Development News for Warren, Rhode Island

Warren Council Debates Open Meetings Bill, ALPRs, Approves Licenses, Fee Hikes, and School Debt Plan

The Town Council discussed and passed a resolution opposing House Bill 7676 and Senate Bill 2612, which relate to open meetings, proposing amendments to make certain provisions permissible rather than mandatory. The council also debated and passed a resolution opposing the bill as written, while also requesting specific amendments. A first reading was held for an ordinance regulating Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) on private property, requiring town permission for placement and potentially denying applications based on privacy concerns. The council also approved various licenses, including victualing, entertainment, and liquor licenses, all with specified conditions and curfews, contingent on police and fire department approvals. Fee increases for parking, harbor services, and animal control were approved. The council also heard a presentation on projected debt service for the Bristol Warren Regional School District, noting a significant increase for fiscal year 2028. A resolution in support of House Bill 8151, the Blue Wave Bond for Coastal Preparedness Act, was approved. The council also discussed and approved moving OPEB Trust funds to a growth investment strategy and authorized the town manager to sign a grant agreement for veterans field improvements. A proposal to add a portrait of Osamiquin to the council chambers was discussed and motions were made regarding its size and framing. The council also discussed and approved fee adjustments across various departments and authorized the fire chief to sign a contract for a fire prevention module. Finally, the council entered into executive session to discuss the Police Chief's contract.

Warren Considers ALPR Regulation, Approves Licenses and Fee Adjustments

The Town Council held a first reading for an ordinance regulating Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) on private property, which would require town permission for placement and direct the cameras toward traffic. The ordinance specifically targets ALPRs like those from Flock, while exempting common devices like Ring doorbells. The council debated the legality and enforceability of such regulations on private property, with the town solicitor acknowledging the lack of precedent but arguing for the town's authority to regulate due to the public-facing nature of the technology. The ordinance aims to protect residents' privacy interests regarding their movements being tracked. In addition, the council approved various licenses, including a victualing license, an entertainment license, and a Class B liquor license for the East Bay Pickleball Club, all with conditions and curfews. Several one-day entertainment licenses and a Class F beverage license for a church event were also approved with similar conditions. The council also debated and approved fee increases for parking, harbor services, and animal control, and authorized the town manager to sign a grant agreement for veterans field improvements.

Warren Town Council Addresses Open Meetings Legislation, ALPR Regulation, Licensing, and Fee Increases

The Town Council discussed and took action on several public safety-related matters, including a resolution opposing House Bill 7676 and Senate Bill 2612 concerning open meetings, with a proposal to amend the bill to make certain provisions permissible rather than mandatory. They also debated and passed a resolution opposing the bill as written, while also requesting amendments. A first reading was held for an ordinance regulating Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) on private property, allowing the town to review and potentially deny placement based on privacy concerns, though its enforceability was debated. The council also approved various license requests for the East Bay Pickleball Club, including a victualing license for food, an entertainment license with a 10 p.m. curfew contingent on police and fire approval, and a Class B liquor license for beer and wine sales, also contingent on police and fire approval and with a 10 p.m. curfew. Several one-day entertainment licenses were approved, including one for a wedding reception and one for a celebration of life, both contingent on fire and police approval. A Class F beverage license for St. Thomas Church's annual feast was approved with amended hours and contingent on police and fire approval. Fee increases were approved for animal control offenses, including impounding fees, unlicensed dog fines, and vicious dog penalties. The council also approved a motion to direct the solicitor to draft an ordinance consolidating all town fees and fines. The Town Manager was authorized to sign a grant agreement for veterans field improvements. Finally, the council authorized the fire chief to sign a contract for an $11,000 fire prevention module from CSI Technology Group.

Warren Endorses Coastal Preparedness Bond, Approves Park Improvements and Recreation Services

The Town Council discussed and approved a resolution in support of House Bill 8151, the Blue Wave Bond for Coastal Preparedness Act, authorizing up to $100 million in bonds for coastal resilience projects. The resolution highlights the importance of the coastline to the state's economy and the town's vulnerability to sea level rise and storm events. The council also approved a motion to amend the resolution to include the Senate companion bill. In other environmental discussions, the council supported an application for a recreational grant agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for veterans field improvements, totaling $434,100 with a 25% match. They also approved the use of Warren Town Beach for free yoga instruction on Tuesdays from July 23rd to August 23rd, 2026, with the instructor providing insurance. The council also authorized the Recreation Director to sign an agreement with First Student Inc. for summer camp transportation services and approved a contract with Local Hero in Delhi for the summer food service program, as the previous vendor, Tuckett School District, could not provide meals. Lastly, the DPW director presented a proposal to purchase a used backhoe loader from Bristol County Water Authority for $33,750, which was approved.