TOWN OF WEST WARWICK
WEST WARWICK TOWN COUNCIL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021
6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
AMENDED
The meeting was called to order by Town Council President Gosselin at 6:07 p.m.
Members Present:
Councilman Licciardi
Councilman Messier
Councilwoman Williamson
Council Vice President D’Amico
Council President Gosselin
Others Present:
Town Solicitor Williamson
1. Christopher Joseph Boucher
2. Mary A. Flynn Bergeron
3. Mark S. Baker
4. Christopher Messier
5. Felix M. Appolonia
6. Christopher S. Black
7. John J “JACK” Lancellotta
8. Richard A. Banks
9. David F. Gaipo
10. Frank Flynn
11. Allen Horak
12. Edward A. Giroux
13. Matthew D. Raiche
Council President Gosselin began by adding let the record show that Edward Giroux withdrew his application. Twelve individuals put their name to be on the committee. Town Solicitor Williamson said you can only have five from one party, 9 pursuant to the charter and if there is anyone who is currently on Zoning Board of Review by charter section 1606, they are prohibited from holding any other office while in the service of the Town of the Zoning Board.
Councilwoman Williamson said it affects two individuals who are on the list. It affects Richard A. Banks and Allen Horak. They are both on the Zoning Board of Review.
Tim Williamson stated that the only Republican would be Chris Boucher which would leave us 10. Solicitor Williamson said Banks, Horak and Giroux would be off list.
The names are Christopher Messier, Felix Appolonia, Christopher S. Black, David F. Gaipo, Frank Flynn and Matthew D. Raiche, Mary Bergeron, Mark Baker. Five Democrats, one Republican and 4 unaffiliated.
Council President Gosselin highly recommended Felix Appolonia and Christopher Boucher and Councilwoman Williamson agreed they are either on or they are off, there wouldn’t be any other way to do it.
Tim Williamson said Charter is clear the council can select 9 and debate having an alternate. The charter is silent as it leads to any type of alternate or another member.
Councilwoman Williamson would suggest Richard A. Banks and Allen Horak continue to be involved even though they can’t be on the committee.
Council Vice President D’Amico said Chris Messier is involved in a lot of things and maybe we can see if he is okay with being an alternate. He is on a lot of committees.
Tim Williamson suggested that if you are going to debate who is going to be removed, you can start with the Republican and Democrat Chair and concentrate on the remaining 7 of the 8 other candidates.
Council President Gosselin stated that he would like to get this on the All Day Referendum which is in May. Council President Gosselin asked each candidate what they can bring:
Frank Flynn: Frank Flynn stated he was a professional courier, teacher in Cranston for 34 years, living in West Warwick since 1983; raised 3 children here; currently President of RI Federation of Teachers; good communication skills; involved in politics; though it would be a good opportunity and to give back and support the town;
Council Vice President D’Amico said Frank would be his top pick and serve this Board very well.
David Gaipo: He stated he does not have a lot of free time on his hand and he is second guessing because he does not have the time for the Board. He’s lived in Town for 20 years and involved; If there are other candidates who have more time to commit to this obligation, he doesn’t have 10 hours a week for the next 3 months.
Matthew D. Raiche: Lifelong resident of West Warwick; has 2 children; Works at Washington Trust Bank in Warwick as Vice President and Manager; Treasurer of Board and head of Finance Committee for Tides Family Services in West Warwick; He comes from family of folks that gives back to community whether through work, volunteering, sports coaches, political scene. It’s his time to give back to West Warwick that has given him so much.
Christopher Boucher: He has been a West Warwick Resident; politically involved for a long time; serving as Chairman West Warwick Republican Town Committee; In regard to serving on charter review commission, he was asked and thinks it is important to have an objective point of view and just essentially be a voice for the taxpayers and for West Warwick residents; One of his concerns is the loss of sovereignty to the town council and school committee as well because I find there has been a tendency to become more and more dependent on the state and federal government for guidance. Every town is different. No 2 towns are exactly alike. He wants to retain the towns sovereignty and individually and wants to make sure we can create rules and mandates that are more conforming to the interest of the Town of West Warwick.
Council President Gosselin stated that Mary Bergeron was not in attendance but has been very active in the community, part of West Warwick school department, family active in community.
Councilman Licciardi submitted Mark Baker’s name and he lives in Ward 4 and wants to be involved. He is not involved in politics. He was involved in sports league at one time. He wants to see the Town succeed and said he thinks he brings a different perspective from anyone else on the list because he doesn’t come from politics and thinks he would be a good candidate and do well.
Councilwoman Williamson said Christopher Black is very involved and is a chiropractor. Very level headed. She would highly recommend that he be left on the list.
Councilman Licciardi said he thinks anyone who took the time out to be on the meeting should be appointed.
Council Vice President D’Amico said he agrees but there are people on the list that may serve very well but may not be able to attend; Mary Bergeron would serve very well.
David Gaipo is certainly interested and he cares about the Town and if he was appointed he would give it all the time, effort and energy that he has.
Tim Williamson stated the charter review commission would make recommendations to town council and town council would have final say.
Motion made by Council President Gosselin, to move the names of:
1. Christopher Joseph Boucher
2. Mary A. Flynn Bergeron
3. Mark S. Baker
4. Felix M. Appolonia
5. Christopher S. Black
6. John J “JACK” Lancellotta
7. David F. Gaipo
8. Frank Flynn
9. Matthew D. Raiche
Seconded by Councilman Messier and approved by a roll call vote:
Councilman Licciardi - Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Councilwoman Williamson – Yes
Council Vice President D’Amico – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes