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| TOWN OF WEST WARWICK RHODE ISLAND 1170 Main Street West Warwick, RI 02893 (401) 822-9200 www.westwarwickri.org |  |
WEST WARWICK TOWN COUNCIL
Regular Town Council Meeting
June 8, 2021
7:00 P.M.
PURSUANT TO EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-05 EXECUTED BY GOVERNOR GINA RAIMONDO ON MARCH 16, 2020, THIS MEETING WILL BE TELECONFERENCED VIA ZOOM:
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M I N U T E S
*Please Note: Any matter listed on this agenda may be acted upon by the Town Council*
A. Meeting called to order by the Town Council President 
B. Roll Call taken by Town Clerk
Present:
Councilman J. Messier
Councilman J. Licciardi
Council Vice President M. Williamson
Council President D. Gosselin
Also present: Town Solicitor Timothy Williamson, Town Solicitor Al DiFiore, Town Manager Mark Knott, Finance Director Kristen Benoit, Police Chief Ernest Lavigne, Fire Chief Jeffrey Varone, Tax Collector Rosemarie Silva, Tax Assessor Sal Saccoccio Jr., and Town Clerk Sarah Rapose
C. Quorum on Record Declared by Town Clerk
D. Consent Agenda
01 Approval of Town Council Minutes
a. May 18, 2021 Financial Town Meeting
b. May 18, 2021 Regular Town Council Meeting
c. May 20, 2021 Special Town Council Meeting
02 Cancellation of taxes as requested by the Tax Assessor
MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of Consent Agenda Items 01 and 02.
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
E. Business Licenses
01 Request from Boomerangs Roadhouse for an Amplifier/Loud Speaker License for events to be held at 293 Providence Street from June 13, 2021 through October 31, 2021
02 Request from Taylor Gallant for an Amplifier/Loud Speaker License for event to be held at 27 Elbow Street on June 26, 2021
03 Request for Raffle License from Friends of Troop 31
04 Request from Robert L. Swinehart Sr. for renewal of Pistol and Revolver License
05 Request from David Deloia for renewal of Pistol and Revolver License
06 Request from Church of Christ the King for renewal of Flea Market License
07 Request from Riverpoint Congregational Church for renewal of Flea Market License
08 Request from Phantom Fireworks Eastern Region LLC for Fire Works Sale License
09 Request from Anthony Lombardi for renewal of Mobile Food Truck License
10 Request from Black Dog Donuts LLC for renewal of Mobile Food Truck License
11 Request from J&D Auto Salvage Inc for renewal of Junk Yard License
12 Request from Angelo Padula & Sons Auto Parts for renewal of Junk Yard License
13 Request from Elyse Keough for renewal of Junk Yard License
14 Request from April Showers LLC for renewal of Secondhand Dealer’s License
15 Request from Budget Stretchers Thrift Shop for renewal of Secondhand Dealer’s License
16 Request from Reality A Games LLC for renewal of Secondhand Dealer’s License
17 Request from Gary V. Hardy for a Private Detective License
18 Request from Cruise Night for Car Show Permit for premises located at 100 Pulaski Street from June 8, 2021 through September 29, 2021
19 Request from Clyde Donuts Inc for renewal of Victualing House License
20 Request from West Warwick Donuts Inc for renewal of Victualing House License
21 Request from Aarman’s Inc for renewal of Holiday Sales License
22 Request from Albert Castelli for renewal of Holiday Sales License
23 Request from Balise Subaru Inc for renewal of Holiday Sales License
24 Request from Better Valu Supermarkets Inc for renewal of Holiday Sales License
25 Request from Cardi’s Depot Store Inc dba Ashely Home Store for renewal of Holiday Sales License
26 Request from Cardi’s Depot Store Inc dba RI Design Center for renewal of Holiday Sales License
27 Request from Cardi’s Furniture for renewal of Holiday Sales License
28 Request from Cowesett Ultra Wash Inc for renewal of Holiday Sales License
29 Request from Cumberland Farms #1104 for renewal of Holiday Sales License
30 Request from Cumberland Farms #1205 for renewal of Holiday Sales License
31 Request from Cumberland Farms #1127 for renewal of Holiday Sales License
32 Request from Cumberland Farms #1276 for renewal of Holiday Sales License
33 Request from Cong Vo dba RI Spa Nails for renewal of Holiday Sales License
34 Request from Dollar General Store #18664 for renewal of Holiday Sales License
35 Request from Dollar Tree #07429 for renewal of Holiday Sales License
36 Request from Balise Honda of West Warwick for renewal of Holiday Sales License
37 Request from Roch’s Market for renewal of Holiday Sales License
38 Request from Main Street Gas Station for renewal of Holiday Sales License
39 Request from Breads & Stuff for renewal of Holiday Sales License
40 Request from All Tails Wagging for renewal of Holiday Sales License
41 Request from JC Butcher Shop for renewal of Holiday Sales License
42 Request from Estate Services for renewal of Holiday Sales License
43 Request from Pep Boys for renewal of Holiday Sales License
44 Request from Providence Street Shell LLC for renewal of Holiday Sales License
45 Request from Quaker Lane Gas LLC for renewal of Holiday Sales License
46 Request from Reality A Games LLC for renewal of Holiday Sales License
47 Request from Riken Pools for renewal of Holiday Sales License
48 Request from Americanmart for renewal of Holiday Sales License
49 Request from Speedway #2819 for renewal of Holiday Sales License
50 Request from Fall River Pawn Brokers for renewal of Holiday Sales License
51 Request from The Perfect Puppy for renewal of Holiday Sales License
52 Request from the Fish Bowl Aquarium and Pet Mart for renewal of Holiday Sales License
53 Request from Walgreens #09995 for renewal of Holiday Sales License
54 Request from Westcott Baking Company Inc for renewal of Holiday Sales License
55 Request from Wicked Beautiful RI for renewal of Holiday Sales License
56 Request from Sams Food Store for renewal of Holiday Sales License
Councilman Messier recuses himself.
MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Licciardi for approval of Business Licenses 01-56.
M. Williamson asks for an update on Boomerangs. She has not received any complaints.
Chief Varone states that he is meeting with the owner tomorrow to address concerns. He suggests reviewing this license on the 15th.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Recused himself.
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
F. Appointments and Resignations
01 Request from Joseph Gardosik for re-appointment to the Planning Board for term ending July 2026
MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of request from Joseph Gardosik for re-appointment to the Planning Board for term ending July 2026.
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
02 Request from Allen Horak for re-appointment to the Zoning Board of Review for term ending July 2026
MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of request from Allen Horak for re-appointment to the Zoning Board of Review for term ending July 2026.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
03 Request from Jerry Leite for re-appointment to the Zoning Board of Review for term ending July 2026
MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of request from Jerry Leite for re-appointment to the Zoning Board of Review for term ending July 2026.
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
G. Ordinances
01 First Reading of Ordinance 2021-7 Amending Section 3.29 Definitions, Family Members, Section 5.6.16.21 Accessory Family Dwelling Units and Section 8.1 Alteration of Nonconforming Use
MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for the first reading of Ordinance 2021-7 Amending Section 3.29 Definitions, Family Members, Section 5.6.16.21 Accessory Family Dwelling Units and Section 8.1 Alteration of Nonconforming Use.
A. DiFiore explains that this ordinance amendment would bring the local ordinance in line with State statute.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
02 First Reading of Ordinance 2021-8 Amending Appendix C Traffic Ordinances
MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for first reading of Ordinance 2021-8 Amending Appendix C Traffic Ordinances.
A. DiFiore explains that this amendment was requested by Councilman Licciardi for a stop sign at the intersection of Tampa Street and Mason Street. The traffic committee agreed with the request.
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
03 Second Reading of Ordinance 2021-9 to appoint Mark A. Knott as Town Manager and Director of Public Safety of the Town of West Warwick
MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of Ordinance 2021-9 to appoint Mark A. Knott as Town Manager and Director of Public Safety of the Town of West Warwick.
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
H. New Business
01 Street Abandonment for a Portion of Crudale Drive
T. Cronin was in attendance on behalf of the applicant. He explains that the street is located behind the Arpin warehouse. Notice has been sent to abutters. This is a paper street. The applicant is requesting a half-acre be abandoned.
T. Williamson believes this will have to go before the taxpayers at the Financial Town Meeting and then be placed on the ballot at the All Day Referendum.
T. Cronin will amend the resolution. He explained when a street is abandoned, the 60-foot road is split down the middle and given to each property owner. His client is asking for all sixty feet therefore, it would need to be put in front of the voters.
D. Read, 62 Andrews Ave, is concerned with the reduction in road frontage on the town property and would affect the value.
M. Williamson would like additional time to review this request. She suggests tabling this.
MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Licciardi to table.
T. Cronin explains that this is an advertised hearing where abutters have been notified. He requests that this is continued to a date certain.
AMENDED MOTION by M. Williamson, second by J. Licciardi to continue discussion and vote after New Business 07.
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
02 Resolution Approving Medical Stop Loss Insurance for the Town of West Warwick and West Warwick Public Schools
K. Benoit explains that this is the annual stop loss renewal.
MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of resolution Approving Medical Stop Loss Insurance for the Town of West Warwick and West Warwick Public Schools.
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
03 Executive Order 2021-5 Extending the Emergency Declaration
M. Knott explains that this is an extension of the existing emergency declaration.
MOTION made by J. Licciardi, second by M. Williamson for approval of Executive Order 2021-5 Extending the Emergency Declaration.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of FY2022 Tax Levy Resolution.
05 Resolution Supporting Legislation to Transition Management of the West Warwick Pension Plan to the State Pension System – Municipal Employee’s Retirement System
MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of Resolution Supporting Legislation to Transition Management of the West Warwick Pension Plan to the State Pension System – Municipal Employee’s Retirement System.
M. Williamson explains that they have been working with the State Treasurer’s office and the Union for the last fifteen months on moving the current pension system into the State pension system. Enabling legislation will be introduced in the General Assembly on Thursday. This is an attempt to stabilize the pension system.
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
06 Approval of Employment Agreement Between the Town of West Warwick and Mark A. Knott
MOTION made by J. Messier, second by M. Williamson for approval of Employment Agreement Between the Town of West Warwick and Mark A. Knott.
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
M. Knott thanked the Town Council and colleagues. He is proud of his 27 years with the Town and looks forward to serving in his new role.
07 Consideration of Summer Meeting Schedule
Council consensus was to amend the Summer meeting schedule to July 20th and August 17th.
08 Street Abandonment for a Portion of Crudale Drive (Continued)
MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier to recess hearing until July 20,2021.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilman Licciardi – Yes
Councilman Messier – Yes
Council Vice President Williamson – Yes
Council President Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
I. Upcoming Appointments
01 Sewer Use Board of Review: (1) Alternate member vacancy with a term to expire on 10/2021, and (2) vacancies with a term to expire 10/2023
02 Pension Committee: (2) vacancies with terms to expire on 11/18/2022 and 11/18/2021
03 Recreation Committee – (1) vacancy
04 Tree Warden
05 Planning Board- (2) with a term to expire 7/2021
06 Zoning Board of Review- (2) with term to expire on 7/2021
J. Public Forum
To participate, use the “raise hand” icon at the bottom right side of your screen, or, if you are using a phone, press *9. The moderator will tell you when it is your turn to speak.
Note: Comments during Public Forum will only be heard and not acted upon by the Town Council. Section 42-46-6 of the Open Meetings Act, and Department of the Attorney General Advisory Opinions relevant to this item on any public body meeting agenda specifically prohibits the Town Council from discussing, considering or acting on any topic, statement or question presented. The Town Council may, if warranted, refer such matters to an appropriate committee, to another body or official, or post the matter for consideration at a properly-noticed, future meeting.
There was no public comment.
K. Adjournment
MOTION made by J. Messier, second by M. Williamson to adjourn at 8:33 P.M. All Ayes
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________
Sarah S. Rapose, CMC, Town Clerk