WARREN TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
The Town Council of the Town of Warren, State of Rhode Island in Bristol County met in person, and live-streamed Monday the 9th day of September 2024, the meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM.
Present: Vice President Steven P. Calenda, Councilman Joseph A. DePasquale, Councilmember Keri M. Cronin, and Councilman P. Brandt Heckert.
Absent: Council President John W. Hanley
Agenda and Attachments: https://clerkshq.com/warren-ri
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Led by Harbormaster Edward L. Cabral Jr.
Warren Athletic Hall of Fame
Vice President Calenda read the Warren Athletic Hall of Fame Resolution.
TOWN OF WARREN
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
WHEREAS, the Warren Athletic Hall of Fame has recognized outstanding citizens of the Town who have made a significant contribution by the example set through athletic ability combined with outstanding citizenship, and
WHEREAS, the following individuals and teams are to be inducted into the Warren Athletic Hall of Fame:
Patrick B. Desocio Peter A. Picerelli
Stacia Medina Ken McPhillips
Jim Mello Rick Jackson
Nicholas Murgo Joe Andrade
1993 WHS Mt. Hope Boys Soccer
1985 Warren High Boys Soccer
1943 Warren/Bristol Playgrounds Under 16
Baseball Champions
1921 Warren Grammar School Baseball Champions
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the members of the Warren Town Council join with family and friends in extending the congratulations of all citizens of the Town of Warren on their induction into the Warren Athletic Hall of Fame.
Approved by the Warren
John W. Hanley, President ________________________
Steven Calenda, Vice President John W. Hanley
Keri M. Cronin
Joseph A. DePasquale
P. Brandt Heckert
Harbormaster-Edward L. Cabral Jr.
Vice President Calenda presented a plaque to Harbormaster Edward Cabral for all his years in service.
Marco Capaldi
Cecilia Capaldi
Vice President Calenda presented a recognition certificate to Marco Capaldi and Cecilia Capaldi for carrying the Town of Warren banner in the Bristol 4th of July parade.
No public comment
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee-5 positions available (5 members)
1. Davison Bolster-53 State Street, Warren, RI 02885
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilman Heckert to appoint Davison Bolster-53 State Street, Warren, RI 02885. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Joan Brenner Coltrain-1 Stonegate Road, Warren, RI 02885
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilman Heckert to appoint Joan Brenner Coltrain-1 Stonegate Road, Warren, RI 02885. The motion passed unanimously.
Budget Committee-1 position available (3 members)
1.
Economic Development Board-1 position available (9 members + 2 alternates)
1.
Juvenile Hearing Board- 1 alternate positions available (5 members + alternates)
1.
RI 250th Commission-4 positions available (13 members)
1.
Warren Arts & Cultural Commission-1 position available (9 members)
1.
Acceptance of August 13, 2024, Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes
Motion by Councilman Heckert, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to accept and approve August 13, 2024, Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
Acceptance of August 28, 2024, Special Scheduled Meeting Minutes
Motion by Councilman Heckert, seconded by Vice President Calenda to accept and approve August 28, 2024, Special Scheduled Meeting Minutes. Vote 2-0 Councilman DePasquale and Councilmember Cronin absent. .
CHAPTER 15- PLANNING
Article IV. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Sec. 15-70 Comprehensive Plan Incorporated by Reference. (1st reading)
The Comprehensive Plan of the Town of Warren. as duly updated and adopted from time to time, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
This section shall take effect for the purpose of conforming municipal land use decisions and for the purpose of being transmitted to the Rhode Island Director of Administration for State review upon public hearing and passage.
This section shall not become effective for the purposes of guiding State agency actions until it is approved by the State of Rhode Island pursuant to Chapter 45-22. 2 of the General Laws of Rhode Island a/k/a of the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act.
Motion by Councilmember Cronin, seconded by Councilman DePasquale to accept first reading Chapter 15 Planning, Article IV. Comprehensive Plan, section 15-70 Comprehensive Plan Incorporated by reference. The motion passed unanimously.
CHAPTER 6.5 – COURTS
Article II- MUNICIPAL COURT
Sec 6.5-24 – Municipal Court Clerk (1st reading)
(a) The office of the Town Clerk shall provide administrative staffing as needed for the proper operation of the Municipal Court, to include but not be limited to providing trained staff while the Municipal Court is in session and to performing duties and requirements necessary to conduct the day-to-day responsibilities as determined by the Municipal Court Judge and/or the Town Clerk.
(b) The Clerk of the Court shall keep a regular docket of all cases, including cases disposed of, shall record the judgments, orders and sentences of the Court, collect fees, penalties, fines, and costs, and shall furnish certified copies thereof when required or requested, for which copies the Clerk shall charge the same fees as are allowed by law to Clerks of the Superior Court. He or she shall keep his/her office open to the public during such hours as the Court shall determine.
(c) The Clerk of the Court shall be responsible for the administrative duties required of the Municipal Court in accordance with the State and Municipal Court Compact and shall be responsible for all documentation and recordkeeping required of the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal.
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilman Cronin to accept first reading Chapter 6.5 Courts, Article II- Municipal Court Sec 6.5-24- Municipal Court Clerk. The motion passed unanimously.
Request for a Class BVL (Limited) Beverage License
From: Blount Fine Foods Corp. (F. Nelson Blount)
d/b/a Blount Market
406 Water Street
Warren, RI 02885
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to close the Public Hearing. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to approve Class BVL (Limited) Beverage License from Blount Fine Foods Corp. (F. Nelson Blount)d/b/a Blount Market 406 Water Street Warren, RI 02885. The motion passed unanimously.
Request for a Yearly Entertainment License
From: Discover Warren (Keri Cronin)
Downtown Area
Warren, RI 02885
Anticipated Entertainment: Music at the Warren Walkabout and other Townwide Events. (Warren Walkabout Sunday October
20 & Sunday October 27, 2024, from Noon-5:00PM)
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilman Heckert to approve the Yearly Entertainment License for Discover Warren (Keri Cronin) in the Downtown Area
Warren, RI 02885. Anticipated Entertainment: Music at the Warren Walkabout and other Townwide Events. (Warren Walkabout Sunday October 20 & Sunday October 27, 2024, from Noon-5:00PM) The motion passed unanimously.
Request for a Yearly Entertainment License
From: arc{hive} book + snackery (Uriah Donnelly)
4 Market Street
Warren, RI 02885
Anticipated Entertainment: Variety-Music, Plays, Readings, and Movies
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to approve the Yearly Entertainment License for arc{hive} book + snackery (Uriah Donnelly) 4 Market Street Warren, RI 02885. Anticipated Entertainment: Variety-Music, Plays, Readings, and Movies. The motion passed unanimously.
Request for Outdoor Seating
From: arc{hive} book + snackery (Uriah Donnelly)
4 Market Street
Warren, RI 02885
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to approve the Outdoor Seating from arc{hive} book + snackery (Uriah Donnelly) 4 Market Street
Warren, RI 02885 contingent on Building Official, Fire Chief and Police Chief. The motion passed unanimously.
Request to serve Food and Alcoholic Beverages Outside (Parking Lot Under Tent)
From: Crossroads Restaurant (Kerri Frattaruolo)
133 Market Street
Warren, RI 02885
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time: 1:00PM-6:00PM
Event: Crossroads Restaurant halfway to St. Pats
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to approve Food and Alcoholic Beverages Outside (Parking Lot Under Tent) Crossroads Restaurant (Kerri Frattaruolo) 133 Market Street Warren, RI 02885 on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 1:00PM-6:00PM for the Crossroads Restaurant halfway to St. Pats. The motion passed unanimously.
Request for Outside Entertainment License (Parking Lot under tent)
From: Crossroads Restaurant (Kerri Frattaruolo)
133 Market Street
Warren, RI 02885
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time: 1:00PM-6:00PM
Event: Crossroads Restaurant halfway to St. Pats
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to approve Outside Entertainment License (parking lot under tent) for Crossroads Restaurant (Kerri Frattaruolo)
133 Market Street Warren, RI 02885 on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 1:00PM-6:00PM for the Crossroads Restaurant halfway to St. Pats. The motion passed unanimously.
Request for a One Day Entertainment License
From: Julie Blount
P. O. Box 101
Warren, RI 02885
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Event: Warren Heritage Foundation-10th Anniversary Gala
Warren Works-Then & Now
Place: Jade Engineered Plastics
15 New Industrial Way
Warren, RI 02885
Entertainment: Live Music-Willie Myette Jazz Trio
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to approve One Day Entertainment License from Julie Blount, P. O. Box 101 Warren, RI 02885 on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 6:00PM-9:00PM for the Warren Heritage Foundation-10th Anniversary Gala Warren Works-Then & Now at Jade Engineered Plastics 15 New Industrial Way Warren, RI 02885. Live Music-Willie Myette Jazz Trio. The motion passed unanimously.
Request for a Class F Beverage License
From: Julie Blount
P. O. Box 101
Warren, RI 02885
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Place: Jade Engineered Plastics
15 New Industrial Way
Warren, RI 02885
Event: Warren Heritage Foundation-10th Anniversary Gala
Warren Works-Then & Now
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to approve Class F Beverage License from Julie Blount P O Box 101 Warren, RI 02885 on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 6:00PM-9:00PM for the Warren Heritage Foundation-10th Anniversary Gala Warren Works-Then & Now at Jade Engineered Plastics 15 New Industrial Way Warren, RI 02885. The motion passed unanimously
Request for a One Day Entertainment License
From: Shannon Barnowski
25 West Street
Warren, RI 02885
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 12:00PM-5:00PM
Event: East Bay Warrior Family Fun Day
Place: Pete Sepe Pavilion
40 Asylum Road
Warren, RI 02885
Entertainment: Music-DJ
Withdrawn
Request for a Class F1 Beverage License
From: Shannon Barnowski
25 West Street
Warren, RI 02885
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 12:00PM-5:00PM
Place: Pete Sepe Pavilion
40 Asylum Road
Warren, RI 02885
Event: East Bay Warrior Family Fun Day
Withdrawn
Request for a Class F1 Beverage License
From: Waterman F. Brown
691 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 4:00PM-10:00PM
Place: Hope & Main
691 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
Event: Twilight Party
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to approve Class F1 Beverage License from Waterman F. Brown 691 Main Street Warren, RI 02885 on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 4:00PM-10:00PM at Hope & Main 691 Main Street Warren, RI 02885 for the Twilight Party. The motion passed unanimously.
**These items are received and filed with no other action taken.
**C-1
Bristol County Water Authority Monthly Report.
**C-2
Bristol County Water Authority’s Second Place Winner, Fiona Sharp in the Senior Division at the Rhode Island State Science Fair.
Vice President Calenda stated that last year, Ms. Sharp was recognized for being BCWA’s second place winner in the senior division in the Rhode Island State Science Fair. He asked if anyone had an opportunity to read the article, because Ms. Sharp gets into detail how she has built a sustainable hydropower energy source.
**C-3
New Town Wharf Mural signage.
**C-4
Flyer regarding Never Forget 911 Commemoration on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 8:45 AM at the Warren Town Wharf,
279 Water Street.
**C-5
Letter from Warren Harbor Management Commission regarding the Warren Harbor Management Plan.
Councilman Heckert stated that in the letter from Warren Harbor Management Commission Chairman, Woody Kemp he is requesting that the Town Solicitors Office complete its final review of the Warren Harbor Management Plan and provide the needed approval letter to CRMC.
Solicitor DeSisto stated that in the month of May his office sent a letter asking the Warren Harbor Management Commission for a couple of changes to the Plan and all but two were made.
Right of ways for Bayview Avenue, Bay Street and Brownell. He has sent a letter to CRMC and pointed out there were missed statements in the Harbor Management Plan as to the CRMC status for those rights of way and it needs to be corrected before CRMC signs off.
**C-6
Letter from Rhode Island Housing regarding 2023 Low and Moderate Income Housing Chart.
**C-7
Letter from Eliza Berry from Coastal Resilience and Extension, Coastal Resources Center & RI Sea Grant, University of Rhode
Island Graduate School of Oceanography regarding National Science Foundation (NSF), Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPCOR) award for project in Warren.
**C-8
Resolution in Support of Funding for Emergency Temporary Repair of the Charlestown Breachway West Wall.
**C-9
Resignation letter from Town of Warren Tree Warden, Steve Patistea.
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to send out a thank you letter to the Town of Warren Tree Warden Steve Patistea and to advertise the position. The motion passed unanimously.
**C-10
Resignation letter from Warren Harbormaster, Edward L. Cabral Jr.
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to send out a thank you letter to the Warren Harbormaster Edward L. Cabral Jr and to advertise the position. The motion passed unanimously.
OB-1
Discussion and action regarding the process of trash pickup.
(Vice-President Calenda)
DPW Director Wheeler stated that he would have an update next month.
Discussion and action regarding flooding on Central Street and Vernon Street.
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to refer to the Town Manager, Solicitor and DPW Director and continue until October Town Council meeting. The Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion and action regarding letter from Town Resident Douglas Gablinski requesting the Town to mandate private septic vendors to leave a small sign on the property in which work was performed.
Norman Blank stated that it is the resident that calls the sewer department and schedules the appointment for a pump out service and when they do they do it the day of or after.
NB-3
Discussion and action to go paperless with Town Council packets. (Councilmember Cronin)
Councilmember Cronin stated that we are generating an enormous amount of paper, and the Town Council should think about using some other source of either computers or an iPad.
The Town Clerk will look into reducing the amount of paper for the packets and find out from other city and towns around the state what they use.
NB-4
Discussion and action on End of Touisset Road Project/Paving. (Councilman DePasquale)
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to approve Stateline Paving, Inc. for $110,000.00 to remove and replace 3 roads- Evie Road, approximately 5640sf , Leonard Road, appreciably 6800sf and Touisset Road, Hill Point approximately 8600sf. The motion passed unanimously.
NB-5
Discussion and action regarding maintenance of public access to the property located to the east of the East Bay Bike Path and west of Belcher’s Cove.
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to have the Town Planner, Town Manager and Solicitor contact National Grid regarding public access to the property located to the east of the East Bay Bike Path and west of Belcher’s Cove and ask them to clean up the area and make it visually acceptable. .
1. FY 23-24 Payroll lines updates
· Request permission to overspend in Police, Wages & Salaries non-union (account #01-540-00-1010) for $1,039.05 to be offset by Police Wages & Salaries Union (account #01-540-00-1020).
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to authorize to overspend in Police, Wages & Salaries non-union (account #01-540-00-1010) for $1,039.05 to be offset by Police Wages & Salaries Union (account #01-540-00-1020). The motion passed unanimously.
· Request permission to overspend in Police, Overtime (account #01-540-00-1030) for $1,533.72 to be offset by Police Wages & Salaries Union (account #01-540-001020).
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to authorize to overspend in Police, Overtime (account #01-540-00-1030) for $1,533.72 to be offset by Police Wages & Salaries Union (account #01-540-00-1020). The motion passed unanimously.
2. Update on Lightning/power surge event that occurred at Town Hall and Public Safety Buildings.
Update Only
3. Update from Clifton/Larson/Allen Consultants.
Update Only
4. Update on Finance Software.
Update Only
5. Update on Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank.
Update Only
1. Request a motion for Executive Session (closed session) Pursuant to RIGL § 42-46-5 Sub Section (a) (2) collective bargaining. (USW)
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin for Executive Session (closed session) Pursuant to RIGL § 42-46-5 Sub Section (a) (2) collective bargaining. (USW)
Roll Call: Councilmember Cronin, Councilman Heckert, Councilman DePasquale, Vice President Calenda, all affirmative.
1. Updated FY 2023-2024 Revenues and Expenditures.
2. Updated FY 2024-2025 Revenues and Expenditures.
3. Update on status of judgement bond/discussion and action.
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to direct the Town Manager and the Finance Director to proceed on the judgement bond on the terms discussed for 7 years for 3.3 million at the 4.15 interest rate and direct the Town Manager and Finance Director to provide additional information on the terms of the bond as it becomes available.
1. Discussion and action on Jamiel’s Park Restoration Project-Phase 3.
No action taken at this time.
2. Discussion, action, and authorization to go out to bid for the Market Street Tide Gates.
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to authorize to go out to bid for the Market Street Tide Gates and ask Fuss and O’Neill for a presentation on the Tide Gates and how they are going to operate. The motion passed unanimously.
3. Update on US-Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant.
Update Only
1. Discussion and action regarding Installation of New and Modern Truck Scale bid.
(continued from 08/13/2024 Town Council Meeting)
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to approve Installation of New and Modern Truck Scale bid to Fairbanks Scales 134 Mendon Street, Bellingham MA 02019. The motion passed unanimously.
1. Discussion and action regarding Heating System at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to approve not to exceed $100,000.00 contingent on Solicitor DeSisto’s recommendation of the MPA. The motion passed unanimously.
1. Discussion and action regarding Warren Community Garden Project bid.
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to continue to search for bids for the Warren Community Garden Project. The motion passed unanimously.
Executive Session:
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilman Heckert to seal the minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
No motions made.
Motion by Councilman DePasquale, seconded by Councilmember Cronin to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest:
Sandrea J. Speroni, CMC
Town Clerk