Narragansett Town Council Regular Meeting - July 30, 2026

The Narragansett Town Council met on July 30, 2026 (agenda posted for August 3, 2026) to address routine approvals, public comment, and several major items including the termination of the Flock Safety license plate recognition camera program, appointment of a new Assistant Town Solicitor following an investigation, and a contentious debate over pickleball court renovations. The meeting lasted from 7:03 PM to 11:28 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Real Estate Abatements: Approved unanimously ($2,845.33).
• Minutes: Approved as presented (4 sets of minutes) unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carl Valenstein (13 Isle Point Road) cautioned against overdevelopment, referencing the history of the Pier Marketplace and criticizing the council’s approach to affordable housing and short-term rentals.
• Tom Callahan (26 Baltimore Avenue) questioned the handling of former Assistant Solicitor Robert Craven’s resignation, demanding a chronology and transparency on the investigation.
• Gail Scowcroft (19 Prospect Avenue) accused the council of lacking transparency, particularly regarding the Craven incident and the delay in addressing it.
• Vicki Baud (155 Winterberry Road) expressed frustration over lack of response about the Affordable Housing Collaborative membership expiration.
• Mark Brady (7 Fern Leaf Trail) criticized the council’s selection of Scott Levesque, calling it a continuation of pro-developer appointments, and condemned the handling of the Craven situation.
• Dr. Al Alba (24 Eagles Nest Terrace) argued the council has failed to consider the town’s carrying capacity and criticized Councilor Durkin for a prior act.
• Jill Lawler (63 Sarasota Avenue) questioned the process for appointing the assistant solicitor, noting no advertisement or public interview.
• Catherine Celeberto (48 Earles Court) criticized the hiring of Robert Craven given his background and alleged untruths, and questioned why the council did not terminate him sooner.
• Kevin Keenan, Esq. (on behalf of Bret Williams) requested additional time to speak on pickleball items.
• Residents on Flock cameras: Catherine Celeberto, Deb Kopech, Lilly Weisz Nesshoever, Jesse Pugh, Dr. Al Alba, Steve Richards, and Madalyn McGunagle (Policy Associate, RI ACLU) all spoke against the cameras, citing privacy concerns, lack of state regulation, and the potential for data misuse. Supporters included Police Chief K. Rekas and Manager J. Tierney, who argued the system is a valuable law enforcement tool.
• Residents on pickleball courts: Over 30 speakers addressed the item. Supporters of six courts (James Santos, Steve O’Connor, Victoria Richards, Maria Tocco, Russell Fiore, Nancy Richards, Steve Richards, Laura Pisaturo, Ira Siegel, Julie Collins, Margaret Havekotte, Missy Seymour) emphasized community, growing demand, and safety hazards of current courts. Opponents (Catherine Celeberto, Dr. Al Alba, Kevin Keenan for Bret Williams, Bret Williams, Frank Ascoli, Tom Warren, Pancha Peterson, Deb Zahornacky, Monique Sock, Mark Brady) cited noise, traffic, parking, loss of green space, property value impacts, and violation of noise ordinance.
• Other public comment: On caretaker lease (Dr. Alba, Catherine Celeberto, Rupert Friday, Mark Brady) generally supportive but raised concerns about lease language and building maintenance. On sewer waivers (Dr. Alba, Rupert Friday, Catherine Celeberto) opposed, arguing the council is ignoring cumulative capacity issues and affordable housing goals.

Discussion Items

• Year-Round Resident Parking Permit: Manager Tierney reported 71 completed applications, 135 stickers issued, and no police issues. Council discussed success and agreed to check back at end of summer. No vote taken.
• Flock Safety LPR Cameras: Extensive discussion. Chief Rekas and Captain Prest detailed the system: three cameras remaining (one stolen), data retained 30 days, no facial recognition, used for investigations (e.g., burglary solved). Councilors Menzies and Colonies expressed privacy concerns and noted South Kingstown’s recent termination. Manager Tierney supported the program. After public comment, a motion to terminate the contract immediately passed 5-0.
• Appointment of Assistant Town Solicitor: Solicitor Callaghan provided a detailed chronology of the investigation into former Assistant Solicitor Robert Craven following a March 17, 2026 incident. The investigation by labor counsel Vincent Ragosta concluded in June, the council received the report in executive session, and Craven resigned without conditions on July 20. Scott Levesque, who had been serving on an interim basis, was appointed 5-0.
• Pickleball Court Renovations (H.1): Council debated renovating existing four courts vs. expanding to six. An amendment to limit to four courts passed 4-1 (Torrealday opposed). The motion then passed 4-1, with safety, traffic, and noise concerns cited.
• Caretaker Residence Lease (H.3): Discussion on extending lease from 5 to 15 years for tenant improvements. Concerns about lease language were addressed; approved 5-0 with direction to clean up language.
• Playground Structures (H.4): Phase 2 renovations approved 5-0.
• Skatepark Concept Design (H.5): Approved 5-0.
• Sewer Policy Waivers (J.1, J.2): Both approved 5-0 despite public opposition citing cumulative capacity issues.
• Office 365 Renewal (K.1): Approved 4-1 (Torrealday opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Flock Safety Cameras: Terminated contract effective immediately with potential penalties. Vote 5-0.
• Assistant Town Solicitor: Scott D. Levesque appointed 5-0.
• Pickleball Courts: Approved design and build plan for renovation of existing four courts (not expansion) 4-1. Stormwater management plan approved 5-0.
• Caretaker Lease: Approved 15-year term amendment 5-0, with direction to refine language.
• Other Items: All remaining motions approved, mostly 5-0 except Office 365 (4-1).
• Public Hearing Scheduled: September 21, 2026 on High Water Table Overlay District changes.