MINUTES

EXETER TOWN COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

APRIL 3, 2017

No. 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Council President Kevin McGovern led Council and the Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.

No. 2: CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL:

The Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council was called to order at 7:04 p.m., Monday, April 3, 2017, in Council Chambers, Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.

Roll Call:	Kevin P. McGovern	Present
	Daniel W. Patterson	Present
	Calvin A. Ellis	Present
	Francis T. Maher, Jr.	Absent - Ill
	Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr.	Present

Also Present:	James P. Marusak, Esq., Town Solicitor;
	Kenneth G. Findlay, Council Assistant;
	and Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC, Town Clerk

No. 3: PUBLIC COMMENT:

No one came forward to make Public Comment.

No. 4: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

A. EXETER DOG LICENSING: DUE ANNUALLY; APRIL 1 – JUNE 1, $6.00; AFTER JUNE 1, $6.00 PER LICENSE PLUS $25.00 LATE FEE PER LICENSE; CAN BE OBTAINED AT EXETER ANIMAL SHELTER OR EXETER TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE:

Mr. McGovern reminded the Public to license or renew their dogs’ licenses.

B. RABIES CLINIC: EXETER ANIMAL SHELTER; SUNDAY, APRIL 9, 2017, 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.; $12.00, CASH ONLY; CURRENT RABIES CERTIFICATE REQUIRED; LEASHES REQUIRED FOR DOGS; CARRIERS REQUIRED FOR CATS:

Mr. McGovern encouraged the Public to attend the Rabies Clinic if their dog or cat requires vaccination.

C. EXETER-WEST GREENWICH SCHOOL DISTRICT ALL-DAY REFERENDUM: MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017, 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M., COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EXETER CLERK’S OFFICE, 675 TEN ROD ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND:

Mr. McGovern encouraged the Public to vote on the School budget.

D. EXETER FIRE DISTRICT ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 2017, 7:00 P.M., EXETER-WEST GREENWICH JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, JOSEPH WALSH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (AUDITORIUM), 930 NOOSENECK HILL ROAD, WEST GREENWICH, RHODE ISLAND:

Mr. McGovern encouraged the Public to attend the meeting to vote on the Fire District’s budget.

E. EXETER JOB CORPS ACADEMY GRADUATION: SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2017, 11:00 A.M., EXETER JOB CORPS ACADEMY, 162 MAIN STREET, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND:

Mr. Ellis encouraged the Public to attend the graduation to support the graduating students.

F. EXETER JOB CORPS ACADEMY FUNDRAISER: THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017, 5:30 P.M. AND 7:00 P.M., EXETER JOB CORPS ACADEMY, 162 MAIN STREET, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND:

Mr. Ellis encouraged the Public to attend the fundraiser meal to support the culinary students who will be participating in an upcoming competition.

No. 5: APPROVAL OF AGENDA ORDER:

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Agenda Order; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

No. 6: CONSENT AGENDA:

A. REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST:

There were no vouchers to remove.

B. REPORTS:

1. TREASURER’S REPORT: Maria Lawler

2. TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: Lynn M. Hawkins

3. TAX COLLECTOR’S REPORT: Kimberly A. Robitaille

4. TAX ASSESSOR’S REPORT: Kerri A. Petrarca

5. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Director, Stephen P. Mattscheck

6. IT REPORT: Director, Michael Forlingieri

7. TOWN PLANNER’S REPORT: Ashley Sweet

8. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES REPORT: Director, Christine Heart-Skaggs

9. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORT: Director, E. Stefan Coutoulakis

10. ANIMAL CONTROL REPORT: Director, Stephen P. Mattscheck

11. PROBATE REPORT: Clerk, Lynn M. Hawkins

There were no reports removed.

C. COMMUNICATIONS:

Mr. Patterson removed Nos. 9, 16, 19, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29. Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 5, 6, 8, 12, and 13.

D. SCHEDULE OF APRIL MEETINGS AND EVENTS:

The Schedule of March Meetings and Events was not removed.

E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

1. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, MARCH 6, 2017

2. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, EXECUTIVE SESSION, MARCH 6, 2017

The Minutes were not removed.

F. KENNEL LICENSE RENEWALS:

1. Class 1 (over 10 dogs):

a. Robert E. and Marianne Winski, Cozy Paws Pet Resort, 495 Nooseneck Hill Road

b. Scott and Ruth Gordon, Delmyra Kennels, 191 Ten Rod Road

c. John Mann, Mann’s Best Friend, 76 Levitt Lane

d. Ruth Colwill, 174 Hallville Road

2. Class 2 (four to ten dogs):

a. John J. Hood, 9 Skunk Hill Road

b. Gary E. Donnelly, 224 South Road

c. Susan Newell, 23 New Road

The Clerk reported that all requirements for all kennel licenses have been met.

There were no licenses removed.

G. HAWKER’S LICENSE RENEWALS:

1. Walter A. Linton, Walt’s Hot Dogs, 483 Tripps Corner Road, Exeter, Rhode Island

2. Warren Philippi, Warren’s Bargains Galore, 171 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter, Rhode Island

3. Bonnie L. Caldwell, Bon Bon Appetit, 622 South County Trail, Exeter, Rhode Island

The Clerk reported that Mr. Linton did not submit a renewal application because he could not obtain permission from the property owner for his location and that Mr. Philippi and Ms. Caldwell have met all requirements for renewal of their licenses. Mr. Linton’s will not be considered. Should Mr. Linton in the future obtain a new location, he will be required to apply for a new license.

H. PEDDLER’S LICENSE RENEWAL:

1. Ray Lyons, C&C Lemonade, Inc., d/b/a Del’s Lemonade, 410 Kingstown Road, Richmond, Rhode Island

The Clerk reported that Mr. Lyons has met all requirements for renewal of his license.

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to approve the Consent Agenda as amended; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to approve the Regular Council Meeting Minutes of March 6, 2017, and the Regular Council Meeting Minutes, Executive Session, of March 6, 2017; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

No. 7: VACANCIES AND APPOINTMENTS:

A. VACANCIES:

1. Personnel Board Members (Inactive)

2. Conservation Commission (Inactive)

3. Economic Development Commission (Inactive)

There has been one letter of interest received for the Conservation Commission.

Seven members are needed. There have been no letters of interest received for the Personnel Board or the Economic Development Commission. These vacancies will continue to post.

B. RESIGNATIONS:

There were no resignations.

1. Elizabeth Voso, Exeter Juvenile Hearing Board Member (unexpired term ending March 2019):

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to accept resignation of Elizabeth Voso as Exeter Juvenile Hearing Board Member; seconded by Mr. McGovern; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to post the vacant position of Exeter Juvenile Hearing Board Member for the unexpired term ending March 2019; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in eh affirmative.

C. APPOINTMENTS:

1. Juvenile Hearing Board Member (term commencing date of appointment; expiring three years from date of appointment):

Council has one letter of interest (Communication No. 31).

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to appoint Alicia Cinquegrana as Juvenile Hearing Board Member for term commencing date of appointment and expiring three years from date of appointment; seconded by Mr. McGovern.

Discussion: Council has letter from Frank Herrera, Chair, Exeter Juvenile Hearing Board, recommending that Ms. Cinquegrana be appointed. Ms. Cinquegrana had applied for a previous vacancy and was interviewed by the Board.

Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

2. Scote Miller, Constable (term commencing date of appointment; expiring one year from date of appointment):

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to reappoint Scote Miller as Constable for term commencing date of appointment and expiring one year from date of appointment; seconded by Mr. Morrissey.

Discussion: Council has Town Sergeant Richard Brown’s recommendation that Scote Miller be reappointed as Constable, William Donovan be reappointed as Special Constable (Agenda Item No. 7C3), and Thomas Allen be reappointed as Special Constable (Agenda Item No. 7C4).

Back to the Motion:

Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

3. William Donovan, Special Constable (term commencing date of appointment; expiring one year from date of appointment):

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to reappoint William Donovan as Special Constable for term commencing date of appointment and expiring one year from date of appointment; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

4. Thomas Allen, Special Constable (term commencing date of appointment; expiring one year from date of appointment):

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to reappoint Thomas Allen as Special Constable for term commencing date of appointment and expiring one year from date of appointment; seconded by Mr. Morrissey.

Discussion: Mr. Ellis noted that Town Sergeant Richard Brown’s recommendation indicates that he, the Constable, and the Special Constables work well together; therefore, he recommends the reappointments.

Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

D. EXPIRING TERMS:

There were no Expiring Terms.

No. 8: PUBLIC HEARINGS:

A. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 2016 RIPDES SMALL MS4 ANNUAL REPORT:

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to open the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Director of Public Works Stephen Mattscheck prepared the report. As required by the State, a public hearing must be held for comments. There were no comments from the Public. The report is required to manage storm water runoff into the State’s rivers, ocean, etc.

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to close the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to accept Stormwater Management Program 2016 RIPDES Small MS4 Annual Report as presented by Director of Public Works Stephen Mattscheck; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

B. OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION: JOEL HOWARD, APPLICANT, 1933 SOUTH COUNTY TRAIL, WEST KINGSTON, RHODE ISLAND, ON BEHALF OF THE SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND TRUCK PULLERS ASSOCIATION: TO HOLD TRUCK PULLS SATURDAY, MAY 20, JULY 22 (RAIN DATE, JULY 29), SEPTEMBER 16, AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 9:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M., ON TOWN-OWNED REYNOLDS FIELD, SOUTH ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND:

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to open the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

The abutters were duly noticed. There were no complaints stemming from last year’s truck pulls. In thanks for use of the field, the truck pullers assist in maintaining the field and donate to the Town’s food bank.

The Clerk reported that, other than providing a Certificate of Insurance, the applicant has met all requirements.

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to close the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to grant Outdoor Entertainment License to Joel Howard on behalf of the Southern New England Truck Pullers as indicated in the application subject to the Certificate of Insurance being provided; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

C. PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION: KIKI’S GARDEN/THE KRISTA WELLER BURNS FOUNDATION, APPLICANT, 135 TEN ROD ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND: TO HOLD “KIKI’S GARDEN SUNFLOWER SOIREE,” A CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL, AT CAMP CANONICUS CONFERENCE CENTER, 54 EXETER ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND, TO INCLUDE FAMILY FUN GAMES, CREATIVE ACTIVITIES, MUSIC, AND CONTESTS, ON SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2017, 12:00 P.M. TO 5:00 P.M.:

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to open the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Mr. Weller was present and thanked Council for allowing the event for the last few years. Mr. Weller stated that the event is held in his daughter’s name, is a way to give back to the community and engage the community in creative activities, is geared towards families and children, and is a casual, fun event. Funds made from the event are given back as scholarships to the Towns of Exeter, West Greenwich, and North Kingstown.

The Clerk reported that all requirements have been met, $137.15 is owed for certified mailings and advertising, and a fire detail is not needed.

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to close the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to grant Public Entertainment License to Kiki’s Garden/The Krista Weller Burns Foundation for its event on July 29, 2017 at Camp Canonicus subject to the fees owing being paid; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

D. PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION: PENDAR REALTY, LLC/OAK HARBOUR VILLAGE, APPLICANT, 567 SOUTH COUNTY TRAIL, SUITE 111, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND: TO HOLD ON ITS FRONT LAWN GROUNDS: 1) CLASSIC CAR CRUISES WITH DISC JOCKEY, WENDESDAY EVENINGS, MAY 3, 2017, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 27, 2017, 5:00 P.M. TO DUSK; AND 2) YEAR-END AWARDS SHOW, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2017 (RAIN DATE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2017), 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. A 50/50 CHARITY RAFFLE TO BENEFIT THE EXETER ANIMAL SHELTER:

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to open the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Richard George of DJ Car Productions was present and stated that he will be hosting the car cruises. Mr. George hosts about 40 car shows and cruises per season. There will be a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Exeter Animal Shelter. The Oak Harbour car cruises are a good cruise and good for Exeter.

The Clerk reported that all requirements have been met, $103.40 is owed for certified mailings and advertising, and a fire detail is not needed.

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to close the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to grant Public Entertainment License to Pendar Realty/Oak Harbour Village for its car cruises as indicated in the application, subject to the fees owing being paid; seconded by Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

No. 9: NEW BUSINESS:

A. PERSONNEL ISSUES/LABOR NEGOTIATIONS:

Mr. Patterson had one matter to discuss in Executive Session.

B. EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST MEMBERS: TERMS OF APPOINTEES:

Council appointed the members last month but did not set the terms for each member.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to assign the Exeter Rural Land Preservation Trust Members’ terms based on the order that their letters of interest were received; seconded by Mr. McGovern.

Discussion: In keeping with the ordinance, Brian Lesinski and Marybeth McKenna will serve three-year terms, Ms. Bonn and Mr. Boudreau will serve two-year terms, and Mr. Northup will serve a one-year term; and at the end of their terms, should the members seek reappointment, reappointment will be for four years.

Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

C. APRIL COMMUNICATION NO. 30: IN-PERSON EARLY VOTING (HOUSE BILL 2017- H5700; SENATE BILL 2017 – S0422):

Mr. Ellis, concerned about the ramifications to the Town, both financially and logistically, suggested that Council support striking of the section regarding in-person early voting from the bill. The Clerk explained that the Board of Canvassers or persons in their place will have to be present (and paid) for early voting 20 days before Election Day and a voting machine will have to be set up in the Town Clerk’s Office building each day and stored securely each night (a logistics challenge in the building). Thomas McMillan, a resident, was concerned with security of the machine, the ballots, both during the day and at night. For persons who need to vote early, there are accommodations presently in place. If the bill goes through, in-person early voting will be an unfunded, State mandate. The Clerks’ Association has expressed its opposition to Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to direct the Clerk to forward a letter on behalf of Council in opposition to in-person early voting and requesting that the section be stricken from the bills; seconded by Mr. McGovern; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

D. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: HOUSE BILL 2017 – H 5555; SENATE BILL 2017 – S 0420: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS – ADULT USE OF CANNABIS ACT:

Council has copies of resolutions and ordinance and zone changes adopted by other towns. Council engaged in lengthy discussion regarding the bill and possible changes that, if the bill passes, will need to be made to the ordinances and zoning matrix. Michael Cerrullo, who has served as an expert witness on and studied this topic for the last four years, spoke regarding the bill. If the bill passes, if a city or town does not want a specific kind of marijuana business (grower, cultivator, vapor, or retail), it will have to hold a referendum at the next General Election to opt out. Studies regarding the impact on the cities, towns, and State and fiscal analyses have not been done. Mr. Cerrullo urged that Council adopt a resolution opposing the bill and start the process of changes to the Town’s ordinance. Council reviewed Communication No. 13, resolution from Town of Narragansett opposing the legislation.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to “Exeterize” and adopt resolution by the Town of Narragansett (Communication No. 13) opposing the legalization of marijuana use, House Bill 2017 – H 5555 and Senate Bill 2017 – S 0420; seconded by Mr. McGovern.

Discussion: Discussion ensued regarding adoption of the resolution (whether to adopt this evening for review consideration). A paragraph referencing the bills will be added to the resolution. The sooner Council takes a position and instructs the Planning Board to proceed, the better.

Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to direct the Planning Board to start modifying the zoning regulations; seconded by Mr. Morrissey.

Discussion: Mr. Ellis suggested that the Planner be directed to review and submit her recommendation and proposal to the Planning Board for its consideration. Mr. McGovern accepted the amendment.

Back to the Motion:

Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

E. INTRODUCTION, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE FULL FUNDING OF TRANSPORTATION CATEGORICAL AID AS OUTLINED IN R.I.G.L. 16-7.2, THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT:

Governor Gina Raimondo is proposing slashing full funding from the State budget. State law provides for full funding. To encourage cities and towns to regionalize, the State promised full funding for transportation. The resolution opposes full funding being removed from the State budget.

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to adopt Resolution in Support of the Full Funding of Transportation Categorical Aid as Outlined in R.I.G.L. 16-7.2, the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act; seconded by Mr. McGovern.

Discussion: Mr. McGovern noted that State law allows for full funding therefore should not be slashed from the State budget.

Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

No. 10: UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

A. HISTORIC PRESERVATION/HISTORIC CEMETERIES:

Mr. Findlay had nothing new to report.

B. IT SERVICE CONTRACT WITH NORTH KINGSTOWN:

The Clerk reported that services are status quo.

C. REQUEST OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR, E. STEFAN COUTOULAKIS: APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING:

Mr. Coutoulakis continues to work on the memorandum of understanding.

D. TRANSFER STATION STUDY COMMITTEE:

Mr. Morrissey reported that the Committee is drafting a letter and report for presentation to Council.

E. PRISM PROJECT:

Mr. Ellis reported that twenty-eight communities are at various phases. Providence, being a larger community, is reporting savings. Exeter does not have enough streetlights to recognize a savings and thus is not part of the project.

F. INTRODUCTION, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION:ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY GOVERNING CERTAIN STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR TOWN OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND MEMBERS OF TOWN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:

Council reviewed the policy at its last work session. Mr. Findlay suggested that the policy be circulated for comments.

MOTION made by Mr. McGovern to forward the policy to all staff and direct that comments be sent to Council Assistant Kenneth Findlay by April 21, 2017; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

G. NORTH KINGSTOWN PRESERVE AT ROLLING GREENS PROJECT: LIAISON REPORT:

Mr. McGovern had nothing new to report.

No. 11: REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, COMMITTEES:

A. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT LIAISON’S REPORT: Town Council Member, Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr.:

Mr. Morrissey reported that the winter gear has been put away and that basin cleaning, tree trimming, and road sweeping has begun.

B. TRANSFER STATION LIAISON’S REPORT: Town Council Member, Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr.:

Mr. Morrissey reported that the Transfer Station looks good and that recycling and trash compressing has increased. On Sunday, when he was disposing of his trash at the Transfer Station, Mr. Morrissey observed impatient people cutting the line and upsetting the traffic flow. He implored the Public to follow the traffic pattern and obey the signs, which measures are in place for expediency and safety. Persons can contact Mr. Morrissey with complaints or issues.

C. ANIMAL CONTROL LIAISON’S REPORT: Town Council Member, Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr.:

Mr. Morrissey reported that the shelter has three dogs and twelve cats and that the Friends of Exeter Animals received a grant and are having murals painted by a professional artist on the indoor runs.

D. TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE LIAISON’S REPORT: Town Council Member, Francis T. Maher, Jr.:

Mr. McGovern reported that collections for the month of March were $2,147,397.15 and that sixteen properties remain on the tax sale list.

E. EXETER-WEST GREENWICH SCHOOL DISTRICT LIAISON’S REPORT: Town Council Member, Francis T. Maher, Jr.:

Diane Allen, School Committee Member, encouraged the Public to vote at Monday’s referendum. The attendance has not been good past years. The School Budget, if approved, will go up 2.37% for Exeter and 4% for West Greenwich, mainly because of increases in health benefits.

F. TAX ASSESSOR’S OFFICE LIAISON’S REPORT: Town Council Member, Calvin A. Ellis:

Mr. Ellis reported that the motor vehicle roll is being reviewed, there has been an increase in property values, eight new business accounts have been added to the roll, and it appears the solar agreement will be put in place as approved.

G. EXETER JOB CORPS ACADEMY LIAISON’S REPORT: Town Council Member, Calvin A. Ellis:

Mr. Ellis reported that he, the Clerk, and others, have forwarded letters to the United States Department of Labor to support funding. Mr. Ellis read his letter in part. The Center reports that many of its graduates are gainfully employed, is currently ranked No. 2 out of 125 centers in the nation, and has a new director, Jennifer O’Neal.

H. WASHINGTON COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT: Town Council Member, Calvin A. Ellis:

Mr. Ellis reported that affordable housing legislation and marijuana growing sites were discussed.

I. PUBLIC SAFETY/DISASTER PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE/TOWN SERGEANT/TOWN CONSTABLE LIAISON’S REPORT: Town Council Vice President, Daniel W. Patterson:

Mr. Patterson encouraged the public to vote on the Fire District Budget on April 12, 2017. With respect to the recent rain and tomorrow’s rain, Mr. Patterson cautioned the Public regarding possible flooding.

J. EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY LIAISON’S REPORT: Town Council President, Kevin P. McGovern:

Mr. McGovern reported that the Library will hold its Annual Spring Craft Fair on May 6, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

K. TOWN COUNCIL ASSISTANT’S REPORT: Town Council Assistant, Kenneth G. Findlay:

Mr. Findlay reported that, going forward, videos of Council Regular Meetings will be posted on YouTube rather than Public Access.

L. SOLICITOR’S REPORT: James P. Marusak, Esquire, Gidley Sarli & Marusak:

Attorney Marusak will discuss two litigation matters in Executive Session, Riccitelli and Browning Mill. With respect to the Zarrella litigation, the Supreme Court placed the matter on its Show Cause Calendar. Mr. Zarrella has twenty days to respond; then Attorney Marusak’s office will respond.

No. 12: BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, ABATEMENTS:

A. BILL SHEET:

MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to approve Bill Sheet dated March 30, 2017; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted as follows:

Kevin P. McGovern	Abstain
Daniel W. Patterson	Yes
Calvin A. Ellis	Yes
Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr.	Yes

Motion passes.

B. TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS:

There were no Tax Assessor’s Abatements.

C. TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES AND ABATEMENTS:

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve Tax Collector’s Remittances in the amount of $208.15 and Tax Collector’s Abatements in the amount of $4,585.23; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

No. 13: OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES:

There were no Other Administrative Issues.

No. 14: COMMUNICATIONS:

No. 5. 03/07/2017 Letter from Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program requesting assistance in identifying new locations for investment and industrial development:

Statewide Planning is collecting a registry of parcels to be considered for possible, future, industrial development.

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to direct the Town Planner Ashley Sweet look at the zoning map and indicate if there are sites that could be forwarded to Statewide Planning; seconded by Mr. Patterson.

Discussion: Mr. McGovern was concerned that the State might look at the sites for its own use.

Back to the Motion: Voted as follows:

Kevin P. McGovern	No
Daniel W. Patterson	Yes
Calvin A. Ellis	Yes
Raymond A. Morrissey, Jr.	Yes

Motion passes.

No. 6. 03/07/2017 Request from Town of Burrillville requesting Council to adopt a resolution in support of proposed amendments to the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Act:

No action taken.

No. 8. 03/07/2017 From Evelyn Wheeler: Town of Narragansett: Ordinance in Amendment of Chapter 70 of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Narragansett, Rhode Island, Entitled “Taxation & Finance”:

Tax Assessor Kerri Petrarca has indicated her opposition to adopting such amendments.

No action taken.

No. 9. 03/07/2017 From Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District: Two Resolutions: 1) Resolution by Regional Coalition of School Districts and Communities in Support of the Reinstatement of a Portion of the Regionalization Bonus as Outlined in R.I.G.L. 16-7.2; 2) Resolution by Regional Coalition of School Districts and Communities in Support of the Full Funding of Transpor-tation Categorical Aid as Outlined in R.I.G.L. 16-7.2: