CPAC MINUTES 

_______________________________________________ ___________________

Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee Minutes

Meeting #11

 

 

5/25/2023  6:30 P.M. Exeter Public Library

773 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI 02822

MINUTES APPROVED: July 11, 2023

 

CPAC Members		Member Present Y – Yes N – No	PB Members	Member Present Y – Yes N – No	Other Staff/Consultant
Christopher	Ausura	N			Larissa Brown William DePasquale
Tom	McMillan	Y			M. Dixie Foisy, Clerk
			Scott Millar	N	Olivia DeFrancesco, Council Liaison
Ben	Coerper	N	Michael P. DeFrancesco	Y
Rachael	Slattery	N	Bill Haas	Y
Robert	Corriea	Y	Gina Thurn	Y
Jenna	Cragan	Y	Donna Di Donato	N
Jess	DeMartino	N	Michael Viveiros	Y
			Joseph St Lawrence	N
Charles	Franklin	N
Tracy	Hartman	N
Maggie	LaPrise	N
Ray	Morrissey	Y
Ted	Nataly	N
Noah	Thurn	Y
Paul	Ward	N

 

1.     CPAC CALLED TO ORDER – William DePasquale, Town Planner, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and roll call was taken by the Planning Board Clerk.

 

2.     At this time, William DePasquale turned the meeting over to Ms. Larissa Brown to review Element 9 – Transportation and Circulation; and Element 10 – Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure.

 

3.     Ms. Brown covered two sections called Town Systems.  She began with the Vision statement for Transportation and Circulation section.

 

 

ELEMENT 9: TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION IN THE EXETER 2044 VISION

“We protect the qualities that make Route 102 our designated Scenic Road and we have cost-effective policies to maintain our road system. There are expanded opportunities for safe bicycling, walking, and hiking in Exeter. Greenways link wildlife habitat and recreation sites in a continuous network, preserving the health of the entire ecosystem and enhancing outdoor recreation. At the same time, the Town cooperates with others to support mobility and transportation innovations, such as electric vehicles or on-demand public transportation to better serve our population.”

 

          SUMMARY:  GOALS AND POLICIES

          Goal 1: Exeter has well-maintained and cost-effective road management.

          Support cost-effective road maintenance and pavement management.

          Goal 2: Speeding is not a significant problem on Exeter roads.

          Support a traffic calming program.

          Goal 3: Exeter has multimodal routes for safe walking and biking that connect town destinations.

          Support safe walking and biking routes in appropriate areas of town.

          Goal 4: Exeter protects the character of its Scenic Roads.

          Support protection of Scenic Road character with development standards.

          Goal 5: The Town reviews transportation needs every five years.

          Support regular evaluation of public transportation needs for seniors and others and advocacy to the state if

          expanded options are needed.

 

         WHAT THE COMMUNITY SAID

         Comments on transportation issues in the townwide public opinion survey focused specifically on traffic

         and, to a lesser extent, the lack of places for safe walking and cycling, especially for children. “Low traffic” was one

         of the features that respondents mentioned in response to questions about what they liked about Exeter and

         what should be preserved.

 

  Although many noted that Exeter has “little traffic” and lacks “sidewalks, street lights, traffic lights or traffic jams,”

  when asked what they liked least about Exeter, speeding and the lack of safe walking/biking topped the list of

  topics mentioned. “I do not enjoy the speeding cars on the backroads as well as on 102;” “165/102 traffic is

  increasing daily.”

•        When asked to rank up to five priorities for town improvements from a list of fourteen, the top choice was “trails, paths, or routes for safe hiking, walking, or biking” and the third choice was “road improvements such as paving.” (Additional comments noted on Page 2 of Element 9)

 

        FINDINGS, CHALLENGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES

 

Key Findings: (Pages 2-10 of Element 9)

•        There is a total of 142 miles of roadway in Exeter, of which the Town maintains 88.3 miles (including some public gravel roads).

•        Exeter’s Route 102, 7.3 miles along Ten Rod Road between Routes 2 and 3, was designated in 1993 as one of Rhode Island’s eight Scenic Roadways

•        Exeter residents depend on cars and trucks to get around town and to other destinations; 89% of workers drive to work alone.

•        Lacking a town center or villages, Exeter has no walkable districts.

•        Roads in Exeter have no significant bicycle facilities.  Routes 2 and 3 are marked as bicycle routes with small striped bike lanes but no other safety facilities.

•        Public transportation access in Exeter is limited to one bus stop on Route 2 and on-demand service from RIde.  Residents can travel by car to the Wickford MBTA station for the train to Providence and Boston, or to park and ride lots in Richmond or West Greenwich for commuter bus service.

•        In recent years, traffic has increased on arterial roads such as Route 102, Route 165, and Route 2.  Traffic on I-95 has remained at about 40,000 vehicles per day.

 

 

Rail Transportation. Exeter has access to Amtrak and MBTA commuter service.

•        Exeter contains approximately 1.7 miles of the Northeast Regional Amtrak Railroad line and the train between New York and Providence stops at Wickford Junction, about three miles from the Exeter town line. Eastbound trains provide service to Providence and Boston, with some trains making more local stops. Westbound trains provide service to Westerly, New London and other locations on the way to New York, before traveling onward to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

•        The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Providence/Stoughton commuter rail connects the Wickford Junction station at 1011 Ten Rod Road, with T. F. Green Airport, Providence, and Pawtucket-Central Falls as well as Massachusetts stations, ending in Boston. The service to Boston operates weekdays only. The trip to Providence takes 35 minutes and the trip to Boston takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are approximately 10 inbound and 10 outbound departures (Wickford and Boston) every weekday. Parking at Wickford Junction is free.  The Wickford station opened in 2012 and ridership has not met expectations but has been increasing.  An Exeter resident who uses the train to commute to a job in Boston was quoted in a recent Providence Journal article extolling the benefits of avoiding I-95 traffic to Boson by taking the train.68F[1]

 

It was noted that the Kingston Station stops in Providence and that the Wickford Station travels to Boston.

 

Ms. Brown also made note that electrical vehicles will more than likely be the wave of the future. She indicated that there is a charging station on Rt. 2 in the Exeter area and one on Nooseneck Hill Road on Rt. 3.

 

Local Road Maintenance. Discussion took place about the roads in Exeter. Noting that there are 142 miles of roadway. Maintenance for the 142 miles of roadways broke down to the following: State maintains Interstate 95: 5.6 miles; State-maintained US Routes: 24.5 miles; State-maintained other: 23.5 miles; and locally-maintained: 88.3 miles. Ms. Brown indicated that the current budget for DPW is $380,000. In her conversations with DPW staff they have asked for a Pavement Management System.  Planner DePasquale spoke about the future of a Pavement Management System, stating that with the approval of the Town Council this plan would be done by a third-party, every road would be analyzed by a professional locally produced with action items that will extend the life of the roads. Supportive of ongoing funding and putting in place process controls. Proven to be more cost effective.

 

However, the Department has not adopted a formal Pavement Management Program nor has the Town invested in a GIS-based asset management system to track road repair and other municipal maintenance needs. Most subdivision roads in Exeter are privately owned and maintained by the development. However, The DPW Director notes that subdivisions off town-owned roads add to local maintenance expenses.

 

Public Transportation. Public transportation is almost nonexistent in Exeter. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) offers one bus route, with one stop, that passes through Exeter. The fare is $2.00 per ride, with other options for day passes or monthly passes. There are park-n-ride locations in Richmond and West Greenwich that provide service to Providence and Westerly.

 

Special Needs Transportation. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, RIPTA offers the RIde Program, door-to-door paratransit service for travelers with disabilities. The RIde Program picks up and drops off travelers within ¾ mile of any fixed route service and requires reservations at least one day in advance. RIde fares are $4.00 per trip.

 

Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation. Ms. Brown noted that there are opportunities with RIDOT, and that the Town should be speaking with them in order to promote the town’s needs.

 

She noted that Exeter has very limited facilities to support pedestrians, bicyclists, and other multi-modal travelers. The town has two crosswalks accompanied by short segments of sidewalk: one crosses Route 2 at the junction with Main St/Exeter Rd, adjacent to the small business plaza that hosts the post office, Exeter Variety, Village Pizza, and the RIPTA 66 bus stop. The other crosses Route 165 at Beach Pond, connecting a parking area for a trail head on the South side with the Beach Pond State Management Area and boat ramp on the North side. No other crosswalks or sidewalk exist in the town’s public right-of-way. Exeter has no bicycle or shared use paths or dedicated bicycle lanes along roadways.

 

The state’s 2020 Bicycle Mobility Plan, part of the Long-Range Transportation Plan, proposes several candidate routes throughout Exeter. Candidate corridors are conceptual and require design assessments. The different types of bicycle facilities are defined as follows:

•        Shared-use path:  multi-use paths completely separate from vehicle traffic (shared by pedestrians, runners, skaters, etc., as well as bicyclists)

•        Sidepath:  similar to shared-use paths but parallel to and immediately adjacent to roadways and frequently within the right-of-way; typically separated from the roadway by some kind of barrier or buffer

•        Bicycle lane:  designated exclusive space along a roadway using striping, pavement markings, and signs

•        Road diet: reconfiguration of a four-lane undivided highway, to allow for two through lanes and other uses in reclaimed space, such as turn lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian refuge islands, sidewalks, landscaping, and so on.  According to the US Federal Highway Administration, road diets provide proven safety benefits and enhanced mobility and access for all road users.[2] This is proposed for most of the commercial-zoned Route 3 corridor in Exeter between Route 102 and Route 165, which would support economic development opportunities in that area.

•        Shoulder lane:   The paved shoulder on the edge of a road with at least 4 feet width can serve as space for pedestrians and bicyclists by using striping, different paving, and rumble strips.

•        Dashed/Advisory Lane:  For roads that are too narrow for separate bike lanes, an advisory shoulder lane is designated by pavement markings.  Motorists can enter the area only if there are not bicyclists present.[3]

 

Candidate bike treatments proposed in the Rhode Island’s Bicycle Mobility Plan (Source: RI Division of Statewide Planning Program (2020)
Routes
1.     Connector along RI-3 Nooseneck Hill Rd between RI-102 Victory Hwy east and west 2.     Mancini Place (N. Kingstown) and along N. Kingstown town line from RI-102 to Stony Lane Shared-Use Path/Sidepath
1.     New London Turnpike, between Richmond town line and RI-102 Victory Highway 2.     Arcadia Rd between Richmond town line and RI-165 3.     Narrow Ln along N. Kingstown town line to Geralds Farm Dr Dashed/Advisory Bicycle Lane
1.     RI-3 Nooseneck Hill Rd between RI-165 and RI-102 2.     RI-102 Victory Hwy between RI-3 and W. Greenwich town line Road Diet with Bicycle Lanes
1.     RI-2 South County Trl between Yawgoo Valley Rd and Liberty Rd 2.     RI-102 Ten Rod Rd and Victory Hwy to RI-3[4] 3.     RI-165 Ten Rod Rd between RI-3 and CT state line 4.     RI 138 Spring St between Hopkinton town line and CT state line Shoulder Bicycle Lane (4’ shoulder with signage)
Source: RI Division of Statewide Planning Program (2020)

 

 

Ms. Brown and Planner DePasquale both noted that these suggested bike paths would be possible because of federally funded opportunities. Mr. DePasquale stated that if they require local funding, even though you say you want to connect a certain bike path, the likelihood of funding it privately is not very high. Ray Morrissey, CPAC member, asked if RoadMap RI still existed and Mr. DePasquale indicated it no longer existed.

 

The group went on to discuss Speed Management/Traffic Calming Opportunities.  Residents expressed concern about speeding on Route 102 and other roads in Exeter. Examples of physical traffic calming measures appropriate for rural locations included physical changes such as speed humps/bumps, speed tables, pinch points, lateral shifts, and median islands. Nonphysical methods of speed management included speed feedback signs, pavement legends, and speed reduction markings. Planner DePasquale noted that the state roads require RIDOT and they have a totally different point of view on this topic.

 

Michael Viveiros, Planning Board, spoke about adding graphics/signage to encourage people to slow down.

Jenna Cragan, CPAC member, suggested adding wildlife crossing signs on Rt. 102, encouraging people to slow down. Planner DePasquale indicated that RIDOT would consider wildlife crossing signs only with evidence of road kills.

 

Scenic Character Protection on Exeter Roads. This topic touched on how development standards along the road frontage should be reviewed and, if necessary, improved to ensure protection of scenic qualities. Other Exeter roads should be considered, such as Rt. 165 and New London Turnpike.

 

Discussion ensued about Rt. 102 being designated a “scenic highway” and would they want to change this? Planner DePasquale asked, “If the volume distinction is what makes 102 less of a scenic highway, we need to know your thoughts in order to make future decisions in the comprehensive plan.  Mike Viveiros, Planning Board, noted that it becomes less scenic at 70 miles per hour!  Planner DePasquale asked the committee for a direction—were they looking to widen Rt. 102—he asked the committee to comment. Michael DeFrancesco, CPAC member, noted that once RIDOT is engaged they will call the shots. William Haas, Planning Board, noted that Rt. 165 sees the highest number of deaths on any road in the Town of Exeter. Suggestions were to consider rotaries.

 

Jenna Cragan, CPAC member, felt that Rt. 102 offers drivers the opportunity to stop along the way at a number of local businesses, for such local items as honey, milk and a number of local farmstands. Michal DeFrancesco, CPAC member, asked about the volume of traffic, and the capacity on the road? Robert Corriea, CPAC member, added that he feels that Quonset’s success has added to the traffic on Rt. 102—that trucks and individuals from Connecticut use 102 as a cut thru to the Quonset area. Planner DePasquale remarked that it might be worth investigating a truck weight study with RIDOT. Planner DePasquale marked as an action item to petition RIDOT to do a load limitation study on Rt. 102. Ray Morrissey, CPAC member, had concerns regarding pull off lanes. He spoke about the Deer Brook development concerns and that they had petitioned the traffic commission for a flashing light, right turn off and left turn off. In the end they were only able to get one turn lane.

 

Challenges (Page 11 of Element 9)

            Exeter’s transportation challenges include:

•        Virtually complete dependence on driving to reach destinations. While most adults drive and have access to a car or truck, there are some seniors who no longer can drive and young people below driving age are dependent on others, on the minimal public transportation in Exeter or on often unsafe walking and biking. 

•        Funding and optimal management systems for road maintenance.

•        Speeding on major roads.

•        Improved standards for designated scenic roads

•        Coordination with state agencies around transportation including RIDOT, RI Commerce, and RIDEM.

 

 

Opportunities (Pages 11-15 of Element 9)

•        A Pavement Management System for efficiency and cost-effectiveness

•        Speed Management/Traffic Calming

•        Safe Bicycle and Pedestrian Routes

•        Pop-up demonstration project for traffic calming and multi-modal facilities

•        Concepts for high-priority transportation locations to coordinate with RIDOT projects

•        Scenic Character protection on Exeter roads

•        Identify needs for public transportation

 

        STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS TO ACHIEVE THE GOALS (Pages 15-18, Section IV, Element 9 Transportation)

            GOAL 1:  Exeter has well-maintained and cost-effective road management.

            Policies: Support cost-effective road maintenance and pavement management.

            Strategy A: Create systems to track and manage road maintenance and road equipment.

            GOAL 2:  Speeding is not a significant problem on Exeter roads.

Policies: Support a traffic calming program.

Strategy A: Develop and implement a plan to manage speeding.

GOAL 3:  Exeter has multimodal routes for safe walking and biking that connect town destinations.

            Policies: Support safe walking and biking routes in appropriate areas of town.

Strategy A: Develop and pursue implementation of a plan for safe walking and biking routes that connect town destinations.

GOAL 4:  Exeter protects the character of its Scenic Roads.

            Policies: Support protection of Scenic Road character with development standards.

Strategy A: Inventory the scenic resources of Route 102 and any future designated Scenic Roads and ensure protection of those resources through development standards.

GOAL 5:  The Town reviews transportation needs every five years.

Policies: Support regular evaluation of public transportation needs for seniors and others and advocacy to the state if expanded options are needed.

Strategy A: Survey the Exeter population every five years to gauge transportation needs.

 

Larissa Brown reviewed the following with the committee:

   4.    ELEMENT 10: PUBLIC FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE

 

Exeter has a very small government and provides limited public services to its taxpayers except for the highly-rated Exeter-West Greenwich public school system.  There is no public water or wastewater service except for the state-owned former Ladd Center site which currently does not provide water to anywhere else in Exeter. Management of town affairs is carried out by a small paid staff, much of which is part time, and volunteers. It is the only town in Rhode Island without its own police force and does not have a Town Manager. In general, because the town operates with limited staff and a minimum of technology, there is a lack of data and basic infrastructure inventories, unless required by state agencies.  The small government is highly valued by some residents while others believe that more professional management could make the Town more effective in achieving goals and retaining its character. Many town residents would like to see more effective communication and transparency from Town government.

           

Since the 2004 Comprehensive Plan, the Town has a new public library, a vision plan with accompanying zoning for a future town center, and other recommended regulatory changes.  However, there continues to be a severe lack of community meeting space, the Town Hall continues to be inadequate, and many residents would like to see more activities designed to bring residents together and grow a sense of community in Exeter.

 

PUBLIC FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN EXETER 2044 VISION

“Town government is responsive, transparent, and accountable. Public facilities and services are resource-efficient, well-maintained, cost-effective, sustainable, and resilient. The Town maximizes long-term benefits through improved planning, enforcement, implementation and coordination between departments and volunteer committees.”

 

SUMMARY:  GOALS AND POLICIES

GOAL 1:  Exeter town government communicates effectively with Exeter residents, businesses, and visitors.

Policies for Decisionmakers: Support systems for town government to collect and report data; Ensure that information on town data, town services, and town operations are available to the public.

GOAL 2: Exeter has a new town hall and a new community center.

Policies for Decisionmakers: Support building a new town hall; Support building a new community center.

GOAL 3: Exeter has effective management systems for town assets and infrastructure.

Policies for Decisionmakers: Support establishment of cost-effective management of Town assets and infrastructure.

GOAL 4: Exeter employs stormwater best practices and proactive onsite wastewater system management that protect the Town’s groundwater and surface water quality.

Policies for Decisionmakers: Be good stewards of Exeter’s exceptional water resources with stormwater best practices and wastewater management programs in partnership with the state.

 

WHAT THE COMMUNITY SAID

Comments from the townwide public opinion survey about public facilities and services included a variety of issues.

Facilities and services:

•        In response to a question asking respondents to rank their top five priorities from 14 choices (and a “no change” option), “Community center for cultural, recreational, educational and social activities” was ranked second, after trails, paths or routes for safe hiking, walking or biking.  “Senior center” was the fourth choice.  The desire for a community center was also mentioned in comments to other questions.

General Town government improvements:

•        In response to a question about whether town government needs better communication and transparency, 70% of respondents would like better communication from Town government. Over half (52%) would like more transparency as well. Only 30% were satisfied with current practice.

When asked what one thing Town government could do to improve quality of life, the major themes in responses were:  better town government communication; community-building events, facilities, and places; town recreation; and activities and opportunities for youth and seniors. Respondents also mentioned improved traffic enforcement and specific aspects of tax incentives and discounts. A broader and more general theme was controlling development. (Examples of community comments can be found on Page 2 of Section IV—Element 10 Facilities/Services/Infrastructure.)

 

FINDINGS, CHALLENGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES

 

Findings:

•        Exeter has a small government, limited facilities, and offers few services beyond the Exeter-West Greenwich Public School District.  The Town’s contribution to the School District takes up 76% of the Town’s FY23 total budget (and 93% of net property tax).

•        There are 18 full-time staff positions, including the elected Town Clerk and Town Treasurer, 18 part time positions, and some 34 people in government who fall under neither category—some of whom are elected, others serve on boards and commissions, including Town Council and regulatory boards, and may receive some compensation, and others who serve as volunteers in advisory roles.

•        Unpaid volunteers serve on the following committees and positions:  Parade Committee (8); the Reynolds Charitable Trust (5); Historic Preservation (3); Rural Land Preservation Trust (3); Viewer of Fences (1); Sealer of weights and measures (1); Economic Development Task Force (8); Juvenile Hearing Board (5); and Library Board of Trustees (5).

•        Volunteer positions currently not filled include Personnel Board (5); Conservation Commission (5); Wood River Stewardship Council (1 alternate); Library Board Trustees (1); Juvenile Hearing Board (1 alternate); Rural Land Preservation Trust (1).

•        Many long-time staff members are nearing retirement age and the Town will need to recruit new staff.  There is a generational transition occurring in elected and volunteer positions as well.  Programs to welcome new residents and encourage them to get involved with town government are needed.

•        Elections for Town Council and other elected positions are held every two years.  This has sometimes resulted in abrupt changes in policy when there are controversial issues.  Some elected positions are very unusual and not found elsewhere:  Town Sergeant, Zoning Inspector, and Director of Social Services.

•        Unless required by another level of government, Town government is not well set up to have good basic data and information resources. There is no annual report to summarize the yearly activities of departments, boards and commissions. The small and mostly part-time and volunteer staff have neither the time nor the technical systems to help them produce data to inform decision-making and residents.  The Town’s website is substandard, with some information scattered on other websites such as clerkshq.com/exoteric, and the RI Department of State Open Meetings website (opengov.sos.ri.gov/open meeting). There is almost no “e-government” capability, whereby residents and others could pay bills and otherwise do business with the town.

 

TOWN FINANCES

Town Budget

Since FY2021, the Town has received approximately $17 million annually in revenue.

•        Revenue is composed of fees, state transfers (such as library aid), miscellaneous payments, and property tax revenue.

•        In FY 2023, the net property tax accounts for 82% of the total budget. 

•        The Town budget has grown slowly to over $17 million to match the revenue, including the Exeter contribution to the EWG School District, which accounts for 76% of the total budget and reflects the Exeter enrollment in the system. 

•        Otherwise, Town government obligations (salaries and wages, employee benefits, departmental budgets, general government, community services, capital program fund, and debt service) cost a bit more than $4 million annually.

 

Fiscal Year Cost of	2020-21	2021-22	2022-23
Government
Town Government	$  3,938,720	$  4,024,752	$  4,162,661
School District	12,300,326	13,005,889	13,525,447
Total Budget	$ 16,239,046	$17,030,641	$17,688,108

 

New sources of revenue

New revenue sources have emerged during 2023:  excise tax on retail cannabis sales, PILOT payments for Tier III greenhouses, and federal ARPA funds.

•        A licensed dispensary for medical and recreational marijuana, Sweetspot, opened at the end of 2022, the first in South County.  It is subject to the Adult Use Cannabis Tax (10% of the selling price to the state and 3% of the selling price to the municipality).  In the first quarter of 2023, Exeter received $41,000 in Local Cannabis Excise Tax.  If revenues continue at that rate, at a minimum the town will receive an additional $164,000 a year.

•        The Town has been allocated $1,948,573.62 in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for localities to alleviate the economic and public health effects of the COVID pandemic.

 

Public Safety (Page 5 of Element 10)

Police: It was noted that Exeter is the only municipality in Rhode Island without its own local police department. Ms. Brown spoke about a previous Task Force that had looked into Exeter having a police force, and that the town would need to have eight to 12 officers and would cost about a million dollars to do so. Her personal feeling was that if the town decides a police force is needed it will happen and she feels it should be a priority. Noting that having state officers assigned to the town will mean that the state will want to be paid for that protection.

 

Fire: Regarding the Fire Department the conversation was around requiring both a paid professional fire and police department(s). Ms. Brown indicated that some people feel it’s not necessary, while other townspeople are concerned that conditions are changing and that the town will require these departments in the future.  She advised the group that not having these professional departments is an insurance risk. That it will affect businesses that will not want to locate here.

 

Jenna Cragan, CPAC member, felt that this should be looked at closely based alone on the recent brush fires in town. Mike Viveiros, Planning Board, noted that having a Volunteer Fire Department only works if you have enough individuals to participate as firefighters.  Bill Haas, Planning Board, acknowledged that most people now work outside of town whereas in the past there were more individuals living and working in town.

 

PUBLIC SERVICES (Page 6 of Element 10)

Municipal services:

Public Library: Ms. Brown praised the operations of the Exeter Public Library, noting that the library includes one of the few public meeting spaces in town, with a program room that has up-to-date audio-visual equipment and can accommodate up to 47 people. She also praised their website for current and detailed information. Suggesting that the town’s website could use the library’s website as a guide.

 

SOCIAL SERVICES (Page 11 of Element 10)

Department of Social Services: Larissa Brown praised the work of Jessica DeMartino, Social Services Director, who individually oversees the needs of Exeter’s community managing the day-to-day operations of programs and services.

 

WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (Page 13 of Element 10)                  

Drinking water supply: There is no public drinking water system in Exeter with the exception of the state

owned property at the former Ladd Center. Ms. Brown noted that Exeter depends on its exceptional water

resources, everyone has a well and everyone has onsite wastewater, except for the Ladd Center.

 

Two items she will be including in the draft; the 2010 Onsite Wastewater Management Plan (OWMP), that the

state has on file and believes that Exeter has approved. She obtained a copy of the 2010 OWMP from the

Department Environmental Management. According to the State, Exeter has an approved OWMP

from 2010 that calls for education and outreach to encourage homeowners to properly maintain septic systems

and recommends voluntary system inspections.  The Town does not participate in the Community Septic System

Loan Program.[5]  However, it does not appear that the Town ever operationalized this OWMP.  There is no

ordinance about an OWMP, town staff was not aware of the document (a copy was available from RIDEM) and

there is no information available on the town website about an OWMP or homeowner education. She felt that

reviving the 2010 OWMP would be very important for the town. There may be failing septic systems within the

town that would be polluting ground and surface waters.

 

Ms. Brown spoke about a report from Charlestown, RI and their systems, that they originally had 700+ cesspools

And will be getting rid of the last two in 2023. Voluntary and mandatory plans should be considered in Exeter.

There is no database in Exeter with this information.

 

Michael DeFrancesco, Planning Board, felt there should be a note that the Ladd Center is a tremendous resource

for water, which is owned and operated by the State of Rhode Island. He stated that it is rated at 2 million gallons

of water per day as a safe yield, that there is an enormous excess of water at the Ladd Center. Mr. DeFrancesco

felt that if any of the town’s systems failed; the Town should consider working with the state, to extend the Ladd

Center water line to other areas in Exeter.

 

Ms. Brown stated that they will work to have a Master Plan with the State about the Ladd Center that can be

Beneficial to the town.  Planner DePasquale noted that they will include the reservation of a reserve water

supply for Exeter.

 

Questions arose around the water rights that would apply to the Schartner development in Exeter.

 

CHALLENGES (Page 15 of Element 10)

Town Government Operations:

•        Lack of data and information on demographics, assets, and operations.

•        Communication with residents and businesses – voters and taxpayers.

•        Generational transition of staff and volunteers in town government.

•        Discussion about a town manager.

•        Dependence on state police and volunteer fire departments.

 

Municipal Facilities:

•        Lack of adequate municipal facilities and recreation.

 

Water Resources Management:

•        Lack of programs to manage potential pollution of Exeter’s exceptional water resources.

 

OPPORTUNITIES (Page 16-19 of Element 10)

Systems to Collect Town Data:

•        The Town can set up simple systems to collect town data for annual reports from departments and boards and commissions and have an annual count of residents through a mailing.  As discussed in the economic development element, inventories of town businesses and commercial real estate are the foundation of an effective economic development strategy.

Enhanced Communication and Transparency in Town Government:

•        Improve the town website to make it a central information resource for residents, businesses and visitors to Exeter.

Asset Management System:

•        Asset Management Systems help communities understand the lifecycle costs of assets so that they can manage them to provide a high level of service in a cost-effective manner.  Because Exeter does not have many town-owned infrastructure or other assets, it would not be complex or expensive to set up an initial system.  Asset management can be implemented incrementally, as existing assets are repaired or improved and new assets are created.  The construction of new town offices, a community center, or recreation facilities would be appropriate to begin an asset management system.

New Town Hall:

•        A new town hall is a high priority. Current town hall facilities have long been inadequate, with added urgency because of the recent discovery that the septic system is located too close to the drinking water well.  The Town Council has issued an RFP for architectural services to design potential new facilities on town property near the library, including moving and rehabilitation of the Old Town Hall building.

Community Center and Recreation Facilities:

•        Through the public opinion survey and in CPAC discussions, residents have expressed strong interest in creating a community center to bring residents together for recreation, entertainment, youth and senior activities. There are several models of how a community center can be financed, organized, and managed, including several approaches to self-funding through fee-based services accompanied by scholarships.

•        Recreation facilities, especially for youth, are also a high priority.

Drinking Water Supply:

•        Exeter’s vision plan for a new town center was developed with an assumption that the center’s density could be accommodated by access to the public water supply at the Ladd Center.  Town use of this resource should be part of a broader initiative for a Town/State master plan for the Ladd Center area. (See Element 12—Land Use.)

Onsite Wastewater Management:

•        The Onsite Wastewater Master Plan can ensure proper inspection and maintenance of septic systems and joining the program for state revolving loan funds can assist residents with septic system repair and replacement.  Higher density areas with older homes, such as Cedar Grove and Boone Lake, are more vulnerable to pollution from failing systems

 

SUMMARY:  GOALS AND POLICIES (Page 20-23 of Element 10)

GOAL 1:  Exeter town government communicates effectively with Exeter residents, businesses, and visitors.

Policies: Support systems for town government to collect and report data. Ensure that information on town data, town services, and town operations are available to the public.

Strategy A: Develop a program to collect and report town data and town government activities.

Strategy B: Upgrade the Town website to be useful and attractive to Exeter residents, businesses, and visitors.

GOAL 2:  Exeter has a new town hall and a new community center.

Policies: Support building a new town hall. Support building a new community center.

Strategy A: Design and build a new town hall including community meeting space.

 

 

GOAL 3:  Exeter has effective management systems for town assets and infrastructure.

Policies: Support establishment of cost-effective management of Town assets and infrastructure.

Strategy A:

GOAL 4:  Exeter employs stormwater best practices and proactive onsite wastewater system management that protect the Town’s groundwater and surface water quality.

Policies: Be good stewards of Exeter’s exceptional water resources with stormwater best practices and wastewater management programs in partnership with the state.

Strategy A: Adopt and update the Onsite Wastewater Management Plan.

Strategy B: Promote stormwater best management practices for public and private property owners.

 

5.       In conclusion, Ms. Brown asked the committee members for written comments.

 

6.       Public Comment: None

 

7.       ADJOURNMENT:

Ray Morrissey made a motion to adjourn the CPAC meeting; Michael Viveiros seconded the motion. The vote was all in favor.  The CPAC meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

 

The next CPAC meeting will not take place on June 15^th; date to be determined.