MINUTES
EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 6, 2021
Pursuant to Executive Orders executed and extended by Governor Daniel McKee as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, this meeting was conducted in person and via Zoom. The members of the Town Council were present physically in Council Chambers, Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island. The Public and Staff attended by their choice, via Zoom or in person in Council Chambers.
Town Council Member Calvin A. Ellis led Council and the Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.,
| Roll Call: | | | | Present | |
| | | Michael A. Lefebvre | | | Present |
| | | Calvin A. Ellis | | | Present |
| | | Olivia DeFrancesco | | | Present |
| | | Francis T. Maher, Jr. | | | Present |
| | | | | | |
| Also Present: | | James P. Marusak, Esq., Town Solicitor (via Zoom); | | | |
| | | Kenneth G. Findlay, Council Assistant; and | | | |
| | | Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC, Town Clerk | | | |
Asa Davis: Mr. Davis noted that the City of Warwick for its Department of Environ-mental Management (“DEM”) violation for not sweeping streets and cleaning culverts properly had to remediate and pay $231,000.00 in water quality improvement projects in lieu of fines. The Navy Station in Newport was fined $39,000,000.00 for a stormwater violation where toxins leached. Those fines were for one violation. Exeter has ten. Cardi Corporation has ongoing violations. It paved the parking area at the Exeter Garage where the Town has the ten violations. The Town did not send a stormwater plan to DEM. It sent a report. DEM responded with eight pages listing deficiencies and missing information. DEM is still waiting for a response. In 2004, Council argued that Job Corps’ septic being was too close to the Queen’s River aquifer. Meanwhile, buildings at the Town Garage were being put in in the wetlands and same aquifer with no State permits. In 2019, the Town won in court to make the State follow the Town’s rules while Public Works was ignoring the State’s rules, clearing wetlands, installing more garages, crossing streams, and paving. Some problems grow bigger and this is one of those. The violations are complicated and going to be expensive. Council needs to take the lead and figure out what to do. Bring in help, if necessary.
Ted Nataly: Mr. Nataly could not hear anything at the beginning of the meeting. Meeting via Zoom is difficult.
Stukey McDonald: Mr. McDonald died on July 1 at the age of 86. He served on the Exeter 1 and 2 Volunteer Fire Departments since 1950. He is among the last of the Town’s Swamp Yankees. A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of Mr. McDonald.
July Communication No. 16: Planning Board Member Gina Thurn invited Council, the Planning Board, the Zoning Board, and the Public to her farm, Our Kids Farm, at 555 Gardner Road, in Exeter, for a tour of a working, operating, year-round CEA facility with ancillary green house and supporting solar array. Their crops are grown hydro-ponically. The array is net metered and supports the onsite electrical use and is a true example of a dual use array. Vegetables are grown under the panels and on the fence surrounding the array. Ms. Thurn believes technology is essential to the changing viability of farming. Appointments for individual or group tours can be made by calling (401) 741-0664.
2021 Tax Roll: The tax roll has been certified. The tax rate has decreased to $13.72 per $1000.00. The tax bills are being prepared and will be mailed out soon.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Agenda Order as presented with a minor alteration, that the Library Report be considered at the beginning of New Business; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative
A. REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST: There were no vouchers for Council’s consideration.
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
Mr. Ellis removed No. 8.
C. COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Lefebvre removed Nos. 2 and 4. Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 8, 9, and 13. Mr. Maher removed No. 16.
D. SCHEDULE OF JUNE MEETINGS AND EVENTS: The Schedule was not removed.
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.
F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 7, 2021
2. COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, EXECUTIVE SESSION, JUNE 7, 2021
3. COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING, JUNE 28, 2021
4. COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING, EXECUTIVE SESSION, JUNE 28, 2021
Mr. Maher and Ms. DeFrancesco were absent for the June 28 meeting.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Consent Agenda as amended; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve Council Regular Meeting Minutes of June 7, 2021, as presented; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to approve Council Regular Meeting Executive Session Minutes of June 7, 2021; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve Council Special Meeting Minutes and Executive Session Minutes of June 28, 2021; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted as follows:
Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Michael A. Lefebvre Yes
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco Abstain
Francis T. Maher, Jr. Abstain
Motion passes.
A. VACANCIES:
1. Personnel Board Members (5 members needed) (inactive)
2. Conservation Commission (7 members needed) (inactive)
Letters of interest received are being held. Once there are five for Personnel Board and seven for the Conservation Commission, this Board and Commission will be activated.
B. RESIGNATIONS:
1. Timothy Brayman, Public Works Worker:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to accept the resignation Timothy Brayman as Public Works Worker; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Mr. Brayman’s resignation and Mr. Lewis’ resignation last month leaves two vacancies in the Public Works Department.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to post two vacant positions of Public Works Workers;
seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
2. Donna Pari, Planning Board Member: Council has Ms. Pari’s letter of resignation (Communication No. 8).
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to accept the resignation of Donna Pari;
seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
C. APPOINTMENTS:
1. Economic Development Task Force Member: Loren Thurn, Chair, indicates that an additional member is not necessary.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to remove Agenda Item No. 7.C.1, Appointment: Economic Development Task Force Member, from the agenda; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
2. Juvenile Hearing Board Members (two needed) (three-year term beginning date of appointment: There have been no letters of interest. This vacancy will continue to post.
3. Juvenile Hearing Board Member (unexpired term ending March 4, 2022):
There have been no letters of interest. This vacancy will continue to post.
4. Board of Canvassers Alternate Member (six-year term beginning date of appointment): The Board of Canvassers consists of three members and two alternates, a Democrat and a Republican. The Democrat position is vacant.
The Democratic Town Committee is seeking a volunteer.
5. Tax Board of Assessment and Review Alternate Member (three-year term beginning date of appointment): There have been no letters of interest. This vacancy will continue to post.
6. Planning Board Member (five-year term beginning date of appointment):
Council has two letters of interest (July Communication No. 15 and August Communication No. 1)
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to appoint Michael Viveiros as Planning Board Member for the ensuing term; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: Mr. Viveiros currently serves as an alternate member on the Planning Board. His letter was received after the deadline.
Back to the Motion: Voted as follows:
Michael A. Lefebvre No
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco Yes
Francis T. Maher, Jr. No
Motion fails.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to appoint Joseph St. Lawrence as Planning Board Member for the ensuing term; seconded by Mr. Maher; and voted as follows:
Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Michael A. Lefebvre Yes
Calvin A. Ellis No
Olivia DeFrancesco No
Francis T. Maher, Jr. Yes
Motion passes.
7. Zoning Board of Review Member (five-year term beginning date of appointment): Council has Richard Quattromani’s letter requesting reappoint-
ment (Communication No. 13).
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to reappoint Richard Quattromani as Zoning Board of Review Member for the ensuing term; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
D. EXPIRING TERMS: There were no Expiring Terms.
No. 8: PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION: FRIENDS OF THE EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY, APPLICANT; TO HOLD ANNUAL FUNDRAISER, THE “EXETER FALL FESTIVAL,” FOR THE EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY, ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021, FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M., AT YAWGOO VALLEY SKI AREA, 160 YAWGOO VALLEY ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND, TO INCLUDE MUSIC AND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT:
President of the Friends of the Exeter Public Library, Helen Douglas was present.
Due to Covid, the annual event was not held last year. The Friends are grateful to be able to hold it this year and are looking forward to it. The event, in past year, has been very successful and raises funds for the Exeter Public Library. Ms. Douglas respectfully requested that the application fee be waived. The Friends are a non-profit and a group of loyal supporters who have helped in many ways to enhance what the Library has to offer its patrons.
The Public Hearing was duly noticed and advertised. Fees for advertising and certified mailings are owing in the amount of $169.03.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to close the Public Hearing; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to waive the $100.00 application fee for Outdoor Entertainment License for the Friends of the Exeter Public Library’s 2021 Fall Festival; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to grant Outdoor Entertainment License to the Friends of the Exeter Public Library for its Fall Festival to be held on September 25, 2021, as indicated in its application; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION: TRACY HARTMAN, OWNER/PRESIDENT, SKI PRO INC. d/b/a YAWGOO VALLEY SKI AREA, 220 YAWGOO VALLEY ROAD, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND; TO HOLD HER SON’S WEDDING CEREMONY AND RECEPTION OUTDOORS AT THE YAWGOO VALLEY SKI AREA SNOW TUBING PARK, OCTOBER 14, 2022, FROM APPROXIMATELY 4:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M.; WILL BE BETWEEN 100 AND 120 GUESTS, WILL BE CATERED, AND WILL INCLUDE A DJ:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to open the Public Hearing; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Tracy Hartman, her son, Jack Hartman, and his fiancé, Alicia Southland were present.
Mr. Hartman and Ms. Southland wish to have their wedding on the top of the hill at the ski area overlooking the gorgeous views. The wedding is set for a year from this October. Hopefully, there will be no Covid restrictions. They thanked Council for its time and consideration.
Ms. Hartman and the bride and groom submitted applications tonight for a victualing and one-day liquor license (Class F1) for the top of the hill and request that these applications be considered as part of the Outdoor Entertainment Application.
Yawgoo Valley has a victualing and liquor license for the bottom of the hill. Neither application has to be advertised.
The Public Hearing was duly noticed and advertised. Fees are owing in the amount of $175.28.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFranceso to close the Public Hearing; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to grant Outdoor Entertainment License to Tracy Hartman to hold her son’s wedding at Yawgoo Valley Ski Area on October 14, 2022, as indicated in her application; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to grant Class F1 One-Day Liquor License to Tracy Hartman for her son’s wedding to be held at the top of the hill at the Yawgoo Valley Ski Area on October 14, 2022; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to grant a One-Day Victualing License to Tracy Hartman for her son’s wedding to be held at the top of the hill at the Yawgoo Valley Ski Area on October 14, 2022; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Library Report: Cal Ellis, Library Liaison, reported that Council Assistant Kenneth Findlay and Chair of the Library Board of Trustees recently led interviews for a new Library Director.
Mr. Findlay reported that the previous Director vacated the position after 15 years of service. The vacancy was posted, resumes received reviewed, and interviews conducted. Tien Tran has been hired as the new Director. In Mr. Findlay’s opinion, Mr. Tran is more than the interview team could have hoped for. Mr. Tran comes from the Providence Public Library, is a breath of fresh air, and has great ideas. A meet and greet will be scheduled soon.
Mr. Tran thanked Mr. Ellis, Mr. Findlay, and Ms. Douglas for their warm welcome and was honored to meet the Town Council. Mr. Tran is excited and grateful for the opportunity to fill the position, overwhelmed with the incredible support, and hopes to live up to the expectations and serve the Town well. He welcomes Council’s and the Public’s input and ideas. Prior to becoming a Librarian, as a child, a teen, a grad student, and now as an adult, Mr. Tran has personally benefited from many hours of utilizing libraries, reading, browsing, and thinking. When he visits new places, he visits libraries. Libraries today, are experiencing dynamic change, offer great continuity and tradition, are a source for and preserver of cultural resources, offer tools for work and learning, and can be deeply enriching and satisfying.
Council welcomed Mr. Tran, realizing the culture shock he must be experiencing from Providence.
A. EXTENSION AND RENEWAL OF DECLARATION OF MUNICIPAL STATE OF EMERGENCY: Though it is believed that the Governor will end the State Emergency Declaration on July 9, Emergency Management Director E. Stefan Coutoulakis suggested that Council extend and renew the Town Declaration of Emergency one month, unless lifted. The declaration of emergency has been kept in place during the Covid Pandemic to keep consistent with State practices and to ensure State and Federal reimbursements.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to extend and renew the Declaration of Municipal State of Emergency for one month, unless it is lifted by the Executive Branch; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: If the State emergency declaration is lifted within the month, the Town’s will expire on that date as well.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR DUE TO PANDEMIC-RELATED SERVICES: Treasurer Maria Lawler reported. At the June 8, 2021, Financial Town Meeting, Emergency Management Director E. Stefan Coutoulakis was awarded a substantial raise. Mr. Coutoulakis will receive the additional compensation through the end of June and the new salary rate beginning July 1, 2021.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to remove Agenda Item No. 9B, Additional Compensation to Emergency Management Director due to Pandemic-Related Services; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
C. COVID-19 REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS: Application was made for reimbursement of funds in the amount of $17,250.00 for Covid Pandemic expenses. The request was granted and the funds have been received. Mr. Ellis commended Emergency Management Director E. Stefan Coutoulakis for reimbursement of the funds.
D. NATIONAL GRID POLE PETITION: JOINT OR IDENTICAL POLE LOCATION: GLEN ROCK ROAD: INSTALLATION OF NEW JO POLE (P20-5): Director of Public Works Stephen Mattscheck approves the petition.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve National Grid Pole Petition for Installation of New JO Pole (P20-5) on Glen Rock Road; seconded by Mr. Patterson; and
voted unanimously in the affirmative.
E. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: REQUEST TO PROCEED TO BID: REPLACEMENT OF 2007 FORD PICKUP LESS TRADE:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to proceed to bid for Replacement of 2007 Ford Pickup Less Trade as suggested by Director of Public Works Stephen Mattscheck; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre.
Discussion: Mr. Lefebvre queried why this was not in the budget approved at the June 8, 2021, Financial Town Meeting. He thought a mower was to be purchased. In reviewing the documents for the Financial Town Meeting, Mr. Findlay realized that the mower was a carry over from last year’s budget documents. It had already been purchased. The mower was supposed to be removed and replaced with Replacement of the 2007 Ford and was.
Mr. Maher requested clarification. He did not recall it being in the resolutions for the Financial Town Meeting.
MOTION made by Patterson to retract motion to proceed to bid; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre.
Discussion: The 2007 Ford is the oldest vehicle the Department of Public Works has. Replacing it would upgrade the fleet with a more reliable vehicle. Mr. Ellis suggested putting it out to bid and decide whether to make the replacement when the bids are received. Treasurer Maria Lawler read Resolution No. 35, approved at the June 8, 2021, Financial Town Meeting: “Public Works Department New Equipment Fund for Replacement of 2006 Volvo Backhoe and 2007 Pickup Less Trades with any remaining funds to purchase equipment and supplies for the Department of Public Works.”
Mr. Findlay will research the budget documents to determine when the comment
for the Public Works New Equipment Fund was changed.
Back to the Motion to Retract: Mr. Patterson withdrew his motion and
Mr. Lefebvre withdrew his second.
Back to Motion to Proceed to Bid: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
F. ENACTMENT OF FEDERAL HOLIDAY BY PRESIDENT JOSEPH BIDEN: JUNETEENTH: DISCUSSION REGARDING OBSERVANCE: President Biden enacted Juneteenth on a Thursday. On Friday morning, June 18, both Town Clerk Lynn Hawkins and Director of Public Works Stephen Mattscheck were approached by staff asking whether the Town would be closed that day as June 19 was the next day, Saturday. If the Council wishes to recognize Juneteenth this year, the Clerk suggests a floating holiday, the Director of Public Works suggests giving his staff Friday, July 9, or add it to next year’s holiday schedule?
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson, effective next year, to make June 19 (“Juneteenth”) part of the Federal paid holidays for all Town staff and
employees; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre.
Discussion: It was enacted at 3:00 in the afternoon on Thursday, June 17, effective immediately, leaving not enough time to react this year. President Lincoln enacted Emancipation on June 19.
Back to the Motion: Voted as follows:
Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Michael A. Lefebvre Yes
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco Yes
Francis T. Maher, Jr. Abstain
Motion passes.
G. CONSIDERATION AND DISCUSSION: CHARTER CHANGE: FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING: Mr. Lefebvre noted that the June 8, 2021, Financial Town Meeting was delayed a half hour until a quorum of 50 people was present. This has happened several times at past Financial Town Meetings. Mr. Lefebvre suggested reviewing the Financial Town Meeting quorum requirement and alternatives.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to ask Council Assistant Kenneth Findlay to research the charter changes made in East Greenwich when they gradually moved to eliminate the Financial Town Meeting; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: East Greenwich increased its quorum. If a quorum was not present when the meeting convened, the budget as proposed by the Town Council stood approved. Should Council have the power to spend the taxpayers’ money? How many Towns still have Financial Town Meetings? Are they having difficulty getting a quorum? The public has the opportunity to attend all the budget sessions the Council holds to develop the budget to hear what is being proposed and provide their opinions and input. The School District budget is voted on in an All-day Referendum. There is no chance for the Public’s input. It almost always passes. Discussion will continue once the research is obtained.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
H. APPROVAL AT FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING OF NEW TOWN POSITION: ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve posting the part-time position of Elections Administrator/Clerk; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: The Clerk provided the draft of the posting and Mary B. Hall, Chair of the Board of Canvassers, has approved same. The new clerk will work in the Board of Canvassers and help in other offices when time permits, which would be extremely helpful to the other offices.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
I. PUBLIC MEETINGS: LIVE STREAMING AND VIDEO CONFERENCING: Live Streaming is allowed under the Open Meetings Act. It would allow the Public to watch meeting proceedings from a location other than the meeting. Public participation is not possible through live streaming. Live Streaming is free through YouTube.
The Library received a grant which will be used to purchase and test a video conferencing system in the Program Room. The same system will be bought
for Council Chambers. Per the Open Meetings Act, Council can vote whether to allow public participation through video conferencing.
J. CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: ASSISTANT TO RUN ZOOM MEETINGS FOR PLANNING AND ZONING BOARDS: The Planning Board Clerk has been taking minutes and running the Zoom meeting at the same time. Union staff members are willing to assist.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to grant the Planning Board Clerk assistance as needed; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
K. CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: LETTER TO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REGARDING NOTICE OF VIOLATIONS AT TOWN GARAGE: Mr. Ellis read the draft of a letter he proposes to the Department of Environmental Management requesting a meeting at the Garage in an effort to resolve the matter.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to direct the Clerk to send Mr. Ellis’ letter to the Department of Environmental Management on behalf of Council; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre.
Discussion: There has been little movement on this matter. Mitigation proposals have been discussed. Some have been modified. Absence at the Department of Environmental Management because of COVID and staff changes have slowed up movement. The Department of Environmental Management’s deadline for remediation is imminent. The Director of Public Works and Council are frustrated with the time this is taking and make this motion to move forward.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
L. INTRODUCTION, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: RESOLUTION REGARDING LEGALIZATION OF ADULT RECREATION USE MARIJUANA:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to adopt Resolution Regarding Legalization of Adult Recreation use Marijuana; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre.
Discussion: The resolution includes support of: local obligations of enforcement (i.e., a percentage of the local sales tax); cities and towns having the option to opt out through its City or Town Councils; municipal safety grants and expansion of impact fees; licensing and limits on the number of licenses based on population; compliance with land use, restrictions, setbacks, zoning, etc.; funding to support substance use programs for impacted residents and education on substance use disorders; and laws that install employer safeguards to ensure a safe work environment.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
M. INTRODUCTION, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE REMOVAL OF MASK MANDATE FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN:
Mr. Lefebvre felt mask mandates for school children “preposterous.” He knows a child with a speech impairment that needs to see other children speaking. Children should be able to see each other when interacting. How can you learn when masked?
Ms. DeFrancesco volunteers at her son’s school. The children do not complain about wearing masks if it means they can be in person in school.
Ms. DeFrancesco and Mr. Lefebvre debated the subject and ended in disagreement. Ms. DeFrancesco for and Mr. Lefebvre against mask wearing for school children.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to adopt Resolution Requesting the Removal of Mask Mandate for School Children and forward to Governor Daniel McKee and the Department of Education; seconded by Mr. Patterson.
Discussion: Mr. Ellis agreed it is a difficult, challenging issue. Ms. DeFrancesco wished to let the schools do what they need to do. Mr. Maher felt the parents should decided whether their children wear masks not anyone else.
Back to the Motion: Voted as follows:
Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Michael A. Lefebvre Yes
Calvin A. Ellis No
Olivia DeFrancesco No
Francis T. Maher, Jr. Yes
Motion passes.
N. APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT TO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT TO ZONING MAP/ORDINANCE: REVITY ENERGY, LLC, APPLICANT: REGARDING PROPERTY AT TEN ROD ROAD (AP22/BLOCK3/LOT3): REQUEST FOR EXENSION TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Revity Energy was recently before the Planning Board. The Planning Board wished to continue with Revity and asked if it would agree to extending its time to be heard by the Town Council. By ordinance, the Council is to hold a public hearing on such application within 65 days of receipt. In this case, that would be August. Revity is requesting that the Public Hearing be held in September.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to grant the request of Revity Energy to extend the date of the Public Hearing regarding its application; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. STATUS: LEASE AND CLOSING EXTENSION AGREEMENT: TRANSFER STATION/JASON C. WHITFORD IRREVOCABLE TRUST: This agenda item will be discussed in Executive Session.
B. DISCUSSION: CHARTER CHANGE: STAGGERING OF COUNCIL TERMS: Mr. Findlay continues to draft the language. When finished, he will forward to the Town Solicitor for review.
C. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: DISCUSSION: REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS AND FUNDING: Town Planner Bill DePasquale is drafting the specifications.
D. STATUS: SPLIT ROCK MOBILE PARK: ELECTRICAL ISSUES: Electrical Inspector Randy McGovern reports that a permit has been pulled but the issues have not been attended to. Park Owner Richard Palmer reports that his electrical engineer has been busy and not able to do the job yet. Council will give Mr. Palmer one more month. If Mr. McGovern determines it is time, Council can schedule a show cause hearing as to why the license should not be revoked.
E. STATUS: REQUEST TO EXETER BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO RECONSIDER PURCHASE OF NEW DROP OFF BOOK BOX: Council has directed the Library Board of Trustees to address the matter.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to remove Agenda Item No. 10E, Status: Request to Exeter Board of Trustees to Reconsider Purchase of New Drop Off Book Box; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
F. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE RHODE ISLAND STATE POLICE AND THE TOWN OF EXETER: The funds were approved at the June 8, 2021, Financial Town Meeting. Colonel Manni of the State Police has been informed. This agenda item will be removed until the Town is contacted again by Colonel Manni.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to remove Agenda Item No. 10F, Memorandum of Understanding Between the Rhode Island State Police and the Town of Exeter; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
G. OPEN MEETINGS ACT REFRESHER: ALL MEMBERS OF PUBLIC BODIES: The Clerk suggested that all Town staff and members of public bodies be asked to attend the Attorney General’s Open Meetings Summit on July 30, 2021, virtually, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to direct the Clerk to communicate information regarding the Attorney General’s Open Meetings Summit; seconded by
Mr. Patterson; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. TOWN COUNCIL ASSISTANT’S REPORT: Town Council Assistant, Kenneth G. Findlay: Following resolution of multiple Library issues and preparation of documents for the Financial Town Meeting, “things are getting back to normal” for Mr. Findlay.
B. SOLICITOR’S REPORT: James P. Marusak, Esq.: Attorney Marusak will discuss Agenda Item Nos. 14A1 (Green litigation), 14A3 (Davis litigation), and 14F (Transfer Station Purchase) in Executive Session.
C. REPORTS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:
Library Report: Addressed previously this evening.
Appointment of Joseph St. Lawrence to the Planning Board: The Clerk will obtain Joseph St. Lawrence’s letter of resignation from the Zoning Board of Review and then
that vacancy will be posted.
No. 2 06/11/2021 Rhode Island Department of Transportation: Proposal to take responsibility for ownership, maintenance, and billing of certain streetlights within Exeter: The communication indicates that there are 26 streetlights in Exeter: one on Exeter Road, nine on Nooseneck Hill Road, twelve on Slocum Road, four on Ten Rod Road. All are on State roads. The Town does not own streetlights and has never maintained any of the ones listed. The Department of Transportation will be contacted by Department of Public Works Stephen Mattscheck.
No. 4 06/15/2021 Letter from Tami Rathbun: Questions regarding perpetual care
of Cemetery EX003: Ms. Rathbun wishes to transfer funds to the Town for perpetual care of the cemetery where her family and descendants are interred. The cemetery is located on Escoheag Hill Road. Treasurer Maria Lawler will contact Ms. Rathbun.
No. 8 06/18/2021 Donna Pari: Letter of Resignation as Member of the Exeter Planning Board: Addressed previously this evening.
No. 9 06/21/2021 Eric Schultheis: Proposal for a Disc Golf Course on town property at 169 South County Trail: Disc golf is essentially frisbee golf and is an up-and-coming sport. The course would be carved in the woods, require little maintenance, and be low impact to the Town and environment. Persons from all
over the state play at other courses in the State and would be invited to play in Exeter. Mr. Schultheis requests that the Town purchase the baskets that would be permanently installed and that its Public Works help carve out the course and then maintain it. Consideration of this matter will be added to New Business next month.
No. 13 06/22/2021 Rich Quattromani: Letter of Interest requesting reappointment as Member of the Exeter Zoning Board of Review: Addressed previously this evening.
No. 16 06/29/2021 Gina and Loren Thurn, Our Kids Farm: Invitation to Tour
Solar and CEA: Addressed previously this evening.
Council took a recess.
Council reassembled in Open Session.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to enter into Executive Session to discuss Agenda Item Nos. 14A1 and 14A3 (Current/Future Litigation; Green Development and Asa Davis); 14C (Personnel Issues); and 14F (Transfer Station Purchase); seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted as follows:
Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Michael A. Lefebvre Yes
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco Yes
Francis T. Maher, Jr. Yes
Motion passes.
The Public was disconnected from the Executive Session by being put in the Zoom Waiting Room.
Council entered into Executive Session at 9:34 p.m.
Council adjourned Executive Session at 10:04 p.m. and reassembled in open session.
The Public was taken out of the Zoom Waiting Room and made to join the open session.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to seal the minutes of the Executive Session;
seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to adjourn the meeting; seconded by
Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 10:04 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council is scheduled for
Monday, August 2, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC
Exeter Town Clerk
Approved: September 7, 2021