STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, COUNTY OF NEWPORT

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

Monday, March 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. via a Virtual Meeting viewable at Tiverton Videos on YouTube.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

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

3. ROLL CALL

Present
Council Vice President Burk

Councilor Vieira

Councilor Janick

Councilor Cook

Council Edwards

 

Absent

Councilor President deMedeiros
Councilor Perry                

 

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

BUSINESS BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL

 

4. GENERAL BUSINESS

A. DPW Director Rogers – Discussion and possible vote to approve to advertise for part time mechanic

 

Councilor Cook motioned to approve to advertise for part time mechanic. Seconded by Councilor Edwards, the motion passed unanimously.

 

B. Administrator Cotta – Discussion and possible vote to add high school locker room project to the
     RIDE Stage II plan for additional $1,300,000

 

Councilor Edwards motioned to approve notifying the RI Department of Education (RIDE) and Tiverton Public Schools and School Committee that the Council approves adding 1.3 million of high school locker room improvements to the current Stage II capital plan, with a note that no appropriations nor funds are allocated at this time. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed 4-1, with Councilor Cook opposed.  

C. Administrator Cotta – Discussion and possible vote regarding allocation/use of American Recovery Act
     funds

Administrator Cotta presented a general overview of possible expenditure of 4.7 million in APRA funds over the next two fiscal years. He had confirmed with the Treasurer that NEU funding amounts of $819,660 and County Funding amounts of $1,521,080 were received in July of 2021. It was confirmed that like amounts would be received in July 2022, resulting in total expected receipts of $4,681,480. Using information from department heads, he prioritized a list of the most critical issues to put the Town in a better operational standpoint. Noting conceptual ideas only to serve as a global picture for discussion. He emphasized there was no hurry to spend, however, the funds had to be obligated by the end of FY24 and expended by FY26.

 

Police Chief Jones explained the necessity of upgrading broadband/radio communications systems as well as the COPS grant program plans.

 

Councilor Cook made a suggestion to consider an inexpensive new steel building for replacing the Police Department building. Administrator Cotta agreed to look into the feasibility.

 

Recreation Committee Chair Gilfillen had emailed funding requests for consideration that included several items such as all-weather AED boxes, Fogland Beach gate house replacement, Bulgarmarsh bathroom, dugout updates, Town Farm fitness equipment and more, totaling $104,636.40.    

 

Renee Jones with the Economic Development Committee, in consultation with the Newport Chamber of Commerce and Connect Greater Newport, brought up previous ideas for a Main Road small business development plan in N. Tiverton, green spaces etc. as well as the possibility of revolving grant or business loan funds. Ms. Jones agreed to work on obtaining costs for related assessments for future discussion.  

 

After significant discussion, decisions were made to discuss OPEB funding at the 3/28/22 or 4/11/22 meeting, and to work on getting formal quotes/plans for the higher priority items such as Sewer Interceptor, Broadband, Radio Comm. /IT systems, Senior center siding, DPW and Recreation items.    

 

It was agreed that paving was a high priority item that should be considered immediately. 

 

Councilor Cook motioned to allocate $600,000 for FY22 and $600,000 for FY23 for DPW-Paving. Seconded by Councilor Vieira, the motion passed unanimously.

 

5. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Vieira motioned to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilor Edwards, the motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

 

 

A True Copy.

 

ATTEST________________________________

                      Joan B. Chabot, Town Clerk