves payback through energy savings, but agreed to provide estimates of ongoing maintenance and examples of comparable municipal maintenance contracts.

Councilors asked staff to return at the October meeting with three items: the new supply contract with solicitor review, a clearer breakdown of the town‑hall project including anticipated annual maintenance and replacement costs, and references/examples showing how other municipalities budget for recurring maintenance of these systems. The council continued the energy procurement and town‑hall project items to allow time for that information to be collected.

Quote: \"The best way to get a low price for energy is to buy it at the right time,\" energy consultant Brian Sullivan said. \"And once you've found a good supplier, you wait for the market to get low, and you buy low.\"","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","September 9, 2025-Warren Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Councilors pressed for details on a three‑year energy supply contract and a town‑hall energy‑management control system. Both items were continued to October so the solicitor can review contract language and staff can provide ongoing maintenance cost projections for the proposed control system.","taxTitle","Warren, Bristol County, Rhode Island","taxId",79694,"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},6496185,"Warren council opens discussion on combining zoning and planning boards; schedules workshop",881,3349000,4230000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744794-8539f09666bde4e5f7cd05d4b0aef5ce&start=3349&end=4230","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744794-8539f09666bde4e5f7cd05d4b0aef5ce/thumbnail_3349000.jpg","/articles/6496185/Warren/Bristol-County/Rhode-Island/Warren-council-opens-discussion-on-combining-zoning-and-planning-boards-schedules-workshop","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6496185-b4346475839233a3fa8d5f46aee92d42/orig.mp4?Expires=1770280189&Signature=loNKIWXkppMQZ3Zp65Sh4Tk1akdU1UQ8kq1jY5hWoRoWAoWTGbQD4afn~bpnPW8XicTsNWYjWe0xhrK8IPBbXe6c2xTo~D4Ni3GCQRgYzoV3GZswLqAEy-tOn9F51J7wRg3K6jI4HNscOtpMKvu5HQKNa0bD8JibWpVkZMjYzKqjbdFXA62~imTzYL8Vs~3nQn46kUZ8SNFGwD7d6fGs1h11rFQ3MeUI7kFfIaDTZ0WUZQlN-Y18JIMf-ve0oQtmgv4eqWSXfI4Sjh7oh9QsJFXziemJcwsi~ZkbWH~cq6tpXcBDewSNCz3f78PUs9ZN9dT6TOc4JaZLt6qfiK~GXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Warren Town Council agreed at Tuesday’s meeting to begin a public process to evaluate a state‑authorized option to combine the town’s zoning board and planning board into a single review body.

Town Solicitor Joe DeSisto briefed councilors on the statutory framework that permits consolidated review under Rhode Island General Laws, and explained that implementing the change would likely require amendments to the charter, zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations. DeSisto recommended extensive public participation before any charter or ordinance changes are drafted.

Council members expressed mixed views. Some said a unified board could streamline major development review and speed project timelines; others warned the change could concentrate power and remove a layer of independent review. Councilors asked the solicitor to draft potential ordinance language and to summarize the experience of other communities. The council directed the town clerk to set a public workshop in October that will include input from planning and zoning board members, the public and the solicitor. The council asked the solicitor to return with draft language and examples ahead of that meeting.

Why it matters: combining review functions would change procedural and substantive checks in local land use permitting. If the council chooses to proceed, a charter amendment (likely for the 2026 ballot) and ordinance updates would be required, making this a multistage process.

Speakers quoted: \"This is a straight policy consideration. Legally, can you do it? Yes. You can,\" Town Solicitor Joe DeSisto said. Councilor John Hanley said he was concerned a single board \"would have too much power\" compared with the current structure.","The town solicitor outlined legal steps and councilors agreed to a public workshop in October to explore consolidating Warren’s zoning and planning review functions under state law that permits a unified board.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6496190,"Warren council approves licenses, appointments and easements; schedules follow-ups on energy, zoning and noise complaints",1508,834000,2342000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744794-8539f09666bde4e5f7cd05d4b0aef5ce&start=834&end=2342","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744794-8539f09666bde4e5f7cd05d4b0aef5ce/thumbnail_834000.jpg","/articles/6496190/Warren/Bristol-County/Rhode-Island/Warren-council-approves-licenses-appointments-and-easements-schedules-follow-ups-on-energy-zoning-and-noise-complaints","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6496190-0faab205435ab757dcea62a0d4d0d021/orig.mp4?Expires=1770280189&Signature=o5AqiEhKKo4a8e9ktmYfldDY7wwdlPC01ziuiBdNgl~d35OVS4GwnoDf0rIons0-1Uja5rE6sjX314Wu4BgtmQpeC9SXNNzQcNtNM-rJREu5ho~luP3ENnIUtYvUlewMmZJAUBNop1Ey-Uuc6rB4bY13PPMjaZoQUDQdugB9TulrStY2hyqI8zpBk1JunooRICBt0AybEx5ZPPyKkgs7Lw-DH~VGWccK5HkO7GqV4YjXFJRJuzNeWLQLjV8Q3FEgVXYD8kVCzbIcbllststY1uM2tekMFf5J5hSzDVUCV1yDLu-yuUa~crrzD1GbIrT-aqQ6Jjw3A2Moh4F3LTSP0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Warren Town Council on Tuesday approved a cluster of routine and substantive items while directing staff to return with more information on several larger projects.

The council adopted a resolution recognizing October as National Women-Owned Business Month and authorized a press conference and walkabout events to highlight women entrepreneurs. Councilors voted to approve a variety of business and entertainment licenses, appointed new members to advisory boards and granted utility easements on town property.

Key council actions included increasing the number of Class B (victualling/alcohol) liquor licenses from 31 to 32 and approving a victualling license for Sorelli LLC (Michael San Angelo) at 437 Main Street; the council also set the new liquor license for public hearing at the October meeting so the applicant can seek issuance if the license is created. The council approved a victualling and holiday license for Blue Door Inc. (196 Water Street) with a clerical hold until building and fire sign-offs are complete.

The council appointed Mark Furtado to the town budget advisory committee after an interview. Jenny Flanagan was appointed to a newly created drainage advisory committee. Several tattoo and apprentice licenses were approved for businesses at Main Street addresses. The council also authorized two easements to Narragansett Electric Company for utility poles on town property.

After listening to several residents, the council agreed to hold a show‑cause hearing in October to address repeated noise complaints about amplified outdoor music at La Pinata and asked the town manager to arrange a site visit and a controlled noise check before the hearing. The council also agreed to schedule a public workshop for October to discuss a state law that would allow Warren to combine its zoning and planning functions into a single review board.

The council voted to continue two energy-related agenda items to October so staff can provide contract language and solicitor review: (1) authorization for the town manager to proceed with a three-year electricity/gas supply contract negotiated through the League of Cities and Towns and (2) additional information requested on a proposed energy management/control system for town hall that would use grant funds and utility incentives; councilors asked for estimates of ongoing maintenance costs before acting.

Several items were continued to the October meeting for more detail: a composting pilot program proposal from Black Earth Compost, and a zoning change request to add a dog day‑care/boarding use to the ordinance (applicant: Ashley Souza). The council also directed the clerk to set a public workshop in October on a proposed tree‑planting/arboretum plan for Burris Hill Park.

The council voted to adjust town‑hall hours on a six‑month trial: open earlier on weekdays and to close Fridays at noon (with longer weekday hours one day a week); the manager will confirm labor/union impacts and report back.

Votes at a glance
- Resolution: Recognize October as National Women-Owned Business Month — adopted (unanimous)
- Ordinance first reading / vote: Increase max Class B licenses 31→32 — approved (unanimous)
- Victualling license: Sorelli LLC, 437 Main St. — victualling license approved; liquor license set for October public hearing (applicant first in line) (unanimous)
- Victualling/holiday license: Blue Door Inc., 196 Water St. — approved; issuance held pending building/fire approvals (unanimous)
- Appointments: Mark Furtado (Budget Advisory Committee), Jenny Flanagan (Drainage Committee) — both appointed (unanimous)
- Easements: Narragansett Electric Company (525 Charles St. and Lot 5/Schoolhouse Rd.) — approved (unanimous)
- Continued to October: Energy procurement contract (OB2), energy management project for town hall (OB3), compost pilot (NB1), dog day‑care zoning petition (NB2), show‑cause hearing for amplified noise at La Pinata (set for October)

The council asked staff to return with more detail on financing and maintenance implications for the energy project, and to coordinate with neighboring towns and the League on energy contract language. The meeting closed with a motion to hold a public workshop and additional follow-ups on several agenda items.","At its September meeting the Warren Town Council approved a package of licenses and appointments, adopted a resolution recognizing National Women-Owned Business Month and set public hearings or follow-ups on energy procurement, a zoning overhaul proposal and a noise dispute at a downtown restaurant.","actionData","errors"]

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Council pauses energy contract and town‑hall energy project for more details; asks for maintenance cost estimates

Warren council opens discussion on combining zoning and planning boards; schedules workshop

Warren council approves licenses, appointments and easements; schedules follow-ups on energy, zoning and noise complaints