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

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.