Carla DaCosta

The meeting began with a citation presentation recognizing Karen Jewelers, specifically Joe and Diane, for 70 years of business existence in the town. Key discussions during the regular session involved the consent agenda approval and the submission of minutes from previous meetings, including the Town Council meeting, executive session, and a legislative workshop from December 10th. The council reviewed and approved three ordinances on their second reading: Ordinance 2025-16 concerning motor vehicle parking violation wording clarification; Ordinance 2025-17 addressing parking permits and offseason parking for dock holders and the marina ferry dock; and Ordinance 2025-18 related to license application information for amusements, which included a council-requested clarification regarding written attestations for license renewals without premise changes. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to considering a resident's request for a traffic light at the intersection of Jameson Drive and Metacom Avenue, citing safety concerns due to traffic merging, improper use of the turning lane, and proximity to a daycare. The council expressed strong support for the petition and voted to recommend forwarding the matter to the State Traffic Commission for further study and decision.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence to recognize the passing of a former town council person and state representative, Mr. Ferguson. Key agenda items included the approval of the consent agenda, the submission and approval of previous Town Council and Executive Session meeting minutes from November 12th. A public hearing was held and subsequently closed regarding the adoption of a resolution to authorize the sale of a small, narrow, unaccessable parcel of town property on Greenway Drive, Lot 1057, to an abutting neighbor. The Council also reviewed and conducted first readings for several ordinances: Ordinance 2025-9 concerning sewer and sewage disposal standards, Ordinance 2025-16 regarding motor vehicle stopping, standing, and parking language, Ordinance 2025-17 addressing prudence ferry offseason parking, and Ordinance 2025-18 modifying license application information for amusements and alcoholic beverage establishments. Additionally, the Council approved several license matters: a victualing license for Dean's Delhi, and bingo licenses for St. Elizabeth's Holy Rosary Solidarity and BFW Post 237. Six-month reviews were conducted for dancing and entertainment licenses for Blakewolf, Inc. and Portside Tavern, with the latter involving discussion about compliance with noise regulations following a prior resident complaint. The review for Lynen Place's dancing and entertainment license was continued to the next meeting due to a question regarding compliance with operating hours relative to town ordinance.

The meeting addressed various topics, including the approval of the consent agenda and minutes from a previous meeting. A public hearing was held for intoxicating beverage license renewals for 2025-2026. Discussions and approvals were made regarding ordinance corrections, dancing and entertainment licenses for St. Elizabeth's Church United Brotherhood Committee, and a mobile food establishment event permit for the James D. Riley Foundation's Santa House opening day party. The council also considered a request for a road closure for the State Street Holiday Fair, intoxicating beverage license renewals, Sunday sale license renewals, vitualing license renewals, additional hours license renewals, amusement device license renewals, holiday sales license renewals, and several six-month reviews for Folklore Provisions. Additionally, there was a request for off-street parking rental cost adjustments related to Prudence Island commuters.

The meeting included a pledge of allegiance led by local troops, recognition of retiring town employees from the Department of Public Works, and discussions on various ordinances related to parking regulations. The council also reviewed requests for sidewalk use licenses and vitualing licenses for local businesses. Additionally, updates were provided on the upcoming Bristol Christmas Festival, including information on ornament sales and the location of the grand illumination.

The council addressed the Silver Creek Bridge project, emphasizing that the bridge will remain open with at least one lane accessible throughout the project. The project is scheduled to be completed on time and within budget. There will be three phases, including relocation of sewer and water lines, closure of half the bridge for construction, and completion of the other side. The council also discussed a resolution to sell real property, including considerations for greening the parking lot and ensuring parking availability for the fire department and commuters.