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| TOWN OF WEST WARWICK RHODE ISLAND 1170 Main Street West Warwick, RI 02893 (401) 822-9200 www.westwarwickri.org |  |
Click to view the entire meeting or click any video icon below to jump to that section of the meeting.
| 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
September 3, 2024
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. Councilman Mark Dennison - Present
b. Councilman Jason Licciardi - Absent
c. Councilman Jason Messier - Absent
d. Council Vice President Maribeth Williamson - Present
e. Council President David Gosselin - Present
The Council presents the proclamation to the Jaycee’s and RIDEM.
Representatives from LeftField and Tectron Architects update the body on the school building project.
1. Approval of the minutes from the August 13, 2024 Town Council Meeting
2. Cancellation of Taxes in the Amount of $6,279.82 as requested by the Tax Assessor
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of the Consent Agenda - All Ayes
1. Second Reading of an Ordinance for an Affordable Housing Agreement and Covenant for Lippitt Mill with Marathon Development, LLC
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of Ordinance for an Affordable Housing Agreement and Covenant for Lippitt Mill with Marathon Development, LLC.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
M. Dennison – Yes
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
2. Second Reading of Ordinance #2024-12 Amending the Zoning Map of the Town of West Warwick, and Amending Section 5.3 Table of Uses and 5.10 Signs Section 2 Definitions of the Zoning Code – As Amended
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of Ordinance #2024-12 Amending the Zoning Map of the Town of West Warwick, and Amending Section 5.3 Table of Uses and 5.10 Signs Section 2 Definitions of the Zoning Code – As Amended.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
M. Dennison – Yes
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
3. Second Reading of Ordinance #2024-13 Amending Section 2 General Purposes, Section 3 Definitions, Section 4 Division into Districts, Section 5 Use Regulations, and Section 18 Power of the Town Council to Establish Zoning Board of Review and Adopt Zoning Ordinances of the West Warwick Zoning Code
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of Ordinance #2024-13 Amending Section 2 General Purposes, Section 3 Definitions, Section 4 Division into Districts, Section 5 Use Regulations, and Section 18 Power of the Town Council to Establish Zoning Board of Review and Adopt Zoning Ordinances of the West Warwick Zoning Code.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
M. Dennison – No
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin – No
MOTION FAILS
4. Second Reading of Ordinance #2024-14 Amending Chapter 11 – Moter Vehicles and Traffic, Article 2 – Operation, and Adding Section 52 – Low Speed Vehicles – As Amended
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of Ordinance #2024-14 Amending Chapter 11 – Moter Vehicles and Traffic, Article 2 – Operation, and Adding Section 52 – Low Speed Vehicles – As Amended.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
M. Dennison – Yes
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
5. First Reading of Ordinance #2024-15 Amending Article VII – Tobacco Dealers License and Sales Regulations
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of Ordinance #2024-15 Amending Article VII – Tobacco Dealers License and Sales Regulations.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
M. Dennison – Yes
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin – No
MOTION PASSES
6. First Reading of Ordinance Authorizing the Town of West Warwick to Finance the Acquisition of Public Safety, Public Works, and Recreation Vehicles and Equipment by the Issuance of Not More Than $2,500,000 General Obligation Bonds and/or Notes Therefor
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of Ordinance Authorizing the Town of West Warwick to Finance the Acquisition of Public Safety, Public Works, and Recreation Vehicles and Equipment by the Issuance of Not More Than $2,500,000 General Obligation Bonds and/or Notes Therefor
ROLL CALL VOTE:
M. Dennison – Yes
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
1. Request from The Nardolillo Group LLC dba Toast-N-Tap for a Class BV Liquor License
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of request from The Nardolillo Group LLC dba Toast-N-Tap for a Class BV Liquor License; subject to approvals and payment. All Ayes
2. Request from the Falls Event Center LLC dba The Falls Event Center for a Class BV Liquor License at 3 Bridal Avenue Units 4-1 and 4A-1
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of request from the Falls Event Center LLC dba The Falls Event Center for a Class BV Liquor License at 3 Bridal Avenue Units 4-1 and 4A-1; subject to approvals and payment. All Ayes
1. Request from The Falls Event Center LLC for a Dance Live Band and Theatrical License
2. Request from Christ the King for a Raffle License
3. Request from Sacred Heart Church for a Raffle and Bazaar License
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of the business licenses; subject to approvals and payment. All Ayes
1. Approval of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Town of West Warwick and Local 2045 – RI Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO for Fiscal Years 2025-2027
NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
2. June 2024 Monthly Finance Report
K. Benoit shares the following report with the body:
Current year tax collections total $66,802,815.54 which is 101.38% of the budget for current year taxes. We have collected all quarters and trending approximately 1.38% higher than expected. Prior year tax collections totals $872,353.08 which is equal to 67.10% of the budgeted amount. This line has been adjusted by $388,262.80 for the 60-day rule and accrued back to Fiscal Year 2023. Overall, the revenues are at 104.76%, which is higher than the expected 100%. This is mainly attributed to strong tax collections and higher than expected Building, Finance and Town Clerk revenues. Expenditures are trending nearly as expected at 104.05%. This is 4.05% above the expected 100%. There are a few variables contributing to this. The variables net out to bring us within 4.05% of our target. Some examples of that are as follows: An additional $3,936,700 in pass-through School State Aid and costs to fix damage from the January 2024 Flooding. Please note, we are working with FEMA and don’t have an exact dollar for reimbursement yet, therefore any reimbursement is not factored into our expected revenues above at this time. However, many of the operating department budgets and General Government are trending at or below the expected 100%, including pension expense. The Civic Center has current operating expenditures of $781,269 and operating revenues of $741,286. The bank balance as of 8/27/2024 is $13,588,654.06. We have earned $346,471.44 as of 6/30 in interest on our ARPA funds invested at Centerville Bank.
3. Abatement of Taxes in the Amount of $72,876.21 as requested by the Tax Collector
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for abatement of taxes in the amount of $72,876.21 as requested by the Tax Collector. All Ayes
4. Approval of Grant for the Fire Department in the Amount of $412,158.00 for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of grant for the Fire Department in the amount of $412,158.00 for self-contained breathing apparatus. All Ayes
5. Discussion/Action – Homeless Encampments
M. Dennison had requested this agenda item. He shares concerns with the homeless encampments and the needles, trash, garbage, and feces. There is lots of crime activity and arrests. He would like to see the Council take action. He is concerned with the encampments proximity to schools and recreation areas.
Discussion ensues of potential actions that could be taken.
Council asks that this item is placed on the following agenda.
M. Williamson suggests putting a committee together.
6. Discussion/Action – 30 Payan Street
Council discussed options to collect rent from Child Inc. It is determined that it would not be beneficial due to potential legal expenses. No action was taken.
7. Request from Narragansett Electric for Relocation of Pole Location on Brookside Avenue
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison for approval of request from Narragansett Electric for relocation of pole location on Brookside Avenue. All Ayes
8. Arctic Gazebo Update
Chief Lavigne updates the body. The Police Department did 151 security checks from July 1st to August 14th. Several arrests were made. He reviews the arrest log. He notes that no damage has been reported to the gazebo.
1. Sewer Use Board of Review – Appointment to fill a vacancy as an alternate member for three-year term
2. Sewer Use Board of Review – Appointment to fill a vacancy as a regular member for three-year term
3. Tax Assessment Board of Review -Appointment to fill a vacancy for three-year term
4. School Building Committee – Architectural, Engineering, Construction Experience Needed
5. Tree Warden – Must be a Licensed Arborist
6. Recreation Committee – Appointment to fill vacancy for three-year term
7. West Warwick 250th Commission
D. Read, of 62 Andrews Avenue, feels that action needs to be taken with the homeless encampments. His son can’t use the bike path.
Donna Marcellos lives near Crompton Vets. She shares concerns about the encampment near her home. She describes several encounters with homeless people near her home. She would be happy to join a committee.
A. Palazzo, of 5 Robin Lane, suggests contacting the Attorney General to assist with the homelessness issue. The Supreme Court ruled that towns can take action. He praised the Department of Public Works for the work done on Greenbush Road.
Barbara Tabek asks the Council how they removed the homeless encampment on Brookside Avenue.
D. Gosselin explains that encampment was on private property.
B. Tabek shares concerns with fires at homeless encampments with the cold weather coming.
Daisy Egan, of Parker Street, suggests that the town have “Play Streets” which are street closures for neighborhood events.
Joseph Simas states that he called the Police Department about activity at the gazebo and they immediately responded.
Hunter, of Paquin Drive, has young children. He has concerns with the homeless issue. He urges the Council to take action.
Father Flemming, of 20 Washington Street, lives next to the gazebo. He thanks the Police for their response. He states that the town needs to make a safe community. He suggests a permit process to use the gazebo.
Paul Villa states that it is time for enforcement with the homeless encampments. He is concerned with the liability to the town. The Supreme Court has given the town the authority. He also thinks that the Police and Fire Department need a new headquarters. They deserve better.
Stan Tabek, of 12 Gendron Street, shares concerns with the homeless encampments. Action needs to be taken.
Michael Gough, of 35 Payan Street, has seen dumping and break-ins at 30 Payan Street.
Rhea Lovell from the RI Coalition to End Homelessness states that 95% of the homeless population in West Warwick lived in West Warwick. The affordability of housing is the issue. She would love to be part of a committee.
Felix Appolonia, of 10 Fernwood, states that the Town needs to get back to law and order.
1. RI Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison to move to Executive Session pursuant to R.I. General Law 42-46-5 (a)(2)– Collective Bargaining or Litigation. All Ayes
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison to return to open session. All Ayes
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison to seal the minutes of executive session.
All Ayes
NO VOTES WERE TAKEN.
MOTION made by D. Gosselin, seconded by M. Williamson to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 P.M.
All Ayes
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah S. Rapose, MMC
Town Clerk