A.         Meeting called to Order by the Town Council President

The meeting called to order by Town Council President Gosselin at 7:58 p.m.

B.         Roll Call taken by Deputy Town Clerk

Councilman Licciardi

Councilman Messier

Councilwoman Williamson

Council Vice President D’Amico

Council President Gosselin

Councilman Licciardi made a motion, to close executive session meeting under Section 42-46-4 and 42-46- (a) (1) of Rhode Island General Laws, that the Town Council close the Executive Session help tonight, January 19, 2021 to discuss successor collective bargaining agreements with:

1. The international Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 312;

2. Local 1104, International Association of Firefighters, AFL-CIO; and

3. R.I. Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO West Warwick Town Employees Local 2045.

Seconded by Council Vice president D’Amico and approved by a roll call:

Councilman Licciardi – Yes

Councilman Messier – Yes

Councilwoman Williamson – Yes

Council Vice President D’Amico – Yes

Council President Gosselin – Yes

C.         Quorum on Record Declared by Deputy Town Council Clerk

D.         Discussion regarding actions and planning pertaining to addressing COVID-19 Virus and the impact on town operations.

Mark Knott stated the town returned to full working conditions on the first Monday of January and is  working out well and getting good compliance with Covid restrictions and social distancing.  He does not anticipate getting solid guidance from the state suggesting that we prepare ourselves to at least open town hall anytime in the near future so we’re going to continue to do appointments or when people walk in so we are going to do our best to accommodate them.  

As far as Personnel, there are 5 positive cases that are spread out, one (1) with DPW, 2 in police and 2         in fire and 3 additional people in fire on a hopefully temporary quarantine.  Overall, we are doing fairly well but would like to keep that to a minimum.

All Town Halls around us are by appointment.  Warwick and Coventry still by appointment.

E.         Discussion/Action/Vote of Town Council.

1.   Discussion and ratification of Executive Order 2020-14,

amending Executive Order 2020-1. Executive Order 2020-14 shall take effect on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 and shall remain in full force with the Town Council’s approval and shall continue in effect and automatically renew every seven (7) days, until Tuesday, February 16, 2021, unless discontinued earlier by either the Town Manager or Town Council.

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

3.   MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING–

Approval of minutes of the January 5, 2021 Town Council Meeting & January 12, 2021 Executive Session.

Motion made by Council Vice President D’Amico, 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

4.   ORDINANCE 2021-1 –

(first reading)(sponsored by Council President Gosselin) – An ordinance amending Chapter 9C Medical Marijuana Growing Facilities, Section 5 Violations of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of West Warwick.

Al Difiore stated a couple weeks ago, Matt Manni had a conversation with the  officials at DBR that handled the marijuana aspect of the laws, there was a marijuana grow in West Warwick that began with Matt trying to see if they were registered with the state and they had not.  The conversation was one to confirm that our ordinance is in compliance with DBR regulations.  When the discussion  came to our ordinance, DBR pointed out that our ordinance had notice when the town found a marijuana violated it stated that notice would be given to department of health.  This was done when department of health was in control of marijuana.  DBR took a role in the process so DBR requested that notice go to both departments, Dept. of health and DBR and that is all the ordinance does is add the notice requirement to include DBR. 

Motion made by Council Vice President D’Amico, 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

5.   PURCHASE OF A FLAIL-ARM MOWER –

(previously tabled) -Town Council Hereby considers the purchase of a Tiger Roadside Mower (item # MOWERHPF – Flail -Arm Mower) for use by the Department of Public Works from HP Fairfield of New Hampshire. The purchase will be made through Sourcewell Master Price Agreement (Membership # 105063) and will be funded from the following source:

Motion made by Council Vice President D’Amico to remove from the tabled, seconded by Councilman Messier and approved by voice vote.

Motion made by Council Vice President D’Amico to move the motion of the purchase of the flail-arm mower, seconded by Councilman Messier.

Discussion:

Councilwoman Williamson stated she is not comfortable with amount of money talking about with all budget conversations we had.  I just don’t know if there is another alternative other than buying new piece of equipment.  Don was going to look at used alternatives.  I struggle with the price and I understand we do need that. 

Don Ouellette , DPW Director:  Very valuable piece of equipment, more cost effective; this will be out there every day.  Gave list of 54 places that we could use this at and again I agree with estimate; its $1000 every time we go out to clean up one of these areas   Pays for itself within 2 years.    

Councilman Messier and Council Vice President D’Amico agree with the purchase;

Councilwoman Williamson:  Asked about if one person would be using it only.  Don stated yes. He will have vehicle behind it as a caution.  Standard one operator vehicle.  3 months to get equipment. 

Motion made by Council Vice President D’Amico, seconded by Councilman Messier and approved by a roll call vote:

Councilman Licciardi – reluctantly no not at this time

Councilman Messier – Yes

Councilwoman Williamson – Yes, with the understanding that Don Ouellette, DPW Director has guaranteed the council it is 99% of the time it’s a one- person operation.

Council Vice President D’Amico – Yes

Council President Gosselin - Yes

6.   CLAIM

a. Elaine Lafleur

    31 Phenix Ave.

    Pothole Claim

    In the amount of: $ 294.80

Motion made Council Vice President D’Amico, 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

7.   DISCUSSION/ACTION

a.   Monthly update on the progress of the Historical Society Building project – (sponsored by Councilman Licciardi.

Jerry Tellier- 136 Burlingame, President of the PVPHS, stated things are almost complete in phase one. All the doors, windows and siding have been completed. They’re finishing up the front tomorrow with the shingling of the front. The entire building will be weather tight tied into the old building. The handicapped ramp is in place just need to place the rails on it. Within two weeks we’ll be done with phase one of the initial project. We’re going to be getting the final bills and see what money is left and then start on phase two. Which is not a complete phase two we are going to try to get rough inspections on electrical, plumbing, insulation and sheetrock. Within the next two weeks if any of the council would like to stop by and see the project. Just call and I’ll make arrangements and you can see the process.

b.   Possible town financial support for irrigation and water/sewer expenses for the September and January quarters for the West Warwick Police Memorial – (sponsored by Councilman Licciardi).

Councilman Licciardi stated Kevin O’Connell reached out to him regarding this item and I placed it on the agenda for more discussion.

Kevin O’Connell, 24 Sydney Street, Chairman of the West Warwick Police Memorial stated since the Memorial has been built the F.O.P was kind enough to pay the water expenses for the memorial and since Covid hit running on rough times and having hard times paying the bills. Driving by the memorial you will see a patch of grass that has died. Last year using so much water the water bill was so high that we had to turn the timers off at certain times. With the hot summer we had to replace the dead grass this year. Did some checking come to find out the Fire Memorial he believes that’s paid through the town. We are just asking the town to pay for memorial part of it. Since October first we have our own meter put in to the F.O.P to manage the amount of water that the memorial uses and also been in touch with Beverly Duffy from the Sewer Plant and everything is a go for this year when the water is turned on with our new meter. The Town will not be responsible for any bills associated with the F.O.P. including the sewer usage. There will be no ground water going into the sewer system.

Council President Gosselin stated that’s definitely an asset to the town and it’s a memorial for our Police Department in our town. We need to confirm that the water meter has been separated form the F.O.P. Council President asked the question to Kevin regarding the cost of a quarter of the water bill.

Kevin replied that F.O.P used to absorb everything and is not sure how much a quarter is. Greg Johnson stated it was like $900 a year. Again we do not want the town to pay for any bills associated with the F.O.P. All the bills have been paid to date and we are looking for help in the future.

The water is turned on the first week in April and shut off by Halloween. Councilman Licciardi asked the question how many times a day do you water the grass. Kevin stated twice a day but this year the water bill was getting excessive so turned it down to once a day that when the grass started to burn.

Kevin stated that the memorial runs on donations. Council President Gosselin asked the question regarding the meter did you have a deduct meter put in and also did Kent County Water Authority install the new water meter. Kevin replied yes and was inspected by the Building Dept. on 10/1.

Derek Read – 62 Andrews Ave. stated he’s the landscaper for the memorial and activate the water system  middle of Spring once a day and middle of July when its hot twice a day and cut the zones in half so it saves around 30 minutes a zone and goes 15 and 15 at the that point the flowers in the ground and whatnot so at the point its getting watered in the morning and the afternoon. The time of watering does not change as far as minutes go just the timing of the day. In the fall its between September and October it will be on once a day every other day but Derek cut the zones back from the 30 minutes to about 10 -15 minutes approximately two hours a day.

Councilwoman Williamson asked Kevin is there a bill that needs to be paid now. Kevin replied no. its paid for the quarter. Councilwoman stated she has to objection to pay for it but we should do more research regarding the best way to water the memorial if its by well or etc. she believes this is a discussion item and there is no bill do right this second why don’t we take some time to find out the best why to do it and have the town foot the bill. Council President Gosselin stated the we are entering into budget season and place this on the budget and we can vote on it. Councilwoman stated keep this on the agenda. DPW will be responsible for this item.

c.   Discussion regarding Solicitors & Canvassers (door to door sales) during the pandemic.

Council President Gosselin began by stating the Deputy Town Clerk sent the Town Solicitor email regarding the door to door sales during the pandemic. The request was for solar panels.

Council President had mixed feelings regarding this during campaign season people went door to door and social distancing. Councilman Messier stated he feels that we should not stop them this is how they make a living. Tim, Town Solicitor, stated that there are many groups that are going to individual houses, apartments, condos and etc. either with mail, newspaper, amazon deliveries things of that nature, the town doesn’t regulate and the town doesn’t require a license and thinks within those individual ventures they’re either going to wear a mask or not. Whether or not if the town is going to grant a license to conduct this type of business would the town impress upon the recipient of the license any conditions due to Covid 19 That’s why this is placed on the agenda. Town Solicitor has a long discussion. Chief Varone may be able to add some information that he may have received at the last State hearing. Its one of those things that its private property and the person owns the property, can tell solicitors or door to door sales people they don’t want to be bothered.  Chief Varone stated that when the Deputy Town Clerk reached out he’s immediate thought was we issue a license we are approving someone to go door-to-door. Chief Varone brought it up at the Mayors meeting with the league of cities and towns and no has addressed this issue and had complaints about people going door to door but no one had specifically addressed this during Covid. Some ideas that came up were like Attorney Williamson was saying issue a license and put restrictions on that license you have to wear a mask, social distance and maybe get tested every other week something along those lines in order to facilitate that.  Tim stated under the executive order from the state and the executive order of the municipality that issue regarding conditions on a license probably could be done without a lot heartache but again the question is you might have one group come in actually get a license and that’s not going to prevent 10 other groups from going door-to-door to solicit their wares. Council President stated he does not know where to go with this and other business that he knows suspend door to door sales for the reason of the safety of their employees and also the safety of the residents. Each company will have their own opinion of the safety and welfare of the employees and residents.

8.   APPOINTMENT/REAPPOINTMENT - Library Board of Trustees

Motion made by Councilwoman Williamson to move the name of Matthew Silva, seconded by Council Vice President D’Amico and approved by a roll call vote:

9.   NATIONAL GRID - VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC.

a. Plan WR#30174885 for James P. Murphy to install new JO pole on side of road to feed upgrade services on 153 James P Murphy

Moved by Councilwoman Williamson, seconded by Council Vice President D’Amico and approved by a roll call vote:

Councilman Licciardi - Yes

Councilman Messier – Yes

Councilwoman Williamson – Yes

Council Vice President Gosselin – Yes

Council President Gosselin – Yes

10. UPCOMING APPOINTMENTS:

a.  Sewer Use Board of Review: one (1) Alternate member vacancy with a term to expire on 10/2021, & (2) vacancy with a term to expire 10/2023

b.  Pension Committee: three (3) vacancies with terms to expire in 2021, 2022 and 2023

11. 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 the 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.

a.   Council President stated Monday is the first Charter Review meeting, Paula and I will be kicking the meeting off. On the agenda there will be appointments for part chairperson and vice chair and also going over the schedule. Council President Gosselin will be also reaching out to the three candidate’s also. The meeting will be via zoom at 6:30 p.m. everyone has been notified. If anyone wants to attended that will be fine.  Town Solicitor stated that the recording of the minutes are from the audio which comes from the zoom meeting those minutes in fact can be transcribed into a written document. But there are minutes from the audio. If the council is going to attend that meeting you can sit in the audience and if you are going to make any statement you need to notify yourself as a citizen not a town council person potentially conflict of interest. Councilwoman would like to see updates as they go along and not last minute. Town Solicitor stated they can also appoint a clerk or a recording clerk who job would be to take notes or take minutes and have those minutes transcribed. If the audio does not suffice it would be ready that night or the next day. Council President Gosselin stated this topic is not on tonight agenda and knows everyone has question say but we can place on the next agenda.   

b.   Bill Thieault – 37 Horta Drive stated the amount of money spent on equipment for Department of Public Works. The last snow storm the roads were horrible and poorly done. He never saw the town look the worst, it has been since the 12 years he lived here. Putting a lot of money into equipment for the Department of Public Works and the equipment was purchased and used last summer and it didn’t look any better and tonight we approved $125,000 on a tractor and listening to Don speak and how he guaranteed one - person operation I really hope the Town Council holds them to this and put pressure on to make sure that the money we’re spending on this equipment and seeing results.

c.   Pete Cottrell -Nowicki Street, stated has the Town Council or the Director of DPW Director followed up on any of the offers such as the trucks.  Also there is a pending snow storm coming and also there was a union employee asking the question if we are getting the trucks. Has anyone looked into purchasing or leasing the trucks so the roads will not look like the last snow storm. Council President Gosselin stated he has talked to the other Town Council members that also looked into as well as Don looking into it and go from there. Councilwoman stated there has been a change in the money that we are going to pay contractors.  Interim Town Manager stated that the snow plow. We had to deal with lack of access to equipment whether it was town equipment or acceptable amount of private vendors. We had looked at leasing renting of trucks didn’t pan out we looked at purchasing some vehicles from local dealerships, its not quite what we need and deemed not worth the investment compared to what we need and he thinks with our fleet mechanic and DPW Director vetted those right away and is satisfied with the research. It’s unfortunate that we would have been nice if we could of pulled it off but it’s just not feasible. We have two other vehicles that will be here shortly and the other one would probably get here after the snow season. More importantly we had changed our vendor rates as of last week and is posted on the town website today and they’ve been dispersed out to a few different people that we thought could help and get use additional help whether they’d be full-time vendors or smaller group of part-time vendors that could help out in critical times to make us comparable to our neighboring communities, to make it more attractive for the private vendors and hopefully that will be an additional help in that cause but the main point is you know we’ve had setbacks over the years whether it be lack of personnel or depleted equipment list the only way is to tackle those is to hire more people and buy more equipment and those both take time and take and money so we’re trying to make the most sensible investment in both personnel allotment and making appropriate purchases and spending money hurts spending at home hurts and it hurts here, we are going to try the best we can and do it the best way possible setting priorities both in the services, that we want and need to provide and incrementally get better as fast as possible and complaints go down and the people are getting what they deserve.

d.   Derek Read- 62 Andrews Ave.  – stated he put on the table at the last meeting regarding the trucks he chose Tasca and is aware that Tasca is on the master price agreement for commercial trucks and will leave it at that. Derek is also not happy with the purchase of the flail mower and on top of other stuff because at the end of the day whether you lease or buy it it’s monthly payments and it adds up fast and doesn’t know where this is all coming from. Besides bankrupt at the end of the day and everybody has a new toy to play with. Our city street he wants to know how this flail mower is going to help with the weeds and the streets and what it is going to do. Don replied it will remove all weeds in all of those areas down and you will have no overgrowth that you currently have. Derek also asked the question regarding if there was purchase or an order for a 10 wheeler. Don replied that one truck was ordered and will be here in March. Don stated he misspoke that its not a 10 wheeler it’s a large truck not sure the size. It’s a dump truck with a plow and sander. Derek also asked how much is a police detail to go behind the flail mower. Also where is the money coming from for this equipment and is it the money from FEMA from the floods. The Finance Director stated the money is coming from the lease account that will be paid in seven months yearly installments at an interest rate of 1.58%. The yearly bill will be split between the rescue billing fund and the general fund. Derek asked where did the money go from FEMA. The Finance Director stated it went into the Capital Fund. Derek asked the question if any of the money that’s in the capital fund being used to pay for any of this equipment and the Finance Director replied no it is not. Derek asked what is the monthly installment is for the leasing operation we’re outing together for the lease. The Finance Director stated it was going to be about $135,000 a year and about a third of that is for the rescue equipment. Please refer to audio for more detail info. On this matter.

12. ADJOURN   

Councilman Messier made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Williamson and  approved by a voice vote.

The meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m.