1.    6:00 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.    CITIZENS COMMENTS

 

     Sign-Up Sheets will be available at the Council Meeting for any citizens wishing to be heard.  Citizens who do not sign up to speak will have an opportunity to be heard following the individuals listed on the sign-up sheet.

 

     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.  If the matter is scheduled for a public hearing, the comments shall be deferred to that agenda item. 

 

        None

 

COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE

 

        None

 

 

 3.    Coronavirus – Update – Town Manager Rooney

a.     2020 Election Filing Process – Discussion

 

     Town Manager Rooney extended his appreciation and that of the Chief of Police to the citizens of Westerly, the visitors, and the big box retailers for their cooperation with the directives coming from the Governor and the Town with regard to social distancing and the wearing of masks during this period.  He stated that the hospital has only one COVID-19 patient with no one in the ICU.  He further stated that Chief Lacy continues to monitor the situation, which has been uneventful at this point, through daily contact with the Police Chiefs Association, the Governor’s Office and the RI League of Cities and Towns.

 

     In response to Councilor Cioffi regarding restrictions at the Transfer Station, Mr. Rooney replied that changes will be instituted whereby payment by credit card will be implemented and demolition, brush, mattresses and tires will be accepted by appointment.

 

     Town Solicitor Conley reported that the Governor’s order with regard to open meetings being held remotely is still in effect; however, in addition to essential matters, all regular and routine matters can now be heard so long as the social distancing is continued and video is provided in real time with participation access.

 

     Town Manager Rooney provided an election update, stating that the Westerly Yacht Club has offered its use as a polling location for the Presidential Preference Primary in June as it was determined to be more suitable and centrally located.

 

     In response to Councilor Ahern regarding the need for unendorsed candidates to obtain fifty signatures on nomination papers and whether this requirement can be modified due COVID-19, Town Solicitor Conley stated that the Secretary of State is reviewing the issue and will be making a recommendation.  He stated that he will continue to monitor the situation and provide the Council with further information.

 

 4.    Resolution In Support Of Legislation To Establish An Ocean State Climate Adaptation And Resilience Fund (OSCAR) – Discussion and Possible Action to Move to the Next Regular Meeting for Consideration

 

     Town Solicitor Conley explained that the aforesaid resolution would support a bill before the legislature that would provide for a dedicated stream of funding to the OSCAR fund.

 

It was the consensus of the Council that the aforesaid resolution be placed on the April 27, 2020 Regular Meeting agenda for consideration.

 

 5.    Resolution – Every Rhode Island Should Be Counted in 2020 Census “I Count. You Count. We All Count.” – Discussion and Possible Action to Move to the Next Regular Meeting for Consideration

 

     Discussion was held regarding the need for the aforesaid resolution.

 

     It was the consensus of the majority of the Council that the aforesaid resolution not move forward.  (Councilors Aiello, McCuin and Duhamel dissented)

 

 6.    Proposed Ordinance – “An Ordinance In Amendment Of Chapter 1439 Of the General Ordinances Of The Town Of Westerly Entitled ‘Re-Enact And Re-Adopt Chapter 1242 Entitled “The Westerly, Rhode Island, Zoning Ordinance Of 1998, As Amended’” (Amend §260-9. “Terms defined” by adding definition of Pet Day Care Facility and amend §260-18. “Standard Zoning District Use Tables” to identify where a Pet Day Care Facility will be allowed) – Discussion and Possible Action to Move to the Next Regular Meeting to be Ordered Advertised for Public Hearing

 

     Discussion was held regarding the aforesaid ordinance, which, if adopted, would amend the zoning code to permit pet day care facilities in certain districts either as an allowed use or by special permit.  Councilors expressed their opinions regarding the areas in which this activity should be permitted, regulating of same, and enforcement.

 

It was the consensus of the Council that the aforesaid proposed ordinance be referred to the Planning Board for an advisory opinion and placed on the April 27, 2020 Regular Meeting agenda to be ordered advertised for public hearing. 

 

 7.    Grant Award To Reduce Tobacco Products Used At Public Parks And Beaches – Discussion and Possible Action

a.     Proposed Ordinance – “An Ordinance In Amendment Of Article I, Restricted Activities, Of Chapter 81 Of The Westerly Code Or Ordinances Entitled ‘Beaches’” (§81-4.1. Smoking prohibited) – Discussion and Possible Action to Move to the Next Regular Meeting to be Ordered Advertised for Public Hearing

 

Motion by Ms. Ahern, Seconded by Mr. McCuin, that the aforesaid proposed ordinance be placed on the April 27, 2020 Regular Meeting agenda to be ordered advertised for public hearing.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

b.     Proposed Ordinance – “An Ordinance In Amendment Of Article I, General Littering Restrictions; Burning, Of Chapter 162 Of The Westerly Code Or Ordinances Entitled ‘Littering’” (§162-1. Littering of highways and streets) – Discussion and Possible Action to Move to the Next Regular Meeting to be Ordered Advertised for Public Hearing

 

Motion by Mr. McCuin, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that the aforesaid proposed ordinance be placed on the April 27, 2020 Regular Meeting agenda to be ordered advertised for public hearing.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 8.    Department Of Motor Vehicles – Relocation From Town Hall – Discussion and Possible Action

 

     Discussion was held regarding the removal of the Registry of Motor Vehicles from Town Hall and the reasons for same.  Councilors expressed their opinions regarding the removal and the need for the Registry to maintain a presence in Westerly at another location.

 

     It was the consensus of the Council that the Town Manager work with Representative Azzinaro to find a more suitable location in Westerly for the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

 

 

 9.    ADJOURNMENT

 

        7:08 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

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