MINUTES
EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 4, 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 gave instructions regarding the Zoom teleconference meeting.
Town Council President Cal Ellis extended Council’s appreciation of the Public’s patience and understanding with this process made necessary by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Town Council Member Robert M. Conn led Council and the Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council President Cal Ellis asked the Public to join him in a moment of silence in respect of those who have succumbed to and are adversely affected by the
COVID-19 Pandemic.
The moment of silence was observed.
The Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council was called to order at 7:10 p.m., Monday, April 6, 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
Mr. Ellis read from the Agenda the Public Comment instructions and statements.
Asa Davis: Mr. Davis commented regarding his Estate Drive permit request relative to the opening to his property, the cost of Old Yawgoo School Road, and the Town’s legal expenses and lawsuits.
A. EXETER DOG LICENSING: DUE ANNUALLY (NORMALLY, APRIL 1 – JUNE 1, $6.00; AFTER JUNE 1, $6.00 PER LICENSE PLUS $25.00 LATE FEE PER LICENSE); HOWEVER, BY VOTE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL, DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC, LICENSING PERIOD ADJUSTED: 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 AND ANIMAL SHELTER: The Public was reminded to license their dogs and to note the adjusted licensing period.
B. DUE TO COVID-19 COMPLICATIONS THE 2020 TOWN OF EXETER MEMORIAL DAY PARADE IS CANCELLED: It is unfortunate that the Parade cannot be held – the first time in 45 years! The Town does plan to hold the parade in 2021.
C. PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY: BY EXECUTIVE ORDER OF GOVERNOR GINA RAIMONDO HAS BEEN MOVED FROM TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020, TO JUNE 2, 2020; WILL BE PRIMARILY BY MAIL BALLOT; MAIL BALLOT APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED VIA U.S. MAIL; DUE BACK TO BOARD OF ELECTIONS BY MAY 19; BALLOT WILL BE MAILED VIA U.S. MAIL; DUE BACK TO BOARD OF ELECTIONS BY JUNE 2, 8:00 P.M.: The Public was encouraged to vote. One polling place will be open, in Council Chambers, Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
D. FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING, JUNE 9, 2020: DUE TO COVID-19 COMPLICATIONS, THE STATUS OF NEXT MONTH’S FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING WILL BE ADDRESSED TONIGHT UNDER NEW BUSINESS, ITEM NO. 9M: See Agenda Item No. 9M.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the agenda order but allow Emergency Management Director E. Stefan Coutoulakis to present his report regarding theCOVID-19 Pandemic prior to New Business; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST: There were no vouchers to consider.
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/PUBLIC SAFETY
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 and 12. Mr. DiGregorio removed No. 17.
C. COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 18 and 20.
D. SCHEDULE OF MAY MEETINGS AND EVENTS: Because of COVID-19,
meetings are not being held. Thus, there was no Schedule.
E. BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:
1. BILL SHEET
2. TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS
3. TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES AND ABATEMENTS
Council has Bill Sheet dated April 29, 2020. There were no Tax Assessor’s Abatements. There were Tax Collector’s Remittances in the amount of $474.56 and Tax Collector’s Abatements in the amount of $44.65.
F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, APRIL 6, 2020
Council has the minutes.
G. KENNEL LICENSE RENEWALS:
1. Class 1 (over 10 dogs):
a. Marguerite & Bogdan Sergo, QQ LLC, 495 Nooseneck Hill Road
b. Scott and Ruth Gordon, Delmyra Kennels, 191 Ten Rod Road
c. John Mann, Mann’s Best Friend/Cedar Valley Pet Lodge, 76B Levitt Lane
d. Ruth Colwill, 174 Hallville Road
The Clerk reported: All applicants have met all requirements.
Animal Control’s inspection report has not been received.
2. Class 2 (four to ten dogs):
a. Gary & Barbara Donnelly, 224 South Road
b. Susan Newell, 23 New Road
The Clerk reported: All applicants have met all requirements.
Animal Control’s inspection report has not been received.
H. HAWKER’S LICENSE RENEWALS:
1. Warren Philippi, Warren’s Bargains Galore, 171 Nooseneck Hill Road
2. Vincent Koczkodan, Helen’s Food Services, 503 Yawgoo Valley Road
The Clerk reported: Mr. Philippi has met all requirements. The Department of Health Food License for Helen’s Food Services has not been received.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Consent Agenda as amended; seconded by Mr. DiGregorio; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
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.
3. Animal Shelter Attendant: This position was made vacant last month with the appointment of Kathryn Levin as Animal Control Officer.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to post the vacancy of Animal Shelter Attendant until filled; seconded by Mr. DiGregorio; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. RESIGNATIONS: There were no Resignations submitted.
C. APPOINTMENTS:
1. Town of Exeter Representative Wood-Pawcatuck Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council
2. Reynold Charitable Trust Committee Member
Letters of interest have not been received. These two vacancies will continue to post until filled.
D. EXPIRING TERMS: There were no Expiring Terms to consider.
There were no Public Hearings scheduled.
As voted by motion earlier this evening, Council heard the report of Emergency Management Director, E. Stefan Coutoulakis.
Mr. Coutoulakis reported that he has been very busy since last month’s report, especially with daily calls with the Governor’s office, Health Department, and Rhode Island Emergency Management. As of today, there are 23 positive cases in Exeter, all of whom are self-quarantining. That number is far below the original expectations and seems to be plateauing. The Pandemic is unorthodoxed. Everyone is stepping up, the Town Staff, and in particular Treasurer Maria Lawler and Deputy Clerk Patricia Whitford, who are doing the extensive paperwork required for FEMA reimbursement of Pandemic expenses to the Town. The Exeter and West Greenwich Fire Departments are working together with transports, desanitizing, and screenings. Exeter has purchased two ultraviolet light systems for decontaminating Town vehicles and facilities. Social Services Director Christine Heart-Skaggs has been delivering 240 Meals on Wheels and 40 other dinners received from the University of Rhode Island to Exeter residents weekly. To date, she has delivered over 500 meals and should be commended for her outstanding efforts. Those who have not been serviced and are in need should contact the Town Hall. The Sons of Liberty, South Kingstown, and Cal Chem, Coventry, have donated hand sanitizer to the Town. The Town Hall staff is being screened daily.
Mr. Coutoulakis thanked Council and the Town Clerk for their assistance and guidance.
Mr. DiGregorio thanked Mr. Coutoulakis for his above-and-beyond efforts. Mr. Ellis recognized that without Mr. Coutoulakis’ guidance and direction, the Town would be at a disadvantage during this unprecedented time.
Council continued with the normal course of the Agenda, moving to Agenda Item
No. 9A.
A. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: AWARDING OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SERVICES, 169-175 SOUTHCOUNTY TRAIL: Director of Public Works Stephen Mattscheck has reviewed the bids received, which were duly advertised, received, and opened, and recommends that Tighe & Bond, who submitted the best overall response and understands the work to be done, be awarded.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to accept and approve the recommendation of Director of Public Works Stephen Mattscheck and award the bid for Environmental Engineering Services to Tighe & Bond; seconded by Mr. DiGregorio.
Discussion: Hiring engineering services is a result of a notice of violation from the Department of Environmental Management. This cost was unanticipated and not made part of the FY ‘20/’21 budget. It will be paid out of remaining funds in the Capital Improvement and Public Works funds.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: AWARDING OF BID: ASPHALT PAVING:
Director of Public Works Stephen Mattscheck has reviewed the bids received, which were duly advertised, received, and opened, and recommends that T. Miozzi, Inc., who was the lowest bidder and meets and exceeds the requirements, be awarded.
C. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: AWARDING OF BID: CHIP SEAL:
Director of Public Works Stephen Mattscheck has reviewed the bids received, which were duly advertised, received, and opened, and recommends that New England Asphalt Services, LLC, who was the lowest bidder and meets and exceeds the requirements, be awarded.
.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to accept and approve the recommendation of Director of Public Works Stephen Mattscheck and award the bid for Chip Seal to New England Asphalt Services, LLC; seconded by Mr. Conn; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
D. APRIL COMMUNICATION NO. 2: DIVISION OF STATEWIDE PLANNING: LETTER OF RESPONSE REGARDING NORTH KINGSTOWN’S RURAL GATEWAY AMENDMENT: Last month, Mr. DiGregorio reported that in November of 2012, the North Kingstown Town Council passed amendments to their comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance creating a rural gateway and compact village district on the town line. The Exeter Town Council wrote Statewide Planning requesting clarification of their review and approval process and the status of the amendments to the North Kingstown comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. Statewide Planning indicates that the Town Planner was notified of North Kingstown’s ten-year rewrite of its comprehensive plan, which included the gateway and village district amendments. On May 29, 2013 Statewide Planning began its review process. On March 5, 2014, North Kingstown withdrew its amendments. Statewide Planning ceased its review, making no determination. Per State law, Exeter should have been notified of the amendments within 15 days of receipt. Exeter was not notified. Five years later, the amendments were approved and still Exeter was not notified and denied its right to comment as an abutting municipality. The compact village district created by North Kingstown poses a real and serious threat to Exeter’s comprehensive plan and the preservation of Exeter as a rural community.
MOTION made by Mr. DiGregorio to send a letter to Statewide Planning stating that because Exeter was denied its right to comment and present its position that approval of the rural gateway amendment is procedurally defective and should be revoked by Statewide Planning and a new review process initiated in accordance with State statute, 45-22.2-9(2); seconded by Mr. Ellis.
Discussion: Mr. DiGregorio has drafted a letter to Statewide Planning, which he has provided to Council. Mr. Ellis noted that the Supreme Court in a recent decision indicated that municipalities are required to work together on zoning designations involving municipality borders to ensure consistency and compatibility with adjacent areas. Mr. Patterson noted that Statewide Planning’s response indicates that notice was sent to the Town Planner on December 21, 2018. Another letter will be a waste of time. He cannot vote in favor of the motion and would want the vote in the letter.
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.
E. APRIL COMMUNICATION NO. 26: LETTER FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: IT WILL NO LONGER BE MANAGING THE TOWN’S CDBG PROGRAM: Treasurer Maria Lawler is researching management of the program. Based on her initial research, it is possible that the Town will not participate. This matter will continue to the June 1, 2020, Regular Meeting.
F. NEW APPLICATION: HAWKER’S LICENSE: MARGARET HIRSCH, BON BON APPETIT, 622 SOUTH COUNTY TRAIL, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND: The Clerk reported that the business has been bought by Ms. Hirsch and will operate as it has in the past. All requirements have been met except for the Department of Health Food Business License.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve Hawker’s License for Bon Bon Appetit, Margaret Hirsch, Owner, subject to all requirements being met; seconded by Mr. DiGregorio; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
G. INTRODUCTION, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES: UTILITY CUTS/REVISED PAVING STANDARDS: This agenda item necessitates a Public Hearing, which is difficult to hold at this time under the COVID-19 restrictions. It will be moved continued to the June 1, 2020, Regular Meeting Agenda, under New Business.
H. INTRODUCTION, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES: CHAPTER 14, BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS; ARTICLE IV, IMPACT FEES: See Agenda Item No. 9G.
I. INTRODUCTION, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES: CHAPTER 10, ANIMALS; ARTICLE 1, IN GENERAL; SECTION 10-1: See Agenda Item No. 9G.
J. TREASURER’S OFFICE: AWARDING OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: AUDIT REPORT:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to place ads seeking request for proposals for audit services; seconded by Mr. Andrews.
Discussion: Now that the State has approved Treasurer Maria Lawler’s specifications, requests for proposals can be posted and advertised for.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
K. NEW TOWN WEBSITE: AWARDING OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:
This is a work in progress. The specifications are being developed. This agenda item will continue to the Regular Meeting, July 6, Agenda under New Business.
L. STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION AND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE TOWN OF EXETER AND EMERGENCY SERVICES:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve and support Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Exeter and Exeter Emergency Services and authorize Emergency Management Director E. Stefan Coutoulakis to sign on behalf of the Town of Exeter; seconded by Mr. Patterson:
Discussion: Mr. Coutoulakis interacts with the Emergency Services agencies, which include Exeter Emergency Management Communications Center, Exeter Fire District, Exeter Fire Department No. 1,and Exeter Fire Department No. 2. This MOU will assist with response and reimbursement in the FEMA reimbursement process.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
M. TOWN OF EXETER DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY: EXTENSION: The Declaration of Emergency was issued March 16, 2020.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to renew and extend the Declaration of Emergency until the Governor’s restrictions are lifted in order that the Town may continue to operate as it has and continue to be eligible for FEMA reimbursement; seconded by Mr. Andrews.
Discussion: Mr. Andrews queried: Until the restrictions are lifted in the Governor’s Phases, 1, 2, or 3? Mr. Ellis meant until the Town’s business is able to resume normally.
Emergency Management Director E. Stefan Coutoulakis explained: The current Emergency Operations Plan calls for a Declaration of Emergency which is put in place when required, is continued, if necessary, and follows the State’s guidance.
He recommends that the Declaration be left in place. The State could rescind its Declaration of Emergency, but the Town could still be in a state of emergency and vice versa.
Attorney Marusak noted that the Governor’s orders dictate when Council can meet and how Council can meet at this time. The Town is doing what it is supposed to and is acting prudently. Various State statutes support renewal and extension of the Declaration as long as the emergency exists and, thus, is appropriate. Marshall Law empowers the Governor and the local level to take necessary emergency actions, and the person named as the Chief Executive Officer (in the case of the Town and under the Town Declaration, the Town Council President) can take actions deemed necessary. The Town Charter gives the Council President emergency action powers when necessary and follows State law. The present situation is unprecedented. It is the first time for the State. It is being debated what should and can be done. The Town is acting as it deems fit. The Council President and Emergency Management Director are working together.
Mr. Patterson suggested that the Declaration be extended until the next Regular Council Meeting, June 1, 2020, as “restrictions” can be broad. The previous motion and second were withdrawn.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to renew and extend the Declaration of Emergency to the next Regular Council Meeting of June 1, 2020; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
This agenda item will be put on the June 1 Regular Meeting Agenda under New Business for reconsideration.
N. CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS: STATUS UPDATE:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to extend the current contract an additional year with exception of the salary clause; seconded by Mr. DiGregorio.
Discussion: Current COVID-19 restrictions do not allow members of the bargaining units, attorneys, and Council to meet face-to-face, together, making contract negotiations difficult. Labor Attorney Vincent Ragosta believed that extending the current contact was both practical and realistic and reported that Union Business Manager Arthur Jordan will support rolling over the contracts, but will expect salary negotiations. Attorney Ragosta suggested Council offer no pay increase and no change in health and dental employee contributions for the contract period, July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Mr. Ellis felt that a feasible proposal and his intent.
Mr. Andrews queried whether any costs associated with contract negotiations can be submitted to FEMA for COVID reimbursement. Though not certain they would be an eligible expense, Mr. Coutoulakis will present Mr. Andrews’ suggestion to FEMA.
The motion and second were withdrawn.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to extend the current contract with the bargaining units for an additional year, to ask that any reimbursement that might be available through FEMA be requested and applied, if any possible, and to ask Labor Attorney Vincent Ragosta to pursue with Union representative; seconded by Mr. Andrews; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
O. 4TH QUARTER TAX RELIEF: EXTENSION OF DUE DATE TO JUNE 30:
Mr. Ellis asked Council to consider moving the date due for Fourth Quarter taxes from June 15 to June 30 and made the following motion:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to extend the due date for Fourth Quarter taxes from the 15th of June to the 30th of June; seconded by Mr. Andrews.
Discussion: The idea has been suggested by several persons. It would allow those residents who are struggling financially during the current COVID-19 Pandemic extra time to pay their taxes. Even though many of the Town’s bills are due July 1, it appears feasible to extend the payments. The extension on quarterly payments would be only this one time. These are unprecedented times.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
P. FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING: STATUS UPDATE: COVID-19 restrictions have not allowed Council to meet the deadlines outlined in the Town Charter. Mr. Ellis has asked Town Treasurer Maria Lawler and Council Assistant Kenneth Findlay to prepare a proposed budget.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to schedule a Public Hearing via teleconference for May 26, 2020, to hear a budget, to review a budget, and to approve a budget and to hold and conduct a Financial Town Meeting on June 23, 2020, at the Exeter-West Greenwich Junior/Senior High School; seconded by Mr. Conn.
Discussion: Mr. Ellis noted: Ms. Lawler is sharpening her pencil, reviewing every line item, and working with Tax Assessor Kerri Petrarca to prepare a most feasible budget;
the school budget is unresolved; it is proposed that a considerable amount of money for the school will need to be added to the Town budget; the date for the Financial Town Meeting, June 23, is assuming COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted; if the restrictions have not been lifted, Mr. Ellis will propose that an emergency budget be put in place and a Financial Town Meeting be scheduled in September.
Mr. DiGregorio thanked Mr. Ellis, Ms. Lawler, and Mr. Findlay for their efforts and for putting a plan place, even if it may not work out, and felt Council should move forward with the plan, as it is the best option.
Mr. Ellis noted that some communities are extending their current budgets into the next fiscal year. In Exeter’s case, the current budget would not be a sufficient budget for the next fiscal year. It is already known that additional school, legal, and other line items will increase. Extending the current budget will generate supplemental bills, which Mr. Ellis hopes to avoid by moving forward with his plan and a realistic budget. If it turns out that the plan is not feasible, Council can reconsider at its June meeting.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
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
Because the restrictions brought about by COVID-19 have prevented progress on Unfinished Business Items, Mr. Ellis made the following motion:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to continue all Unfinished Business Agenda Items to the June 1, 2020, Regular Meeting Agenda; seconded by Mr. Andrews; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. TOWN COUNCIL ASSISTANT’S REPORT: Town Council Assistant, Kenneth G. Findlay: Mr. Findlay reported:
1) Regarding this year’s budget process, there were different options; Council’s action tonight is inclusive of all of them;
2) As he sits on the Statewide Library Board Opening Task Force and as Exeter’s Library Board Chair, he is assisting in smoothly facilitating Exeter’s Public Library reopening;
3) He has been working with Emergency Management Director E. Stefan Coutoulakis on many matters during this COVID-19 Pandemic; and
4) He is in the process of drafting the ordinance pursuant to Agenda Item No. 9G.
B. SOLICITOR’S REPORT: James P. Marusak, Esq.: Attorney Marusak reported:
Two favorable decisions on two lawsuits were received this month. One was from the Superior Court on the Green Development Zoning Appeal matter. His assistant Stephen Sypole, Esq., handled the matter superbly. The decision upheld the Planning and Zoning Boards’ actions and relieved Councilman Frank DiGregorio & Town Planner Ashley Sweet of allegations that they acted inappropriately, and, in fact, the Judge commended them. The second decision from the Supreme Court, with respect to the Arcadia/Browning Mill Pond matter, has set in stone a procedure for State projects in local municipalities. Exeter should be commended for pursuing this battle. Many municipalities would not and would just watch the State come into their communities, doing what they want. Attorney Marusak has received many calls congratulating him and the Town. Going forward, the State now has to go to Statewide Planning to get a determination whether its project is compatible with a municipality’s comprehensive plan. If it does, then it must follow the municipality’s processes. If the State is unhappy with the outcome, it can then petition the Superior Court for a decision. The decision recognizes finally that the State and municipalities are co-sovereigns, not the State trumping. The State must come to the host community. Mr. Ellis complimented and commended Attorney Marusak and his associates for their expertise in gaining these favorable decisions.
C. REPORTS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:
No. 3 Tax Assessor: Tax Assessor Kerri Petrarca reported: 1) She is moving forward with map changes and motor vehicle issues and values; 2) The process of revaluation, mandated every ten years, has begun; a white vehicle labeled, Tax Assessor’s Office, is taking outside photographs; and 3) She has provided Treasurer Maria Lawler preliminary tax assessments.
No. 12 Emergency Management/Public Safety: Addressed previously this evening.
No. 17 North Kingstown Preserve at Rolling Greens Project:
Addressed previously this evening.
Mr. Ellis was recently asked by a restaurant owner whether he was going to lose his Town liquor license because he has been closed due to COVID-19. As the restaurant was closed due to COVID-19, his liquor license will not expire. Governor Raimondo will be allowing outside dining next month. A special, temporary license process will be put in place for the local restaurants to serve outside.
No. 18 04/28/2020 EWG Superintendent James Erinakes: Response to Letter submitted to Exeter Town Council by School Committee Member Paul McFadden dated March 23, 2020: Mr. Erinakes indicates that the total increase to Exeter is 3.77% and does not include debt service. Of the 3.77%, 1.45% represents an increase in school operating expenses, due to a reduction in State funding.
No. 20 04/28/2020 Letter from Amy Vachon of West Kingston, Rhode Island, requesting reimbursement for vehicle damage due to road conditions:
Director of Public Works Stephen Mattscheck spoke to Ms. Vachon. The damage was due to National Grid lines on the road. Ms. Vachon will submit her request for reimbursement to National Grid. The Town had the proper markings in place.
Council did not enter into Executive Session.
MOTION made by Mr. Conn to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council is scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC
Exeter Town Clerk
Approved: July 6, 2020