Warwick City Council Finance, Intergovernmental, and Ordinance Committees and Full Council Meeting - March 23, 2026

The meeting convened at 5:09 PM with the Finance Committee, followed by the Intergovernmental and Ordinance Committees, and concluded with the full City Council session at 8:29 PM, adjourning at 9:35 PM. Key actions included approval of a street paving bid after amendment, passage of an ordinance to streamline tax title transfers with added notice to the land trust, and first passage of a small purchase ordinance increasing procurement thresholds. Several items were held for future meetings.

Consent Calendar

• PCR 34-26: Resolution relative to bids (package of routine items) approved unanimously on roll call.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Richard Langseth (Budlong Farm) urged preservation of the historic Caleb Greenhouse, opposed its demolition by AAA, and discussed the Harbor Management Plan, waterfront rights-of-way, and a $2 million water line project, warning of legal and financial risks.
• Rob Cody (Ward 7) alleged that City Council members Foley, Howe, and McAllister engaged in text messaging during meetings, berating residents and using city employees to monitor opponents, creating liability for the city. He stated he would use a thumb drive of evidence in an upcoming trial.
• Emily Mendez (nonprofit outreach director) opposed the anti-camping ordinance, stating it criminalizes homelessness without providing viable shelter alternatives. She noted Warwick has no shelter programs and clearing encampments disrupts care and housing progress.
• Jacqueline Mercado (House of Hope case manager) also opposed the anti-camping ordinance, emphasizing the lack of affordable housing and shelter in Warwick and urging the council to continue reviewing the ordinance with input from community partners.

Discussion Items

• Street Improvements Bid (2026-401 / PCR 35-26): The Finance Committee considered adding DMBra Construction as a vendor to a street paving bid. Public Works requested the addition. Council members expressed concerns about oversight and lack of response to prior questions on spending. A motion to hold failed 2-2 in committee, sending the item to the full council without recommendation. In the full council, the amendment to add DMBra passed 9-0. A subsequent motion to hold failed (3-5 vote), and the amended bid was approved 9-0.
• State Street Pump Station Change Order (Item 2): A $186,600 change order for instrumentation and control equipment was presented. The Finance Committee Chair criticized the omission from the original bid, calling it fiscal irresponsibility. The Water Division Director stated the issue predated him and that an errors-and-omissions claim against the designer was being considered. The item was not brought to a vote in the full council.
• Tax Title Transfer Ordinance (PCO 13-25): The City Solicitor explained the ordinance needed revision to comply with state law and a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The original ordinance allowed bidding; the proposed version lets the treasurer assign tax titles upon payment of the redemption price. Extensive debate ensued over transparency, notice to abutters, and the role of the Warwick Land Trust. An amendment to adopt a previously discussed sub-A (which included more extensive notification and checks) failed 3-6. Two friendly amendments were then adopted: (1) electronic notice to the land trust concurrent with the statutory 10-day notice to the property owner; (2) notice to the land trust of newly acquired tax title properties after tax sales. The amended ordinance passed first passage by a 5-4 vote.
• Small Purchases Amendment (PCO 4-26): The Finance Committee recommended increasing the purchasing agent's authority from $2,500 to $5,000 (general purchases) and $10,000 for construction, mirroring state law. An amendment to define construction using RIGL §45-55-4 was added. First passage was approved unanimously (9-0) and scheduled for second passage on April 6.
• Anti-Camping Ordinance (PCO 22-25): The Council President introduced a proposed ordinance prohibiting camping on public property, stating it was intended to start a conversation balancing public safety and humane treatment of unhoused individuals. Multiple residents and advocates opposed it in public comment. The item was held to June 15.
• Other Items Held: PCO 3-26 (Financial Oversight Commission) held to April 6; PCO 5-26 (Compensation of Other Officials) held to April 27; PCO 8-26 (Real Estate Non-Utilization Tax) held to April 6.

Key Outcomes

• Street Improvements Bid (PCR 35-26): Amended to add DMBra Construction as vendor; approved 9-0.
• Adobe Licensing (PCR 36-26): Approved favorably (Councilman Ricks recused).
• Repairs to H116 (PCR 32-26): Amended to reduce award amount from $3,113.49 to $2,360.07 (reflecting removal of sales tax) and total contract from $30,237.09 to $29,483.67; approved 9-0.
• Tax Title Ordinance (PCO 13-25): Amended to add land trust notice provisions; passed first passage 5-4.
• Small Purchases Ordinance (PCO 4-26): Amended to define construction; passed first passage 9-0; second passage scheduled for April 6.
• Prohibiting Camping Ordinance (PCO 22-25): Held to June 15.
• Reappointment of Edward Rajiri to Warwick Land Trust: Approved unanimously.
• Finance Committee Motion to Hold Street Paving Bid: Failed 3-5 in full council.