R.I. Gen. Laws § 1-3-20: Rules, meetings, and witnesses of board of appeals.

The board shall adopt rules in accordance with the provisions of any ordinance adopted under this chapter. Meetings of the board shall be held at the call of the chairperson and at any other times that the board may determine. The chairperson, or in his or her absence the acting chairperson, may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses. All meetings of the board shall be public.