Tyler Loomis will continue to serve as Tiverton’s harbormaster for the coming year, following last week’s near-unanimous Town Council vote for his reappointment.

Town officials gave Loomis high marks at the meeting, saying he works hard and has performed admirably in the face of challenges this past year.

He’s had a rough year because of things that have been going on,” said Councilor Jay Edwards. “People might say he is delaying making decisions, but I think he is taking the appropriate course to make sure he gets it right and doesn’t have to go back and change things, which is also going to be very controversial.”   

Prior to the vote, Council President Denise deMedeiros read a letter from Harbor Commission Chairman Bruce Cox regarding the commission’s recommendation to the council for Loomis’ reappointment.

“Over the past year he has continued to fulfill the role of Harbormaster quite well,” wrote Cox. “He has conducted himself very professionally at recent meetings when members of the public became adversarial regarding issues arising out of the various aquaculture applications.”

E-mail exchanges an issue

At the harbor commission meeting earlier this month, the commission’s vote to recommend reappointment was preceded by a lengthy discussion prompted by an email exchange regarding Loomis between Councilor Donna Cook and Town Administrator Chris Cotta. Cook serves as council liaison to the harbor commission and read the emails to the commissioners at the start of the meeting. The emails centered on Cook’s questions regarding complaints that Loomis was allegedly taking too long to approve applications for moorings.

In his emailed response to Cook, Cotta speculated that she was referring to two applicants, Clint Clemens and David Rose, and he provided a detailed explanation concerning the circumstances surrounding their applications and the reasons for the delayed approvals.

After the harbor commission meeting, Clemens and Rose complained to the town, disputing Cotta’s information regarding their applications. Cotta confirmed this week via email that he had incorrectly interpreted some of the information relating to Clemens’ application.

“I did apologize to Mr. Clemens after the harbor commission meeting,” he wrote, “and I have since spoken with Mr. Clemens and understand his concerns…I am hopeful this matter is resolved quickly.”

Cotta did not address Rose’s specific complaints to the town, but confirmed no moorings will be approved until spring.

"The boating season has finished for the season and the Harbor Master’s boat will not be put in the water until spring ... I’m sure Mr. Rose will be granted a riparian mooring location for the spring season.”

In confirming his support for the reappointment of Loomis, Cotta added, “I recognize there have been two individuals that have had issues with moorings, but out of 380 some moorings I do think Tyler has done a great job.”

Affirmative votes for reappointment were cast by Council President deMedeiros, Council Vice President Michael Burk, and Councilors William Vieira, Jay Edwards, and Deborah Janick.  Councilor Donna Cook abstained, without comment. Councilor Joseph Perry was not in attendance.

The council also took up other business at last week's meeting, including:

Solar Ordinance Advisory Working Group

The council unanimously approved a motion directing the town solicitor to draft a resolution for the creation of this advisory group, which would focus on a draft ordinance to replace one that was repealed several years ago. The group would include two council members, two planning board members, the town planner, the town solicitor, and up to four members of the general public. The resolution for formation of the group is expected to be ready for consideration at the Jan. 10 council meeting; if approved, the town will post ads announcing the need for volunteers. Council members agreed to establish an April 25 deadline for the group to complete its work.

Two Rod Way

Councilors discussed recent harbor commission recommendations to survey Two Rod Way to determine its measurements and to look into the installation of signs marking it as a Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) public access right of way. Pedestrians and drivers use the unpaved right of way to access the shoreline and Jack’s Island Cove from Seapowet Avenue, but neighbors in the area have complained to both the harbor commission and the council that the tranquil area is being ruined by late-night partyers and other visitors who leave trash along the road and near the shoreline.

Since receiving the complaints, the town is monitoring the situation, according to Cotta.

“We now have police presence in the area quite often,” he said, “and DPW is checking on that property regularly to pick up trash.”

He said the town will continue to work with CRMC and seek maintenance ascents when necessary before making any changes to the right of way, such as digging to allow for the installation of signs or removal of boulders in the water near a boat ramp. Council Vice President Michael Burk said the recreation commission has jurisdiction over any public right of way to coastal waters and therefore also needs to be involved in decision making on this matter. 

Personnel Changes Advisory Committee

In May 2021, the council approved a resolution to establish this committee; however, despite ongoing recruiting attempts, no community members volunteered to serve. At its recent meeting, the council unanimously approved a motion to rescind the resolution that established the advisory committee.

The council then considered a motion to create a town council subcommittee to replace the advisory committee established previously. Members will include: Edwards, Burk, deMedeiros (ex officio voting member); the town clerk, town treasurer, and (as ex officio non-voting members) the town administrator and town solicitor. The motion passed with five council members in favor and Cook opposed. The subcommittee’s meetings will be advertised and open to the public.