Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Meeting Roundup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Meeting roundup: council sets public hearing date, approves bond enabling resolution and continues lobbyist contract
Summary
At its Jan. 15 meeting the New Shoreham Town Council set a Feb. 19 public hearing on a shipping-container/trailer ordinance, approved a resolution asking the General Assembly to enable school bonds, continued consideration of a lobbyist contract and recorded a closed‑session vote on a fast‑ferry matter.
The New Shoreham Town Council took several formal actions Wednesday evening, approving a school‑bond enabling resolution, setting a public hearing and tabling a lobbyist contract while it clarifies legislative priorities.
Among the council’s formal outcomes:
- The council voted to set a public hearing date of Feb. 19 on a planning‑department ordinance concerning trailers and shipping containers. Council members noted the date coincides with school vacation but said they would continue the hearing if enough residents asked for a change.
- The council approved a resolution asking the Rhode Island General Assembly to enact the enabling legislation required by state law for bonds to finance school additions, renovations and repairs. The packet described the request as for "10,400,000.0" bonds; staff said the measure enables the town to receive principal and interest reimbursement from the state. The motion to approve passed by voice vote.
- The council voted to continue consideration of a proposed 12‑month lobbyist contract with the May 4 Group (Rick McAuliffe and Jeffrey Taylor) so members can identify legislative priorities. The contract as presented in the packet was transcribed as "$54,000 so it's per month for 12 months"; councilors asked staff to place the contract back on the Jan. 20 meeting agenda after clarifying the town’s legislative needs.
- The council approved the consent agenda.
Closed session items and follow‑ups:
- The council reported out from closed session that, on a motion regarding a matter described in the minutes as related to Block Island Fast Ferry, a motion that the town "take no action" passed 3–1. The yes votes were recorded as Councilor Tristan Payne, Councilor Keith Stover and Councilor Molly O'Neil; Councilor Nancy Dodge voted no.
- Council members said closed‑session discussion of the interim town manager’s performance was positive; the council "will stay the course" with current interim management.
- During the meeting the council also approved sealing the closed‑session minutes where appropriate; staff reported that the closed session had considered one item and no votes were taken in that earlier closed session.
Councilors and staff said the council will revisit several items in the coming weeks, including the DOT agreement for state roads and the lobbyist contract, and will publicize openings for the newly authorized Transportation Safety Committee.
