OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Narragansett Town Council Regular Meeting - July 1, 2026

Public Meetings — Wednesday, July 1, 2026
BodyNarragansett, Rhode Island
SessionPublic Meetings
DateWednesday, July 1, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 5:04:28

Transcript — Verbatim
1:28

All right, good evening, everyone.

1:30

The time is now seven PM, and we are here for a regularly scheduled July and the date is July sixth, twenty twenty six, and we are here for a regularly scheduled town council meeting.

1:42

And before we begin this evening, uh I do want to uh recognize uh that you'll notice that each of the town council members uh will be wearing a library themed pin to wear as we celebrate and remember the life of Lori Kelly.

2:01

In January, we were honored to recognize Lori and her husband Mike Riley for their extraordinary dedication and service to our town.

2:10

Lori was a passionate advocate for literacy, education, and community.

2:17

And her leadership was instrumental in making our beautiful public library a reality.

2:35

She had a remarkable way of bringing joy to those around her, and that warmth is something I will always remember.

2:43

Lori Kelly was and always will be a shining light in Narragansett.

2:48

Wearing these pins is a small tribute to someone whose love for our library and our community will never be forgotten.

2:55

Her legacy lives on every time someone walks through the library doors, discovers a new book, or finds a welcoming place to learn, connect, and grow.

5:00

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

5:22

So the first item on our agenda is the town manager's update.

5:26

So we will pass the mic off to Jim.

5:32

Thank you, Alex.

5:33

And uh welcome to the council members, those who were here this evening, and those who are watching from home.

5:38

Just a few updates.

5:40

Narragansett Town Beach and Puck and Recreation kudos.

5:43

We'd like to acknowledge all of our beach staff, the attendance, the managers, the security, the office staff, and the lifeguards for a job well done during the high heat days and the busy 4th of July weekend.

5:54

The staff are surely grateful for the rain today and tomorrow that may come.

5:59

They all push through two of the most severely hot and busiest days we've experienced at the beach, and we extend our thanks to all of them.

6:06

The police and fire were also busy through the whole weekend with no significant incidents to report.

6:12

And as usual, uh they did a great job.

6:15

The Scarborough wastewater treatment facility.

6:18

I made frequent visits to the facility over the long weekend and was in contact with staff.

6:23

The plant was performing well, and we we still have not received no ODA complaints.

6:28

During my visits, I detected no odors emanating from the plant.

6:31

However, wastewater staff uh reported an increase in heavy solids over the weekend, much more than a normal.

6:39

Uh but currently all is going well, and they are operating uh within the permit of the uh Rhode Island uh pollutant discharge elimination systems.

6:48

So that is good news.

6:51

I did receive some inquiries from staff and from the public regarding the scheduled executive session tonight at the end of the meeting.

6:58

The purpose of the executive session is for the town council to determine my terms and conditions if they choose to have me continue under contract with the town.

7:06

That's all it is.

7:07

It's a normal procedure when a contract is up, which is up on September 8th.

7:12

Uh thank you.

7:13

And Alex, uh representative from Violet Violia is here for whenever you uh would like him to speak.

7:38

It's still like work for two seconds.

7:50

The ironic thing here is it says it's fully charged.

7:54

I'll leave this one back here.

8:04

Thank you.

8:05

And does anyone have any questions for Mr.

8:07

Tierney before we proceed?

8:11

Okay.

8:11

Thank you.

8:12

And thank you for being here.

8:14

Uh I thought it was important uh during at least the town council's updates portion of this section that we had a representative from Violia here.

8:22

As uh I I think uh a number of the council members as well, um, had been receiving a lot of questions and concerns about what seemed to be like an abrupt uh water ban uh blanketed across all of Narragansett, and what we're really just here to uh to find out actually is uh really what's what's going on, um, what's the latest update from Violia and how can we improve these communications moving forward.

8:52

I do get I do hear and get assured that there is communications going on uh between Violia and the town staff, but um this was not a uh a vote that was taken by the town council, and I understand that that is what you are able to do, but our concern here is just making sure that we are uh being as transparent with the residents, and this is also a concern uh that I spoke with some of the members on the South Kingstown town council.

9:21

Um and it's my understanding that a representative will be visiting them at the next town council meeting next week as well.

9:28

So, really just looking for you know what caused this uh abrupt uh water ban.

9:35

Uh was there more that we could have done to prepare and communicate this to residences as this was not something was also unique to Narragansett, but also sounds like it was something going on in South Kingstown as well.

9:47

So I know I just threw a lot at you, but no worries.

9:50

Thank you.

9:50

Um, first of all, my name's Chris Jacobs.

9:53

Uh with the uh Veolia.

9:55

I'm director of operations, so uh appreciate you having me here.

10:00

Um and I can touch base on all these points.

10:02

Uh and if I miss any, just uh ask me again, please.

10:06

Uh but the uh the water ban and we the reason we initiated it is uh as you know the governor issued uh a drought decree uh recently.

10:17

But we've been uh running in deficits in our aquifer since 200 uh 25 or the last year.

10:24

Um and so we're hoping this spring we get a nice wet spring along with the snow melt would help us.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████25%
Personnel Matters██████████████████████22%
Transportation Safety██████████10%
Zoning Regulations████████8%
Water And Wastewater Management███████7%
Public Engagement█████5%
Community Engagement█████5%
Parks and Recreation███3%
Public Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Narragansett Town Council Regular Meeting - July 1, 2026

Note: The agenda, minutes, and transcript all list the meeting date as Monday, July 6, 2026. However, the instruction provided for this summary specifies July 1, 2026. This discrepancy is noted; the following summary is based on the actual meeting content from July 6, 2026.

This meeting included a Town Manager’s update on a drought-driven water ban by Veolia, a robust public comment period covering housing, zoning, and municipal programs, two zoning ordinance public hearings, a discussion on reinstating a seasonal shuttle service, and numerous routine approvals. The Council retired to executive session to discuss the Town Manager’s employment agreement.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of June 15 (regular and executive) and June 23 executive sessions (4-0, Councilor Torrealday abstained).
  • Awarded bid for sodium hypochlorite to Harcros Chemicals ($60.75/drum, two-year term).
  • Approved waiver of interest for overdue property tax/utility payments.
  • Approved real estate addendums totaling $3,212.52.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Vicki Baud questioned the effectiveness of short-term rental conversion incentives, ADU affordability, and funding for housing repairs.
  • John Hanley criticized the Council’s delay on a short-term rental ordinance, alleged enforcement failures, and noted a rental property with 13 cars and 20+ people. He also claimed the wastewater odor returned on July 6.
  • Rocco Grasso presented data arguing the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program has cost taxpayers over $1 million in premiums compared to market rates; he called for program review.
  • Dr. Al Alba argued that zoning amendments (floor area ratio increases, reduced setbacks) ignore the town’s carrying capacity and will not produce affordable housing. He also accused Councilor Durkin of making a rude gesture at the May 4 meeting.
  • Serina Casey appealed the denial of a resident beach pass because her home is owned by an LLC; the Council directed her to the Town Manager for assistance.
  • Catherine Celeberto criticized the CCA program from its inception, urged grant writing for housing, and requested maintenance of the Earl’s Court water tower and a vacant lot.

Public Hearings

Transfer of Alcohol License (C.1–C.2)

  • Michael Lurgio of Mike’s North End Pizza (formerly Leo’s Pizza) introduced himself. No public opposition. License transferred with previously approved restrictions. Approved 5-0.

Breakwater Village Special District Amendments (C.3–C.4)

  • Proposed reinstating setback numbers adopted in January 2024 and clarifying shed setback language. Planning Board recommended 5-0. Public comments: John Hanley opposed (citing Council ignoring past planning board recommendations); Dr. Al Alba questioned whether reduced setbacks allow larger sheds; Rupert Friday (resident, not as Planning Board member) supported the changes. First reading passed 5-0.

Modified Dimensional Regulations for Substandard Lots (C.5–C.6)

  • Proposed adding a sentence that side yard setbacks cannot be less than 5 feet (1-2 story) or 8 feet (3 story) without a variance. Planning Board Chair Thomas Callahan noted the board voted 5-0 (revised from a prior 3-2 vote) based on public safety concerns from fire officials. Public comments: Catherine Celeberto argued the change enables oversized homes on small lots, hurting affordability; Joseph Volpe (former firefighter) supported the amendment but cautioned against setbacks under 5 feet; Robert Palumbo opposed, citing safety; Dr. Al Alba argued it will exacerbate infrastructure strain. First reading passed 5-0.

Discussion Items

Memorial Garden (E.1)

  • Request from Narragansett Historical Society to install an 891 sq ft garden near the Windmill Building on Clarke Road. Councilor Vignali thanked designer John Carter for pro bono work. Approved 5-0 after brief public comment from Catherine Celeberto.

Shuttle Service for Pier Area Employees (E.2)

  • Councilor Durkin noted the service operated in 2025 (73 days, ~$50,000) funded by Coast Guard House and Boon Street Market, but did not resume in 2026. Peg Fradette (Chamber of Commerce) provided history: multiple past attempts; lessons learned include using small buses and school system drivers. Bob Leonard (Coast Guard House) confirmed employee relief. Public comment: Breta Combs urged a comprehensive transportation strategy; others supported. Council consensus: develop a short-term plan for summer 2026 and a long-term plan. Councilors Durkin and Vignali will meet with stakeholders and report back. No vote taken.

Fire Station #3 Design (F.1)

  • Approved professional services contract with Aharonian & Associates ($35,500 for tasks 1-3 plus 9% of construction cost for task 4) for renovations. Town Manager Tierney confirmed this is budgeted to inform voters before a November bond. Approved 5-0.

Public Works (G.1–G.3)

  • Approved purchase of Elgin Pelican street sweeper ($308,980 via Sourcewell).
  • Approved one-year contract extension with Vinagro Materials for road construction at same bid prices.
  • Waived policy to use Key Corporation for drainage improvements on Summit Road ($124,815). All approved 5-0.

IT Department (H.1–H.3)

  • Renewed ViewPoint/OpenGov services ($29,013.92).
  • Renewed Tyler Technologies SaaS ($147,676.17 for FY26/27).
  • Accepted $37,500 cybersecurity grant from RIEMA/DHS. All approved 5-0.

Building & Zoning Inspectors (I.1–I.5)

  • Approved five one-year contracts for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections with James Melo, Ernest Marinaro Jr., Russell DesGranges, James Harris, and David Wilks. All approved 5-0.

Senior Planner Job Description (J.1)

  • Approved updated job description. Approved 5-0.

Appointments (K.1–K.2)

  • Harbor Management Commission: Appointed Shirley Freitag (term to 2027) and John McGovern (term to 2029).
  • Zoning Board of Review: Reappointed Leslie McKnight (full term to 2031), Karen Catuogno (alternate 1 to 2027), and John Ball (alternate 2 to 2027). All approved 5-0.

Mobile Food Establishments Ordinance (K.3)

  • Adopted second reading of ordinance amending Sec. 14-384 (number of permits). Approved 5-0.

Key Outcomes

  • License transfer for Mike’s North End Pizza approved.
  • Two zoning amendments passed first reading; final passage at a subsequent meeting.
  • Memorial garden approved.
  • Shuttle service will be explored further; no immediate action.
  • Fire Station #3 design contract approved; bond vote in November.
  • Multiple routine purchases, contracts, and appointments approved unanimously.
  • Executive session held to discuss Town Manager’s contract; approved with agreed-upon conditions (5-0). Minutes sealed.

Meeting Transcript

All right, good evening, everyone. The time is now seven PM, and we are here for a regularly scheduled July and the date is July sixth, twenty twenty six, and we are here for a regularly scheduled town council meeting. And before we begin this evening, uh I do want to uh recognize uh that you'll notice that each of the town council members uh will be wearing a library themed pin to wear as we celebrate and remember the life of Lori Kelly. In January, we were honored to recognize Lori and her husband Mike Riley for their extraordinary dedication and service to our town. Lori was a passionate advocate for literacy, education, and community. And her leadership was instrumental in making our beautiful public library a reality. She had a remarkable way of bringing joy to those around her, and that warmth is something I will always remember. Lori Kelly was and always will be a shining light in Narragansett. Wearing these pins is a small tribute to someone whose love for our library and our community will never be forgotten. Her legacy lives on every time someone walks through the library doors, discovers a new book, or finds a welcoming place to learn, connect, and grow. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. So the first item on our agenda is the town manager's update. So we will pass the mic off to Jim. Thank you, Alex. And uh welcome to the council members, those who were here this evening, and those who are watching from home. Just a few updates. Narragansett Town Beach and Puck and Recreation kudos. We'd like to acknowledge all of our beach staff, the attendance, the managers, the security, the office staff, and the lifeguards for a job well done during the high heat days and the busy 4th of July weekend. The staff are surely grateful for the rain today and tomorrow that may come. They all push through two of the most severely hot and busiest days we've experienced at the beach, and we extend our thanks to all of them. The police and fire were also busy through the whole weekend with no significant incidents to report. And as usual, uh they did a great job. The Scarborough wastewater treatment facility. I made frequent visits to the facility over the long weekend and was in contact with staff. The plant was performing well, and we we still have not received no ODA complaints. During my visits, I detected no odors emanating from the plant. However, wastewater staff uh reported an increase in heavy solids over the weekend, much more than a normal. Uh but currently all is going well, and they are operating uh within the permit of the uh Rhode Island uh pollutant discharge elimination systems. So that is good news. I did receive some inquiries from staff and from the public regarding the scheduled executive session tonight at the end of the meeting. The purpose of the executive session is for the town council to determine my terms and conditions if they choose to have me continue under contract with the town. That's all it is. It's a normal procedure when a contract is up, which is up on September 8th. Uh thank you. And Alex, uh representative from Violet Violia is here for whenever you uh would like him to speak. It's still like work for two seconds. The ironic thing here is it says it's fully charged. I'll leave this one back here. Thank you. And does anyone have any questions for Mr. Tierney before we proceed? Okay. Thank you. And thank you for being here. Uh I thought it was important uh during at least the town council's updates portion of this section that we had a representative from Violia here. As uh I I think uh a number of the council members as well, um, had been receiving a lot of questions and concerns about what seemed to be like an abrupt uh water ban uh blanketed across all of Narragansett, and what we're really just here to uh to find out actually is uh really what's what's going on, um, what's the latest update from Violia and how can we improve these communications moving forward. I do get I do hear and get assured that there is communications going on uh between Violia and the town staff, but um this was not a uh a vote that was taken by the town council, and I understand that that is what you are able to do, but our concern here is just making sure that we are uh being as transparent with the residents, and this is also a concern uh that I spoke with some of the members on the South Kingstown town council. Um and it's my understanding that a representative will be visiting them at the next town council meeting next week as well. So, really just looking for you know what caused this uh abrupt uh water ban. Uh was there more that we could have done to prepare and communicate this to residences as this was not something was also unique to Narragansett, but also sounds like it was something going on in South Kingstown as well.

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