Exeter public meetings in 2024

Emergency Town Council

The Exeter Town Council convened an emergency meeting on Dec. 16, 2024, citing an unexpected occurrence that required immediate action to protect the public. The council entered executive session to consider Agenda Item 4.A, a litigation appeal by David W. Thornley to the Board of Elections under RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2). It voted unanimously to accept the Board's decision and not pursue the appeal, then adjourned the meeting.

• Emergency meeting called due to an unexpected occurrence requiring immediate action to protect the public.
• Executive session convened to discuss Agenda Item 4.A, RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2), litigation appeal of David W. Thornley to the Board of Elections.
• Unanimous vote to not pursue the appeal and to accept the Board of Elections' decision.
• Motion to adjourn the meeting was passed unanimously.

Zoning Board of Review

The Exeter Zoning Board of Review held its regular meeting on December 12, 2024. The board approved a dimensional relief request for a 24' × 24' garage with a room above, granting a left‑side setback of 44 feet at 13 Pinoak Drive (RU‑3 zone). It also voted to continue reviewing the Zoning Board Rules of Procedure at the next meeting and adopted the 2025 meeting schedule. Administrative items included approval of invoices and tabling the August 8, 2024 minutes.

• Approval of side‑setback variance for 13 Pinoak Drive (24' × 24' garage with room above)
• Motion to continue review of Zoning Board Rules of Procedure to the next meeting
• Approval of the 2025 Zoning Board meeting schedule
• Approval of invoices for Southern RI Newspapers, Ron Ronzio, and Solicitor Peter Ruggiero
• Future meeting set for January 9, 2025 with three dimensional variance applications

*CANCELLED* Planning Board Meeting Meeting

The Planning Board meeting scheduled for Dec 10, 2024 was cancelled, so no agenda items were considered. The agenda lists only routine administrative items such as approval of minutes, correspondence, and notice of the next meeting on Jan 14, 2025.

• Approval of minutes (pending)
• Correspondence (pending)
• Future meeting scheduled for Jan 14, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Regular Town Council

At its December 2 regular meeting, the Exeter Town Council opened a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Code of Ordinances that would authorize the appointment of one or more deputy zoning inspectors. The council also acted on a consent agenda that approved a $450 payment to Ryan’s Lawn Care & Landscaping and other routine items. Additional actions included accepting the resignation of Animal Control Officer Ethan Judd, appointing Councilwoman Diane Allen to the Exeter‑West Greenwich School District Capital Project Building Committee, and appointing Stephen Sylvia as a Public Works Worker.

• Public hearing on ordinance amendment to authorize deputy zoning inspectors
• Approval of consent agenda item: Ryan’s Lawn Care & Landscaping payment of $450.00
• Acceptance of resignation of Animal Control Officer Ethan Judd
• Appointment of Councilwoman Diane Allen to Exeter‑West Greenwich School District Capital Project Building Committee
• Appointment of Stephen Sylvia as Public Works Worker

Planning Board Meeting Meeting

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed residential subdivision at 0 Wolf Rock Road. The board will also consider a pre-application for a vehicle storage expansion and lot merger at 495 Nooseneck Hill Road.

• Public hearing for a minor subdivision at 0 Wolf Rock Road for seven four-bedroom single-family dwellings
• Pre-application for Copart of Connecticut, Inc. at 495 Nooseneck Hill Road for vehicle storage and staging expansion
• Proposed merger of Assessor’s Plat 46, Block 1, Lot 4 with Assessor’s Plat 33, Block 1, Lot 4
• Review and approval of the 2025 Planning Board Meeting Schedule

Notice Of Public Hearing

The Exeter Planning Board will hold a public hearing on November 26, 2024 to consider a preliminary approval for a minor subdivision on Wolf Rock Road. The proposal, submitted by 2299 Post Road, LLC, seeks to create a private street and develop seven single‑family homes on a 22‑acre parcel, with 40 % of the land set aside as open space and one lot reserved for stormwater management. The board will hear oral and written comments from the public before making a decision.

• Preliminary approval request for a minor subdivision (seven lots) on Wolf Rock Rd, Exeter
• Creation of a private street as part of the development
• Conservation design preserving 40% of the 22‑acre site as open space
• Seven four‑bedroom single‑family homes with on‑site wastewater treatment and drinking wells
• One lot designated as non‑development to support stormwater management

Special Town Council

The Town Council voted unanimously to support Verizon's application for a Commerce RI Capital Project to expand fiber optic broadband. The body also administered oaths of office to newly elected council members and town officials and elected its leadership for the 2024-2026 term.

• Unanimous vote to send a Letter of Support to Verizon for broadband network expansion
• Election of Daniel Patterson as Town Council President
• Election of Raymond Morrissey as Town Council Vice President
• Administration of Oath of Office for Town Moderator Peter V. Lacouture and Town Sergeant Scote N. Miller

Planning Board Meeting Work Session

The Planning Board will hold a work session to discuss potential zoning amendments regarding farm cafes. The board will also review its own rules of procedure and a potential fire department training workshop.

• Proposed zoning amendment for 1 Hemsley Place (Tilted Barn Brewery) to allow a Farm Café within a Farm Brewery
• Discussion of Planning Board Rules of Procedure
• Discussion of potential Fire Department Training Work Shop

Regular Town Council

The Exeter Town Council met on November 4, 2024, approved the agenda and consent agenda, which included a series of business license renewals. The Council accepted the resignation of Public Works worker Charles Cinquegrana effective December 1, 2024, and posted the vacancy. Vacancies for the Personnel Board and Conservation Commission were also announced.

• Approved Victualing License Renewal for Two Scoops Café and 401 Deli, pending required documentation
• Approved Trailer Park License Renewal for Split Rock Mobile Home Park, pending submission of mobile‑home list
• Approved Firearms Dealer Licenses for Shanbri Farm and The Range
• Accepted resignation of Public Works worker Charles Cinquegrana, effective Dec 1 2024
• Posted vacancies: Personnel Board (5 members needed) and Conservation Commission (1 member needed)

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board voted 5-0 to recommend that the Town Council prohibit short-term rentals in all zoning districts. The board also discussed a proposal to allow farm cafés within farm breweries, including specific limits on kitchen size and local sourcing requirements.

• Voted 5-0 to recommend prohibiting short-term rentals in all zoning districts
• Proposed zoning amendment to allow Farm Cafés in RU-3, RU-4, and CR-5 districts
• Proposed Farm Café limit: kitchen max 800 square feet or 25% of building gross floor area
• Proposed Farm Café requirement: at least 50% of menu ingredients must be locally sourced
• Application by Matthew J. and Kara N. Richardson for Tilted Barn Brewery at 1 Hemsley Place

*CANCELLED* Zoning Board of Review

The Zoning Board of Review scheduled a regular meeting for October 10, 2024, but the meeting was cancelled. No applications for dimensional variance, use variance, or special permits will be considered, and no agenda items will be acted upon. Administrative items such as invoice and minutes approval are also postponed.

Planning Board Meeting

The Exeter Planning Board continued discussion of draft changes to the Zoning Use Table, including a review of short‑term rental regulations. After hearing legal context from the town solicitor, the board voted unanimously (5‑0) to prohibit short‑term rentals in the zoning ordinance. The planner will forward a recommendation to the Town Council for approval of the amendment.

• Draft changes to Zoning Use Table, Article II, Section 2.4 discussed
• Review of short‑term rental memorandum dated Oct. 2, 2024
• Motion to prohibit short‑term rentals passed 5‑0
• Attorney cited Narragansett restraining order affecting rental regulation
• Planner to send recommendation to Town Council to amend ordinance

Regular Town Council

The Town Council approved changes to the Code of Ordinances regarding development impact fees for industrial parks, warehouses, and mixed-use properties. The body also discussed a potential $800,000 grant to use 742 Ten Rod Road as a Community Learning Center.

• Adopted amendments to Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances regarding development impact fees
• Appointed Oscar Beltran as Juvenile Hearing Board alternate member
• Hired Jensen Elleman as Animal Control Officer
• Discussed $800,000 Community Facilities Grant for 742 Ten Rod Road
• Approved bill sheet including payments to Acting Zoning Officials Ellsworth and Chase

Planning Board Meeting

The board conducted a second pre‑application site visit for a minor subdivision at 0 Wolf Rock Road, reviewing a seven‑lot conservation development with a private street and 40% open space on a 21.73‑acre parcel. Residents raised concerns about wetlands, drainage, historic sites, tree preservation, and traffic impacts. The board also considered a zoning amendment request for Tilted Barn Brewery at 1 Hemsley Place to allow a farm café, but postponed the discussion to the October 22 meeting. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was recessed and later reconvened.

• Second pre‑application site visit for 0 Wolf Rock Road (Wolf Rock Estates) minor subdivision – seven lots, private street, 40% open space on 21.73 acres
• Resident concerns noted: wetlands, drainage, historic cemetery, tree preservation, and traffic on Wolf Rock Road
• Consideration of amendment to Exeter Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A Section 1.2.35 and Section 2.4) to permit a Farm Café at Tilted Barn Brewery, 1 Hemsley Place – postponed to Oct 22
• Approval of August 27, 2024 meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote
• Scheduling of next Work Session on Oct 8, 2024 to continue work on Zoning Use Table (short‑term rentals, inclusionary zoning, farm‑café zone change)

Special Town Council

The Town Council voted to post a Request for Proposals for the renovation and repurposing of the New Town Hall facility at 742 Ten Rod Road. The council also decided to consider posting for a temporary APRA Officer at their next regular meeting to manage public records requests.

• Approved Request for Proposals for New Town Hall facility at 742 Ten Rod Road, funded by American Recovery Funds
• Voted to consider posting for a temporary APRA Officer at the October 7, 2024 meeting

*CANCELLED* Zoning Board of Review

The Exeter Zoning Board of Review scheduled for September 12, 2024 was cancelled. No applications for dimensional variance, use variance, or special permits will be heard. The agenda listed administrative items such as approval of invoices and meeting minutes, but no action will be taken.

• Meeting cancelled – no items will be acted upon
• Approval of Invoices (administrative)
• Approval of Meeting Minutes (administrative)
• Future Meeting scheduling (administrative)

Planning Board Meeting

The Exeter Planning Board held a work session to discuss and amend its Rules of Procedure, including changes to meeting schedules, officer duties, and conflict-of-interest protocols. The board also discussed the election of officers, including a potential secretary position.

• Discussion of Rules of Procedure amendments
• Proposed addition of elected Secretary position
• Conflict of interest recusal protocols
• Meeting schedule and quorum changes
• Discussion of alternate member voting rights

Regular Town Council

The Town Council discussed whether to rescind a previous vote to accept an $800,000 state grant for the building at 742 Ten Rod Road due to concerns over state stipulations. The body also hired two Public Works workers and approved a tax assessor's abatement.

• Discussion on rescinding an $800,000 community facilities matching grant for 742 Ten Rod Road
• Hiring of Aiden Pina and Aidan Robinson as Public Works workers
• Approval of one Tax Assessor's abatement totaling $4,375.39
• Announcement of Rhode Island Primary voting on September 10, 2024
• Discussion of water contamination at Pine View Apartments

Notice Of Public Hearing

The Exeter Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider a request from The Jade Investment Group, LLC. The applicant seeks to modify a recorded major land development plan for a business-zoned property. This change would allow for the addition of specific utility and storage infrastructure.

• Proposed addition of an outdoor freezer, underground propane tanks, and utility transformers at 597 South Country Trail

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board approved a request from Jade Investment Group to modify a recorded land development plan. The board also continued the review of a proposed Tier III Greenhouse facility for Rhode Island Grows, LLC.

• Approved site changes at 597 South Country Trail, including a new outdoor freezer and propane tank installation
• Requirement for a 5-foot-high vinyl fence to screen the outdoor freezer at 597 South Country Trail
• Discussion of a $100,000 landscape maintenance bond for the Rhode Island Grows project at One Arnold Place
• Discussion of a $250,000 annual pilot fee to be paid to the Town by Rhode Island Grows, LLC
• Review of a proposed Greenhouse Tier III/CEA Facility at One Arnold Place

Planning Board Work Session

The Planning Board conducted a work session to review and reorganize the Zoning Use Table for the Exeter Zoning Ordinance. Members discussed whether specific uses should be allowed, prohibited, or require a Special Use Permit across various town zones. These decisions serve as recommendations to the Town Council for future public hearings.

• Review of draft changes to Zoning Use Table, Exeter Zoning Ordinance Article II, Section 2.4
• Discussion of use categories including Residential, Agricultural, Retail, and Marijuana Related Facilities
• Review of prohibited uses town-wide, including Mobile Home Parks, Casinos, and Pawn Shops
• Discussion on the categorization of Ladd Center and Dorset Mill as Planned Districts
• Review of retail scale thresholds: neighborhood (under 2,000 sq ft), medium (2,000-10,000 sq ft), and large (over 10,000 sq ft)

Zoning Board of Review

The Exeter Zoning Board of Review met on August 8, 2024. The board considered an application from E. Michael Yefko and Joann Lisberger for a dimensional variance to build a 25' × 27' garage and a 14' × 18.25' entryway at 66 Sheffield Hill Road in the RU‑4 zone. After public comments, the board voted 4‑0 to approve the variance. The board also reviewed its rules of procedure, approved invoices, and adopted the July 11, 2024 minutes.

• Approval of dimensional relief (front setback 14 ft, side setback 35 ft) for a garage at 66 Sheffield Hill Road
• Review of Zoning Board Rules of Procedure to be discussed at the next meeting
• Approval of invoices for Southern RI Newspapers, Ron Ronzio, and Solicitor Peter Ruggiero
• Approval of July 11, 2024 meeting minutes
• No September meeting scheduled because no applications were received

Regular Town Council

The Exeter Town Council voted on several public‑hearing applications, granting an outdoor entertainment license for a classic car show, a special‑event liquor license, a second‑hand dealer license, and a kennel license. The council also waived the $100 application fee for the car‑show license. In addition, the consent agenda approved a series of payments to the Reynolds Charitable Trust.

• Approved Outdoor Entertainment License for Friends of Exeter Animals car show at Exeter Animal Shelter, 169 South County Trail; $100 application fee waived; advertising cost $209.24.
• Approved Class F1 Special One Day Event Liquor License for Tilted Barn Brewery (One Hemsley Place) for a September 7 event; advertising cost $165.00.
• Approved Second‑Hand Dealer’s License for James J. Turner, E.W. Gardner Golf Cars, LLC, 247 Nooseneck Hill Road; certified mailing and advertising fees $132.12.
• Approved Class 2 Kennel License for Kimberly White, Cozy Canine Retreat, 82 Sodom Trail.
• Consent agenda payments to Reynolds Charitable Trust: $3,500 to Bryant University, $2,408.08 to RI Join Reinsurance Association, $7,000 to Wood River Health Services, up to $3,000 to an undisclosed applicant, $1,050 to Ryan’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, and purchase of a new sign.

Special Town Council

The Exeter Town Council held a public hearing and voted to place four proposed Home Rule Charter amendments on the November 5, 2024, general election ballot. These changes address town administration, board composition, and financial procedures.

• Proposed creation of a Town Administrator position (Article VI, Section 613)
• Proposed reduction of the Conservation Commission from seven to five members (Article VII, Section 703)
• Proposed amendment to allow the Town to revise purchasing ordinances to stay in compliance with Rhode Island General Laws (Article V, Section 505(c))
• Proposed procedures for handling non-budgetary grants, gifts, and unanticipated funds (Article III, Section 301(b) and Article V, Section 507)

Planning Board Meeting

The Exeter Planning Board voted to continue a vote on approving modifications to a site plan for South Trail Commerce to the next meeting to allow for a public hearing. The board also discussed a proposed greenhouse facility at One Arnold Place.

• Continued vote on South Trail Commerce site plan modifications
• Discussion of Rhode Island Grows greenhouse facility at One Arnold Place
• Request for waivers from zoning ordinance for Rhode Island Grows
• Approval of RI DEM permit for Rhode Island Grows OWTS
• Discussion of North Kingstown Fire hydrant tie-in for Rhode Island Grows

Zoning Board of Review

The Exeter Zoning Board of Review heard two appeals from Asa S. Davis III concerning the actions of the Zoning Inspector. In both matters, the Board voted 5-0 to deny the appeals and found no error in how the inspector issued certificates or performed his duties.

• Denial of appeal for 146 Beechwood Hill Trail regarding certificate dates and signatures
• Denial of appeal for properties at 0 Ten Rod Road, 740 Ten Rod Road, 0 Estate Drive, 50 Estate Drive, and 85A Hallville Road
• Discussion of discrepancies in square footage and ownership names on zoning certificates