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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
March 21, 2023
6:00 P.M.
(Immediately following the Sewer Commission)
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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 6:26 P.M.
B. 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
C. Quorum on Record Declared by Town Clerk
D. Consent Agenda
01 Approval of Minutes from the March 7, 2023 Regular Town Council Meeting
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of the minutes from the March 7, 2023 Regular Town Council Meeting. All Ayes
E. Ordinances
01 First reading of Ordinance 2023-6 Amending Appendix C – Traffic Ordinances – Levalley Street
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for First reading of Ordinance 2023-6 Amending Appendix C – Traffic Ordinances – Levalley Street.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
J. Licciardi – Yes
M. Bourget – Yes
J. Messier – Yes
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
02 First reading of Ordinance 2023-7 Amending Appendix C – Traffic Ordinances – Fairgreen Drive
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for First reading of Ordinance 2023-7 Amending Appendix C – Traffic Ordinances – Fairgreen Drive.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
J. Licciardi – Yes
M. Bourget – Yes
J. Messier – Yes
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
03 First reading of Ordinance 2023-10 Amending Appendix C – Traffic Ordinances – Fawn Lane and Lonsdale Avenue
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for First reading of Ordinance 2023-10 Amending Appendix C – Traffic Ordinances – Fawn Lane and Lonsdale Avenue.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
J. Licciardi – Yes
M. Bourget – Yes
J. Messier – Yes
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
F. Business Licenses
01 Request from the Veterans Building Association dba VFW Post 449 for a Bingo License
02 Request from the West Warwick Summer Concert Series for an Amplifier/Loud Speaker & Dance Live Band License
03 Request from the Town of West Warwick Summer Concert Series for a Car Show License for event to be held on August 2, 2023 at the Arctic Gazebo
04 Renewal of Kennel Licenses
A. Joseph Laurent – 66 Shippee Avenue
B. Camp Bow Wow – 3 Keyes Way
C. Pamela & Frank Zales – 114 Pulaski Street
D. Tina St. Angelo – 12 Pulaski Street
E. Katelyn Spaziano – 58 Woodside Avenue
F. Sergio A. Rodriguez – 21 Capron Street
G. Laurie & Jeff Dumas – 26 West Warwick Avenue
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of the Business Licenses. All Ayes
G. Appointments and Resignations
01 Request from Janice Peixinho for re-appointment to the Board of Assessment and Review for term ending March 2026
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of request from Janice Peixinho for re-appointment to the Board of Assessment and Review for term ending March 2026. All Ayes
H. New Business
01 Request from Roch’s Market for Proposed Zoning Change for Assessor’s Plat 15 Lots 496 and 18; and referral to the Planning Board for Recommendation
Tom Cronin was in attendance on behalf of the applicant. He explained that the Roch’s Market property is partially zoned residential. His client is looking to have it changed to commercial.
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier to refer request to the Planning Board for Recommendation. All Ayes
02 Request from the Police Chief for Police Communications Replacement/Upgrade
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of request from the Police Chief for Police Communications Replacement/Upgrade in the amount of $498,200.12 from the police detail account. All Ayes
03 Discussion of Amendments to Chapter 10 – Licenses and Business Regulations of the West Warwick Code of Ordinances and Zoning changes relative to those amendments
A. Difiore shares proposed changes to business licensing of various types auto service stations. He proposes changing these licenses to registrations issued by the Town Clerk’s office. Council discusses the number of vehicles each business owner will be allowed to store on their properties. A. Difiore will amend the ordinance accordingly to the Council’s feedback and put it before the Council again for discussion.
04 Approval of request from the Town Manager for Sale of Surplus Vehicles on GovDeals
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of request from the Town Manager for Sale of Surplus Vehicles on GovDeals. All Ayes
05 Approval of request from the Fire Chief for acceptance of FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier for approval of request from the Fire Chief for acceptance of FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. All Ayes
06 Consideration of RI Ethics Training for all West Warwick Elected Officials and Board and Commission Members
J. Licciardi suggests that all elected officials and Board and Commission members attend Ethics Training. He has communicated with the Ethics Commission and was able to set up a training opportunity. It was determined that training will take place on May 16th at 6:00 P.M. and the Financial Town Meeting will begin at 7:00 P.M.
07 Consideration of request from Councilman Licciardi for a Workshop with Everything Ice Company Regarding the Ice Chillers for the Ice Rink
J. Licciardi explains that Everything Ice has offered to come to present to Council.
M. Knott explains that they have engaged a consultant through the Trust as well as a mechanical engineer to help guide the Town through the process.
08 Consideration of Additional Senior Tax Break in the FY2024 Budget
J. Licciardi would like to see an additional Senior Tax Break in the FY2024 Budget.
S. Saccoccia explained that this type of change would need enabling legislation. The statutory deadline to apply for an exemption was on March 15th.
J. Licciardi states that Representative Serpa is in full support.
S. Saccoccia explains that there is also a variable exemption that goes by income.
It is determined that the Council would like to see an income based exemption for seniors. This will not be attainable for this fiscal year, but the Council would like to get enabling legislation passed before the next fiscal year. Council will hold a workshop after the budget passes.
09 Consideration of $250 Processing Fee for Concealed Carry Permits
Council discusses the cost of a concealed carry permit and what the process entails. It is determined that Council will rescind the resolution from 2013 charging $250 application fee. The fee will be reduced to $40.
10 Update on the Scoreboards at the West Warwick Civic Center
L. Swanson has become a member of the MHEC. She is going to look into vendors on the master price agreement list. She will update the Council after she looks into this further.
11 Update on Greenbush School Parking Issues
M. Bourget appreciates the assistance from the Police Department at drop off and dismissal. He doesn’t have any additional information at this time.
12 Consideration of Human Rights Day Proclamation
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier to move the resolution.
MOTION made by M. Bourget, seconded by M. Williamson to amend the resolution removing the word “global” from the 7th Whereas. All Ayes
MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by J. Licciardi to move the resolution as amended.
All Ayes
I. 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 Board of Assessment and Review – Appointment to fill a vacancy as a regular member for three-year term
04 Board of Assessment and Review – Appointment or Re-appointment to fill vacancy for three-year term
05 West Warwick Housing Authority – Appointment or Re-appointment for five-year term expiring November 2027
06 Board of Canvassers – Appointment to fill vacancy for Democratic Alternate for 6-year term
J. Public Forum
M. Bourget apologies to M. Knott for making a comment against him at a prior meeting.
A. Difiore explains that his daughter is ill, and the West Warwick Fire Department had transported her to Rhode Island Hospital. He reads the following statement aloud to the body:
“On Jan 6, 2023, 3 young men picked me up at the Cancer Institute and transported me to Rhode Island Hospital (trip #28762). I was in very poor condition as I have numerous fractures along my spine, was in terrible pain and was spiking a fever of 103. I wanted to let whoever needs to know that these 3 young men were the definition of excellence and what those working in the health care industry should strive to be.
They not only treated me professionally and compassionately but with speed, efficiency and made sure to keep movement and pain to a minimum. They also took the time and made the effort to make sure that my family members that had accompanied me to my appointment were OK, safe to drive and gave them instructions on when and where to go to meet me at the hospital.
I wish I could remember the names of these men, but unfortunately I do not. I am just hoping that they can be identified by the trip # and date and be given the accolades and appreciation they deserve. You are lucky to have people with the compassion, professionalism and kindness that these 3 men showed me and my family on January 6th working for your town.
Sincerely,
Dina Day”
E. Hathaway, of 8 Surrey Lane, would like to acknowledge Greenbush Elementary School. He asks about lawn waste removal. He also shares concerns with speeding near his home.
A. Palazzo, of 5 Robin Lane, supports the repeal of 2013-58 to reduce the price of the Concealed Carry Permit cost. He supports the Ethics training for elected officials and board members. He commends the police department for their raid confiscating several weapons and drugs. He suggests asking Thomas Noret to co-sponsor a bill with Pat Serpa for the elder exemption. He shares concerns with the pensions in the MERS system. He points out pages 34-39 in the budget relative to employee salaries. He states that it is all “smoke and mirrors”.
R. Adrian, of 37 Brayton Street, thanked the police for being so thorough on the concealed carry permit applications. He thinks the Council made the right choice reducing the fees. He shares concerns about permitting vehicles on his property. He has been fined for a vehicle he would like to repair on his property.
K. Executive Session – Council may vote to move to Executive Session pursuant to R.I. General Law 42-46-5 (a)(2)-Litigation
01 DiMartino v. West Warwick Zoning Board of Review KC -2018-1055
MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by J. Licciardi to move into Executive Session pursuant to R.I. General Law 42-46-5 (a)(2)-Litigation. All Ayes
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier to seal the minutes of Executive Session.
All Ayes
No votes were taken in Executive Session.
L. Adjournment
MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by J. Licciardi to adjourn at 10:19 P.M. All Ayes
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah S. Rapose, CMC, Town Clerk.