A. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

Meeting called to order by Town Council President Gosselin at 6:07 p.m.

B. ROLL CALL:

Taken by Deputy Town Clerk

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Councilman Licciardi

Councilman Messier

Councilwoman Williamson

Council Vice President D’Amico

Council President Gosselin

MEMBERS ABSENT: N/A

QUORUM ON RECORD

Deputy Town Clerk declared a quorum on the record

C. PRESENTATION ON ROAD MAINTENANCE NEEDS, FISCAL OPTIONS, AND

DETERMINATION OF WORK IN ANTICIPATION OF APPLYING FOR RIIB FUNDS AND VOTER APPROVAL FOR BOND.

Acting Town Manager began by stating tonight’s workshop is to determine the amount of funds and also prioritizing the streets. One list of streets that needs to be done and a secondary list on roads that can be rehabilitated and place some money aside or preventative maintenance.

Don Ouellette, DPW Director, stated that it has not been determined exactly how the funds would be allocated among each of the town’s five wards. Don stated there are some projects that shouldn’t be considered. There are four major thoroughfares pointed out: New London Avenue, Main Street, New London Turnpike and Wakefield Street. These roads should not be considered a ward roadway due to these roads are used by town’s population.

Any cost associated with improvements to those four roads should come off the top of the bond. Don, suggested that each ward dedicate around $100,000 for crack-and chip sealing on those streets. Acting Town Manager stated this is a tight fiscal year and would like a bit of bond money for preventative maintenance. Don stated the roads that Kent County Water Authority are doing work on will not be touched, for example Coit Ave.

Don presented to the council a list of potential projects totaling nearly $11 million. Ward 5 is the worst in terms of road repair. Ward 1 is in decent shape. The other three wards are in between.

Council Vice President D’Amico agreed that his ward has the worst roads in town. His priority is Lonsdale Street. Some streets in Cowesett Avenue desperately needs work.

Town Council agrees that the work covered by the road bond should really be considered on a town-wide basis, with more going to those wards that have a greater need. Council President Gosselin stated he doesn’t want to see any bond money put towards state roads. Don stated a portion of Main Street is town’s responsibility.

The Town Council agreed it would consider a road bond of $7 million, an amount that Finance Director, Kristen Benoit told councilors the town could afford to take it on. The intent is to present voters with the bond question during the May 20 budget referendum. Finance Director pointed out because of the bond amount, the Town Charter doesn’t actually require voter approval.

Refer to zoom for more detailed information on this matter.

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

The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.