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Citizen Portal News Rhode Island
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A $110 million bond plan for Chariho schools is under discussion, revealing potential savings through state reimbursement—could this reshape the district's future?

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#RI #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #RhodeIslandSchools #EducationFunding
Advisers outline $110 million bond plan and reimbursement scenarios; committee delays final language
Hilltop Securities presented a conservative financing model for a proposed $110 million Chariho school bond, showing state reimbursement at about 61% (with a 65% sensitivity) and an estimated net annual debt service of roughly $2.5M–$2.8M; the committee agreed to put bond-language approval on the December agenda.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 2:48 AM
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Rhode Island State Police propose a cutting-edge license plate reader on the Mount Hope Bridge, but local councilors are demanding strict oversight before moving forward.

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#RI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #RhodeIslandPolicing #CivicAccountability
State Police seek Flock license‑plate reader on Mount Hope Bridge; council delays pending written policy and MOU
Captain Mark Albaum of the Rhode Island State Police proposed a three‑year Flock automatic license‑plate reader pilot on the Bristol side of the Mount Hope Bridge, funded by the state. Councilors pressed for a written policy and a memorandum of understanding before approval and voted to continue the item to Dec. 10 to review those documents.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 9:52 PM
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Bristol's Town Council is weighing a high-tech solution for crime-fighting with a proposed Flock Safety license-plate reader, but transparency and data security concerns are holding up the vote.

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#RI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #RhodeIslandTownCouncil #CivicAccountability
Bristol Council delays vote on state police proposal to install Flock license‑plate camera, asks for written policy and MOU
Rhode Island State Police presented a plan to place a Flock Safety automatic license‑plate reader near the Mount Hope Bridge; council praised potential crime‑fighting benefits but voted to continue the matter to Dec. 10 and requested a written policy and memorandum of understanding addressing access, retention, and data sharing.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 9:51 PM
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A proposed $300 annual impact fee for student housing in Providence is sparking heated debate among council members, landlords, and residents over its potential consequences.

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#ProvidenceCityProvidenceCounty #RI #ProvidenceStudentHousing #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation
Providence committee hears wide public testimony on $300 student impact fee; no vote taken
Providence — The Providence City Council Ordinance Committee on Nov. 13 held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would add a $300 annual student impact fee to properties occupied exclusively by students.
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November 14, 2025 at 9:30 PM
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Foster Town Council is taking a big step toward brighter, safer recreational fields by applying for a $500,000 grant to install energy-efficient LED lighting!

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#FosterProvidenceCounty #RI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityImprovements #EnergyEfficiency #FosterRecreation
Foster council authorizes DEM grant application for ballfield lighting, agrees to 25% match if awarded
Council authorized submission of a DEM grant seeking up to $500,000 to install LED playing-field lighting and related improvements at the town’s recreation fields; the town would provide a 25% match (about $167,000) if awarded.
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November 14, 2025 at 6:33 PM
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Coventry High School is exploring innovative full-meal vending machines to boost student participation in meals—could this be the future of school dining?

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#CoventrySchoolDistricts #RI #EquityInEducation #CitizenPortal #CoventrySchools #FoodWasteManagement
Coventry schools consider full-meal vending machines to boost participation; staff to return with financing and survey results
The school committee heard a detailed presentation from a Sodexo representative about full-meal vending machines that integrate with the district’s Mosaic point-of-sale system. The committee asked for lease terms, student-interest surveys and analysis of effects on Sodexo’s contract before deciding whether to proceed.
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November 14, 2025 at 4:23 PM
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Chariho School Committee takes a significant step forward in securing land for a new unified elementary school by hiring Troutman Pepper LLP for expert legal support!

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#RI #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #RhodeIslandSchools #RealEstateAcquisition #EducationInnovation
Chariho committee approves hiring Troutman Pepper LLP for school site work; one abstention
The Chariho School Committee authorized Troutman Pepper LLP to provide land‑acquisition legal services for a new unified elementary school at a fixed fee not to exceed $35,000, with the caveat that fees may be adjusted if transactions are complex. The motion passed with one abstention.
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November 14, 2025 at 3:52 PM
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The Cumberland School Committee has decided to extend Superintendent Thornton’s contract 5–2, even as concerns about pending lawsuits loom large.

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#CumberlandSchoolDistricts #RI #CitizenPortal #LegalTransparency #CumberlandSchools #CivicAccountability #EducationReform
Cumberland School Committee extends Superintendent Thornton’s contract 5–2 amid lawsuit concerns
The Cumberland School Committee voted 5–2 on Nov. 13 to extend Superintendent Thornton’s contract despite objections that pending lawsuits naming the superintendent warrant waiting; Mr. Bacon and Mr. Dean voted against the extension.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 1:53 PM
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Burrillville Town Council is taking major steps to enhance outdoor recreation, prioritizing a crucial Brownfield acquisition and other exciting projects!

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#RI #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalSafeguards #RhodeIslandRecreation #CommunityDevelopment
Burrillville council approves submission of three DEM grant applications, sets Mapleville as top priority
The council voted to submit three Rhode Island DEM grant resolutions — Mapleville acquisition (Brownfield), Spring Lake parking/development, and Freedom Park playground replacement — and ranked Mapleville #1; the council also approved a letter supporting NeighborWorks RI's water‑extension application for senior housing.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 10:48 AM
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In a heartwarming display of compassion, a Providence judge dismissed traffic citations for elderly veterans, honoring their service and medical needs.

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#RI #VeteranSupport #CitizenPortal #TrafficEnforcement #RhodeIslandVeterans #JudicialDiscretion
Providence judge cites military service in dismissing traffic and VA parking citations for elderly veterans
In multiple brief courtroom dispositions at the Municipal Court of Providence, judges dismissed red-light and VA parking tickets for elderly veterans after defendants described wartime service, long clean driving records, and medical needs tied to VA appointments.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 8:36 AM
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Middletown's School Building Committee just approved a whopping $150.8 million in guaranteed maximum prices for new schools, paving the way for exciting renovations and improvements!

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#MiddletownSchoolDistricts #RI #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #PublicInfrastructure
Middletown committees recommend $150.8 million in GMPs for new schools; alternates, tree work and budget surplus cleared
The Middletown School Building Committee voted Nov. 12 to recommend guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendments for Valley Elementary and the Middle‑High School — $14,965,985 and $135,821,840 respectively — approved a $8,900 tree‑relocation contract, and showed a $629,008 surplus available for other school renovations.
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November 14, 2025 at 3:08 AM
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Warren Town Council finalized the FY2024 audit while unveiling a strategic plan to enhance financial processes and upgrade their management software for better efficiency.

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#WarrenBristolCounty #RI #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #ProcessImprovement #WarrenFinance
Warren accepts FY24 audit, approves upgrade to financial software with implementation funding
Budget committee and finance staff recommended accepting the FY2024 audit as final while addressing special-revenue and process fixes; council awarded the town's financial management software contract to Edmunds/Edmonds GovTech and authorized implementation funding (training, consulting, equipment) to be finalized next month.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 2:12 AM
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Rhode Island's Echo Lake is shifting gears from an expensive campground redevelopment to prioritizing accessible trails and open space, but local residents are raising concerns about privacy and enforcement.

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#RI #CommunityAccessibility #CitizenPortal #RhodeIslandOpenSpace
State shifts Echo Lake plan from campground redevelopment to trail-based public access
Rhode Island DEM told Burrillville council it will keep Echo Lake as largely open space and pursue trails, adaptive‑bike access and limited amenities instead of a $44 million campground rebuild; abutters raised concerns about motocross, privacy and enforcement while mountain‑bike groups pledged stewardship.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 12:57 AM
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Warren Town Council has made a historic move by allowing retail cannabis sales with strict regulations to protect the town's character and mitigate traffic impacts.

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#WarrenBristolCounty #RI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #ZoningRegulations #WarrenCannabis #CommunityInput
Warren council approves zoning to allow retail cannabis with traffic, odor and spacing limits
After public testimony and industry briefing, the Warren Town Council approved a zoning amendment allowing cannabis retailers by special use permit in business and rural-business zones, adding requirements for a traffic study, odor-mitigation devices and a one-mile spacing or cap to limit concentrations.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 11:49 PM
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New Shoreham's trustees are gearing up to transform a 1.75-acre parcel near the Great Salt Pond into a thriving harbor facility, all while preserving vital wetlands and archaeological treasures.

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#NewShorehamWashingtonCounty #RI #CommunityAccessibility #CitizenPortal
New Shoreham trustees review studies, map options for 1.75-acre harbor development
Trustees and councilors reviewed completed archaeological, hydrologic and wetland studies for a roughly 1.75-acre portion of a recently purchased New Harbor property and tasked a subcommittee to map potential locations for harbor facilities, access roads and utilities before pursuing grant opportunities.
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November 13, 2025 at 2:58 PM
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Richmond's Town Council is pushing to expedite the Shannock fire tower project, emphasizing that reliable communications are a critical need, not just a luxury.

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#RichmondWashingtonCounty #RI #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #InfrastructureNeed #EmergencyResponse
Council asks staff to press Rhode Island Historical Society to expedite Shannock fire tower review
Councilors endorsed staff and the chief’s request to ask the Rhode Island Historical Society and USDA to speed the review so a donated tower and ARPA/congressional funds can be installed before winter-related construction delays and federal shutdown impacts further postpone work.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 4:22 AM
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The North Smithfield council has chosen Parasol Builders as the top pick for the new police station project, but the final contract is still up in the air!

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#NorthSmithfieldProvidenceCounty #RI #NorthSmithfieldPolice #CommunityInvestment #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
North Smithfield council accepts consultant’s recommendation of Parasol Builders as CMAR for new police station; final contract still pending
The council voted to accept an engineering consultant’s recommendation of Parasol Builders as construction manager‑at‑risk for a proposed North Smithfield police station, while administrators said the town will finalize any contract and guaranteed maximum price after preconstruction work and additional budget review.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 3:00 AM
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Key approvals and contentious debates unfolded at the Historic District Commission's recent meeting, including a controversial decision on antenna replacements at the Viking Hotel and the denial of a private basketball court.

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#RI #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal
HDC at a glance: approvals, denials and continuations from Nov. 10 meeting
The Newport HDC issued several routine approvals, continued multiple applications for further documentation, approved a contentious window replacement for the Viking Hotel and denied two applications to retain a private sports court. Several applications were continued to the December meeting for additional details.
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November 11, 2025 at 9:55 PM
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Newport's historic homes are getting a lifeline with new guides to safely tackle lead hazards in wood windows, ensuring preservation without compromise.

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#RI #CitizenPortal #HomeownerEducation #LeadHazardMitigation
Newport nonprofits present lead‑paint remediation guide for historic wood windows
Newport Restoration Foundation and Heritage Restoration presented two documents — a homeowner user guide and a technical manual — designed to help property owners and the Historic District Commission navigate Rhode Island’s expanded lead‑hazard rules and safely mitigate lead paint on historic wood windows.
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November 11, 2025 at 9:54 PM
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The Middletown Conservation Commission is racing against the clock to review a crucial 230-page Aquidneck Island Watershed Plan before the comment deadline!

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#RI #CitizenPortal #RhodeIslandConservation #CommunityInput #WatershedPlanning #EnvironmentalManagement
Conservation commission flags Aquidneck Island Watershed Plan for review despite tight comment deadline
Commission members were asked to review the Aquidneck Island Watershed Plan (RIDEM draft, ~230 pages) and to add it to the January agenda; members noted the comment deadline was imminent and suggested compiling links for review.
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November 11, 2025 at 5:21 PM
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South Kingstown is taking a big leap towards enhancing community parks with a bold plan to secure up to $725,000 in state grants for playground improvements!

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#RI #CitizenPortal #RhodeIslandParks #GrantFunding #CommunityEngagement #OutdoorRecreation
Council authorizes applications for three state playground grants totaling up to $725,000
Parks staff received council approval to apply for one large DEM outdoor‑recreation grant ($500,000) and two smaller grants ($125,000 and $100,000) for Town Farm Park, Fagan Park and Treaty Rock Park; staff said projects are in the CIP and would use town match if awarded.
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November 11, 2025 at 4:18 PM
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Pawtucket faces a staggering spike in school-related debt that could reach $435 million—are city leaders prepared to tackle the financial storm ahead?

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#PawtucketProvidenceCounty #RI #CitizenPortal #TaxImpacts #DebtManagement #EducationFunding #PawtucketSchools
PFM warns Pawtucket of near‑term debt spike from school rebuilds; advisers urge close coordination
PFM Financial Advisors told the Pawtucket City Council the city’s school construction portfolio will push annual net school debt service higher — by roughly $4.28 million at peak — before state reimbursements begin, and recommended monthly coordination, phased borrowing and other measures to smooth tax impacts.
citizenportal.ai
November 11, 2025 at 2:43 PM
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Tiverton Town Council has taken a significant step forward by approving a $113,400 feasibility study for a new Public Safety Complex and a revamped recycling center, paving the way for informed decisions that could shape the community’s future.

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#TivertonNewportCounty #RI
Tiverton Council OKs $113,400 feasibility study for DPW recycling center and public safety complex
The Tiverton Town Council authorized the administrator to sign an agreement with Parr Engineering to study options for a combined public safety complex and a relocated DPW/recycling center. The study, paid from prior appropriations, will include needs assessments, site test-fits, a response-time analysis and order-of-magnitude cost estimates.
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November 11, 2025 at 1:55 PM
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South Kingstown's Town Council has taken a monumental step to boost police officer retention and competitiveness with a groundbreaking $1.4 million contract agreement!

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#RI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport #WorkforceRetention #SouthKingstownPolice
South Kingstown council approves tentative police contract with $1.4M three-year impact
The Town Council unanimously authorized the town manager to finalize a tentative three‑year agreement with the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO) Local 489. Staff said the package—focused on wage alignment, retention pay and healthcare plan adjustments—will cost the town about $1.4 million over three years and is intended to help招聘
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November 11, 2025 at 1:50 PM
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Pawtucket's City Council just approved a groundbreaking move to refinance Tidewater Landing bonds, potentially saving taxpayers up to $4 million by slashing interest rates from 7.5% to under 5%!

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#PawtucketProvidenceCounty #RI #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #TaxpayerSavings
Pawtucket approves refinancing of Tidewater Landing bonds to cut interest costs
The finance committee recommended, and the City Council approved, a resolution authorizing refunding of Redevelopment Agency revenue bonds used for Phase 1A of the Tidewater Landing project; advisers said the deal should lower interest from about 7.5% to under 5%, producing an estimated $3.5 million–$4.0 million in present-value savings, with about
citizenportal.ai
November 11, 2025 at 1:32 PM