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New Narragansett council sworn in; Alexander Menzies elected president, James Durkin named pro tem
Summary
At the Nov. 25 organizational meeting, Town Clerk Sarah Masson swore in five newly elected councilors. Alexander T Menzies was elected council president and James P Durkin elected president pro tem, each by a 5-0 roll-call vote. Residents used the open forum to press housing, safety and infrastructure priorities.
Town Clerk Sarah Masson administered the oath of office to the newly elected Narragansett town council and called the first meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. on Nov. 25, 2024, citing section 2-0-7 of the town charter that governs the timing of the inaugural meeting after certification. The clerk read certified results from the Rhode Island Board of Elections and the local Board of Canvassers listing Alexander T Menzies, James P Durkin, Donna Vignally, Jason Colonies and Ryan J Torrelday as the five members-elect.
A nomination was made for Alexander Menzies to serve as town council president. Following a roll-call vote, the council elected Menzies by a 5-0 tally to serve the term ending in November 2026. Later in the meeting the council nominated and elected James P Durkin as president pro tempore, also by a 5-0 vote. The nominations were made from the floor; the record identifies the nominating speakers only by their spoken turns in the transcript, not by a full name.
"We have a lot of work to get accomplished over the next 2 years, and we will need your help to get things done," Alexander T Menzies said after his election, thanking voters and calling for respectful dialogue and resident engagement as the council begins its term.
Town Manager Tierney, absent on a preplanned vacation, submitted a written statement read aloud by the clerk congratulating the newly chosen leadership and wishing the council success in governing the town.
During the open forum that followed the organizational business, multiple residents urged the council to prioritize several issues: revisiting local housing laws currently in litigation; implementing a planned staffing increase tied to a SAFER grant that funded eight firefighter positions; beginning dredging of a local river; completing a bike path and continuing road improvements; supporting affordable housing projects; maintaining public beaches and ensuring coastal access; and setting timelines to address parking and other quality-of-life concerns. Susan Cicilline Bonanno, one of the public commenters, framed these as items she expects the council to address during its term.
The council announced its next regular meeting for Monday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m., and adjourned after a motion and second.
