The Westerly Town Council convened a special meeting on October 28, 2024, where the primary focus was the proposed cannabis retail sales ordinance. After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to adopt the ordinance along with two associated measures, signaling a significant step in the town's approach to cannabis regulation.

Attorney William Nardone, who has been involved with the ordinance since its inception, expressed support for the draft, noting that objections from some parties had been withdrawn. "I think that we've gotten to a draft which is acceptable to everyone involved," he stated, urging the council to pass the ordinance as presented.

In addition to the cannabis discussion, the council also addressed a resolution to authorize the town manager to enter into a new lease agreement with Westerly Senior Citizens Incorporated. The lease, which is essentially a renewal with updated dates, was approved without any changes to its terms.

A notable point of contention arose regarding the format of citizen comments during the meeting. Initially, the council limited public speaking time to three minutes per person and removed the opportunity for council responses. This decision sparked debate among council members and the public, with some arguing for a return to the traditional five-minute speaking time and the inclusion of council responses. Ultimately, the council voted to extend the speaking time to five minutes while reinstating the council's ability to respond to comments.

The meeting highlighted the council's ongoing efforts to engage with community concerns while navigating the complexities of new legislation and public feedback. As the council moves forward, the adoption of the cannabis ordinance and the renewed lease agreement reflect a commitment to addressing both economic opportunities and community needs in Westerly.