Public Hearing:

·         Ordinance 2023-9 : An Ordinance appropriating $129,081,852 for the support and adoption of the Town Governmental Budget, Personnel Classification, Salary Plan and Tax Levy for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2024

Mayor Polisena, Jr updated everyone regarding a recently held food truck event, the Town Hall Plaza renovations, the new rodent control officer and the new splash pad to be installed at the Memorial Park

The Mayor presented his budget proposal to the Council highlighting the major impacts that factor into the budget

Finance Director, Joseph Chiodo outlined the major budget drivers and reviewed the budgets of each department

Thomas Deller, the Director of Planning & Public Services discussed his department’s budget

Christopher Correia, Director of Buildings and Grounds spoke about the merging of the public works and recreation department’s budgets for his new department

Discussion ensued

Steven Maceroni, the Town’s Bond Counsel and Solicitor Conley explained the Town’s debt service

Council President Russo opened the hearing to public comment

Michael Luisi: asked for clarification on the formation of the new buildings and grounds department

Short discussion ensued

Dr. Bernard DiLullo, Superintendent of Schools, thanked the Council and Mayor for working with him and the school department. Dr. DiLullo discussed the items that have had a major impact on his department’s budget

Councilman Carnevale made a motion that the public hearing for Ordinance 2023-9 had been held

The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Folcarelli

Motion carried; Vote 5-0

Councilwoman Garzone made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2023-9

The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Folcarelli

Roll call vote:

District 1: Aye to adopt

District 2: Aye to adopt

District 3: Aye to adopt

District 5: Opposed

District 4: Aye to adopt

Motion carried; Vote 4-1

Reading of Ordinances

·         Ordinance 2023-10 : An Ordinance ordering the assessment and collection of property tax on the ratable real estate, tangible personal property and an excise tax on registered motor vehicles and trailers

Councilwoman Garzone made a motion that Ordinance 2023-10 had been read

The motion was seconded by Councilman Civetti & Councilwoman Folcarelli

Motion carried; Vote 5-0

·         Ordinance 2023-11 : An Ordinance Amending Section 15 of Chapter 307, Article V of the Town of Johnston Code of Ordinances Entitled “Classes of Property” Said Ordinance amends the Town’s Tax Classification to comply with State Law

Councilman Carnevale made a motion that Ordinance 2023-11 had been read

The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Folcarelli

Motion carried; Vote 5-0

·         Resolution 2023-30 : A resolution authorizing the Mayor town oversight, on an interim basis, of the financial and business operations of the Johnston School Department

Mayor Polisena, Jr. addressed the Council regarding the resolution

Robert LaFazia, chairman of the Johnston School Committee thanked the Mayor for the funding and requested that the audit be performed by a neutral party

Discussion ensued

Attorney Alan Fung representing the Town, discussed the differences between the audits that will be performed at the school department

Councilman Carnevale made a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-30

The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Folcarelli

Motion carried; Vote 5-0

Adjournment

Councilman Carnevale made a motion to adjourn

The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Garzone

Motion carried; Vote 5-0

The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

FOR DETAILED COMMENTS/STATEMENTS REGARDING ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN, PLEASE REFER TO THE TRANSCRIPT PREPARED BY THE STENOGRAPHER

Vincent P. Baccari, Jr.,

Town Clerk