STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, COUNTY OF NEWPORT
The Town Council of the Town of Tiverton, County and State aforesaid held a Special Meeting on
Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. via a Virtual Meeting viewable at Tiverton Videos on YouTube.
Council President deMedeiros called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Members present: Council President deMedeiros, Council Vice-President Burk, Councilor Janick, Councilor Cook, Councilor Perry, Councilor Vieira and Councilor Edwards.
Town Administrator Cotta, Assistant Solicitor Travis DeCosta, Associate Council Nicole L. Andrescavage and Town Clerk Chabot were also present.
A. Councilor deMedeiros – Discussion and possible votes on Town Council Budget Resolutions
Council documentation included the Budget Committee FY22 Resolutions and Previous Resolutions from Fiscal Years 2019 through 2021. Council discussed several previous Resolutions from fiscal years 2019 through 2022, including resolutions regarding the Industrial Park, Open Space and the Paving/Drainage Account.
Referring to #18 from the Previous Resolutions document, amended with date of June 30, 2022 and fiscal year 2023 as follows:
Resolved, that with regard to the sale of any one group of parcels within the Tiverton Industrial Park, up to and including the entire Industrial Park, 25% of the proceeds from each sale shall be set aside in a Restricted account used solely for the purpose of developing the Park, including but not limited to providing a Town financial match for Federal and State grants, development of infrastructure such as utilities or roads, or the professional engineering costs associated with such activities. Funds remaining in this Restricted account at the end of June 30, 2022 shall be carried over into the same account for fiscal year 2023.
Councilor Edwards motioned to adopt Resolution #18 with amended date of June 30, 2022 and fiscal year 2023. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Edwards noted that Budget Committee FY22 Resolution 3 has a typo. Town Clerk Chabot responded that the Budget Committee has it on the next agenda to address.
Council discussed Previous Resolution #11 and various percentages of the Real Estate Conveyance Tax for Open Space.
Councilor Edwards motioned to increase the percentage to 25% of the conveyance tax. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed 6-1, Councilor Cook opposed.
Referring to #11 from the Previous Resolutions document, amended percentage of 25% and fiscal year 2022 as follows:
Resolved, to the extent not in conflict with the Budget Proposal approved at this Financial Town Referendum, that 25 percent (25%) of any and all Real Estate Conveyance Tax funds received by the Town for fiscal year 2022 shall be reserved for “Open Space” purposes under the purview of the Open Space Commission.
Councilor Edwards motioned to adopt Resolution #11 with a percentage of 25% and a fiscal year 2022. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed 6-1, Councilor Cook opposed.
Referring to #7 from the Previous Resolutions document, amended with date of June 30, 2022 as follows:
Resolved, that the town, once all provisions of the Charter and accounting requirements are met, shall transfer out of the unexpended Municipal Expense appropriation determined as of June 30, 2022, twenty-five percent (25%) into the Restricted Paving/ Drainage account 5540-6794, and twenty-five percent (25%) into Restricted Capital Expenditure Account 0980-9999.
Councilor Janick motioned to adopt Resolution #7 with amended date of June 30, 2022. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.
Councilor Janick reviewed document from DPW Director requesting resolution affecting current fiscal year 2021 for the Recycling Center study and engineering. However, proposed resolutions are for fiscal year 2022 and cannot affect current fiscal year 2021.
B. Town Solicitor Marcello – Discussion and review of various options for Short Term Rental ordinance
Assistant Solicitor Travis DeCosta turned the discussion over to Associate Council Nicole L. Andrescavage with her expertise in short term rentals. She reviewed the research document as provided to the council, including types of short-term rentals and various options/examples for potential regulations. Council discussed the various types and many issues surrounding short-term rentals. Council discussed potential ordinance, process, rules, and regulations. Councilor deMedeiros suggested a sub-committee be established with council membersto work with Associate Council Nicole L. Andrescavage and come back with recommendations. Various town departments would be involved; Zoning and Planning input would also be needed. Councilors Cook, Edwards and Burk volunteered to participate in a sub-committee on short-term rentals.
Council President deMedeiros asked for a motion to amend the agenda to discuss the actions of the Budget Committee at their May 27 meeting as relates to Casino Gaming Revenue and legal options.
Councilor Burk motioned to add requested agenda item for discussion only. Seconded by Councilor Edwards, the motion passed 6-1, Councilor Cook opposed.
Council President deMedeiros commented on proposed actions as mentioned by the Budget Committee Chairman for the next Budget Committee regarding Casino Gaming Revenue, on elimination of School Capital expenditures and on the Casino Gaming Revenue Ordinance.
Council Vice President Burk commented on Casino Gaming Revenue, tax rate, capital expenditures, paving and operational expenses.
A. Town Clerk Chabot – Update on Financial Town Referendum (FTR)
Last day for Voter Registration for the FTR is June 16, 2021
Final Canvass of the FTR voting list – Board of Canvassers meeting June 25, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
Mail ballot application deadline is Friday, July 2, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
Absentee Ballot Voting (Early Voting) on Thursday, July 15, 2021 and Friday, July 16, 2021 at Town Hall. Hours currently set from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. subject to Board of Canvassers approval.
FTR on Saturday July 17, 2021 at the Tiverton High School Gymnasium 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Council President deMedeiros mentioned a meeting may be needed next week, depending on what the Budget Committee decides on Thursday.
Councilor Perry motioned to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Burk. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
For full discussion of this special meeting, please refer to the video.
A True Copy.
ATTEST_________________________
Joan B. Chabot, Town Clerk