TOWN OF WEST WARWICK RHODE ISLAND 1170 Main Street West Warwick, RI  02893 (401) 822-9200 www.westwarwickri.org

 

WEST WARWICK TOWN COUNCIL

Town Council Budget Public Hearing

Town Council Chambers

April 4, 2023

6:00 P.M.

(Or immediately following the previous meeting)

 

 

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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 6:51 P.M.

 

B.         Prayer led by Council

 

C.         Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

 

D.        Roll Call taken by Town Clerk          

Councilman Jason Licciardi - present

Councilman Jason Messier -absent

Councilman Mark Bourget - present

Council Vice President Maribeth Williamson - present

Council President David Gosselin - present

 

E.         Quorum on Record Declared by Town Clerk

 

F.         Public Hearing on the proposed FY2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024) Municipal Budget

 

M. Bourget proposes the following recommendations:

                        - cutting Department Head Salaries

                        - Reducing the Sunshine Fund to $1,000

                        - Reduction in Planning Board Payroll

                        - Eliminating the $25,000 position in the Finance Department

 

J. Licciardi has concerns with the 8% increase in salaries at the Library.

 

C. McCullough explains that he loses staff to other libraries because of the pay.  These employees need to have master’s degrees, and West Warwick’s library salaries are the lowest in the state. 

 

J. Licciardi recommends cutting $2500 from the Council Donations budget.  He would like to cut the capitol budget completely. 

 

Discussion ensues relative to the school’s request for $500,000.  The Council discusses alternative options. 

 

Susan Pangman, of 137 Phenix Avenue, is a crossing guard for the school district.  She has not received a raise in ten years. 

 

Discussion ensues relative the School Crossing Guards and their pay.

 

M. Williamson would like to adjust the school’s increase request back to the Governor’s projected State aid number. 

 

A. Palazzo, of 5 Robin Lane, give kudos to the School Department for their low per pupil cost.  He suggests aligning the Town budget timeline with the State budget timeline.  He shares concerns with the State pension program.  He directs the Council and public to look at pages 34-39 of the proposed budget.

 

J. Read, of 62 Andrews Avenue, asks about the field revenues of $15,000.

 

M. Williamson answers that Manager Knott is looking into the Town’s fee schedule.  

 

J. Caldwell, DPW Director, is hoping to double the field  revenues this year. 

 

J. Read has questions about the legal budget.  He would also like to see increased security at the school. 

 

R. Adrian, of Brayton Street, suggests reducing the amount of police cars.  His wife recently had a heart attack.  Warwick rescue came to his house.  He notes that West Warwick only has 2 trucks to service the Town.  He suggests increasing that number. 

 

G.        Adjournment

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Licciardi to adjourn at 8:35 P.M.            All Ayes

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah S. Rapose, CMC, Town Clerk

 

Agenda posted March 24, 2023 at the West Warwick Town Hall, the West Warwick Senior Center, the West Warwick Public Library, on ClerkBase, and electronically filed on the Secretary of State’s website in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

 

The public is welcome to any open meeting of the Town Council.  If communication assistance (readers/interpreters/captions) is needed or any other accommodation to ensure equal participation, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at least three (3) business days prior to the meeting at (401)822-9201.

 

“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, the Town of West Warwick is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)  To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).”  For those persons needing auxiliary aid please call 711 for assistance.