[{"_1":2,"_120":-5,"_121":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,85,96,108],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6088330,"mediaKeyId","2883431-43bdb2e77481dbe3af124f01c866653e","parentId",2883431,"title","Votes at a glance: key outcomes from the Jan. 14 Warren Town Council meeting","audioSeconds",7962,"startMs",382000,"endMs",8344000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2883431-43bdb2e77481dbe3af124f01c866653e&start=382&end=8344","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2883431-43bdb2e77481dbe3af124f01c866653e/thumbnail_382000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6088330/Warren/Bristol-County/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-key-outcomes-from-the-Jan-14-Warren-Town-Council-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088330-76b8c4c18b7bc2f011e9c9641dfbf789/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178232&Signature=NxN8WYNJEvanhzf-LWilvkrbfGzkqkckqgRUgcpGJHNfgTVYe5xL1fT7WcETQqXMHqawiI-5afXkLVo8l8xDb~F3QrrmzykvoakSl1usitWdmPTofEVFs3J3N59Tn8-UuhF6IFOYdQsZbochpcVypdUDIP6WloDNBeDzF6APmjdM2ATeUaIBIddHtl5ZD8TF~K4e7QmEQoQD4sk7hhXdhdy3Lp034mEIGdLlrNG4ok6gMlEfxEAyHn6zaDzqNSA2f36tZrXMI3OydkfMQbXwjnqT~HIIxw-YNFjnkW62Ii1WrNxI5~ydCyV1lTzLgX2~rI6DjNwoqekfcwJ8FO9uAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Warren RI Town Council","date","2025-01-14T00:00:00Z","article","The Warren Town Council took the following formal votes and actions at its Jan. 14 meeting. This list summarizes motions, outcomes and key details recorded in the meeting transcript. Where the transcript did not record a mover or roll‑call tally, the outcome is recorded from the meeting voice vote.

1) Wastewater sludge disposal: Motion to authorize the town manager to negotiate with Cranston (Veolia) for sludge disposal and to investigate backup options; motion approved. (See separate coverage for details.)

2) Memorandum of Understanding (Police CAD/RMS): Motion to enter MOU with Rhode Island Department of Public Safety concerning the statewide CAD/RMS; motion approved. Town staff will budget recurring costs in the next fiscal process.

3) Energy efficiency contract: Motion to approve Vision Energy Solutions contract ($99,542) for DPW transfer station energy upgrades using EECBG and RGGI funds; motion approved.

4) Emergency boiler/condensate repair (Mary B. Quirk Head Start): Motion to accept EnergyOne quote ($9,980) for condensate receiver and pumps; motion approved and will be charged to maintenance account.

5) Appointments and reappointments:
- Reappointment: William F. Gosselin to Bristol County Water Authority Board of Directors (three‑year term) — approved.
- Planning Board appointment: Blake James Costa appointed to a full Planning Board position; council moved to advertise for an alternate — approved.
- Tree warden: Matthew Largesse appointed tree warden — approved.

6) Licenses and permits:
- Victualing license (P1): Blue Birch Provisions LLC (691 Main St.) — approved.
- Mobile Food Establishment permit (P2): Le Petit Pouf (cotton candy cart) — approved.

7) Administrative actions and routine business:
- Accept minutes: Regular meeting minutes and executive session minutes (adjournment time amended to 9:17 p.m.) — approved.
- Advertise for auditing services (RFP for audit services after current contract ends June 30) — approved.
- Deny and refer claim from Battaro Law Firm LLC (on behalf of claimants) to the Interlocal Risk Management Trust — approved.
- Approve mutual aid agreement among Barrington, Bristol, East Providence and Warren police for details — approved.
- Approve updated memorial bench pricing for 2025 — approved.
- Re‑advertise most board/commission vacancies (with an amendment to hold off re‑advertising EDB until February) — approved.

How votes were recorded: Most motions were approved by voice vote with “Aye” from council; the transcript does not provide a full roll‑call record for each vote.

For more detail on the sludge disposal, CAD/RMS MOU, and energy/boiler work, see the separate articles in this package.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","January 14, 2025 Warren Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved negotiation authority for sludge disposal, joined the statewide CAD/RMS program, accepted energy upgrades and emergency repairs, moved multiple appointments and licenses, and voted to advertise for auditing services among other routine business.","taxTitle","Warren, Bristol County, Rhode Island","taxId",79694,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":44,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":50,"_51":81,"_53":82,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":83,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":84,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6088334,"Residents urge ADA enforcement and restored housing repair funds during Warren budget public hearing",295,677000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2883431-43bdb2e77481dbe3af124f01c866653e&start=382&end=677","/articles/6088334/Warren/Bristol-County/Rhode-Island/Residents-urge-ADA-enforcement-and-restored-housing-repair-funds-during-Warren-budget-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088334-9b9b39ba3c18d605365ec4d68931d282/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178232&Signature=W4dmq0KBKNFm7CCPiiKxI5Hs4K2EFgIbGSNCUbqr1N2Ps06k9EplL5Tkg1nNZTiYadqh0C1xrFQ5NTnSLRAtc9KxNGdMp3oAAOAjDdH1tqcBLDvCGHrWj~JHHX3dquhVGfq7WCrHNWouMoF~QqbVpbmzaUM-FUsRnPKlTQIMJ0WSbspG46Avy-G7ZREbpjLFlENwyOsOyQXHg8eLUOrdTMx31b3zwnnSnKIVyktpqB0U4yWfc8SXz~Y9hw-EBPjnO3Zaz3PXKRiQ3IPWwd4ahGwwh9warxy0Fx~-d0bpvcp~lIX2ZI~uxlQqyafUZG~AnT0sFPNts2lI~lXqv1ki4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During a public hearing at the Warren Town Council meeting on Jan. 14, council vice president Carrie Cronin read a written public comment from resident Joyce Katzburg urging the council to allocate budget funds for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) enforcement, sidewalk maintenance, and affordable housing repair assistance.

Cronin read Katzburg’s letter into the record. Katzburg wrote that downtown sidewalks are obstructed by outdoor café seating and sandwich‑board signs, that trees need pruning and removal before they injure pedestrians, and that electric bicycles on sidewalks increase hazards. She also said some shopkeepers on Main, Water and Market streets do not keep up with snow and ice removal, creating hazardous conditions for people with mobility impairments. Katzburg requested restoration of funds previously allocated for affordable housing repairs and repair grants to help low‑income owners comply with lead‑abatement rules.

Cronin told the council the dates and start time for budget hearings would be 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 19 and March 26; the council approved those dates and the start time. After the letter reading the council invited public comment; no one came forward. Members later closed the public hearing by voice vote.

Why it matters: Katzburg’s written comments raise access, public‑safety and housing affordability issues that could be considered when staff propose the FY25‑26 budget. The council scheduled the public budget hearings and encouraged residents to participate.

What’s next: The council will hold public budget hearings on the approved dates and will receive public testimony and staff proposals in the budget process.","During a Jan. 14 public hearing on the FY25‑26 budget schedule, the council read a letter from Joyce Katzburg asking for sidewalk ADA enforcement, tree pruning, snow removal, and restoration of affordable housing repair grants.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":46,"_47":90,"_49":91,"_51":92,"_53":93,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":94,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":95,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6088337,"Warren approves $99,542 energy upgrade for DPW transfer station and $9,980 emergency boiler repair at Head Start building",1299,7045000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2883431-43bdb2e77481dbe3af124f01c866653e&start=7045&end=8344","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2883431-43bdb2e77481dbe3af124f01c866653e/thumbnail_7045000.jpg","/articles/6088337/Warren/Bristol-County/Rhode-Island/Warren-approves-99542-energy-upgrade-for-DPW-transfer-station-and-9980-emergency-boiler-repair-at-Head-Start-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088337-61aaec61a993fe71282375dcb3b433d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178232&Signature=Tkj8NhfgRhOt2Wqu4~spEze1lnHmkgNM~1tcODG6Pga0~WZdlYqXAMbAxuq0bGg3T~wu8XSzKjQXlYfl1W7qujyw9h2VJZTbvl6-CVV1bg~7TCaUu6pCiOPxCmqPOYw~V41bydbWmtaFhaV-k5KNocoYQOY~NetBgNX~noG8PphP27lAKTSf9kPrGn1OyL5TYmQ4O1WDdy6EytRWO8HWCPQBcn3MInLd4lT29~JKV-5LmTLrq--k9hW~HsWmBWKWa6JsUmZuczp-5iCzwjV1FgDKk8ohL2RKe9gGShZV4NgTyJ8IfbBj-xmxWlyWB28AE2O75JokfUutruyjbhMeEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Warren Town Council on Jan. 14 approved two Public Works requests: a grant‑funded energy efficiency project for the DPW transfer station and an emergency condensate tank replacement at Mary B. Quirk (Head Start).

Public Works Director Brian Wheeler told the council the town secured $97,452.66 in federal Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant funding plus $100,000 from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The project scope targets weatherization, insulation, HVAC zoning and heat‑pump mini splits for the DPW transfer station. Wheeler said an initial contractor quote was $155,000 and did not meet requested specifications; the town received a second turnkey proposal from Vision Energy Solutions for $99,542 that fits the grant scope.

Wheeler said the grant will reimburse the town; \"they're eager to give us the money,\" he said, adding reimbursements arrive quickly after invoices are submitted. Council approved moving forward with the Vision Energy Solutions contract and asked staff to update the MOU with the funding agency and begin work.

Separately, Wheeler reported an emergency failure of the condensate receiver at Mary B. Quirk. The tank and associated pumps were leaking and staff installed a temporary fix to avoid a complete shutdown during cold weather. The town solicited two quotes: ATC at roughly $20,000 and EnergyOne at $9,980. The council approved the EnergyOne quote and instructed staff to proceed using the maintenance account; members said timely repair was important because the building supports Head Start services.

Why it matters: The energy upgrades are grant‑funded and intended to reduce operating costs and the town’s carbon footprint; the boiler repair preserves heating service for a facility serving young children. Both actions were approved at the meeting and staff will return with implementation updates.","Council accepted a federally funded energy‑efficiency contract for the public works transfer station and approved an emergency condensate tank repair at Mary B. Quirk (Head Start) using the lower bid.",{"_33":97,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":98,"_41":99,"_43":100,"_45":101,"_47":102,"_49":103,"_51":104,"_53":105,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":106,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":107,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6088340,"Warren approves memorandum to join statewide police dispatch and records system; annual cost to town to rise next fiscal year",1126,5270000,6396000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2883431-43bdb2e77481dbe3af124f01c866653e&start=5270&end=6396","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2883431-43bdb2e77481dbe3af124f01c866653e/thumbnail_5270000.jpg","/articles/6088340/Warren/Bristol-County/Rhode-Island/Warren-approves-memorandum-to-join-statewide-police-dispatch-and-records-system-annual-cost-to-town-to-rise-next-fiscal-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088340-ca83dd8a2793c71b4e60364f5529a2bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178232&Signature=a77tsNtSbQRSjgJlDiivfUKNUWMk2nXRe4eZPq~czwkBh34KI163wn9enKXP6olos~SkkBQWkej6QxgOce3~biv7dpJROlRiAy71HEf3nMZRMk-tYL~NJQ0VKLAS22LmgUWl9DEHhy0odUcvFmmHuKfWEDQYw6X~bQLLXwELhL5xTkT3ubclfZeTAk-ru8kqzyd2vNkBzmcKts-4TlL9yIrLdJ1r3uEEzfnCCnhfv4ETSc8Y~4HhHRtId2tW0HtVxm--u-fbrUynWl~uwP~G7dO634loOj5dFotlTpmKCPfY915Ao6lb3LyPCJpK9nsgEAIDZAOQTqS1epVZ1rgxHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Warren Town Council voted Jan. 14 to enter a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety to join the statewide computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) and records management system that will replace the town’s aging local software.

Town Manager Sullivan told the council the project is a statewide effort to consolidate and modernize dispatch and records systems currently siloed by agency. He said the state aims to convert historic records and bring agencies onto a single cloud‑based platform so law enforcement and related state agencies can share data more readily.

Sullivan gave a near‑term cost figure for Warren’s participation: \"the cost for this upcoming fiscal year would be $17,346.15,\" which would cover roughly six months of service while the town continues to operate the legacy system during conversion. Sullivan also advised that the town currently pays roughly \"just under $23,000 a year\" to maintain the old system; that maintenance will be replaced by the new statewide fee in subsequent years. Council staff said recurring annual costs will be driven by the department’s user count and will be budgeted in the next fiscal cycle.

The council’s solicitor cautioned that the MOU contains provisions favorable to the state — noting the state’s broader indemnification and unilateral termination rights — but recommended joining to ensure Warren retains access to the statewide records and dispatch network. The solicitor said he had raised concerns but that the program’s statewide character and operational benefits weighed in favor of participation.

Police and town presenters described operational benefits beyond modern user interfaces: faster electronic transfer of domestic violence and court reports, improved interagency access to historical contact data and the ability to reduce manual paperwork. The town was scheduled to enter a phased implementation with nearby agencies and to begin training and conversion work in late 2025, with a projected live date in early 2026.

Action taken: Council voted to enter the MOU with the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety to join the statewide CAD/RMS program. The manager and police department will include the new recurring cost in the next fiscal budget and the town will work with state staff on conversion and training.

Why it matters: The change consolidates public‑safety records and dispatch information across jurisdictions, affecting data sharing, training and the police department budget. Councilors were advised that the MOU’s legal language favors the state on termination and indemnity, and the solicitor recommended careful oversight of implementation and budgeting.","Council approved a memorandum of understanding to join the Rhode Island statewide computer‑aided dispatch and records management system; town’s half‑year cost next fiscal year is $17,346.15 and recurring costs will replace current maintenance of older software.",{"_33":109,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":110,"_41":111,"_43":112,"_45":113,"_47":114,"_49":115,"_51":116,"_53":117,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":118,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":119,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6088341,"Warren council authorizes manager to negotiate sludge disposal with Cranston after Woonsocket ends liquid acceptance",891,1054000,1945000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2883431-43bdb2e77481dbe3af124f01c866653e&start=1054&end=1945","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2883431-43bdb2e77481dbe3af124f01c866653e/thumbnail_1054000.jpg","/articles/6088341/Warren/Bristol-County/Rhode-Island/Warren-council-authorizes-manager-to-negotiate-sludge-disposal-with-Cranston-after-Woonsocket-ends-liquid-acceptance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088341-bc600082f23fd933cdd87cfa4f76b3da/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178232&Signature=fJ9C~3OSxXm-tOXV4ots8NOqZGWFzaV~lDtLGx7P7IYVJCYcmiLGc7q2gQh~hxO5XJmID5fOVaktW3l9Rx5HwzZ4WBuZlRqgXlVT9EbKSHYCyzX1LdgmQCmn2G9VsowzVyI7-PyHAQ9GzwfkkokFlWfyDRDg8G7f5vZvDSa2nNTG6tl3TDer5T2xEu01Lne6g-14PseYwJXkiTYf3hIB8OXJibyTdDn69L9aD1loLOM9h97ScwvJNu07PliZmKILT1XZOzXqiCFp6O3-4P1zGbR3KpnjANvYwyuh31C-3zQHU3nlm57GUFZXTuAWbYU97etXLGKstFkjiUokdrcuBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Warren Town Council on Jan. 14 authorized the town manager to negotiate with a Cranston disposal facility for the town's wastewater sludge after the city of Woonsocket moved to stop accepting liquid sludge.

Councilors heard from Jefferson Tallman of H2O Innovation and Pat Reposke, a Synagro representative, who said the town’s contract to haul liquid sludge expires June 30 and may not be renewed. “Our contract … ends June 30, and that will not be renewed,” Jefferson Tallman told the council. Pat Reposke said, “The city of Woonsocket issued a resolution to end the acceptance of liquid sludge.”

The discussion focused on immediate and longer-term options. Warren’s plant currently produces liquid sludge at about 5% solids and hauls it out of town. One short-term path is to negotiate capacity at a Cranston facility operated by Veolia; council staff were told Cranston can accept the town’s volume but has limited allocation and may fill quickly. Longer-term options include returning to on-site dewatering, building a drying line, or joining a regional dryer/incinerator — approaches that would require engineering, capital funding and more time.

Tallman offered a high‑level cost estimate for a dryer: \"I would say you're in the less than $5,000,000 range.\" He and other presenters warned that engineering and procurement could take years and that drying equipment or a regional facility would likely be a multiyear project.

Councilors also heard procurement guidance from the town solicitor, who said the Cranston arrangement could be treated as a sole-source emergency procurement under state law 45‑55‑8 because the town currently has only one practical receiving facility available. Presenters said a negotiated sole‑source contract would allow the town to secure capacity quickly.

Council members asked about budget impacts and current costs. Presenters gave the town’s current annual disposal cost as about $252,000 and said disposal is commonly billed by dry ton; the workshop noted a rough per‑unit figure of about $700 per ton under current arrangements. Councilors were repeatedly advised that exact charges from Cranston were not yet available and would depend on negotiated terms and any needed dewatering.

After discussion the council moved — and approved — a directive for the town manager to enter negotiations with Cranston (Veolia) to secure disposal capacity and to report back at the next meeting. The motion, as amended, also directed the manager to study backup options (on‑site dewatering, dryer/incineration, and regional sharing) and return cost and implementation estimates.

Why it matters: Warren’s sludge contract loss with Woonsocket forces near‑term contracting decisions with fiscal implications and possible capital investments. The council moved to secure a short‑term receiving outlet while asking staff to develop a longer‑term plan that could require grants or substantial capital outlay.

What’s next: The town manager will pursue negotiations with Cranston and return to the council with status and estimates at the next meeting.","Councilors directed the town manager to negotiate short-term disposal with a Cranston facility and to investigate on-site dewatering and regional dryer options after Woonsocket moved to stop accepting liquid sludge; current Synagro contract ends June 30.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: key outcomes from the Jan. 14 Warren Town Council meeting

Residents urge ADA enforcement and restored housing repair funds during Warren budget public hearing

Warren approves $99,542 energy upgrade for DPW transfer station and $9,980 emergency boiler repair at Head Start building

Warren approves memorandum to join statewide police dispatch and records system; annual cost to town to rise next fiscal year

Warren council authorizes manager to negotiate sludge disposal with Cranston after Woonsocket ends liquid acceptance