New Shoreham Town Council- Town Manager Work Session Minutes

Town Hall, Old Town Road, Block Island

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

7:00

 

Present: First Warden Kenneth C. Lacoste, Town Councilors Martha A. Ball, Sven Risom and Christopher Willi.  Second Warden Andre Boudreau was absent.  Town Manager Edward Roberge was present.  Town Clerk Fiona Fitzpatrick took the minutes of the meeting.

 

First Warden Lacoste called the meeting to order at 7:00.

 

First Warden Kenneth C. Lacoste moved to add Public Comment for discussion only.  Motion seconded by Mr. Willi.

 

Ayes: 4 (Lacoste, Ball, Risom, Willi)                   Nays: 0      Absent: 1 (Boudreau)

 

Public Comment:

A member of the public asked for information on efforts to cull the deer herd.  In addition to the deer tag reimbursement and tail payment programs in place, the Deer Task Force has worked with local conservation groups to bring hunting onto open space parcels.  The Manager hopes to meet with DEM Deer Task Force (DEM, Fish and Wildlife) September meeting when we hope and have a robust conversation about innovative ideas.  Ms. Kim Gaffett spoke in appreciation of that the Breed Land was mowed per the Management Plan. Mr. Chris Blane said mowing a wildlife refuge in July showed poor judgement and endangered ground young hatching birds.  An audience member observed bicycles have not been complying with the rules of the road

 

1.      Report on Verizon cellular telephone service failure and response

All Verizon cellular telephones on Block Island were out of service from Friday July 26 through Tuesday July 30.  Town Manager Roberge’s report on the incident is attached to these minutes. 

 

2.      Discussion of permitting and enforcement of Special Event Permits; discussion of related regulations including but not limited to Noise Ordinance, Outdoor Entertainment Ordinance

Discussion ensued.  Council took no action.

 

3.      Update on Visitor Center operations discussion

Town Manager Roberge spoke about the second of three meetings to discuss changes to the Visitors Center.  His report is attached to these minutes

There will be another meeting on financing the Tourism Council

 

4.      Selection and Charge of Charter Review Commission

Mr. Lacoste moved to postpone to August 21, 2019 when the Second Warden could be present, seconded by Mr. Willi.

 

Ayes: 4 (Lacoste, Ball, Risom, Willi)                   Nays: 0      Absent: 1 (Boudreau)

 

5.      2019 Legislative Session: status of Town sponsored legislation, new laws affecting the Town and proposals for the next legislative session

Discussion ensued, no action was taken.

 

6.      Discuss and schedule annual Town Council meeting with Boards, Committees and Commissions

Discussion ensued, no action was taken.

 

At 8:20 Mr. Lacoste moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Willi.

 

Ayes: 4 (Lacoste, Ball, Risom, Willi)                   Nays: 0      Absent: 1 (Boudreau)

 

Minutes submitted:

 

Fiona Fitzpatrick

Town Clerk