Tiverton public meetings in 2023
38 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a special meeting on December 21, 2023, where it approved a new ordinance imposing a temporary six-month moratorium on housing projects and subdivisions exceeding four residential units. The council also reappointed Joy Gilkeson to the Personnel Board and granted permission for the 12th Annual Penguin Plunge fundraiser at Grinnell's Beach. The meeting included a public hearing where residents expressed support for the moratorium, with some advocating for longer or broader restrictions.
- Approved ordinance for 6-month moratorium on housing developments over 4 units
- Reappointed Joy Gilkeson to Personnel Board for term ending 10/15/2027
- Approved Penguin Plunge event at Grinnell's Beach on Jan 1, 2024
- Public hearing on moratorium included resident comments on water, traffic, and development
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting on December 11, 2023, covering routine approvals, public hearings, and several business items. They approved a liquor license transfer to Palhares Restaurant, a contract with COMSTAR for rescue billing, and advertising for an assistant planner position. The council also discussed a proposed development moratorium in executive session and tabled a resolution for a RI250 committee.
- Approved transfer of Class BV liquor license to 77 Main Road LLC d/b/a Palhares Restaurant, 77 Main Road
- Approved contract with COMSTAR for rescue billing services, effective 2/1/2024, with back billing to 1/1/2024
- Authorized Town Administrator to seek a price from Weston and Sampson for North Tiverton Revitalization Strategy (6-1 vote)
- Approved advertising for an Assistant Planner position, funded by American Recovery monies
- Approved tax assessor abatements totaling $7,263.89
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a special meeting to approve a comprehensive amendment to the town's zoning and land development ordinances, required to conform to new state law by January 1, 2024. The council voted on each of the 22 listed changes individually, with most passing unanimously, though a few items saw dissenting votes from Councilor Edwards V. The changes will take effect January 1, 2024, except for a few items effective immediately.
- Approved amendments to Appendix A (Zoning) and Appendix B (Land Development and Subdivision Regulations) across 22 listed sections
- Changed a line in Article X, Section 7 from 15% to 25%
- Adopted Solicitor's language for Article XVI, Section 2, Subsection a regarding special-use permit evaluations
- Amended Article XIII, Section 23-80 to strike 'Newport' and add 'with jurisdiction over the matter'
- Approved petroleum storage license renewals for Ferrell Gas Inc (896 Fish Road), SK Properties-Kingfisher Housing Assoc (40 Alicia Circle), and Tiverton Sun (497 Main Road)
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council appointed David Paull to fill the vacant council seat left by Joe Perry, approved a liquor license transfer for Pine House Kitchen, and renewed numerous business licenses including liquor, entertainment, and mobile home park licenses. The council also discussed forming a committee for the 2026 U.S. semiquincentennial and heard a presentation on a charity basketball game.
- Appointed David Paull to fill vacant council seat
- Approved transfer of Class BV liquor license to Pine House Kitchen, 13 Crandall Road
- Renewed liquor licenses for 15 Class BV establishments, including Bally's Tiverton Casino & Hotel
- Renewed indoor shooting range licenses for Tiverton Rod & Gun Club and Sakonnet River Outfitters
- Renewed mobile home park licenses for Dadson Estates, Four Seasons, Heritage Home Park, and Pachet Brook Park
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council met to fill several vacancies on the Board of Canvassers and various boards. The Council also approved a $600,000 loan agreement for a community septic system program and updated ordinance rules regarding music at farmers markets.
- Approved $600,000 loan agreement for Community Septic System Loan Program
- Approved ordinance amendment to allow music entertainment at permitted farmers markets
- Appointed Nancy Driggs to the Board of Canvassers Republican seat
- Appointed Andrea Souza to the Board of Canvassers open seat
- Appointed Maureen Morrow to the Board of Canvassers Democratic Alternate position
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held its regular meeting on October 23, 2023, approving several routine items and taking action on a range of business. Key decisions included approving a revised infrastructure grant, hiring a roadside mowing contractor, and funding a property fraud alert service. The council also discussed and voted on a menorah for the holiday display, with one councilor opposed, and scheduled public hearings on zoning changes.
- Approved revised RI Infrastructure Bank grant agreement for $247,710
- Approved hiring Richard McGee as roadside mowing contractor, not to exceed $7,800
- Approved $3,500 for Property Fraud Alert Service from American Recovery funds
- Approved up to $800 from council contingency for outdoor menorah, vote 4-1
- Tabled farmer's market music entertainment ordinance amendment to 11/14/2023
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held its regular meeting, approving routine consent items and making several board appointments. They discussed the casino gaming revenue shortfall, library property control, public safety at Bally's casino, and postponed a $45,000 sewer line cleaning vote. The council also approved funding for advertising a zoning public hearing and entered executive session for litigation and property matters.
- Re-appointed Meredith Brower to Convention and Visitors' Bureau (term to 9/30/2026)
- Appointed V.A. Lopes to Planning Board; re-appointment of Adam Rapoza failed 2-3
- Approved $750,000 for asphalt paving with state matching program
- Approved budget transfers totaling $80,000+ for FY 2022-2023
- Set public hearing on zoning/subdivision regulations for Nov 20, 2023
Zoning Board of Review
The Tiverton Zoning Board of Review met and considered two petitions. A dimensional variance request for a vacant lot on Crandall Road was continued because the applicant filed the wrong type of permit. A special use permit for a proposed Seasons Corner Market on Souza Road was continued to November 1, 2023. No decisions were made on either application.
- Dimensional variance at 0 Crandall Road (Plat 514-Lot 163) continued; wrong petition filed, needs special use permit
- Special use permit for Seasons Corner Market at 0 Souza Road (Plat 119-Lot 624) continued to November 1, 2023
- Proposed market includes convenience store, drive-through coffee shop, and gas station with four pumps
- Three special use permits requested: gas station, drive-through restaurant, and signage
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held its regular meeting on September 26, 2023, approving several ordinances and appointments. Key actions included amending the tax code to increase the property tax credit for visually impaired persons from $300 to $330, and changing the peddler license renewal date to one year from issuance. The council also approved the LalaPawrooza dog park event for October 7, 2023, and swore in Blue, a comfort-therapy dog for the police department. Several appointments were deferred for interviews at the next meeting.
- Approved amendment to Chapter 74 Taxation: deleted Economic Development Real Estate Exemptions (Sections 74-79 to 74-85) and increased visually impaired tax credit from $300 to $330
- Approved amendment to Chapter 58 Peddlers and Solicitors: changed annual license renewal from May 1 to one year from issuance
- Approved LalaPawrooza dog park event at Raymond F. Jones Memorial Dog Park on October 7, 2023 (rain date October 8) from 10 AM to 1 PM
- Swore in Blue, an English Labrador retriever, as Tiverton Police Department's first comfort-therapy dog
- Approved tax abatements totaling $1,707.34
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting, approving routine consent agenda items and several appointments. The council ratified a three-year contract for Town Administrator Cotta, approved sewer line cleaning bids, authorized fire department grant applications, and moved the Charter Review Commission special election to November 2024. Several appointments and the dog park event were tabled to a future meeting.
- Ratified three-year contract for Town Administrator Cotta, effective Oct 1, 2023 through Sep 30, 2026
- Approved advertising for bids to clean and video record town-owned sewer lines
- Authorized fire chief to apply for three non-matching grants (RI Interlocal Trust, Gary Sinise Foundation, totaling up to ~$19k)
- Moved Charter Review Commission special election to November 2024 election cycle
- Re-appointed Edwin Karl Schober Jr. to Zoning Board; appointed Abigail Despres to Budget Committee
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Tiverton Zoning Board of Appeals heard an appeal by Sakonnet Partners, LLC regarding the Planning Board's denial of a development plan for a crematorium. The Board voted unanimously to dismiss the appeal and uphold the previous decision.
- Appeal of Planning Board decision regarding a crematorium at 730 Main Road
- Unanimous vote to dismiss the appeal and uphold the Planning Board's denial
Zoning Board of Review
The Zoning Board of Review met to consider several property dimension requests and administrative matters. The Board voted unanimously to approve variances for a multi-unit floor plan change, an agricultural barn, and a detached garage.
- Approved modification of 196 Bulgarmarsh Road from three 2-bedroom units to six 1-bedroom units
- Approved construction of a 30x36 foot agricultural barn with a 10x30 foot overhang at 575 Nanaquaket Road
- Approved construction of a detached 34x30 foot garage at 104 Blueberry Lane
- Selected Ms. Jennifer Hilton-Cavanagh to serve on the Town Council Zoning Review Committee
- Discussed update regarding Highland Ridge Farm LLC v. Town of Tiverton Zoning Brd et. al.
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council and School Committee held a joint meeting to discuss and vote on funding allocations and state submissions. The Council unanimously approved allocating $1,300,000 from casino funds to schools, $194,317 to the town, and $124,000 for school safety, with up to $814,219 in reimbursements for gym and locker room projects. They also authorized signing the Stage III letter for the locker room project and approved a Stage II submission to RIDE for $11,995,600 in projects over five years. A memorandum of understanding for a School Resource Officer was discussed but not yet available for a vote.
- Allocated $1,300,000 from casino fund to schools, $194,317 to town, $124,000 for school safety
- Authorized up to $814,219 in reimbursements for gym and locker room projects
- Approved Stage III submittal to RIDE for locker room project with $1,300,000 casino funds and $115,500 pay-as-you-go
- Approved Stage II submittal to RIDE totaling $11,995,600 for projects over five years
- Discussed but did not vote on School Resource Officer MOU
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting on August 15, 2023, covering routine consent agenda items, appointments, and licensing decisions. They approved several business licenses, appointed two members to the Planning Board, and authorized a construction agreement for the Nonquit Bridge Project. The council also discussed a land use attorney RFP (motion withdrawn) and received an update on the 2023 property revaluation.
- Approved tobacco/holiday licenses for Smoke Junction, 58 Main Road
- Approved victualling license for Caf's LLC, 90 Main Road
- Approved fireworks license for Tiverton Liquors, 65 Main Road
- Approved special event permit for Green Kids Consignment sale at Longplex (Sept 28-Oct 1)
- Approved Resolution 2023-0014 for Nonquit Bridge Project construction agreement
Zoning Board of Review
The Tiverton Zoning Board of Review heard and unanimously approved two dimensional variance applications. The first allows replacing front steps and a side deck at 15 Point View Drive, and the second grants a reduced front yard setback for a proposed office building at 785 Main Road. Both were approved without public opposition.
- Approved front and side yard setback variance at 15 Point View Drive (Plat 804-Lot 122)
- Approved front yard setback reduction from 25 to 16 feet at 785 Main Road (Plat 117-Lot 223)
- Both applications were continued from July 5, 2023
- No public comments were made on either petition
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held its regular meeting on July 24, 2023, approving amendments to the zoning code to delete crematorium as a permitted use in all zones, and to allow resident parking via a free police-issued sticker on portions of Bay, Canonicus, Hooper, and Judson Streets. The council also made several board appointments, approved funds to advertise bids for Fort Barton tree work and roadside mowing, and discussed yard waste disposal, a beach ordinance, and a road race route violation.
- Approved zoning amendment deleting crematorium as a permitted use in all zones
- Approved ordinance amendment allowing resident parking via free police-issued sticker on portions of Bay, Canonicus, Hooper, and Judson Streets
- Approved funds to advertise bid for Fort Barton Tree Work
- Approved funds to advertise bid for Roadside Mowing
- Appointed members to Harbor and Coastal Waters, Zoning Board, Open Space, Economic Development, and Town Farm Renovation Committee
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held its regular meeting on July 10, 2023, approving routine consent items, appointments, a sound variance, and a contract with Potter League for Animals for shelter services. The council also discussed the on-site wastewater program, with plans to send 1,500-2,000 postcard notices to property owners in high-risk areas. An executive session covered property sale, investigations, and litigation, with no votes taken.
- Approved contract with Potter League for Animals for animal shelter services
- Approved sound variance and special event permit for graduation party at 135 Lewis Street on July 22, 2023
- Appointed Susan Anderson and Cheryl Valentine to Zoning Revision Committee; Jamie Robin French appointment failed
- Appointed Jean Pierre Mouligne to Recycling/Landfill Committee
- Discussed sending 1,500-2,000 postcard notices for wastewater pumping requirements
Zoning Board of Review
The Tiverton Zoning Board of Review heard appeals from Highland Ridge Farm, LLC regarding five cease-and-desist notices issued by the Building/Zoning Official on March 22, 2023, for alleged unauthorized earth removal, quarrying, and related activities at 536 Highland Road Rear. After testimony from officials, abutters, and the applicant, the board voted unanimously to affirm and uphold all five notices. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no other business conducted.
- Appeals of five cease-and-desist notices (earth removal license, survey plan, retail/wholesale sales/storage, special use permit, earth removal and quarrying/mining) for Highland Ridge Farm, LLC, 536 Highland Road Rear, Plat 310-Lot 112
- Unanimous vote to uphold all five notices, citing violations of Zoning Ordinance Article XVIII, Section 6(b)
- Testimony from abutters about noise, dust, and traffic from quarrying operations
- Building/Zoning Official John Hoyle Jr. testified to observing heavy machinery and increased excavation since December 2022
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting on June 26, 2023, covering routine consent items, appointments, public hearings, and budget transfers. The most consequential action was approving an amendment to the Town Code to create restricted appropriation and revenue accounts, which was modified after public comments and council discussion. The council also approved a liquor license upgrade, a wedding sound variance, and multiple FY23 budget transfers.
- Approved ordinance amendment adding Sections 2-91 and 2-95 to Chapter 2, creating restricted appropriation and revenue accounts, with amendments to place Open Space funds under the Open Space and Land Preservation Commission
- Approved Restiv, LLC d/b/a Four Corners Grille (3841 Main Road) liquor license conversion from Class BVL to Class BV (full liquor)
- Approved sound variance and special event permit for a wedding at 59 Woodland Circle on September 2, 2023, 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Approved $10,000 in police budget transfers and $77,700 in administrator budget transfers for FY23
- Extended Bay Street moratorium to December 31, 2023; approved tax abatements totaling $44,991.01
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council approved a three-year trash collection contract with MTG Disposal at $1,000,000 per year, increased property tax exemptions for veterans and others, and made several board appointments. They also approved budget transfers for fire and DPW, and continued a public hearing on restricted accounts.
- Approved 3-year trash collection contract with MTG Disposal at $1,000,000/year, with option to extend up to 5 additional years
- Approved property tax exemption increases (10% across board) and raised Prisoner of War exemption to $1,000
- Approved $238,200 contract to Skurka Construction for Fogland Stormwater Improvements
- Approved $11,000 for repairs to 2016 Elgin road sweeper
- Appointed 5 members to Public Safety Complex Committee
Zoning Board of Review
The Zoning Board of Review met to decide on multiple property petitions regarding lot widths, building setbacks, and business uses. The Board also heard arguments regarding five cease and desist notices involving Highland Ridge Farm, LLC, which remains an open matter.
- Approved a dimensional variance for lot width at 51 King Road
- Approved a special use permit for a contractor business at 857 Main Road
- Approved a dimensional variance for a residential structure addition at 308 Riverside Drive
- Continued hearings regarding five cease and desist notices for Highland Ridge Farm, LLC
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a special meeting to present and hold a public hearing on the proposed 2023-2024 unified budget ordinance. The budget totals $57.7 million in operations, with a tax rate increase to 2.47%, adding about $110 to the average home valued at $360,000. A final vote is scheduled for the next regular meeting on June 12. One resident questioned a $154,000 lease payment not being funded from casino monies.
- Proposed FY2024 budget of $57,702,555 in total operations, up from $55,834,743
- Tax rate set at 2.47%, increasing taxes by $110 on average $360k home
- Two new positions: deputy fire chief and part-time recreation director
- Pay As You Throw (PAYT) program continued, adding $370,000 toward landfill closing
- Public hearing held; resident Sanford Mantell questioned $154,000 lease payment
CANCELLED - May 15, 2023 - Special Town Council Meeting
This special Town Council meeting scheduled for May 15, 2023, was cancelled. The agenda had included discussion and possible final votes on FY24 budgets for the School and all departments, FY24 revenue estimates, and the FY24 Preliminary Budget Ordinance.
- Meeting cancelled
- Agenda included FY24 budget votes for School and all departments
- Agenda included FY24 revenue estimates
- Agenda included FY24 Preliminary Budget Ordinance and public hearing date
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a special meeting to finalize the FY24 budget. They approved a 3% increase in local aid to the school district, a $1,000,000 withdrawal from the general fund, and a total budget of $57,702,555. They also scheduled a public hearing on the budget ordinance for June 5, 2023.
- Approved 3% increase in local aid to schools for FY24
- Approved $1,000,000 withdrawal from general fund to support budget
- Approved total FY24 budget of $57,702,555 (municipal $23,284,181, capital $154,028, schools $34,264,346)
- Approved total revenue of $15,947,366 including $1,000,000 general fund withdrawal
- Scheduled public hearing on FY24 budget ordinance for June 5, 2023 at 7:00 PM
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting on April 24, 2023, approving amendments to the town code regarding smoking prohibitions and fire alarm/sprinkler plan review fees. The council also approved several special event permits, including the Tiverton Farmers Market and the Miles for Megan bike ride, and renewed licenses for private detective Charles Mulcahy and two mobile home parks. A decision was made to uphold the Harbor Commission's ruling on a mooring application, and multiple board and commission appointments were made or tabled.
- Approved amendments to Code Sections 50-5 and 50-9, changing the title to 'Smoking prohibited in all public and municipal owned/leased facilities and places' and replacing 'inside' with 'at all' in 50-5(a).
- Approved ordinance 42-3 for commercial fire alarm/sprinkler plan review fees, amending the copy cost from $5.00 to $0.15 per page.
- Approved a Special Event Permit for the Tiverton Farmers Market at Town Farm Recreational area on Sundays from May 21 to October 29, 2023, 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
- Approved the 15th Annual Miles for Megan Bike Ride/Walk Event on September 23, 2023, and a Cycle for Life Ride through Tiverton on the same day.
- Approved a resolution supporting an amendment to R.I.G.L. § 44-3-3 to exempt The Little Flower Home from local property taxes.
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a special meeting to review and vote on the proposed FY 24 budget for multiple departments, including Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Police, and Schools. They made several reductions to specific line items, such as snow removal, sand/salt/gravel, rubbish/recycling, and community events, while increasing park maintenance. No final action was taken on the overall budget or revenue estimates, and additional meetings were scheduled for May 6 and May 11.
- Beaches online/credit card processing reduced from $4,000 to $2,000
- Community special events reduced from $68,250 to $10,000; $50,000 fireworks expected from Tiverton Power donation
- Snow removal reduced from $135,000 to $100,000; Sand/Salt/Gravel from $193,000 to $150,000
- Rubbish/Recycling Collection reduced from $1,610,000 to $1,300,000; Landfill Engineering/Testing/Permitting reduced from $75,250 to $0, based on PAYT revenues
- Park Maintenance, Mowing, Recreation Area Maintenance increased by $1,000 to $9,000
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a special meeting to discuss and vote on the proposed FY 24 budget for several departments. Changes were made to level fund the NC Chamber & Dev Council dues at $6,215, increase bus driver salary to $12,500 and Programs & Classes to $16,000, decrease Fire Department Overtime to $200,000, and reduce the Police Pension Plan to $550,000. No changes were made to Land Use, Audit of Town Accounts, OPEB Trust Fund, Unemployment Security, and Unfunded Liability. The meeting adjourned at 10:35 AM.
- Level funded NC Chamber & Dev Council dues at $6,215, new EDC total $7,935
- Increased Senior Citizens Service bus driver salary to $12,500 and Programs & Classes to $16,000, new total $134,680
- Decreased Fire Department Overtime to $200,000, new total $3,290,658
- Reduced Police Pension Plan to $550,000, new total $1,296,396
- No changes to Land Use, Audit, OPEB Trust, Unemployment Security, or Unfunded Liability
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting on April 10, 2023, covering routine consent items, public hearings, and several business items. Key decisions included approving a fireworks contract, spending a USDA grant for the fire department, and setting a special election date for the Charter Review Commission. The council also held executive sessions for litigation updates.
- Approved $40,000 fireworks contract with PYROTECNICO for May 28, 2023 (rain date May 29)
- Approved spending $506,179.08 for USDA Emergency Healthcare Grant items (grant $505,948.00)
- Set Charter Review Commission election for August 8, 2023
- Approved special event licenses for Longplex (home and garden show, children's consignment sale) with stipulations
- Approved Summer Camp fee changes and Auto Junkyard license for Sakonnet Recycling
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held its regular meeting on March 27, 2023, approving routine consent items, several budget transfers, and grant applications. The council also voted to refer a proposed zoning amendment to the Planning Board that would prohibit crematoriums townwide, and discussed public concerns about zoning consistency, a proposed crematorium, and a special event permit.
- Approved special event permit for Courtney Roderick Run for Recovery 5K, July 22, 2023, at Grinnell's Beach
- Approved $3,000 DPW budget transfers for highway signs and heat; $6,500, $3,500, and $1,252 police budget transfers for training, software, and Taser program
- Authorized application for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Grant up to $30,000 and Legislative Grant of $10,000
- Tabled $506,179.08 USDA Emergency Healthcare Grant spending and School Resource Officer MOU to April 10 meeting
- Voted to refer zoning amendment to Planning Board to strike crematorium from use table and make it prohibited townwide
Special Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a special meeting to discuss potential amendments to the zoning code regarding short-term rentals (STRs), which are currently not permitted. Councilors deliberated on various regulatory aspects, including fees, occupancy limits, parking, and zoning restrictions, but took no final votes. The meeting was for council deliberation only and was not open to public comment.
- Discussion of potential amendments to Tiverton Code of Ordinances Appendix A Zoning regarding short-term rentals
- Current code prohibits uses not listed in the zoning district use table, effectively banning STRs
- Consensus on including a preamble, requiring off-street parking, tying occupancy to approved ISDS system, and owner response times
- Council to consider flat fees for owner-occupied vs. non-owner-occupied STRs and fees for renting single rooms
- Meeting limited to 9:00 PM by unanimous vote
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting on March 13, 2023, approving several routine items and public hearings. Key actions included adopting 'pay as you throw' solid waste regulations, approving a sound variance for a wedding, and awarding a $93,000 contract for a zoning code rewrite. The council also discussed and approved resolutions on aquaculture leases and housing development, and tabled some Longplex special event licenses pending a court decision.
- Approved 'pay as you throw' solid waste regulations (Chapter 66, Section 66-50) to offset recycling and trash hauling costs
- Awarded $93,000 contract to Weston & Sampson for review and rewrite of Tiverton Zoning Code Ordinance, funded by American Recovery Act
- Approved sound variance and special event permit for wedding at 575 Nanaquaket Road on July 22, 2023, 4-10 pm
- Approved Resolution 2023-0004 supporting aquaculture leases in Sakonnet River at least 1,000 feet from median high tide line
- Approved Resolution 2023-0005 establishing North End and Industrial/Business Park Subcommittee of Economic Development Commission
Zoning Board of Review
The Tiverton Zoning Board of Review heard two dimensional variance petitions. It approved a variance for a subdivision at 921 Fish Road, allowing two lots smaller than the minimum size, with the condition that existing trailers be removed. A second petition for a parking structure at 1621 Main Road was withdrawn by the applicant after discussion and an objection.
- Approved dimensional variance for Laureano Costa at 921 Fish Road (Plat 110-Lot 126) to subdivide a 90,352 sq ft lot into two parcels, with relief from 60,000 sq ft minimum and 175 ft width requirement; vote 3-1.
- Approval conditioned on removal of existing trailers from the property.
- Petition by Philip Carty for a 26x68 ft parking structure at 1621 Main Road (Plat 304-Lot 167) in Waterfront District, seeking 10 ft front setback relief, was withdrawn without prejudice.
- Public comment included an abutter supporting the parking structure and a letter of objection from Jay Edwards.
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council held a regular meeting on February 27, 2023, approving a forensic audit of school department expenditures and revenues, establishing a public safety complex feasibility committee, and setting a special election for a charter review commission. The council also approved several routine items, including mobile home park license renewals and appointments to town boards.
- Approved hiring a firm for a forensic audit of School Department expenditures, revenues, and policies
- Established an 11-member Public Safety Complex Committee for a feasibility study
- Set July 18, 2023, special election for Charter Review Commission
- Approved ordinance amendment for school capital improvement revolving fund
- Approved mobile home park license renewals for Dadson Mobile Estates, Heritage Home Park, and Pachet Brook Park
Zoning Board of Review
The Tiverton Zoning Board of Review heard and unanimously approved two dimensional variance petitions. One allows a larger attached garage at 184 Russell Drive, and the other permits a single-family dwelling on a substandard lot at 0 Sawdy Pond Avenue. The board also approved prior meeting minutes and the annual meeting schedule.
- Granted dimensional variance to Kevin Labonte for a 15' x 38' attached garage at 184 Russell Drive, increasing lot coverage to 26% (max 19.8%)
- Granted dimensional variance to Michael Ulbin for a single-family dwelling at 0 Sawdy Pond Avenue, with 25 feet of front setback relief
- Approved December 7, 2022 Zoning Board minutes as amended
- Adopted annual meeting schedule calendar
Joint Workshop
The Town Council, School Committee, and Budget Committee held a joint workshop to discuss the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 budget. They reviewed trash hauling costs, a $318K Safer Grant shortfall, and a projected $1.5M-$1.6M landfill closure shortfall. The groups agreed the budget must not exceed the cap and discussed using casino funds for capital expenditures.
- Landfill closure costs $12.5M, with anticipated $1.5M-$1.6M shortfall
- Safer Grant not approved, $318K impact on firefighter costs
- Pay As You Throw receipts approximately $300K-$320K per year
- School capital expenditures discussed with 30%-40% RIDE reimbursement
- Ordinance for school capital restricted account to be on next council agenda
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Tiverton Town Council met on January 9, 2023, and handled routine business plus several notable items. They accepted a $100,000 civic contribution from Tiverton Power, LLC, approved the transfer of a Class A liquor license and a tobacco license for Tiverton Liquors, and accepted a $47,375 NHTSA grant for fire equipment. The council also approved budget transfers, a contract for surplus equipment, and a special event permit for Trunk or Treat, while tabling the audit report and police body armor purchase to later meetings.
- Tiverton Power, LLC presented a $100,000 civic contribution check
- Approved transfer of Class A liquor license from Chandni, Inc. to Vyana, Inc. dba Tiverton Liquors, 65 Main Road, subject to legal requirements including payment of alleged $27,000 debt
- Approved tobacco dealer license for Vyana, Inc. dba Tiverton Liquors
- Accepted NHTSA grant of $47,375 for Jaws of Life and stabilization equipment
- Approved budget transfers totaling $63,233.46 from landfill to DPW accounts
Zoning Board of Review
The Tiverton Zoning Board of Review heard a petition to subdivide the property at 51 King Road into two lots. The board approved dimensional variances to allow for straight lot lines despite requirements for 200-foot front yard widths.
- Dimensional variance for 51 King Road (Lot A width of 168 feet and Lot B width of 191 feet)
- Approval of subdivision into two lots with straight lot lines
- Plan to relocate a house from Brayton Road to the new lot
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Tiverton Zoning Board of Appeals heard two appeals. It unanimously overturned the Planning Board's denial of a master plan for a 3,600 sq ft convenience store with a drive-through coffee shop and gas station at 0 Souza Road, finding the denial unsupported by evidence. The Board also voted 3-2 to reverse a cease-and-desist order against Tiverton Rec LLC (Longplex) at 300 Industrial Way, citing the zoning ordinance's lack of clarity on whether events like conventions, concerts, car shows, and retail sales were permitted under the indoor recreational center use.
- Appeal by Colbea Enterprises for 0 Souza Road (Plat 119-Lot 624) to build 3,600 sq ft convenience store with drive-through coffee shop and gas station; Planning Board denial overturned unanimously
- Appeal by Jim Long for Tiverton Rec LLC (Longplex) at 300 Industrial Way against cease-and-desist order dated October 6, 2022; notice of violation reversed 3-2
- Board found Planning Board's denial not supported by evidence, citing lack of zoning requirements for historical district proximity and reliance on neighbor testimony for crime concerns
- Cease-and-desist cited uses inconsistent with indoor recreational center (conventions, concerts, car shows, retail sales); Board majority cited ordinance's failure to define 'recreation'
- Motion to uphold zoning officer's decision failed; motion to reverse passed with Chairwoman Gescheidt, Vice Chairman Collins, and Ms. Hilton-Cavanagh in favor