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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, November 27, 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

President Denise M. deMedeiros

Vice President Michael S. Burk

Deborah G. Janick

John G. Edwards V

Jay P. Edwards

Dennis J. Milbourne

 

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

Presentation by Melissa St. Laurent, Four Legged Angels

Hoops For Heroes in Honor of Joe Perry

 

Melissa St. Laurent and Four Legged Angels founder Charlie Young gave a presentation on an upcoming fundraising basketball game between Tiverton Police and Fire departments, in honor of Joe Perry, Jr. to be held on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the Tiverton High School. Four Legged Angels is a non-profit organization that provides support to Veterans and First Responders via service and therapy dogs.

 

BUSINESS BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL

President Denise M. deMedeiros read the items on the Consent Agenda.

 

4. CONSENT AGENDA

All items listed within the Consent Agenda are to be considered routine by Town Council and will ordinarily be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Council, or a member of the public so requests and the Town Council President permits, in which event the item will be removed for separate consideration later on the agenda.

A. Acknowledge Receipt of Minutes from Boards/Commissions/Committees
     1.
Economic Development Commission – (2)

     2. Zoning Revision Committee – (2)

 

B. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports

     1. Treasurer Saurette – October 2023 Budget and Revenue Reports

 

C. Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence

     1. Letter from Joe Perry, 28 Robert Gray Avenue, recommending Blake Hayden for Town Council seat

 

D. Approval of License Renewals – Non-Advertised (December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024)

    See attached lists for:

        Tobacco Dealers License Renewals
        Victualling License Renewals
        Holiday License Renewals
        Antique License Renewals

 

Councilor Burk removed Item 4-D (victualling).
Councilor Edwards removed Item 4-D (holiday).
Councilor Edwards V removed Item 4-B-1.

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve the Consent Agenda except for items 4-D and 4-B-1.  Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

Councilor Edwards V questioned the timing of the Tiverton Power Associates payments and mooring fee payments. Administrator Cotta affirmed a bulk payment would be made but was unsure of the timing. Regarding mooring fees, the Administrator was waiting for an update from the Harbormaster on the software implementation.

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve 4-B-1.  Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.

Councilor Burk asked for clarification on the Sports Kitchen victualling license. Food service was allowed on the first floor at existing concession stands. 

Councilor Burk motioned to approve 4-D (victualling).  Seconded by Councilor Edwards V, the motion passed unanimously.

Councilor Edwards, as liaison to the Litter Committee, noted the excessive paper litter on the premises of Dollar General on Stafford Road.  The Solicitor advised the Council to send a letter via the Administrator’s office to warn the business of the matter. 

Councilor Edwards motioned to direct the Town Administrator to send a letter to Dollar General notifying them of the complaints.  Seconded by Councilor Edwards V, the motion passed unanimously.

Councilor Edwards motioned to approve all of 4-D as a whole. Seconded by Councilor Edwards V, the motion passed unanimously.

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

There were no public comments.

 

Council President deMedeiros announced she would bring forward item 8-G without objection.   

 

G. Town Council – Open position for the unexpired term of Councilor Joseph Perry

1. Mitchell C. Varao, 67 Haskins Avenue – Requests appointment
2. Blake B. Hayden, 214 Highland Road – Requests appointment
3. David Perry, 78 Bramble Way – Requests appointment
4. David J. Paull, 175 Warren Avenue – Requests appointment
5. Stephen T. Clarke, 31 Peaceful Way – Requests appointment
6. Edwin K. Schober, Jr., 124 Long Pasture Way – Requests appointment

It was noted that Mitchell C. Varao was not present nor did he show up at the last meeting. 

 

Council President deMedeiros asked for nominations.

 

Councilor Edwards V nominated David Perry.

Councilor Janick nominated David J. Paull.

Councilor Edwards nominated Stephen T. Clark. 

 

Council President deMedeiros opened the floor for discussion. The nominating councilors explained support of their chosen nominee. Council President deMedeiros thanked the candidates for their interest and applications.

 

Roll call votes – Round 1

John Edwards V voted for David Perry
Deborah Janick voted for David Paull
Jay Edwards voted for Stephen Clark
Michael Burk voted for David Paull

Dennis Milbourne voted for David Perry
Denise deMedeiros voted for David Paull

    

The Solicitor noted Stephen Clark would be dropped off. Another round of votes was needed as no one had a minimum of four.

 

Roll call votes – Round 2

John Edwards V voted for David Perry
Deborah Janick voted for David Paull
Jay Edwards voted for David Paull
Michael Burk voted for David Paull

Dennis Milbourne voted for David Perry
Denise deMedeiros voted for David Paull

 

David Paull received the minimum four required votes and was appointed to fill the vacant council seat.  

 

A 5-minute recess was taken.

 

Council President deMedeiros motioned to bring item 9-B forward. Seconded by Councilor Edwards, the motion passed unanimously.

B. Councilor Burk/Program Coordinator Lauren Fogarty – RI250 Commission Presentation and requests

     assistance from Tiverton in planning the semi-quincentennial celebrations.

 

Lauren Fogarty presented information about the Rhode Island Semiquincentennial 250th Commission, on behalf of Secretary of State Gregg Amore. She explained that 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Her mission was to promote the creation of local 250th committees to develop ways to recognize and honor this anniversary. She suggested the development of a working group to facilitate plans and ideas. As an example, she mentioned South Kingstown, which was celebrating its 300th anniversary, via historical lectures, large-scale bonfires, and related community arts and culture events. There were no state funds available currently, but Ms. Fogarty was hopeful that future funds may become available. Council President deMedeiros noted she would place it on next agenda to see if there was interest in forming a committee.     

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) – Discussion and possible votes

A. Pine House Kitchen & Bar, Inc. d/b/a Pine House Kitchen, 13 Crandall Road - Requests approval of

     transfer of Class BV Liquor license, from Susan’s Inc d/b/a Wally’s Tap House (LIQ-23-26)

 

It was noted the transfer approval expires on November 30, and the owner would need to come back for a

full-year renewal license.  

 

Council President deMedeiros opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.  

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve the transfer of the Class BV Liquor license, from Susan’s Inc. d/b/a Wally’s Tap House to Pine House Kitchen & Bar, Inc. d/b/a Pine House Kitchen, 13 Crandall Road. Seconded by Councilor Edwards, the motion passed unanimously.

 

7. BOARD OF LICENSING– Discussion and possible votes, subject to meeting all legal requirements

Directions to view licensing applications: 1) Click on https://tivertonri.portal.opengov.com/search ,

2) Click Records and then type in the record number listed on the agenda, 3) Click on the highlighted record to view the application

 

A. Pine House Kitchen & Bar, Inc. d/b/a Pine House Kitchen, 13 Crandall Road - Requests approval of Victualling License and Entertainment License (ANN-23-108)

 

Councilor Burk motioned to approve the Victualling License and Entertainment License for Pine House Kitchen & Bar, Inc. d/b/a Pine House Kitchen. Seconded by Councilor Edwards V, the motion passed unanimously.

 

 

                ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR LICENSE RENEWALS - (December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024)

                B. Junkyard and Second Hand Dealer License

                     1. Arnold’s Auto Parts, 1484 Crandall Road (ANN-23-26)

                     2. General Auto Recycling, Inc., 384 King Road (ANN-23-39)

                     3. Lagasse Salvage Yard, 20 Cory’s Lane (ANN-23-38)

                     4. Tiverton Auto Parts, Inc., 541 Bulgarmarsh Road (ANN-23-78)

                     5. Sanford & Son LTD, 104 Cynthia Avenue (ANN-23-12)

 

Council President deMedeiros opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.  

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve items B – 1 thru 5. Seconded by Councilor Milbourne, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                C. Liquor License Renewals

                     CLASS A – Liquor Stores - ($1000)
                     1. Crossroad Liquor, 1540 Bulgarmarsh Road (LIQ-23-5)

                     2. Stone Bridge Liquors, 2490 Main Road (LIQ-23-22)

                     3. Tiverton Liquor, 65 Main Road (LIQ-23-19)

 

Council President deMedeiros opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.  

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve items C – 1 thru 3. Seconded by Councilor Edwards, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                     CLASS BC – Casino - ($2,500) 

                      1. Bally's Tiverton Casino & Hotel, 777   Casino Blvd (LIQ-23-13)

 

Council President deMedeiros opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.  

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve CLASS BC – Casino. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                     CLASS BV– Full Liquor License - ($800)
                     1. Black Goose Café, 2160 Main Road (LIQ-23-2)

                     2. Evelyn’s Nanaquaket Drive-In, Inc., 2335 Main Road (LIQ-23-6)

                     3. Atlantic Sports Bar & Restaurant, 70 Shove Street (LIQ-23-4)

                     4. Localz Burgers & Cocktails, 4 Stafford Road (LIQ-23-21)

                     5. Macray’s Seafood, 115 Stafford Road (LIQ-23-14)

                     6. The Boat House Restaurant LLC, 227 Schooner Drive (TEST-23-7)

                     7. Riptide Sports Grille Inc., 1 Bay Street (LIQ-23-16)

                     8. Sakonnet River Grille, 524 Main Road (LIQ-23-8)

                     9. Barcello’s Family Restaurant, 1214 Stafford Road (LIQ-23-20)

                    10. Spring Restaurant, Inc., 118-120 Main Road (LIQ-23-11)

                    11. Le Moulin Rouge, 1403 Main Road (LIQ-23-25)

                    12. The Red Dory, 1848 Main Road (LIQ-23-12)

                    13. Family Ties, 221 Main Road (LIQ-23-23)

                    14. Sports Kitchen LLC, 300 Industrial Way (LIQ-23-24)

                    15. Four Corners Grille, 3841 Main Road (LIQ-23-9)

 

Council President deMedeiros noted that Tiverton has no outdoor liquor license, although, in 2018, the council approved 5 outdoor liquor licenses. Subsequently, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the state mandated that alcohol could be served outdoors. She suggested working on a new ordinance soon to address how Tiverton wants to specifically address the outdoor seating.

 

Council President deMedeiros opened the public hearing.

 

Resident Joe Sousa presented complaints about Localz Restaurant, continually dumping water on the road as well as unloading food in non-designated areas. He has previously brought the issues to the police department. Council President deMedeiros affirmed the town was aware and would have the Administrator look into the issues. 

 

Council President deMedeiros closed the public hearing.

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve CLASS BV– Full Liquor Licenses 1 thru 15, consistent with the plan submitted for indoor seating only. Seconded by Councilor Edwards, the motion passed unanimously.

                   

                     CLASS BVL – Limited Liquor License ($400)
                     1. Classic Pizza, 486 Main Road (LIQ-23-10)

                     2. Groundswell Cafe & Bakery, 3883 Main Road (LIQ-23-17)

                     3. Jacky's Galaxie Tiverton, 777   Casino Blvd (LIQ-23-3)

 

Council President deMedeiros opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.  

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve CLASS BVL – Limited Liquor Licenses 1 thru 3. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                     CLASS BT – Bed and Tavern - ($800)

                      1. Brookdale Sakonnet Bay, 1215 Main Road (LIQ-23-15)

Council President deMedeiros opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.  

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve the CLASS BT license for Brookdale Sakonnet Bay. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                     CLASS D –Unlimited Club Licenses ($200)          

                      1. Bayview Holy Ghost Club, 66 Bottom Street (LIQ-23-7)

                      2. Woodrow L. Silvia VFW Post 5392, 134 Shove Street (LIQ-23-1)

 

Council President deMedeiros opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.  

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve the CLASS D –Unlimited Club Licenses for items 1-2. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                D. Indoor Shooting Range Renewals

                     1. Tiverton Rod & Gun Club, 1529 Fish Road (ANN-23-37)

                     2. Sakonnet River Outfitters, 777 Main Road (ANN-23-63)

 

Council President deMedeiros opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.  

 

Councilor Burk questioned Sakonnet River Outfitters owner Mr. Runci about his request for expanded business hours during the week. Mr. Runci explained he was looking to begin morning training classes. Councilor Burk suggested any license approval today should be only for currently approved hours. Mr. Runci would need to formally request hours changes after proper advertisement.  Councilor Burk noted that the application identified activity as handguns only which was incorrect.

 

Councilor Burk motioned to approve the Sakonnet River Outfitters, 777 Main Road renewal application for an indoor shooting range based on the last approval that was made, with the understanding that he is not limited to simply handguns. Seconded by Councilor Edwards V, the motion passed unanimously.

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve the Indoor Shooting Range Renewal for Tiverton Rod & Gun Club Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                NON ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR LICENSE RENEWALS - (December 1, 2023 to Nov. 30, 2024)

                E. Approval of Entertainment Licenses

                     1. Atlantic Sports Bar and Restaurant, 70 Shove Street (ANN-23-32)

                     2. Bayview Holy Ghost Club, 66 Bottom Street (ANN-23-50)

                     3. Sandywoods Farm, Inc., 43 Muse Way (ANN-23-71)

                     4. Spring Restaurant, 118-120 Main Road (ANN-23-65)

                     5. Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel, 777 Casino Blvd. (ANN-23-54)

                     6. Barcello’s Family Restaurant. 1214 Stafford Road (ANN-23-88)

                     7. Brookdale Sakonnet Bay, 1215 Main Road (ANN-23-79)

                     8. Woodrow L. Silvia VFW Post 5392, 134 Shove Street (ANN-23-13)

                     9. Four Corners Art Center, 28 East Road (ANN-23-18)

                   10. Sports Kitchen, LLC, 300 Industrial Way (ANN-23-100)

 

Council President deMedeiros opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.  

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve the indoor entertainment licenses for items 1-10. Seconded by Councilor Edwards, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                F. Mobile Home-Park License Renewals

                     1. Dadson Estates Mobile Home Park, 301 Bulgarmarsh Road (ANN-23-53)

                     2. Four Seasons Mobile Home Association, 225 Brayton Road (ANN-23-77)

                     3. Heritage Home Park Cooperative Inc., 100 Heritage Park (ANN-23-49)

                     4. Pachet Brook Park Inc., 4502 Main Road (ANN-23-70)

 

Council President deMedeiros briefly stepped away.

Council Vice President Burk opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.  

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve items F, 1 thru 4. Seconded by Councilor Milbourne, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                G. Manufactured Home Elderly Community License Renewal

                     1. Countryview Estates, 213 Hurst Lane (ANN-23-14)

                         (Planning Board Recommendation)

 

Council Vice President Burk opened the public hearing.

 

Council President deMedeiros returned to the meeting. 

 

Planning Board Chair Stuart Hardy noted that neither Countryview Estates nor the upcoming Quarry renewals came to the Planning Board for consideration, as required. Clerk Chabot confirmed the item would be on the next Planning Board agenda in December. It was agreed to approve subject to Planning Board approval.

 

Council Vice President Burk closed the public hearing.

 

Councilor Burk motioned to approve the license renewal for Countryview Estates, subject to a positive recommendation from the Planning Board.  Seconded by Councilor Edwards V, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                H. Quarry

                     1. Helger Bros. Sand & Gravel, LLC, 1764 Crandall Road (ANN-23-103)

                         (Planning Board Recommendation)

 

Council Vice President Burk opened the public hearing.

 

Planning Board Chair Stuart Hardy again noted the approval should be subject to Planning Board approval.

 

Council Vice President Burk closed the public hearing.

 

Councilor Burk motioned to approve the Quarry renewal license for Helger Bros. Sand & Gravel, LLC, subject to a positive recommendation from the Planning Board.  Seconded by Councilor Edwards V, the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to bring forward items 8-A thru F. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

8. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS– Discussion and possible votes

                A. Library Board of Trustees - (7) Member Board (3) Year Terms (3) Vacancies
                      Terms ending 10/15/2026 (2), 10/15/2025 (1)
                      1. John G. Edwards IV, 69 South Avenue –
Requests re-appointment for term ending 10/15/2026
                      2. Kim Sutherland, 199 Furey Avenue – Requests re-appointment for term ending 10/15/2026

 

Councilor Edwards V recused himself from agenda item 8-A.

 

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

 

Councilor Burk motioned to re-appoint John G. Edwards, IV to the Library Board of Trustees for a term ending 10/15/2026 and to re-appoint Kim Sutherland to the Library Board of Trustees for a term ending 10/15/2026.  Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

               

                B. Historic Preservation Advisory Board - (5) Member Board (3) Year Terms (3) Vacancies
                     Terms ending 10/15/2026 (2), 10/15/2027 (1)
                     1. Stuart Hardy, 51 Summerfield Lane – Requests re-appointment for term ending 10/15/2026

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to waive policy and proceed to the re-appointment. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to re-appoint Stuart Hardy, 51 Summerfield Lane to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board for a term ending 10/15/2026. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                C. Juvenile Hearing Board - (7) Member Board (3) Year Terms (2) Vacancies
                     Terms ending 10/15/2026 (2)
                     1. Amanda Marie Souza, 160 Leger Lane - Requests re-appointment for term ending 10/15/2026

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to waive policy and proceed to the re-appointment. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to re-appoint Amanda Marie Souza, 160 Leger Lane to the Juvenile Hearing Board for a term ending 10/15/2026. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                E. Personnel Board - (5) Member Board (4) Year Terms (1) Vacancy

                     Terms ending 10/15/2027 (1)

                     1. Joy Gilkeson, 360 S. Christopher Avenue. – Requests re-appointment for term ending 10/15/2027

 

Ms. Gilkeson was unable to appear for an interview. It was noted to again continue the item until the next meeting.

 

                F. Board of Canvassers - Republican Alternate position, six (6) Year Term ending 10/15/2024
                     1. Mark Constance

                     2. John Chelo

                     3. Judith Jones

                     4. Lori Meyers

 

Republican Committee Chair Meyers advised that Mark Constance was not available and requested that John Chelo be considered instead.

 

John Chelo was interviewed by the Council.

 

Councilor President deMedeiros motioned to appoint John Chelo to the Republican alternate position six (6) year term ending 10/15/2024. Seconded by Councilor Edwards V, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                I. Petroleum Storage License Renewals
                     1. Andrew E. Snider, 605 Neck Road (ANN-23-7)

                     2. Tiverton Department of Public Works, 50 Industrial Way (ANN-23-34)

                     3. Inland Fuel Terminals, 25 State Avenue (ANN-23-17)

                     4. American Dream Gas, 400 Main Road (ANN-23-92)

                     5. Phil’s Propane, 477 Crandall Road (ANN-23-3)

                     6. George’s Gas & Service, 1215 Stafford Road (ANN-23-73)

                     7. Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel, 777 Casino Blvd. (ANN-23-54)

                     8. Joe’s Kwik Marts #5014, 1308 Stafford Road (ANN-23-83)

                     9. Quick Fuel Stop, 861 Main Road (ANN-23-2)

                    10. Standish Boatyard Inc, 1697 Main Road (ANN-23-106)

 

Council President deMedeiros opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.  

 

Clerk Chabot noted that three petroleum renewals were missing from the list. They were advertised and would be added to the next November 30 agenda.

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve the Petroleum Storage licenses for items 1-10. Seconded by Councilor Edwards, the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to continue the three omitted petroleum renewal licenses to the November 30, 2023 meeting. Seconded by Councilor Edwards, the motion passed unanimously.

 

                J. Fireworks License Renewals

                     1. Elaine’s Country Store, 1204 Fish Road (ANN-23-94)

                     2. Crossroads Liquors, 1540 Bulgarmarsh Road (ANN-23-36)

                     3. RAMCO Fireworks, 1560 Bulgarmarsh Road (ANN-23-8)

                     4. Step by Step Convenience Inc. 429 Main Road (ANN-23-23)

                     5. Firework Connection, 34 Main Road (ANN-23-82)

 

Council President deMedeiros opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.  

 

Councilor Burk motioned to approve items J-1 thru 5. Seconded by Councilor Edwards V, the motion passed unanimously.

               

                K. Flea Market License Renewal

                     1. Route 177 Flea Market, 1560 Bulgarmarsh Road (ANN-23-22)

 

Council President deMedeiros opened the public hearing. No one presented to speak, and the hearing was closed.  

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve Flea Market License K-1. Seconded by Councilor Edwards, the motion passed unanimously.

 

9. GENERAL BUSINESS

A. Administrator Cotta/Council President deMedeiros – Discussion and possible vote to advertise a

    public hearing regarding a temporary moratorium on all developments for housing that exceed four

    (4) residential units

 

Administrator Cotta explained efforts by a small group that included himself, Trish Hilton, Stuart Hardy, Attorney DeSisto, and Planner Ashley Sweet in conjunction with Weston & Sampson that was created to address grave concerns about excessive future housing developments. He stated that time was needed to create appropriate ordinances to prevent potential detrimental infrastructure impacts to the Town from over-development.

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve to advertise for the public hearing as requested by the Administrator and the Council President. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.

 

C. Administrator Cotta/Council President deMedeiros – Discussion and possible vote for a resolution

     regarding easement over the Library property at 34 Roosevelt Avenue to allow access from Roosevelt

     Avenue to the Raymond F. Jones Memorial Dog Park

 

Council President deMedeiros explained the effort would be to resolve access issues for maintenance and general operations of the Dog Park.

 

Councilor Edwards V and Edwards each voiced concern over the potential impact of library bonds related to the creation of an easement.  Solicitor Marcello explained the process would be to have the easement drawn, then if Council approved, refer to the appropriate grant body to ensure compliance or receive approval, if necessary. 

 

Councilor Burk motioned to authorize the Town Administrator and Solicitor to develop a plan regarding an easement over the Library property at 34 Roosevelt to allow access from Roosevelt to Raymond Jones Memorial Dog Park and the plan must be able to pass muster as it relates to bond payment issues so that we don't default and any other entity that may have to approve such an easement. Seconded by Councilor Edwards V, the motion passed unanimously.

 

D. Administrator Cotta/Council President deMedeiros – Discussion and update regarding a crosswalk on

     Roosevelt Avenue

Administrator Cotta relayed that Representative Edwards was aware of the issue and would be contacting RIDOT to see if a flashing crosswalk sign could be installed. The DPW will re-paint the crosswalk area for better visibility.

 

E. Acknowledgement of correction:

     1. Board of Canvassers - Republican seat 11/14/2023 appointment of Nancy Driggs - correct term

          ending date from 10/15/2024 to 10/15/2027

 

Solicitor Marcello noted the item was an administrative correction only.

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve to correct term ending date from 10/15/2024 to 10/15/2027 for the Republican seat 11/14/2023 appointment of Nancy Driggs. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

F. Fire Chief Bailey – Discussion and possible vote to advertise Request for Proposal (RFP) for hiring

     consultant to update the Town of Tiverton's Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

 

Chief Bailey that a grant from FEMA would pay for 90% of the estimated $30,000.00 cost of the project.

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve to advertise Request for Proposal (RFP) for hiring a consultant to update the Town of Tiverton's Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.

 

G.  Fire Chief Bailey – Approval of budget transfer

      1. $100,000.00 from Acct# 3310-5101 Personnel Services to Acct# 3310-5104 Overtime

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to grant the $100,000.00 transfer request as requested by the Chief. Seconded by Councilor Janick, the motion passed unanimously.

 

H. Administrator Cotta – Approval of budget transfer

      1. $3,368.50 from Acct# 2190-5268 Active Group Health to Acct# 2190-7920 Ins. Personal Property

      2. $2,422.00 from Acct# 2190-5268 Active Group Health to Acct# 2190-7925 Ins. Workers Comp.

 

Councilor Edwards V motioned to approve the transfers as requested by the Administrator. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously.

 

I. Administrator Cotta – Update on RI Housing Grants

 

Administrator Cotta relayed that both Municipal Technical Assistance grants were approved. One was for the technical ordinance and subdivision regulation rewrites and the other was for the hydrology study of the water departments for water needs of the community and infrastructure. The work would be starting immediately.

 

                J. Administrator Cotta – Update on Community Septic System Loan Program (CSSLP) loan agreement    

Administrator Cotta noted the loan had just closed the previous day and several septic loan applications would be processed. 

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION

A. Council President deMedeiros – RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation – Update on IAFF Local 1703 federal

     lawsuit

 

Councilor Burk motioned to enter into Executive Session for RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation – Update on IAFF Local 1703 federal lawsuit. Councilor Edwards V seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Council entered closed executive session at approximately 9:40 p.m.

Council returned to open session at approximately 10:04 p.m.

 

Councilor Burk motioned to seal the minutes of the Executive Session. Councilor Edwards V seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

President deMedeiros reported for item 10A, discussion only, no votes were taken.

 

11. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Edwards V motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Janick seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m.

 

A True Copy.

 

ATTEST________________________________

                      Joan B. Chabot, Town Clerk

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