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

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.