After about an hour and a half of a discussion on a wide range of options about how to modify moped rentals, the Town Council approved a motion by Second Warden André Boudreau to reduce the amount of mopeds rented by each moped operator from “34 down to 25 mopeds, effective immediately.” In other action, the council reinstated outdoor entertainment licenses.
The vote was 3-1, with First Warden Ken Lacoste, Boudreau and Councilor Martha Ball supporting the motion. Councilor Sven Risom voted against the motion. Councilor Chris Willi recused himself because he is a tenant of moped operator Mike Finnimore.
There are five moped operators on Block Island. With each operator allowed 34 moped rentals each day, the motion reduces the number of mopeds on the road each day by 45.
Risom, who had been pushing for a reduction in the hours of operation of moped rentals throughout the meeting, then made a second motion “to reduce the hours of return time for mopeds from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m.” for same day rentals. The motion was passed 4-0, with Willi recused on this motion as well.
After Risom made an earlier effort to reduce the hours, Boudreau
