MINUTES
EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 9, 2022
The Work Session of the Exeter Town Council was called to order at 6:32 p.m., on Monday, May 9, 2022, in the Program Room, Exeter Public Library, 773 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Roll Call: Daniel W. Patterson Present
Michael A. Lefebvre Present
Calvin A. Ellis Present
Olivia DeFrancesco Present
Manuel Andrews Present
Also Present: Lynn M. Hawkins, Town Clerk
Kenneth G. Findlay, Council Assistant
Maria Lawler, Town Treasurer
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to enter into Executive Session to discuss Labor Negotiations [RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2)]; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted as follows:
Daniel W. Patterson Yes
Michael A. Lefebvre Yes
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco Yes
Manuel Andrews Yes
Motion passes.
Council entered into Executive Session at 6:32 p.m.
Council adjourned Executive Session at 6:59 p.m.
Council reassembled in open session.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to seal the minutes of the Executive Session;
seconded by Mr. Andrews; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Language for the flyer is in the process of being drafted.
Following Council’s meeting of May 3, 2022, where it discussed uses for the funds, $1.9 million, Town Treasurer, Maria Lawler, handed out a list of how Council proposes to distribute the funds:
Town Hall Addition $800,000.00
Library Recreation Facility $ 80,000.00
Public Safety Signs $ 50,000.00
Community Notifications/Website $ 50,000.00
Animal Shelter Septic System $ 35,000.00
DPW/EMA Equipment $350,000.00
Small Business/Farmers $ 5,000.00
Local Sports $ 5,000.00
Non-Profits/Youth Camps/Seniors $ 5,000.00
Natural Resources $ 5,000.00
Outdoor Recreation Facilities $ 50,000.00
Library and HVAC $275,000.00
Administrative/Other $190,000.00
Resident, Ted Nataly, suggested that more be set aside for seniors. $50,000.00 was taken from DPW/EMA Equipment and distributed, $45,000.00 for seniors and $5,000.00 additional to Small Business/Farmers.
A resolution regarding the above will be voted on at the Financial Town Meeting, June 14, 2022.
Treasurer, Maria Lawler, distributed the latest draft of the proposed budget.
No changes were made. A Public Hearing regarding the proposed budget is scheduled for Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., in the Program Room, Exeter Public Library, 773 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Council and Public Works Director, Stephen Mattscheck, discussed options to save expenses associated with the Transfer Station, such as, the purchase of tags for each bag disposed of, the purchase of certain bags for disposal of trash, and an increase to the transfer station permit fee. This agenda item will be further discussed at a future work session.
Changes to the policy will be discussed once the Collective Bargaining Unit Contracts are signed.
Council will consider questions and rationale for a Town Manager and a four-year term for Town Clerk and Town Treasurer as opposed to a two-year term at its June 6, 2022, Regular Meeting.
There were no Other Administrative Issues.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to adjourn the meeting; seconded by
Mr. Andrews; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The Work Session adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC
Exeter Town Clerk
Approved: June 6. 2022