EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 5, 2024
The Town Council led 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, February 5, 2024, 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 : James P. Marusak, Esq., Town Solicitor
Patricia L. Whitford, Deputy Town Clerk
Kenneth G. Findlay, Council Assistant
A. COUNCIL AND THE EXETER ANIMAL SHELTER THANK AND
WISH TO SHOW ITS APPRECIATION TO EXETER FUEL FOR ITS
GENEROUS DONATION OF AN OIL FILL UP IN DECEMBER
B. COUNCIL AND THE EXETER ANIMAL SHELTER THANK AND
WISH TO SHOW ITS APPRECIATION TO URI GREEK LIFE
PHILANTHROPY AND PROGRAMMING TEAMS FOR THEIR
GENEROUS DONATION OF $10,000.00 ON DECEMBER 12, 2023
Ms. DeFrancesco asked if the two groups had been thanked? Clerk will
check to be sure they are if they have not been.
C. TOWN OF EXETER OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS CLOSED:
PRESIDENT’S DAY, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2024
Public was informed.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve order as presented; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Consent Agenda items are approved in one motion, unless removed by a Town Council Member.
A. REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST: REQUEST FOR APPROVAL:
No invoices this month
B. COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Patterson removed No.25. Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 14, 16, 22, 23, and 24.
C. BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:
1. BILL SHEET: January 1, 2024 – January 31, 2024
2. TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS: None this month
3. TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES: None this month
4. TAX COLLECTOR’S ABATEMENTS: None this month
Ms. Allen removed the Bill sheet.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Bill Sheet as presented; seconded by
Mr. Lefebvre; and voted as follows:
Mr. Patterson Yes
Mr. Lefebvre Yes
Ms. Allen Recused due to she is employed for
one of the Companies listed on the Bill Sheet
Ms. DeFrancesco Yes
Mr. Ellis Yes
Motion passes.
1. TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 2, 2024
2. TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING, JANUARY 8, 2024
Ms. DeFrancesco removed the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 2, 2024
Motion made by Mr. Patterson to approve the regular Minutes of January 2, 2024; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted:
Mr. Patterson Yes
Mr. Lefebvre Yes
Ms. Allen Yes
Ms. DeFrancesco Abstain due to being absent
from the above meeting
Mr. Ellis Yes
Motion passes.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to approve the Consent agenda as amended;
seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; 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
will continue to post.
2. CONSERVATION COMMISSION (7 MEMBERS NEEDED): Letters of interest received are being held. Once seven are received, this Commission will be activated.
These vacancies will continue to post.
B. RESIGNATIONS: There are no resignations this month.
C. APPOINTMENTS:
1. EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST COMMITTEE MEMBER (TO SERVE FOUR-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT):
No Letters on Interest have been received. This vacancy will continue to post.
2. EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST COMMITTEE MEMBER (TO SERVE UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING APRIL 6, 2024):
No Letters of Interest have been received. This vacancy will continue to post.
3. BOARD OF CANVASSERS ALTERNATE MEMBER (TO SERVE
UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING MAY 3, 2027):
The Republican Town Committee continues to seek a volunteer.
4. JUVENILE HEARING BOARD FULL MEMBER (TO SERVE UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING APRIL 11, 2025):
No Letters of Interest have been received. This vacancy will continue to post.
5. PUBLIC WORKS WORKER:
Due to weather constraints, Mr. Shappy, Public Works Director, has not had time to interview.
This agenda item will continue to Council’s March 4, 2024 agenda.
6. TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT:
Mr. Shappy, Public Works Director, submitted his recommendation for Casey McCarthy.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to hire Mr. McCarthy as Transfer Station Attendant; seconded by Mr. Patterson.
Discussion: Mr. McCarthy seems eager he has been helping out at the garage.
Voted unanimously in the affirmative
D. EXPIRING TERMS:
1. WILLIAM MUNROE, BOARD OF CANVASSERS MEMBER (TERM EXPIRING MARCH 5, 2024)
Clerk will notify Republican Chair. This is a republican appointment.
2. BARBARA LAIRD, LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEE (TERM
EXPIRED FEBRUARY 3, 2024):
Clerk to notify Ms. Laird to see if she is interested and also post.
3. BRIAN LESINSKI, EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST (TERM EXPIRING MARCH 2, 2024):
Clerk will notify Mr. Lesinski to see if he is interested and also post.
There were no Public Hearings this month
Asa Davis: Mr. Davis spoke in reference to the town’s litigation cases, how Council has referred to Mr. Davis as having the most litigation cases and costing the most in legal expenses. Mr. Davis has added the litigation cases in total. The number of cases totaled does not make
Mr. Davis in the majority.
Kandise & James Greenless: Mr. & Mrs. Greenless requested to save their remarks for their communication, No. 22.
PRESENTATION BY SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE: MISSION OF RI250 COMMISSION AND CREATION OF LOCAL 250TH COMMITTEES AHEAD OF 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES:
Ms. Lauren Fogarty and Mr. Rob Rock are present from the SOS Office. Ms. Fogarty explained to Council and the Public how the Cities and Towns are preparing for the 250th Founding of the United States. The purpose is to highlight and acknowledge the significant role Rhode Island has played in the formation of our nation as one of the original 13 colonies. Rhode Islanders will explore the intersection of all people who have impacted that history through coordinated events and curriculum that recognizes the many people who have inhabited these lands.
It is with hope that all 39 cities and towns participate in events for their community. Mr. Ellis
stated Exeter’s Historical Commission is in the process of making plans. Ms. Fogarty stated she will be looking forward to hearing from them. She thanked the Council and passed Council a booklet and literature in regards to the 250th. Mr. Rock stated it is always a pleasure to come
to Exeter. Over the years, when he was in Elections, he worked with Lynn Hawkins, Cheryl Fernstrom, Janet Cragan, and Mary B. Hall. He stated Exeter has a hard-working group of employees. Council thanked them for the presentation.
B. REQUEST OF JUVENILE HEARING BOARD: FULL MEMBER, LORI HAUSER, TO SWITCH POSITIONS WITH ALTERNATE MEMBER, JASON CLARK:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to switch positions of Full Member Lori Hauser with Jason Clark Alternate Member; seconded by Mr. Patterson.
Discussion: Mr. Ellis asked if there is still a position on the Board vacancy as listed. Yes, that is correct.
Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
C. REVIEW AND UPDATE: TOWN OF EXETER NON-UNION EMPLOYEE BENEFITS POLICY, NO. 3.02-1
Mr. Findlay presented an update to the non-union benefit policy. He stated that more work
needs to be done on the policy. Mr. Ellis questioned listing the Town Sergeant, who is elected.
The Zoning Inspector, also elected, is not listed at all.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the non-union employees benefit policy as presented; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
D. REQUEST OF EXETER-WEST GREENWICH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT:
TWO INTERESTED CITIZENS TO SERVE ON SCHOOL DISTRICT CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE:
This request was sent out by the EWG School Department. They are looking for the volunteers. The last date to apply is February 8, 2024. Council hopes that someone did apply.
Council requested this item be removed from the agenda.
E. TENTATIVE JOINT MEETING, MARCH 11, 2024, TOWN COUNCIL AND
PLANNING BOARD, POSSIBLE ADOPTION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
REVIEW OF PLANNING BOARD SOLICITOR’S OPINION REGARDING PLANNING BOARD MEMO TO COUNCIL DATED DECEMBER 19, 2023, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN :
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to schedule the Joint Meeting of the Town Council and
Planning Board for Public Hearing for possible adoption of the Comprehensive Plan for March 11, 2024, seconded by Mr. Ellis, and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
F. RI LEAGUE OF CITIES AND TOWNS: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE
LEAGUE’S 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to adopt the resolution request by the League of Cities and Towns; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
G. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR, DORI BOARDMAN:
1. REVIEW: JANUARY 2024 PROGRAM STATUS:
Mr. Ellis explained Ms. Boardman’s program status report as to the items as listed below.
2. REQUEST TO ATTEND COURSE, “INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM OVERVIEW,” FEBRUARY 14, 2024, NARRAGANSETT, RHODE ISLAND:
Mr. Ellis stated the Incident Command System Overview course is also open to Councils
and administrators. Mr. Ellis will be attending the course with Ms. Boardman.
3. REQUEST TO ENTER INTO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN AMERICAN RED CROSS OF RHODE ISLAND AND TOWN OF EXETER:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between
the American Red Cross and the Town of Exeter; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and
voted unanimously in the affirmative.
4. REQUEST TO ENTER INTO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN WEST GREENWICH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
AND EXETER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION
PLAN:
The Towns of West Greenwich and Exeter need the MOU. The two Towns are developing the Hazard Mitigation Plan together. The RFP needs to go out to bid once the Towns agree on the MOU. West Greenwich has to sign. The RFP needs dates to be filled in. The date to be posted, February 7, 2024; date for bids to be back, March 15, 2024; date to be awarded by Council, April 1, 2024. Ms. Allen found some corrections Page 4; Hazus, Page 5; add Forest Fires, Page 7; “three” copies is written out and reads in parenthesis, (4).
.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to sign the MOU with West Greenwich and place
the RFP out for advertising with the above dates and corrections; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
5. REVIEW: REPORT FROM RIEMA: EXETER WILDFIRE A.K.A. QUEENS
RIVER PRESERVE FIRE (APRIL 14-26, 2023) AFTER-ACTION REPORT/
IMPROVEMENT PLAN;
Mr. Ellis stated the RIEMA After-Action Report is on file
A. USE OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS: POSSIBLE ACQUISITION
OF 742 TEN ROD ROAD:
This item will be discussed in Executive Session.
B. STATUS: JULY 2022 COMMUNICATION NO 16: GOVERNOR MCKEE:
RHODE ISLAND CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND: MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITY FACILITIES MATCHING GRANT:
Ms. Lawler brought the Council up to date with the grant. She stated the Town has passed the third stage. The monies at this point are $522,000. There is still a long way to go. A designated area needs to be set up with computers in the location. This needs to be in place and running by 2026. Mr. Ellis suggested maybe volunteers could come in and help with programs and such.
1. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL: SUBAWARD AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS PANDEMIC RECOVERY OFFICE (“STATE AGENCY” AND TOWN OF EXETER (“SUBRECIPIENT ENTITY”)
No action taken.
C. STATUS: UPDATE TO TOWN OF EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES;
CHAPTER 14, BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS; ARTICLE IV,
IMPACT FEES:
Mr. Findlay stated he has nothing new to report.
D. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS: REQUEST FOR GUIDANCE:
INCIDENT AT 5 WEST SHORE DRIVE:
The Council has received the Survey for 5 West Shore Drive, completed by Chris Palmer, a registered Land Surveyor. The survey clearly shows the rock wall that was built by the home owner is on Town property. Markers were set and iron rods were found. After discussion, it
was decided Solicitor Marusak and Public Works Director Shappy will talk.
Motion made by Mr. Patterson for Solicitor Marusak to draft a letter signed by the
Public Works Director to send to Mr. & Mrs. Mueller indicating that the rocks need
to be removed; seconded by Mrs. Allen, and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
E. EXETER TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE BUILDING, 675 TEN ROD ROAD:
ROOF AND BASEMENT ISSUES:
Discussion on the roof and the basement at the Town Clerk’s Office Building. Director of
Public Works will continue to grade the outside of the foundation to slope away from the building. After discussion:
Motion made by Mr. Patterson for the Town Clerk to prepare specs for an RFP for the basement and separate specs for the roof; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously
in the affirmative.
F. PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS TO PLANNING DEPARTMENT:
Ms. DeFrancesco stated that Dixie Foisy, Building, Planning Zoning Clerk, has Rebecca Lukowicz working with her one day a week. Ms. Foisy could use Ms. Lukowicz one more
day a week.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to hire Ms. Lukowicz for one more day a week and carry on paying her from the same account as being used now; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; voted:
Mr. Patterson No
Mr. Lefebvre Yes
Ms. Allen Yes
Ms. DeFrancesco Yes
Mr. Ellis Yes
Motion carries in the affirmative.
G. PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS: NOVEMBER 2024 ELECTION:
The charter changes that have been discussed to date are: Change the bid process in accordance with State Statue, Change Conservation Commission from seven to five members, Disbursement of funds from grants/administrative fees.
No. 14 1/19/24 Transportation Resolution of the Chariho Regional School District endorsed by the Richmond Town Council:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis that Exeter adopt the resolution of Transportation funding; seconded by Mr. Lefebvre; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
No. 16 1/24/24 Transportation Resolution of the Town of Hopkinton to endorse the full funding of Categorical Transportation Aid:
Council endorsed the resolution as the same as Richmond’s.
No. 22 1/29/24 Letter from Mr. & Mrs. Greenless Jr., in regards to the Boone Lake Dam Management District:
In reference to the fees that are issued by the Boone Lake Dam Management District and how they are applied to accounts, Mr. & Mrs. Greenless spoke about their bill. They owed a back bill and the new bill had come out when they paid the back amount. It was put on the recent bill, then with still owing the past due amount, now they have been charged a lawyer’s fee. Since Exeter has an ordinance in place, Mr. Greenless thought they would bring their question to the Town for possible solution.
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to refer Mr. & Mrs. Greenless Jr.’s letter to Solicitor Marusak for further research; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: Mr. Ellis would like this item on the March agenda.
Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
No. 23 1/29/24 Resolution of the RI League of Cities and Towns 2024 Priorities:
Addressed previously this evening.
No. 24 1/30/24 EWG Budget spreadsheet provided to the Town Council by School Committee member Paul McFadden:
Ms. Allen expressed her thanks to Mr. McFadden for the information.
No. 25 1/31/24 Asa Davis: Petition for Official Street Map Change per Town
Ordinance 38-103 and Superior Court Decision 2019-0228:
Town Clerk to refer Mr. Davis’ communication to Solicitor Marusak for his response.
Mr. Lefebvre recused himself from Executive Session and has filed the proper form. His business has done work with the owner of the property for possible acquisition. Mr. Lefebvre
left the meeting.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to enter into Executive Session at 9:00 p.m. per RIGL 42-46-5(a)(5): POSSIBLE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY; seconded by Ms. Allen; voted unanimously in the affirmative
MOTION made by Mr. Patterson to adjourn Executive Session and return to Open Session, 9:20 p.m.; seconded by Ms. Allen; voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to confirm votes taken in Executive Session;
seconded by Ms. Allen; voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to seal the minutes of Executive Session; seconded by
Ms. DeFrancesco; voted unanimously in the affirmative.
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 9:25 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council is scheduled for Monday, March 4, 2024
at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Patricia L. Whitford
Deputy Town Clerk
Approved: March 4, 2024