THIS MEETING WAS CONDUCTED VIA ZOOM

 

The public was able to view and participate in this meeting.

 

 

 1.    6:00 P.M.  CALL TO ORDER

 

Present:   Pres. Ahern

                 T. Mgr. Rooney

 

In Attendance Remotely:   Vice Pres. Giorno

                                            Councilors Cioffi, Duhamel, Cooke, Overton, McCuin

                                            T. Sol. Conley

 

Absent:    Co. Clk, Giordano

                 T. Sgt. Falcone

 

Also Present Remotely:     Chief of Police Shawn Lacey

 

        INVOCATION – Councilor McCuin

 

        SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Council President Ahern

 

 

 2.    PRESENTATIONS

 

a.     COVID-19 Update – Public Safety

 

Present Remotely:   Oliver Mayorga, MD, Chief Medical Officer, YNH Westerly Hospital

                                 Kerin DaCruz, Chief Nursing Office & VP Patient Services YNHWesterly Hospital

 

     Dr. Mayorga reported that currently there are twelve COVID-positive patients at the hospital, although Westerly is doing better than the more densely populated areas of the state.  He stated that the hospital has enough beds and is able to manage the COVID population and has enough testing to be able to test people who need to be tested.  He further stated that the hospital is working with the Department of Health to get the vaccine distributed to the high-risk populations.

 

     Ms. DaCruz reported that Westerly Hospital, along with the other YNH hospitals, is in a Plan D status, meaning that no non-essential meetings are being held and that the focus is on patient care.  She stated that the hospital is fully staffed and is doing very well, and that the hospital has a large volume of non-COVID patients, which can be attributed to deferred care from the first COVID wave and the consumer confidence in the hospital.  She further stated that everything that is being heard on the news does not apply to Westerly Hospital in that elective procedures are continuing and able to be managed, and that the hospital is fully operational.  She reported that the hospital is at a level three visitor restriction and not allowing visitors unless there are extenuating circumstances.

 

 

 3.    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. 

 

     Any citizen wishing to be heard can access the meeting using the Zoom app or via phone.  Please note:

 

If accessing the meeting via phone, Press *9, to be recognized or

if using the Zoom app, press the “raise hand” button to be recognized

 

a.     Correspondence from Hatsy Moore - re: Council Rules of Procedure

 

COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE

 

        None

 

 4.    Resolution Of The Town Of Westerly Authorizing The Town Manager to Enter Into A Contract For A Grant With The Connecticut DEEP (Pump Out Boat) – Discussion and Possible Action

 

Motion by Mr. Overton, Seconded by Ms. Cioffi, that the aforesaid resolution be placed on the December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting agenda for consideration.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 5.    Request For Letter To RI Department Of Transportation (RI DOT) For Review Of A Green Arrow Light For Left-Hand Turn At Intersections Of Granite Street/Cross Street and Granite Street/John Street – Discussion and Possible Action

 

Motion by Ms. Giorno, Seconded by Ms. Cioffi, that the aforesaid letter be placed on the December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting agenda for consideration.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 6.    2021 Town Council Meetings Schedule – Discussion and Possible Action

 

Motion by Ms. Giorno, Seconded by Ms. Cioffi, that the aforesaid 2021 Town Council Meetings Schedule be placed on the December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting agenda for consideration.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 7.    Rules Of Procedure To Govern 2020-2022 Town Council – Discussion and Possible Action

a.     Proposed Rules (Red-lined Copy)

b.     Proposed Rules (Clean Copy)

 

        Discussion was held regarding a concern with limiting Citizens Comments at a workshop to agenda items only.

 

Motion by Mr. Duhamel, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that the aforesaid Rules of Procedure be placed on the December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting agenda for consideration.  (So Voted 6 to 1 – Councilor Overton dissented)

 

 

 8.    ADJOURNMENT

 

        6:25 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

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