On the agenda: Glocester Agenda — data center (Oct 15)

Glocester Town Council Meeting
Town Hall, 1145 Putnam Pike, Chepachet
October 15, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.
The Glocester Town Hall is accessible to people with disabilities. Individuals requiring interpreter
services must notify the Town Clerk at (401) 568-6206 not less than 48 hours in advance of the
meeting date. Hearing devices are available without prior notice. TDD # 401-568-1422
YouTube Livestream:
The meeting will be live streamed on YouTube when possible. If there are technical difficulties
with live streaming the meeting itself will continue even if the live streaming is not available.
Click the link below to view the meeting. You will only be able to watch the proceedings not
participate.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-uDvZc5IBUXfF-8geLVgZg
I.

Call to Order

II.

Roll Call

III.

Pledge of Allegiance

IV.

Seek to Convene to Closed Executive Session Pursuant to:
A.
DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL, VOTE OR OTHER ACTION RE:
1.
RIGL 42-46-5(A)(1) Any discussions of the job performance, etc.;
a.
Personnel Session (interview of candidates for Finance Director)

V.

Reconvene Open Session - Disclosure of votes taken in Executive Session &
Consideration of the Sealing of Minutes - Discussion and/or Action

VI.

OPEN SESSION AT 7:30 P.M.
Open Forum - For Agenda Items

VII.

Citations – Eagle Scouts

VIII.

Public Hearings – Discussion and/or Action
A.
CONTINUED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2026
Glocester Code of Ordinance – Proposed Amendment
1.
Part 3 General Legislation, Chapter 247 – Taxation, Article III
Exemption for Elderly & Disabled Persons
The proposed amendment would annually adjust the base exemption
amount for qualified owners on a non -compounded basis using the
Consumer Price Index and with no income eligibility limitation beginning
with the assessment date of December 31, 2025 for use in the tax roll for
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 for qualifying.
Consent Items- Discussion and/or Action
A. Approval of Town Council Minutes: Regular Meeting of October 1, 2026
B. Tax Assessor’s Additions and Abatements – September 2026

IX.

X.

C. Acting Finance Director’s Report – September 2026
Unfinished Business- Discussion and/or Action
A.
Boards and Commissions
1. Appointments- Discussion and/or Action
a. Board of Canvassers - Discussion and/or Action
1.
Alternate #2, One unexpired term to expire 2/28/2030
b. Recreation
1.
Position #3 – Term to Expire 12/31/2026
c. Parade Committee
1.
Alt. #3
B.
High Hazard Dam Emergency Action Plans - Discussion and/or Action
1.
Authorization for volunteer to work with previously authorized group

XI.

New Business
A.
Potential impact of large-scale data centers on rural communities, and whether
Glocester's zoning ordinance should be amended to address them, including a
possible moratorium – Discussion and/or Action
B.
Candlelight Shopping – Discussion and/or Action
C.
Council consideration to waive notice requirement on “New” Entertainment
License application (Welcome Pastures, 459 Snake Hill Road)-Discussion and/or
Action
D.
Determination of staffing option for the Rural Community Network Grant
Management - Discussion and/or Action
E.
Appointment of a committee for review of needs assessment of town’s
operational and financial software- Discussion and/or Action

XII.

Legislative Updates - Discussion and/or Action

XIII. Town Council Correspondence/ Discussion
XIV

Dept. Head Reports/Discussion

XV.

Bds. and Commissions Reports/ Discussion

XVI. Open Forum
XVII. Seek to Convene to Closed Executive Session Pursuant to:
A. Discussion by Council, Vote or Other Action - Executive Session pursuant to
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2)
1. Litigation regarding the following pending litigation: Foster-Glocester Regional
School Committee v. Town of Foster, by and through its Town Council, et al. and
Town of Glocester, by and through its Town Council, et al., Providence County
Superior Court, C.A. No. PC-2026-05641, including assignment of legal counsel.
2. Potential litigation to discuss the Town's possible participation, with the Town
of Portsmouth and other municipalities, in litigation challenging 2025 state
planning, zoning, and low- and moderate-income housing legislation.

3.
B.

Collective Bargaining: Negotiations for successor union contract- Dispatcher

Discussion by Council, Vote, or Other Action - Executive Session pursuant to R.I.
Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(1), Personnel. regarding the employment benefits of the
[Police/Fire] Chief. (The affected employee has been notified in advance in writing
as required by § 42-46-5(a)(1).)

XVIII. Reconvene Open Session - Disclosure of votes taken in Executive Session & Consideration
of the Sealing of Minutes - Discussion and/or Action
XIX. Discussion by Council, Vote or Other Action regarding the following pending litigation: FosterGlocester Regional School Committee v. Town of Foster, by and through its Town Council, et al.
and Town of Glocester, by and through its Town Council, et al., Providence County Superior
Court, C.A. No. PC-2026-05641, including assignment of legal counsel.
XX.

Discussion and/or Action:
A. Authorize the Town to join the Portsmouth-led litigation challenging 2025 state planning,
zoning, and low- and moderate-income housing legislation
B. Authorize the Town Council President to execute the Joint Litigation Letter Agreement;
C. Authorize payment of the Town's population-based share of litigation costs, not to exceed
$4,332.15.

XXI.

Adjourn

4