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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
Town Council Chambers
July 11, 2023
6:00 P.M.
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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 at 6:05 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 - Present
Councilman Mark Bourget - Present
Council Vice President Maribeth Williamson - Present
Council President David Gosselin - Present
E. Quorum on Record Declared by Town Clerk
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier to move New Business Item 04 up for immediate consideration. All Ayes
04 Sewer Department Update Relative to Odor Complaints
D. Gosselin states that there have been complaints of harsh sewer odors in the Natic section of town.
J. Chapdelaine, Wastewater Superintendent, believes the problem has been rectified.
J. Geremia explained that they submitted a report to RIDEM in June. They will be sampling again in the next couple of weeks. They will get a final report to RIDEM in mid-August.
F. Consent Agenda
01 Approval of the Minutes from the June 20, 2023 Regular Town Council Meeting
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of the minutes from the June 20, 2023 Regular Town Council Meeting. All Ayes
G. Ordinances
01 First Reading for Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance for Assessor’s Plat 2, Lot 51 from B (Business) to R-8 (Residential)
J. Licciardi recuses himself.
Attorney Tom Cronin was in attendance on behalf of the applicant. They want to change the Fire House next to Bill’s Place into three apartments.
A. Palazzo, of 5 Robin Lane asks if this change had unanimous support from the Planning Board.
M. Shellman, Town Planner, confirms Planning Board support.
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance for Assessor’s Plat 2, Lot 51 from B (Business) to R-8 (Residential).
ROLL CALL VOTE:
J. Licciardi – recusal
J. Messier – Yes
M. Bourget – Yes
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin - Yes
MOTION PASSES
02 First Reading of Ordinance 2023-19 Amending Section 5.3 – Use Regulations – Non-Residential Districts
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of Ordinance 2023-19 Amending Section 5.3 – Use Regulations – Non-Residential Districts.
M. Shellman, Town Planner, explains that these amendments clean up the zoning ordinance. Areas around the mill businesses need to allow for residential use.
P. Villa shares concerns with the strain on fire, police, and schools.
F. Sousa of 885 Main Street is in support of the change. He would like to change a former office he owns to a residential property.
J. Wilbur of 45 Main Street also supports the amendment. They are trying to provide housing for families.
J. Licciardi is concerned with the capacity of schools. They need to take a closer look.
M. Bourget states that more businesses are needed in Town.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
J. Licciardi – No
J. Messier – Yes
M. Bourget – No
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin - Yes
MOTION PASSES
H. Liquor Licenses – Town Council acting as the Liquor Commission
01 Request from Cocktail Hour Essentials LLC for a Class BV Limited Liquor License
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of request from Cocktail Hour Essentials LLC for a Class BV Limited Liquor License. All Ayes
I. Business Licenses
01 Request from Narragansett Bay Quilters Association for Craft Fair Event to be held on April 27 and April 28, 2024 at the West Warwick Civic Center
02 Request from When I Grow Up Theater Company for Craft Fair Event to be held on November 4, 2023 at the West Warwick Civic Center
03 Request from St. Anthony’s Church for an Amplifier/Loudspeaker & Dance Live Band License for event to be held August 4th, 5th, and 6th at 10 Sunset Avenue
04 Request from the PIC for an Amplifier/Loudspeaker License for event to be held July 22, 2023
05 Request from K9 Bay Doggy Daycare & Aquatic Center for a Kennel License
06 Request from St. Anthony’s Church for a Raffle Permit
07 Request from St. Anthony’s Church for a Class F Liquor License
08 Request from St. Anthony’s Church for a Parade License
09 Request from Stillwater Books for a Secondhand Dealer and Holiday Sales License
10 Request from Ocean State Laundry of West Warwick for a Laundry License
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of the Business Licenses.
All Ayes
J. Appointments and Resignations
01 Request from Robert Fleury for appointment to the Pawtuxet River Authority for term ending June 30, 2026
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Bourget for approval of request from Robert Fleury for appointment to the Pawtuxet River Authority for term ending June 30, 2026.
Council determined that they would like to have the applicant present at the next meeting.
MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by M. Bourget to withdraw the previous motion. All Ayes
MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by M. Williamson to table. All Ayes
02 Requests for appointment to the West Warwick Planning Board for five-year term
A. Joseph DiMartino
B. Derek Read
MOTION made J. Messier, seconded by D. Gosselin to appoint Joseph DiMartino to the Planning Board.
J. Licciardi recuses himself.
VOTE:
J. Licciardi – recusal
J. Messier – No
M. Bourget – No
M. Williamson – No
D. Gosselin – No
MOTION FAILS
MOTION made by M. Bourget to appoint Derek Read to the West Warwick Planning Board.
No seconds were heard.
MOTION FAILS.
M. Williamson states that the position should be reposted and that the alternates should have an opportunity to apply.
P. Villa thought that alternates automatically moved up. He would be interested.
J. Licciardi, of 26 Carlson Circle, is sharing as a private citizen, not a Council member. He is offended that J. DiMartino did not recuse himself when Attorney Cronin came before the Planning Board. Attorney Cronin was his personal attorney.
K. New Business
01 Discussion/Action – Town Financial Assistance for the West Warwick Steelers
Board members from the Crompton Vets and the West Warwick Steelers were in attendance.
D. Gosselin explains some of the current lighting on Town property.
Discussion ensues of where the Town can put lighting for the Steelers field. It is determined that the lighting will be upgraded, and the town will pay for the electricity. It can be put on the wind turbine account. This will be put on a future agenda for a vote.
Board members from the Crompton Vets ask for no parking signage on Hepburn Street.
02 Presentation from Reclaim Rhode Island Relative to Minimum Housing Issues
S. Crandall, from Reclaim RI, expresses concerns with the alarming pattern of slumlord abuse in West Warwick. Pioneer investments have 20 buildings in West Warwick. They are currently being prosecuted by the Attorney General.
Several tenants of Pioneer Investments share their stories and the conditions of the rental properties.
M. Williamson suggests working with local delegation to pass legislation at the state level for enforcement.
03 Consideration of Encampments Along the Bike Path and Safety Concerns
D. Gosselin has received many complaints from business owners, residents and town employees. He shares concerns of needles found, using the fence at the storage facility, and propane tanks being used. Meals are being served regularly at the gazebo. Business owners are unhappy.
Several advocates shared concerns at the large increase in encampments. They would like to work with the Town to find a solution.
Discussion ensued.
No action was taken.
04 Sewer Department Update Relative to Odor Complaints
This item was previously considered.
05 Discussion/Action – Consideration of Recognition Monument on Town Hall Island
D. Gosselin would like to see more names added to the monument. He suggests working with the Historical Society.
06 Consideration of request from the Pawtuxet River Authority for Annual Contribution of $7,000
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Licciardi for approval of request from the Pawtuxet River Authority for Annual Contribution of $7,000. All Ayes
07 Proclamation Recognizing August 31, 2023 as “International Overdose Awareness Day”
MOTION made by J. Licciardi, seconded by M. Williamson for approval of proclamation recognizing August 31, 2023 as “International Overdose Awareness Day”. All Ayes
L. Correspondence
The Council may acknowledge any of the listed communications. Should any member wish to have a conversation on any of the matters, the item will be placed on a future agenda.
01 Letter to: West Warwick Town Council
From: Tenants/Owners of 328 Cowesett Avenue
Dated: June 8, 2023
Re: Street Parking on Fairgreen Drive
M. Upcoming Appointments
01 Sewer Use Board of Review – Appointment to fill a vacancy as an alternate member for three-year term
02 Sewer Use Board of Review – Appointment to fill a vacancy as a regular member for three-year term
03 West Warwick Housing Authority – Appointment or Re-appointment for five-year term expiring November 2027
04 Pawtuxet River Authority – Appointment or Re-appointment for three-year term expiring June 2026
05 Planning Board – Appointment or Re-appointment for five-year term expiring July 2028
06 Library Board of Trustees – Appointment to fill a vacancy for three-year term expiring February 2024
N. Public Forum
A. Palazzo, of 5 Robin Lane, shares concerns with the podium, the Town Hall front stairs, and the new digital sign in front of the Town Hall. He doesn’t feel that there should be advertising on Town signs. He also asks about a tax rebate for seniors, and for an update on Payan Street. He asks how tax evaluations are determined. He feels there has been some inequity in the evaluations.
P. Villa, of 15 Janet Drive, shares concerns with the new legislation surrounding planning and zoning.
D. Read, of 62 Andrews Avenue, shares concerns with the Planning Board appointment.
M. Bourget asks for an update on the parking lot at Greenbush School.
M. Knott will look into it.
O. Adjournment
MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by J. Licciardi to adjourn at 9:51 P.M. All Ayes
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah S. Rapose, CMC
Town Clerk