East Greenwich 'During reports and presentations at the Sept. 29 Town Council meeting, the town manager outlined current project priorities and near-term timelines, including concerns about a potential federal government shutdown, several grant-funded projects under way, an open-burning ordinance review and a consultant-led parking study.

Federal funding and grants

The manager said staff are monitoring a potential federal government shutdown and assessing near-term impacts on programs and pass-through grants. He said construction has started on a Swift Community Center project supported by federal funding and cited an awarded federal appropriation of roughly $963,000 secured through Congresswoman Magaziner's office. He also referenced a roughly $1.6 million appropriation for the Swift Community Center project.

Fire pits/open burning

Staff told the council an initial draft ordinance on open burning and fire pits would be discussed further on Oct. 14. The manager said the fire and police departments and planning staff had met internally to shape proposals and that the draft likely needs more work before any final vote.

Parking study and enforcement

The manager said the town will host the parking-study consultant (Par Engineering) for a November meeting to review findings and that a rewrite of parking ordinances is slated for completion by the end of the winter so changes can be implemented in the spring. Proposed changes could include one-way streets, revised time limits, expanded resident overnight parking and new signage; the manager said enforcement options will need to be matched to staffing and budget choices, including possible use of community-service officers or seasonal attendants.

Capital budgeting and other items

The manager reminded councilors that departments will begin six-year capital budgeting work this fall and that the town typically completes the capital budget for council review in February.

Ending

Councilors did not take final votes on policy changes at the Sept. 29 update; the manager said staff will return with proposed ordinance drafts and consultant findings on the timelines noted above.