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REGULAR SESSION
MAY 24, 2021
At a REGULAR SESSION of the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown, County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island, held via video- and tele-conference, in and for said Town on the 24th day of May 2021 at 6:30 PM.
PRESENT: Abel G. Collins, President
Rory H. McEntee, Vice President
Deborah D. Bergner
Deborah J. Kelso
Jessica L. Rose
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG 
The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag is given.
2. ROLL CALL
Roll Call is taken and all members are present.
3. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to recess to Closed Executive Session at 6:35 PM pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(4) to discuss matters pertaining to investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct, either civil or criminal re: AFL-CIO mailer.
Convened to a Work Session at 7:12 PM.
WORK SESSION
MAY 24, 2021
At a WORK SESSION of the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown, County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island held via video- and tele-conference, in and for said Town on the 24th day of May 2021 at 7:12 PM.
PRESENT: Abel G. Collins, President
Rory H. McEntee, Vice President
Deborah D. Bergner
Deborah J. Kelso
Jessica L. Rose
4. A. WORK SESSION
The Council reconvenes to a Work Session, and it is noted that no vote was taken in the Closed Executive Session held pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(4) to discuss matters pertaining to investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct, either civil or criminal re: AFL-CIO mailer.
Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 9S from Councilwoman Bergner requesting reconsideration of her proposed resolution concerning the utilization of properties that have been donated to the Town.
Discussion ensues relative to Public Hearing 8B relative to adoption of the Comprehensive Community Plan, which is continued from April 12, 2021.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Items 13F and 13G concerning approval of a voluntary separation agreement with the Town Manager and an employment agreement with an Interim Town Manager.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Items 13C, 13D and 13E authorizing the purchase of police uniform equipment and car wash services.
Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 9N concerning the name of the South Kingstown High School mascot.
Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 9Q from the Contemporary Theater regarding a land purchase proposal.
Discussion resumes concerning this evening’s Public Hearing on adoption of the Comprehensive Community Plan, and it is noted that the Council can make amendments during the Public Hearing.
Discussion ensues relative to federal funds that municipalities are set to receive under the American Rescue Plan.
Convened to Regular Session.
Susan M. Flynn, CMC
Town Clerk
REGULAR SESSION
MAY 24, 2021
At a REGULAR SESSION of the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown, County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island, held via video- and tele-conference, in and for said Town on the 24th day of May 2021 at 7:30 PM.
PRESENT: Abel G. Collins, President
Rory H. McEntee, Vice President
Deborah D. Bergner
Deborah J. Kelso
Jessica L. Rose
4. B. REGULAR SESSION
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
A. Work Session: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Work Session held on May 10, 2021 are accepted, approved and placed on file.
B. Regular Sessions: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Regular Sessions held on April 30 and May 10, 2021 are accepted, approved and placed on file.
C. Closed Executive Sessions: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Closed Executive Sessions held on April 26, April 30 and May 10, 2021 are accepted.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to approve the Consent Agenda as indicated by (CA) on same.
(CA) 6C. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Holiday Sales License to Phantom Fireworks Eastern Region, LLC d/b/a Phantom Fireworks, 51 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Joshua Nielsen, State Manager; Renewal. License No. 69057.
(CA) 9A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a report dated April 15, 2021 from Peter Roberts from the Indian Lake Shores Fire District, for FD-3B for Q-3 is received and placed on file.
(CA) 9B. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a proclamation adopted May 2, 2021 by the Barrington Town Council declaring the first Friday in June to be National Gun Violence Awareness Day is received and placed on file.
(CA) 9D. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted May 3, 2021 by the Barrington Town Council concerning the legalization of adult recreational use of marijuana is received and placed on file.
(CA) 9E. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 6, 2021 from Jason Ralph concerning future school buildings repair, cost and plans is received and placed on file.
(CA) 9F. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails dated May 6 and 7, 2021 from Tara Schold, Michelle Flippin and Roland Benjamin concerning investigation of the AFL-CIO mailer are received and placed on file.
(CA) 9G. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 6, 2021 from Susan Marcus regarding the special meeting of the Planning Board on May 6, 2021 is received and placed on file.
(CA) 9H. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails dated May 7, 2021 from Paula Bradley regarding her request for an investigation and “opt out” form, along with the response from School Superintendent Linda Savastano are received and placed on file.
(CA) 9I. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 7, 2021 from John Ryan regarding August 31, 2021 being observed as International Overdose Awareness Day is received and placed on file.
(CA) 9K. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted May 11, 2021 by the Warren Town Council condemning hate in the community is received and placed on file.
(CA) 9L. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails dated May 12 and May 19, 2021 from Nicole Solas regarding the contract between South Kingstown School District and Robin Wildman/RI Nonviolent Schools and the South Kingstown School District’s hiring policy are received and placed on file.
(CA) 9P. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 13, 2021 from The Samaritans of Rhode Island recognizing May as Older Americans Month is received and placed on file.
(CA) 9R. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 18, 2021 from Robert C. Zarnetske announcing that he is stepping down as Town Manager as of June 14, 2021, and advising that Theresa Murphy, Director of Leisure Services will serve as Interim Town Manager is received and placed on file.
(CA) 9T. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that any communication added to the Agenda subsequent to this is hereby added by majority vote, in accordance with RIGL §42-46-6 (b) Notice --… “Nothing contained herein shall prevent a public body, other than a school committee, from adding additional items to the agenda by majority vote of the members. Such additional items shall be for informational purposes only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official.”
(CA) 13A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Clerk to advertise by reference for Order of Notice a Public Hearing relative to adoption of the FY 2021-2022 Position Allocation to Pay Schedule.
(CA) 13J. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that any New Business added to the Agenda subsequent to this is hereby added by majority vote, in accordance with RIGL §42-46-6 (b) Notice --… “Nothing contained herein shall prevent a public body, other than a school committee, from adding additional items to the agenda by majority vote of the members. Such additional items shall be for informational purposes only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official.”
7. LICENSES
A. The applicant is present, and after testimony and discussion it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Holiday Sales License to Kosmic Kitty, LLC d/b/a Kosmic Kitty, 329 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Catherine Hanson, Member; New. License No. 70760.
B. Jerry deMaria is present on behalf of the applicant, and after testimony and discussion it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to PKR Serendipity, LLC d/b/a Swirls & Scoops, 1916 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to issuance of a Retail Sales Tax Permit and Department of Health approval. Application by Paulina Reves, Member; New. License No. 70851.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is held to consider an application for expansion of a license to keep and sell alcoholic beverages in South Kingstown in accordance with the General Laws of 1956, as amended, as follows:
CLASS B VICTUALLER LIQUOR LICENSE
Application for expansion of a Class B Victualler Liquor License by David Barnes Development, Inc. d/b/a Mews Tavern, 456 Main Street, Wakefield, RI by Daniel Rubino, Vice President for the expanded service area at the rear of the existing building within the existing parking lot, consisting of a curbside pickup kiosk and hostess station with dining seating and border/separation from the parking and vehicle access, approximate 8,000 square feet, in accordance with a Special Use Permit granted March 17, 2021 by the Zoning Board of Review; and as further defined in a site plan dated April 14, 2021 on file in the Town Clerk’s office.
Daniel Rubino is present with his attorney, John Kenyon and testifies regarding the success of their operations under a COVID temporary outdoor service permit. It is noted that in the granting of a Special Use Permit for this outdoor service area, the Zoning Board of Review set conditions that the use be allowed from May 1st through December 1st, with hours from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. and subject to Town Council approval. Mr. Rubino testifies regarding the parking lot being divided, the installation of a tent and concrete barriers for safety.
Discussion ensues regarding the proposed service area, available parking and new one-way traffic flow.
The following are in attendance and comment:
Greg Sweet speaks in favor of the expansion.
Joslin Leasca speaks in favor of the expansion.
Discussion ensues relative to outside entertainment, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant an application for expansion of a license to keep and sell alcoholic beverages in South Kingstown in accordance with the General Laws of 1956, as amended, as follows:
CLASS B VICTUALLER LIQUOR LICENSE
Expansion of a Class B Victualler Liquor License by David Barnes Development, Inc. d/b/a Mews Tavern, 456 Main Street, Wakefield, RI by Daniel Rubino, Vice President for the expanded service area at the rear of the existing building within the existing parking lot, consisting of a curbside pickup kiosk and hostess station with dining seating and border/separation from the parking and vehicle access, approximate 8,000 square feet, from May 1st to December 1st annually between the hours of 11 AM and 11 PM in accordance with a Special Use Permit granted March 17, 2021 by the Zoning Board of Review, and with the stipulation that there be no outdoor entertainment or amplification; and as further defined in a site plan dated April 14, 2021 on file in the Town Clerk’s office. License No. 70280.
Said expansion is contingent upon the issuance of a Certificate of Good Standing from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation, filing of a Certificate of Insurance evidencing required liability coverage, compliance with all Town ordinances and regulations, the payment of any municipal taxes and user fees in arrears to the Town, and the correction of any fire code violations.
B. Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is continued from April 12, 2021 relative to adoption, by reference, of the Town of South Kingstown 2021 Comprehensive Community Plan.
Jamie Rabbitt, Director of Planning notes that the process of updating the Comprehensive Community Plan has been ongoing for 3 ½ years with substantial public interest. Mr. Rabbitt reviews the timeline of public participation, public hearings and public comment period. The Planning Board voted unanimously to approve the Update and submit it to the Town Council for their approval.
Discussion ensues relative to the levels of public participation, and recommendations for further regulatory oversight to ensure preservation and protection of the Route 1 Gateway.
The following are in attendance and comment:
Joslin Leasca
Kate Macinanti
Steve DiMasi, Planning Board Chairman
Maria Mack, Planning Board Vice Chairwoman
Discussion ensues, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to amend the Comprehensive Community Plan language relative to the Route 1 Gateway to eliminate “expansion of” and include a reference to the Route 1 Stewardship Plan.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt by reference, the Town of South Kingstown 2021 Comprehensive Community Plan, as amended.
9. COMMUNICATIONS
C. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted May 3, 2021 by the Barrington Town Council in support of legislation pending in the General Assembly (House Bill 5633 and Senate Bill 258) relative to local control of tobacco policies is received and placed on file.
J. Discussion ensues, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails dated May 10 and May 19, 2021 from MK Whitten announcing the pending dissolution of SK Wellness and requesting that their Town grant funding for FY 2021-2022 be awarded to The Chris Collins Foundation are received, placed on file and the Town Council approves the transfer of funding to the Chris Collins Foundation.
M. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated May 12, 2021 from F. Steven DiMasi tendering his resignation from the Planning Board is accepted, and the Town Council directs that a letter of thanks be sent.
N. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 13, 2021 from Magnolia Longworth concerning the name of the South Kingstown High School Mascot is received, placed on file, and the Town Council directs that the letter be forwarded to the South Kingstown School Committee.
O. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 13, 2021 from Fritz Benz requesting recognition of South Kingstown music students is received, placed on file, and the Council directs staff to send a letter of congratulations to the music students for the Music Scholarship Fundraiser held at the Misquamicut Drive-In Theater.
Q. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 14, 2021 from Christopher J. Simpson regarding a land purchase proposal from the Contemporary Theater Company is received, placed on file, and the Town Council directs staff to begin investigation and negotiations.
S. Discussion ensues relative to an email dated May 17, 2021 from Councilwoman Deborah D. Bergner requesting reconsideration of an email dated March 17, 2021 proposing adoption of a resolution concerning the utilization of properties that have been donated to the Town, that was tabled at the Town Council meeting on March 22, 2021. A vote on the motion to approve fails by a vote of 3 to 2, with Councilors Kelso, McEntee and Collins voting against, and Councilors Bergner and Rose voting in favor.
10. COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED CITIZENS
Council President Collins invites residents to come forward with comments.
Greg Sweet comments on problems with a property on Branch Street, and the AFL-CIO school bond mailer.
Nicole Solas is in attendance and asks the Council to investigate and compel the production of minutes by the RI Nonviolent Schools group.
The Town Solicitor advises that a formal complaint alleging Open Meetings Act and Access to Public Records violations should be filed with the Attorney General.
Joslin Leasca reads a statement regarding the AFL-CIO school bond mailer investigation.
Roland Benjamin is in attendance and comments on the AFL-CIO school bond mailer investigation.
11. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
The Town Manager presents the “Local Implementation of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.” Mr. Zarnetske views this as an extension of the budgeting process with public participation. The Town is expected to receive $6 million in County-based aid and $3 million in non-entitlement aid over the next few years. Staff has identified 60 projects totaling $37 million. The Town may receive additional funding from the State, and from the Federal infrastructure program. Projects ranked by staff as #1 total $3.4 million, and projects ranked #2 total $8.9 million.
Discussion ensues relative to eligible activities and uses.
Discussion ensues relative to the proposed schedule of meetings and Public Hearing dates of June 14 and June 28. An initial spending plan should be in place by August for submission in September. Discussion ensues relative to pushing back the meetings schedule and holding the final Public Hearing and adoption at the July 12th meeting. A poll will be conducted to determine the Council’s availability for meeting dates.
The Town Manager’s Interim Report dated May 13, 2021, and the Miscellaneous Report dated May 20, 2021 are accepted, approved and placed on file.
12. APPOINTMENTS – none
13. NEW BUSINESS
B. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt a resolution recognizing the month of June as Pride Month in the Town of South Kingstown, as follows:
Resolution Recognizing the Month of June as South Kingstown Pride Month,
Honoring the Inherent Dignity of All People and Celebrating the Pride of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, lntersex, Asexual, and Other (LGBTQIA+) Community
WHEREAS, in June of 1969, the Stonewall Uprising sparked the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States, and worldwide, and has since served as the anchor for recognizing internationally the month of June as Pride Month; and
WHEREAS, the State of Rhode Island was founded on the principles of equality and freedom; and
WHEREAS, the State of Rhode Island has outlawed discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation since 1995, and on the basis of gender identity or expression since 2001; and
WHEREAS, on August 1, 2013, the State of Rhode Island became the fifteenth state in the country to pass marriage equality; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Kingstown has adopted an anti-harassment and discrimination policy that obligates all elected and appointed officials and employees to refrain from any harassment or discrimination, direct or indirect, against any group or individual; and
WHEREAS, Town policy specifically prohibits harassment or discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression; and
WHEREAS, the Council seeks to affirm that the Town and all residents of South Kingstown should celebrate the wondrous diversity and unalienable rights of all humanity; and
WHEREAS, the Council wishes to convey its commitment to continue to promote efforts to ensure toward the full legal, social and cultural equality for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, within South Kingstown, statewide, and beyond; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the South Kingstown Town Council, officially designate the month of June as South Kingstown Pride Month, and will recognize such designation with the flying of a Pride Flag on the Town Hall flagpole on June 1st.
C. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Horwitz Career Apparel Inc., 375 Morgan Lane, West Haven, CT 06516 for the purchase of Blauer base layer uniform shirts per the unit pricing as submitted by bid on May 14, 2021, including a tiered discount for bulk orders; unit pricing to be held through June 30, 2022, with the option to extend one additional year through June 30, 2023, inclusive, if mutually agreeable to both parties; and as further described in a memorandum from the Police Chief to the Town Manager dated May 17, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Blauer Base Layer Uniform Shirts – SK0051PD.”
D. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to South County Hand Car Wash & Detail, LLC, 130 Tower Hill Rd., North Kingstown, RI 02852 for car washing services per the unit pricing as submitted by bid on May 14, 2021; unit pricing to be held through June 30, 2022, with the option to extend one additional year through June 30, 2023, inclusive, if mutually agreeable to both parties; and as further described in a memorandum from the Police Chief to the Town Manager dated May 17, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Car Wash Services – SK0052PD.”
E. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Capitol Uniform & Supply, LLC, 118 Cross Road, Waterford, CT 06385 for the purchase of Honor Guard uniforms per the unit pricing as submitted by bid on May 14, 2021; unit pricing to be held through June 30, 2022, with the option to extend one additional year through June 30, 2023, inclusive, if mutually agreeable to both parties; and as further described in a memorandum from the Police Chief to the Town Manager dated May 14, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Honor Guard Uniforms – SK0050PD.”
F. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to approve the Voluntary Separation and Release Agreement with Robert C. Zarnetske, Town Manager, and authorize the Town Council President to execute the agreement and all personnel action documents; as further described in a memorandum from the Town Solicitor to the Town Council dated May 19, 2021 and entitled “Town Manager’s Separation Agreement, Interim Manager Employment Agreement.”
G. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to approve the Employment Agreement with Theresa Murphy as Interim Town Manager, and authorize the Town Council President to execute the agreement and all personnel action documents; as further described in a memorandum from the Town Solicitor to the Town Council dated May 19, 2021 and entitled “Town Manager’s Separation Agreement, Interim Manager Employment Agreement.”
H. Discussion ensues, and it is
VOTED: to extend the Town’s Declaration of Emergency adopted at an Emergency Session on March 15, 2020 and subsequently renewed on April 13, 2020, May 11, 2020, June 8, 2020, July 13, 2020, August 11, 2020, September 14, 2020, October 13, 2020, November 9, 2020, December 14, 2020, January 11, 2021, January 25, 2021, February 22, 2021, March 22, 2021 and April 26, 2021, as follows.
Councilwoman Bergner voted no.
Renewed Declaration of Emergency
On March 15, 2020, pursuant to Sec. 3214 of the South Kingstown Home Rule Charter, the Town Council declared the existence of an emergency. The basis for the Council’s emergency declaration was the danger to health and life posed by the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19, as set forth in Governor Gina Raimondo’s Executive Order 20-02 dated March 9, 2020 declaring a state of emergency, and Executive Order 20-03 dated March 13, 2020 containing a supplemental emergency declaration. Governor Raimondo extended the state of emergency as set forth in Executive Order 20-23 on April 10, 2020, and it was further extended on May 7, June 4, July 3, July 31, September 2, October 2, November 2, December 2, December 22, 2020, January 19, and February 16, 2021. Governor Daniel McKee further extended the state of emergency on March 16, and April 21, 2021. The Town Council voted to extend the date of the local emergency declaration on April 13, 2020, and it was further extended on May 11, June 8, July 13, August 11, September 14, October 13, November 9, December 14, 2020, January 11, January 25, February 22, and March 22, 2021, and April 26, 2021.
Since the Council’s declaration of emergency, the Governor of the State of Rhode Island has issued 159 further supplemental emergency declarations (as of April 21, 2021) relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, and circumstances have continued to be dire both locally, statewide, and nationwide. On May 20, 2021, Governor McKee issued Executive Order 21-56 further extending the state of emergency to June 10, 2021. Therefore, the Town Council deems it prudent to declare that a state of emergency continues to exist in Town, and hereby extends the end date of its emergency declaration from May 24, 2021 to June 14, 2021. The substance of the Council’s declaration of emergency remains in full force and effect, except to the extent that it has been superseded by an Executive Order of the Governor of the State of Rhode Island.
The Council hereby delegates the authority to the Town Manager to take any and all actions deemed necessary to address the ongoing emergency. The Town Manager shall report actions taken pursuant to this emergency declaration to the Council and to the public as soon as practicable, including ongoing updates on the Town’s website.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until June 28, 2021 unless renewed, modified, or terminated by a subsequent ordinance. Provided, however, that if the statewide state of emergency is not extended by executive order of the Governor of the State of Rhode Island on or before June 10, 2021, this Ordinance shall expire on that date.
I. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt Executive Order 2020-14 (Third Amendment) extending COVID-19 related Administrative Leave to employees, as follows:
Emergency Management Director
Executive Order 2020-14 (Third Amendment)
WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, the State of Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo issued Executive Order 20-03 declaring a state of emergency due to the outbreak of COVID-19; and the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown declared a state of emergency through an emergency ordinance enacted on March 15, 2020 to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), enacted in March 2020, required certain employers, including the Town of South Kingstown, to provide their employees with paid sick leave benefits for specified reasons related to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the FFCRA benefits were available between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the FFCRA benefits were not extended as part of the recent Federal coronavirus relief and spending package; and
WHEREAS, the Town recognizes significant local impacts related to COVID-19 will continue to exist after December 31, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Town recognizes that quarantine and isolation are critical and effective methods to combat the spread of COVID-19 within our community and within our workforce;
NOW THEREFORE, the following emergency measures are hereby enacted:
- Beginning January 1, 2021, the Town of South Kingstown will provide COVID-19 related Administrative Leave to its Full Time and Part Time employees.
- Said COVID-19 Administrative Leave will be provided to employees who are unable to work, or unable to telework, due to the following reasons:
- The employee is subject to Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19;
- The employee has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19; or
- The employee is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis
- Said COVID-19 Administrative Leave is available for up to two weeks of the employee’s regular schedule, and will mirror the FFCRA Sick Leave benefits the Town provided employees between April 1 and December 31, 2020.
- Said COVID-19 Administrative Leave, when combined with FFCRA Sick Leave benefits previously used, shall not exceed two weeks of an employee’s regular schedule.
a. If an employee has previously exhausted the two weeks of FFCRA Sick Leave benefits, the employee will not be eligible for COVID-19 Administrative Leave.
b. If an employee has previously exhausted a portion of the two weeks of FFCRA Sick Leave benefits, the employee will only be eligible for COVID-19 Administrative Leave for the difference.
- Employees who are subject to travel-related quarantine requirements are not eligible for said COVID-19 Administrative Leave.
This executive order 2020-14 shall remain in effect until June 30, 2021 or the expiration of the State declaration of emergency, whichever is sooner. This executive order 2020-14 may be further extended if necessary by a subsequent executive order.
14. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to recess to Closed Executive Session at 10:21 PM pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to collective bargaining re: International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local #3365, AFL-CIO; pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to litigation; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(9) relative to any hearings on, or discussions of, a grievance filed pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.
Regular Session is reconvened at 10:52 PM, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to seal the minutes of the Closed Executive Session held pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to collective bargaining re: International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local #3365, AFL-CIO; pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to litigation; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(9) relative to any hearings on, or discussions of, a grievance filed pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.
It is noted that a vote was taken in Closed Executive Session to approve a collective bargaining re: International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local #3365, AFL-CIO.
It is noted that another motion was voted on in Closed Executive Session relative to any hearings on, or discussions of, a grievance filed pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adjourn at 10:55 PM.
Susan M. Flynn, CMC
Town Clerk