A round-up from the Tiverton Town Council's most recent meeting Monday:

Grinnell’s, Fogland to go cashless

Beach-goers will never have to worry about losing their wallet in the sand again. The Tiverton Town Council took the first step this week toward creating a cashless society at the town’s two beaches, when they voted to allow the Recreation Commission to advertise for a Request for Proposals for a mobile payment parking system. Once the new system is in place, beachgoers will use an app on their phones to pay their parking fees. Options for individuals who do not have access to a smart phone will also be available.

Recreation department chairman Stu Gilfillen said the new payment method will not eliminate the need for gate attendants, who will still be on hand for customer service support and other routine duties.

Memorial Day fireworks

The council approved a $40,000 contract with Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc., for a fireworks display in town on Sunday, May 28 (rain date May 29). The Pennsylvania-based company was the sole bidder in response to the town’s RFP. Funding for the display will come from the Tiverton Power Plant’s $100,000 donation to the town, which is earmarked for civic projects. The display will use a barge moored in the Sakonnet River just south of Grinnell’s Beach.

Derby Day at the Library

Community members who can’t make it to the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky. early next month may opt instead for An Evening at the Derby, a fund-raiser planned for Saturday, May 6, at the Tiverton Public Library. It's sponsored by the Tiverton Library Foundation.

“Everybody better dress accordingly,” Library Director Catherine Damiani told the town council as she outlined plans for the evening and explained that big hats and fun colors are part of the recommended attire.

The council approved a Class F one-day liquor license for the event, which will allow various beverages to be served, including obligatory mint juleps. 

Summer Camp to offer extended day program

Families whose children attend the town’s summer camp program this year will have an option for a new program that will extend the camp day an additional three hours.

The 2023 Tiverton Summer Camp is offered to children aged 6-12 and runs July 10 – Aug. 18 at Pocasset Fields. Main camp hours are 9 a.m.–2 p.m., which can present a challenge for working parents who need to find suitable childcare for the remainder of the day.

The Tiverton Town Council heard details of the new program from Tiverton Recreation Commission Chair Stu Gilfillen earlier this month. It will be offered to Main Camp attendees from 2–5 p.m. each day the camp is in session.

During the discussion, the council approved the recreation commission’s recommendation to increase the Main Camp registration fees for 2023. Tiverton residents will pay $300 for the first child and $200 for each additional child. (Non-residents: $400/ $250.)

This year, fees include several field trips for campers at no additional charge. In 2022, optional field trips were $15 per child.

Parents who quickly glance at the fee structure may assume the charges are per week, but it in fact covers the entire six-week program. For Tiverton residents, the cost for the Main Camp equals $2 per hour for the first child and 75 cents per hour for each additional child.

The new AfterCare program for residents is $180 for the first child and $70 for each additional child. (Non-residents: $250/$150.)  Financial assistance is available for families who can’t afford the cost, and Gilfillen said none would be turned away as long as space is available. Online registration is now underway on the Tiverton Recreation website.