Category: Administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     
August 11th, 2022

CONTACT
Chris Vitale, Director of Economic Development and Communications
Town of Bristol, RI
[email protected]
401-253-7000 ext. 129

Federal Judge Dismisses Ursini’s Lawsuit in Its Entirety

BRISTOL, RI– Today, Judge William E. Smith, United States District Court, District of Rhode Island, dismissed all claims in a lawsuit brought by Maria Ursini, ending three years of litigation against the Town and Town officials and the Bristol Police Department. In his decision, Judge Smith “granted in full” the Town’s motion for summary judgment filed on February 2nd, 2022.  

“We are pleased with the decision by Judge Smith that puts to rest all allegations claimed in this lawsuit against town officials,” said Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente. “As always, my administration will continue to seek accountability and transparency in the best interest of the Town. That is my pledge and promise to the taxpayers of Bristol.”

A copy of this statement can be found on the Town of Bristol’s website at www.bristolri.gov/court-decision-08112022/. A copy of the decision has been included with this press release.

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In the event Bristol Town Hall reaches its capacity limit, the Town Council meeting can be watched at the Burnside Building (400 Hope Street), which is located next door to Town Hall. The Town Council will notify attendees watching in the Burnside Building when they will have a chance to testify. Attendees will then be asked to make their way next door to the Town Hall, and Town Hall attendees who have already testified will be asked to rotate next door to the Burnside Building

. . .

Alternatively, if you only want to watch and listen, you can stream the meeting live via Zoom using the following credentials:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83556403965

Meeting Code: 835 5640 3965

BRISTOL, RI- On Wednesday, June 15th, 2022, Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente and the Bristol Town Council were joined by local, state, and federal officials to celebrate the grand opening of the Bristol Harbor Marina.

“Today’s opening is another milestone in Bristol’s return as a vibrant port,” said Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente. “We look forward to welcoming visiting ships to our community and encourage all of our residents to enjoy the improved access to the water as well as the modern amenities this public facility has to offer.”

“The Council is thrilled that the marina expansion is a reality,” said Vice Council Chairwoman Mary Parella. “This is another wonderful example of a project that represents a true collaboration between local officials, state officials, and the people of Bristol. A special thank you to our Harbormaster, Greg Marselli, for taking the lead on this project.”

The Bristol Harbor Marina, which is located next to the Bristol Maritime Center at 127 Thames Street, features the addition of 78 slips to service residents, businesses, and transient boaters. The new marina also includes ADA-accessible ramps, concrete floats with wave attenuators, a dedicated fuel depot, a pump-out station, up to 50AMP power service for boats, and water service for boats effective July 1st.

“I want to congratulate the Town of Bristol on the expansion of the Bristol Harbor Marina,” said Governor McKee. “This marina is an important driver of Bristol’s economy that will bring in revenue, promote tourism and spending at downtown businesses, and boost the marine industry that is so crucial to this area. Thank you to Town Administrator Contente and Senator Reed and all who had a part in getting this project over the finish line.”

Today’s event is the culmination of a multi-year effort to modernize and expand the municipally-owned marina.

In 2016, the Town of Bristol hired PARE Corporation to survey potential locations and design the expansion. With the donation of the water rights from Robin Industries, the Town was able to design the expansion south of the existing marina. In total, the Bristol Harbor Marina expansion project cost was $6.5M.

To fund the project, the Town of Bristol issued two local bonds totaling $5.5M as well as received federal grant support.

In 2020, United States Senator Jack Reed and the RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM) awarded the Town of Bristol a grant of $623,729 through the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration – Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (Tier 2) to support the expansion of the town’s transient boating facilities.

“This is a great day for boaters and fishermen and this facility will help welcome more nautical visitors to Bristol.  I’m pleased to deliver federal funding to help berth this marina.  This facility will provide an opportunity for outdoor fun and recreation on the water while also boosting the local economy, bringing more customers to local shops, restaurants, and retail,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

Through increased capacity, fuel sale profits, and a new slip fee structure, the new facility is designed to be self-sustaining. According to a 2021 financial analysis prepared by Bristol Harbormaster Gregg Marsili, the marina is projected to have positive net income in its first full year of operation. By year four, the net income of the municipal marina is projected to be $293K.

Construction of the Bristol Harbor Marina was completed by Reagan Marine Construction under Bid #962. The new marina is expected to be fully open on July 1st, 2022.

To learn more about the Bristol Harbor Marina, please visit the Town website at: https://www.bristolri.gov/departments/harbor/ or call the Bristol Harbormaster’s Office at 401-253-1700.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Town Administrator Contente Appoints Warren Rensehausen to Director of Parks and Recreation Position

BRISTOL, RI-Today, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Warren Rensehausen to the Town of Bristol’s Director of Parks and Recreation role.

Mr. Rensehausen, who is a Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP), has had a distinguished 30-year career in the recreation field.

Mr. Rensehausen first started his career in public service as Bristol’s Assistant Director of Parks of Recreation in June 1990. As Assistant Director, Mr. Rensehausen had several administrative duties, including community programming, park development, and Town Beach operations.

Since his departure from Bristol in 2001, Mr. Rensehausen has served as the Parks & Recreation Director for two communities in Southern New England. Mr. Rensehausen presently serves as the Recreation Director for the Town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

Throughout his career, Mr. Rensehausen has received several honors including the RIRPA Walter Henry Award, RIRPA Jack Cronin Award, West Warwick Police Community Achievement Award, and RIBVCA Division 3 Coach of the Year Award.

Mr. Rensehausen, his wife, Laura, and four children are lifelong residents of Bristol. Mr. Rensehausen has been actively involved in the local community through the Recreation Advisory Board, King Phillip Little League, Boy Scouts of America, Bristol Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, and CAL Basketball & Volleyball.

Mr. Rensehausen will be replacing Sarah Klein, who announced her retirement from the director role earlier this year.

The Town of Bristol promoted the Director of Parks and Recreation opening through various platforms and received nine applicants for the position. Interviews for the position were conducted by an eight-member panel that included town administration, current and former recreation directors, board members, and residents in the community. Mr. Rensehausen was selected among the candidates interviewed.

Under Mr. Rensehausen’s leadership, I am confident the Town of Bristol’s Parks and Recreation Department will continue to grow, thrive, and excel in its service to the community.

On behalf of the Town of Bristol, I wish to congratulate Director Rensehausen and look forward to welcoming him back to our team on June 15th, 2022.

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