R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-87.1-4: Terms and vacancies for council members.

(a) Term of members. Council members shall serve no longer than three (3) years, except that, to facilitate a staggered rotation of members to retain continuity and knowledge transfer, during the initial five (5) years after the establishment of the council, members may serve up to a four-year (4) term.

(b) Vacancy. If a vacancy occurs, the vacancy shall be filled in a like manner as required pursuant to this section.