June 7, 1999
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Narragansett held on Monday, June 7, 1999 at 7:30 p.m., Town Hall.
Present: T. Brian Handrigan, President
George F. Lenihan Jr., President Pro Tem
David J. Crook Sr.
P. Suzanne Miller
Stanley P. Wojciechowski, Members
Present: Jeffrey Ceasrine, Acting Town Manager
Mark A. McSally, Town Solicitor
President Handrigan calls the meeting to order and leads those in attendance in pledging allegiance to the flag.
It is unanimously VOTED: To ADOPT the following Resolution honoring Glenn A. Browning upon his retirement from the Police Department following more than twenty‑two (22) years of service to the Town of Narragansett, viz:
A FORMAL SWEARING IN of newly promoted members of the Narragansett Police Department and INTRODUCTION of Permanent Police Officers is conducted by John W. O'Donnell Jr., Chief of Police. The following officers are honored Captain Thomas H. Mongeau, Lieutenant Joseph T. Little Jr., and Sergeant William F. McGovern. Permanent Police Officers are Brian M. Simn, Scott W. Perrin, Eric J. Ryan, William F. Reilly Jr.
Mr. Browning and the members of the Police Department are congratulated by those present.
A PRESENTATION is made by Donald Goodrich regarding the proposed ice skating rink for the Town of Narragansett. The information presented contains the sites considered, an overview of the proposed Veterans Memorial Park, the proposed design and a preliminary budget. Following discussion, Mr. Goodrich notes that the Committee will keep the Council informed on their progress.
Open Forum is now held and the following address the Council, viz: Jay James - concerned with rights of individuals to speak under Open Forum.
A PUBLIC HEARING is conducted to discuss expenditures and guidelines under Local Law Enforcement Block Grant #97LBVX2166. Chief John W. O'Donnell informs the Council that the amount of $21,000 from this grant will be used to offset the request in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for computers for the Police Department. Following questions by Council Members, President Handrigan calls for proponents - none are heard. President Handrigan then calls for opponents and none are heard. It is unanimously VOTED: To CLOSE the Public Hearing. (Crook - Miller)
It is further unanimously VOTED: That Law Enforcement Block Grant #97LBVX2166 be APPROVED. (Crook - Miller)
It is unanimously VOTED: To CONTINUE to June 21, 1999 a Public Hearing for an amendment to Chapter 731 of the Ordinances of the Town of Narragansett (Zoning) Section 7.9, "Automobile Parking Space". (Crook - Miller)
Open Forum is now heard again and the following address the Council, viz: Rosalie Fairman - budget cuts; Mark Deresienski's abandoned property on Caswell Street; Albert Alba - questions whether Dr. Deresienski has been paying taxes on abandoned road; Douglas Wardwell - questions noise ordinance on water.
A DECISION is considered on a Public Hearing, which was held on May 17, 1999 on a request from Jeffrey C. Siner, d/b/a The Coffee Bean, 20 Woodruff Avenue, for an expansion of service of his Class B‑Victualing Alcoholic Beverage License. Council Members question just what type of operation Mr. Siner is conducting at this location -- a Coffee Shop or a full service restaurant. It is the consensus of the Council that outdoor service is not a problem in this area, however the addition of a full service bar is not looked at favorably. Following consideration, it was VOTED: That the request to add a bar for service of alcoholic beverages inside the establishment be DENIED and further, that the service of drinks with food on the area outside the establishment, as defined by the drawing submitted at the Hearing, be ALLOWED. (Handrigan - Miller)
Vote is recorded as follows: Aye - Council President Handrigan; Council Members Crook and Miller. No - Council Members Lenihan and Wojciechowski.
Because of concern regarding possible conflict of interest, President Pro Tem Lenihan recuses himself from the following agenda item, viz:
A CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING is held on a request from End Zone Pub & Grille Inc., d/b/a End Zone Pub & Grill, 140 Point Judith Road, for an expansion of service on their Class B‑Victualing Alcoholic Beverage License. Attorney Donald J. Packer, representing Thomas Melillo, addresses the Council. Mr. Packer notes that Mr. Melillo purchased the next unit to his current location in July of 1998. He is now seeking to expand his business into that unit. Mr. Melillo proposes to use the second floor capacity previously granted by the Council. He would only use the second floor for office space or storage. It is also noted that because of the End Zone's location in Mariner Square, customers tend to use the parking area behind the establishment and do not add to the main parking lot congestion. It is further noted that the proposed unit for expansion is fully enclosed and the windows are sealed to cut down on noise. Opponents are called and no one is heard. Proponents are called and Albert Alba addresses the Council. Following discussion with Council Members, it is VOTED: To CLOSE the Public Hearing. (Wojciechowski - Miller)
PLEASE SEE STENOGRAPHER'S NOTES FOR MORE DETAILS
Vote is recorded as follows: Aye - Council President Handrigan; Council Members Crook, Miller and Wojciechowski. Recuse - President Pro Tem Lenihan.
It is further VOTED: To AUTHORIZE the expansion of the licensed premises into the new unit (A4) on the condition that the licensed premises now eliminate the second floor (A7) which will limited to storage only and that condition #3 "Second floor to be limited to office or private function" imposed at the Hearing for Transfer (July 7, 1997) be DELETED.
(Handrigan - Miller)
Vote is recorded as follows: Aye - Council President Handrigan; Council Members Crook, Miller and Wojciechowski. Recuse - President Pro Tem Lenihan
A PUBLIC HEARING is held on a request from Pier House Inn Inc., d/b/a Pier House Inn, James Toro, President, 113 Ocean Road, to transfer a Class B‑Tavern Alcoholic Beverage License to INP Beverage Services Inc., d/b/a The Inn at Narragansett Pier, Elizabeth A. Procaccianti, President, Secretary and Treasurer, and Robert G. Andrew, Vice President, same premises. Amy Ohberg, attorney for the petitioners, addresses the Council on behalf of the petitioners. She notes the recent renovations taking place at this establishment, that the outside service area has been reduced and that the Pool Room has been eliminated. A map outlining the outside service area is presented and marked as Exhibit A.
Proponents are called and Albert Alba addresses the Council. Opponents are called and no one is heard. It is unanimously VOTED: To CLOSE the Public Hearing.
PLEASE SEE STENOGRAPHER'S NOTES FOR MORE DETAILS
It is further unanimously VOTED: To GRANT the request from Pier House Inn Inc., d/b/a Pier House Inn, James Toro, President, 113 Ocean Road, to transfer a Class B‑Tavern Alcoholic Beverage License to INP Beverage Services Inc., d/b/a The Inn at Narragansett Pier, Elizabeth A. Procaccianti, President, Secretary and Treasurer, and Robert G. Andrew,
Vice President, same premises, subject to any restrictions currently in effect by Zoning Amendment or Ordinances. (Handrigan - Crook)
It is unanimously VOTED: To APPROVE the renewal of a Private Detective License for Domenic J. Seita and Thomas G. Lanphear, d/b/a Exclusive Services Inc., 119 Rodman Street, subject to local and state regulations. (Crook - Miller)
It is unanimously VOTED: To APPROVE a Sunday Miscellaneous License for the Cigar Box Ltd., Elaine & Robert Lauro, 855 Point Judith Road, subject to local and state regulations. (Crook - Miller)
It is unanimously VOTED: To APPROVE a Sunday Miscellaneous License for the Narragansett Country Club, Tom Spargo, 1141 Boston Neck Road, subject to local and state regulations. (Crook - Miller)
It is unanimously VOTED: To APPROVE a Sunday Miscellaneous License for the Crosswynds Traders, Christine Iannucci, 1175 Boston Neck Road, subject to local and state regulations. (Crook - Miller)
Because of concern regarding possible conflict of interest, Council Member Miller recuses herself from the following agenda item, viz:
Consideration is given to the payment of legal fees for Scott Hancock, former Town Manager, for expenses incurred as a result of an ethics complaint. Following discussion, a motion is made by Council President Handrigan, seconded by President Pro Tem Lenihan to APPROVE the request for payment of legal fees for Scott Hancock.
Vote was recorded as follows: Aye - Council President Handrigan and President Pro Tem Lenihan. No - Council members Crook and Wojciechowski. Recuse - Council Member Miller.
The motion is defeated and the request is denied.
Consideration is given to a request from Raymond Storti and Karen Saucier for payment of legal fees incurred as a result of an ethics complaint. Keith B. Kyle, attorney representing Mr. Storti and Mrs. Saucier, contends that his clients were named in a baseless allegation before the Ethics Commission. A discussion is held regarding the problems encountered with the Ethics Commission, the possibility of suing the Ethics Commission, and the inability of the defendants to obtain a Hearing to adjudicate their case. Following consideration, it is VOTED: To APPROVE payment of legal fees ($15,876.20) for Raymond Storti and Karen Saucier for expenses incurred as a result of an ethics complaint. (Handrigan - Lenihan)
Vote is recorded as follows: Aye - Council President Handrigan; Council Members Lenihan and Miller. No - Council Members Crook and Wojciechowski.
A request from Jeffrey C. Siner, d/b/a The Coffee Bean, to have two (2) Pool Tables in his establishment is WITHDRAWN by the petitioner.
It is unanimously VOTED: To APPOINT Judith Durda to the Galilee Advisory Committee, to fill the unexpired term of Barrie J. Couture, which term will expire on November 8, 2000. (Lenihan - Miller)
The following Ordinance is read for the Second Time, same having been introduced and read for the First Time on May 17, 1999 and it is unanimously VOTED: That said Ordinance be and is hereby ADOPTED, viz: (Crook - Miller)
The following Ordinance is read for the Second time, same having been introduced and read for the First Time on May 17, 1999 and it is unanimously VOTED: That said Ordinance be and is hereby ADOPTED, viz: (Miller - Crook)
It is unanimously VOTED: To APPOINT Brian Van Couyghen to the Narragansett Conservation Commission for a three (3) year term, which term will expire on June 17, 2002. (Lenihan - Handrigan)
It is unanimously VOTED: To ACCEPT the resignation of Susan Duff from the Pension Board, which term will expire in November 2000. (Crook - Miller)
It is further unanimously VOTED: To APPOINT Lois Reiss to the Pension Board to fill the unexpired term of Susan Duff, which term will expire in November 2000. (Crook - Miller)
The Council is informed that the Bonnet Shores Fire District is preparing a Special District Plan to guide Community Development in the Bonnet Shores Fire District. Upon completion, the project will be presented to the Bonnet Shores Council and the Narragansett Planning Board for consideration as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. It is unanimously VOTED: To CONTRIBUTE $2,500 to the Bonnet Shores Fire District in support of its preparation of a Special District Plan, per the Narragansett Comprehensive Plan. (Miller - Crook)
Funding for this project is in account #01-136-0201.
Members of the audience are permitted to address the Council regarding School Budget concerns. Because information on the amount of School Aid has not been finalized, and there are unanswered questions, it is unanimously VOTED: To SCHEDULE a Work Session at 6:30 p.m. on June 14, 1999 and further to CONTINUE to June 14, 1999 the First Reading of "An Ordinance of the Town of Narragansett, providing that the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Narragansett, Rhode Island, be amended by the enactment of the budget for the Town of Narragansett fiscal Year beginning the 1st day of July A.D. 1999 and ending the 30th day of June A.D. 2000 and making appropriations of said Town to said Fiscal Year and ordering the assessment and levy of taxes on the assessment roll prepared by the Tax Assessor of said Town as of December 31, A.D. 1998." (Lenihan - Crook)
The Council is informed that the Alpha AXP800, the main frame computer system, will replace the existing VAX4000 system, whose maximum capacity has been reached. The new Alpha AXP800 will provide two times the current amount of storage space and four times the current amount of storage space and four times the processing power. These improvements will allow for necessary future storage expansion and quick and timely reporting. This purchase includes software upgrades and installation for full year 2000 compliance. Included in this agreement is a 3-year warranty at no additional cost to the Town for all newly purchased hardware. It is unanimously VOTED: To APPROVE the purchase of a Digital (Compaq) Alpha AXP800 Main Frame Computer System, with associated Peripherals, software, warranty agreements and installation, in the amount of $43,272 from Access Municipal Systems of Cambridge MA. (Lenihan - Crook)
This is a sole source item. Funding is available in Capital Budget Account #20-210-7070.
A Change Order (Final) for J & H Electric Co. Inc. was for new brush holders for a 125 HP motor. The Council previously approved the bid for the overhaul of the motor at the Ouida Street Pump station. During the course of the work, the brush holders were found to be worn to the point where the brushes could not be re-set. It is unanimously VOTED: To APPROVE a Change Order (Final) for J & H Electric Co. Inc., in the amount of $1,472.64, for the overhaul of one (1) 125 HP motor. (Miller - Crook)
The Council is informed that a "Narragansett Skates Trust Fund" must be established solely for all transactions related to the proposed ice skating rink for Narragansett. It is unanimously VOTED: To APPROVE the establishment of a 'Narragansett Skates Trust Fund' to account for contribution and expenditures for the purpose of constructing a skating rink. (Lenihan - Miller)
It is unanimously VOTED: To RECEIVE AND PLACE ON FILE the Town Manager's Report for the period from May 17, 1999 through June 3, 1999. (Crook - Lenihan)
Because of concern regarding possible conflict of interest, Council Member Miller recuses herself from the following agenda item, viz:
It is VOTED: To ADOPT the following Resolution Establishing an Administration Compensation Schedule for Fiscal Year 2000, viz: (Crook - Lenihan)
Vote is recorded as follows: Aye - Council President Handrigan; Council Members Crook and Lenihan. No - Council Member Wojciechowski. Recuse - Council Member Miller.
It is unanimously VOTED: To RETIRE to Executive Session of the Town Council of the Town of Narragansett at the end of the June 7, 1999 Town Council Meeting to discuss litigation in accordance with the provisions of RI General Laws 42‑46‑5 (a) (2), and to APPOINT Mark A. McSally as Clerk Pro Tem.
The Town Council RETIRES at 10:30 p.m.
ATTEST:
MARY M. BECK, CMC/AAE
Council Clerk