RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

June 6, 2023

6:00 P.M.

 

A.        CALL TO ORDER

 

President Trimmer called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.

 

B.        ROLL CALL

 

Town Council Members present in chambers were as follows: Mark Trimmer, Helen Sheehan, Michael Colasante, Rich Nassaney and Samantha Wilcox. Also present, Town Solicitor Karen Ellsworth, Town Administrator Karen Pinch, Finance Director Laura Kenyon, Police Chief Elwood Johnson, Town Planner Shaun Lacey, Town Clerk Erin Liese.

 

C.        THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence.

 

D.        PUBLIC HEARING

Please Note in Accordance with Section 42-46-6 (b) the Council May Review, Discuss and/or take Action on the following items.

1)                  Outdoor Entertainment License Application:

Applicant: SRI 4H Leaders Fair

Entertainment: 4-H Fair

Dates: June 20-25, 2023

Location: Washington County Fair Grounds- 78 Richmond Townhouse Road

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Sheehan to Open the Public Hearing for Outdoor Entertainment Application for SRI 4H Leaders Fair from June 20-25, 2023, located at the Washington County Fair Grounds at 78 Richmond Townhouse Road. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Nassaney, seconded by Councilor Colasante to Close the Public Hearing for Outdoor Entertainment Application for SRI 4H Leaders Fair from June 20-25, 2023, located at the Washington County Fair Grounds at 78 Richmond Townhouse Road. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Nassaney, seconded by Councilor Colasante to Approve the Outdoor Entertainment Application for SRI 4H Leaders Fair from June 20-25, 2023, located at the Washington County Fair Grounds at 78 Richmond Townhouse Road. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

2)                  Outdoor Entertainment License Application:

Applicant: Preserve Property Management Company, LLC  

Entertainment: Live Music

Dates: June 2023 to June 2024

Location:  The Preserve- 87 Kingstown Road

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Colasante to open the Public Hearing for Outdoor Entertainment Application for Preserve Property Management Company, LLC from June 2023 to June 2024 at The Preserve at 87 Kingstown Road. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by President Trimmer, seconded by Councilor Sheehan to close the Public Hearing for Outdoor Entertainment Application for Preserve Property Management Company, LLC from June 2023 to June 2024 at The Preserve at 87 Kingstown Road. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Colasante to Approve the Outdoor Entertainment Application for Preserve Property Management Company, LLC without waivers from June 2023 to June 2024 at The Preserve at 87 Kingstown Road. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

E.        CONSENT AGENDA

Approval of the Consent Agenda shall be equivalent to approval of each item as if it had been acted upon separately; or items may be removed by the Town Council for review, discussion and/or take Action.

1)                  Approval of Town Council Minutes

a)                  May 2, 2023 (Regular Meeting)

b)                  May 16, 2023 (Regular Meeting)

c)                  May 23, 2023 (Special Meeting)

 

2)                  Approval of Town Department Reports

a)                  Approval of Town Planner’s report for the month of May 2023

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Wilcox to Approve items E1a-b and 2a of the Consent Agenda. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Sheehan to Approve item 1C. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Recuse; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Abstain.

 

F.         PUBLIC FORUM

The Public Forum will be conducted according to Town Council Rules & Procedures Article 6. http://www.richmondri.com/DocumentCenter/View/1878/Rules-of-Procedure?bidId=

Those participating remotely, use the “raise hand” icon at the bottom right side of your screen, or, if you are using a phone, press *9. The moderator will tell you when it is your turn to speak.

 

Lauren Cacciola expressed concern regarding an email from Councilor Wilcox. She questioned how her father’s email address was obtained.

 

Councilor Wilcox advised the email was a reminder to get out and vote and her support of the budget. She apologized for the email for those that took offense.

 

Louise Dinsmore from the Forgotten Richmond Taxpayers discussed concerns about the budget, commended town employees’ work, and reviewed the budget results. She further discussed President Trimmer’s comments on social media.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised the Town Council has a policy regarding personal attacks.

 

Discussion took place regarding “personal attacks”.

 

Bob Sayer discussed the voter turnout on the budget. He further discussed President Trimmer’s personal opinion.

 

G.        REPORTS

Please Note the following items are Status Reports and Matters of Interest to the Council and are for Informational Purposes unless Indicated Otherwise and will be Acted upon in Accordance with Section 42-46-6 (b)   

1)                  Town Administrator’s Report: Karen D. Pinch

a)                  Review of draft EDC Request for Qualifications for a Consulting Firm.  Determination as to taking action to review and modify, or schedule a future workshop for same

 

Town Administrator Pinch discussed the draft proposal and questioned if a workshop should be scheduled.

It was noted that a scheduling email would be sent as that is allowed per the OMA.

 

b)                  Update on door replacement project

 

Town Administrator Pinch provided an update on the door replacement project.

 

c)                  Consideration of a Two-Year Contract with Constellation/Power Options for Supplying Electricity to the Town

 

Rita Moran from Power Options provided the following presentation regarding power:

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by President Trimmer to include the Power Options presentation in the minutes. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

Councilor Colasante requested the bid specs and materials.

 

Discussion ensued on rates and the bidding process.

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised that RI League obtained the bidding, and she could see what they could provide.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Vice President Nassaney to postpone the consideration of a two-year contract with constellation/power options for supplying electricity to the town to the next Council Meeting. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

d)                  Review of ACLU Report on Municipal Open Meetings

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised on the Report regarding Municipal Open Meetings and explained that Richmond has great access for the public.

 

e)                  Update on Naming Richmond School Softball Field

 

Town Administrator Pinch provided an update on the naming of the Richmond School Softball Field.

She explained the Chariho School Committee agreed to name the Field in honor of the late Ralph Woodmansee. She advised they would work with the family to establish the sign.

 

2)                  Town Planner’s Report: Shaun Lacey

a)                  Referral of applications filed by Jordan E. Carlson for an Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map and Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan affecting a property located on Buttonwoods Road, Assessor’s Plat 4c Lot 28, to the Planning Board for review and recommendation; and authorization for the Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing

 

Town Planner Lacey explained the process of amending the Zoning and Comprehensive Plan.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Vice President Nassaney to refer the application filed by Jordan E. Carlson to the Planning Board of Review for recommendation and authorization of Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing for July 18th, 2023. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

3)                  Recreation Director’s Report: Morgan Cusumano

a)                  Authorization to rehire the following candidates for Summer Camp:

i.          Amanda Grundy- Assistant Director

ii.         Erika Christensen- Counselor

iii.        Julia LaFontaine- Counselor

iv.        Ruby Taylor- Counselor

b)                  Authorization to hire the following new candidates for Summer Camp:

i.          Samantha Beauregard-Counselor

ii.         Mia DeLuise- Counselor

iii.        Savanna Fisher-Counselor

iv.        Jack Grissom-Counselor

v.         Sadie Grissom- Counselor

vi.        Amanda Moyer-Counselor

vii.       Quinn White- Counselor

 

Recreation Director Cusumano explained the staffing needs for camp.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Vice President Nassaney to Authorize the hiring of items 3a-b. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

J.         UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Please Note in Accordance with Section 42-46-6 (b) the Council May Review, Discuss and/or take Action on the following items:  

1)                  Request of Councilor Wilcox for discussion and consideration of New Business ARPA Grant

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Vice President Nassaney for the approval of the New Business ARPA Grant.

 

President Trimmer suggested expanding the grant to existing businesses in the town when the business has expanded.

 

Discussion ensued on who would qualify, rules, and regulations.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Sheehan to refer to the Town Solicitor the New Business ARPA Grant proposal for recommendations.

 

Councilor Wilcox requested feedback from the Council.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised on the review process. 

 

Councilor Colasante shared his experience with Cranston.

 

Discussion ensued on grants.

 

Louise Dinsmore advised that it might not be looked upon favorably by existing businesses to favor new businesses.

 

Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

K.        NEW BUSINESS

Please Note in Accordance with Section 42-46-6 (b) the Council May Review, Discuss and/or take Action on the following items:     

1)                  Request of President Trimmer for discussion and consideration of a policy for appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions

 

President Trimmer advised that he wanted to continue using the ranked-voting system.

 

A motion was made by President Trimmer, seconded by Councilor Colasante to approve the ranked-voting system to submit to the Town Clerk to be read out loud for appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions.

 

Councilor Wilcox shared her concern about making the vote public.

 

Discussion ensued on rank voting.

 

Town Clerk Liese shared her concerns and need for a policy on appointments, notice, vacancies and reappointments to boards and commissions. She explained the current policy. She advised if the process is to change their needs to be a clearer policy to aid the Town Clerk’s Office.

 

Discussion ensued on a policy.

 

Councilor Sheehan questioned the policy of resignation of alternate to a full position.

 

Discussion ensued on alternates moving to full member.

 

Solicitor Ellsworth advised she could write a resolution or policy for the council to review.

 

Back to the Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by President Trimmer, seconded by Councilor Sheehan to refer the appointment and reappointment policy to the Town Solicitor for a resolution to be reviewed by council. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

Town Clerk Liese questioned if reappointment letters for the zoning board should be sent out.

 

It was advised that the procedure should stay the same until the policy changes.

 

2)                  Request of Councilor Wilcox for consideration to send a Welcome Resolution for the Golden Rule Peace Ship

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Vice President Nassaney to approve the Resolution for the Golden Rule Peace Ship.

 

Councilor Sheehan expressed concern about not having nuclear weapons.

 

Councilor Colasante expressed that he believed the resolution was anti-military.

 

Back to the Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Nay; Councilor Colasante, Nay; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

3)                  Request of Councilor Wilcox for discussion and consideration to invite all board members, commissioners, and other individuals subject to the Open Meetings Act to the Attorney General’s Annual Open Government Summit on July 28^th and request to schedule a town wide training held by the Attorney General’s Office in Richmond for all individuals subject to the Open Meetings Act who cannot attend the Annual Summit

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by President Trimmer to approve the invitation to all board members, commissioners and other individuals subject to the Open Meetings Act to the Attorney General’s Annual Open Government Summit on July 28th and to schedule a town wide training held by the Attorney General’s Office in Richmond for all individuals subject to the Open Meetings Act who cannot attend the Annual Summit.

 

Councilor Colasante asked if it should be mandatory.

 

Councilor Wilcox advised that the training is highly recommended.

 

Solicitor Ellsworth also advised inviting someone from the Ethics Commission to the meeting to provide a presentation on the Code of Ethics.

 

A above motion was Amended by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by President Trimmer to approve the invitation to all board members, commissioners and other individuals subject to the Open Meetings Act to the Attorney General’s Annual Open Government Summit on July 28th and to schedule a town wide training held by the Attorney General’s Office and Rhode Island Ethics Commission in Richmond for all individuals subject to the Open Meetings Act who cannot attend the Annual Summit.

Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

4)                  Request of Councilor Wilcox for discussion and consideration to amend the board and commission appointment renewal form and application to include “I hereby certify that I have reviewed the most recent Open Government Summit recording and/or presentation available on the Attorney General’s Website.”

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Vice President Nassaney to amend the town’s appointment renewal form and application to include “I hereby certify that I have reviewed the most recent Open Government Summit recording and/or presentation available on the Attorney General’s Website.”

 

Councilor Sheehan expressed concern that it would “scare new people off”.

 

Clarification was provided on the training available online.

 

Councilor Wilcox said that if someone is unwilling to learn about the Open Meetings Act they’re putting the Town at risk.

 

Back to the Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Nay; Councilor Colasante, Nay; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

5)                  Request of Councilor Colasante for discussion and consideration of Economic Development Director’s Job Description

 

Councilor Colasante provided an explanation for the Economic Development Director’s Job Description.

 

Councilor Wilcox shared why she didn’t want to hire an employee.

 

Kathryn Colasante shared that she didn’t see the conflict.

 

Paul Mahilades shared his thoughts on having a liaison.

 

Discussion ensued about the job description.

 

Vice President Nassaney shared concern about where funds would come from.

 

Joan Kent expressed her agreement.

 

6)                  Request of Councilor Colasante for discussion and consideration of RFP for the Ordinance Review and Economic Development Strategy Plan

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Sheehan to move items K5 and K6 to an Economics Development Commission Workshop. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Nay.

 

7)                  Request of Councilor Sheehan for consideration of support of Resolution House Bill H6324 Entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses-Obscene and Objectionable Publications and Shows”

 

Councilor Sheehan read the Resolution House Bill H6324.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Sheehan, seconded by Councilor Colasante to support the Resolution House Bill H6324 Entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses-Obscene and Objectionable Publications and Shows”.

 

Virginia Ellis questioned if the resolution was putting censorship on libraries.

 

Discussion ensued on regulation.

 

Councilor Sheehan explained she thought the laws should be updated to cover other formats.

 

David Bouchard shared his concerns on the resolution.

 

Sharon Riordan shared that she trusts the librarians on what they are purchasing.

 

Mark Reynolds clarified that by adding the proposed language could impose criminal penalties against librarians.

 

Thea of Richmond shared concern on the Resolution and stated she thought books are safe in our community and questioned Council.

 

Jessica Purcell shared that there is a policy in place for parents to use if they object to questionable materials in schools. She stated they are not at Elementary School libraries.

 

Vote: President Trimmer, Nay; Vice President Nassaney, Nay; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Nay.

 

8)                  Request of President Trimmer for discussion and consideration of additional stop signs at the intersection of Hog House Hill and Gardiner Road

 

President Trimmer expressed his reasoning for the request.

 

A motion was made by President Trimmer, seconded by Councilor Wilcox to trim back the brush at the intersection of Hog House Hill and Gardiner Road as well as adding an additional stop signs and road lines.

 

An amended motion was made by President Trimmer, seconded amended by Councilor Wilcox authorizing the Town Solicitor to draft an amendment of Title 10 of the Town Code of Ordinances to add a stop sign at the intersection of Hog House Hill and Gardiner Road.

Jim Brear suggested additional signs at Hoxie and Hillsdale Road.

 

Back to the Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

 

9)                  Request of President Trimmer for discussion on requesting consideration by DOT to reduce the speed limit on Route 138 from Stilson Road to Town Hall

 

President Trimmer provided explanation on speed limit.

 

A motion was made by President Trimmer, seconded by Vice President Nassaney to request of DOT to reduce the speed limit on Route 138 from Stilson Road to Town Hall.

 

Chief Johnson stated he believed the state already did an analysis on the road. He further stated he had a call in and will forward the information to the Town Administrator.

 

Councilor Wilcox requested to see the reports before submitting anything to the state.

Further discussion ensued.

 

An Amended Motion was made by President Trimmer, seconded amended by Vice President Nassaney, to receive the DOT report to appropriately approach our state representative. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

10)              Request by President Trimmer for discussion of the terms of a tax exemption or tax stabilization agreement with the Preserve at Boulder Hills.

 

Paul Mihilades discussed some of the projects that are being worked on at the Preserve. He further explained how taxes are being viewed.

 

Discussion ensued on Tax Agreement at the Preserve.

 

Louise Dinsmore shared that she appreciated the Preserve’s commitment to the town.

 

Dan Madnick questioned what kind of tax treaty they are looking for.

 

Paul Mihilades explained that they are looking for mitigation for fairness.

 

Dan Madnick questioned how the town would replace the revenue.

 

Paul Mihilades explained all they’re asking is to go to the legislature to give the council the ability to make a decision.

 

Mark Reynolds stated that they have considered the position at the Assessment Board of Review and have valued the properties fairly based upon their location.

 

Solicitor Ellsworth advised on the existing enabling legislation that the town has.

 

11)              Request by Councilor Colasante for consideration of draft enabling legislation that would authorize the Town Council to enter into agreements for partial exemption or stabilization of property taxes, and consideration of a resolution asking the General Assembly to enact the draft legislation.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by President Trimmer to draft enabling legislation that would authorize the Town Council to enter into agreements for partial exemption of stabilization of property taxes, and consideration of a resolution asking the General Assembly to enact the draft legislation.

 

Councilor Wilcox shared her concerns about further restrictions and the legislation being limited to The Preserve.

 

President Trimmer explained that the legislation just gives the Council permission, not that it is enabling anything.

 

Councilor Wilcox expressed that she would like to see how this would affect residents.

 

Nicole Benjamin, Attorney representing the Preserve provided more explanation on the legislation.

 

Paul Mihilades explained why he was trying to get the legislation in for the upcoming session.

 

Thea of Richmond questioned how long the treaty stays in place and further asked where the breaks for the residents are.

 

Mark Reynolds shared that the enabling legislation shouldn’t be so narrow that it only benefits the Preserve.

 

Councilor Colasante agreed it should not be narrow to only benefit one section of town. He shared his comparison to Cranston.  

 

Back to the Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Nay.

 

11)  Discussion and consideration on the Richmond Budget Referendum Results and Budget FY 23/24

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Sheehan to hold a special meeting with the finance board and the finance director to discuss options.

 

President Trimmer expressed concern about having another referendum that would cost the taxpayers money. He suggested going with the previous year’s budget.

 

Councilor Wilcox shared that she spoke with Representative Cotter about the bills being proposed to help with funding.

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised if there wasn’t a second referendum and level fund, the cut would be $42,765.

 

Councilor Wilcox explained that the Finance Board has already reviewed line items, and that departments have already gone through their budgets.

 

Discussion ensued on the budget.

 

Councilor Sheehan shared her suggestions for cuts.

 

President Trimmer stated he didn’t want to defer maintenance and construction projects.

 

Solicitor Ellsworth advised having the Town Administrator and Finance Director get together to propose suggestions to the Council.

 

Mark Reynolds asked about expenditures.

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised on level funding.

 

Councilor Colasante and Councilor Sheehan retracted the above motion.

 

Finance Director Kenyon suggested cutting from the Capital Projects, $20,000 for the Wyoming design study, $22,500 for new software for the water program, and $265 from the Finance Department.

 

President Trimmer suggested cutting the $1,600 from the EDC.

 

A motion was made by President Trimmer, seconded by Councilor Colasante to level fund the budget as stated in the Town Charter and following the recommendation of the Town Administrator.

 

Councilor Wilcox requested an explanation on what the Wyoming Design Study was.

 

Town Planner Lacey shared that it was for a reimaging of downtown.

 

Finance Director Kenyon also provided an explanation on the water billing software cut.

 

Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

L.        COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS FROM OTHER RHODE ISLAND CITIES AND TOWNS

The Council may acknowledge any of the listed Communications and Proclamations and Resolutions. Should any member wish to have a conversation on any of the matters, the item will be placed on a future agenda for review, discussion and/or potential action and/or vote.

1)                  Communications Received:

a)                  Notice on the Town of Richmond Board/Commission Vacancies- May 18, 2023   

b)                  Richmond Police Department Press Release – May 24, 2023

c)                  Email to: Richmond Town Council

From: Christopher Kona

Dated: May 23, 2023

Re: Recommended update to ranked ballot

 

A motion was made by Vice President Nassaney, seconded by Councilor Wilcox to file the Communications, Petitions, and Proclamations and Resolutions from Other Rhode Island Cities and Towns. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by President Trimmer to Open Executive Session to discuss R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-4(a)(1) – Jeffrey Vaillancourt. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

M.       EXECUTIVE SESSION

            The Town Council may conduct a closed session to discuss the following:

1)                  Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(1)- Jeffrey Vaillancourt

 

A motion was made by Vice President Nassaney, seconded by Councilor Colasante to return to open session. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Vice President Nassaney to seal the minutes of executive session. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Vice President Nassaney to terminate the employment of Jeffrey Vaillancourt.

 

Councilor Sheehan said Jeffrey Vaillancourt should be given another opportunity.

 

Councilor Colasante shared Councilor Sheehan’s sentiments.

 

President Trimmer shared that he was concerned about what he heard, and that “the other side is understandable, but doesn’t justify it”.

 

Councilor Wilcox stated that it wasn’t personal.

 

Vice President Nassaney stated he believed that there are two sides to every story. He further commented on working relationships.

 

Jim Palmisciano shared that he thought Mr. Vaillancourt deserved a second chance. He further commented on HR review. 

 

Jeff Vaillancourt expressed that this was a learning curve. He further commented on public safety. He appreciated the opportunity for a second chance. 

 

Councilor Wilcox shared that as town employees we hold ourselves to a higher standard when going to businesses as representatives of the town.

 

Discussion continued.

 

Back to the Vote: President Trimmer, Nay; Vice President Nassaney, Nay; Councilor Sheehan, Nay; Councilor Colasante, Nay; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante seconded by Vice President Nassaney to extend the             6-month probation period. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

N.        ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Vice President Nassaney, seconded by Councilor Colasante to adjourn at      11:53 P.M. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

Attest:

 

_______________________

Erin F. Liese, CMC

Town Clerk