The Bristol Town Council appointed two new volunteers to town boards and extended resident-only parking zones throughout the downtown district at its last meeting, Nov. 20.

Robert William Page of Hope Street interviewed for a spot on the Historic District Commission. Page had a distinguished career in consulting in Arizona before he arrived in Bristol.

“My background’s in history. I have continued to study it,” Page said to the council. “I have served on a number of commissions, never history, or ever anything related to history.”

Michael P. Mello, of Hope Street, applied for a position with the Bristol Housing Authority. Mello has had a long career in public service and worked on the staff of both Congressman Patrick Kennedy and then Mayor of Providence David Cicilline.

Both men were approved to the respective boards.

New parking ordinance

The town passed a new ordinance regarding overnight parking downtown. Beginning in 2025, the following streets will not be eligible for overnight parking without a residential parking sticker: Bay Street; Bourne Street; Bradford Street from High Street to Wood Street; Burnside Street; Burton Street; Congregational Street; Constitution Street, from High Street easterly to Wood Street (both sides); Cooke Street; Cottage Street; Easterbrooks Avenue; First School Street; Franklin Street (from High Street to Wood Street); High Street (from Church Street southerly to Walley Street (both sides); High Street (from Washington Street to Congregational Street; Howe Street; Mount Hope Avenue (from Wood Street to Third School Street); Murphy Avenue; Noyes Avenue; Oliver Street (from Thames Street to High Street); Pearse Avenue; Pleasant Street; Rock Street; Ryan Avenue; Second School Street; Shaws Lane; Third School Street, both sides; Summer Street; Third School Street; Union Street; Walley Street, from Hope Street to Wood Street; Washington Street, from Hope Street to High Street; William Street; Wood Street, from Franklin Street southerly to Walley Street (both sides).

In addition, a proposal to increase parking fines throughout town was given its first reading.

Gaetano Armillotto Day

The town council declared Thursday, Nov. 21, Gaetano Armillotto Day. Armillotto, a resident of Bristol, was one of six brothers. He served in the Navy during World War II and was recognized, along with his brothers who have since passed away, for his service to the town.

Armillotto’s nephew, Ron, spoke about his family’s accomplishments. “For them to be honored, and for my uncle to be part of that and to be the last survivor at this time, is a great honor, not only for the family but really for the town of Bristol.”

Marina insurance request

Robert Morris petitioned the town to modify an ordinance regarding mandatory insurance for vessels over the age of 30, asking for an exemption for commercial ships that are unable to receive insurance.

The council ended up suspending the ordinance for 70 days, starting at the time of the proclamation, to make updates to the ordinance in the meantime.