Barrington public meetings in 2025
27 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Spec. Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will discuss and act on an ordinance amendment to Chapter 148, Use and Protection of Public Waters. The amendment modifies Article IV – Mooring Regulations, specifically §148‑19 concerning forfeiture of mooring space. No other items are on the agenda.
- Ordinance amendment to Chapter 148, Use and Protection of Public Waters – Article IV Mooring Regulations §148‑19 Forfeiture of Space
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will meet to discuss a real property lease with Verizon Wireless in executive session. The council will also consider fee increases for dog licenses and leash law violations, as well as appointments to town committees.
- Executive session to discuss acquisition or lease of real property for Verizon Wireless Lease
- Proposed $2.00 increase in dog license fees to fund dog waste disposal
- Proposed increase in fines for leash law violations
- Declaration of a 2015 Ford Escape SUV as surplus property
- Discussion of Veterans Memorial Park Bicycle/Pedestrian Connector Project
Town Council Mtg.
The Town Council will conduct public hearings regarding liquor license renewals and a stock ownership transfer for Viola. The body will also consider appointments to several town committees and review bids for public works and senior center projects.
- Public hearing for liquor license renewals for multiple establishments, including Grapes & Grains and East Bay Oyster Bar
- Public hearing for Capital Stock Ownership Transfer of Class BV Full License for DPP,LLC d/b/a Viola at 296 County Road
- Proposed ordinance to add a stop sign on Howard Street northbound at Fountain Avenue
- Bids for Police Cove Seawall Engineering Services from GZA
- Application for DEM Recreation Grants for Kid's Kove Playground and Police Cove Splash Pad
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will hold an executive session, then move to open session to act on routine consent agenda items, reappointments, and department reports. Council members will discuss and act on several specific proposals, including a $7,500 contingency fund request for the town's 250th anniversary, an extension of the electricity supply agreement with NextEra Energy, and a contract for the Mussachuck Creek Corridor Study. Additional actions include ordinance amendments for a stop sign on Howard Street, a fee increase for plot fees, and approvals for park and senior services projects.
- Approve $7,500 request from Council Contingency Fund for 250th celebration planning (item 19)
- Authorize extension of the Barrington Community Electricity Program supply contract with NextEra Energy (item 18)
- Authorize negotiation of contract with preferred consultant for Mussachuck Creek Corridor Study (item 21)
- Ordinance amendment adding a stop sign on Howard Street northbound at Fountain Avenue (item 27)
- Increase plot fees from $25 to $35 per plot in the Town’s Fee and Fine Schedule (item 25)
Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The trustees approved the minutes from the July 28, 2025 meeting. They reviewed the FY2026 Spencer Trust Fund budget, reducing it from the originally approved $436,500 to $250,000 and adding $1,000 for the Day of Caring. The motion to adopt the revised budget passed unanimously. No public comments were received.
- Approval of July 28, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 4-0-0-0)
- Revised FY2026 budget set at $250,000, down from $436,500
- Allocation includes $1,000 for the Day of Caring and $35,000 for home repair
- Super senior grant program capped at 80 grants at $750 each, total $60,000
- Public comment period received no remarks
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will meet to decide on several infrastructure bids, including the abatement and demolition of the Monastery Building at 25 Watson Avenue. The council will also hold public hearings on traffic and parking ordinance amendments and discuss new land use laws.
- Bids for Monastery Building abatement and demolition at 25 Watson Avenue
- Public hearings on ordinance amendments for stop intersections and parking prohibitions
- Bids for Public Safety Building HVAC upgrades and energy systems
- Discussion of dog parks at Haines Park and Kids Cove playground repairs
- Proposed Spencer Budget for Fiscal Year 2026
Spec. Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council and chairs of boards and commissions will hold a special workshop. They will review the town charter’s definitions of committees and commissions, discuss how motions are recorded and propose formal procedures, and examine the use of Robert’s Rules of Order. The meeting will also consider staff participation in committee meetings and the public comment process, including the three‑minute rule. The session will conclude with a summary of next steps.
- Review of roles and authorities of boards, committees, and commissions per the Town Charter
- Discussion of current motion recording practices and proposal to formalize procedures
- Presentation of Robert’s Rules of Order and encouragement of consistent use
- Consideration of town staff participation in committee and commission meetings
- Discussion of public comment procedures and flexibility of the three‑minute rule
Town Council Mtg.
The Town Council will discuss and act on a $250 million school construction project, traffic ordinance amendments, and a consent agenda of routine items. The meeting also includes public hearings on zoning changes and a discussion of the Amey Tucker Spencer Trust budget.
- Approve $250 million School Construction Project and Planning Board Process
- Public hearing on 2025-5 Ordinance Amendment for Accessory Apartments
- Public hearing on 2025-7 Ordinance Amendment for Resident Parking Permits
- Authorize Town Manager to sign documents for new Sackler/Purdue Opioid Settlement Agreement
- Approve Class F-1 License for Barrington Farm School at 100 Federal Road
Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The Town Council, acting as Trustees, discussed revising the FY2026 Spencer Trust budget from $436,500.00 down to $249,000.00 due to funding clarifications from the wealth manager. The board decided to postpone the decision until September to allow legal counsel to provide an opinion on the will's intent.
- Proposed budget reduction from $436,500.00 to $249,000.00
- Approval of June 2, 2025 meeting minutes
- Request for legal opinion on funding assumptions and the trust's will
Spec. Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will consider several requests to RIDOT regarding traffic signals, bicycle infrastructure, and speed limit reductions on County Road. The body will also act on a victualing license and a resident parking permit ordinance amendment.
- Victualing License for The Ice Cream Garage at 59 Maple Avenue
- Ordinance Amendment 2025-7 regarding resident parking on Cherry Lane, Priscilla Drive, and Tiffany Circle
- Proposal to reduce speed limits on County Road from 35 mph to 25 mph
- Request for RIDOT to designate County Road at the High School as a school zone
- Discussion on speed cameras in school zones
Cte. on Approp.
The Barrington Committee on Appropriations will review minutes from prior meetings, discuss the financial town meeting and budget review process, and consider a draft schedule for 2026. It will also elect a chair and vice chair and seek volunteers for note‑taking and budget forecasting committee representation. Public comment will be allowed before adjournment.
- Approval of minutes for meetings on 4/22 and 5/18
- Discussion of financial town meeting and budget review process
- Election of COA chair and vice chair
- Discussion of draft schedule for 2026
- Call for volunteers for note‑taker and budget forecasting committee representatives
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council honored retiring Town Clerk Meredith J. DeSisto and appointed Deputy Clerk Stephanie Bernardo as the new clerk. The council approved a consent agenda, accepted several resignations, reappointed members to boards and commissions, and approved a waiver of local permit fees for the Bay Spring Community Center renovation project. It also interviewed and appointed new members to various committees and boards.
- Resolution honoring retiring Town Clerk Meredith J. DeSisto
- Approval of waiver of local permit fees for Bay Spring Community Center renovation project
- Reappointments: Planning Board (Richard Simms), Zoning Board of Review (Spencer Alexander), DEI Committee (Paige Rahn)
- Acceptance of resignations from multiple committees and commissions
- Appointments of new members: Joyce Boyle to 250th Anniversary Committee, Torsten Mayer‑Rothbarth to Bicycle‑Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Alex Anderson as Student Representative to Parks & Recreation Commission
Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The council approved the FY2026 Spencer Trust Budget, allocating funds to TAP‑In, Meals on Wheels, Barrington Farm School, The Village Common, and EBCAP crisis grants. They also approved an additional $5,000 for the Spencer Trust consulting administrator for FY2025. The meeting included discussion of a Housing Board proposal to revise first‑time homebuyer down‑payment assistance guidelines and the legal limits on using voter‑approved affordable‑housing funds. No vote outcome was recorded for the housing proposal.
- Approval of FY2026 Spencer Trust Budget with allocations: $5,000 TAP‑In, $5,000 Meals on Wheels, $8,169 Barrington Farm School, $18,416 The Village Common, $20,000 EBCAP crisis fund
- Approval of an additional $5,000 for the Spencer Trust consulting administrator for FY2025
- Discussion of increasing the consulting administrator budget to $35,000 due to higher workload
- Presentation of FY2026 non‑governmental organization funding requests totaling $76,585
- Housing Board proposal to revise first‑time homebuyer assistance guidelines, including a 15‑year deed restriction and eligibility for Spencer Trust funds
Reg. Town Council Mtg.
The Town Council will hold public hearings on amendments to zoning, animal, and vehicle parking ordinances. The meeting includes a separate session for the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund to discuss the budget and first-time homebuyer assistance guidelines.
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2025-6 regarding dogs prohibited from certain places
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2025-7 regarding parking prohibited during certain hours
- Bids for sports field lighting at Veterans Memorial Field and Chianese Field concepts by Pare Corp.
- Waiver of local permit fees for Bay Spring Community Center Renovation Project
- Resolution supporting the Rhode Island Beverage Bottle and Extended Producer Responsibility Bill
Financial Town Meeting
Registered voters met to debate and vote on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Municipal and School budgets. The meeting also served to notify residents that future budget approvals will transition to a townwide referendum format starting May 27, 2026.
- Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Barrington Budget
- Municipal Operating Budget
- Municipal Capital Budget
- School Operating Budget
- School Capital Budget
Spec. Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will discuss and act on funding for a sidewalk on Lamson Road. They will also consider declaring certain items, including the Bay Spring Community Pool Table, as surplus property and authorize the Town Manager to dispose of them if sale is impractical. The meeting is a special meeting on May 20, 2025 at 5:30 PM.
- Lamson Road Sidewalk Funding Authorization
- Declare Bay Spring Community Pool Table as surplus property
- Authorize the Town Manager to dispose of surplus property if not practical to sell
Town Council Mtg.
The council will discuss and act on several items, including the use of Spencer Trust funds for affordable housing, reappointments to boards, and a public hearing on a Class B license transfer. It will also consider multiple ordinance amendments, notably a zoning amendment covering accessory apartments and low‑moderate income housing requirements. Additional actions include authorizing extra funding for sidewalk reconstruction on Lamson Road and ratifying a collective bargaining agreement for police officers.
- Public hearing: Application for Capital Stock Transfer of Class B License – Kee‑Aree LLC, 156 Rear County Road
- Ordinance Amendment 2025‑5 to Chapter 185 Zoning – accessory apartments and inclusionary housing requirements
- Authorize additional funding for sidewalk reconstruction project on Lamson Road (contract with D’Ambra Construction Company)
- Approve Road Race – Barrington Christian Academy 5k scheduled for Oct 4, 2025
- Ratify collective bargaining agreement with Dispatch International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local 555
Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The Barrington Town Council, acting as trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Trust Fund, approved the minutes from the April 7 meeting and then discussed proposals to use Spencer Trust funds for affordable housing. The Housing Board of Trustees suggested revising the first‑time homebuyer down‑payment assistance program, changing the deed restriction from 30 to 15 years with repayment conditions, and creating an aging‑in‑place accessibility program offering interest‑free forgivable loans up to $50,000. Trustees did not make a final decision but agreed to seek clarification and vote on the proposals at the June meeting.
- Approved minutes of the April 7, 2025 Spencer Trust meeting (5‑0 vote).
- Proposed revision of first‑time homebuyer assistance: 15‑year deed restriction, penalties if sold before 15 years to ineligible buyers.
- Proposed aging‑in‑place program: interest‑free forgivable loans up to $50,000 for home modifications for residents at or below 100% AMI.
- Current fund balances: Spencer Trust approx. $370,000 (2016 allocation) and $75,000 (2021 allocation); 2021 voter‑approved affordable housing funds approx. $502,000.
- Trustees to seek further clarification from the Housing Board and schedule a vote on the proposals at the June meeting.
Spec. Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will discuss and act on three items. They will consider purchasing a new server to support Police, Fire, DPW, Senior/Recreation and Town Hall services. They will also consider authorizing additional funding for a sidewalk on Lamson Road under a contract with D’Ambra Construction Company, and a dock installation at Walker Farm.
- Purchase of a new server for Police, Fire, DPW, Senior/Recreation and Town Hall services
- Authorize additional funding for sidewalk construction on Lamson Road (contract with D’Ambra Construction Company)
- Dock installation project at Walker Farm
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council meeting will approve routine items and discuss several project updates. A key decision is the resolution to authorize up to $13,500,000 in bonds and notes for construction, renovation, and equipment of public schools. The council will also consider a park fencing contract, a recycling services agreement, and ordinance amendments related to traffic stops. Additional items include approvals for community events and updates on infrastructure projects.
- Approve issuance of up to $13,500,000 in bonds for school construction and improvements
- Award Haines Park softball fencing contract to Johnson Landscaping for $124,310
- Adopt ordinance amendment to Chapter 179 Vehicles and Traffic for stop intersections on Bowden King Philip Avenue
- Approve Rhode Island Resource Recovery Solid Waste and Recycling Services Agreement (July 1 2025 – June 30 2027)
- Approve Road Race at Hampden Meadows School (May 18 2025) and Barrington Memorial Day Parade (May 26 2025)
Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The Town Council approved revisions to the 'Super-Senior' financial assistance program criteria and authorized a second round of applications to distribute the remaining $121,000 in funds. The new criteria raise income limits and remove liquid asset restrictions for qualifying households.
- Approved minutes from January 13, 2025 meeting
- Revised 'Super-Senior' program criteria for 80+ residents
- Authorized second application round for remaining $121,000
- New income limits: $47,220 for one person, $54,000 for two
- Removed liquid asset limit for qualifying low-income households
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will consider a public hearing to rezone a parcel at 60 Bay Spring Avenue. The council will also discuss an ordinance amendment to stop intersections on Bowden King Philip Avenue and review several bid proposals for town infrastructure projects. Additional items include approvals for the Bayside YMCA pool agreement and routine consent‑agenda actions.
- Public hearing to rezone 60 Bay Spring Avenue (Lot 101) as proposed by Bay Spring Crossing Condominium Association
- Ordinance amendment 2025-3 to Chapter 179 stop intersections at Bowden King Philip Avenue
- Award Bay Spring Culvert Rehabilitation bid to C.B. Utility for a total of $500,000
- Fire Department grant of $40,000 and bid of $40,322.50 for a mobile electronic message board with camera and radar speed monitor
- Approval of Bayside YMCA pool agreement
Special Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will consider the municipal operating and capital budgets for fiscal year 2025‑26. The budget items will set spending levels for town services and capital projects for the upcoming year. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as a call to order, pledge of allegiance, land acknowledgement, public comment, and adjournment.
- Discuss and act on Fiscal Year 2025‑26 Municipal Operating and Capital Budgets
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will discuss and act on two ordinance amendments, one changing Rose Lane to a one‑way street and another updating Kent Street lighting rules and hours. The meeting also includes a proposal from the School Committee on synthetic turf at Victory Field, a resolution to form an ad hoc committee for the Rhode Island 250th celebration, and a discussion on sight‑line improvements at several intersections. Additional items are routine consent agenda actions and departmental reports.
- Amendment to Ordinance Chapter 179 Vehicles and Traffic Article I One Way Street (Rose Lane)
- Amendment to Ordinance Chapter 134 Parks and Recreation §134-57 Rules and regulations; Kent Street Lights; §134-58 Hours of operation, lighting
- School Committee’s proposal regarding synthetic turf at Victory Field
- Resolution forming an ad hoc committee for the Rhode Island 250th celebration
- Discussion of sight lines at intersections (Sowams and Kent, Nayatt and Rumstick, Linden and Sowams)
Cte. on Approp. and Budget Forcasting Cte.
The Budget Forecasting Committee will meet with town council, school committee, and Appropriations Committee members. The agenda includes approving the minutes from the January 14, 2025 meeting and presenting the committee’s 2025 budget forecasting report. A public comment period follows before adjournment.
- Approve minutes from January 14, 2025
- Presentation of Budget Forecasting Committee Report/Executive Summary for 2025
- Public comment
Town Council Mtg.
The Barrington Town Council will elect a President and Vice President for the Spencer Trust and consider routine consent agenda items. It will vote on the disposal of surplus police vehicles and approve purchases of police equipment, including a hybrid patrol vehicle and Glock pistols. A key item is the approval of a $1 sale of Parcel 6 at 25 Watson Avenue to FJS Associates for a senior‑focused housing project. The council will also consider charter amendments and ordinance changes.
- Election of President and Vice President of the Spencer Trust
- Approval to declare surplus police vehicles (2012 Dodge Chargers, 2008 Ford Ranger, 2001 Ford BCI Truck) for disposal
- Purchase of police equipment: hybrid Ford Explorer patrol vehicle, electric Ford F150, and Glock G45/G48 pistols with Aimpoint sights
- Approval of $1 sale of Parcel 6 (≈1.75 acres) at 25 Watson Avenue to FJS Associates for 12 age‑restricted units, 5 affordable
- Ratification of Town Charter Amendments and amendments to Ordinance Chapter 179 (One‑Way Street, STOP intersections) and Chapter 134 (Park lighting)
Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The Town Council, acting as Trustees for the Amey Tucker Spencer Trust Fund, met to elect its leadership. The body voted to appoint a new President and Vice President.
- Election of Trustee Jordan Jancosek as President (5-0 vote)
- Election of Trustee Liana Cassar as Vice President (5-0 vote)