7:00 P.M.  CALL TO ORDER

 

Present:

Co. Pres. Serra, Vice Pres. Parrilla

Councilors Duhamel, Cooke, McCuin, Anthony, Field

Acting T. Mgr./Chief of Staff Ahern, Asst. T. Sol. Payne

Co. Clk. Giordano, T. Sgt. Abate

 

Absent:

T. Mgr. Hartford

T. Sol. Buck

 

 

INVOCATION – Councilor Field

 

SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Council President Serra

 

 

CITIZENS COMMENTS/COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE

 

     When addressing the Council, please state your name and address; please conduct yourself in an orderly and respectful fashion.  The comments of citizens accessing this portion of our meeting are neither adopted nor endorsed by this body, but heard as requested.  Comments shall be limited to agenda items.

 

a.     Debra Nigrelli, RI Center Assisting Those In Need, Charlestown, RI – re: CDBG fund request; would like to come before the Council at public hearing; even though located in Charlestown, feed more Westerly residents; partnered with WalMart in hunger food program; asked for funds toward new building and affordable housing; asked that Council reconsider request

 

b.     John Garnier, 6 Narragansett Ave – re: Wind Study; few items not technically accurate in The Westerly Sun article; wind turbine at Transfer Station – grant not available at this time; should the town’s infrastructure be expanded with alternate energy project; numbers presented were very conservative

 

c.     Fred Sculco, 17 Champlin Dr – re: Wind Study; disappointed that there was not going to be a feasible economic feedback; municipalities are going to have to find ways to get income to reduce their costs; proposal – if municipality could become a partner with private energy groups, could be put into low interest funds, green energy fund or investment co-op; haven’t given up on having town become an investment partner to get a better interest rate; hoping to get feedback from Senator Reed’s office

 

 1.    Town Manager’s Update on Meeting with the Westerly-Pawcatuck Joint Development Task Force

 

     Chief of Staff Ahern reported that, on Thursday, April 28, 2011, she and the Town Manager met with several members of the Task Force, namely, Peter Lewiss, Katherine Taylor, and Marco Tomasini, as well as Stonington First Selectman Edward Haberek, and, as a result of the meeting, the Task Force turned over all of their financials to the Town Manager and agreed that it would not expend any monies on projects, particularly the walking tour book, until an audit was complete.  She stated that it was agreed the Town’s auditor would review the financials; that it would be in the best interest to perform the audit as soon as possible; and that the auditors will review the financials on Wednesday, May 4, 2011.  She noted that the Task Force is open to continuing the conversation and is very open to reconfiguring the status quo.  She stated that there are a lot of different issues on the table, although the money is the biggest issue, and the Task Force wants to resolve this before they move to the next step.  She stated that, although the Task Force took a step back, it never officially dissolved.

 

     Discussion was held regarding concerns that there are a lot of questions that need to be answered; that funds need to be given back to or reallocated by the state’s Economic Development Commission (EDC); that the Chamber of Commerce’s list should be followed on how to allocate the funds; that there needs to be an agreement to reallocate the funds; that there should be a meeting to find out the next steps; that the funds should be used to help downtown; that the Task Force let their mission statement remain the same even though it is not working with the towns of Westerly and Stonington; and that the Town of Westerly will not have any input as to how the Task Force redirects the money because it is EDC money.

 

 2.    Proposed Ordinance – “An Ordinance In Amendment Of Chapter 238 Of The Westerly Code Of Ordinances Entitled ‘Vehicles And Traffic’”

 

Present:   Edward Mello, Chief of Police

 

     Chief Mello explained the proposed changes and updates made to the aforesaid ordinance to bring it into compliance with current practice.  He addressed Section 238-6, which relates to bicycles and skateboards, noting that the proposed changes would prohibit their use on sidewalks, government owned property, and private commercial property in the DC-1 and DC-2 zones, with the exception of any public street in accordance to RI General Laws.  He stated that there is ample opportunity and location for individuals to ride bikes and skateboards in other parts of town, noting that there is a skate park maintained by the Town and the construction of a bike park is underway off of Wilson Street.  He reported that parking is predominately prohibited south of Shore Road; however, the Police Department may grant permission to park vehicles in designated tow or no parking zones for limited times.

 

     Discussion was held regarding the elimination of yellow curbing, which is no longer maintained as a means of marking; the elimination of 5- and 10-minute pickup zones to 15-minute pickup zones; enforcement of parking restrictions and tow zones; the need for some flexibility for riding bicycles, particularly around schools, due to the energy crisis; the posting of signage relating to bicycles and skateboards, especially by property owners in the downtown area; and the request that the fire district moderators, especially in the beach districts, be notified of the parking waivers in designated tow or no parking zones for limited times so that they can inform seasonal visitors.

 

     Councilor Cooke noted that Section 238-29 now states that the payment of any parking fine may be paid through the mail by check or money order; therefore, the word “Cash” should be eliminated from the section heading.

 

     It was the consensus of the Council that the aforesaid proposed ordinance, as amended, be placed on the May 9, 2011 Regular Meeting agenda to be ordered advertised for public hearing.

 

 3.    Beach Erosion – Discussion with Beach Protection Study Committee

 

Present:   Beach Protection Study Committee members:  John Azzinaro and

                    Charles Soloveitzik, Esq.

 

     The members present felt that a beach erosion study may be misassigned to the Beach Protection Study Committee since there is a Conservation Commission, which has already conducted many studies of the beach area, including beach replenishment with Dr. Boothroyd of the University of Rhode Island.  It was stated that a presentation was made to a prior Council showing aerial photographs of the shoreline and the dunes as they looked in the 1950’s and 1960’s and how they would look in the future.  It was felt that the study should be reassigned to the Conservation Commission.  It was reported that the Beach Protection Study Committee has held only one meeting since its inception and had a problem establishing a direction; that the board was interested in doing the right thing, but the makeup of the Board is without any scientific background; that the Committee felt its mission would be about cleaning the sand, periodic sand removal, and advocating for funds for beach foliation, but nothing came of it; and that the Committee did not feel that it has any scientific or economic background to endorse any program of great magnitude.  It was suggested that the Town utilize the best and the brightest on staff or engage a professional consultant to come up with a plan.  It was reported that there is a plan to dredge Winnapaug Pond, but that the State has not come forward with the $900,000 to the Army Corps of Engineers to proceed.  It was stated that the Town needs to determine how much beach needs to be done; that the Town has to have someone gather the readily available resources, and have some opportunity for the group to review them; and that the group could have subcommittees to review the larger issues.

 

     Discussion was held regarding the suggestion that the Beach Protection Study Committee be utilized for small studies and for gathering information.  It was noted that document exists on dredging of breachways and placing sand on beach face; that there are a lot of studies on beach protection that already exist, are current, and could be used; and that the new Comprehensive Plan addresses the protection of beaches and lists names of people who showed interest in these areas.

 

     Councilor Cooke stated that that David Prescott of Save The Bay is an excellent resource, reporting that the group has been doing restoration along the salt ponds.  He noted that the Town will use sand from the dredging of the Weekapaug Breachway for beach replenishment at Wuskenau Town Beach and that some property owners along the beach have undertaken dune restoration.  He explained that one of the problems is that the barrier beach naturally wants to move, but that there has to be a solution to the problem.  He suggested that the members of the Beach Protection Study Committee be asked if they would like to remain on the Committee and then have them work together with Save the Bay and the Conservation Commission.  He stated that he liked the idea of a consultant and perhaps Save the Bay could help with funding.  He stated that the Town needs an expert to explain the options.

 

     It was the consensus of the Council that letters be sent to members of the Beach Protection Study Committee to inquire if they wish to remain a member; that a letter be sent to the Conservation Commission asking if they would be willing to join with the Beach Protection Study Committee and Save the Bay to undertake the beach erosion study; that Chief of Staff Ahern be directed to contact John King at the University of Rhode Island to try to obtain a copy of the beach replenishment study; that Chief of Staff Ahern be directed to contact the Salt Pond Coalition to see if a representative is willing to serve on the Committee; and that this matter be referred to a future workshop once all of the material has been gathered.

 

 4.    Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) FY2011 Application – Recommendations

 

Present:   Marilyn Shellman, Town Planner

                 Blanche Higgins, Assistant Town Planner

                 Geoffrey Marchant, Community Development Consortium

 

     Ms. Higgins reported that the Town of Westerly is required to submit the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to the State in mid-June and that the Town is eligible to apply for up to $400,000.  She stated that the Planning Board is required to submit an advisory recommendation to the Town Council and that the Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed projects on May 23, 2011.  She reviewed the subcommittee’s recommendations and project ranking.  She explained that the North End Revitalization Projects are a continuation of work done over the past ten years and includes housing rehabilitation, commercial rehabilitation, River Center Improvements (116 Canal St), and streetscape improvements (Phase I).  She reported on other proposed projects, which include food pantry upgrade and handicap access at Jonnycake of Westerly, emergency shelter renovations at WARM, Safe House renovations at Domestic Violence Resource Center, operating costs at Washington County Community Development Corp., technical assistance for Real Estate Loan Program at Community Housing Land Trust, Housing Information Program at Narragansett Affordable Housing Corp., and CDBG Program Administration (CD Consortium).  She addressed the applications that are not being recommended, which included RI Center Assisting Those in Need, WARM (employment/job readiness program), and South County Community Action.  She reported that, each year, the Town applies for $400,000; however, it has been receiving just under $200,000.

 

     Mr. Marchant explained that, if the Town does not receive the full funding request, the State informs the Town which activities it will fund and for what amount.  He reported that the $65,000 requested by WARM for emergency shelter renovations is based on the percentage of the total clientele served by each town.  

 

     Chief of Staff Ahern explained that the Town has to compete for these funds and that the subcommittee tries to develop the most competitive application; therefore, some agencies are not recommended.

 

     Councilor Cooke felt that something could be done in house to help those agencies not recommended for funding.

 

     Councilor Duhamel thanked Town Planner Shellman and Assistant Town Planner Higgins for all of their work in the North End and Mr. Marchant for all of his work throughout town.

 

     It was the consensus of the Council that the FY2011 Community Development Block Grant Application be placed on the May 9, 2011 Regular Meeting agenda to be ordered advertised for public hearing.

 

 

 

 

 5.    Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Disaster Relief – Flood Reimbursement – Discussion

 

Present:   Marilyn Shellman, Town Planner

                 Amy Dobrowski, consultant

 

     Council President Serra explained that this application, with the Office of Housing and Community Development for funding under the RI Community Development Block Grant Program – Disaster Recovery, will help those who were devastated by the March 2010 flood and did not receive FEMA funding.

 

      Ms. Dobrowski explained that the disaster recovery fund is a competitive process state-wide; that the State has approximately $8.8 million available; that each community is allowed to apply for up to $2.2 million; and that the Town of Westerly will apply for the full amount.  She reported that the four projects include the Canal Street drainage project that has been designed by BETA Engineering, the Department of Public Works permanent emergency access road at a cost of approximately $65,000, and Housing Rehabilitation for Unmet Needs for the Residents and Economic Development Unmet Needs of the Businesses.  She stated that the application deadline is Friday, May 14, 2011.

 

     It was the consensus of the Council that a resolution be placed on the May 9, 2011 Regular Meeting agenda for consideration.

 

 6.    Wind Study – Next Steps – Council Discussion

 

     Councilor Duhamel stated that the decision of whether to move forward with a wind turbine is now with the Council.  He felt that there is enough evidence to show that a wind turbine is viable.  He noted a court case that is holding up the shared metered aspect of putting a wind turbine on the transfer station site and allowing it to pay for other municipal meters.  He reported that the Town of Charlestown has already developed an RFP that the Town could use.  He stated that an anemometer, which measures wind speed, is available, noting that one of the requirements is to determine the amount of wind available.  He reported that he, along with Councilors Cooke and Field, met with a private wind developer who indicated that he could proceed with an anemometer study, design and permitting at no cost to the Town.  He stated that the town could also consider funding the project through a bond.  He stated that, while a study is being conducted, the Town could also research a green energy fund and an investment co-op.  He reported that statewide planning has a group developing standards in order to site a wind turbine and that the transfer site is meeting those standards, including separation from residences, bird migration pattern, and sound transfer to area residences.  He reported that the Economic Development Commission is formulating a land samp group and that he asked to be a member.  He believed that a lot of questions are going to be answered within the next two or three months, but that a lot of work has to be done.  He stated that there are no conclusions, but will have to keep moving forward. 

 

     Discussion ensued and it was noted that the town has two major options – fund the project or go with a private group; that there are tax advantages for a private developer which may not be afforded to the town; that the town may be able to get a grant and make its own power profitable for the town; that the town needs to try to get a wind study done for the landfill site; that Councilors Field, Cooke and Duhamel should decide the next direction for the town and then reform the committee and give it a new charge; and that the town should consult with National Grid to propose that it expand natural gas throughout town.

 

     Councilor Field reported that he attended the presentation made by URI students regarding proposed plans for the Industrial Park.  He stated that the students came up with some interesting and innovative ideas and that the presentation involved solar panels on every roof or green roofs.  He stated that there has been discussion about replacing the boiler system in the Town Hall, but asked if geothermal could be made part of the thought process, which, although, is  expensive up front, might be a big cost savings down the road. 

 

     It was the consensus of the Council that Councilors Duhamel, Cooke and Field meet to decide strategy and report back to Council.

 

 

CITIZENS COMMENTS/COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE

 

     When addressing the Council, please state your name and address; please conduct yourself in an orderly and respectful fashion.  The comments of citizens accessing this portion of our meeting are neither adopted nor endorsed by this body, but heard as requested.  Comments shall be limited to agenda items.

 

a.     Fred Sculco, 17 Champlin Dr – re: Alternate Energy; focus ought to be on how Council can assist the everyday energy buying person; if collectively band together, can have some clout; requested that Councilors put together a strategy regarding natural gas; let’s find a way to no longer victimize the members of the community; have three options – if going to invest $5,000,000, it should be invested in offshore windmill because it will give more return on money, there is no maintenance and will not have an impact on the town; will provide the town with costs for offshore wind

 

b.     James Angelo, 20 Rockridge Rd – re:  Natural Gas – reported on a plan to put gas off of Route 1A; however, need ten starts; cannot be dealt with on an individual basis

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

9:22 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn and reconvene Special Meeting.

 

 

 

     Details of the aforesaid proceedings are available on the tape record of said meeting and on the website video.