Moderator Julia P. Califano declared a quorum present and called the meeting to order at      7:06 PM.

Mrs. Califano asked everyone to stand and join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Mrs. Califano explained that the Moderator has the sole authority to regulate and manage the Financial Town Meeting.  Mrs. Califano introduced the Town Clerk, Meredith DeSisto, and will keep the official record of this meeting.   Mrs. Califano stated that the Financial Town Meeting is your opportunity to ask questions of your elected and appointed officials and be satisfied that your tax dollars are being spent wisely.  The only subject for discussion this evening is the proposed 2015-16 Barrington budget.  Mrs. Califano thanked Mike Davis for providing the live feed for the Full Channel broadcast and Nahum Mitnik for providing the sound system for the meeting. 

Mrs. Califano introduced Council President June Speakman who introduced the members of the Town Council, the Town Manager, Finance Director and Town Solicitor.  School Committee Chairperson Kate Brody introduced the members of the School Committee, the School Superintendent and the School Director of Administration and Finance.  Mrs. Califano introduced Mary Alyce Gasbarro and Joan Warren, representing the Barrington Democratic and Republican parties respectively, and, who will be serving as timers. Mrs. Califano said everyone is allowed three minutes to speak and motions are to be addressed to the Moderator.  Mrs. Califano stated the budget you have in front of you is the budget as recommended by the Committee on Appropriations.

A Motion was made by Mr. Homonoff and seconded to dispense with the reading of the Call, but it is part of the record as it appears in Book 8 page 29 of the Town Meeting Records book. 

Motion passed (voice vote).

Appropriations Committee Chairman Geoff Grove introduced the Appropriations Committee members and read the message from the Committee

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

TOWN OF BARRINGTON

FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING– MAY 27, 2015

Good evening residents of Barrington. Here we are at our annual Town meeting to discuss and pass a budget for the coming fiscal year that runs from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.  On our agenda tonight are several resolutions to consider that will have long-lasting effects on our town and budget.  We will vote on a resolution to issue a bond to cap the landfills that were closed several years ago; a bond to renovate the second floor of the Library; and a bond to fund a renovation project at Victory Field at the High School.  We will proceed to discuss and adopt a school budget; a municipal budget; and a capital budget; and will consider a recommendation to increase the car tax exemption.

TO AUTHORIZE A TAX STABILIZATION/EXEMPTION AGREEMENT

RESOLVED:  that the Town Council is authorized, for a period of time up to and including May 31, 2016, to enter into a tax stabilization or exemption agreement for the development of a senior residential village and associated uses located at Assessor’s Plat 14, Lots 2, 4, 13, 341, 342, and 343, excluding therefrom any and all cottages which are sold to third parties by the developer, pursuant to the requirements of Rhode Island General Laws § 44-3-9, such agreement to be voted upon and adopted by the Town Council only after a public hearing at which findings are made as specified by statute.

Councilmember Ann Strong motioned to include the following amendments to the above resolution:

·         …up to and including March 31, 2016,

·         Provided that the developer invests at least $50,000,000 in the project, beyond the price of the property.

Town Manager Peter DeAngelis read the following:

The council is seeking authorization to enter into a tax stabilization or exemption agreement for a fixed period leading to full value, in accordance with Rhode Island General Law 44-3-9, the goal of which would be to promote the development of a Continuing Care Retirement Community at the former Zion Property located on Middle Highway.  Municipalities use tax stabilization to help enable economic development projects to become financially feasible.

Approving this action DOES NOT MEAN that there is a tax stabilization or exemption agreement.  It means that the Town Council, after a public hearing has the authority NOT THE REQUIREMENT to enter into such an agreement.

If approved this development will have a significant positive impact on the tax base and annual tax revenues are expected to reach $1.2 million when fully assessed.  The current annual tax revenues from the property are presently $106,000.

Approval of this resolution will allow the council to negotiate with the developer, the terms and conditions of which will be voted upon by the Town Council and will require a public hearing.

In addition to the increase of the tax base, benefits of the project include:

·         provision of senior housing in town;

·         remediation of significant environmental issues and removal of dilapidated buildings;

·         construction jobs and permanent operational positions;

·         the restoration of the historic Belton Court building (listed on the National Register of Historic Places)

Discussion ensued.

Gary Morse, 2 Westwood Lane, stated that this is the first time that the Town has asked the voters for the ability to enter into discussions towards a tax stabilization or exemption agreement.  Mr. Morse asked for clarification of RIGL 44-3-9 and if this resolution would compel the Town Council to ask the voters for approval of this tax stabilization or exemption.

Town Solicitor Michael Ursillo stated that the Town Council would need to hold a public hearing at which findings are made as specified by statute.

Paul Dulchinos, 20 Walnut Road, asked for clarification if this resolution did not pass this evening.

Town Solicitor Michael Ursillo stated that if this resolution did not pass this evening then the Town Council would not be able to discuss a tax stabilization or exemption.  Mr. Ursillo said that the Town Council, if the resolution passes, would give them the ability to negotiate a tax stabilization agreement or exemption for up to twenty (20) years and negotiate the interest amounts.

Cynthia C. Hughes, 106 Highland Avenue, asked for an explanation for the rationale of the amendments.

Mrs. Strong explained that the amendment to change the date within the resolution to March 31, 2016 is so that it would be less than 60 days before the next Financial Town Meeting.  Mrs. Strong stated the second amendment, for no less than $50,000,000 is so that it would be for a robust investment for any consideration towards a tax stabilization or exemption agreement with developers.

Nancy Barr, 78 Massasoit Avenue, asked if this future development would contain any senior affordable rental apartments.

Mrs. Califano stated that the question is too early to answer but if the resolution were to pass this evening, additional information, as well as, a public hearing, held in the future, will answer more specific questions.

Mrs. Califano stated that a vote is needed on the amendment to the resolution which would change the date within the resolution to March 31, 2016 and to include that the developer invests at least $50,000,000 in the project, beyond the price of the property

Amended Motion passed (voice vote).

Main Motion passed (voice vote).

Motion by Mrs. Speakman and seconded by Mrs. Weymouth to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION OF THE FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF 135 AND 139 GEORGE STREET

RESOLVED:  that the Town Council is authorized to sell at market value the real estate located at 135 George Street and 139 George Street subject to a Declaration of Conservation Easement and Restrictions as approved by the Town Council. It is further resolved that the proceeds from any sale first be applied to all sums due and owing to the Amey Tucker Spencer Trust expended in connection with the purchase of the real estate with any remaining proceeds to be deposited into the Town’s General Fund.

Town Manager Peter DeAngelis commented on the resolution:

Mr. DeAngelis stated that the original intent of this property was to explore affordable housing opportunities with funds from the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund; but a land swap with the Cemetery Commission has led to marketing two (2) buildable lots at 40,000 sq. feet each since the land will not be used for affordable housing.  This resolution will give the Town Council the authority to market the two (2) properties, reimburse the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund and the remaining proceeds to be deposited into the Town’s General Fund.

Sally Small, 5 Ida Court, motioned and seconded to amend the main motion to deposit the proceeds into the Barrington Cemetery Commission Fund.

Town Solicitor Michael Ursillo recommended that this motion is “out of order”.  Mr. Ursillo stated that the Attorney General has ruled that the proceeds must be applied to the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund if the land is not used for affordable housing.

Discussion ensued.  Mrs. Small clarified her amended motion for the “remaining” proceeds to be deposited into the Barrington Cemetery Commission Fund.

Mr. Ursillo withdrew his recommendation, calling for the motion to be “out of order”.

Kevin Fitta, 8 Indigo Road, asked if the land is zoned for conservation.

Town Manager Peter DeAngelis stated that Mrs. Small is one of three (3) a members of the Cemetery Commission. This proposal to swap land was voted 2-1 on at a Cemetery meeting. Mr. DeAngelis clarified further by saying, that with the “swap” the cemetery received an additional one (1) acre of land.  Mr. DeAngelis recommended that with the additional acre the cemetery commission should not receive additional funds.    

Mrs. Califano clarified that this area is well protected for wildlife and farming.

Amended Motion failed 119 - 96 (standing vote)   

Main Motion passed (voice vote).

Motion by Mrs. Speakman and seconded by Mrs. Weymouth to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION OF THE FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING

APPROPRIATING AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3,000,000 TO FINANCE THE REMEDIATION AND CAPPING OF FORMER TOWN LANDFILLS

AND MODIFICATION OF THE LANDFILLS FOR POST-CLOSURE USE INCLUDING ALL OTHER COSTS INCIDENTAL OR RELATED THERETO THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND/OR NOTES

Be it resolved that

Section 1.  In addition to sums previously appropriated, the sum of $3,000,000 be appropriated to finance the remediation and capping of former town landfills and modification of the landfills for post-closure use including all other costs incidental or related thereto (the “Project”) and to raise said appropriation, the Finance Director, with the approval of the Town Council, is authorized under Section 45-12-2 of the General Laws Rhode Island and Section 7-1-1 of the Home Rule Charter of the Town, as amended, to issue bonds therefor, to issue temporary notes in anticipation of the issuance of bonds, and to issue refunding bonds pursuant to Section 45-12-5.2.

Section 2.  The manner of sale, denominations, maturities, principal amounts, interest rates, and other terms, conditions and details of any bonds or notes issued pursuant to this authority may be fixed by proceedings of the Town Council authorizing the issue or by separate resolution of the Town Council or, to the extent provisions for these matters are not so made, they may be fixed by the officers authorized to sign the bonds or notes.  The bonds or notes shall be signed by the Finance Director and by the President of the Town Council.

Section 3.  This Resolution is an affirmative action of the Town of Barrington toward the issuance of bonds or notes in accordance with the purposes of the laws of the State.  This Resolution constitutes the Town’s declaration of official intent pursuant to the Treasury Regulations Section 1.150(2) to reimburse the Town for certain capital expenditures for the Project paid on or after the date which is sixty (60) days prior to the date of this Resolution, but prior to the issuance of the bonds or notes.  Amounts to be reimbursed shall not exceed $3,000,000 and shall be reimbursed not later than eighteen (18) months after (a) the date on which the expenditure is paid, or (b) the date the Project is placed in service or abandoned, but in no event later than three (3) years after the date the expenditure is paid.

Section 4.  The Finance Director and the President of the Town Council are hereby authorized to take all lawful action necessary or desirable under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to insure that the interest on the bonds and notes will remain exempt from federal income taxation to the extent provided in Section 103 of the Code, and to refrain from taking any action which will cause interest on such bonds and notes to lose the benefit of exclusion from gross income provided by Section 103(a) of the Code.  The Finance Director and the President of the Town Council are further authorized to take all lawful action necessary or desirable to designate the bonds and notes as “qualified tax-exempt obligations” within the meaning of Section 265(b)(3) of the Code.

Section 5. This Resolution shall take effect upon passage.

Town Manager Peter DeAngelis commented on the resolution:

The Town is in the process of closing four landfills.  Although the landfills have been inactive for some time they must be closed in accordance with Rhode Island Department Environmental Management policies and procedures. The Town entered the Rhode Island Department of Environmental voluntary closure program rather than eventually be forced into the Federal EPA program.  Landfills 1 & 2 have been closed in accordance with the program with a $3 million allocation previously approved at the 2009 financial town meeting.  We have begun the process of closing landfills 3 & 4 and closing cost is estimated to be approximately $4.5 million dollars.  The balance will be funded through the previously issued bond.  We have had very favorable results with the closure of landfills 1&2 located adjacent to Chianese Field and have actually been able to reclaim reusable open space.  This is something we must do, as EPA will mandate us to do so.

Paul Dulchinos, 20 Walnut Road, asked if there is a utilization plan after the capping.

Town Manager Peter DeAngelis stated,no, not at this time but this will give us the ability to provide additional recreational use.

Motion passed (voice vote).

Motion by Cindy Kaplan, 5 Karen Drive, and seconded by Laura Young, 14 Manor Drive, to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION OF THE FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING

APPROPRIATING AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,200,000 TO FINANCE THE RENOVATION,

REHABILITATION, IMPROVEMENT, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF

THE TOWN LIBRARY THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND/OR NOTES

Be it resolved that

Section 1.  In addition to sums previously appropriated, the sum of $1,200,000 be appropriated to finance the renovation, rehabilitation, improvement, furnishing and equipping of the Town Library (the “Project”) and to raise said appropriation, the Finance Director, with the approval of the Town Council, is authorized under Section 45-12-2 of the General Laws Rhode Island and Section 7-1-1 of the Home Rule Charter of the Town, as amended, to issue bonds therefor, to issue temporary notes in anticipation of the issuance of bonds, and to issue refunding bonds pursuant to Section 45-12-5.2.

Section 2.  The manner of sale, denominations, maturities, principal amounts, interest rates, and other terms, conditions and details of any bonds or notes issued pursuant to this authority may be fixed by proceedings of the Town Council authorizing the issue or by separate resolution of the Town Council or, to the extent provisions for these matters are not so made, they may be fixed by the officers authorized to sign the bonds or notes.  The bonds or notes shall be signed by the Finance Director and by the President of the Town Council.

Section 3.  This Resolution is an affirmative action of the Town of Barrington toward the issuance of bonds or notes in accordance with the purposes of the laws of the State.  This Resolution constitutes the Town’s declaration of official intent pursuant to the Treasury Regulations Section 1.150(2) to reimburse the Town for certain capital expenditures for the Project paid on or after the date which is sixty (60) days prior to the date of this Resolution, but prior to the issuance of the bonds or notes.  Amounts to be reimbursed shall not exceed $1,200,000 and shall be reimbursed not later than eighteen (18) months after (a) the date on which the expenditure is paid, or (b) the date the Project is placed in service or abandoned, but in no event later than three (3) years after the date the expenditure is paid.

Section 4.  The Finance Director and the President of the Town Council are hereby authorized to take all lawful action necessary or desirable under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to insure that the interest on the bonds and notes will remain exempt from federal income taxation to the extent provided in Section 103 of the Code, and to refrain from taking any action which will cause interest on such bonds and notes to lose the benefit of exclusion from gross income provided by Section 103(a) of the Code.  The Finance Director and the President of the Town Council are further authorized to take all lawful action necessary or desirable to designate the bonds and notes as “qualified tax-exempt obligations” within the meaning of Section 265(b)(3) of the Code.

Section 5. This Resolution shall take effect upon passage.

Library Director Deborah Barchi was present to explain that the resolution will be paired with private donations and grants to pay for a significant renovation to the library’s second floor.

Motion passed unanimously (voice vote).

Motion by Dr. Alex Robertson and seconded to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION OF THE FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING

AUTHORIZING A BOND ISSUE TO FUND A TURF FIELD

RESOLVED:  to appropriate $1,500,000 bond for the renovation of Victory Field at the Barrington High School to include, among other items, the installation of an artificial turf field, installation of a new 8-lane track, modification of the bleachers, installation of bathrooms in the Eagles’ Nest, and reconfiguration of the field lighting.  The Gale Associates’ feasibility study with 10% contingency and 6% soft costs were $2,461,020.62.  The difference between the final cost of the project and the aforementioned bond will be raised via private funding.

Dr. Alex Robertson read into the record the following:

My name is Alex Robertson and I have lived at 9 Elm Lane for the past 11 years

I often wondered if this day would come. A public discussion on the renovation of Victory Field – a state-of-the-art 8 lane track and an artificial turf field that could safely accommodate field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, and football. I began this process in November of 2013 with BHS athletic director George Finn. Along the way I have met or talked with many people in town:  George, the Boosters, Principal Hurley, Mike Messore, superintendent of schools, Parks and Rec, Dept of Public works, the high school football staff, the school board, a town planner, the appropriations committee, and the town council. The road has been bumpy at times. But now the decision lies with the people that should decide the projects fate: the taxpayers of Barrington. My plea to you all tonight is to listen with an open mind. Listen to the facts. The facts will lead you to vote in favor of this renovation.

There are over 11,000 turf fields in the US. There will shortly be 14 in RI. There are valid reasons for the proliferation of these fields. Any questions that you may have about artificial turf have already been asked and answered. These facilities are environmentally friendly. The Dept of Environmental Management in RI awards its largest grants, up to $400,000 for these projects. They require no fertilizers or pesticides. The water saved per year for one turf field equals the water used by 22 families of four. These fields are durable. These fields are cost-effective. One turf field is the equivalent of 4 grass fields. The cost per hour of use, a reflection of the maintenance costs and the frequency with which the field can be used is $15/hr. for turf and $60/hr. for grass. These fields are safe. This technology has been around for 40 years. The CT DPH writes there is “no scientific evidence for an elevated cancer risk”. The US EPA has taken the identical position. I am an orthopedic surgeon at University Orthopedics, a Brown faculty member.  I analyze studies pertaining to health issues on a daily basis. I am also the father of 3 wonderful girls in the Barrington public school system. Safety is my top priority. My professional reputation depends on it. And just as importantly, my reputation as a dad depends on it. I assure you; I would not let my children play on turf if it was unsafe.

And what is this going to cost us? .07 per year for 20 years. The opportunity for this facility to generate rental revenue would be tremendous.

Our schools are our most valuable asset. It’s why we move to Barrington. Our schools dictate our property values and our property taxes keep us solvent. Our educational facilities and resources, namely the teachers, have been maintained and supported. The athletic facilities have not. Victory Field was built in the 1950s. It works for football and nothing else. We lose kids every day who leave town for schools elsewhere that have better athletic opportunities. Our student-athletes are at a competitive disadvantage with their peers at other schools.

My committee has done the preliminary work. Picked up where others in town before us left off. Citizen efforts to get turf at the high school date back over 10 years. We have hired the preeminent engineering/athletic facility consulting firm to do a feasibility study. They have done LaSalle, Portsmouth, Brown, and countless others. Nothing has been bid out. This firm is not married to crumb rubber infill for the field and nor are we. There are other infill products but that is not a discussion for today.

It is time to stop procrastinating.  It is time to provide our kids with a safe, durable, and reliable athletic facility. So please listen carefully tonight. Make a rational and informed decision. Do the right thing for the present and future student athletes of this town; do the right thing for BHS; do the right thing for the town itself. Vote “yes” on this motion. 

The following voiced their opinion opposing the passage of this resolution:

Michael Tripp, 40 Lamson Road; Cynthia Fuller, 48 Townsend Street; Paul Dulchinos, 20 Walnut Road; Kathleen Crain, 11 Briarfield Road; John Hughes, 106 Highland Avenue; Sharon Hellmann, 13 Richmond Avenue; Kathy Cadigan, 88 Rumstick Road; Sara O’Brien, 88 Boyce Avenue; Jennifer Boylan, 140 Lincoln Avenue; Beverly Migliori, 51 Chachapacasset Avenue; Jeff Davidson, 22 Salisbury Road; Erika Sevetson, 408 New Meadow Road; Joel Hellmann, 13 Richmond Avenue; Jim Hasenfus, 5 Ellis Street; Tom Crain, 11 Briarfield Road; Peter Clifford, 6 Starbrook Drive; Howard Yarme, 39 Appian Way.   Discussion ensued regarding opposition – initial request was a full donation but now a $2.5 bond;  health concerns; exposure to chemicals; tracking “crumb tires” to other areas; maintenance costs of an artificial turf vs. traditional grass fields; and, due diligence and process to provide additional information to the residents and taxpayers.  

A motion by Kathleen Crain and seconded to cast a paper ballot.

Mrs. Califano explained that by the Town Charter, a vote must take place to have a paper ballot and that 20% of the voters must be in favor of having a paper vote.    The vote passed, 145 – 92.

The following are in favor to the proposed resolution:

Alex Rimoshytus, 1 Howard Street; Donald Denham, 7 Milton Road; Karen Flint, 16 Melrose Avenue; John Duffy, 33 Alfred Drown Road; Chris Flint, 16 Melrose Avenue; Peter Ramsden, 153 Rumstick Road; Tom Rimoshytus, 1 Howard Street.  Discussion ensued regarding a vote to pass – private contributions may not be there in the future; the many times the school needed to rent (at an additional cost) a facility with artificial turf during a season; discussion of the many fields that have been installed by other school departments; and, the children are playing on artificial turf at opponents events.  

School Committee Chair Kate Brody said that the School Committee did not endorse the concept to fund an artificial turf field but had agreed to endorse the concept under strategic planning into the future.

Town Council President June Speakman stated that the Town Council voted to create an Ad Hoc Committee to vet the process, but, once the Committee to Renovate Victory Field submitted a motion for the Financial Town Meeting we suspended the meetings.

Committee on Appropriations Chair Geoff Grove stated that within his message that the turf bond was not part of the capital budget and that an additional vetting process needs more analysis for determination into the future.

Councilmember Kate Weymouth stated that she is not favor of an artificial turf because there needs to be a complete study of potential impacts on the existing baseball field; the impact of the “tire crumbs”, the future maintenance costs,; that this is the first time that there are private funds with public funds – what are the ramifications.

Motion defeated (paper vote):  208 opposed – 139 in favor.

Motion by Mrs. Speakman and seconded by Mrs. Weymouth to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION OF THE FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING

AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF EMERGENCY NOTES

TO FUND EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS NOT TO EXCEED $5,000,000

RESOLVED:

Section 1.  In the event of an emergency threatening the public safety, health or welfare and requiring the immediate expenditure of money by the Town, the Town Council, on the written recommendation of the Town Manager, by resolution, may appropriate funds in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 and for purposes in addition to those contained in the operating budget or in the capital budget.  Such a resolution shall include a brief statement of the facts that show the existence of such emergency.

Section 2.  To fund said appropriation, the Finance Director, with the approval of the Town Council, is authorized under Section 45-12-2 of the General Laws Rhode Island to issue emergency notes.

Section 3.  The manner of sale, denominations, maturities, principal amounts, interest rates, and other terms, conditions and details of any emergency notes issued pursuant to this authority may be fixed by proceedings of the Town Council authorizing the issue or by separate resolution of the Town Council or, to the extent provisions for these matters are not so made, they may be fixed by the officers authorized to sign the emergency notes.  The notes shall be signed by the Finance Director and by the President of the Town Council.

Section 4. The Finance Director and the President of the Town Council are hereby authorized to take all lawful action necessary or desirable under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to insure that the interest on the emergency notes will remain exempt from federal income taxation to the extent provided in Section 103 of the Code, and to refrain from taking any action which will cause interest on the emergency notes to lose the benefit of exclusion from gross income provided by Section 103(a) of the Code.  The Treasurer and the President of the Town Council are further authorized to take all lawful action necessary or desirable to designate the emergency notes as “qualified tax-exempt obligations” within the meaning of Section 265(b)(3) of the Code.

Motion passed (voice vote).

Motion by Mrs. Speakman and seconded by Mrs. Mrs. Weymouth to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF TAX ANTICIPATION NOTES

IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,000,000

RESOLVED:

Section 1.  Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws Section 45‑12‑4 and Section 6-5-2 of the Town of Barrington Home Rule Charter the Finance Director and the President of the Town Council acting on behalf of the Town, are authorized to issue and refund, from time to time, not to exceed $5,000,000 interest bearing notes issued in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of the annual tax assessed or to be assessed upon the taxable property within the said Town as of December 31, 2014 for the financial year July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 for the purpose of providing funds for the payment of the current liabilities and expenses of said Town. 

Section 2.  The manner of sale, amount, denominations, maturities

conversion or registration privileges, dated dates, due dates, interest rates, medium of payment, and other terms, conditions and details of the Notes authorized hereunder may be fixed by proceedings of the Town Council authorizing the issue or by separate resolution of the Town Council or, to the extent provisions for these matters are not so made, they may be fixed by the officers authorized to sign the Notes.

Section 3.  The Director of Finance/Treasurer and the President of the Town Council are authorized to take all actions necessary to comply with federal securities laws including Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Rule”) and to execute and deliver if required in connection with the Notes a Continuing Disclosure Agreement or a Material Events Disclosure Agreement in the form as shall be deemed advisable by the Director of Finance and the President of the Town Council in order to comply with the Rule. The Town hereby covenants and agrees that it will comply with and carry out all provisions of any such Continuing Disclosure Agreement or Material Events Disclosure Agreement, as either of them may be amended from time to time.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Resolution or the Notes, failure of the Town to comply with any such Continuing Disclosure Agreement or Material Events Disclosure Agreement shall not be considered an event of default; however, any noteholder may take such actions as may be necessary and appropriate, including seeking a mandate or specific performance by court order, to cause the Town to comply with its obligations under this Section and under any such agreement.

Motion passed (voice vote).

Mrs. Califano stated by RI law, voters can only make motions to increase or decrease the bottom line of the school budget. The School Committee has sole authority to determine how that bottom line is allocated. You may, however, ask questions about individual budget items and make non-binding recommendations.

This year there are no pre-filed motions, so any motion to introduce an entirely new budget line item of more than $25,000 or to increase or decrease an existing line item by more than $50,000 would be out of order, according to the Barrington Town Charter.  This is the time to ask any questions you might have about the school budget.

Account Number              Account                                                               FY Ending June 30, 2016                

0300                                  Public Schools                                                                       $47,443,789

Motion passed (voice vote). 

Mrs. Califano stated if there are no further questions or comments, you have adopted a school budget as recommended.

Mrs. Califano stated unlike the school budget, the municipal budget, is a line item budget. Motions may be made to increase or decrease any department budget, but, because there are no pre-filed motions, no motion can increase or decrease any department budget by more than $50,000.

Municipal Budget     

Mrs. Califano asked if there were any comments or questions.

Mrs. Califano stated if there were any further questions or comments; there were not.  Mrs. Califano stated you have approved the municipal budget.

Mrs. Califano explained that the sewer utility is an enterprise fund.  The budget is fully funded by the sewer fees.  And Revenues are established outside the authority of the town meeting, but if there are any questions about revenues or the sewer fund, to please ask them.  There were no questions.

850SE              Sewer Utility                                                                    3,834,386

Motion by Mr. Grove and seconded by Mrs. Strong to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

ADOPTING THE REPORT

OF THE COMMITTEE-ON-APPROPRIATIONS

RESOLVED:  that the report of the Committee-on-Appropriations, appointed to prepare a budget, be adopted and in accordance therewith, the sum of $65,922,728 be and the same hereby is appropriated to be expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, and the Town Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to pay out of the several appropriations mentioned, said sums within the amounts appropriated, as may be required upon receipt by her of proper vouchers approved by the Town Manager, or otherwise as provided by law.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:  that the report of the Committee-on-Appropriations with regard to the Sewer Enterprise Fund be adopted and in accordance therewith the sum of                      $3,834,386 be and the same hereby is appropriated to be expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, and the Town Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to pay out of the Sewer Enterprise Fund said sums within the amount appropriated as may be required upon receipt by her of proper vouchers approved by the Town Manager or otherwise as provided by law.  The expenditure shall be supported by revenue generated by said fund.

Motion passed (voice vote).

Motion by Mr. Grove and seconded by Mrs. Speakman to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF A TAX AND DEALING

WITH KINDRED MATTERS

RESOLVED:  that the electors of the Town of Barrington, qualified to vote on any proposition to impose a tax, in Town Meeting assembled, on this 27^TH day of May, a.d. 2015, hereby order the levy and collection of a tax on the ratable real estate, the ratable tangible personal property, ratable tangible personal property of manufacturer's machinery and equipment (the rate of said ratable tangible personal property of manufacturer's consisting of manufacturer's machinery and equipment to be in accordance with limitations and provisions of statutory law of the State of Rhode Island) and motor vehicle excise tax in the sum not less than $56,843,617 nor more than $58,766,029, said tax to be for ordinary expenses and charges, for the payment of interest and indebtedness in full or in part of said Town and for other purposes authorized by law.

The Tax Assessor shall apportion said tax on the inhabitants and taxable property of said Town according to law, and shall, upon completion of said resulting tax roll, date, certify and sign the same and deliver to and deposit the same in the Office of the Town Clerk.  The Town Clerk, upon receipt of said assessments, shall forthwith make a copy of same and deliver it to the Finance Director with a warrant under her hand directed to the Collector of Taxes of said Town commanding him to proceed to collect said tax on the person and estates liable therefor.  Said tax shall be due and payable on the 1^st day of September, a.d. 2015, and all taxes remaining unpaid after September 30, 2015, shall carry until collected, a penalty at the rate of 18 per cent per annum from the due date of any quarterly installment, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the persons assessed to pay their taxes shall have an option to pay the same in equal quarterly installments; the first installment of twenty-five per centum on or before the 30^th day of September 2015, and the remaining installments as follows:  twenty-five per centum on or before the 30^th day of December 2015, twenty-five per centum on or before the 30^th day of March 2016, and twenty-five per centum on or before the 30^th day of June 2016.

If the first installment or any succeeding installments of taxes is not paid by the last date of the respective installment period or periods as they occur then the whole tax or remaining unpaid balance of the tax as the case may be shall immediately become due and payable and shall carry until collected a penalty at the rate of 18 per cent per annum.

As of the 31^st day of December 2015, at twelve o'clock midnight, the Assessor of Taxes shall determine the assessed valuation of ratable property in the Town for tax purposes and against such assessed valuations so determined shall apportion the tax levy to be made by the electors in Financial Town Meeting on May 25, 2016 on the inhabitants of the Town and ratable property therein to meet appropriations.

RESOLVED:  that the Collector of Taxes is hereby directed to attend any meeting of the Town Council held on its regular meeting date on or before May 2016 prepared to certify to the Council the names of all persons whose taxes have remained unpaid or have been paid under protest as of that date, together with all amounts due from each, and also all the information in her possession connected with each case.  The Tax Collector shall also prepare and certify to the Town Council the names of all persons to whom she recommends there shall be granted tax abatements on tangible personal property because they have deceased leaving no assets, have moved out of State leaving no assets or whose tax has been ruled uncollectible by court, as provided in the General Laws of Rhode Island, 1956, as amended, Title 44, Chapter 7, Section 14, as amended to date, together with the reason for the abatement and the amount.

RESOLVED:  that the Assessor of Taxes is directed to attend any meeting of the Town Council held on its regular meeting date on or before May 2016 prepared to certify to the Council the names of all persons recommended to be granted tax abatements because of mistakes in the assessment as provided in the General Laws of 1956, Title 44, Chapter 7, Section 14, as amended to date, together with the nature of the mistake, the valuation and the amount of tax recommended for abatement.

RESOLVED:  that the Town Council is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to investigate each case so brought before them, and whenever in their judgment, the tax

has been illegally or wrongfully assessed or the tax on any tangible personal property is uncollectible because the owner has deceased leaving no assets, has moved out of State leaving no assets or whose tax has been ruled uncollectible by the court, they are hereby authorized and empowered to remit such tax.  In all cases, the Collector of Taxes is hereby directed to collect by process of law, all taxes due and unpaid on August 1, 2015.  The Collector of Taxes is further directed to collect by process of law all tangible personal property taxes levied in 2015, which remain unpaid on September 30, 2015 unless being paid quarterly.

RESOLVED:  that the Finance Director is hereby authorized to hire such sum or sums of money as may be necessary for the operation of the Town Government, and

RESOLVED:  that the Finance Director and Collector of Taxes and such other Town Officers as the Town Council may designate shall secure their bonds from some good surety company and the Town assume the expenses.        

Motion passed (voice vote).

Motion by Mr. Grove and seconded to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

TO ESTABLISH TAX RATES

RESOLVED: that the real estate and personal property tax rate be set at not greater than

$18.25 per $1,000 valuation and the motor vehicle tax rate be set at $42.00 per

$1,000 valuation.

Motion passed (voice vote).

Motion by Mrs. Mary Alyce Gasbarro and seconded by Mrs. Joan Warren to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

ELECTING A COMMITTEE

TO PREPARE A BUDGET AND SUBMIT A REPORT

RESOLVED: that a committee of five (5) consisting of Peter Dennehy, 36 Hanson Road, for a term ending May, 2017; Geoffrey E. Grove, 16 Robbins Drive, for a term ending May, 2017; Melissa M. Horne, 45 Appian Way, for a term ending May, 2017; Chad Mollica, 4 River Oak Road, for a term ending May, 2016  and Richard F. Staples, Jr., 13 Middle Street, for a term ending May, 2016 is hereby elected to hold a public meeting on the second Wednesday in May 2016 at 7:00 o'clock p.m. for the purpose of hearing all persons interested in preparing a budget to be presented to the Financial Town Meeting and to submit a printed report of their recommendations for expenditures to the Financial Town Meeting, and the amount of tax which will be necessary to levy to pay such expenses, and      

RESOLVED:  that in case of a vacancy in the committee after the appointment of its members, such vacancy shall be filled immediately by the Town Council, and

RESOLVED:  further that the Town Clerk with the said Committee-on-Appropriations shall prepare and have printed an order of business for each Financial Town Meeting.

Mrs. Califano stated, beginning with this Town Meeting, we will be electing members of the Committee on Appropriations to two (2) year, staggered terms. This year, three (3) members will be elected to two (2) year terms and two (2) members will be elected to one (1) year terms.

Alan Klepper nominated Joel Hellmann, 13 Richmond Avenue, to the Committee on Appropriations and seconded.

Mrs. Califano stated because we have more than five (5) nominations, we will be using a paper ballot to elect the Committee on Appropriations. There are six (6) names printed on the ballot and there are spaces to write in any other names for nomination. You may vote for as many as five (5) nominees.

Motion passed (paper ballot vote).  Mrs. Califano announced that Peter Dennehy, 36 Hanson Road, for a term ending May, 2017; Geoffrey E. Grove, 16 Robbins Drive, for a term ending May, 2017; Melissa M. Horne, 45 Appian Way, for a term ending May, 2017; Chad Mollica, 4 River Oak Road, for a term ending May, 2016 and Richard F. Staples, Jr., 13 Middle Street, for a term ending May, 2016 are hereby elected.

Mr. Clifford is resigning after two (2) seasons, 2014 and 2015 of service; he was appointed to the Committee on Appropriations on February 24, 2014.

Motion to dissolve the Financial Town Meeting at 10:40 PM.

Motion passed (voice vote).

__________________________

Meredith J. DeSisto, Town Clerk