MINUTES
EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 6, 2023
Town Council Member Diane Bampton Allen 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 Monday, February 6, 2023, in Council Chambers, Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Roll Call: Daniel W. Patterson Absent - Ill
Michael A. Lefebvre Present
Calvin A. Ellis Present
Olivia DeFrancesco Present
Diane Bampton-Allen Present
Also Present: Also Present: James P. Marusak, Esq., Town Solicitor
Lynn M. Hawkins, Town Clerk
Asa Davis: 1) Planning Board Chair, Scott Millar, has updated his Ethics filings. Since he
did it of his own accord, no fine; 2) Zoning Inspector, Hal Morgan, did not, so he is now before
the Ethics Commission; 3) The address for the Washington County Regional Planning Council (“WCRPC”) is 25 Barnacle Street, Narragansett, Director Broadhead’s home, within walking distance of Mr. Ellis’ Narragansett home. When it started, the WCRPC had $16,000.00.
When it went defunct, it had $847,000.00. Mr. Broadhead was compensated approximately $500,000.00 during the inactive period. Coincidentally, renovations in the six figures were done to 25 Barnacle Street in 2020, when WCRPC stopped filing tax returns. No finance, mortgage, construction records for the work found. Mr. Broadhead sold 25 Barnacle Street, WCRPC’s headquarters, for $1,800,000.00 in June 2022. He bought a home in Charlestown for $600,000.00 and pocketed $1,200,000.00. Some of the money in the WCRPC accounts
was Exeter tax payer money. Keep this in mind when Mr. Ellis talks about the need for coordinated planning across South County and tomorrow evening’s agenda item for a new
rural coalition to replace the WCRPC and raise money for lawyers and lobbyists.
A. TOWN OF EXETER OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS CLOSED: PRESIDENTS’ DAY, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023: The Public was informed.
B. EXETER-WEST GREENWICH SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE JOINT MEETING WITH EXETER AND WEST-GREENWICH TOWN COUNCILS: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023, 6:00 P.M., EXETER-WEST GREENWICH JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY, 930 NOOSENECTK HILL ROAD, WEST GREENWICH, RHODE ISLAND: The Public was informed and invited to attend.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Agenda Order with the exception of moving Agenda Item No. 9A, Town Council By-Laws, to the end of New Business;
seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: Mr. Lefebvre queried why. Mr. Ellis said that he had some housekeeping
changes to propose and that other, more important New Business items should be
addressed first.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST: Council has Communication No. 31.
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
Mr. Lefebvre removed Nos. 3 and 4. Ms. Allen removed Nos. 8 and 15.
Mr. Ellis removed No. 12.
C. COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 3, 7, 24. and 26.
D. SCHEDULE OF FEBRUARY 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
The Bill Sheet was not removed. There were no Tax Assessor’s Abatements
or Tax Collector’s Remittances and Abatements.
1. COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING, JANUARY 9, 2023
The Minutes were not removed.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Consent Agenda as amended;
seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. VACANCIES:
1. PERSONNEL BOARD (5 MEMBERS NEEDED): Letters of interest received are being held. Once five are received, this Board will be activated. These vacancies will continue to post.
2. CONSERVATION COMMISSION (7 MEMBERS NEEDED): Letters of interest received are being held. Once seven are received, this Board and Commission will be activated. These vacancies will continue to post.
3. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR:
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to post for Public Works Director, interview in March, and appoint either at a Special Meeting in March or at the April Regular Meeting; seconded by Ms. Allen.
Discussion: Interim Public Works Director Rob Shappy does not have a Supervisor to help him as did the prior Director of Public Works. He is doing a good job and has a great attitude, but he should have the help. This should not be delayed any longer. Council Assistant Ken Findlay and Council President have been working on a description and should get it to the Clerk by
the end of the week.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
B. RESIGNATIONS:
1. GERTRUDE “TRUDY” CHARBONNEAU, BOARD OF CANVASSERS MEMBER (UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING APRIL 11, 2026):
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to accept the resignation of Gertrude “Trudy” Charbonneau as Board of Canvassers Member; seconded by Ms. Allen.
Discussion: Mr. Ellis read Ms. Charbonneau’s Letter of Resignation in part into the record.
“I have been proud to work at the Town Hall with so many wonderful people who have been supportive of our office and who have served our Town with integrity as we strove to provide fair, honest elections. We been working to complete required tasks that were associated with the mid-term election and have progressed to the point I feel comfortable leaving my position. Thanks to my co-workers… Mary B. Hall…and Wayne Cross, who made every work day a pleasant, collaborative experience, that I will long treasure and remember.”
The Clerk will send a thank you letter to Ms. Charbonneau.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Positions on the Board of Canvassers are filled by recommendation of the Republican and Democratic Town Committees. Trudy held a Democratic position on the Board. The Democratic Town Committee recommends Nancy Anderton for the vacancy created
by Ms. Charbonneau’s resignation.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to appoint Nancy Anderton as Board of Canvassers Member for the unexpired term ending April 11, 2026; seconded by Mr. Ellis.
Discussion: Ms. Anderton has worked multiple elections and has helped in the office.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
2. JENSEN ELLEMAN, ANIMAL SHELTER OFFICER:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to accept the resignation of Jensen Elleman as Animal Control Officer; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Ms. Allen noted that Animal Control Officer Deana Dolan requests that the vacancy be filled
as soon as possible.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to post the vacancy of Animal Control Officer;
seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
3. ESTEBAN BEETAR-MESTRE, LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to accept the resignation of Esteban Beetar-Mestre
as Library Board of Trustees Member; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The vacancy caused by Mr. Beetar-Mestre’s resignation will be posted.
C. APPOINTMENTS:
1. JUVENILE HEARING BOARD ALTERNATE MEMBER (ONE NEEDED FOR THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT): There have been
no letters of interest received. This vacancy will continue to post.
2. EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST COMMITTEE MEMBER (ONE NEEDED TO FILL UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING APRIL 1, 2023): There have been no letters of interest received. This vacancy will continue to post.
3. WOOD-PAWCATUCK WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL ALTERNATE MEMBER: There have been no letters of interest received.
This vacancy will continue to post.
4. LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER (TO FILL UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING MARCH 2, 2023): There have been no letters of interest received.
This vacancy will continue to post.
5. BOARD OF CANVASSERS ALTERNATE MEMBER (TO SERVE UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING MAY 3, 2027): This position was held by a Republican. The Republican Town Committee is seeking a volunteer.
6. FINANCE CLERK: There have been no additional letters of interest received.
This vacancy will continue to post.
7. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR: Mr. Lefebvre suggested scheduling a work session to interview the six applicants, including Interim Director Dori Boardman’s.
Mr. Ellis noted that former Emergency Management Director Stefan Coutoulakis has submitted his recommendation on behalf of Ms. Boardman.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to appoint Dori Boardman as Emergency Management Director based on former Emergency Management Director Stefan Coutoulakis’ recommendation; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: Ms. Allen supported Mr. Coutoulakis’ opinion that Ms. Boardman would be an excellent fit. Mr. Lefebvre felt that Council should go through the motions of interviewing in order to be sure Ms. Boardman is the right candidate. Ms. DeFrancesco trusted Mr. Coutoulakis’ opinion and did not think it necessary to waste Council’s or the other applicants’ time.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
8. TOWN CONSTABLE (TO FILL UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING APRIL 2023):
When Town Sergeant Scote Miller was elected, he resigned from his position as Town Constable. He recommends William Gallagher for the vacancy, who has been working as Special Constable for a number of years and has backing up Mr. Miller since before he became Town Sergeant (when he was serving as both Town Constable and Interim Town Sergeant) to fill the position.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to appoint William Gallagher as Town Constable to fill unexpired term ending April 2023 as recommended by Town Sergeant Scote Miller; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Per Mr. Miller, there is no need to fill the vacancy of Special Constable created byMr. Gallagher’s resignation and appointment at this time. Mr. Miller currently has three Special Constables, which is adequate.
D. EXPIRING TERMS:
1. EDWARD BAKER, JUVENILE HEARING BOARD MEMBER (TERM
EXPIRING MARCH 2, 2023)
2. HELEN DOUGLAS, LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER (TERM
EXPIRING MARCH 2, 2023)
3. ESTEBAN BEETAR-MESTRE, LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER
(TERM EXPIRING MARCH 2, 2023)
4. SHEILA REYNOLDS, LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER (TERM
EXPIRING MARCH 2, 2023)
Sheila Reynolds and Helen Douglas have submitted their requests to be resubmitted.
Mr. Beetar-Mestre has resigned. Ms. Hawkins will inquire of Mr. Baker whether he
wishes to be reappointed.
There were no Public Hearings.
A. TOWN COUNCIL BY-LAWS: Per motion made under Agenda Item No. 5,
Council moved to Agenda item No. 9B.
Mr. Ellis spoke regarding the following sections of the By-Laws:
Because of issues in the past, Section 119B, Cessation of Address, was added: “Any person making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks or who shall become boisterous while addressing the Town Council shall be forthwith…barred from further audience before the
Town Council at that meeting...”
Section 114D, Consent Agenda, states “There will be no separate discussion of any Consent Agenda item, unless a Town Council Member requests removal of a specific item from the Consent Agenda. In such case, only such requested items shall be removed from the Consent Agenda and it shall then be considered in the normal sequence on the agenda.” Council does
this and follows this section.
Regarding, Section 113, Order of Business, Mr. Ellis suggested that his suggestion (following) regarding this section be continued to another meeting and that if and when there is a vote, he will abstain. He has often thought that Item 113-1, Public Comment, should be before New Business. It is meant for the public to discuss a matter on the agenda, but has been used by many to voice negative comments and concerns. All the housekeeping items can be taken care of, then Council take public comment and move to New Business. Other towns take Public Comment later in their meetings. The School Committee takes Public Comments at the beginning of their meeting. The Planning Board moved Public Comment to the end of its agendas. Because Mr. Pattersson was not present, Mr. Ellis suggested that this item be moved to next month’s agenda under Unfinished Business.
Council moved to Agenda item No. 10A.
B. RUBBISH REMOVAL LICENSE APPLICATION: WASTE MANAGEMENT OF RI, INC., 1610 PONTIAC AVENUE, CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND (DATE OF APPROVAL THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2023): The Clerk reported that all requirements have been met.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to approve Rubbish Removal License for Waste Management of RI, Inc., 1610 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, Rhode Island; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
C. REQUEST OF SOUTH COUNTY ROD & GUN CLUB REGARDING OLD VOLUNTOWN ROAD:
1. TO RESCIND MOTION MADE AT SPECIAL MEETING OF JANUARY 9, 2023, TO SEND LETTER TO RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD APPROVING IMPROVEMENTS TO OLD VOLUNTOWN ROAD: When this matter was discussed last month, it was brought to light that one homeowner may develop his property in the future. The Rhode Island National Guard, who is doing this as an exercise, cannot work on the road
if in the future someone other than the Rod & Gun Club would benefit.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to rescind motion made at Special Meeting of January 9, 2023, to send letter to Rhode Island National Guard approving improvements to Old Voluntown Road; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
2. TO APPROVE LETTER TO RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD PERMITTING WORK ON ACCESS ROADS AND LAND CLEARING, SOUTH COUNTY ROD & GUN CLUB PROPERTY, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND: The Rod & Gun Club now requests a letter, similar to one sent by West Greenwich, wherein Exeter would give the Rhode Island National Guard permission to perform work on access roads and land clearing on the Rod & Gun Club properties and indicate that the project will not affect the environment.
Michael Corrente, a member of the Rod & Gun Club, was present. The Rod & Gun Club has spoken to the inspectors from both Exeter and West Greenwich. Neither had any issue with what will be done. There will be no work done on the public road, only on the private property.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to approve letter, similar to West Greenwich letter, to Rhode Island National Guard permitting work on access roads and land clearing on the Rod & Gun Club property.
Discussion: Attorney Marusak suggested not using the word “road,” removing the language that the project will not affect the environment because how can Council make that statement without a study, and include language regarding fire access roads.
MOTION AMENDED by Ms. Allen to approve a letter similar, but not exactly the same, as the Town of West Greenwich’s to say that the Town of Exeter gives the Rhode Island National Guard permission to perform private access roads and land clearing on the South County Rod & Gun Club properties in the Town of Exeter, and strike the last sentence on West Greenwich’s letter; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
D. RHODE ISLAND ENERGY: JOINT POLE PETITION: NARRAGANSETT ELECTRIC & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC.; LIBERTY CHURCH ROAD, INSTALL OF NEW POLE (P16-50): Interim Director of Public Works Rob Shappy has reviewed the paperwork, inspected the location, and approves the work proposed.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve Rhode Island Energy Joint Pole Petition for installation of new pole (P16-50) on Liberty Church Road; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
E. EXETER-WEST GREENWICH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT: REQUEST FOR NAMES OF EXETER COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH ARCHITECTURAL, ENGINEERING, AND/OR CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE IN ACCORDANCE WITH RIDE SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS 200-RICR-20-05-4:
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to post for volunteer to serve on the Exeter-West Greenwich School Building Committee; seconded by Ms. Allen.
Discussion: Kevin Robishaw has been serving on the Committee and would like to be reappointed. Council will consider his request next month when it addresses this matter under Appointments.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
F. REQUEST OF INTERIM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR:
1. TO RESCIND MOTION MADE AT REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 7, 2021, AWARDING FLOOD FORD OF EAST GREENWICH BID FOR 2022 F SERIES SD - F350 4X4: Flood Ford has not been able to deliver the truck and does not know when
or if it will be able to. Following discussion, the Clerk will send a letter to Flood Ford to inquire whether it will release the Town of this obligation as it cannot deliver timely.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to send letter to Flood Ford telling them they have not delivered in time and to rescind the bid; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
2. TO PURCHASE 2023 FORD F-450 AND CHASSIS: Interim Public Works Director Rob Shappy queried whether this vehicle could be bought under the State Bid with funds set aside for the F-350. Following discussion, the Town will consider this agenda item, once the written release is obtained from Flood Ford.
Agenda Items 9F1 and 2 will carry to Unfinished Business next month.
G. TOWN OF EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES; CHAPTER 14, BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS; ARTICLE IV, IMPACT FEES:
Business owner Gashy Dowlatshahi has complained regarding Impact Fees he was recently charged. He is not impacting the Town so does not understand why he is being charged so much. Mr. Findlay has contacted the consultant who helped formulate the Impact Fees.
He awaits a response back. This matter will continue to next month’s agenda.
Per motion made under Agenda Item No. 5, Council moved to Agenda Item No. 9A.
A. USE OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS: TOWN HALL ADDITION:
This matter will be discussed tomorrow night at Council’s Special Meeting.
B. JULY COMMUNICATION NO 16: GOVERNOR MCKEE: RHODE ISLAND CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND: MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITY FACILITIES MATCHING GRANT: Treasurer Maria Lawler reported. The Rhode Island Office of Pandemic Recovery is in communication with the United States Treasury. There has been no word whether the Town’s request for a grant to use on the Town Hall addition has been denied or approved. Ms. Lawler will inquire with Pandemic Recovery whether the funds can be used at a different address if Council decides against an addition at the present
Town Hall location.
C. SPLIT ROCK MOBILE PARK :
1. REQUEST OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR RANDY McGOVERN TO OBTAIN ENGINEER’S REPORT AND REQUIRE VIOLATIONS TO BE CORRECTED TIMELY
2. TRAILER PARK LICENSE RENEWAL APPLICATION: SPLIT ROCK MOBILE PARK, 480 SOUTH COUNTY TRAIL
Six of the seven poles are completed. Electrical Inspector Randy McGovern reports that he is happy with the progress. This matter will continue to next month’s agenda.
D. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES:
CHAPTER 38, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES; ARTICLE II, STREETS; DIVISION 2, OFFICAL STREET MAP; SECTION 38-103, ADDITIONS AND CHANGES (ADDITION OF KAYLA RICCI WAY FOR REFERRAL TO PLANNING BOARD): A Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 27, at 6:30 p.m.
Attorney Marusak noted that this agenda item should begin “Proposed Amendment to Official Street Map Pursuant to Exeter Code of Ordinances…” and “for referral to Planning Board” should be removed because this has already been sent to the Planning Board.
E. SIGNAGE ON MAJOR ROUTES INTO TOWN: Before signs are bought, because the major routes into town are State roads and scenic highways, permits may be required from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and/or the Scenic Division. Mr. Findlay will look into this and report back to Council. At the same time, Mr. Findlay should inquire as to regulations, such as size limitations.
F. REQUEST FOR NEW MARQUEE SIGN TO BE PLACED ON CLERK’S OFFICE LAWN: Location of the sign cannot be addressed until it is decided whether to add on to the current Town Hall or build a new one. This matter will be removed from the agenda until an addition or new Town Hall is built.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to remove Agenda Item No. 10 F, Request for New Marquee Sign to be placed on Clerk’s Office Lawn; seconded by Ms. Allen;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
G. MEMORIAL DAY PARADE COMMITTEE: The Clerk reported. Twenty volunteers attended the February 1 meeting. The volunteers are willing to prepare in order to hold a parade on Sunday, May 28, at 12:00 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for March 1.
H. DEALER IN JUNK LICENSE APPLICATION: DONNA F. RAYMOND, APPLICANT, 88 BLACK PLAIN ROAD: Building Inspector Ron DeFrancesco reports
that Ms. Raymond has done nothing to remove the tires.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to deny Donna F. Raymond, 88 Black Plain Road, Dealer in June License; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to direct the Clerk to notify Zoning Inspector Hal
Morgan of the violations and to ask Building Inspector Ronald DeFrancesco to
continue to pursue Ms. Raymond; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted
unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to remove Agenda Item No. 10H, Dealer in Junk License Application, Donna F. Raymond, Applicant, 88 Black Plain Road, from the agenda; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
I. DECEMBER COMMUNICATION NO. 15: LETTER FROM STATE TRAFFIC COMMISSION: APPROVAL OF REQUEST FOR RIDOT TO REMOVE PASSING ZONES ON ROUTE 165, WEST OF MOUNT TOM ROAD, EAST OF BLIVEN TRAIL, AND BETWEEN EAST SHORE DRIVE AND BLACK PLAIN ROAD:
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to approve State Traffic Commission Request to approve for RIDOT removal of passing zones on Route 165, west of Mount Tom Road, East of Bliven Trail, and between East Shore Drive and Black Plain Road; seconded by Mr. Ellis.
Discussion: Mr. Ellis thought this was discussed last month. The Clerk reminded Council that Council President Patterson was going to look into this and report back to Council tonight.
Mr. Miller reported that he believes that the work has been done. The road has been restriped and rumble strips installed.
Back to the Motion: Mr. Lefebvre withdrew his motion. Mr. Ellis withdrew his second.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to remove Agenda Item 10I, December Communication No. 15; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
J. DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: RESOLUTION NO. 2023-01: RESOLUTION URGING PASSAGE OF STATE LEGISLATION REGARDING GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS IN LIEU OF PROPERTY TAX FOR STATE-OWNED PROPERTIES IN THE TOWN OF EXETER: There has been no action at the State level.
K. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO EXETER ZONING ORDINANCE: MAXIMUM LOT COVERAGE OF ALL STRUCTURES: A Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 27. Council was provided the Planning Board’s opinion tonight. Ms. DeFrancesco, Planning Board Liaison, noted that the Planning Board: 1) recommends that Council review the Comprehensive Plan prior to consideration of this proposed zone change and 2) unanimously voted to recommend that Council not entertain and withdraw this zoning change. The Planning Board felt that the amendment has “holes and issues” that need to be worked out and that the Planning Board wished to write something comprehensive “that does not leave the town open to chaos and havoc” and work with the interested parties. Ms. Allen wished Council had the Planning Board’s opinion before tonight. Mr. Ellis queried whether Council is moving in haste.
L. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: COMPLAINTS REGARDING
D. LEWIS HAULS TO RESOURCE RECOVERY CORPORATION, JOHNSTON, RHODE ISLAND: Interim Director of Public Works Robert Shappy has issued a warning to D. Lewis with copy to Resource Recovery Corporation. This matter will be removed.
If it does not resolve, it can be placed back on the agenda.
MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to remove Agenda Item No. 10L, Complaints Regarding D. Lewis Hauls to Resource Recovery Corporation, Johnston, Rhode Island, from the agenda; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. TOWN COUNCIL ASSISTANT’S REPORT: TOWN COUNCIL ASSISTANT, KENNETH G. FINDLAY: There was no Town Council Assistant’s report.
B. SOLICITOR’S REPORT : JAMES P. MARUSAK, ESQ. :
Attorney Marusak had nothing more, new, or additional to report.
C. REPORTS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:
Tax Assessor: Tax Assessor Kerri Petrarca is in receipt of 158 of the 254 business/personal property annual returns. The deadline was January 31, 2023. Some of the remaining accounts have requested an extension to March 15, 2023.
Tax Collector: Tax Collector Kimberly Robitaille reports that a Tax Sale is scheduled for
June 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., in Council Chambers, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Taxpayers who have delinquent taxes should bring them current as soon as possible.
Library: Ms. Allen thanked Interim Director of Public Works Rob Shappy for bringing portable heaters to the Library to keep the pump working in the recent cold temperatures. The pump will be replaced with the new HVAC system.
School: Currently, the budget is at $35,902,897.00, or 4.3% for Exeter and 3.61% for West Greenwich. The Committee is still working on the budget. It could, and most likely, will
go down.
Emergency Management: Director Dori Boardman reports. She has been working on: 1) partnering with West Greenwich regarding using its Town Hall Conference Room as a warming center; 2) the Dam Management and Emergency Operations Plans;
and 3) completing the transition from the former Director.
There were No Other AdministrativeIssues.
No. 3 01/05/2023 Asa Davis: Ethics Complaint: Mr. Ellis: has "never seen some of the stuff” in the complaint,” has never been to Mr. Broadhead’s home in Narragansett, is intrigued that Mr. Davis continues to come forward with this complaint and information,
and apologized to Council if they are embarrassed by “all of this.”
No. 7 01/05/2023 Mack Clapp: 1) Complaint about trash at 700 Ten Rod Road;
2) Inquiry about whether the softball clinic being run out of one of the buildings at 700 Ten Rod Road is registered to do business in Exeter: These issues are being addressed by Zoning Inspector Hal Morgan, Building Inspector Ronald DeFrancesco, and Fire Marshal Sue Hawksley.
No. 24 01/24/2023 Town of Richmond: Resolution Urging the Rhode Island General
Assembly to Make Juneteenth Independence Day an Official State Holiday
MOTION by Mr. Ellis to put Resolution Urging the Rhode Island General Assembly
to make Juneteenth Independence Day an Official State Holiday on March agenda;
seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted as follows:
Michael A. Lefebvre No
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco Yes
Diane Bampton-Allen Abstain
Motion fails
No. 26 01/25/2023 Rhode Island Housing: Announcing the Rhode Island Statewide DPA Grant for First-time Homebuyers: A copy of this communication will be forwarded to Social Services Director Jessica DeMartino in the event any of her clients are eligible to apply for this grant.
Council did not enter into Executive Session.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to adjourn the meeting; seconded
by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council is scheduled for
Monday, March 6, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC
Exeter Town Clerk
Approved: March 6, 2023