New Shoreham Town Council Meeting

Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road, Block Island

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

6:30 PM

 

Anyone wishing to speak from the audience will be asked to rise and use the central microphone to ensure audio for those watching from home

 

6:30 p.m.

1.   Discuss negotiations between RI Council 94 AFSCME, AFL-CIO Local 2855 New Shoreham Employee’s Association and Town of New Shoreham and New Shoreham School Committee. This item may be discussed in closed session pursuant to RI General Laws 42-46-5(a) (2) Sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation, or work sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation.

 

7:00 p.m.

2.   Public Comment

 

3.   Consent Agenda:

a.   Approval of Minutes: February 1, 2024 open and closed, March 4, 2024, March 14, 2024

b.   Approval of proclamation in support of National Small Business Week: April 28, 2024 – May 4, 2024

c.   Approval of Resolution to Keep Rhody Litter Free

d.   Receive grant award of $6,550 from RI Department of Environmental Management for operation and maintenance of mobile sewage pumpout boats

e.   Approval of Town Service Bids: Brush Cutting and Chipping: Connelli Land Improvement; Cleaning Town Buildings: Eden Smith; Cleaning Seasonal Buildings: M&D Services; Container (dumpster): Block Island Recycling Management; Fuel Oil and Diesel: Ballard’s Oil Company; Mowing Island Cemetery: BI Lawn Services; Mowing Town Properties: Hall’s Mowing Service; Road Work: A. Transue Corp.

f.    Correspondence:

i.    Chris Warfel re: Excessive cars at short-term rentals

ii.   Notice of Zoning Board hearing re: Plat 6, Lot 140, Blue Dory Inn – construction of a dormer

 

4.   Continued public hearing: discuss and act on proposed amendments to the New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance to sections of the Zoning Ordinance (Sections 108, 111, 202, Article 3, 403, 404, 405, 502, 509, 510, 511, 513, 514, 518) related to Accessory Dwelling Units. The purpose of amendments are to offer an expedited approval process for accessory dwelling units, provide clarification on existing policies, bring consistency to terminology, and make compliant with state law.

 

5.   Hold public hearing, discuss and act on proposed amendments to Town of New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance Article 4 Criteria for Special Use Permits, Section 425 Solar Energy Systems (A) Applicability & (B) Standards and Article 5 Performance Standards, Section 517 Solar Energy Systems (SES) (C) Definitions; (D) Applicability and Review Procedures & (F) Standards for Ground-Mounted Systems

 

6.   Hold public hearing, discuss, and act on proposed amendment to New Shoreham General Ordinances adding a new Article to Chapter 8 Licenses and Business Regulations:  Article XII. Residential Short-Term Rentals, Sections 8-320 – 8-331

 

7.   Act to set a public hearing date for amendments to New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance regarding Tour Business, adding to Article 2, 202 Definitions, Article 3, adding Sections 306 – 312 and amending the Zoning Appendix B – Use Categories Allowed by Zoning District table

 

8.   Act to set public hearing date for application of Judith Rose and Rose Farm Inn, Inc. to amend the Zoning Map to change a portion of Plat 8, Lot 262 from RB Zone to RCM Zone

 

9.   Discuss and act on resolution regarding moped legislation

 

10. Discuss and act on Harbors Items:

a.   2024 – 2025 Shellfish Closure

b.   Fee schedule increases to Shellfish/Finfish violations (Section 9-21 to 9-135)

 

11. Receive initial presentation of FY2025 budget

 

12. Receive update on the Medical Center construction project

 

13. Receive and act on Report of Town Manager (Public Works, Finance, School, School Construction Project, Library, Recreation, Administration, Harbors, Broadband, Police, Roads, Human Services)

 

14. Discuss and act on Board, Commission and Committees:

a.   Appointment of member to Police Advisory Committee: One (term exp. 12/2027)

b.   Announce vacancies:

i.    Commission on Motor Vehicles for Hire: One (not MVFH licensee) (term exp. 12/2026)

ii.   Sewer District Commission: One (5-year term, exp 4/30/2029); Two Alternate positions (1 year term)

iii.  Water District Commission: One (5-year term, exp 4/30/2029); Two Alternate positions (1 year term)

 

To see supporting documents for this agenda, go to: Clerkbase https://clerkshq.com/NewShoreham-RI   The meeting can be watched on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmvoSBIQ0bsFRg1kxPgNVCA   Individuals requesting interpreter services for the deaf and hard of hearing must call (401) 466-3200 forty-eight hours in advance of the meeting date. TTY: 711.   Posted: 3/18/2024 mh