West Warwick public meetings in 2024
34 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Town Council Mtg.
The West Warwick Town Council met on Dec 17, 2024 to consider routine items and several new business actions. Council members approved the consent agenda minutes, a contract with Tecton for a Stage II RIDE submission, two ordinances (adding a service‑of‑process section and amending stop‑sign placement at Shady Hill Drive and Quaker Drive), and a slate of business‑license requests. They also adopted eight resolutions authorizing the use of ARPA funds for road rehabilitation, a ladder truck, a camera truck, youth‑center flooring, IT infrastructure, and related interdepartmental agreements.
- Approval of Tecton contract for Stage II submission to RIDE
- Ordinance #2024-23 – addition of Service of Process section to Code of Ordinances
- Ordinance #2024-24 – amendment to stop‑sign placement at Shady Hill Drive and Quaker Drive
- Approval of multiple business‑license requests (mobile food, filling station, pool table, bingo)
- Adoption of eight ARPA‑fund resolutions for roads, ladder truck, camera truck, youth‑center flooring, IT infrastructure, and related agreements
Jt. Town Council-School Cte.
The West Warwick Town Council and School Committee held a pre-budget meeting to review revenue and expenditure projections. No action was taken.
- Pre-budget consultation between Town Council and School Committee
- Review of revenue and expenditure projections
- Presentation by Superintendent Karen Tarasevich and Finance Director Lisa Cash
Planning Bd. Meeting - TRC
The West Warwick Technical Review Committee will consider two development applications. One proposes an additional 800 sq ft structure at 26 Newlight Street in an R‑8 zone. The other proposes an accessory dwelling unit at 24 Bridge Street in a CI zone. The committee will discuss the proposals and any required approvals.
- 800 sq ft addition at 26 Newlight Street (R‑8 zoning)
- Accessory Dwelling Unit at 24 Bridge Street (CI zoning)
Planning Bd. Meeting - TRC
The West Warwick Planning Board will consider three items: approval of the October 7, 2024 meeting minutes; final plan approval for a 47‑row solar farm covering 23 acres in the West Warwick Business Park; and adoption of the 2025 Planning Board calendar.
- Final Plan Approval – DPJ Realty LLC and North Bridge Development LLC – 47‑row solar farm on 23 acres at 215 James P. Murphy Highway, Business Park (BP) zoning
- Approval of October 7, 2024 meeting minutes
- Review and approval of the 2025 Planning Board calendar
Town Council Mtg.
The West Warwick Town Council swore in newly elected officials and adopted two ordinances, including a service of process addition and a stop‑sign amendment. Council members voted to approve a Class BV liquor license for Fusion Latin & Caribbean Cuisine at 289 Cowesett Avenue, as well as a contract for sludge removal services and a raffle license for Sacred Heart Church. The meeting also addressed appointments to various boards, a memorandum with the RI Council 94 AFSCME, and a public forum on drainage concerns.
- Class BV liquor license for Fusion Latin & Caribbean Cuisine at 289 Cowesett Avenue, Units 1 & 2
- Resolution awarding sludge removal services to Environmental Protection and Improvement Company, LLC
- Ordinance #2024‑23 adding Section 11.5‑5‑5.51 Service of Process to the Code of Ordinances
- Ordinance #2024‑24 amending Appendix C to add stop signs at Shady Hill Drive and Quaker Drive
- Raffle license request approved for Sacred Heart Church
Town Council Executive Session.
The West Warwick Town Council held an executive session to address the Gough v. Town of West Warwick case. Council members voted to settle the litigation for a total of $55,000, with $25,000 paid by the Town and $30,000 by the RI Interlocal Trust. The minutes of the executive session were sealed, and the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 P.M.
- Motion to move to executive session under R.I. General Law 42-46-5(a)(2) for collective bargaining or litigation
- Motion to return to open session after executive session
- Motion to seal the minutes of the executive session
- Agreement to settle Gough v. Town of West Warwick for $55,000 ($25,000 Town, $30,000 RI Interlocal Trust)
- Motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:35 P.M.
Town Council Mtg.
The West Warwick Town Council approved Ordinance #2024-22, which establishes rules for unauthorized camping on public property. The council also approved several license requests, a surplus vehicle sale, a proclamation for Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and a change order for a $390,000 playground bid with an additional $3,600 cost. All motions were adopted by vote.
- Adoption of Ordinance #2024-22 on unauthorized camping (motion passed)
- Approval of raffle, laundry/holiday sales, and mobile food establishment licenses
- Sale of surplus 1991 Chevy K 500 vehicle on GovDeals
- Change order approving $390,000 bid award to Beausoleil Bros. for Crompton Playground with $3,600 additional cost
- Proclamation declaring November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Sewer Comm. Meeting
The West Warwick Town Council acting as the Sewer Commission reviewed financial reports and operational data for October 2024. The body discussed three different companies for sludge removal to manage costs and plant odors. No final decision was made on the removal contracts.
- Sludge removal options discussed: Synagro ($772,000/year), Epic ($1.09 million/year), and Rhode Island Resource Recovery ($1.38 million/year)
- Year-to-date operating and debt expenses for FY2025 totaled $3,706,084
- Approval of the 2025 Sewer Commission Meeting Schedule (Resolution SC2024-23)
- Report of eight odor complaints on Fernwood Drive, Victory Avenue, Overhill Drive, and Duke Street
- Private line block ups reported on Riverdale Avenue, Stevens Drive, and Cantara Street
Planning Bd. Meeting - TRC
The Technical Review Committee is meeting to discuss two specific property applications. The body will review plans for building rehabilitation and the addition of a dwelling unit.
- 1237 Main Street: rehabilitation of upper floors for batting cages, an office, and apartment
- 16 Newlight Street: application for an Accessory Dwelling Unit
Town Council Mtg.
The West Warwick Town Council approved a first reading of an ordinance regarding camping on public property and a second reading of a traffic ordinance for Inclusion Lane. The body also renewed numerous business and victualing house licenses and reviewed the October 2024 finance report.
- Approved first reading of Ordinance Related to Camping on Public Property
- Approved Ordinance #2024-21 making Inclusion Lane one-way
- Authorized $2,040 payment of USTA Grant Awards to West Warwick Wild Cats Olympian Group
- Authorized purchase of one Tactic ID N Plus Narcotics Testing Instrument
- Approved tax cancellations in the amount of $293.43
Bd. of Canvassers Meeting
The West Warwick Board of Canvassers approved the October 10 meeting minutes and certified the disposition of 20 full provisional ballots, 14 federal‑only ballots, and 60 disqualified ballots from the November 5, 2024 General Election. The board also certified the tabulation of votes from that election. Members discussed immediate election matters and considered options for future polling locations. No public comments were received before adjournment.
- Approval of October 10, 2024 Board of Canvassers meeting minutes
- Certification of disposition of provisional ballots: 20 full, 14 federal‑only, 60 disqualified
- Certification of the tabulation of votes from the November 5, 2024 General Election
- Board may hear any election matter requiring an immediate ruling related to the November 5 election
- Discussion of options for future polling locations
Bd. of Canvassers Meeting
The West Warwick Board of Canvassers met on November 6, 2024 to certify the write‑in vote totals from the November 5 General Election. A motion to approve the tabulation was made by C. Flynn, seconded by N. Leblanc, and passed unanimously. The board also reviewed the overall conduct of the election, noting it ran smoothly with any issues resolved promptly. No other election matters required action and there was no public comment.
- Approval of write‑in vote tabulation for the Nov 5, 2024 General Election (motion by C. Flynn, seconded by N. Leblanc, all ayes)
- Discussion and review of the conduct of the Nov 5, 2024 General Election, concluding it ran smoothly
- No election matters presented that required immediate ruling or determination
- No public comment received
- Adjournment at 3:37 PM (motion by C. Flynn, seconded by N. Leblanc)
Bd. of Canvassers Meeting
The West Warwick Board of Canvassers met on November 5, 2024 to oversee the conduct of the general election at designated polling places throughout the town. Board members were available at their regular places of business to address any election‑related issues. After the polls closed, the board or its designee began receiving and tabulating the election results.
- Polling locations: Clyde Towners (1021 Main Street), West Warwick Manor (62 Roberts Street), Maisie Quinn School (1 Brown Street), Wakefield Hills School (505 Wakefield Street), Holy Ghost Society (11 Ventura Street), Sacred Heart Church (820 Providence Street), St Mary's Church (70 Church Street), Greenbush School (127 Greenbush Road), Cardi's Furniture (1681 Quaker Lane), Christ the King Church (124 Legris Ave).
- Board members available at their regular places of business to handle election issues.
- Tabulation of election results began at 8:01 PM, immediately after polls closed.
Town Council Mtg.
The West Warwick Town Council approved several ordinances, renewed numerous liquor licenses, and authorized $296,873.82 in tax abatements. It also approved the sale of surplus vehicles on GovDeals and gave updates on the school building committee and a new homelessness task force.
- Approval of Tax Abatements totaling $296,873.82 as requested by the Tax Collector
- Second reading and approval of Ordinance #2024-18 amending zoning sections and establishing a Zoning Board of Review
- Approval of a Class BV Liquor License for Grand Ventura Event Venue LLC
- Approval of Class A Liquor License renewals for multiple existing establishments
- Approval of sale of surplus vehicles on GovDeals
Sewer Comm. Meeting
The West Warwick Town Council acting as Sewer Commission accepted the September 17 minutes and reviewed the September superintendent report, including flow data and odor complaints. The body approved an amendment to Resolution 2024-46 and authorized the purchase of a camera truck. A financial report showed year‑to‑date operating and debt expenses of $3,250,585 and sludge removal costs of $238,325. Additional items included industrial pretreatment updates and ongoing construction at several private sites.
- Resolution SC2024-19 accepted the September 17, 2024 meeting minutes (5‑0 vote).
- Resolution SC2024-20 amended Resolution 2024-46 (5‑0 vote).
- Resolution SC2024-21 approved purchase of a camera truck (5‑0 vote).
- Year‑to‑date operating and debt expenses total $3,250,585; sludge removal costs $238,325.
- Seventeen odor complaints reported; odor sensors being deployed and pump stations investigated.
Planning Bd. Meeting - TRC
The West Warwick Planning Board will consider two items. Item 1 is a minor modification to subdivide the 15,000‑sq‑ft lot at 26 Woodside Avenue (R‑8) into two single‑family homes, each 8,000 sq ft and 7,000 sq ft. Item 2 is an application to build eight condominium units at 0 Brookside Avenue in the CI district. Both items require board approval.
- Minor modification of 26 Woodside Avenue (R‑8) to split lot into two single‑family dwellings
- Proposed construction of eight condominium units at 0 Brookside Avenue (CI zoning)
Bd. of Canvassers Meeting
The West Warwick Board of Canvassers approved the minutes from its September 11, 2024 meeting. It then certified the final canvass, the election warrant, the poll workers for both election day and early voting, and the mail‑ballot applications for the November 5, 2024 General Election. All motions were adopted unanimously.
- Approval of minutes from the September 11, 2024 Board of Canvassers meeting
- Certification of the Final Canvas for the November 5, 2024 General Election
- Certification of the Warrant for the November 5, 2024 General Election
- Certification of Poll Workers for the November 5, 2024 General Election and Early Voting
- Certification of Mail Ballot Applications for the November 5, 2024 General Election
Planning Bd. Meeting - TRC
The West Warwick Planning Board will first approve the August 5, 2024 meeting minutes. It will then discuss and vote on extending the previously granted Master Plan and Preliminary Plan for the Greenwich Glen development (Franklin Sales & Marketing LLC) on Crompton Road, lots 130, 133, and 764 in the R-10 residential district. New business includes a proposed ordinance to update land development and subdivision regulations in response to recent housing legislation, followed by public comment and adjournment.
- Approve August 5, 2024 meeting minutes
- Discuss and vote on extension of Greenwich Glen master and preliminary plans (Franklin Sales LLC) – Crompton Road, lots 130, 133, 764, R-10 district
- Consider ordinance: Land Development and Subdivision Regulations to address recent housing legislation
- Potential move to executive session under R.I. General Law 42-46-5(a)(2) for litigation matters
- Public comment period
Town Council Mtg.
The council took first readings on Ordinance #2024-18 (zoning board amendment) and Ordinance #2024-19 (adding a $100 penalty fee). It discussed a proposed ordinance on homeless encampments but took no action. The council approved a business‑license request for an event at 11 Ventura Street and a resolution to consider Change Order #3 for the Ice Chiller System Project. Finally, it approved the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Local 2045, which includes salary increases and a fiscal impact of $241,000 for FY2025.
- First reading of Ordinance #2024-18 amending zoning sections
- First reading of Ordinance #2024-19 adding $100 penalty fee
- Approval of Amplifier/Loudspeaker License for Portuguese Holy Ghost event at 11 Ventura Street
- Resolution to consider Change Order #3 for Ice Chiller System Project (2023-125)
- Approval of Collective Bargaining Agreement with Local 2045; FY2025 impact $241,000
Executive Town Council Mtg.
The Town Council met for a special session to discuss legal and labor matters in executive session. No votes were taken during the meeting.
- Executive session regarding Gough v Town of West Warwick (KC-2014-0640)
- Executive session regarding RI Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
Town Council Mtg.
The Town Council decided to vacate homeless encampments on town property by December 2 and directed the creation of a response task force. The council also approved funding for public safety and public works equipment and updated tobacco license regulations.
- Approved Ordinance #2024-17 to issue up to $2,500,000 in bonds for public safety, public works, and recreation vehicles and equipment
- Approved Ordinance #2024-15 amending tobacco dealers license and sales regulations
- Directed Town Manager and Solicitor to draft an ordinance regarding encampments for the Oct. 1 meeting
- Approved event licenses for 100 Factory Street and a mobile food license for Rise and Grind
- Approved Narragansett Electric request for pole installation on Fairmont Street
Sewer Comm. Meeting
The West Warwick Sewer Commission accepted the minutes from the June 18 meeting. It reviewed the superintendent's report on flow, odor complaints and sludge disposal, and gave a financial update showing $158,555 spent on sludge removal and a 3.5% CPI adjustment that raises the Synagro contract rate to $107 per ton. The commission also noted the submission of O&M manuals for four private pump stations and discussed recent odor complaints from residents.
- Resolution SC2024-18 accepted the June 18 meeting minutes (4‑0 vote).
- Year‑to‑date sludge removal costs total $158,555, 21% of the annual budget.
- CPI adjustment of 3.5% to the Synagro contract effective July 1 sets the rate at $107 per ton.
- Four private pump stations submitted their O&M manuals.
- Odor complaints reported at Anderson Ave & Fernwood Drive; residents voiced concerns in public comment.
Planning Bd. Meeting - TRC
The Technical Review Committee is reviewing an application by Armand Cordillesso for a residential development. The project involves the adaptive re-use of the former US Post Office and the construction of an additional building on the rear of the property.
- Development of 41-50 residential rental units at 1190 Main Street
- Adaptive re-use of the existing US Post Office building
- Construction of one additional building on the rear of the property
Bd. of Canvassers Meeting
The West Warwick Board of Canvassers met on September 11, 2024 to approve several certifications related to the September 10 statewide primary. The board approved the minutes from the August 14, 2024 meeting and certified the disposition of 14 provisional ballots, the tabulation of votes, mail ballot applications, and nomination papers. No other actions were taken.
- Certification of disposition of 14 provisional ballots from Sept 10 primary
- Certification of tabulation of votes from Sept 10 primary
- Certification of mail ballot applications
- Certification of nomination papers
- Approval of minutes from the Aug 14, 2024 Board of Canvassers meeting
Bd. of Canvassers Meeting
The Board of Canvassers is meeting to oversee the conduct of the statewide primary. Members will be available at designated polling locations to address election-related issues and will tabulate results after polls close at 8:01 P.M.
- Overseeing statewide primary at 10 polling locations
- Tabulation of election results starting at 8:01 P.M.
Planning Bd. Meeting
The West Warwick Planning Board meeting scheduled for September 9, 2024 was cancelled. The agenda listed approval of the August 5, 2024 meeting minutes and an old‑business item concerning the Gentry Glen major land development on Crompton Road (lots 130, 133, and 764, R‑10 residential zoning). A request to extend the Master Plan was heard and continued for further discussion. No new business was scheduled.
- Approval of minutes from the August 5, 2024 meeting
- Major Land Development – Gentry Glen (formerly Greenwich Glen) on Crompton Road, lots 130, 133, 764, R‑10 zoning
- Request for extension of the Master Plan, continued for discussion
- New business: none
- Other public comment
Town Council Mtg.
The council approved several ordinances, including a bond measure to finance up to $2.5 million for public safety, public works, and recreation vehicles. It also adopted zoning map amendments, a low‑speed vehicle amendment, and a tobacco dealer regulation change, while approving a $412,158 fire‑department grant and tax cancellations and abatements. Discussion focused on homeless encampments and related community concerns.
- Ordinance authorizing up to $2,500,000 in general obligation bonds for safety, works, and recreation vehicles
- Second Reading of Ordinance #2024-12 amending the West Warwick Zoning Map and related code sections
- Approval of a $412,158 grant for the Fire Department’s self‑contained breathing apparatus
- Cancellation of taxes in the amount of $6,279.82 as requested by the Tax Assessor
- Abatement of taxes in the amount of $72,876.21 as requested by the Tax Collector
Bd. of Canvassers Meeting
The Board of Canvassers certified the ballot question for a school bond referendum scheduled for October 8, 2025. The board also designated the polling location and determined staffing requirements for the vote.
- Certification of ballot question for $71,000,000 in bonds and notes for school facilities
- Approval of West Warwick Civic Center as the combined polling location for October 8, 2025
- Determination of poll worker staffing: three sets of supervisors, a Clerk, and a Moderator
Town Council Mtg.
The Town Council approved several ordinances regarding the zoning map, zoning code, and the operation of low-speed vehicles. The body also approved salary adjustments for non-union employees and various business licenses for upcoming community events.
- Approval of Ordinance #2024-14 adding Section 52 for Low Speed Vehicles, including Pulaski Street
- Approval of Ordinance #2024-12 amending the Zoning Map, Table of Uses, and Signs definitions
- Approval of Ordinance #2024-13 amending multiple sections of the West Warwick Zoning Code
- Approval of 3% annual salary increases for non-union employees and 2.75% for the Town Manager (FY25-FY27)
- Approval of $1,768.01 in tax cancellations
Town Council Exec. Sess.
The West Warwick Town Council met on August 13, 2024, entered an executive session to discuss collective bargaining and litigation matters, reviewed a list of pending lawsuits, then returned to open session and adjourned. No votes on substantive matters were taken.
- Executive session to discuss collective bargaining and litigation matters per R.I. General Law 42-46-5
- Litigation update: Gough v Town of West Warwick (KC-2014-0640)
- Litigation update: Evolution Mill v Saccoccio (KC-2024-0201)
- Litigation update: Citizens Bank v Pawtucket Development Group LLC (KC-2023-0752)
Planning Bd. Meeting
The board will consider an extension of the Master Plan for the Greenwich Glen 62‑unit condominium development on 17.79 acres off Crompton Road. It will also recommend final edits to the 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan to the Town Council. Additionally, the board will recommend two ordinances: rezoning TAP 6 lots 97 and 99 from Village Commercial to Business, and amending several sections of the West Warwick Zoning Code.
- Extension request for Greenwich Glen 62‑unit condo project (17.79 acres, R‑10 district)
- Final edits to 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan with recommendation to Town Council
- Ordinance 2024-12: rezoning TAP 6, Lots 97 & 99 from Village Commercial (VC) to Business (B)
- Ordinance 2024-13: amendment to multiple sections of the West Warwick Zoning Code
Town Council Mtg.
The West Warwick Town Council approved financing for regional wastewater treatment facility repairs and construction. The council also approved ballot wording for four Home Rule Charter amendments and a first reading for an affordable housing agreement.
- Ordinance #2024-11: Financing for Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility not to exceed $7,400,000
- First reading of Ordinance for Affordable Housing Agreement and Covenant for Lippitt Mill
- Approval of ballot wording for four Charter Amendments regarding budget process, appropriations, competitive bidding, and the Pension Board
- Resolution for Ice Chiller Project change order for infrastructure testing in the amount of $13,177.85
Planning Bd. Meeting - TRC
The Technical Review Committee will consider an application to demolish St. James School and Convent and build 20 new condominium units on 1.11 acres at 1272 Main Street. It will also review a request to convert a small commercial space at 226 Washington Street into a residential unit within an existing structure. Both proposals are located in the ACVD zoning district.
- Demolition of St. James School and Convent and construction of 20 condo units, 1272 Main Street, 1.11 acres, Plat 6, Lots 420 & 1141, ACVD zoning
- Conversion of a small commercial space to a residential unit, 226 Washington Street, Plat 6, Lot 176, ACVD zoning
Bd. of Canvassers Meeting
The West Warwick Board of Canvassers approved the minutes from its July 8, 2024 meeting. It also certified the nomination papers submitted for upcoming elections. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned after these actions.
- Approval of the July 8, 2024 Board of Canvassers meeting minutes
- Certification of nomination papers