WEST WARWICK TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting

Town Council Chambers

March 5, 2024

6:00 P.M.

 

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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 Vice-President at 6:04 P.M.

 

B.         Prayer led by Council

 

C.         Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

 

D.        Roll Call taken by Town Clerk

Councilman Mark Dennison - Present

Councilman Jason Licciardi - Present

Councilman Jason Messier - Present

Council Vice President Maribeth Williamson - Present

Council President David Gosselin - Absent

 

E.         Quorum on Record Declared by Town Clerk

 

F.         Consent Agenda

01  Cancellation of Taxes in the Amount of $313.31 as Requested by the Tax Assessor

 

MOTION made by J. Licciardi, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of the Consent Agenda.

                                    All Ayes

 

G.        Ordinances

01  Amendment of Zoning Ordinance to Address Recent Housing Legislation (Continued)

 

MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by M. Dennison to continue until the April 23, 2024 Town Council meeting.                   All Ayes

 

H.        Business Licenses

01  Request from Katelyn Spazian for a Breeders License

02  Renewal of Kennel Licenses

      A.   Joseph Laurent

      B.   Camp Bow Wow

      C.   Katelyn Spaziano

      D.   Sergio Rodriguez

      E.   Laurie & Jeff Dumas

      F.   K9 Bay Doggy Daycare & Squatic Center

      G.  Serena Mulligan

 

MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by J. Licciardi for approval of the business licenses.    All Ayes

 

I.          Appointments and Resignations

01  Request from Danielle Munro for Appointment to the Recreation Committee for term ending February 1, 2027

 

Council determined that they would like to know more about the applicant before appointing her to a board or commission. 

 

MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of request from Danielle Munro for Appointment to the Recreation Committee for term ending February 1, 2027.

VOTE:

M. Dennison – No

J. Licciardi – No

M. Williamson – No

J. Messier – Abstains

 

MOTION FAILS.

 

J.          New Business

01 Resolution Supporting the Continuation of RIPTA Service in the Town of West Warwick

 

MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by J. Licciardi for approval of resolution supporting the continuation of RIPTA Service in the Town of West Warwick.                 All Ayes

 

02  Resolution Naming Veteran’s Square

 

MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by J. Licciardi for approval of resolution naming Veteran’s Square.                 All Ayes

 

03  Discussion of Recreation Committee Membership and Functions

 

J. Licciardi had requested this agenda item.  This Committee was originally an advisory board that reported to the Recreation Director.  The committee was formed when the Town was putting in River Point Park.  There is no longer a Recreation Director. 

 

J. Caldwell, DPW Director, is happy to work with the Recreation Committee.  He explains that in the past there were issues with board members attending meetings and site visits.  He suggests the Recreation Committee could organize community events. 

 

M. Knott agrees that recreation facilities and events are vital to the community.   

 

04  School Building Committee Update

 

M. Knott states that the Committee met on February 28^th.  They approved an RFQ for Architectural and Engineering services.  The Committee is waiting for feedback from RIDE on the needs assessment.  He is trying to arrange a joint meeting with the School Committee and Town Council.  The Superintendent will contact him with possible dates. 

           

K.         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 to fill vacancy for five-year term expiring November 2027

04  Tax Assessment Board of Review -Appointment to fill a vacancy for three-year term

05  School Building Committee – Architectural, Engineering, Construction Experience

06  Tree Warden – Must be Licensed Arborist

07  Recreation Committee – Appointment to fill vacancy for three year term

 

L.         Public Forum

 

A. Palazzo, of 5 Robin Lane, feels that the public should be involved at the budget workshop meetings.  He asks about the progress on Payan Street and Cowesett Avenue.  He asks if the Riverpoint play ground is ADA compliant.  He suggests that the Police and Fire departments should notify DPW about potholes around town.  He recalls a time when every neighborhood in West Warwick had a playground.

 

J. Messier reminds the body that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on March 17^th at 1pm. 

 

J. Licciardi reminds the body that there will be an easter egg hunt at Maise Quinn School on March 30^th at 9am.  This event is rain or shine. 

 

M.        Executive Session – Council may vote to move to Executive Session pursuant to R.I. General Law 42-46-5 (a)(2)– Collective Bargaining or Litigation and R.I. General Law 42-46-5 (a) (5) Sale or Lease of Public Property

01  Local 1104 International Association of Fire Fighters

02  Local 312 International Brotherhood of Police Officers

03  RI Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO

04  Payan Street

05  NEIT v. Sal Saccocio (All Cases)  KC-2021-0060

 

MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by J. Licciardi to move to Executive Session pursuant to R.I. General Law 42-46-5 (a)(2)– Collective Bargaining or Litigation and R.I. General Law 42-46-5 (a) (5) Sale or Lease of Public Property.                          All Ayes

 

MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by M. Dennison to return to open session.            All Ayes

 

MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by J. Licciardi to seal the minutes of the executive session.

                                                All Ayes

 

NO VOTES WERE TAKEN

 

N.        Adjournment

MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by M. Dennison to adjourn the meeting at 7:17 P.M.        All Ayes

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah S. Rapose, CMC

Town Clerk