MINUTES

 

EXETER TOWN COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

 

OCTOBER 2, 2023

 

 

No.   1:   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 

The Town Council led Council and the Public

in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

No.   2:   CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL:

 The Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town

Council was called to order at 7:04 p.m., on Monday, October 2, 2023, in Council Chambers,

Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.

 

Roll Call:                      Daniel W. Patterson                Present

                                                Michael A. Lefebvre               Present

Diane Bampton Allen         Present

                                                Olivia DeFrancesco                 Present

                                                Calvin A. Ellis                         Present

                                   

Also Present:                                Also Present:                James P. Marusak, Esq., Town Solicitor

Lynn M. Hawkins, Town Clerk

 

No.   3:   ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

A.     RANDY McGOVERN, ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR, RESIGNED ON

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023, AFTER  39 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE TOWN

OF EXETER:  Council honored and thanked Mr. McGovern for his many years

of service and dedication and presented him with a Certificate of Recognition.

 

B.     FREE FLU CLINICS WILL BE HELD IN THE METCALF ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL CAFETERIA ON OCTOBER 11 AND NOVEMBER 2, FROM 4:00 P.M.

TO 7:00 P.M.:  The Public was encouraged to get their flu shots.

 

C.     PROVIDENCE JOURNAL ARTICLE, “TRUE TO THEIR POSTS,

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023:  Exeter resident, Robert Fleischbein of South Road, has been the Town’s Viewer of Fences for 32 years.  He and the few other Viewers of Fences left in the

State were featured in the article.  Council recognized and thanked Mr. Fleischbein for

his service and dedication.  Mr. Fleischbein will be sent a letter of recognition and thanks.

 

No.        4:      APPROVAL OF AGENDA ORDER:

 As the attorney of Split Rock Mobile Park (Agenda Item No. 10C) is ill, the following motion entered:

 

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to move Agenda Item No. 10C, Split Rock Mobile Park

proceeding Agenda Item No. 6, Vacancies and Appointments, and otherwise approve the

Agenda Order; seconded Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

No.        5:       APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:  

 

A.        REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST:  Council had Communication No. 8 from the

Reynolds Committee.

 

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. Patterson removed No. 10.  Mr. Lefebvre removed No. 3.  Ms. Allen removed No. 8.

Mr. Ellis removed No. 12.

 

C.    COMMUNICATIONS:   Mr. Lefebvre removed Nos. 1 and 18.  Ms. Allen

removed No. 20.  Ms. DeFrancesco removed No. 15.  Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 2 and 12.

 

D.        SCHEDULE OF OCTOBER MEETINGS AND EVENTS  The October

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 nor Tax Collector’s Abatements.

 

F.     APPROVAL OF MINUTES:     

 

1.     COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

 

The minutes were not available.

 

MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to approve the Consent Agenda as amended;

seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

Council moved to Agenda Item No. 10.C., Split Rock Mobile Park.

       

No.   6:   VACANCIES AND APPOINTMENTS:

 

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.

                       

B.    RESIGNATIONS  There were no Resignations.

 

C.    APPOINTMENTS:

 

1.     JUVENILE HEARING BOARD ALTERNATE MEMBER (TO SERVE                 THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT):  No letters

of interest have been received.  This vacancy will continue to post.

  

2.     EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST COMMITTEE MEMBER

(TO SERVE FOUR-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT):

No letters of interest have been received.  This vacancy will continue to post.

 

 

                                   

3.     WOOD-PAWCATUCK WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS STEWARDSHIP

COUNCIL ALTERNATE MEMBER:  No letters of interest have been received. 

This vacancy will continue to post.

 

4.     LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER (TO SERVE THREE- YEAR

TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT):  Council has a letter of interest

from Donald Holder.

 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to appoint Donald Holder as Library Board of

Trustees Member for the ensuing term; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.

 

Discussion:  Mr. Holder is a lifelong educator. 

 

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

5.     BOARD OF CANVASSERS ALTERNATE MEMBER (TO SERVE

UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING MAY 3, 2027):  The Republican Town Committee

continues to seek a volunteer.

 

6.     ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR:  Council has four letters of interest and Building

Inspector Ronald DeFrancesco’s recommendation.

 

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to appoint Kenneth Johnson as Electrical Inspector; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre.

 

Discussion:  Mr. Johnson lives in Exeter which makes it easy for him to be present for

inspections and to perform his duties.

 

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

7.     TAX ASSESSOR’S CLERK:  Council has two letters of interest and Tax Assessor

Kerri Petrarca’s recommendation.

 

MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to appoint Esteban Beeter-Mestre as Tax

Assessor’s Clerk; seconded by Mr. Patterson.

 

Discussion:  Mr. Beetar-Mestre has been working part-time for the Town as Elections Administrator and for the Tax Assessor. 

 

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

 

 

 

 

D.     EXPIRING TERMS: 

 

1.     REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST COMMITTEE MEMBER: CARL BOWEN (TERM EXPIRES OCTOBER 13, 2023); 

 

2.     REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST COMMITTEE MEMBER: NANCY ANDERTON (TERM EXPIRES NOVEMBER 2, 2023):

 

Council has received letters from Mr. Bowen and Ms. Anderton.  Both wish to be reappointed

to their respective posts.  The following motion entered:

 

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to reappoint Carl Bowen and Nancy Anderton as

Reynolds Charitable Trust Committee Members for the ensuing terms; seconded

by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

No.   7:   PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

There were no Public Hearings.

 

No.   8:   PUBLIC COMMENT: 

 

Wendy Fenner-Aubin:  Regarding Agenda Item No. 10E, Ms. Aubin lives at 37 West Shore Drive, a dead end with a difficult turnaround. The issues at 5 West Shore Drive are making the turn around more difficult, especially for emergency vehicles.  Chief Franklin told her he was going to talk to somebody.    

 

Asa Davis:  1)  Mr. Davis wrote the unsigned Standard Times Editorial referenced at last month’s meeting regarding fog sealing and copied Council; 2) A shill is a “person who publicizes or appraises something or someone for reasons of self-interest, personal profit, or friendship or loyalty…a plant or a frontman.”  Last month, Mr. Ellis denied being a shill for prior Department of Public Works Director, Stephen Mattscheck.  Mr. Davis disagrees and gave examples.   

 

No.   9:   NEW BUSINESS:

 

A.     PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES:

 

DUE TO LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO RIGL 45-24-46.1, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2024; REPEAL OF OPTIONAL INCLUSIONARY ZONING STATUTE CONTAINED WITHIN EXETER, RHODE ISLAND, CODE OF ORDINANCES: 

 

 

APPENDIX A, ZONING:

 

ARTICLE I, ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES;

SECTION 1.2, DEFINITIONS:

SECTION 1.2.55, INCLUSIONARY (HOUSING) UNIT

  

ARTICLE IX, AFFORDABLE  HOUSING;

SECTION 9.2, ASSURANCE OF AFFORDABILITY: 

SECTIONS 9.2.A, BASIC REQUIREMENT and

9.2.C.1, QUALIFICATION and MONITORING

 

SECTION 9.3, MARKETING AND RESIDENT SELECTION:

SECTIONS 9.3.A, PLAN REQUIRED, and

SECTION 9.3.B, LOCAL PREFERENCE

 

SECTION 9.4, INCLUSIONARY ZONING:

IN ITS ENTIRETY

 

ARTICLE X, PLANNED VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT;

SECTION 10.2, SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

SECTION 10.2.1, HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

 

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to schedule Public Hearing regarding proposed amendments to Exeter Code of Ordinances, Zoning, Appendix A, Inclusionary Zoning, for November 6, 2023, Council Regular Meeting; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.

 

Discussion:  Mr. DePasquale is reviewing the changes with the assistance of Karen Ellsworth. 

This portion is ready for public hearing. 

 

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

B.     APPLICATION FOR NEW VICTUALING LICENSE:  TORRI HIEBER,

OWNER/APPLICANT, TWO SCOOPS CAFÉ, 567 SOUTH COUNTY TRAIL,

UNIT #110, EXETER, RHODE ISLAND:  Ms. Hieber has bought the business from the previous owner, Milk Café.  She is renovating the space, hopes to be open seven days a week, and be a part of the community.  All requirements have been met except for Department of Health license and inspections. 

 

MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve application for new victualing license for

Two Scoops Café, submitted by owner, Torri Hieber, subject to submission of

Department of Health license and inspections; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre.

 

Discussion:  Ms. Hieber will be serving ice cream, ice cream cakes, and pastries. 

She will try things and see what the community responds to.  She has a long history

in food service.  She is currently the Director of Dining at the Wheeler School,

Providence.  Council wished Ms. Hieber much success.

 

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

 

 

C.     DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:  AWARDING OF BID:  MODIFIED ASPHALT CHIP SEAL WITH RUBBER POLYMER IN PLACE:  Two bids were

duly received and opened.  The bids were very close.  Director of Public Works Robert Shappy is familiar with one of the bidders.  He will investigate the other bidder, who is including the payloader, before he gives his recommendation.  The other bidder requires the Town to use its payloader.

 

MOTION made by Ms. Allen to continue Agenda Item No. 9C, Awarding of Bid: Modified Asphalt Chip Seal with Rubber Polymer in Place to Unfinished Business on Council’s November 6, 2023, Regular Meeting Agenda; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

D.     DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:  MUNICIPAL ROAD AND BRIDGE

PROGRAM STATE FUNDS:  LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND THE TOWN OF EXETER:

The Town has been approved for the projects submitted by Director of Public Works Robert Shappy.  The Town will be reimbursed one dollar for every two it spends on roads for three years. 

 

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve Municipal Road and Bridge Program State Funds, Local Public Agency Agreement by and Between the State of Rhode Island and the Town of Exeter; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

      

E.     TOWN COUNCIL:  AWARDING OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

HISTORICAL BUILDINGS PROJECT: WOODY HILL AND HALL SCHOOLS:

Two bids were duly received and opened.  Council Assistant Kenneth Findlay recommends

Plan B Construction, who restored the buildings previously and is familiar with them.

 

MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to award bid for Historical Buildings Project,

Woody Hill and Hall Schools, to Plan B Construction; seconded by Ms. Allen.

 

Discussion:  Plan B Construction’s bid was $25,800.00.

 

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

F.      TOWN COUNCIL:  REQUEST TO GO OUT TO BID:  TOWN FARM HAYING

CONTRACT (EXPIRES NOVEMBER 30, 2023):  The contract, as in the past, will be

for three years.

 

MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to go out to bid for the Town Farm Haying

Contract for the next three years; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously

in the affirmative.

 

Library Director, Tien Tran, will be asked to post the notice on his media avenues.

G.     EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY:  REQUEST TO GO OUT TO BID:         AUTOMATIC DOOR OPENERS:  There were no bids received in response

to the previous invitation to bid.  Library Director Tien Tran wishes to try again.

 

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to go out to bid for automatic door openers for

the Library; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

H.     EXETER PUBLIC LIBRARY:  REQUEST FOR APPROVAL:  CONTRACT

FOR REPLACEMENT OF CARPETS:  KARPET KLINIC:  The contract has

been reviewed and approved. 

 

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve contract for replacement of carpets

by Karpet Klinic; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

I.            RI INFRASTRUCTURE BANK:  MUNICIPAL RESILIENCE PROGRAM:

Emergency Management Director Dori Boardman and Library Director Tien Tran wish

to enter into the program.  Ms. Boardman was present this evening with Kimberly Korioth, Stormwater and Resilience Analyst, RI Infrastructure Bank.  Ms. Boardman and Mr. Tran believe the program to be a good opportunity for the Town.  Approval of a letter of support

will qualify the Town for the program and gain the Town access to grants, which will benefit

all departments. 

 

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve signing of the letter of support for the

RI Infrastructure Bank Municipal Resilience Program; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.

 

Discussion:  RI Infrastructure was before Council at a prior time for a different program. 

The Town did not opt in at that time.  This is different.  This will help the Town with

a variety of projects going forward.  There will be a 25% match.  Ms. Korioth reviewed

the program with Council. 

 

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

J.       911 ASSIGNMENT:  COMMUNICATION DATED SEPTEMBER 7, 2023,

FROM ASA DAVIS:  This communication speaks to Mr. Davis’ need to open Estate Drive

to his property, which he has been trying to get done for some time.  Mr. Ellis thought this communication related to Mr. Davis’ nine cases listed on the Executive Session agenda and requested that it be addressed tonight in Executive Session.  The communication has to do

with the assignment of a 911 number which is not part of the litigation and will not be

discussed in Executive Session.

 

No.  10:   UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

                       

A.    USE OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS:  POSSIBLE BUILD

OF NEW TOWN HALL V. POSSIBLE PURCHASE OF 742 TEN ROD ROAD:

This agenda item will be discussed in Executive Session.

 

B.    JULY 2022 COMMUNICATION NO 16:  GOVERNOR MCKEE: RHODE

ISLAND CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND:  MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITY FACILITIES MATCHING GRANT:  This agenda item will be discussed in Executive

Session along with Agenda Item No. 10A.

 

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:  Owner, Richard Palmer, and his attorney, Paul Bogosian, were invited to tonight’s

meeting to give Council a status of the issues.  However, Attorney Bogosian is ill and requests that this matter be continued to next month’s meeting.

 

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to continue to Council’s Regular Meeting

of November 6, 2023; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.

 

Discussion:  Mr. Palmer indicated that progress is being made.

 

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

Council moved to Agenda Item No. 6, Vacancies and Appointments,

and resumed the normal order of the Agenda.

 

D.    TOWN OF EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES; CHAPTER 14, BUILDINGS

AND BUILDING REGULATIONS; ARTICLE IV, IMPACT FEES:  Council has Attorney Marusak’s memo.  The ordinance was rewritten for a brine system and roads.  The brine system is complete.  Completion of the road projects is close.  Once they are complete, the ordinance can be written for new projects.  This agenda item will be discussed at a future work session.

 

E.    DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS:  REQUEST FOR GUIDANCE: INCIDENT

AT 5 WEST SHORE DRIVE:  Director of Public Works Robert Shappy has obtained three written quotes  for a Class 1 survey to determine the property lines.  Two are $4,800.00 and

one is $4,000.00. Because the quotes are less than $5,000.00, going out to bid is not required.  All three companies are local and reputable.  He recommends Christopher Palmer.

 

MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco that Director of Public Works Robert Shappy hire Christopher Palmer to do the Class 1 survey on 5 West Shore Drive; seconded by Mr. Ellis.

 

Discussion:  If the owner has built his stone wall on the road, a bill for the survey will be sent

to him.  Mr. Palmer indicates that he can do the survey at the end of this month.

 

 

 

 

F.     DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:  AWARDING OF BID: FOG SEAL

USING ASPHALT EMULSIONS:   Mr. Patterson will sign the Beta contract, which needed revisions concerning insurance.  Beta will then provide Council with the information they requested last month regarding fog sealing and which roads should be done.  The contract

will allow Beta to grade all Town roads and will be very valuable to Public Works. 

 

G.    SEPTEMBER COMMUNICATION NOS. 11 AND 12 :  CELL TOWER

PROPOSALS FROM EVEREST INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERS AND

UNISON INFRASTRUCTURE:  Attorney Marusak and Town Treasurer

Maria Lawler are reviewing the proposals.

 

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

 

A.    TOWN COUNCIL ASSISTANT’S REPORT:  TOWN COUNCIL ASSISTANT, KENNETH G. FINDLAY:  Via email, Mr. Findlay reported:  1) He has applied to the State

to place welcome to Exeter signs on the State roads and awaits a response; 2)  Regarding

the changes to State law for State small purchases, it is anticipated that State law for Municipal small purchases, will also change.  In order to be proactive, Mr. Findlay suggests the Town’s ordinance be changed to read the Town shall award contracts in accordance with State law rather than being specific.  This will require a Charter change which Council will have to put on next

year’s election ballot.

 

B.     SOLICITOR’S REPORT :  JAMES P. MARUSAK, ESQ. :  Attorney Marusak

will discuss Agenda Item No. 14.A.4, Transglobal Construction v. Exeter Public Library (Arbitration Claim) in Executive Session.

 

C.     REPORTS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:

 

Tax Assessor’s Report:  Residential, commercial, and personal property appeals applications must be submitted by December 15, 2023.  Real estate, business, and personal property assessments as of December 31, 2022, are available online.  The 2023 real estate, business,

and personal property tax rate is $14.27 per $1,000.00.

 

Exeter Public Library:  Though it rained in the afternoon, the Fall Festival, in the morning,

was good.  Few of the vendors and none of the food vendors showed up.  Approximately,

$2,000.00 was raised.

 

Department of Public Works:  At the end of June, 2023, Public Works took delivery of a

2023 Case Roadside Mower.  It was shipped with the wrong tires.  Case replaced them.  With only approximately 70 hours of use on the mower, at the end of July, the gear box separated

from the hydraulic pump.  Director of Public Works Robert Shappy has been going back and forth with the company.  The company claimed the damage to be operator error, therefore would not honor the warranty, and estimated the cost of repair at $3,300.00 plus $1,500.00 labor. 

Mr. Shappy disagreed, claiming the bolts holding it together were too short.  Last week, the factory called Mr. Shappy, admitting that the specs wrong and the bolts the wrong size. 

Today, Mr. Shappy received a call.  The company is going to make the repairs and replace the bolts with the correct size.

 

Emergency Management/Public Safety:  Emergency Management Director Dori Boardman reported:  1)  Regarding emergency messaging, she is looking into engaging URI students

to monitor Town of Exeter Emergency Management social media for her.  They would get

credit hours and/or the Town could pay them a small stipend.  The Clerk does not use social media because it can be big trouble.  She suggested that the Town use the system that other Towns use where the residents get texts or phone calls with emergency information; 2) She

is working on updating the emergency dam action plans; 3)  The FEMA reimbursement application for the April wild fire is almost complete. Deputy Clerk Patricia Whitford has

helped with the application and has been amazing.  Fire Marshal Sue Hawksley has been a

big help in getting the firefighters’ paperwork to Ms. Whitford; 4) Covid-19 reimbursement

is finalized; 5) The FEMA funding for the grant to hire a consultant to work with West Greenwich and Exeter on the Hazard Mitigation Plan has not been allocated; 6)  She is

working on a Request for Proposal for the Hazard Mitigation Plan with Council Assistant Kenneth Findlay in the meantime; 7) She is working with the National Fire Association and

the Department of Environmental Management on a community-based program to help home owners living in the forest environment with landscaping, such as the removal of dead trees;

8) She is working with the Department of Health to update the medical point of distribution

for deliverables; and 9) She will be attending training at the end of October at the FEMA Advanced Academy (how to work with limited resources, how to update plans and programs, how to obtain grants, building local emergency management programs) and will go to California with the International Association of Emergency Management. 

 

No.   12:    OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES:

 There were no Other Administrative Issues.

 

No.   13:    COMMUNICATIONS:

 

No.   1   09/06/2023     Rhode Island Department of Transportation: Request for Town

to repair or remove “Slow School Zone” signs located by Wawaloam Elementary School:

The light is in working order as of this evening.  It is the School’s responsibility.

 

No.   2   09/06/2023     Letter from Nancy Roth: Interested in starting an Exeter Chamber

of Commerce:  The Clerk has been in contact with Ms. Roth regarding this matter.   Ms. Roth has submitted a binder of the information she believes should be included on a website. 

Ms. Roth will be invited to November’s meeting.

 

No. 12   09/18/2023     Asa Davis: Estate Drive Cul-de-sac Petition; Second Attempt:

Previously addressed this evening.

 

No. 15   09/19/2023     Kevin Degnan, 188 Ridge Drive: Letter of complaint, DVD, and

flash drive of storm drain he believes has been flooding his property; seeking a solution from the Town:  Copies will be sent to the Planning Board who has been of the opinion

that wetlands should be marked and to the Director of Public Works for his information

and review.

 

No. 18   09/25/2023     Tonya Hughes: Letter of disagreement with zoning inspector’s

action taken on B&B’s; request that decision be reversed and dismissed:  It sounds

on the surface that Ms. Hughes has the right to rent her home out.  She does not feel she

should have to file an appeal to the Zoning Board. 

 

MOTION made by Mr. Lefebvre to ask the Town Solicitor to examine the documents provided relative to Tonya Hughes renting her home out; seconded by Mr. Patterson

 

Discussion:  Attorney Marusak will comment whether an appeal was taken and/or should be.

Ms. Defrancesco asked that he also determine if there is a violation.

 

Back to the Motion:  Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

No. 20   09/26/2023     Letter from Derek Foster requesting speed limit signs on Black

Plain Road and a street sign at intersection of Austin Farm Road and Black Plain Road:

Mr. Foster will be informed that Austin Farm and Black Plain Roads are State roads and

advised to contact the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.

 

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to take a five-minute recess; seconded

by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

Council entered recess at 8:45 p.m., reconvened at 8:55 p.m., and entered

into Executive Session.

 

No.   14:    EXECUTIVE SESSION:

 

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to enter into Executive Session to discuss Agenda Items: 14.A.4, Transglobal Construction v. Exeter Public Library (Arbitration Claim) [RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2)]; 14.B.1 & C.1, Department of Environmental Management: Notice of Intent to Enforce, Town Garage, 175 South County Trail ; [RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2)]; 14.D, Possible Acquisition of Real Property: 742 Ten Rod Road [RIGL 42-46(5)(a)(5)]; and 14.E.1, Collective Bargaining:  Manner of Recording Hours Worked [RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2)];

seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

Mr. Lefebvre will recuse from the discussion regarding 14.A.D., Possible Acquisition

of Real Property, 742 Ten Rod Road [RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2)].

 

Council entered into Executive Session at 8:55 p.m., adjourned Executive Session

at 10:10 p.m., and reassembled in Open Session.

 

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to seal the minutes of the Executive Session;

seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to affirm all votes taken in Executive

Session; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in

the affirmative.

 

No.   15:    ADJOURNMENT

 

MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to adjourn the meeting; seconded

by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.

 

The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.

 

The next Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council is scheduled for

Monday, November 6, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

 

                                                                                                                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

           

                                                                                                                                                            Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC

                                                                                                                                                            Exeter Town Clerk

 

Approved:  November 6, 2023

 

 

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