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Special Town Council Meeting Tonight (9/10/2026)
The Town Council’s agenda for tonight’s September 10th meeting includes:
- Accept Receipt of Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan and Schedule a Public Hearing on the Plan for Monday, October 5, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber
- Discuss and Act: Refuse and Recycling Contract with MTG Disposal, LLC.
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Town Council Meeting Preview (9/14/2026 Meeting)
The Town Council’s agenda for the Monday, September 14th meeting includes the following items (subject to change). Watch the meeting on Zoom.
- Purchase of a vehicle for the Police Department.
- Proposed Memorandum of Understanding for a second School Resource Officer.
- Presentation on Sowams National Heritage Area Feasibility Study.
- A proposal from the Parks and Recreation Commission to install security cameras at Town fields.
- A public art initiative proposed by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee.
- An update on bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure projects.
- A Resolution encouraging the State to provide a facility to handle the recycling of Styrofoam material.
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Upcoming General Election
See the latest information for the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
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Sunday, October 4th – Deadline to register to vote
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Tuesday, October 13th – Deadline to apply for a mail ballot
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Wednesday, October 14th to Monday, November 2nd (ends at 4:00 p.m.) – Early voting and emergency mail ballot period
Town of Barrington usual business hours:
- Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon
Early voting is at Barrington Town Hall. Election Day voting by precinct is based on your home address, and you can use the Secretary of State’s “Look Up” tool to find your polling location. You can also contact the Clerk’s office at 401-247-1900, ext. 1 to confirm your polling location.
The polls in Barrington will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. Any person eligible to vote who is in line at 8:00 p.m. will be allowed to cast their vote before the polls close. Town Clerk’s Office is closed to all business other than Board of Canvassers.
See the Voting Information Center on the Secretary of State’s website for additional information.
- Contributed by Town of Barrington
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Bill Relief Is On the Way for Rhode Islanders
Good news for Rhode Island Energy customers, including Barrington Community Electricity customers.
Rhode Island Energy will provide nearly $170 million in bill relief to customers statewide, including Barrington Community Electricity customers, who will receive the same credit as non-program customers because it applies equally to all residential customers. Customers will see bill credits automatically applied to their bills in the following ways:
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Electric customers: Approximately $14 per month from October 2026 through September 2027.
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Natural gas customers: Approximately $51 per month from December 2026 through April 2027.
Customers do not need to do anything, as the credit will automatically appear on your bill.
See the press release to learn more about the bill credits: https://news.pplweb.com/Rhode-Island-Energy-to-implement-Hold-Harmless-bill-credits-providing-additional-relief-to-customers.
Last week an Executive Order was signed by the Governor (https://governor.ri.gov/executive-orders/executive-order-26-05) to provide an additional $28 million in direct rate relief to all residential customers for the winter heating season. The anticipated rate relief will amount to about $60 total per residential electricity account. The savings will appear as a credit on Rhode Island Energy electricity bills “during the peak winter heating months.” See the press release to learn more: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-signs-executive-order-directing-28-million-emergency-relief-help. The relief is funded via proceeds from the state’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
- Contributed by Rhode Island Energy and Good Energy, LP
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Town of Barrington’s Wellness Committee members from left to right; Michelle DiMeo, Nicole Martin (co-chair), Kathleen Taraian (co-chair), Catherine Liska, Kelly Marcu, and Town Manager, Phil Hervey at center. (Photo courtesy of Town of Barrington).
Barrington Wellness Committee Receives Gold Level Working Wellness Award
The Rhode Island Interlocal Risk Management Trust has awarded the Barrington Wellness Committee the Gold Level Working Wellness Award in acknowledgment of the Town’s commitment to employee health and wellness.
Alexandre Fiore, the Trust’s Wellness Program Specialist, visited Barrington Town Hall on Thursday, September 4th to present the award and a $2,250 check. The Wellness Committee appreciates the Trust’s continued commitment to its efforts to promote a healthy and supportive workplace for Barrington employees.
- Contributed by Kathleen Taraian
Human Resources Director for the Town
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(Image courtesy of Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District) |
Help Spread the Word with Only 117 Spots Left to Reach 500 Signups in Barrington!
Spots are still available in the pilot program so that new participants can take advantage of the discounted rate. Plus, when someone enrolls through your referral link (https://accounts.blackearthcompost.com/l/C6FGD), you will both receive $20 in credit.
Please keep sharing your composting experience with your neighbors, friends, and family, and encourage them to join the program at https://blackearthcompost.com/barrington/
If 500 residents enroll, the post-pilot rate will drop to $149.99 per year for all Barrington participants.
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Year Two Compost Pilot Program Update
Barrington’s curbside composting pilot has reached year two for those who signed up in September 2025.
We want to remind you that the second-year discounted rate will apply automatically with your next renewal payment. You can find your renewal date on your online account dashboard at https://accounts.blackearthcompost.com/accounts/login/
Second Year Rate: $133.33 (33% off the regular rate of $199.99/year).
After the two-year pilot program, weekly collections will continue at the regular rate.
Your participation in this program is an important step in reducing waste in Barrington. Since the program began, Barrington has diverted an estimated 65 tons of compostable material from the landfill! This material is being transformed into nutrient-rich compost that reduces our reliance on synthetic fertilizers, improves soil health and water retention, and protects our waterways.
Current participants receive one free cu. ft. bag of compost or they can donate it to the Barrington Garden Club by designating it in their online account.
- Contributed by Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District
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Duck Race at Woods Pond. (Photo courtesy of Barrington Education Foundation) |
Make a Splash for Barrington Schools at the Annual Duck Race at Woods Pond!
Join the Barrington Education Foundation (BEF) for the Annual Duck Race on Saturday, September 26th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Woods Pond Gazebo and the Tap-In parking lot. The race begins at 3:00 p.m.
As BEF’s largest fundraiser of the year, proceeds from the Duck Race benefit Barrington Public Schools.
A full day of family activities in Barrington such as food trucks, games, prizes, music, and of course — the main event — the Duck Race!
It’s easy to take part: sponsor a duck (or a whole flock!) for a chance at great cash prizes. You don’t need to be present to win, but cheering on your “lucky duck” is part of the fun.
See link to participate at https://www.barringtoneducation.org/events to sponsor your ducks. Follow BEF on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. Rain Date is Saturday, October 3rd, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Contributed by Barrington Education Foundation
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(Photo courtesy of Barrington Land Conservation Trust) |
Barrington Pollinator Pathway Tour Set for Sept. 20th
The Barrington Pollinator Pathway, an initiative of the Barrington Land Conservation Trust (BLCT), will host its second Pollinator Pathway Tour on Sunday, September 20th from noon to 5:30 p.m. Learn how to welcome and support pollinators in your yard with native plants and pesticide-free zones. Visit gardens for inspiration and share ideas with fellow gardeners at this free event.
You’ll discover public and private gardens on the tour, all spaces created with nature in mind. Building wildlife habitat is a journey, and every garden on the tour represents something a little different. Register at https://www.blct.org/event/2026-pollinator-pathway-tour/.
A map of the properties will be available on the day of the event when you check in at Johannis Farm Wildlife Preserve. For more information, email pollinatorpathways@blct.org.The tour will take place rain or shine.
SCHEDULE
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Noon to 1:00 p.m. – Johannis Farm Wildlife Preserve: Check in and pick up a map of tour locations. You may purchase a Pollinator Pathway sign for your garden for $20 (while supplies last; cash or check only). Johannis Farm is located on Sowams Road in Barrington, RI, between #461 and #475 Sowams Rd. The entrance will be marked with a Land Trust sign.
- Noon to 4:30 p.m. – Visit sites on the tour.
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4:00 to 5:30 p.m. – Tour Johannis Farm Wildlife Preserve and its wildflower meadow. Enjoy refreshments and share information and stories gathered on the tour.
What is a pollinator pathway?
Pollinator pathways are public and private pesticide-free corridors of native plants that provide nutrition and habitat for pollinating insects and birds. Some pollinators travel several miles to find nutrition, but many travel only a few hundred feet in their lifetime. By connecting our landscapes with habitat that feeds and shelters them, we create a pollinator pathway that allows species to move across a healthy, native landscape. Even a small garden can be an oasis for pollinators.
These native plant landscapes also promote climate resilience and fight biodiversity loss. Climate-resilient yards not only protect wildlife but also provide natural defenses against heavier rainfall and extended periods of drought. These landscapes are better equipped to withstand a changing climate. Plants, especially natives, also sequester carbon, filter pollutants from our water, help improve soil health, and provide the oxygen we breathe.
Why are pollinators important?
Without pollinators, 85% of the plants on Earth wouldn’t exist. Almost 80% of the crop plants grown around the world that produce our food and plant-based products require animal pollination. 40% of all insect species are declining globally, and a third are endangered. Insects play critical roles in pollinating the plants we eat, but they also break down waste in our environments and form the base of the food chain.
How does the tour work?
The gardens are mostly in neighborhoods, so please be respectful of neighbors when parking and walking to the sites. All of the gardens will be open to the public from noon to 4:30 pm. You don’t have to visit all of them, but we hope you will!
Interested in learning more about pollinator gardens? Visit the regional Pollinator Pathway, the Native Plant Trust, and the Massachusetts Pollinator Network for more information on ecological gardening.
To register or learn more, visit www.blct.org/events.
- Contributed by Cindy Elder, Executive Director
for Barrington Land Conservation Trust
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September Is National Preparedness Month, So Take Time to Get Ready!
September is observed as National Preparedness Month, a way of reminding people to check how well they and their families are prepared for an emergency. Given that the past year has seen winter storms, spring flooding and summer heat, it is now a suitable time to look to the future and ensure that you have what you need.
Make sure that your emergency supplies are in order and replace those that have been used or have expired. Check your contact details and have a conversation with your family regarding what to do, where to go, and how to keep in touch if an emergency occurs. This is also a good opportunity to consider any changes within the household that might affect your plans.
It’s necessary to be prepared throughout the year. Spending a bit of time now checking your supplies. Going over your plans can make a difference should an emergency happen.
If you'd like some planning tips, checklists, and other resources, go to Ready.gov’s website at https://www.ready.gov/stand-ready.
- Contributed by Town of Barrington
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Save the Date for Barrington’s Day of Caring!
Mark your calendars as the Ninth Annual Barrington Day of Caring returns Monday, October 12th which coincides with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
This year, the event is taking on a new format, with new partners across town, including the Barrington Land Conservation Trust (BLCT), Bay Spring Community Center (BSCC), Tap-In, and other community partners. Each location will host volunteers and cleanup projects, and multiple sites will be collecting food donations for Tap-In.
Can’t make it to the event but still want to help? Food donations are also accepted at Tap-In and their partners. Learn more at www.tapinri.org/donate. Accepted items include:
- Cereal
- Soup
- Rice
- Canned tomatoes/pasta sauce
- Canned meat
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fruit
- Healthy snacks for children’s lunches
- Shelf-stable milk in small sizes
For residents who typically rely on Day of Caring for home projects like yard cleanup, painting, and minor repairs, this service isn’t going away. For the first time, a second Day of Caring will be held in early 2027 specifically to serve residents. We will announce more details on that date, along with sign-ups for both events, soon.
If you’d like to register as a volunteer or community partner, contact dayofcaringRI@gmail.com or visit www.blct.org/events.
- Contributed by Steve Eiland, Regional Director for East Bay
Regional Coalition/The BAY Team
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Discover the Hidden Life in Soil and Compost at Barrington Farm School
What is actually going on in a small amount of healthy soil or compost? You can find out at the Soil and Compost Microscopy Workshop being held at Barrington Farm School on Saturday, September 26th at 10:00 a.m. in the compost area in the rear of the Farm School.
Healthy microbes are important for the condition of the soil and aid in the decomposition of organic matter in compost, but their size means they cannot be seen with the naked eye. In this practical workshop, participants will use microscopes to examine these organisms and compare the kinds of life in compost with that found in various types of soil.
The workshop will also look at the way in which compost helps to produce healthy soil and at the important role that microorganisms play in the composting process. Both adults and children are welcome. Learn more: https://barringtonfarmschool.org/events-at-bfs/.
Questions? Contact compost@barringtonfarmschool.org.
The Town of Barrington, the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District/ERICD, and 11th Hour Racing sponsors the composting initiative as part of ongoing efforts to reduce food waste, lower disposal costs, and support local sustainability goals.
- Contributed by Karen Griffith, Compost Educator and Outreach Manager for Barrington Farm School
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(Photos courtesy of Town of Barrington) |
Second Housing Community Workshop Seeks Input on Barrington’s Future
Do you care about the future of housing in Barrington? Want to learn more about the connection between zoning, housing, and affordability?
Then join us for a second Housing Community Workshop on Monday, September 28th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Barrington Town Hall (Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 283 County Road). The Town of Barrington is analyzing its zoning ordinance to identify barriers to high-quality, affordable housing — and we need your input!
Building on the results of a previous community engagement workshop, we are seeking input from the broader community on the future of housing in Barrington. Refreshments will be provided and the format will be family friendly.
Register at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8983944/Barrington-9-28-Housing-Workshop-Registration-Survey for a few brief questions to help tailor the content of the event. Learn more by visiting: https://barrington.ri.gov/182/Planning-Board.
- Contributed by Libra Planners and CIVIC
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Friday, September 11th – Patriot Day
Friday, September 11th – Rhode Island King Tide, 8:29 a.m., 0.8’ and Saturday, September 12th, 9:14 a.m., 0.8’
Saturday, September 12th – Rosh Hashanah, begins at sundown
Sunday, September 13th – Gather, Barrington, Tillinghast Farm - RISD (231 Nayatt Road, Barrington), 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. An evening of community, local food, much, and giving back. Sponsored by Live. Love. Barrington and a portion of sales donated to TapIn. CANCELED.
Monday, September 14th – Brush Chipping Begins
Monday, September 14th thru Friday, September 18th – Metal Collection Week. Call the Department of Public Works (DPW) to schedule pickup, 247-1907.
Thursday, September 17th – Adult String Instrument Workshop with Community Strings Project, Barrington Public Library (Collis Family Gallery, 2nd Floor), 6:30 p.m., Adults are invited to join members of the String Orchestra and Guitar Ensemble for a brief concert followed by a meet-and-greet with the musicians and their instruments. Free and open to adults.
Friday, September 18th – BPAC Monthly Bike Rides to Food Truck Friday with Rhody Food Trucks. The bike ride begins at 5:30 p.m. at South Lake Drive on East Bay Bike Path to Haines Park and ending at Police Cove Park. See the MAP for route and directions. Join the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) for this event. Rhody Food Trucks event is 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 19th – Barrington Booster Day. Student athletes visit neighborhood in the morning to collect donations for promoting interest in and supporting participation across all Barrington School Athletic Programs. Learn more at www.barringtonboosters.org.
Saturday, September 19th – Washington Trust FREE Shred Day, Barrington Public Library (Peck Center parking lot behind the Library), 10:00 a.m. to noon. Two boxes maximum per person. Please Note: Separate event from Department of Public Works (DPW) Community Shred on Saturday, October 17th.
Saturday and Sunday, September 19th & 20th – Family Beach Campout, Join neighbors at the community campout at Barrington Beach. See registration, schedule of events, and rules. SOLD OUT.
Sunday, September 20th – Barrington Pollinator Pathway Tour, Johannis Farm Wildlife Preserve, noon to 5:50 p.m. An initiative of the Barrington Land Conservation Trust (BLCT).
Sunday, September 20th at 1:00 p.m. & Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:30 p.m. – Film Documentary and Discussion: “American Fiction,” Barrington Public Library (Salem Family Auditorium, 2nd Floor). Join the Town of Barrington’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Free and registration is recommended, but not required.
Monday, September 21st – Yom Kippur, begins at sundown, schools closed.
Tuesday, September 22nd – Autumn begins.
Friday, September 25th – Bay Spring Community Center (BSCC) Walking Club, signups at BSCC (170 Narragansett Avenue), 10:00 a.m. Walks take place on September 25th and October 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. For additional information, contact jvlassakis@barrington.ri.gov.
Saturday, September 26th – Soil and Compost Microscopy Workshop, Barrington Farm School (in the compost area in the rear), 10:00 a.m. Sponsored by the Town of Barrington, the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District/ERICD, and 11th Hour Racing.
Saturday, September 26th – Annual Duck Race, Woods Pond Gazebo and the Tap-In parking lot, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The race begins at 3:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Barrington Education Foundation.
Sunday, September 27th – Barrington Arts Festival with Music Provided by the 250th Committee Sponsors, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Town Hall Grounds. Featuring the New Providence Big Band, Just Cuz with Roger Ceresi, and Pat McGee.
Monday, September 28th – Rhode Island League of Women Voters/General Election Debate for Town Council (4 candidates) and General Assembly 67 (2 candidates), Barrington Public Library (Salem Family Auditorium, 2nd Floor) at 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 30th – Quarterly Tax Payment Due. See payment options.
SAVE THE DATES:
Saturday, October 3rd – Barrington 5K & Fun Run & Fall Fest, starting at Barrington Christian Academy (BCA), 9 Old County Road. Run at 8:30 a.m. and Fall Fest, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 3rd – International Coastal Clean Up at Barrington Beach with Save the Bay, Barrington Town Beach, 10:00 a.m. to noon. The free event is coordinated by Save the Bay and the Barrington Land Conservation Trust (BLCT). Advance registration is required. You will need to create a volunteer account with Save The Bay.
Sunday, October 4th – The Chamber Orchestra of Barrington at St. John’s Performance (2026-2027 season), St. John’s Episcopal Church (191 County Road), Time: 3:00 p.m.
Monday, October 12th – The Barrington Day of Caring, noon to 4:00 p.m. This event is a great opportunity to give back to help out members of our Barrington community. Click here to learn more or to register as a volunteer: https://www.barrington.ri.gov/326/Day-of-Caring.
Monday, October 12th – Indigenous Peoples Day Holiday. Refuse and recycling normal collection day is moved to the next day for the week (Monday, October 12th thru Saturday, October 17th). See collection schedule.
SEE ALSO:
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The Barrington Town Council is looking for volunteers to serve on:
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Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC): 2 vacancies: 2 alternates
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Board of Assessment Review: 1 vacancy: 1st alternate
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Bristol County Water Authority: 1 vacancy: 1 full member
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Cemetery Commission: 1 vacancy: 1 full member
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee: 2 vacancies: 2nd alternate and 1 student representative to serve a term of June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027 (non-voting member)
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Housing Board of Trustees: 3 vacancies: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd alternates
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Juvenile Hearing Board: 1 vacancy: alternate
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Library Board of Trustees: 1 vacancy, 1 full member
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Open Space Committee: 1 vacancy, 1st alternate
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Parks and Recreation Commission: 1 vacancy: 1 student representative to serve a term of June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027 (non-voting member)
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Resilience and Energy Committee: 2 vacancies: 1 full member and 1st alternate
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Veterans Advisory Committee: 2 vacancies: 2 alternates (5 members to be veterans, can include family members of veterans)
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Zoning Board of Review: 1 vacancy: 3rd alternate
Updated Monday, August 19, 2026
To apply, go to the Boards and Commission webpage.
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CONTACT US
All newsletters are emailed on Tuesdays unless noted otherwise (*Emailed next day due to holiday.) Do you have something you would like to see shared in the newsletter? Please send to info@barrington.ri.gov.
FUTURE NEWSLETTERS
- September 29, 2026
- October 14, 2026*
- November 4, 2026*
- November 17, 2026
- December 1, 2026
- December 15, 2026
- December 29, 2026
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