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TOWN OF WEST WARWICK
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020
AGENDA
A. Meeting called to Order by the Town Council President
The meeting was called to order by Town Council President Gosselin at 7:03 p.m.
B. Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Licciardi
Councilman Licciardi led the body in the Pledge of Allegiance
C. Prayer led by Council Vice President D’Amico
Vice President D’Amico led the body in prayer
D. Roll Call taken by Town Council Clerk
Members Present:
Councilman Licciardi
Councilman Messier
Councilwoman Williamson
Council Vice President D'Amico
Council President Gosselin
Members Absent: None
E. Quorum on Record Declared by Town Council Clerk
The Town Council Clerk declared a quorum for the record.
Others Present: Town Solicitor Williamson
F. Discussion/Action/Vote of Town Council.
Any matter on this portion of the agenda may be acted upon by way of topic discussion and action by the Town Council with a vote on the record to approve, amend, deny or table the agenda item.
Discussion regarding actions and planning pertaining to addressing COVID-19 Virus and the impact on town operations.
Town Manager Zmyslinski reported:
· There is a resurgence of COVID-19 in the state.
· The West Warwick Public Library is now open 48 hours per week and that they are offering curbside pick-up and access to the computer facilities by appointment. All PPE safeguards are being followed. Library Director Colin McCullough reported that they are open and not able to provide all services but are offering online services for some programs. An outdoor Halloween event is being planned.
· The West Warwick Senior Center is functioning with five to seven employees working during the week. Food is being provided to those in need and meals are being delivered. The Center remains closed to the public until the DOH has a re-opening plan but noted that services are being delivered remotely to those in need of assistance.
· The Town Clerk applied for a grant to provide safe and secure elections and received $16,000 that assist with election expenses, sanitation and staff.
· President Gosselin asked if the parks are open. DPW Director Don Ouellette reported that the Factory Street and Riverpoint Park are parks are closed until proper sanitation is in place.
G. Financial update of expenses and revenues for period ending September 2020.
Finance Director gave a financial overview for the period ending September 30, 2020.
H. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING–
Approval of minutes of September 1, 2020 Town Council Meeting, & September 9, 2020 Executive Session.
Council Vice President D’Amico moved the item, seconded by Councilman Licciardi.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilman Licciardi Yes
Councilman Messier Yes
Councilwoman Williamson Yes
Council VP D'Amico Yes
Council Pres Gosselin Yes
The vote was unanimous.
I. CONSENT AGENDAS - License Applications:
1. (New) Business License: Aquino Painting Services- 37 West Warwick Ave.
2. (Newl) Business License: EZ Construction - 34 McGlynn Street
3. (Newl) Business License: Central Cannabinoids – 41 Pulaski Street
4. (Newl) Business License: Enlighted/Enchanted – 1454 Main Street Unit 9B
5. (Renewal) Business License: City Nails & Spa – 1745 Main Street
6. (Renewal) Business License: Dealuc – 10 Dinsdale Ct.
7. (Renewal) Business License: Artistic Martials Arts – 1454 Main Street, Unit 26,27,28, & 29
8. (Renewal) Business License: Mourato Rem Inc. – 30 Kenyon Street
9. (Renewal) Business License: Children’s Choice Pediatrics LLC -37 Washington Street
10. (Renewal) Business License: Chase Machine Co. Inc. dba Chase Machine & Engineering Inc. – 324 Washington Street
11. (Renewal) Business License: Photo Dome- 1454 Main Street
12. (Renewal) Business License: Salon Appolonia Inc. – 338 Cowesett Ave.
13. (Renewal) Business License: Kate & ALLIES Hair Salon – 64 Tiogue Ave
14. (Renewal) Business License: Perreault & Company LTD – 1300 Division Rd. Unit 205
15. (Renewal) Business License: Victorian Eye Care – 215 Legris Ave.
16. (Renewal) Business License: All Tails Are Wagging Pet Grooming - 93 Providence Street Unit 3
17. (Renewal) Business License: The D’Amico Organization dba Complete Office Cleaning – 60 Dogwood Drive
18. (Renewal) Mechanical Amusement: Club Frontenac – 1143 Main Street
19. (New) Amplifier/Loud Speaker/Theatrical Performances & Shows- Cowesett Inn Inc. – 226 Cowesett Ave.
Councilwoman Williamson moved the item, seconded by Councilman Licciardi.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilman Licciardi Yes
Councilman Messier Recused
Councilwoman Williamson Yes
Council VP D'Amico Recused
Council Pres Gosselin Yes
The motion passed.
J. Ordinance 2020-15 – as amended - (second reading) (sponsored by Council President Gosselin) –
An Ordinance amending Chapter 12.5 Parks and Recreation, Article III McCarthy Field of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of West Warwick.
Council Vice President D’Amico moved them item, seconded by Councilman Messier.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilman Licciardi Yes
Councilman Messier Yes
Councilwoman Williamson Yes
Council VP D'Amico Yes
Council Pres Gosselin Yes
The vote was unanimous.
K. Resolution amending Appendix B – Fees & Charges of the Town of West Warwick for the Recreation Department.
(previously tabled) (sponsored by Council President Gosselin)
APPENDIX B
FEES AND CHARGES
OF THE TOWN OF WEST WARWICK
RECREATION DEPARTMENT
RENTALS FOR FACILITES FOR GAMES OR PRACTICES ARE FOR A 2 ½ HOUR BLOCKS
ALL FEES ARE TO BE PAID IN FULL PRIOR TO RENTAL
Amby Smith – (no lights) 35.00/game 50.00/practice or game
Amby Smith – (with lights) 50.00/game 60.00/practice or game
Little League Baseball Field – (no lights) 50.00/practice or game
Little League Baseball Field – (with lights) 60.00/practice or game
McCarthy Field – (no lights) 125/00/game 125.00/practice or game
McCarthy Field – (with lights) 140.00/practice or game
Natick Field (front, middle and back fields) 50.00/practice or game
Ray Silva Field – (no lights) 50.00/game 75.00/practice or game
Ray Silva Field – (with lights) 85.00/practice or game
Flat Top T-Ball Field 50.00/practice or game
WW Girls Softball Jr. Field (Riverpoint) (no lights) 50.00/practice or game
WW Girls Softball Jr. Field (Riverpoint) (with lights) 60.00/practice or game
WW Girls Softball Sr. Field (Riverpoint) (no lights) 50.00/practice or game
WW Girls Softball Sr. Field (Riverpoint) (with lights) 60.00/practice or game
Riverpoint Basketball courts – (no lights) 50.00/practice or game
Riverpoint Basketball courts – (with lights) 60.00/practice or game
Riverpoint Tennis Courts – (no lights) 50.00/practice or game
Riverpoint Tennis Courts – (wih lights) 60.00/practice or game
Stevens Dr. Tennis Court 50.00/practice or game
Majestic Gazebo 50.00/ 4 hour rental
Riverpoint Gazebo 50.00/ 4 hour rental
Designated recreation worker in addition to rental fee 35.11/hour
Councilwoman Williamson moved to take the item off the table, seconded by Council Vice President D’Amico.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilman Licciardi Yes
Councilman Messier Yes
Councilwoman Williamson Yes
Council VP D'Amico Yes
Council Pres Gosselin Yes
The vote was unanimous.
Council Vice President D’Amico moved them item, seconded by Councilman Messier.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilman Licciardi Yes
Councilman Messier Yes
Councilwoman Williamson Yes
Council VP D'Amico Yes
Council Pres Gosselin Yes
The vote was unanimous.
K. Ordinance 2020-16-(first reading) (sponsored by Council President Gosselin) –
An Ordinance repealing certain provisions of the Ordinance 2019-7, and amending Chapter 1 General Provisions of the Code of Ordinances by adding thereto Section 1-14 Comprehensive Plan incorporated by reference.
Council Vice President D’Amico moved them item, seconded by Councilman Messier.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilman Licciardi Yes
Councilman Messier Yes
Councilwoman Williamson Yes
Council VP D'Amico Yes
Council Pres Gosselin Yes
The vote was unanimous.
M. Ordinance 2020-17 - (first reading) (sponsored by Councilman Messier) –
An ordinance amending Appendix C Traffic Ordinances of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of West Warwick to include:
· ‘Handicapped Parking in front of 22 Riverdale Ave.
Councilman Messier moved them item, seconded by Councilman Licciardi.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilman Licciardi Yes
Councilman Messier Yes
Councilwoman Williamson Yes
Council VP D'Amico Yes
Council Pres Gosselin Yes
The vote was unanimous.
N. Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of West Warwick restricting unassigned capital funds
to specific projects and equipment identified in Exhibit 1, attached hereto for a total reallocation of $482,532. (sponsored by Council President Gosselin)
Council Vice President D’Amico moved them item, seconded by Councilman Messier.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilman Licciardi Yes
Councilman Messier Yes
Councilwoman Williamson Yes
Council VP D'Amico Yes
Council Pres Gosselin Yes
The vote was unanimous.
O. Resolution requesting that the Town Council approve Ambient Sound Inc, at a cost of $1,047,
to conduct an evaluation of the current wiring and equipment in order to establish effective live and distance audience communication for Town Council and other meetings held in Town Council Chambers and make recommendation for the best option utilizing as much of the current equipment as possible. In order to provide an accurate quote Ambient Sound Inc. will need to spend seven-ten hours to identify the wiring and component interconnectivity with newer technologies needed to accommodate live and virtual meetings. (sponsored by Council President Gosselin)
Council Vice President D’Amico moved them item, seconded by Councilwoman Williamson.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilman Licciardi Yes
Councilman Messier Yes
Councilwoman Williamson Yes
Council VP D'Amico Yes
Council Pres Gosselin Yes
The vote was unanimous.
P. APPOINTMENT
1. Appointments to the Zoning Board of Review with a term to expire on 7/2025
A. Justin Coutu
Town Council President Gosselin moved the name of Justin Coutu, seconded by Council Vice President D’Amico.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilman Licciardi Recused
Councilman Messier Yes
Councilwoman Williamson Yes
Council VP D'Amico Yes
Council Pres Gosselin Yes
The motion passed.
Q. DISCUSSION/ACTION
1. Update from Solicitor Williamson and DPW director on Factory Street playground – (sponsored by Town Council)
DPW Director Ouellette gave an update of where we are with this project. Town Solicitor Williamson will have a final report available for the next Town Council meeting.
2. The probability of a new road bond be placed on the next referendum for public vote. This discussion to focus on: the current bond debt yet to be paid, current bond ratings, the poor condition of several roads throughout the town and the bond amount needed to significantly improve the most distressed roads. (Sponsored by Council Vice President D’Amico)
Council Vice President D’Amico spoke of the urgency of a new road bond for money to improve roads throughout the Town and the possibility of this request being placed on the next referendum for the public to vote on,
3. Discussion regarding Parking Ordinance in the Town of West Warwick – (sponsored by Councilwoman Williamson)
Councilwoman Williamson has received several complaints form constituents regarding people parking on sidewalks. Colonel Knott reported that parking and sidewalk issues in West Warwick’s have gotten worse, with street parking being hampered by narrow streets that were originally designed to accommodate busses and trolleys and now the many cars now on the road. Overall enforcement has not been strict as police focused more on areas where there are schools and children. Warnings are initially issued before tickets are given out. Colonel Knott agreed that there is a need for clarity on the Town ordinances and suggested addressing changes while the Code of Ordinances is being currently updated.
Colonel Knott also noted that October is Pedestrian Safety Month and that grant funds will be used for an awareness & education campaign.
R. UPCOMING APPOINTMENTS:
1. Sewer Use Tax Board of Review: one (1) Alternate member vacancy with terms to expire in 2024, & (1) vacancy with a term to expire on 10/2023
2. Pension Committee: three (3) vacancies with terms to expire in 2022, 2023 and 2024
3. Zoning Board of Review: one (1) vacancie with terms to expire in 2025, (1) Alternate member with a term to expire on 7/2025
4. Pawtuxet River Authority: one (1) vacancy with a term to expire 2023
5. Board of Tenants Affairs: one (1) vacancie with a term to expire on 8/2022
6. West Warwick Housing Authority: one (1) vacancie with a term to expire on 11/2025
7. Arctic Redevelopment Commission Board: one (1) vacancie with a term to expire on 10/1/2025
8. West Warwick Public Library Trustees – one (1) vacancie with a term to expire 02/2022, one (1) term to expire on 02/2021
9. Recreation Committee – two (2) vacancies
S. PUBLIC COMMENT:
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)).
Comments will only be addressed to the Town Council who will take them under advisement.
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.
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.
· Council President Gosselin thanked Town Manager Zmyslinski for his three years of service
· to the Town and wished him well in his future endeavors. A meeting will be called on Tuesday, October 13 to name an interim town manager.
· Councilwoman Williamson commended Town Manager Zmyslinski for putting the Town in a sound fiscal position and thanked him for his efforts.
· Town Manager Zmyslinski noted that the Town is in a good position going forward and thanked the Town Council for the pleasure of working in West Warwick for the past three years.
· Councilman Licciardi expressed the need for a point person until Tuesday night when an interim town manager will be named. Town Manager Zmyslinski will speak with the Town Solicitor about designating someone to act as town manager until the interim town manager is named.
· Resident Derek Read thanked Town Manager Zmyslinski for his service to the Town. He requested information about the architect working on the Factory Street playground and about a fire on May 21, 2020 on 41 Industrial Lane.
T. ADJOURN
Councilman Messier made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Williamson. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 9:41 p.m.
A TRUE COPY ATTEST
Marianne Kelly
___________________________
MARIANNE KELLY, CMC
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK