Warwick City Council Meeting - December 15, 2025

The Warwick City Council met on December 15, 2025, in multiple committee sessions followed by a full council meeting. Key topics included a request to increase spending authority for water meters, several ordinance passages, and public comments on homelessness and ice rink infrastructure.

Consent Calendar

• PCR 140-25: Resolution approving multiple bids, including computer hardware, fertilizer, overhead door repair, and precast items. Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Bid 2024-349 (PCR 141-25): Pulled from consent calendar; held to January 5, 2026, by unanimous consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Maya Quavos: Spoke on behalf of homeless residents in Warwick, describing living in a vehicle with her husband. Urged the council to open an emergency warming center and noted that the removal of porta potties by Public Works has harmed homeless individuals. Cited the Homeless Bill of Rights and requested the city take action.
• Christopher Belice: Expressed pride in the Mickey Stevens sports complex but noted poor conditions (bathroom doors not closing). Asked the council to invest in facility improvements.
• Carla Neville: Praised the Warwick Figure Skaters program for her daughter's development but emphasized the need for reliable ice availability.
• Kristen Pacora: Active-duty military member with a son in figure skating. Highlighted disruptions from the Warburton rink closure due to a cooling tower failure. Asked the council to plan for long-term sustainability of the rinks.
• Chiera Pacora: Board member of Warwick Figure Skaters. Noted that the club brings over $3 million annually to local businesses. Requested shifting public skate to the new outdoor rink to free ice for learn-to-skate programs. Advocates for a dedicated facility manager and long-term investment.
• Tom Dillon: Vice President of Warwick Figure Skaters Board. Presented a statement outlining aging infrastructure, declining maintenance budgets, and the need for a dedicated facility manager and investment in ice infrastructure.
• Richard Langseth: Representing Buttonwood Beach Association. Disputed the privatization of roads in Buttonwoods, citing CRMC findings and historical public use. Questioned city spending on water line improvements for a private association.

Discussion Items

• Cold Water Meter Spending Authority (Finance Committee): The Water Division requested a $100,000 increase to the cap on cold water meter purchases (from $350,000 to $450,000) due to higher-than-anticipated meter replacements. Councilman Mudo expressed concern over the lack of data on meters installed, remaining stock, and budget balance. Chief Jerry Willette could not provide specific numbers. Bill Facente (Chief of Staff) objected to the hold, stating questions should have been submitted beforehand. Christy Moretti (Public Works) clarified the request is for additional spending authority, not new funds, and that the capital budget has over $1 million remaining. Council voted to hold the item until the January 5, 2026 meeting pending answers to questions.
• PCO 29-25 (Rescue Service Fee Schedule): First passage. The fire chief presented a 15% fee increase (except for ALS Level 2, which would be raised to 15% but still below some surrounding communities). Residents of Warwick are not charged these fees. Council supported the update, noting it had been 7-10 years since last adjustment. Councilman Latticer added as co-sponsor. Passed 7-0.
• PCO 32-25 (Compensation of Other Officials): First passage. Council President Sinapi explained the ordinance stops paying a board that no longer meets, with future plans to abolish it. Councilman Gephart suggested periodic reviews for inflation. Passed 7-0.
• PCO 31-25 (Parking on Caddy Ave, Lippett Ave, Mill Cove Road): First passage. Supported by a traffic study and police recommendations. George Schuster (resident) explained it was a public access initiative to increase parking near rights-of-way and remove unauthorized signs. Passed 7-0.
• PCO 20-25 (Combining Housing Board of Review and Building Code Board of Appeals): Second passage. Passed 7-0.
• PCO 28-25 and PCO 30-25 (Zoning Amendments for 9 Post Road and 85 Tollgate Road): Second passage. Passed 7-0.
• PCR 139-25 (Stop Signs at Riverview and Wentworth Avenues): Resolution. Supported by traffic study. Passed 7-0.
• PCR 115-25 (Omnibus Withdrawal of Docketed Items): Housekeeping measure. Passed 7-0.
• PCR 93-25 (Rules of City Council): Held to January 5, 2026, by unanimous consent.

Key Outcomes

• Water Meter Spending Authority: Held to January 5, 2026, pending additional data.
• Rescue Fee Schedule: Approved first passage (7-0).
• Compensation of Officials: Approved first passage (7-0).
• Parking Restrictions (Caddy, Lippett, Mill Cove): Approved first passage (7-0).
• Combined Boards Ordinance: Approved second passage (7-0).
• Zoning Amendments (Albanese and Bucci): Approved second passage (7-0).
• Stop Sign Resolution (Riverview/Wentworth): Approved (7-0).
• Omnibus Withdrawal: Approved (7-0).
• Council Rules: Held to January 5, 2026.
• New Docket Items Introduced:
  • Ordinance on dishonorable service standards (Councilman Latticer).
  • Resolution for special legislative commission on athletic and recreational infrastructure (Councilman Napa).
  • Ordinance regarding dog parks (Councilmen Kirby and Mudo).
  • Omnibus resolutions on traffic studies, congratulatory/condolences, and a claim (Councilman Sinapi).