MINUTES

 

EXETER TOWN COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

 

JUNE 1, 2020

 

 

Per Governor Gina Raimondo’s recent Executive Orders, which relaxed the provision

in Open Meetings Law, RIGL 42-46-5(b), prohibiting public bodies from meeting by telephone, this meeting was held via teleconference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

Town Clerk Lynn Hawkins instructed the Council and Public regarding this Zoom teleconference meeting.

 

Due to technical difficulties, the meeting was delayed.

 

No.   1:  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Town Council Member Manuel Andrews led Council and the Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Mr. Ellis asked the Council and Public to join him in a moment of silence to show

respect to those who have succumbed and are affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic

and first responders and victims of the current, nationwide epidemic of violence and destruction due to the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

 

No.   2:  CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL:

The Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council was called to order at 7:24 p.m., Monday, June 1, 2020, via Zoom teleconference as indicated on the agenda for this evening’s meeting.

 

Roll Call:                    Calvin A. Ellis                          Present

                                    Francis P. DiGregorio             Present

                                    Robert M. Conn                                  Present

                                    Manuel Andrews                                 Present

                                    Daniel W. Patterson                            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:

Mr. Ellis reminded the Public that there is a three-minute limit for comment and noted the statements regarding public comments on the agenda, especially with respect to Council’s silence concerning a matter raised.

 

Asa Davis:  Regarding a Notice of Intent to Enforce received from the Department of Environmental Management (“DEM”) citing violations at the Public Works Garage property, Mr. Davis suggested: that a Council member be put in charge of the resolution of the violations; that the funds to pay for the engineering and resolution be taken from the Public Works operations fund, which is more appropriate than from the Public Works capital improvements fund, as suggested last month; that the contract awarded to Tighe & Bond for the engineering be reviewed because it excludes the removal or relocation of existing buildings, which is not in compliance with the bid request or the DEM’s stated resolutions; that DEM has not been working with Tighe & Bond as reported last month; and that the deadline for resolution of the violations is October 15, 2020, after which date, if there being no resolution DEM will start imposing daily fees on the Town.

 

No.   4:   ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

A.     EXETER DOG LICENSING:  MAY 4 – JULY 1, $6.00; AFTER JULY 1, $6.00 PER LICENSE PLUS $25.00 LATE FEE PER LICENSE; OBTAIN AT CLERK’S OFFICE; RABIES CERTIFICATE REQUIRED:  The Public was reminded to license their dogs.  Late fees will be considered under Agenda

Item No.9K.

 

B.     PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY: TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020; COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EXETER CLERK’S OFFICE, 675 TEN ROD ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND, 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.:  The Public was reminded to vote.  All town offices in the Clerk’s Office Building will be closed.

           

C.     TOWN OF EXETER EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2020-02 EXECUTED MAY 18, 2020 CONCERNING TEMPORARY EXPANSION OF OUTDOOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICING PERMITS DURING STATE OF

EMERGENCY IN THE TOWN OF EXETER:  This Order mirrors the Governor’s Order permitting restaurants to provide outdoor dining accommodations.  Three Exeter restaurants, Homestead Restaurant, Cornerstone Pub, and Celestial Café, pursued and have obtained temporary permits from the Town.

 

D.     CONGRATULATIONS:  2020 EXETER-WEST GREENWICH SCHOOL DISTRICT GRADUATING SENIORS:  Unfortunately, the 2020 graduating class did not experience a typical senior year due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.  They are wished every success.

 

Mr. Ellis read an email received from ex-Council President Kevin McGovern.  As the 2000 EWG Graduating Class is unfortunately not able to hold its 20-year reunion in light of Covid-19 restrictions, it will instead present each of this year’s graduates with a blanket embroidered with 2020 and the school’s mascot recognizing that the graduates were not able to enjoy traditional senior activities and had a very challenging year.  If anyone would like to contribute to this endeavor, donations can be left at the Town Clerk’s Office.

 

E.     DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES:  CHRISTINE HEART-SKAGGS:  Ms. Skaggs has been assisting many residents in need due to Covid-19 with donations and gift cards received for that purpose.  She is most appreciative and would welcomeadditional donations which can be left at the Town Clerk’s Office.

 

No.   5:   APPROVAL OF AGENDA ORDER:

  Mr. Ellis asked that the agenda order be approved as presented.  There was no objection.

 

No.   6:   APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: 

 

A.     REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST:  There were no vouchers. 

 

B.     REPORTS: 

 

1.     TOWN CLERK

2.     TREASURER

3.     TAX ASSESSOR

4.     TAX COLLECTOR

5.     TOWN PLANNER

6.     ANIMAL CONTROL

7.     TRANSFER STATION

8.     EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY

9.     INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

10.   DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

11.   DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

12.   EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT/PUBLICSAFETY

13.   RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST COMMITTEE

14.   EXETER JOB CORPS ACADEMY

15.   EXETER-WEST GREENWICH SCHOOL DISTRICT

16.   EXETER-WEST GREENWICH REGIONAL SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE

17.   NORTH KINGSTOWN PRESERVE AT ROLLING GREENS PROJECT

 

Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 3, 10, and 12.  Mr. DiGregorio removed Nos. 16 and 17.

 

C.    COMMUNICATIONS:  Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 8, 11, and 16. 

 

D.    SCHEDULE OF JUNE MEETINGS AND EVENTS:  As regular meetings are not being held due to Covid-19 restrictions, there was not a schedule.

 

 

E.    BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:

 

1.     BILL SHEET

2.     TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS

3.     TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES AND ABATEMENTS

 

There were no Tax Assessor’s Abatements.  Due to the statute of limitations, there are Tax Collector’s Abatements for uncollected motor vehicle taxes.

 

F.     APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 

1.     REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, MAY 4 2020

2.     SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING, MAY 26, 2020

 

The minutes were not ready.

 

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

 

No.   7:   VACANCIES AND APPOINTMENTS:

                       

A.     VACANCIES:

                       

1.      Personnel Board Members (Inactive)

2.      Conservation Commission (Inactive)

 

Two letters of interest have been received for the Conservation Commission.  Seven members are needed.  There has been one letter of interest received for the Personnel Board.  Five members are needed.  These vacancies will continue to post.

                       

B.      RESIGNATIONS:  There were no resignations.

 

C.     APPOINTMENTS:

 

1.     Town of Exeter Representative Wood-Pawcatuck Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council:  Council has a letter of interest from Kevin McGovern. Mr. McGovern is an avid outdoorsman, recognizes the watershed as a natural treasure, and would like to help to preserve it.  Since this vacancy has posted for some time and this is the first letter of interest, the following motion entered: 

 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to appoint Kevin P. McGovern as the Town of Exeter Wood-Pawcatuck Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Representative; seconded By Mr. DiGregorio; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

2.      Reynold Charitable Trust Committee Member:  Council has a letter of interest from Diane Gemma (Communication No. 11).  Ms. Gemma would like to give back, is a Master’s level Clinician, and has experience in advocacy, assessment, and referral for seniors, persons with disabilities, children and their families, substance abuse, and community outreach.

 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to appoint Diane Gemma as Reynolds Charitable Trust Committee Member; seconded by Mr. Andrews.

 

Discussion:  Mr. Ellis thanked Ms. Gemma for coming forward.

 

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

3.      Animal Shelter Attendant:  No letters of interest have been received. This vacancy will continue to post.

 

D.     EXPIRING TERMS:

 

1.     Planning Board Member, William Haas (term expiring July 6, 2020)

2.     Planning Board Member, Donna DiDonato (term expiring July 6, 2020)

 

The Clerk will write the current members to inquire whether they will seek reappointment and will post the expiring terms on the chance they do not.

 

No.  8:   PUBLIC HEARINGS:

 There were no Public Hearings scheduled.

 

No.  9:   NEW BUSINESS:

 

A.    EXTENSION AND RENEWAL OF DECLARATION OF MUNICIPAL STATE OF EMERGENCY:  As Covid-19 restrictions remain in place ,Emergency Management Director E. Stefan Coutoulakis and Town Solicitor James Marusak, Esq., recommend extending and renewing the declaration.    

 

MOTION made by Mr. Conn to authorize Council President Calvin Ellis to extend and renew the Declaration of Municipal State of Emergency; seconded by Mr. Andrews.

 

Discussion:  Mr. Ellis read the declaration in part and thanked Mr. Coutoulakis and Attorney Marusak for drafting it.  If approved, the declaration of emergency will remain in full force and effect through July 1, 2020, or until further notice.  The extension and renewal is necessary in order to mimic the Governor’s state of emergency declaration and to maintain local control during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Mr. DiGregorio thanked Mr. Ellis for taking on the extra duties and responsibilities Covid-19 has brought on him.

 

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

B.   SETTING OF DATE FOR FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING: 

 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis conduct the Financial Town Meeting on September 15, 2020; seconded by Mr. DiGregorio.

 

Discussion:  Under normal circumstances, the Financial Town Meeting would have been held next week, on June 9, 2020, but cannot be because of Covid-19 restrictions.  A request to the School District to hold the meeting on June 23, 2020, in the auditorium of the junior/senior high school was denied.  There have been many discussions regarding potential options.  The meeting will have to wait until gathering restrictions due to Covid-10 are suspended.  The next agenda item (No. 9C) will allow Council to move a temporary budget, the one adopted by Council on May 26, 2020, into place; to hold a financial town meeting on September 15, 2020, if possible; and to allow the Town to move forward into the next fiscal year with a responsible budget.  The Rhode Island Department of Health has set guidelines for indoor capacity.  The number of attendees cannot exceed 25% of the full capacity of a room and must allow 150 square feet of space for each attendee. Thus, if the meeting were to be held in the junior/senior high school auditorium, the capacity would be 124, including Council and the Board of Canvassers. 

 

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

In case the auditorium is not available on September 15, Mr. DiGregorio queried whether the meeting could be held elsewhere?  Outside?  Outside of Exeter? 

State legislation enables the meeting to be held in West Greenwich.  Can it be held elsewhere?  Attorney Marusak will research and report back to Council.

 

C.    ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE TOWN COUNCIL PRESI-DENT TO ISSUE AN EMERGENCY DECLARATION ALLOWING FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING DATE AND TO ENABLE THE TEMPORARY BUDGET TO TAKE EFFECT SO AS TO SET A NEW ANNUAL APPROPRIATION AND TAX LEVY PENDING FURTHER REVISION BY THE FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING TO BE HELD THEREAFTER: 

 

MOTION made by Mr. DiGregorio to adopt Resolution Requesting the Town Council President to Issue an Emergency Declaration Allowing for the Extension of the Financial Town Meeting Date and to Enable the Temporary Budget to Take Effect so as to Set a New Annual Appropriation and Tax Levy Pending Further Revision by the Financial Town Meeting to be Held Thereafter; seconded by Mr. Andrews.

 

Discussion:  The comments made under Agenda Item No. 9A apply here.  Mr. Ellis read the resolution in part.  Taking Covid-19 restrictions into consideration, the resolution would allow emergency measures to enable the Town to move forward with a temporary municipal budget, the issuance of tax bills, and postpone a Financial Town Meeting until it can be conducted safely and fairly procedurally.  Attorney Marusak commented that Covid-19 restrictions do not fit the Town’s unique circumstances surrounding a Financial Town Meeting.  The idea of a temporary budget and a Financial Town Meeting when possible was the best, most reasonable result of many discussions and is the best option for the Town and the Public fiscally.  As Treasurer, Ms. Lawler, saw no other choice to keep the bills being paid.

 

Mr. Patterson noted that the situation is “damned if you do; damned if you don’t.” It is unchartered water.  He does not agree with using the budget adopted by Council on May 26 and suggested that the 2019/2020 budget be carried through.  No matter what, supplemental bills will issue.  The budget adopted May 26 included the purchase of a payloader.  What if at the Financial Town Meeting, the voters vote to not buy it and it has already been purchased?  He suggested that the staff be instructed not to make any big purchases and pay the bills that have to be paid until after a Financial Town Meeting is held. This will be discussed at the July Regular Meeting.

 

Ms. Lawler commented.  The goal is to not have to send out supplemental bills.  If there is an increase, either supplemental bills will have to issue, or, if it is nominal, the difference could be covered by the Fund Balance, as in the past a portion of the Fund Balance has been applied to the budget to offset taxes and could be used in this way. Because of Covid-19, it is a difficult enough time for some taxpayers.  The motor vehicle bills will be held until the State passes its budget.  If the State does not fund it, the taxpayers will be billed.  As for carrying the 2019/2020 budget, the school is seeking a considerable increase.  It cannot be ignored.  Including it in the temporary budget means realistic tax bills.   There is no perfect answer going forward this year.

 

Mr. Conn queried:  If the budget is reduced at the Financial Town Meeting, can a credit or reduction on the next tax bills issue? 

 

Back to the Motion:  Voted as follows:

 

Calvin A. Ellis                                    Yes

                                    Francis P. DiGregorio                      Yes

                                    Robert M. Conn                                 Yes

                                    Manuel Andrews                               Yes

                                    Daniel W. Patterson              No

 

                                    Motion passes.

 

D.    MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING:  EXTENSION OF CURRENT UNION CONTRACTS:  Council has reviewed.  There being no discussion, the following motion entered:

 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to agree to Memorandum of Understanding extending the current Union contracts one year, through June 30, 2021, including all provisions as are, except for the wage increase included in budget adopted May 26, 2020; seconded by Mr. DiGregorio; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

                  

E.    TREASURER’S OFFICE: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: AUDIT REPORT:

The notice for requests for proposals has been duly advertised and posted.  The bids are due June 24.  Awarding of same will be considered under Unfinished Business during Council’s July 6.

 

F.     NEW TOWN WEBSITE:  REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:  The specifications are being drafted by IT Director James Angi with review by Mr. Findlay.

 

MOTION made by Mr. Andrews to go out to bid when the specifications are ready; seconded by Mr. Conn.

 

Discussion:  The notice for bids will be posted and advertised. 

 

Back to Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

G.    COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM MANAGEMENT: The agency that was previously handling the applications will no longer be doing so.Town Planner Ashley Sweet will meet with the Economic Development Task Force to determine if it can review and process the applications.  This agenda item will be moved to Unfinished Business on the July 6 Council Regular Meeting Agenda.

 

H.    INTRODUCTION, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION:  PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 38, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES: STATE MANDATED UTILITY CUTS/REVISED PAVING STANDARDS (SECTION 38-121) AND CORRECTION TO DISTANCE, OLD YAWGOO SCHOOL ROAD (SECTION 38-106): 

 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to post Public Hearing for July 6 Regular Meeting; seconded by Mr. DiGregorio.

 

Discussion:  July 4 is a Saturday.  The State is closed Monday, July 6.  The Town is closed Friday, July 3, per the Union contract.  Mr. Patterson queried:  Should the Regular Meeting be moved to Tuesday, July 7?  This question will be addressed under Other Administrative Issues.  Mr. Ellis withdrew his motion and Mr. DiGregorio, his second, and the following motion entered:

 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to post Public Hearing for July Regular Meeting; seconded by Mr. DiGregorio; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

I.     INTRODUCTION, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES: CHAPTER 14, BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS; ARTICLE IV, IMPACT FEES:  The draft is ready.

 

MOTION made by Mr. DiGregorio to post Public Hearing for July Regular Meeting; seconded by Mr. Conn; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

J.    INTRODUCTION, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION:  PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES:  CHAPTER 10, ANIMALS; ARTICLE 1, IN GENERAL; SECTION 10-1:  The ordinance is being reviewed by Animal Control and its Director  This agenda item will continue under New Business on the July Regular Meeting Agenda.

 

K.   DOG LICENSE RENEWALS:  LATE FEES:  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, specifically, the Animal Shelter and Town Clerk’s Office being closed to the Public, collecting late fees adds to the complications of licensing dogs.

 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to eliminate late fees for the current licensing period, through next April of 2021; seconded by Mr. DiGregorio; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

No. 10:   UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

  Mr. Ellis queried whether Council wished to discuss any particular item.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Transfer Station purchase is on hold and the Police Task Force has not been able to meet.  Council moved to Agenda Item No. 11.

                       

A.      HISTORIC PRESERVATION:  POTENTIAL PROJECTS

B.      WORKPLACE HARASSMENT TRAINING INITIATIVE

C.      COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVISION UPDATE

D.      STATUS OF REVIEW:  TOWN OF EXETER WEBSITE

E.      TRANSFER STATION PURCHASE

F.      INTRODUCTION, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION:  PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES:  ZONING, ARTICLES I -AND IV, RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS, BUILDINGS, AND USE

G.      EXETER POLICE DEPARTMENT TASK FORCE:  UPDATE

H.      TOWN SERGEANT’S OFFICE:  AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECKS (BCI CHECKS)

I.        ADMINISTRATIVE AND DEPARTMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE UPDATES

J.       E-PERMITTING:  PROCESSING FEE:  PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 14, ARTICLE II, SECTION 14-51:

 

 

 

 

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

 

A.    TOWN COUNCIL ASSISTANT’S REPORT: Town Council Assistant, Kenneth G. Findlay:   Regarding the budget, the State has reduced the Meal Tax by $44,750.00.  That adjustment will be made to the budget at the Financial Town Meeting.  Library State Aid will remain in place.  More reductions may come.

 

Regarding the Library Director, Amy Neilson, has been put on administrative leave with pay until the Library Board can meet with Ms. Neilson in Executive Session.  Over the years, the Public Works Director, who is in charge of public buildings, has not been consulted or asked to take care of the Library.  The Board voted unanimously to have the Public Works Director in charge of maintenance of the Library.  It should not be the Library Director.  IT Director James Angi will help with IT.  During the transition, Youth Services Director Aimee Fontaine has taken on responsibilities, including formulating a plan to reopen the Library, which has been closed due to Covid-19.  The plan has been reviewed by Mr. Findlay and Emergency Management Director Stefan Coutoulakis.  Curbside pickup has been instituted.  Limited access to the Library, no browsing, will soon open. The staff is pulling together and are committed to its patrons.  A book store in Mansfield, Massachusetts, closed after 40 years, and donated 100 boxes of high quality, new and used books to the Library.  They are being stored in the Old Town Hall.  The Friends of the Library will conduct books sales after the staff puts in circulation the ones it can.

 

B.    SOLICITOR’S REPORT: James P. Marusak, Esq.:  1) Last month, the Town received two favorable court decisions, one from the Supreme Court on the Arcadia/ Browning Mill matter, and one from the Superior Court on the Green zoning appeal;

2) On May 13, a favorable decision was received from the Superior Court on the Town cross-motion for summary judgment in the Green moratorium matter; and 3) Green is contesting the form of order that the Town is suggesting.  A court date will be set.

 

C.    REPORTS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:

 

Tax Assessor:   Assessor, Kerri Petrarca, reported:  1)  She and Tax Collector Kimberly Robitaille have been meeting with Vision building the software, providing feedback and glitches; 2) She will be attending two GIS courses in June; 3) Plexiglass shields have been installed in her office in advance of the Clerk’s Office Building reopening (which has been closed to the Public to Covid-19); and 4) She will delay certification of the tax roll until the end of June when the State is expected to pass its budget and which will determine what will happen with motor vehicle taxes.

 

Department of Public Works:  Director, Stephen Mattscheck, reported:  1)  Regarding the violations at the garage cited by the Department of Environmental Services, he has been working with Tighe & Bond (the engineering firm awarded the bid to assist with resolution of the violations); Tighe & Bond will visit the garage this week; the Public Works staff will do what work it can to save costs; and Tighe & Bond has until June 8 to meet with DEM; 2) Sneeze guards have been installed for the Primary and at the Clerk’s Office Building in anticipation of reopening after the Covid-19 shutdown;  3) The new truck has been delivered; and 4) Regular maintenance, sweeping, brush cutting, and cleaning of basins continues.

 

Emergency Management/Public Safety:  Emergency Management Director Stefan Coutoulakis was not available for a report.  He was assisting with opening the Emergency Operations Center due to riots and destruction going on Providence resulting from the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School Building Committee:  Mr. DiGregorio reported:  There is a meeting scheduled June 3 with the School District Capital Project Building Committee.

 

North Kingstown Preserve at Rolling Greens Project:  Mr. DiGregorio reported: There is a Public Hearing scheduled June 4 before the North Kingstown Zoning Board of Review of Appeal on the preliminary plan approval.  The appeal was taken by a North Kingstown resident.

 

No.  12:   OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES:

 

July 4 Holiday:  Next month July 4 falls on Saturday.  Council’s meeting is scheduled for Monday July 6.  Because it is a long weekend and many people may be traveling, Mr. Patterson made the following motion:

 

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to move Council’s July meeting from July 6 to  July 7; seconded by Mr. DiGregorio.

 

Discussion:  The State celebrates its holidays on Mondays. The Town is closed Friday, July 3.  Per the Union contract, if the holiday falls on a Saturday, the Town observes it on the Friday before.

 

Back to the motion:  Voted as follows:

 

Calvin A. Ellis                                    No

                                    Francis P. DiGregorio                      Abstain

                                    Robert M. Conn                                 No

                                    Manuel Andrews                               No

                                    Daniel W. Patterson              Yes

 

                                    Motion fails.

 

 

No.  13:   COMMUNICATIONS:

 

No. 8     05/11/2020     Letter from Nicole Teves: Land Donation, 0 Yawgoo Valley Road:  This piece of property is small and wet, is presently for sale for $17,000.00, and has been for sale for years.

 

MOTION made by Mr. DiGregorio to forward June Communication No. 8 to the Exeter Rural Land Preservation Trust Committee for review and report back to Town Council; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

No. 11   05/14/2020     Diane H. Gemma: Letter of Interest regarding vacancy on Reynold’s Charitable Trust Committee:  Addressed previously this evening.

 

No. 16   05/26/2020     Letter from Kellie Lorenzen: Request to Use Reynolds Field for Fundraiser for the Michael Lorenzen Foundation, August 1:  Ms. Lorenzen is requesting to use the field to show a movie from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  They hope to  sell approximately 100 tickets.  There will be a concession and merchandise stand.  Council is hesitant to allow use of the field in light of the Covid-19 Pandemic and its restrictions. The field has not been mowed.  The truck pullers who mow the field for its truck pulls, has not mow it because it has not held its truck pulls because of Covid-19. It was suggested to put this agenda item under Unfinished Business next month to see if the restrictions are lifted.  That would not give enough time to plan and sell tickets.  Given the present state of affairs, Council, though they wish the Foundation well, suggested that they consider the movie at another time. 

 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to respond to Ms. Lorenzen indicating that Council addressed her communication, but feels it is not appropriate to allow use of the field this summer due to the Covid-19 Pandemic; seconded by Mr. DiGregorio; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

No.  14:   EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Council did not enter into Executive Session.

 

No.  15:   ADJOURNMENT:

 

MOTION made by Mr. DiGregorio to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Conn; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 9:44 p.m.

 

The next Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council is scheduled for Monday, July 6, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

 

 

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

 

           

                                                                                    Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC

                                                                                    Exeter Town Clerk

 

Approved:   July 6, 2020

 

 

 

Published by ClerkBase
©2026 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.