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

Town Council Chambers

March 15, 2022

6:00 P.M.

(Immediately following the Sewer Commission)

 

 

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YOUTUBE LINK:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGK1k6co83ptCoD6hYWSMxA

 

AGENDA WITH ATTACHMENTS CAN BE VIEWED AT:  https://clerkshq.com/westwarwick-ri

 

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 at 6:37 P.M.

 

B.         Roll Call taken by Town Clerk

Present:          Councilman Jason Licciardi

                        Councilman Mark Bourget

                        Councilman Jason Messier

                        Council Vice President Maribeth Williamson

                        Council President David Gosselin                

              

C.         Quorum on Record Declared by Town Clerk

 

D.        FY2021 Audit Presentation

 

R. Nossenk, on behalf of Clifton, Larson, Allen presented the audit to the body.  He explains the process of the audit.  They found no internal control issues or violations.  Fund balance for year end was $4,397,893.  The unassigned Fund Balance was $3,675,083.  The fund balance increased $182,083 this year.  The School’s fund balance is $5,394,614.  The overall budgetary surplus was $682,083. 

 

E.         Consent Agenda

01           Approval of the minutes from the March 1, 2022 Regular Town Council Meeting

02           Approval of the minutes from the March 1, 2022 Executive Session

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of the Consent Agenda.        All Ayes

                       

F.         Licenses

01  Request from 293 PVD LLC dba Boomerangs – 293 Providence St. for Dance/Live Band License

 

J. Messier recuses himself.

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Licciardi to move off the table.

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by M. Bourget for approval of request from 293 PVD LLC dba Boomerangs – 293 Providence St. for Dance/Live Band License; subject to Fire approval and stipulations that Sunday – Thursday cutoff at 10PM and 12:30AM on Friday and Saturday nights and holidays.

 

Christoper Macelli was in attendance on behalf of Boomerangs.  His client is requesting a license to have live music at their venue.  Previous tenants have also held this license.  They would like to be a good neighbor.  They are willing to comply within the noise ordinance.  Bands will be asked to face speakers away from the neighbors.  They will also have security. 

 

J. Licciardi asks about what time the bands would be ending at night.

 

Attorney Macelli answers that everyone needs to leave the establishment by 1am.  Therefore, the band would need to finish 15-20 minutes prior to closing. 

 

Pauline Oliver, 288 Providence Street, lives directly across the street and does not hear any noise. 

 

P. Kane, owner of Boomerangs Roadhouse was in attendance.  They have made updates to the fire system and sound proofing.  This establishment has had live music for the better part of fifty years.  He offers to not have live bands play past 10pm on Sunday through Thursday.  They are willing to cooperate with all town ordinances. 

 

D. Gosselin asks about the capacity.

 

P. Kane answers that the capacity is currently 150 people.  They have a security detail to count patrons. 

 

Chief Lavigne reports that there have not been any negative contacts with Boomerangs within the last six months.

 

T. Oats, Colonial Way, feels the business deserves a chance.  He asks about a contingency plan.

 

President Gosselin answers that if there are any complaints they can have a show cause hearing.

 

T. Williamson suggest that Attorney Micelli draft a stipulation. 

 

VOTE: 

J. Messier – Recusal

J. Licciardi – Aye

M. Bourget – Aye

M. Williamson – Aye

D. Gosselin – Aye

 

MOTION PASSES

 

02  Renewal of Private Detective Licenses

A.         Ivonne Rivas

B.         Juan R. Navarro-Gonzalez

C.         Anne-Marie Houle

D.         Norman J. Houle

E.         Stephen M. McGrath

F.         Gary Handy

G.        Deborah Anne Seastrom

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by M. Bourget for approval of Private Detective Licenses.     All Ayes

 

MOTION made by J. Messier, second by M. Williamson to move New Business 01 for immediate consideration.                                   All Ayes

 

01              Report from the Pawtuxet Valley Historical Society

 

J. Tellier was in attendance on behalf of the Pawtuxet Valley Historical Society.  The building renovation is complete and open to the public.  The building is handicap accessible.  They received $210,050 in grant money, and $72,500 in donations and fundraising.  The total renovation cost $295,490.00 at no cost to the taxpayers.  They will be holding an open house on April 24^th from 1-4pm.

 

03  Request from Joseph Laurent for renewal of Kennel License

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of request from Joseph Laurent for renewal of Kennel License.                      All Ayes

 

04  Request from Kaylyn Berard and Cory Paige for Amplifier/Loudspeaker License for event to be held at 52 Oriole Avenue on April 30, 2022

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of request from Kaylyn Berard and Cory Paige for Amplifier/Loudspeaker License for event to be held at 52 Oriole Avenue on April 30, 2022.                               All Ayes

         

G.        Appointments and Resignations

01  Resignation or Burton Mollohan from the Board of Canvassers and Registration

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier to accept the resignation of Burton Mollohan from the Board of Canvassers and Registration, with regret.                        All Ayes

 

02  Request from Christina Messier for re-appointment to the Board of Assessment and Review for term ending March 2025

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of request from Christina Messier for re-appointment to the Board of Assessment and Review for term ending March 2025.                       All Ayes

 

03  Request from Nathan Shapiro for re-appointment to the Library Board of Trustees

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of request from Nathan Shapiro for re-appointment to the Library Board of Trustees.                                All Ayes

 

04  Request from Lee Rice for re-appointment to the Library Board of Trustees

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of request from Lee Rice for re-appointment to the Library Board of Trustees.                     All Ayes

 

05  Request from Mary Holleran for appointment to the Library Board of Trustees for term ending February 2025

 

Discussion ensues relative to vacancies and renewals on the Library Board of Trustees.  This will be considered at the next Town Council meeting.

 

06  Request from Christian Grundel for appointment to the Library Board of Trustees for term ending February 2025

 

This will be considered at the next Town Council meeting. 

 

07  Request from Rene E. Coutu for appointment as alternate member of the Planning Board for term expiring July 2025

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier for approval of request from Rene E. Coutu for appointment as alternate member of the Planning Board for term expiring July 2025.              All Ayes

 

08  Requests for appointment to the Board of Canvassers and Registration for term ending March 2028

 

MOTION made by J. Licciardi, second by J. Messier to appoint John Paul Millette.              All Ayes

 

 

H.        New Business

01  Report from the Pawtuxet Valley Historical Society

 

This was considered earlier in the meeting. 

 

02  Request from the Police Chief for Police Radio Purchase in the amount of $19,800.50

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Licciardi for approval of request from the Police Chief for Police Radio Purchase in the amount of $19,800.50.                            All Ayes

 

03  Consideration of Letter of Support for FY 2023 Education Aid for West Warwick Schools

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Licciardi to table.             All Ayes

 

04  Consideration of support of House Bill 7632 – An Act Relating to Military Affairs and Defense – Veteran’s Affairs

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier to move approval.         All Ayes

 

A. Palazzo, of 5 Robin Lane, suggests Deborah Schusterman as a veteran liaison. 

 

D. Schusterman, 43 Governors Hill, has previously come before the Council asking to appoint a Veteran’s liaison.  She expresses her frustration with the lack of veteran representation. 

 

Members of the Veteran’s Council were in attendance.  They are happy to help any veteran from any branch. 

 

R. Richards, 1 Crossbow Lane, supports this bill.  He offers his assistance. 

 

M. Bourget feels the Council should support this bill. 

 

05  Discussion relative to the American Legion’s Removal of the World War I Fountain

 

The West Warwick Veteran’s Council states that the water fountain was from 1936. The Veterans Council was concerned it was a safety hazard so they removed it.  There was no cost to the Town or taxpayers.  The National Guard has offered their services to improve the park. 

                                   

I.          Upcoming Appointments

01        Sewer Use Board of Review – Appointment to fill a vacancy as an alternate member with a term to expire October 2024

02        Sewer Use Board of Review – Appointment to fill a vacancy as a regular member with term to expire October 2023

03        Board of Assessment and Review – Appointment or re-appointment as a regular member with term to expire March 2025

04        Board of Canvassers – Appointment or re-appointment as a regular member with term to expire March 2028

05        West Warwick Public Library Trustees – (4) Appointments or re-appointments as a regular member with terms to expire February 2025

06        Planning Board - Appointment to fill alternate member vacancy with term to expire July 2025

07        West Warwick Recreation Committee member vacancy with term to expire February 2024

 

J.          Public Forum AND

 

J. Licciardi recuses himself from Public Forum.

 

J. Licciardi, 26 Carlson Circle, is here as a member of the public.  He received an explanation from the Ethics Commission about speaking in Public Forum.  There is a proposed development called June Carr Plat.  This was previously a park leased to the Town.  He shares his concerns with the entrance to the new development which is across the street to his house.  He suggested the entrance be on Cowesett Avenue to the Planning Board in 2019.  He has not received an answer.  If he cannot get an answer from the Planning Board, where does he go? 

 

Solicitor Williamson advises the Council to not answer this question as they do not have jurisdiction.

 

J. Licciardi asks if his family is affected negatively what does he do? 

 

Solicitor Williamson advises the Council to not answer the question.

 

A. Palazzo, 5 Robin Lane, asks that House bill H7816 to be placed on the agenda for support.  He recommends a panel be appointed to address the senior exemption.  He suggests everyone watch the March 7^th Planning Board meeting.  He expresses his concerns with the meeting.  He recommends reviewing all approved projects that haven’t been built.  He asks about Riverpoint Park.  He shares concerns about the Town Solicitor’s invoices.  He cautions the council to look into the impact of the investment market. 

 

J. Read, 62 Andrews Avenue, expresses his concerns with the Planning Board.  The March 7, 2022 meeting was not professional.  He questions the council siting Title 45-15-16 at the previous Council meeting. 

 

M. Bourget voices his frustration with the open meeting process.  He asks questions and can’t get answers. 

 

A. Palazzo asks why Solicitor Difiore stopped answering the questions. 

 

J. Licciardi did receive the email from the former Town Planner.  He was speaking tonight about the June Carr Plat as a homeowner and resident only. 

 

D. Read, 62 Andrews Ave, suggests having A. Difiore represent the Council at their meetings.   

 

D. Gosselin would like to have Child Inc. on the next agenda.  Their lease is coming up for renewal.  He has asked for the locking of playgrounds to be on the agenda. 

 

J. Licciardi will work with the School Department and the Recreation Department to hold an easter egg hunt on April 16^th.  He asks for this to be on the next agenda for approval. 

 

K.         Executive Session – Council may vote to move to Executive Session pursuant to R.I. General Law 42-46-5 (a)(2)– Litigation

 

01  New England Institute of Technology v. Salvatore Saccoccio as Tax Assessor and Town of West           Warwick

                        A. KC 2011-0645

                        B. KC 2012-0287

                        C. KC 2014-0712

                        D. KC 2015-0116

                        E. KC 2016-0244

                        F. KC 2017-0162

                        G. KC 2019-0224

                        H. KC 2019-0892

                        I. KC 2020-0276

                        J. KC 2021-0060

 

MOTION made by J. Messier, second by M. Bourget to move to executive session pursuant to R.I. General Law 42-46-5 (a)(2)– Litigation.                  All Ayes

 

MOTION made by J. Messier, second by J. Licciardi to return to open session.                All Ayes

 

There were no votes taken in Executive Session.

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, second by J. Messier to seal the minutes of Executive Session.                  All Ayes

 

 

L.         Adjournment

 

MOTION made by J. Messier, second by M. Williamson to adjourn at   9:20 P.M.                        All Ayes

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

__________________________________

Sarah S. Rapose, CMC, Town Clerk