1.    6:01 P.M.  CALL TO ORDER

 

Present:   Pres. Duhamel

                 T. Mgr. Rooney

 

In Attendance Remotely:   Vice Pres. Giorno,

                                            Councilors Cioffi, Aiello, Cooke, Ahern, McCuin

                                            T. Sol. Conley

 

Absent:    Co. Clk. Giordano

                 T. Sgt. Falcone

                 Cameron Moore, Town Council Student Representative

 

INVOCATION – Councilor Cooke

 

SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Council President Duhamel

 

 

 2.    UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

a.     19/20-75 Resolution Authorizing Funding For The Non-Federal Cost Share Match Of The USACOE (US Army Corps of Engineers) Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project For Winnapaug Pond

        (Tabled from 4/6/20)

1.     Updated Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) Information

2.     Historical documents

 

Present:   Lisa Pellegrini, Director of Development Services

                 Dyann Baker, Finance Director

 

     Council President Duhamel announced that e-mails were received from the following in support of the Winnapaug Pond dredging project:  Joseph Montesano, 5 Terrace Ave; Edward Rossomondo, 12 West Fairway Ave, on behalf of the Winnapaug Pond Improvement Association; and James Torres, 19 Salt Pond Way.

 

     Finance Director Baker reported that she, along with Town Manager Rooney and Director of Development Services Pellegrini, met with representatives of RIIB to discuss the possible option for a 10-year general obligation debt without a referendum; however, they were firm on a five-year appropriated debt and that an extension would require a referendum. 

 

     Ms. Pellegrini stated that the Town will be receiving a press statement tomorrow announcing that the Town has been awarded the NRCS cost-share grant.  She noted that the only delay is determining whether the Town will seek funding through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) matching grant.  She explained that the $1 million appropriation by the Town will dredge an estimated 70 thousand cubic yards of sand from the pond onto the State Beach and that the same amount would be matched with a NRCS grant to improve the water quality of the pond.  She stated that it is anticipated that the project would start in October and be completed by January 2021.  She stated that she will be seeking access agreements from two property owners.

 

     Discussion was held regarding the amount of money appropriated each year towards the project.

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Ms. Cioffi, that the aforesaid resolution be adopted.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

 3.    PUBLIC HEARING (Adv. on   4/8/20 & 4/15/20   for this time)

 

        a.     Proposed FY2020/2021 Budget

 

Present:   Dyann Baker, Finance Director

 

Motion by Ms. Giorno, Seconded by Ms. Cioffi, that the public hearing be opened.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

     Council President Duhamel announced that e-mails were received from the following:  Gail Mallard, 2 Schumann Rd – re: In opposition of a 1 to 2% increase in the Town’s proposed budget; Brigitte Hopkins, Executive Director, Westerly Library and Wilcox Park – re: Sought continued support of Westerly Library and Wilcox Park

 

     Participants via Zoom:  Alison Croke, MHA, President and CEO, Wood River Health Services; Richard Smith, 1 Waxcadowa Ave; Brigitte Hopkins, Executive Director, Westerly Library and Wilcox Park

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that the public hearing be closed.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

 4.    OTHER MATTERS

 

a.     Rhode Island Governor’s Executive Order 20-25, dated April 15, 2020

 

      Town Solicitor Conley explained the supplemental emergency declaration by Governor Raimondo regarding public meetings and public records requests.  He stated that the social distancing rules, the banning of all gatherings of more than 5 people, the permitting of convening a public body through virtual means and allowing real-time public access remain in effect; however, municipal body meetings can expand beyond restrictions of meeting for essential purposes only.

 

 

 5.    ADJOURNMENT

 

        6:52 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

     Details of the aforesaid proceedings are available on video on the Town of Westerly website.