Narragansett Town Council Regular Meeting – May 18, 2026

The Narragansett Town Council held its regular meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Assembly Room. President Alexander Menzies was absent, attending federal funding meetings in Washington D.C. for the Narrow River dredging project. Pro Tem James P. Durkin presided. All four present council members (Durkin, Colonies, Torrealday, Vignali) voted unanimously on all items. The meeting included a school performance, a moment of silence for a deceased town employee, public comments, second readings of ordinances, operational approvals, and an executive session. The meeting adjourned at 10:04 PM.

Spotlight on Schools

• The Pier Middle School 5th Grade Chorus, directed by Michael Simeone, performed 'Yankee Doodle Song' after receiving a Gold rating at the Rhode Island American Choral Directors Association Elementary Choral Festival on May 8th. Councilor Colonies and others praised the students and the school arts program.

Town Manager's Update

• Town Manager James Tierney requested a moment of silence for town employee Isaac Seekel, who was tragically killed in a plane crash earlier that day.
• He reported that an early-morning social media claim about odors at the Scarborough Wastewater Treatment Facility was false; staff detected no odors and the plant continues operating optimally.
• He congratulated Police Captain Ryan Prest on graduating from the Municipal Leadership Academy.
• He detailed an early Saturday morning incident where a suspect driving dangerously struck a Narragansett police cruiser head-on, fled on foot, and was apprehended with help from a thermal drone and state police canine. The officer was unharmed; the suspect was charged with multiple offenses and later made bail.
• He announced that all Town Council-proposed budget changes are included in the first reading of the Appropriation Ordinance.
• Councilor Torrealday inquired about expediting the dredging RFP; Tierney noted that engineering is drafting it in parallel with final permit approvals, and an RFP will follow shortly after the Army Corps permit is received. Torrealday also reported that Senator Whitehouse's office confirmed the CDS application has been referred to the appropriations committee.

Consent Calendar

• C.1: Approved, ratified, and confirmed emergency relocation of air conditioning coolant and control lines at Town Hall ($20,532.83).
• C.2: Approved emergency repairs to Marine 2 fire boat ($22,067.54).
• C.3: Approved one-year contract extension for general electrical services with E.W. Audet & Sons.
• C.4: Approved 2026 renewal for one miscellaneous license.
• C.5: Approved waiver of interest for taxpayers per ordinance Section 70-90.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bret Williams (Clark Road) strongly opposed expansion of pickleball courts on Clark Road, calling it a misuse of funds for a niche group while infrastructure needs exist. He questioned potential conflict of interest regarding Durkin Cottages advertising the courts.
• Mike Gagas (South Kingstown) thanked the Council for hosting a senior tax preparation program; 240 returns were prepared, saving seniors an estimated $65,000–$75,000 in fees and returning nearly $500,000 in refunds.
• John Hanley (Ten Rod Lane) criticized the Council for allegedly sneaking a controversial license approval through the consent agenda at a prior meeting and for violating public comment rules when reconsidering it. He accused the Council of sleazy politics and a lack of transparency.
• Elizabeth DelGizzo argued that no new hookups to sewer or water should be allowed until systems can fully support current residents, especially in summer. She compared town ADU ordinances unfavorably to state law and urged the Council to prioritize necessities over priorities.
• Sue Amorouso reported that the library’s rooftop solar system was activated today after a two-and-a-half-year project. She thanked the previous Council and staff. The system also powers two public electric vehicle charging stations at the library.

Discussion Items

• K.2 – Congdon Street Parking Restrictions (Moved Up): Police Chief Rekas requested tabling after speaking with neighbors, as the proposed restrictions might shift problems to surrounding streets. Several residents spoke in favor of safety measures but opposed simply moving parking elsewhere. The Council voted 4-0 to table the item. Manager Tierney announced he will use emergency authority to implement no parking on the north side of Congdon from Boon Street east for 65 feet to allow emergency vehicle access.
• D.1 – Noise Ordinance (Second Reading): Passed 4-0 without discussion.
• D.2 – Affordable Housing Trust Collaborative (Second Reading): Passed 4-0, establishing funding sources for the Trust.
• E.1 – Capital Improvement Plan Resolution: Adopted 4-0.
• F.1 – FY 2026-2027 Appropriation Ordinance (First Reading): Introduced and accepted 4-0. Councilor Torrealday noted the collaborative effort with department heads.
• F.2 – Reschedule Town Manager Evaluation: Moved to June 1, 2026, at the manager’s request. Passed 4-0.
• G.1 – Potable Water Supply Ordinance (Second Reading): Passed 4-0 after discussion clarifying that the ban on irrigation systems does not apply to above-ground oscillating sprinklers. Councilors agreed to consider adding definitions for 'sprinkler' and 'irrigation' in the future.
• G.2 – Sludge Transfer Pumps Replacement Bid: Awarded to sole bidder Hart Engineering Corporation for $337,000. Town Engineer John Gerhard confirmed a 4–6 week lead time and 75-day contract period; two new pumps and one rebuilt pump will be installed.
• I.2 – Native Pollinator Garden at Bridge Point Commons: Approved 4-0. Shirley Freitag of the Narrow River Preservation Association presented the project, which will memorialize Craig A. 'Little Fox' Champlin, who maintained the stone walls and grounds. Councilors expressed strong support.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous 4-0 on every motion taken in open session.
• Second readings adopted for the Noise Ordinance (D.1), Affordable Housing Trust Collaborative amendments (D.2), and Potable Water Supply restrictions (G.1).
• First reading introduced for the FY 2026-2027 Appropriation Ordinance (F.1).
• Contracts and purchases approved: fire boat repairs ($22,067.54), firefighter turnout gear ($39,565.05), sludge pump replacement ($337,000), ADS pipe award to Ferguson Waterworks, and police records management MOU ($27,375.92).
• Two-year food truck contract with Alison’s Wonderland approved for Monday and Wednesday nights at Town Beach through Labor Day 2027.
• Congdon Street parking item tabled; Manager authorized emergency no parking on a short stretch.
• Executive Session entered (real property acquisition/lease at 35 Kingstown Road and collective bargaining). Minutes of executive session were sealed. No votes disclosed.
• Next meeting: The Town Manager’s performance evaluation and employment agreement discussion rescheduled to June 1, 2026.