In the News
Town Council (November 17)
drama
Whether and how non-liaison council members can provide updates during “liaison reports” on the agenda.
A noticeable uptick in political grandstanding from a few councilors. Are some of us thinking about running for state office, perhaps?
Members of the CRMC accusing the town council of not knowing Solicitor Conley’s true secret strategy to turn over coastal access to the Watch Hill HOA sorry I mean Fire District 😭 fellas, I’m on your side, but this is getting a little silly. (Councilor Duhamel did make me laugh when he said he felt left out of the group text with Ben Weber.)
Councilor Healy correctly identifies that Councilor LaPietra is acting all brand new about tax season and the municipal budget coinciding in April.
actual government stuff
Official greeting to Italian Consul General Arnaldo Minuti, Dante Society of Westerly 50th Anniversary Celebrations
Presentation from Doug Brockway, Chair of the Economic Development Commission, to report progress on the marketing campaign to bring year-round industry to Westerly. It was a lively and interesting discussion (worth watching).
Long executive session about the WHFD litigation.
A bunch of appointments to subcommittees. At this point, I am more than two hours into the recording and wondering how much more they could possibly yap with so little left on the agenda.
Town council meeting dates for 2026.
School Committee (November 19)
drama
Expressions of offense from some members about the Town Council’s (well, Councilor LaPietra’s) comments about the School Committee not having the “bandwidth to understand” the complexity of the potential new bus depot.
Public and member objections to recording transphobic language in the minutes without quotation/attribution or context.
Public concern about the play going on at the high school?
actual government stuff
Recognition of Westerly High School 2025 Rhode Island Interscholastic League Division II Champions: Girls Volleyball Championship Team
Executive session on employee job performance and collection bargaining with the Local 808
Approved updates to the policy subcommittee charter
Approved new policy on donations and gifts
Clarification that the EV busses are not on the capital request
Boards and Committees
Board of Canvassers (November 12)
Zoning Board (November 12)
Board of Assessment (November 13)
Housing Committee (November 13)
Planning Board (November 18)
If you found this information helpful, please consider sending me a tip on ko-fi or sharing this newsletter with a friend. It helps a lot!



