THIS MEETING WAS CONDUCTED VIA ZOOM.

 

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.    RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS & MEMORIALS

 

RATIFY AND CONFIRM:

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. McCuin, to ratify and confirm the following resolutions:  (Voted Unanimously)

 

a.     Appreciation – All Veterans Of The Vietnam War

 

     The aforesaid resolution was read aloud by Councilor Giorno.

 

b.     Congratulations – The Westerly High School Football Coaches And The All-Division Players

 

     The aforesaid resolution was read aloud by Councilor Aiello.

 

 

 3.    PRESENTATIONS

 

a.      Coronavirus – Update – Town Manager Rooney

 

     Town Manager Rooney noted that, according to the Governor’s next-step guidelines issued today on phased openings, it doesn’t appear that there will be an extension of the current order past May 8^th.  He reported that everyone who visited the Transfer Station on Saturday practiced social distancing; that the Chief of Police has had very little push back on compliancy with the Governor’s Executive Orders; and that the wearing of masks by town employees is going smoothly with donations of same being made by many people in the community.   

 

     Town Manager Rooney noted that the grace period for tax payments has been extended to June 1^st.

 

1.     Beach Openings

 

     Town Manager Rooney reported that the Chief of Police is working with the Superintendent of Public Works in making accommodations for both trash and the hiring of seasonal staff as people are now on the beaches.  He stated that he is moving forward with the beach opening until he hears otherwise.  He further noted that an inadvertent posting on the Town’s website of a fee increase in beach passes for seniors will be corrected.

 

       

 4.    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

 

 

 5.    CONSENT CALENDAR

 

        a.     Approval of Minutes

 

Committee of the Whole – 4/20/20

Regular – 3/30/20

Special – 4/1/20, 4/2/20, 4/4/20, 4/6/20, 4/15/20

 

Motion by Mr. McCuin, Seconded by Mr. Cooke, that the aforesaid minutes be accepted and approved as printed.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

        b.     Fiscal Matters

 

Motion by Mr. McCuin, Seconded by Mr. Cooke, that the following resolutions be adopted and the petitions be granted:  (Voted Unanimously)

 

1.     19/20-76 Resolution Authorizing The Waiver Of Penalty For Late Payments ($787.15)

 

2.     19/20-77 Resolution Authorizing Changer Order 2 to The Contract For 2019 Town-Wide Sidewalks Project (J.H. Lynch – not to exceed $72,200.00)

 

3.     19/20-78 Resolution In Support Of Legislation To Establish An Ocean State Climate Adaptation And Resilience Fund (OSCAR)

 

4.     Petitions from National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. for joint pole locations at:

1.     26-84 Oak Street (Plan #29478245)

2.     12-1 Pearl Street (Plan 56-20-29397474)

       

        c.     Appointments and Resignations

 

1.     Appointments:

a.     Licensing Board – Full Member

 

     Councilor Giorno nominated Angela M. Thoman-Miller of 57 Westminster Street for re-appointment to the Licensing Board.

 

A vote was taken on the nomination of Angela M. Thoman-Miller of 57 Westminster Street for re-appointment to the Licensing Board for a three-year term, expiring March 2023 and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

b.     Board of Recreation – Full Members

 

     Councilor Giorno nominated David Mitchell for re-appointment to the Board of Recreation.

 

A vote was taken on the nomination of David Mitchell of 4 State Street for re-appointment to the Board of Recreation for a three-year term, expiring April 2023 and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

     Councilor Giorno nominated Joshua Arnold for re-appointment to the Board of Recreation.

 

A vote was taken on the nomination of Joshua Arnold of 15 Michaels Way for re-appointment to the Board of Recreation for a three-year term, expiring April 2023 and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

c.     Planning Board – Full Member

 

     Councilor Giorno nominated Joseph Michael Montesano, who currently serves as Auxiliary Member, for appointment as a full member to the Planning Board.

 

A vote was taken on the nomination of Joseph Michael Montesano of 11 Terrace Avenue for appointment as a full member to the Planning Board to fill the unexpired term of Catherine DeNoia, term expiring August 2023 and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

d.     Planning Board – Auxiliary Member

 

     No action was taken on the aforesaid appointment.

 

        d.     Order Advertised for Public Hearing

 

1.     Proposed Ordinance – “An Ordinance In Amendment Of Article I, Restricted Activities, Of Chapter 81 Of The Westerly Code Of Ordinances Entitled ‘Beaches’” [§81-4.1. Smoking prohibited – add “tobacco products and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, or “vaping””)

        (Order Adv. for Public Hearing on 5/11/20)

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. McCuin, that the aforesaid proposed ordinance be ordered advertised for public hearing on May 11, 2020.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

2.     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 – add “tobacco products, cigarette butts, chewing tobacco canisters or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems”)

        (Order Adv. for Public Hearing on 5/11/20)

 

Motion by Ms. Cioffi, Seconded by Mr. McCuin, that the aforesaid proposed ordinance be ordered advertised for public hearing on May 11, 2020.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

3.     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)

        (Order Adv. for Public Hearing on 6/8/20)

 

Motion by Mr. Cooke, Seconded by Mr. McCuin, that the aforesaid proposed ordinance be ordered advertised for public hearing on June 8, 2020.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

 6.    PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

        None

 

 

 7.    NEW BUSINESS

 

               None

 

 

 8.    UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

               None

 

 

 9.    COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS

 

        a.     Liaison Reports

 

1.      Westerly Public Library and Park – Board meeting held; Library doing good things for the community; staff going above and beyond to ensure that everyone is getting books they need; continuing forward with plans prior to Coronavirus and with community outreach  (Councilor Giorno)

 

2.      Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce – New One Fund Committee created, of which she and Councilor McCuin are members, which donated collected funds to downtown businesses to help them thrive during this difficult time; the last two weekends downtown businesses were showcased and individuals who spent $25 at those businesses received a $10 gift certificate to be used downtown; gave money to Wood River Health Services who is in need of help for its dedication of time and services to our community; gave money to the WARM Shelter  (Councilor Giorno)

 

3.      Misquamicut Business Association – Gave shout out to Councilor Cooke for a great concert in celebration of the MBA’s twenty-fifth anniversary; money also donated to the One Fund Committee  (Councilor Giorno)

 

4.      Westerly Senior Center – Center continues to function with restrictions; people picking up meals and meals being delivered on Fridays; van service being used; made over one thousand welfare checks to seniors in the community by phone; have a project coordinator to work on repairs and replacements at the Center through CDBG funding  (Councilor Cioffi)

 

5.      Johnnycake Center – Thinking outside the box; will be helping people with personal shopping; selling items on Facebook with curbside pickup  (Councilor Cioffi)

 

6.      Recreation – Recreation Board hopes to meet in May or June to discuss summer programs and beach activities; DEM grant approved for Bradford Preserve walking path  (Councilor Aiello)

 

     Councilor Cioffi gave a shout out to Dr. Garceau, Superintendent of Schools, and the School Department for recognizing the members of the Westerly High School senior class of 2020 who are missing out on senior activities by placing posters on the lawns of the seniors’ families.   

 

     Council President Duhamel commended Lisa Pellegrini and the staff of the Development Services Department who are using this time to review ordinances and streamline services provided by the Department.

 

        b.     Town Council – 4/27/20

 

        c.     Town Manager and Town Solicitor – 4/27/20

 

1.     Comprehensive Plan – Next Steps

 

     Town Manager Rooney reported that the Planning Board hopes to have its public hearing on the Plan in May and continue into June and present it to the Council in July based on feedback.  He stated that the Board has met with interest groups and continues to modify the document based on concerns expressed.

 

2.     Open Meetings & Public Records – Governor’s Executive Order 20-25, dated April 15, 2020

 

     Town Solicitor Conley referred to his memorandum regarding the aforesaid Executive Order stating that the Council continues to have its meetings remotely and provides public access and that all regular agenda items can now be addressed.  Said memorandum is attached hereto and made a part of the record of these proceedings.  He noted that this new order applies to all board, commission and committee meetings.

 

3.     Boom Bridge Project, Roads, Parking Lots and Sidewalks

 

     Town Manager Rooney reported that the Boom Bridge project is on schedule and that the November completion deadline should be met.  He further reported on the number of roads to be resurfaced in collaboration with National Grid, along with drainage issues in various parts of Town to be addressed by Engineering and Public Works Department.  He noted that the repair of Atlantic Avenue from the State Beach to the breachway will be addressed; that there will be change order in the range of $25,000 for the project; and that drainage and stormwater will be addressed after Labor Day.  He further reported that the Christ Church Parking Lot next to Town Hall and the Senior Center Parking Lot were reviewed today and that work is scheduled to be completed in May.  He noted that, regarding the Church Street sidewalks, the engineering consultant is awaiting RIDEM’s response to RIDOT’s best management practices regarding stormwater issues.

 

        d.     Town Clerk – None

 

        e.     Agenda Referrals and Backlog Agenda (Items to be assigned to future agendas)

 

1.    Old Town Garage

 

     Town Solicitor Conley reported that there was an issue with the grandfathered rights to zoning of the property; that land use counsel has worked on a proposed abandonment that would clarify the issue; and that now that the Executive Order has been modified so that regular business can be considered, the Council can address the matter at its convenience.

 

2.    Bradford Elementary School

 

     Town Manager Rooney stated that he has not heard from the Superintendent of Schools on the status of the Tower Street School, and that a discussion should occur as to whether the Bradford School would be sold or used as a community center.

 

3.    AARP Livable Communities Presentation

 

     Councilor Aiello asked if a meeting date has been decided for the aforesaid presentation, noting that the matter had been previously scheduled for March 16^th and 23^rd, but those meetings were cancelled.

 

     Councilor Ahern responded that she was informed by Laurel Holmes that she would rather make her presentation in July when everything is back to normal in July in order to reach a larger audience.

 

        f.     Requests of Town Manager by Councilors

 

     Councilor Giorno extended birthday wishes to her daughter on the celebration of her sixth birthday.

 

     Councilor Cooke requested that the Town Manager contact the Superintendent of Schools regarding purchasing.  Council President Duhamel noted that there is activity on this issue.

 

     Councilor Aiello asked if the Town Manager would consider a deferment or an extended grace period on water bill payments to provide relief to businesses.

 

 

10.   ADJOURNMENT

 

        6:55 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

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