STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, COUNTY OF NEWPORT

The Town Council of the Town of Tiverton, County and State aforesaid held a Regular Council Meeting on

Monday, October 25, 2021 at 7:00 PM at the Tiverton Town Hall, 343 Highland Road.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

Council President deMedeiros called the meeting to order with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

3. ROLL CALL

Present

Council President deMedeiros	Council Vice President Burk	Councilor Janick
Councilor Vieira	Councilor Cook	Council Edwards
Councilor Perry

Town Administrator Cotta, Solicitor Marcello, Clerk Chabot and Deputy Clerk Veegh were also present.

 

***CONSIDERATION AND VOTE ON THE FOLLOWING PROCLAMATION***

Eagle Scout Achievements Honoring
Ryan Michael Souza

Council President deMedeiros read aloud the Proclamation for Eagle Scout recipient Ryan Michael Souza, congratulating him and wishing him continued success in his future endeavors.

Councilor Perry, liaison to the Cemetery Commission, added that Ryan did an outstanding job organizing his troop to recognize the veterans in the Pocasset Hill cemetery.

Councilor Burk motioned unanimous consent. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.

BUSINESS BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL
Council President deMedeiros read the items on the Consent Agenda.

4. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of Town Council Minutes
     1. October 12, 2021 – Regular Session (Councilors deMedeiros absent, abstain)
     2. October 12, 2021 – Executive Session (Councilors deMedeiros absent, abstain)

 

B. Acknowledge Receipt of Minutes from Boards/Commissions/Committees

     1. RF Jones Memorial Dog Park Committee (4)

     2. Recreation and Beach Commission (4)

 

C. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports

     1. Treasurer Saurette – Budget and Revenue Reports – September 2021
   

D. Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence
     1. CRMC Joint Public Notice – Tiverton Yacht Club assent application and dredge permit
     2. CRMC Public Notice File 2021-06-029 re: federal consistency certification by Revolution Wind, LLC
         for proposed construction and operation of an offshore wind energy project

     3. CRMC Amended Public Notice - Proposed adoption of new freshwater wetlands in the vicinity of
         the coast

      4. Planning Board Chair Gill – Harbor Commission appointment memo

      5. Town Administrator – Re-appointment of Donald J. Medeiros to Building Code Board of Appeals

      6. Town Administrator – Casino/Gaming revenue survey as of 10/18/2021

      7. Town Administrator – Draft Funding Proposal and Conceptual Project Expenditure Plan

      8. School Superintendent Sanchioni – Capital Submission

 

E. Approval of Tax Assessor Abatements - $2,592.88

 

Councilor Cook removed item 4-A-1 and 4-B-2
Councilor Janick removed 4-D – 1,2,3

Councilor Perry motioned to approve Consent Agenda items with the exception of 4-B-1, 4-B-2, and 4-D – 1,2,3. Seconded by Councilor Vieira, the motion passed unanimously.

Re: 4-A-1, Councilor Cook requested a notation for her reason for dissention (concern about setting precedence) should be included to provide context.  

Councilor Cook motioned to amend the October 12, 2021 minutes accordingly. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.

Re: 4-B-2, Councilor Cook requested clarification on two staff report items in the Recreation and Beach Commission August 17 minutes.   

Councilor Cook motioned to accept the Recreation and Beach Commission August 17 minutes as written. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

Re: 4-D – 1,2,3, Noting past concerns related to CRMC notifications, Councilor Janick suggested putting relevant CRMC notices on the website. Councilor Burk clarified it should be as a service only as CRMC bears the notification responsibility.    

Councilor Janick motioned to approve 4-D – 1,2,3.  Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING A COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM OR OTHER TOWN BUSINESS

A. Comments received

 

Resident Barbara Martin addressed Council regarding the solar ordinance development, suggesting Council look at how other communities are addressing fundamental issues regarding siting large commercial solar developments. She said siting should be a way from residential areas to prevent negative market value impact and we should be protecting precious land and forested spaces. She noted that Tiverton has already lost 13 acres of farmland to the solar development on Wingover Farm. She stated the proposed 51 acre Brayton Road solar development will cut down 9,000 trees, and suggested a better solution of utilizing brownfields, landfill and industrial zone property. She finished advising that it was in the Town’s best interest not to rush the process.  

6. APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

                A. Historic Preservation Advisory Board – (5) Members, (3) Year Terms, (2) Vacancies

                     1. Susan Anderson, 1137 Main Road - Request re-appointment to expire 10/15/2024

 

Councilor Perry motioned to waive policy and proceed to the aforementioned re-appointment. Seconded by

Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilor Perry motioned to approve the re-appointment of Susan Anderson to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board to expire 10/15/2024. Seconded by Councilor Cook, the motion passed unanimously.

 

B. Litter Committee - (5) Members, (4) Year Terms, (3) Vacancies

     1. Victoria Revier, 258 Bridle Way - Request re-appointment to expire 10/15/2025
     2. Diane Sunderland, 55 Riverscape Lane - Request re-appointment to expire 10/15/2025

 

Councilor Edwards motioned to waive policy and proceed to the aforementioned re-appointments. Seconded by Councilor Vieira, the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilor Edwards motioned to approve the re-appointments of Victoria Revier and Diane Sunderland to the Litter Committee to expire 10/15/2025. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                C. Library Board of Trustees - (5) Members, (3) Year Terms, (3) Vacancies
                     1. Kathy Klees Clarendon, 171 Preservation Way - Request re-appointment to expire 10/15/2024
                     2. Carol Hermann, 1106 Main Road - Request re-appointment to expire 10/15/2024

 

Councilor Perry motioned to waive policy and proceed to the aforementioned re-appointments. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilor Perry motioned to approve the re-appointments of Kathy Klees Clarendon and Carol Hermann to the Library Board of Trustees to expire 10/15/2024. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                D. Personnel Board - (5) Members, (4) Year Terms, (1) Vacancy
                     1. James Camara, 1221 Crandall Road - Request re-appointment to expire 10/15/2025

 

Councilor Burk motioned to waive policy and proceed to the aforementioned re-appointment. Seconded by

Councilor Vieira, the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilor Perry motioned to approve the re-appointment of James Camara to the Personnel Board to expire 10/15/2025. Seconded by Councilor Vieira, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                E. Juvenile Hearing Board - (5) Members (2) Alternates, (3) Year Terms, (2) Alt. Vacancies (1) Vacancy
                   1. Patrick Meyers, 211 Judson Street - Request re-appointment to expire 10/15/2024

Councilor Edwards motioned to waive policy and proceed to the aforementioned re-appointment. Seconded by

Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilor Burk motioned to approve the re-appointment of Patrick Meyers to the Juvenile Hearing Board to expire 10/15/2024. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                F. Zoning Board of Review - (5) Members (2) Alternates, (5) Year Terms, (1) Alternate Vacancy

                     1. Joel Bishop, 241 Cornell Road - Request re-appointment to expire 10/15/2022
                     2. Edwin K. Schober, Jr., 124 Long Pasture Way - Request appointment to expire 10/15/2022

Councilor Burk motioned to waive policy and proceed to the aforementioned re-appointment. Seconded by

Councilor Perry, the motion passed 5-2, with Councilor Cook and Councilor Janick opposed.

 

Councilor Burk motioned to approve the appointment of Edwin K. Schober, Jr. as alternate member to the Zoning Board of Review to expire 10/15/2022. Seconded by Councilor Edwards, the motion passed 6-1, with Councilor Cook opposed.

 

                G. Appointment to Board of Canvassers – Democrat Alternate – (6) Year term to expire 10/15/2027

                     1. Andrea Souza

                     2. Cameron Ramsey

                     3. Linda Jenkins

                     4. Dan Derren

                     5. Donna Edwards

 

Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve the appointment of Andrea Souza as alternate member to the Board of Canvassers to expire 10/15/2027. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed 6-1, with Councilor Cook opposed.

 

                H. Acknowledgement of resignations/retirements
                    1. Kathleen Skrzypiec – Tax Assessment Board of Review

                    2. Natalie Cote – Litter Committee

Tax Assessor Robert thanked Ms. Skrzypiec for her years of service on the Tax Assessment Board of Review, noting her thoughtfulness and deliberation in the hearing processes. He also noted that the three member board now had two vacant seats, and would be unable to hold hearings without a quorum. He urged residents to consider volunteering for the open positions.  

 

Councilor Perry motioned to accept the aforementioned resignations with regret. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

7. BOARD OF LICENSING

                (Advertised)
                A. East Bay Ammunition, LLC a/k/a Sakonnet River Outfitters, 777 Main Road - Request approval of
                    indoor shooting range License – subject to meeting all legal requirements

Councilor Perry, noting there had been no issues or complaints since the business opened, saw no reason to object to the license.  

President deMedeiros opened the Public Hearing. She asked if others from the public wished to speak; there were none.

Councilor Perry motioned to approve the aforementioned indoor shooting range license, subject to meeting all legal requirements. Seconded by Councilor Vieira, the motion passed unanimously.

8. GENERAL BUSINESS

A. Councilor Cook – General discussion regarding recruitment, hiring and retention of Firefighter/EMT
     (cont. from 10-12-2021)
 

Councilor Cook opened by asking Chief Reimels about innovative ideas for high school offerings that could potentially entice young people to be firefighters as well as simplifying the fire exam process. The Chief noted that the RI Association of Fire Chiefs now give the exam as opposed to individual cities/towns and that anyone can take the written exam. He had been conferring with Fire Science Chief at Bristol Community College (BCC) as well as Tiverton High School guidance counselor and principal for program development. He was optimistic something could be in place by next school year. Councilor Perry asked about setting up EMT instruction via the high school health curriculum to help students obtaining early credits for future cardiac or paramedic careers. Also discussed was the possibility of interested students joining the Bristol volunteer EMT program. Councilor Janick suggested checking with BCC or Community College of RI (CCRI) to see what potential free weekend courses may exist for high school students.

Vice President Burk stated that how we pay our firefighters and law enforcement was ineffective at retention, resulting in a key gap that costs more in the long run after training and subsequent turnover. Retention also helps with overtime and burnout. It’s that pay scale we have to think about.

Chief Reimels assured that he would take these questions to his next meeting with BCC and the high school and continue collaboration with other area fire chiefs. Councilor Cook suggested getting information out to private and home schooled students. Councilor Perry said the National Guard has a medic unit and might be a source for potential candidates. Chief Reimels agreed to update Council again at a later date. 

B. Council President DeMedeiros - Discussion and possible vote to accept Planning Board’s Solar
     Ordinance Review and Findings memo and continued process

Solicitor Marcello explained the Planning Board had competed their required statuary findings of the ordinance related to its consistency with the comp plan and the applicability of the general purposes of zoning. He stated at this point, guidance was now necessary by Council on how they wished to proceed.

Councilor Perry raised concern about future disposal of hazardous materials and other long term effects. He spoke of solar seminars/presentations other towns were holding and suggested we do the same. He believed more research was necessary before a public hearing was held and warned against rushing the process of making permanent decisions.

Councilor deMedeiros said she understood Councilor Perry’s concerns, but thought an initial hearing at this time was appropriate to garner information from the public.  Councilor Burk affirmed that the Council had no intention of rushing the process. Councilor Edwards read aloud a handout detailing his opinions and several suggestions, including creation of a possible sub-committee on the preliminary solar ordinance as well as how it relates to the Comprehensive Plan.   

Councilor Burk motioned to schedule a public hearing for Monday, November 29, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at the high school.  Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.

Councilor Edwards motioned to accept the Planning Board’s solar ordinance review and findings.  Seconded by Councilor Vieira, the motion passed unanimously.

                C. Tax Assessor Robert –Revaluation update

Assessor Robert gave a comprehensive overview on property revaluations with specific emphasis on the 2020 full revaluation, which included items such as accuracy, appeals process and ideas for improving standards for future revaluations as well as exemptions and current market value increases.  

 

D. Solicitor Marcello – Discussion and possible vote on proposed amendments to Chapter 14 Harbor

     Commission for consistency with Home Rule Charter

 

Solicitor Marcello reminded that the proposed amendment was due to an inconsistency in the Ordinance as compared to the Home Rule Charter for the Harbor and Coastal Waters Management Commission’s membership numbers and composition. Clerk Chabot was directed to proceed with advertisement for the required public hearing. 

 

E. Town Administrator – Police Pension Annual Update

 

Administrator Cotta relayed good news that the police department pension portfolio had increased its funding status to 90% as of July 1, 2021 as compared to 70.6% in July of 2020. He attributed the increase to monies put aside in the budget as well as substantial market increases. He anticipated reaching 100% funding in the next 10 years if we continue moving according to Chart 14 in the portfolio.

 

Administrator Cotta included a final mention that a booster vaccine clinic would be held on Saturday, October 30 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the high school. Advance appointments would be necessary.   
               

9. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Perry motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Vieira seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

 

A True Copy.

 

 

ATTEST________________________________

                      Joan B. Chabot, Town Clerk