District 70 Representative Jay Edwards swore in newly-elected Tiverton Town Council members Monday evening, with four newcomers joining three re-elected incumbents for the next term.

Incumbents John G. Edwards V, Deborah G. Janick, David Paull and Denise deMedeiros join newcomers Craig R. Committo, David Perry and Blake Hayden on the non-partisan board.

In addition, Edwards also swore in town clerk Joan B. Chabot, treasurer Denise G. Saurette, probate court judge Richard P. D'Addario, town sergeant Kevin D. Noyes, and members of the Charter Review Commission and Tiverton Budget Committee.

“You are embarking on a two-year term of service,” said outgoing councilor Jay P. Edwards, who thanked Tiverton for voting for and trusting him over the past few years. “Please keep that in mind for the next two years.”

Former councilor Mike Burk also expressed gratitude for his time on the council, while acknowledging disappointment at not being elected to another term —.he finished 83 votes out of the running — but said he was proud of his record and plans to run again in two years.
Finally, Dennis Milbourne spoke, saying he appreciated the public's support.

Other council news
Councilors went over the following issues over their past two meetings:

Hurst Lane
Hurst Lane residents and others asked council members to paint a double line on Hurst Lane, saying it is difficult to safely navigate the road at night. Councilors voted to ask the acting town administrator to direct the DPW to stripe the road.

Subcommittee changes
It is no longer necessary for the chairman of the Tiverton Economic Develop Commission to be a town council member, following a vote.

Fence and rail work
Councilors passed a DPW request to award a $20,000 bid to United Fences and Constriction Corp., which will do fence and railing work at the Fort Barton Preserve. The funds come from Tiverton Casino gaming revenue. The project was initially projected to cost $8,000, but associated railing work raised the cost.

ARPA funds
The remaining money from the town’s ARPA fund account was allocated to a variety of projects. Among those payments are $100,000 to go toward fire department operations, and $407,126 for a new DPW street sweeper.

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