Barrington public meetings in 2020
25 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Town Council Organizational Meeting
This is the Barrington Town Council's organizational meeting, where newly elected councilors, the town moderator, and school committee members are sworn in. The council will also nominate and vote on a new Town Council President and Vice President, and set the next meeting date. The agenda is largely procedural, focused on transitions and officer elections.
- Oath of office administered to new Town Councilors Annelise S. Conway, Robert J. Humm, Carl P. Kustell
- Oath of office administered to new Town Moderator Richard F. Staples, Jr.
- Oath of office administered to new School Committee members Amanda Regino Basse, Megan P. Douglas, Patrick J. McCrann
- Nominations and votes for Town Council President and Vice President
- Next Town Council meeting scheduled for January 11, 2021 at 7:00 PM
Jt. Council and Planning Bd. Meeting
The Barrington Town Council and Planning Board are holding a joint meeting to receive an update on Lot 3A on George Street, including a video overview and summary of the AHS/PAST study by the Barrington Preservation Society. The agenda includes discussion of historical significance and next steps, such as drafting an RFP scope. Public comment is limited to two-minute statements on topics not already on the agenda.
- Video overview of AHS/PAST study by Barrington Preservation Society
- Summary of PAST/AHS work by Meg Harper
- Discussion of historical significance by Ross Harper
- Next steps including draft RFP scope
- Public comment period (two-minute statements)
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council is meeting via Zoom due to COVID-19. The agenda includes a public hearing on liquor license renewals for multiple local establishments, interviews for vacancies on several boards and commissions, and discussion of contracts for a resiliency planner and a diversity consultant. The council will also consider consent agenda items like resignations, reappointments, and monthly reports, plus ordinance amendments and bids for town equipment and services.
- Public hearing on liquor license renewals for Grapes & Grains, Brickyard Wine & Spirits, American Legion Post 8, Barrington Yacht Club, Rhode Island Country Club, Bluewater Bar and Grill, East Bay Oyster Bar, Billy's Restaurant, Tong-D Restaurant, Miku Japanese Cuisine, Piezoni's Pizza, Leon's Café & Catering, Nacho Mamma's, and Spaghetti Lane
- Interviews for Cemetery Commission, Zoning Board of Review, Economic Development Commission, Planning Board, and Resiliency and Energy Committee vacancies
- Contract authorization with Kim Jacobs as Consulting Resiliency Planner
- Discussion of Diversity Consultant
- Bids for DPW dump truck with plow, payroll outsourcing, and Fire Department Emergency Management Coordinator
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council is meeting via Zoom due to COVID-19. The main items are public hearings on an ordinance amendment prohibiting housing discrimination and renewal of an emergency declaration for the November 3 election, plus discussion of bids for a mini excavator and Police Cove dock. The consent agenda includes resignations, reappointments, and routine reports.
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2020-18 prohibiting housing discrimination
- Public hearing on renewal of emergency declaration for November 3, 2020 election
- Bids: 2020 John Deere 50G Mini Excavator and Police Cove Transient Dock
- Resolution to honor Todd Sayers
- Interviews for Cemetery Commission and Housing Board of Trustees vacancies
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council is meeting virtually due to COVID-19. They will discuss and act on flying the Black Lives Matter and Back the Blue flags, as well as a general flag policy, after receiving 40 letters supporting and 8 opposing the BLM flag. The council will also hold public hearings on four ordinance amendments, including zoning and housing standards, and consider resolutions related to COVID-19 state assistance and small business grants.
- Discuss and act on flying Black Lives Matter and Back the Blue flags, plus a flag policy
- Public hearings on ordinances 2020-16 through 2020-19, including zoning and housing standards
- Resolution urging RI to allocate 10% of $1.5B in CARES Act funds to small business grants
- Approve surplus property: Fire Department ladder truck
- Interviews for Economic Development Commission, Housing Board, and Planning Board vacancies
Committee on Appropriations
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting by teleconference to review past minutes, discuss the July 18 Financial Town Meeting, and plan for the coming year. The committee will also nominate and elect its chair, vice chair, and two Budget Forecasting Committee members for fiscal year 2020-2021. Public comment is scheduled, and the meeting is open to residents via Zoom.
- Discuss July 18 Financial Town Meeting
- Elect FY 2020-2021 Committee Chair and Vice Chair
- Elect 2 Budget Forecasting Committee members
- Review and act on past minutes
- Public comment period
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council is meeting remotely due to COVID-19 to discuss and act on a range of items, including tax burdens, the police use-of-force policy, appointments, and several ordinances. The agenda also includes routine consent items like resignations, minutes, and reports, plus an executive session for personnel and litigation matters.
- Discuss and act on community engagement on the Barrington Police Department Use of Force Policy
- Discuss and act on tax burdens within Barrington
- Appoint Angel Tavares, Esq. to negotiate meal tax repayment plan with RI Department of Revenue
- Introduce ordinances 2020-16 (zoning board alternate member) and 2020-17 (public waters nutrient pollution)
- Approve bid for Harbor Patrol: trade-in and installation of new Yamaha 250 HP outboard motor
Financial Town Meeting
The Barrington Financial Town Meeting is the annual public meeting where registered voters debate and vote on the proposed 2020-2021 town budget, totaling $82,773,361, a recommended 8.01% increase over the prior year. The agenda covers the municipal operating, school operating, capital, and debt service budgets, as well as a separate vote to restore $55,000 to the library budget. The meeting also includes the election of the Committee on Appropriations.
- Total FY2020-21 budget recommended at $82,773,361, an 8.01% increase
- Municipal Operating Budget recommended at $17,632,886 (3.09% increase)
- School Operating Budget recommended at $54,460,526 (3.82% increase)
- Municipal Capital Budget includes $200,000 for land purchase on Sowams Road
- Debt Service Budget of $8,942,154 due to Middle School bond payment
COA Budget Hearing
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is holding a budget hearing to discuss and act on the library budget and the COA-recommended FY 2020-2021 budget. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom due to the coronavirus emergency. Public comment is scheduled, and there will be an update on the Financial Town Meeting.
- Discuss and act on library budget
- COA recommended FY 2020-2021 budget presentation
- Public comment
- Update on Financial Town Meeting
- Remote meeting via Zoom
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council is meeting to discuss and act on a statement on racism, set the date for the Financial Town Meeting, and consider ordinance amendments including repealing the tobacco chapter and changing salaries. They will also discuss proposed charter changes for an alternative and emergency budget approval process. Public attendance is limited to 8 people due to COVID-19 restrictions, with remote participation via Zoom.
- Take pledge on appropriate use of force policies
- Discuss and act on Town Council Statement on Racism
- Set date, time, venue for Financial Town Meeting
- Ordinance 2020-14: Amendment to Chapter 45 Salaries and Compensation (introduction)
- Ordinance 2020-12: Repeal Chapter 170 Tobacco (public hearing)
Committee on Appropriations
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting by teleconference to review year-to-date actuals versus budget and to discuss and act on the proposed 2020-2021 budgets. The committee will also update on the Financial Town Meeting status, discuss and act on a budget hearing, and set its schedule. The meeting includes public comment and is audio recorded.
- Review YTD 2019-2020 actual vs budget
- Discuss and act on proposed 2020-2021 budgets
- Update on Financial Town Meeting status
- Discuss and act on Budget Hearing
- Discuss and act on COA Schedule
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council is meeting via Zoom due to COVID-19 to discuss and act on a wide range of items, including proposed charter changes, a community aggregation plan, amendments to fee schedules, and a pledge on police use-of-force policies. The agenda also includes several routine consent items such as appointments, licenses, and reports, plus an executive session for legal and personnel matters.
- Discuss and act on proposed charter changes including budget process, council selection, and police constables
- Public hearing on Community Aggregation Plan recommended by Resiliency and Energy Committee
- Authorize additional $55,500 for Fuss & O'Neil engineering services for Walker Farm project plus $11,375 local share
- Amend fee schedule: $1/hour EV charging at Police Cove Park, $0.30/minute at Town Hall; $75 certificate of occupancy inspection fee
- Approve $16,549.72 Dell server bid for Police Department
Committee on Appropriations
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations is meeting by teleconference to review year-to-date budget figures, discuss the status of the Financial Town Meeting and alternate scenarios, and consider its own schedule and process. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific dollar amounts or new proposals listed.
- Review YTD 2019-2020 actual vs budget
- Update on Financial Town Meeting status and alternate scenarios
- Discuss and act on COA schedule and process
- Review and act on April 7, 2020 minutes
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council will meet via teleconference due to COVID-19. They will vote on extending the 2019 roadway resurfacing contract with Pawtucket Hot Mix Asphalt, Inc. for an additional $750,000, discuss proposed charter changes to the budget process, and consider a revaluation contract with Northeast Revaluation Group. The agenda also includes routine consent items, a letter to the governor on direct aid, and a resolution supporting PRIDE Month.
- Extend 2019 Roadway Resurfacing Project contract with Pawtucket Hot Mix Asphalt, Inc. for $750,000
- Proposed charter changes to budget and school committee budget sections
- Revaluation contract with Northeast Revaluation Group (3rd step of 9-year contract)
- Letter to Governor Raimondo supporting direct aid to small cities and towns
- Ordinance introduction: Chapter 63 Alcoholic Beverages (BVL 3 to 4)
Special Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council is holding a special teleconference meeting due to COVID-19. They will discuss and vote on repairing Fire Engine/Pumper 2, review the FY 2020/21 municipal operating budget proposal, and discuss municipal restrictions related to the pandemic. Public comment is included.
- Discuss and act on Fire Department repair to Engine/Pumper 2
- Discuss and act on FY Budget 2020/21 Municipal Operating Budget Proposal
- Discuss municipal restrictions due to COVID-19
- Public comment period
- Meeting held via Zoom teleconference due to COVID-19
Committee on Appropriations
The Committee on Appropriations is meeting via teleconference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The agenda includes reviewing year-to-date actuals versus budget, municipal and school budgets, and a budget summary spreadsheet. No final decisions are listed; the meeting is primarily for review and discussion.
- Review and act on March 31, 2020 minutes
- Review YTD 2019-2020 actual vs budget
- Municipal and school budget review
- Review budget summary spreadsheet
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council will meet by teleconference due to COVID-19. They will vote on consent items including a new fire department emergency vehicle for $313,603 and station uniforms for $22,762.40, discuss installing EV charging stations at Police Cove Park and Town Hall, and consider charter amendments, a high-capacity magazine ban resolution, and a zoning ordinance change.
- Award $313,603 bid to Specialty Vehicles for a Life-Line Emergency Vehicle replacing 2006 Rescue #3
- Award $22,762.40 bid to Mike and Wayne's Uniforms for 4 sets of station uniforms
- Discuss EV charging station at Police Cove Park and authorize funds from Capital Reserve Energy Project for Town Hall station
- Discuss proposed charter changes including finance director duties and constable provisions
- Public hearing on zoning ordinance amendment to Chapter 185 definitions
Special Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council held a special emergency meeting on March 14, 2020, to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The council unanimously introduced and adopted Ordinance 2020-7, which declares a local emergency, revokes all entertainment licenses, restricts gatherings to 100 patrons, cancels non-essential public meetings, and delegates authority to the Town Manager. The ordinance is effective immediately until April 12, 2020.
- Adopted Ordinance 2020-7 declaring a local emergency due to COVID-19
- Revoked all entertainment licenses under Chapter 124, Article III
- Banned new entertainment or event licenses
- Restricted all license holders to 100 patrons maximum
- Delegated non-financial, non-legislative authority to Town Manager
Special Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and act on a mobile food establishment license for Rocket LLC, dba Rocket Fine Street Food, and to hold a public hearing on an ordinance amendment to Chapter 124 regarding mobile food establishments. The council will also discuss and act on the FY 2020/21 municipal operating budget. Public comment is scheduled before adjournment.
- Mobile food establishment license for Rocket LLC, dba Rocket Fine Street Food, owner Patricia Meneguzzo (State: MFE 60/Town: MFE 4)
- Public hearing on Ordinance Amendment 2020-4 to Chapter 124, Article VII (Mobile Food Establishments)
- Discussion and action on FY 2020/21 Municipal Operating Budget
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council will discuss and act on a range of items, including proposed charter changes, the Bay Spring Resiliency Plan, and several contract awards. The agenda also includes routine consent items like resignations, reappointments, and abatements, plus a coronavirus update and contingency plan. Public comment is available for topics not on the agenda.
- Proposed charter changes to sections on appropriations, finance director, constables, and firefighter removal
- Bay Spring Resiliency Plan presentation and discussion
- Award bid to Kevin Alverson for Latham Park oversight, $2,500
- Award bid to Kim Jacobs for stormwater and resiliency projects, up to $17,100
- Introduction of ordinances on mobile food establishments and zoning definitions (building heights)
Joint Town Council and School Cte. Mtg.
The Barrington School Committee and Town Council held a joint legislative meeting with state representatives and a senator to discuss advocacy priorities, including school funding, field trip policy, field sponsorship legislation, and support for negotiating expensive contracts. The meeting also included a closed executive session to discuss the Superintendent Evaluation, during which no votes were taken and minutes were sealed.
- Discussed school funding formula considerations
- Discussed field trip policy legislation
- Discussed sponsorship/signs on fields legislation similar to Middletown's
- Discussed state support for negotiating expensive contracts (transportation, special education)
- Held executive session for Superintendent Evaluation (5-0 vote)
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council will hold public hearings on two ordinance amendments (alcoholic beverages and Finance Director salary), discuss and act on appointments to several boards and commissions, and consider a letter of support for a resident petition to Verizon for improved coverage. The council will also discuss trail standards, a contingency fund for Meals on Wheels, an anti-harassment policy, and participation in Providence's Community Choice Aggregation. Several routine items, including resignations, reappointments, and a license application, are on the consent agenda.
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2020-1 amending Chapter 63 Alcoholic Beverages (BV 6 to 5)
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2020-2 amending Chapter 45 Salaries (Finance Director)
- Discuss and act on authorizing participation in Providence's Community Choice Aggregation with Good Energy
- Discuss and act on letter of support for resident petition to Verizon for improved coverage
- Award bid for Walker Farm Preliminary Engineering
Special Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and act on the introduction of two ordinances. One would amend the alcoholic beverages chapter to change a license classification from BV 6 to BV 5, and the other would amend the salaries and compensation chapter regarding the Finance Director position. No final votes are scheduled; the agenda covers only introduction of these ordinances.
- Ordinance 2020-1: Amend Chapter 63 Alcoholic Beverages Article III (BV 6 to 5)
- Ordinance 2020-2: Amend Chapter 45 Salaries and Compensation (Finance Director)
Meeting of the Town Council as Trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The Barrington Town Council, acting as trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund, will discuss and vote on several items including amendments to the Spencer by-laws, a possible budget change directing charitable funds to Meals on Wheels, and the overall management of the trust fund. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and public comment.
- Discuss and act on minutes from December 2, 2019
- Discuss and act on amendments to the Spencer by-laws
- Discuss and act on possible budget change: charitable funds to Meals on Wheels
- Discuss and act on management of the Spencer Trust Fund
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Barrington Town Council will vote on several routine consent agenda items, including accepting Fox Run Road as a town street and approving the tree warden. They will also award bids for a new dump truck, a resiliency plan for Bay Spring, and major renovations to the Peck Center, and hold public hearings on ordinances regarding apiaries, tobacco bans at recreational facilities, and use of public lands. Interviews for board appointments and an executive session on litigation are also scheduled.
- Award bid for 2020 16,500 GVW Dump Truck for $73,850.00
- Award bid for Bay Spring Resiliency Plan for $18,500.00
- Award bid for Peck Center lower level renovations for $984,925 (total $1,023,005.14 with contingency)
- Public hearing on ordinance amendment to Chapter 67-20 Apiaries (bees)
- Public hearing on ordinance amendment to Chapter 69 and 134 banning tobacco products