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Roundup: Council approves ADU changes, parking rules near high school, tree-planting contract, vehicle purchases and EV grant application
Summary
Council took several final actions: changed ADU zoning with an 18-month review clause; adopted parking limits and resident-permit parking around the high school; awarded a tree-planting contract and various equipment/vehicle purchases; authorized a NEVI grant application for Level 3 chargers at Town Hall.
The council closed the meeting with a series of votes on ordinances, contracts and capital purchases after a night of extended public comment.
Key votes and outcomes
- ADU ordinance: By a 5–0 vote the council amended accessory-dwelling-unit rules to remove or reduce a lot-size threshold and added an 18-month sunset/review provision so the council can revisit effects after implementation. The intent cited by supporters was to make ADUs more accessible for homeowners seeking small in-law or senior housing options while still keeping dimensional and design limits in place.
- Parking near the high school: The council approved an ordinance prohibiting parking on specified neighborhood streets during school hours (8 a.m.–3 p.m. on school days) with a resident-permit option for the named streets (Cherry Lane, Tiffany Circle, Priscilla Drive). Councilors also agreed to follow up on a potential no-parking restriction at the narrow "neck" of Tiffany Circle for safety.
- Bayside Outdoor Pool agreement: Council approved a one-year extension of the resident-pass agreement with the Greater Providence YMCA to allow the pool-access program to proceed while the YMCA completes unanticipated repairs; vote 5–0.
- Tree planting contract: Council awarded a resilient neighborhood tree-planting contract to Northeastern Tree Service (~$141,140) with the town match and additional town street trees funded from the Climate Mitigation Reserve; motion passed 5–0.
- Vehicle and equipment purchases: Council approved replacement of an aged fire pickup with a plow-equipped Ford F-350 ($74,930 net of trade), purchase of two hybrid Ford Explorer police SUVs ($89,547.60 total), and replacement ductless HVAC for the public-safety radio room ($17,983). All passed unanimously.
- EV chargers/NEVI grant: Council authorized applying for NEVI Phase 2a funding and approved using climate-mitigation reserve funds for the 20% local match for two additional Level 3 fast chargers at Town Hall. Recorded vote was 4–0 in favor at the meeting.
- Procurement note: A bid for asbestos abatement and demolition at the monastery property was TABLED to the September 8 meeting after neighbors and councilors requested earlier, public discussion; staff confirmed bids remain valid through the 90-day bid hold period.
Next steps: Several items (a planning/staff memo on school review options, the public discussion of the monastery abatement bid, and follow-up on Tiffany Circle signage/no-parking) are scheduled for subsequent meetings; staff will return with recommendations or revised language for ordinances as needed.
Provenance: actions and votes recorded across the meeting; ADU ordinance hearing (SEG 4550–4960), parking ordinance and Tiffany Circle public testimony (SEG 3959–4550), tree contract and EV grant discussion (SEG 5596–6306).
