THIS MEETING WAS CONDUCTED VIA ZOOM

 

The public was able to view this meeting.

 

 

1.     5:30 P.M.  CALL TO ORDER

 

Present:   Co. Pres. Duhamel

                 Vice Pres. Giorno

                 Co. McCuin

                 T. Mgr. Rooney

                 Asst. T. Sol. Romano

                 Co. Clk. Giordano

 

In Attendance Remotely:   Councilors Cioffi, Aiello, Cooke, Ahern

                                            T. Sol. Conley

 

Absent:    T. Sgt. Falcone

 

INVOCATION – Councilor Aiello

 

SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Council President Duhamel

 

 

 2.    PRESENTATIONS

 

a.     COVID-19 Update

 

Report from Town Manager Rooney

 

     Town Manager Rooney reported that the pavilion at the main Town Beach will be open through September 13th with lifeguards in attendance; that Wuskeau will close after Labor Day; and that the parking lot at the State Beach will be open, but there will be no lifeguards after Labor Day.  He stated that the Governor expects schools to open on September 14th, with the exception of Central Fall and Providence; that there has been no guidance from the State cancelling Halloween, but that a plan must be in place; and that there will not be a Columbus Day parade due to the inability to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.  He further stated that he is planning to issue an Executive Order appointing Loren Matarese, Esq. special prosecutor due to the backlog of court cases; however, a possible conflict of interest is being examined as her office represents clients in Municipal Court, and that he is also looking at Town Solicitor Conley's office as a potential assistant prosecutor.    

 

        Report from Shawn Lacey, Chief of Police

 

     Chief Lacy reiterated what Town Manager Rooney reported on the beaches and school openings.  He reported that the number of COVID cases is down and reminded everyone not to become complacent, to keep social distancing and wearing masks, and to keep gatherings within 15 people.  He noted that most businesses and restaurants are complying with the restrictions; that the Department of Business Regulation is out checking on businesses and restaurants for compliance; that parking restrictions are still in place; and that parking fines will be reduced after Labor Day.  He noted that events being held with COVID plans in place; that his department is taking direction from Governor; that there is no indication of moving to Phase 4, but hopefully that will be forthcoming.  He stated that there has been no increase in the number of cases in Town in the last two weeks with no one being treated at the hospital.  He reported that Walmart is still using plastic bags; that it has a supply of paper bags that will last for fourteen days; and that the manager is checking with the national distribution center to obtain a ninety-day supply.

 

        Report from Lisa Konicki, President, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce

 

     Ms. Konicki thanked the Chief of Police, the Town Manager and Westerly Library and Wilcox Park for working together to bring about the Virtu Art festival.  She stated that guests were respectful of the rules and that the Department of Business Regulation is using this event as a model for planning large events in the state and has asked the Chamber to be a resource for other communities.  She noted that free disinfectants from Commerce RI were not delivered on Friday, but will be available soon; that the Governor is encouraging businesses and governments to hold meetings outside; that the Chamber has been challenged with coming up with new initiatives;  that Commerce RI will be provided funding potentially for tent rentals and heat lamps for the outdoor activities; and that the Chamber will work with its members to produce new ideas to execute for the Town's enjoyment.  She informed the Council that, to support the downtown businesses, the Chamber would like to conduct "Sunday Fundays" open street events, having no traffic from Miceli's Furniture to Perks & Corks from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  She stated that no business or resident in the downtown area is opposed to the idea of closing the street; that these events would have to be organized with a COVID plan approved well in advance; and that anyone with concerns should contact the Chief of Police.  She noted that the Restore RI grant was received by a Westerly business and deposited directly to their bank account and encouraged any other business that has applied to check their bank account.  She announced that Santa's arrival will take place on Chamber Way as a drive-through event.

 

 

3.     CONSENT CALENDAR

                                                                                     

        a.     Approval of Minutes

 

Regular – 8/17/20

Special – 8/13/20, 8/19/20, 8/24/20

Executive – 8/17/20 (Sealed)

 

Motion by Mr. McCuin, Seconded by Ms. Cioffi, that the aforesaid minutes be accepted and approved as printed and that the Executive Session minutes be sealed.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

        b.     Appointments and Resignations

 

1.     Resignation – Jason Parker, Planning Board

 

Motion by Mr. Cooke, Seconded by Mr. McCuin, that the aforesaid resignation be accepted with regret and that the Town Clerk be directed to send a letter of appreciation to Mr. Parker.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

4.     PUBLIC HEARINGS (Adv. on 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, &8/24/20   for this time)

 

a.     Chapter 1994 – “An Ordinance In Amendment Of Chapter 121 Of The Westerly Code Of Ordinances Entitled ‘Fee Schedule’” (Transfer Station Fees)

 

Present:   Michael Serra, Asst. Public Works Superintendent (Sanitation)

 

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

 

     Mr. Serra explained the reason for the increase in fees at the Transfer Station, being due to the $15 increase in the tipping fee at the Johnston Landfill.

 

     No one appeared in favor or to object.

 

Motion by Mr. Cooke, Seconded by Mr. McCuin, that the public hearing be closed and the ordinance be adopted.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

b.     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’” (Zoning Ordinance Revision Update)

        (Public Hearing continued from 8/17/20)

 

Recommendation from Planning Board filed 7/9/2020

 

Suggestions from Councilor Ahern

 

Memorandum from Lisa Pellegrini, Director of Development Services – re: Proposed Amendments to Zoning Ordinance Revision Package

 

Present:   Lisa Pellegrini, Director of Development Services (remotely)

                 Nancy Letendre, Town Planner (remotely)

                 Nathan Reicher, Zoning Official

 

     It was suggested that the aforesaid matter be continued pending completion of the Comprehensive Plan.

 

Motion  by Mr. McCuin, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that the public hearing be continued to October 19, 2020.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

5.     NEW BUSINESS

 

a.     2018 Road Bond – Discussion And Prioritization

 

Present:   Kyle Zalaski, Town Engineer

 

     Town Manager Rooney reported that a problem exists with the Bowling Lane drainage system; that $250,000 was set aside for milling and overly, but  it has been discovered that the system is only eight inches below finished grade and might collapse; and that this is a potential safety hazard due to National Grid service lines bisecting from the main gas line.  He requested that Beta Group be hired to investigate and identify what is under the road and obtain a price for repair.  He reported that the drainage issue at Pasadena Avenue, which is at sea level, and Breen Road is solved with permitting from the Army Corps of Engineers and CRMC to open the channel.  He further reported that he will have a finished product from Pare Engineering on School St, will seek bids, and will come to Council the second week in October with the low qualified bidder, as well as the cost for Bowling Lane, Pasadena Avenue and Breen Road in order for the Council to prioritize the projects, which will include the Church Street sidewalks.  He stated that he will have a final number on the cost of Boom Bridge by mid October and all indications are that it will come in under budget.

 

     Councilor Cioffi stated that the Public Works Committee will review these roads in September.

 

b.     20/21-10 Resolution Authorizing BETA Group To Provide Engineering Services For Bowling Lane Drainage Improvements

 

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

 

c.     20/21-11 Resolution Approving Agreement With Jacobs Engineering For Wastewater Treatment Plant

 

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

 

d.     Watch Hill Lighthouse – Report Of Excess For U.S. Coast Guard

 

     Town Manager Rooney reported that the Coast Guard has declared the lighthouse to be excess property; that it will go through the normal disposal process; and that the Town has been asked to give consideration.  He stated that the Lighthouse Keepers are hoping to be the winning bidder.

 

e.     20/21-12 Resolution In Support Of The Christopher Columbus Statue Being Retained By The Westerly Library In Wilcox Park

 

     Councilor Giorno explained the aforesaid and the following resolutions, which resulted from a Board of Trustees' meeting wherein the Board voted that the Library retain ownership of the Columbus statue and that the statue remain in the park.

 

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

 

f.     20/21-13 Resolution Confirming Ownership Of The “Cristoforo Columbo” Statue By The Westerly Library And Wilcox Park

 

     Councilor Ahern recommended that the words "and remain there" be removed from the resolution.

 

Motion by Mr. McCuin, Seconded by Mr. Cooke, that the aforesaid resolution be amended as recommended and adopted.  (So Voted 6 to 0 – Councilor Aiello abstained due to not having information on ownership)

 

g.     20/21-14 Resolution Approving The Lease Agreement Between The Town Of Westerly And The Westerly School Department Transition Program (Lower Level of Pace Building, 5 Union Street)

 

     Town Solicitor Conley noted that a lease was drafted for review by the School Department, after which comments were received by the School Solicitor; that he and the Town Manager reviewed that comments and made slight revisions; and that agreement was reached.  He stated that he feels comfortable recommending approval.   

 

Motion by Mr. McCuin, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that the aforesaid resolution be adopted.  (So Voted 6 to 1 – Councilor Aiello dissented)

 

 

6.     ADJOURNMENT

 

        7:10 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

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