From: Philip Hervey, Town Manager
To: Barrington Town Council
Subj: Town Manager Memo for February 2, 2026, Town Council Meeting
Date: February 2, 2026
AGENDA ITEM #1: Call to Order
AGENDA ITEM #2: Pledge of Allegiance
AGENDA ITEM #3: Land Acknowledgement
AGENDA ITEM #4: DISCUSS AND ACT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA (Items #5 - #14):
All items with an asterisk (*) are routine by the Town Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these matters unless a council member or citizen so requests, and the request is for good cause in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.
Consent Agenda Item #5*: Receive Updates and Events
See my memo for a more detailed list of events, openings on boards and committees, etc.
· Tree Planting & Removal: January 1, 2025-December 31, 2025– 60 trees removed/ 92 trees planted
· Chianese Field Community Discussion: Thursday, 2/5/26 at 6:30pm, Peck Center
· Planning Board - Belton Court Comprehensive Permit Public Hearing Tuesday, 2/3/26
· Town Council Meeting to Review the 2026-2027 Municipal Budget Monday, 2/23/26 at 7:00pm
Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda, as presented.
AGENDA ITEM #15: Discuss and Act: Interviews and Appointments:
· Parks and Recreation Commission: (2 vacancies: 2nd and 3rd Alternates with term expiration date of December 31, 2028). Interview: Aaron Aguiar
Motion: To appoint ______________ to the Parks and Recreation Commission as a Second Alternate, with a term expiration of December 31, 2028.
· Economic Development Commission: (1 vacancy: Full Member with term expiration date of July 30, 2028). Interview: Ibraheem Abioye
Motion: To appoint ______________ to the Economic Development Commission as a Full Member, with a term expiration of July 30, 2028.
AGENDA ITEM #16: Presentation, Discuss and Act:
Capstone Presentation of Brickyard Pond and Mussachuck Creek Flood Risk Reduction
TM Comment: Students from the Departments of Ocean Engineering and Civil & Environmental Engineering at URI will be attending to present their Brickyard Pond and Mussachuck Creek Flood Risk Reduction capstone presentation. Students: Sam Kipper, Matt Francisco, Christian Dame, Harrison Cotton, Dan Preston, Justin Weber, Alex Handy, and Will Cornwall. Advisors: Dr. Malcolm Spaulding, Dr. Christopher Baxter, and Dr. Mehrshad Amini, Dr. Craig Swanson.
The Town has a $199,500 federal FY 2023 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant to complete a Mussachuck Creek Corridor Flood Risk Reduction Project Scoping Study of this area to identify potential measures to reduce future flood risk. We are researching other grant sources to provide the required match for this grant. The URI project provides context as to the need for the corridor study and information that can be incorporated in that effort should it proceed.
Motion: No motion provided.
AGENDA ITEM #17: Presentation, Discuss and Act:
Conservation Commission Presentation on Participating in Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28, 2026
TM Comment: The Conservation Commission is requesting the Town to commit to participating in this year’s “Earth Hour” on March 28th. The attached Resolution expresses Barrington’s commitment to turn lights off for an hour as an act to benefit the planet.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) describes “Earth Hour” (https://www.earthhour.org/) as follows:
Earth Hour, organized by WWF, is a global grassroots movement uniting people to take action on environmental issues and protect the planet. Engaging a massive mainstream community, Earth Hour was famously started as a lights out event in Sydney, Australia in 2007. Since then, it has grown to engage millions of supporters globally, inspiring individuals and organizations worldwide to take action for the environment, and driving major legislative changes by harnessing the power of the crowd. As the movement grows, the one-hour lights out event continues to be the symbol of a broader commitment toward nature and our planet.”
Since our beginnings in 2007, Earth Hour has been known for the symbolic “lights off” in support of our planet. Over the years, we've stepped things up, breathed new life into our movement and mission to create the Biggest Hour for Earth.
More ideas in addition to turning off lights are here: https://www.earthhour.org/take-part/give-an-hour. This year is the 20th anniversary of Earth Hour.
If the Council approves the motion, the Town will work on promoting Earth Hour to the Barrington community, as well as develop a plan to turn off lights at Town properties provided that doing so would not create any safety concerns.
Motion: To commit the Town of Barrington to participate in the 2026 Earth Hour and encourage residents and businesses to join us in turning off lights for one hour on March 28th.
AGENDA ITEM #18: Discuss and Act:
Resolution in Support of House Bill 7071, RI Invasive Plant Management Act of 2026, and House Bill 7074, Requiring RIDOT Plant Pollinator Friendly Native Plant Species Along State Road When Appropriate
TM Comment:
1. House Bill 7071, RI Invasive Plant Management Act of 2026. From the attached Policy Brief:
On January 13, 2026, the Conservation Commission unanimously passed a motion requesting the Council to support House Bill 7071, summarized below.
The Rhode Island Invasive Plant Management Act of 2026 tackles the challenges posed by specific invasive plant species by broadening the State's existing list of prohibited invasive aquatic plants to incorporate certain invasive terrestrial plants. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will take the lead in creating this list, drawing upon a wealth of existing tools, resources, and lists already at their disposal. Currently, Rhode Island stands out as the only New England state and one of just five states nationwide that does not regulate the propagation, import, and sale of harmful invasive terrestrial plants, which is essential for protecting its vital ecosystems. USDA Forest Services identifies invasive plants as one of four key threats facing the nation’s forests and grasslands.
2. House Bill 7074, requiring RIDOT to plant pollinator friendly native plant species along state road when appropriate.
The Bill would amend Section 24-8-11, Beautification, within Chapter 24-8, Construction and Maintenance of State Road, to include pollinator friendly native species “when appropriate” within limits of a road where RIDOT is adding plantings for beautification purposes.
Motion: To approve the Resolution, as presented, supporting House Bill 7071, the RI Invasive Plant Management Act of 2026, and House Bill 7074, which requires the RI Department of Transportation to plant pollinator friendly native species along State roads when appropriate.
AGENDA ITEM #19: Discuss and Act:
Veterans and Disabled Veterans Exemptions – Updated Calculations and Projections
TM Comment: On January 5th, the Town Council discussed the Veterans Advisory Committee’s recommendation to increase the Town’s tax exemptions for veterans and widows/widowers of veterans. Three scenarios were presented, including the Committee’s recommendation. At the January meeting, a fourth scenario was suggested: increasing the flat veteran’s exemption from $341.56 to $600, and the 100% disabled exemption from $341.56 to $1,200.
The estimated tax levy reduction of the four scenarios, based on the current tax rate of $15.34, would be as follows:
1. Increase the flat veteran’s exemption amount from $341.56 to $550 and the 100% disabled exemption from $341.56 to $1,000 (Veterans Advisory Committee’s recommendation): $98,903.88 reduction.
2. Increase the flat veteran’s exemption amount from $341.56 to $441.56 and the 100% disabled exemption from $341.56 to $500: $45,038.80 reduction.
3. Increase the flat veteran’s exemption amount from $341.56 to $491.56 and the 100% disabled exemption from $341.56 to $750: $71,183.80 reduction.
4. Increase flat veteran’s exemption from $341.56 to $600 and the 100% disabled exemption increased from $341.56 to $1,200: $125,713.88 reduction. (Suggested at the January 5th meeting)
The last time Barrington’s veterans exemption was increased was in 2020, when the dollar amount was adjusted up by $41.56 to $341.56. The Council can adjust the amounts by Ordinance – provided that the “exemption granted shall be no less than the amounts allowed pursuant to §§ 44-3-4 and 44-3-5” of RI General Laws Chapter 3 – Property Subject to Taxation.
We recommend:
1. Considering increases to the veterans exemption as part of the development of the FY2027 budget.
2. Phasing in an increase in the benefit to spread out the impact over several budgets.
Motion: No motion provided—requesting Council direction.
AGENDA ITEM #20: Discuss and Act:
Resolutions Amending the Town’s Code Chapter A225 Fee and Fine Schedule
· Harbor Commission - Amend Mooring Fees
· Amend electric vehicle station fees
TM Comment:
1. Mooring Fees. At last month’s Council meeting the Harbor Commission’s recommended fee increases were not approved by the Council (failed on a 2 in favor to 1 against vote).
Harbormaster Brian Hunt and Harbor Commission Chair Chip Hawkins plan to attend tonight’s meeting to answer questions about this proposal. According to the harbormaster, the mooring fees have not changed in close to 10 years, and that the new amounts bring Barrington in line with other towns in Rhode Island. (See attached table summarizing mooring fees of 14 municipalities, including Barrington.) The effective date would be January 1, 2026.
Motion: To approve the Resolution amending mooring fees in Chapter A225 Fee and Fine Schedule, as presented.
2. EV Charging Station Fees. The Town last updated its EV charging fees in the Fee & Fine Schedule in 2023. We recommend establishing fees to bring them more in line with rates charged at other charging stations in the region, which would also help cover our equipment and operating costs (electricity, warranty).
We have two publicly accessible Level 3 (“fast”) chargers at Town Hall, and four Level 2 charging ports available to the public at Police Cove Park.
The ChargePoint website provides information on rates charged at Level 3 and Level 2 charging stations in the region (see below).
Level 3:
· Good Fund (62.5 kW), 333 Smith St., Providence: $0.32/kWh, plus $0.35 per minute starting 15 minutes after charging stops. Estimate: $9.25 for 15 minutes; $18.50 for 30 minutes; $27.75 for 45 minutes; $37.00 for 1 hour
· Irving Oil (62.5 kW), 36 Pleasant Valley Pkwy, Providence: $0.43/kWh, plus $0.99 per session “guest fee”. Estimate: $5.38 for 15 minutes; $10.75 for 30 minutes; $16.12 for 45 minutes; $21.50 for 1 hour
· Hion Network (62.5 kW), 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln: $0.65/kWh plus $0.25/minute after one hour. Estimate: $8.12 for 15 minutes; $16.25 for 30 minutes; $24.38 for 45 minutes; $32.50 for 1 hour
· Hyundai Milford (62.5 kW), 154 E Main St, Milford: $0.35/kWh, plus $0.99 guest fee per session. Estimate: $9.30 for 30 minutes; $13.94 for 45 minutes; $18.59 for 1 hour
Level 2:
· Warren Town EV (6.6 kW) - Town Wharf, 279 Water Street, Warren: $0.16/kWh, $0 per hour time rate for first 3 hours, $30/hour after 3 hours. Estimate: $1.06 for 1 hour; $2.11 for 2 hours; $3.17 for 3 hours; $34.22 for 4 hours
· Colt State Park (State) (6.6 kW), Bristol: $0.28/kWh. Estimate: $1.85 for 1 hour; $3.70 for 2 hours; $5.54 for 3 hours; $7.39 for 4 hours; $9.24 for 5 hours; $11.09 for 6 hours
· RI Vets Home (State) (6.6 kW), 480 Metacom Ave., Bristol: $0.28/kWh plus $5 per hour while not charging (1 hour grace period). Estimate: $1.85 for 1 hour; $3.70 for 2 hours; $5.54 for 3 hours; $7.39 for 4 hours; $9.24 for 5 hours; $11.09 for 6 hours
· East Providence High School (6.6 kW), 2000 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence: $0.35/kWh. Estimate: $2.31 for 1 hour; $4.62 for 2 hours; $6.93 for 3 hours; $9.24 for 4 hours; $11.55 for 5 hours; $13.86 for 6 hours
Motion: To approve the Resolution amending electric vehicle charging station fees in Chapter A225 Fee and Fine Schedule, as presented.
AGENDA ITEM #21: Discuss and Act: Parks and Recreation Committee Recommendations:
· Legion Way- Request to seal the unsealed portion of rink with a color other than black, w/out lines.
· Chianese Field- Request to install dugout covers to match the dugout covers at Sherwood Park
TM Comment:
1. Legion Way. In 2025, a contractor finished sealing and painting an area within the Legion Way rink (see aerial below) totaling about 12,730 square feet at a cost of $26,266, or $2.06 per square foot. The remaining unpainted/unsealed area totals approximately 24,500 square feet; at the same unit price, the cost to finish the entire area would total around $50,000.
There are multiple projects recommended by the Park and Recreation Commission that are competing for limited funds, including Kids Kove Playground, Lincoln Avenue tennis courts shade structure, and Legion Way surface improvements. We are awaiting a decision from the State on the status of a $500,000 Recreation Development Grant application to replace and upgrade Kids Kove, along with other improvements around the Peck Center/Library building, and a $125,000 grant to expand the Police Cove Park splashpad. Once we hear from the State on these two applications, which require a local match, the Town will have more clarity on funding available the Parks and Trails capital reserve for projects.
Aerial of Legion Way rink
2. Chianese Dugout Covers. The Town is working with Pare Corp., to develop concepts to improve the fields and facilities at Chianese. A workshop will be held on Thursday, February 5th at 6:30 p.m. at the Peck Center/Senior Center. At this point in time, we do not know whether the baseball field will remain in place or shift to a new location at Chianese, so installing dugout covers will need to wait until we have a final plan approved for the site. We anticipate finalizing the concept plan this spring, with a presentation to the Town Council. The next step would be moving forward with construction drawings and bid documents this summer, with construction starting late fall at the earliest. Dugout covers will be included in the plans.
Motion: No motion provided.
AGENDA ITEM #22: Discuss and Act: School Safety
TM Comment: On January 27th, the DEI Committee unanimously approved issuing a letter to the Town Council regarding adding a second school resource officer for Barrington (attached).
Motion: No motion provided.
AGENDA ITEM #23: Discuss and Act: Ordinances
INTRODUCTIONS (none)
PUBLIC HEARING:
· 2026-1: An Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 148, Use and Protection of Public Waters of; Article IV- Mooring Regulations §148-15. Assignment of mooring space: §148-19 Forfeiture of Space
TM Comment: Ordinance 2026-1 would amend two sections of Article IV - Mooring Regulations, as recommended by the Harbor Commission.
Motion: To approve Ordinance 2026-1 amending Chapter 148, Use and Protection of Public Waters; Article IV Mooring Regulations, §148-15 Assignment of mooring space, and §148-19 Forfeiture of Space, as presented.
AGENDA ITEM #24: General Public Comment
(Maximum one statement per speaker of up to three minutes in length): To the public: This agenda item is for members of the public to speak regarding a topic that is not already on the agenda. Please indicate that you would like to speak by raising your hand. When you are recognized, please state your name and residence for the record.
AGENDA ITEM #25: Set Agenda
for the next regular monthly meeting: March 2, 2026, at 6:30 pm, in Council Chamber
a. Public Works Department’s Provision of Services for Schools
b. FTR Update
c. Speed Camera Bid
AGENDA ITEM #26: Adjourn Town Council Meeting
BARRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL RULES OF PROCEDURE
ADOPTED OCTOBER 7, 2013
...
RULE 9 SPEAKING BY THE PUBLIC
A. REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS –
1. PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION - Members of the public shall be entitled to speak for a period of up to three minutes regarding a topic this is NOT already on the agenda. Anyone wishing to speak shall raise his or her hand, and when recognized by the President, shall approach the microphone. All members of the public addressing the Town Council shall identify themselves, at the microphone, by stating their name and address for the record. Pursuant to RIGL §42-46-6(b), public comment regarding subject matters not on the agenda but received during the public participation portion of a meeting shall be for informational purposed only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official.
2. SPECIFIC AGENDA ITEMS - Members of the public shall be entitled to speak , once, for a period of up to three minutes, and at other times when invited to do so by the President. The public may speak only after members of the Council have had an ability to be heard. The public shall address their comments to the question under debate as indicated on the agenda. Comments that are not germane to the question under debate shall be ruled out of order by the President. All members of the public addressing the Town Council shall identify themselves, at the microphone, by stating their name and address for the record.