7. Resolution to recodification of the West Warwick Code of Ordinances, for an amount not to exceed $22,000.00. Funding for this recodification of the West Warwick Code of Ordinances will be from the West Warwick Historical Document/Technical Improvement. (sponsored by Council President Gosselin)

code

Council Vice President D'Amico moved the item, seconded by Councilman Messier.The vote was unanimous.

8. Resolution authorizing the Finance Director to record FEMA reimbursement of $217,946.65 pertaining to the Floods of 2010, into the Capital Fund account number 2.850.00.8500.4801 for one-time capital expenditure purchases. (sponsored by Council Vice President D’Amico)

FEMA

Council Vice President D'Amico moved the item, seconded by Councilman Messier. The vote was unanimous.

9. Resolution authorizing the Department of Public Works Director to oversee an Eagle Scout Project. Eagle Scout Nigel Stafford and his project is to install mile markers on the bike path. (Council President Gosselin)

scout

Council Vice President D'Amico moved the item, seconded by Councilwoman Williamson. The vote was unanimous.

10. Discussion/Action:

A. Discussion of the West Warwick Civic Center workshops and public hearing dates- (sponsored by Finance Director Benoit).

Finance Director Benoit reported that Budget Workshops and Public Hearings are set for the General Fund Budget and she is seeking guidance from the Town Council regarding dates for Budget Workshops and Public Hearings for the Civic Center. She requested that the Civic Center Budget Workshop be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

The Civic Center Public Hearings would be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 and Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

B. Review and action of the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission’s request to use the Council Chambers for the purpose of conducting a public hearing on the Kent County Water Authority’s rate filing- (sponsored by Town Manager Zmyslinski).

Town Manager Zmyslinski requested that the RI PUC be able to use Town Council Chambers on March 30, March 31, April 1 and April 6. It was noted that Town Council Chambers is currently booked on March 31 and April 6. The Town Council agreed unanimously to allow use of Chambers for this purpose. The RI PUC will be required to pay any expenses incurred.

C. Discussion concerning the submittal of the Town Manager’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2021 budget - (sponsored by Town Manager).

Presently, the goal is to submit the budget to the Town Council by March 13, 2020 but still trying to finalize outstanding issues, some possible initiatives that require a decision to include or not include them, and department requests.

D. Requested by the Town Manager to have an Executive Session scheduled to discuss the performance of the Town Manager - (sponsored by Town Manager).

The Town Council will look to scheduling this meeting in April, 2020.

E. The feasibility of the Town of West Warwick’s entrance into the State of Rhode Island Municipal Employees Retirement System “Pension Plan” (MERS) - (sponsored by Councilwoman Williamson.

No new information on this item. This will remain on the agenda.

F. Discussion regarding the FY21 Budget messaging-(sponsored by Councilwoman Williamson).

Councilwoman Williamson suggested more information on the FY21 Financial Town Meeting and Budget Referendum be sent to the constituents. Letters and robocalls, in addition to putting the information on the website, will be used. Using the electronic sign in front of the Town Hall will be considered.

G. 4^th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza to be held Saturday, April 11, 2020 at the West Warwick Civic Center. Start time is 9 a.m. sharp at the high school track (sponsored by Councilman Licciardi)

Councilman Licciardi reported that planning began last week, pre-stuffed eggs are being delivered next week, and once again, sponsored by Balise Honda. Can good donations are being requested. There will be lots of prizes and fun events planned. This is a free event.

11. UPCOMING APPOINTMENTS

1. Sewer Use Appeals Board – (1) alternate member with a term to expire on 10/2021, (1) term to expire on 10/2020, & (1) term to expire on 10/2022

2. Board of Tenant Affairs - (1) term to expire on 2/2021 – (public) & (1) term to expire on 11/2021– (public) & (1) term to expire on 3/2022

3. Recreation Committee – (2) full members

4. Pension Board Committee – (1) term to expire 11/18/2020, (1) term to expire on11/18/2021 & (1) term to expire on 11/18/2022

5. Board of Assessment & Review – (1) Term to expire 3/2020

6. Zoning Board of Review – (1) term to expire on 7/2021

12. PUBLIC COMMENT:

1. Designated portion of Town Council’s open meeting for Citizens to address comments to the Town Council relating to matters affecting the public business. (RIGL 42-46-2 (3) and RIGL 42-46-2 (6)).

2. Comments will only be addressed to the Town Council who will take them under advisement.

3. When addressing the Town Council, please state your name and address; please conduct yourself in an orderly and respectful fashion. The comments of citizens accessing this portion of our meeting are neither adopted nor endorsed by this body, but heard as requested.

4. Members of the Town Council, being the duly elected public body as identified in RIGL 42-46-2 (3) have no obligation to respond to the Public’s Comments.

Dave Gosselin: City of Newport Office of the Mayor March 14 2020 will celebrate at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The West Warwick Girls Basketball Team won last night and they are moving on to the semi-finals. Asked what happened to the 100 year sign go off the front of the building. It was noted that the sign fell down and will, hopefully, be fixed and put back up.

Councilman Licciardi has been receiving phone calls about the condition of the Crompton Playground. It needs to be cleaned up. This will be on the March 17, 2020 Town Council agenda for follow-up.

Fire Chief Jeff Varone reported that they are posting information on social media and the website about Covid-19. In an effort to keep people as healthy as possible, a Flu Clinic will be held on March 12 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

13. ADJOURN

Councilman Messier made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Licciardi. The vote was unanimous.

The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.

A TRUE COPY ATTEST

Marianne Kelly

______________________________

MARIANNE KELLY, CMC

TOWN COUNCIL CLERK