CORRECTED MINUTES (1/15/21)

 

 

THIS MEETING WAS CONDUCTED VIA ZOOM

 

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

 

 

1.     6:15 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

                                            Dyann Baker, Finance Director

 

 

 2.    RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS & MEMORIALS

 

               None

 

 

 3.    PRESENTATIONS

 

a.     COVID-19 Update

 

Report from Shawn Lacey, Chief of Police

 

     Chief Lacey reported that the number of COVID cases has increased significantly in the past two weeks; however, the numbers decreased somewhat today.  He stated that, currently, there are 433 people hospitalized in the state; that, last week, the positivity rate was 8.9%; that hospitalizations have increased from last week; and that, currently, the number of cases is 846 per 100,000 population.  He further stated that the number of cases in Westerly is at 494; however, of the 39 cities and towns, Westerly is eighth from the bottom and that 38% of the population in Westerly has been tested with a 6% positivity rate.  He noted that, during the pause, indoor dining is at 33% capacity; that bars remain closed; and that big box retailers can allow one person per one hundred square feet.  He further noted other services that remain open.  He stated that schools are remaining open until the Christmas break after which they will be closed to either the fourth or the eleventh of January, and that statewide a soft opening will be implemented to bring people back slowly in order to allow for a ten-day quarantine period in the event people have travelled for the holidays.  He reported that beginning December 21st, restaurants will go to 50% capacity, gyms and indoor recreation will open to one person per 150 square foot capacity, venues of assembly will be at 25% capacity, bar service will remain closed, and retail capacity will remain as it is currently.  He noted the nation-wide roll out of the vaccine today and stated that Westerly is scheduled to start distributing the vaccine to first responders, EMS, Fire and Police the week after Christmas and that the distribution point will be at a vacant school in Narragansett.  He stated that the first doses of the vaccine will be administered in the next few days at nursing facilities and to hospital staff and that the general population may receive the vaccine in February or March.  He further stated that more sites will be opening for COVID testing.  He reported that the Police Department, which is now considered a lab, is conducting the rapid test for all Town employees beginning on Wednesday and continuing weekly for the next six months.  He reported that Watch Hill Nursing Home has twenty-eight patients that have tested positive, that Apple Rehab has thirty-one positive cases, and that Westerly Health Center and Royal Nursing Home have no positive cases.  Chief Lacey responded to questions from the Council.

 

     Town Manager Rooney reported that Town Hall will be open to the public by appointment only beginning Thursday and will continue through the holiday period.

 

 

 4.    CITIZENS COMMENTS

 

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.

 

     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.

 

     Citizens who have signed a petition shall be represented by a spokesperson.  Likeminded citizens are encouraged to select a spokesperson.  Comments can be up to ten (10) minutes maximum. 

 

a.     Paula Ruisi, 3 Shepherds Run – re: Questioned procedure for Citizens Comments; re: Proposed 2020-2040 Comprehensive Plan

 

b.     Ken Julian, 16 West Fairway Ave – re: Proposed changes to Rules of Procedure to govern Town Council; concern with Rule 11(b) relating to public comments

 

COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE

 

     Council President Ahern responded to Citizens Comments regarding Rule 11(b) of the Council Rules of Procedure.

 

 

 5.    CONSENT CALENDAR

 

        a.     Approval of Minutes

 

Committee of the Whole – 11/16/20, 12/7/20

Regular – 11/9/20

Special – 11/30/20, 12/7/20

Executive – 11/9/20 (Sealed); 11/16/20 (Sealed); 12/7/20 (Sealed)

 

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

 

        b.     Fiscal Matters

 

Motion by Mr. Duhamel, Seconded by Mr. McCuin, that the following resolutions be adopted:  (Voted Unanimously)

 

1.     20/21-34 Resolution Authorizing The Addition to The Pro-Rated Tax Roll ($5,648.94)

 

2.     20/21-35 Resolution Authorizing Deletion To Tax Rolls ($28,516.97)

 

3.      20/21-36 Resolution Authorizing Payment To The Law Office Of Oliverio & Marcaccio, LLP (Litigation Matters - $1,891.17)

 

4.      20/21-37 Resolution Authoring Corrections To The Water And Sewer Accounts Department Accounts Receivable (Water Refund - $1,213.75)

 

        c.     Appointments and Resignations

 

1.     Resignations:

        a.     Elizabeth McGuire, Planning Board

 

Motion by Mr. Overton, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that the aforesaid resignation be accepted with regret and that the Council Clerk be directed to send a letter of appreciation to Ms. McGuire.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

        b.     John H. Ornberg, Zoning Board

 

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

 

 

 6.    PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

        None

 

 

 7.    NEW BUSINESS

 

a.     20/21-38 Resolution Of The Town Of Westerly Authorizing The Issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds

 

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

 

 

 8.    UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

a.      20/21-39 Resolution Authorizing The Town Manager To Sign The Memorandum Of Understanding Between The Town Of North Stonington, Connecticut And The Town Of Westerly, Rhode Island, Regarding A Maintenance Plan, Future Inspection, Reviews And Repairs Of the Boombridge Bridge

 

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

 

b.     20/21-40 Resolution Accepting Fallon Trail Into The Town Of Westerly Road System

 

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

 

c.     20/21-41 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)

 

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

 

d.     Approval Of 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

 

Motion by Ms. Giorno, Seconded by Mr. Duhamel, that the aforesaid letter be approved.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

e.     2021 Town Council Meetings Schedule

 

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

 

f.     Rules Of Procedure To Govern 2020-2022 Town Council

 

Motion by Mr. McCuin, Seconded by Mr. Duhamel, that the aforesaid Rules of Procedure be adopted. 

 

     Council President Ahern read, into the record, the list of e-mails received in opposition to proposed changes to the Rules of Procedure regarding public comment.

 

Motion by Mr. Cooke, Seconded by Mr. Duhamel, to strike Rule 9(f) and Rule 9(g).  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Motion by Ms. Ahern, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, to strike out the words “However, if a comment regarding an issue not on the agenda, Council responses should be limited only as to whether or not the matter should be referred to another meeting due to the Open Meetings Act.” in Rule 11(a).  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Motion by Mr. Cooke, Seconded by Mr. Overton, to strike Rule 11(b) regarding the selection a spokesperson to speak for petitioners and like-minded citizens.

 

     Following discussion, Councilor Cooke withdrew his motion.  Councilor Overton stated that he did not withdraw his second.

 

Motion by Mr. Cooke, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that Rule 11(b) be amended by striking out the word “shall” and inserting the words “are encouraged” regarding the selection of a spokesperson for petitions.  

 

     Following discussion, Councilor Cooke withdrew his motion. 

 

Motion by Mr. Cooke, Seconded by Mr. McCuin, to strike Rule 11(b) in its entirety.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

A vote was taken on the main motion, as amended, and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously) 

 

1.      Liaison Appointments

 

Council President Ahern made the following liaison appointments:

 

Appointments Subcommittee (Municipal)

Councilor Karen A. Cioffi

Councilor Suzanne K. Giorno

Councilor Philip M. Overton

 

Bike Path And Cycling Advisory Commission (Municipal)

Councilor Philip M. Overton

 

Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce

Councilor Brian H. McCuin

Councilor Suzanne K. Giorno

 

Concerts on the Beach Committee (Municipal)

Councilor Caswell Cooke, Jr.

Councilor Suzanne K. Giorno

 

Conservation Commission (Municipal)

Councilor Philip M. Overton

 

Economic Development Commission (Municipal)

Councilor Brian H. McCuin

 

Permanent Neighbor Day Committee

Council President Sharon E. Ahern

 

Public Works Committee (Municipal)

Councilor Karen A. Cioffi

Councilor Caswell Cooke, Jr.

Councilor Christopher A. Duhamel

 

Recreation Board (Municipal)

Councilor Christopher A. Duhamel

 

Senior Citizens Center

Councilor Karen A. Cioffi

 

School Building Committee (Municipal)

Councilor Christopher A. Duhamel

Councilor Brian H. McCuin

 

Stand Up For Animals

Council President Sharon E. Ahern

 

Veterans (Municipal)

Councilor Suzanne K. Giorno

 

Westerly Hospital

Council President Sharon E. Ahern

 

Westerly Public Library & Wilcox Park Association

Councilor Suzanne K. Giorno

 

Westerly Public Library & Wilcox Park Association Subcommittee re Christopher Columbus Statue

Councilor Christopher A. Duhamel

 

Westerly Prevention & Wellness Partnership (Municipal)

Council President Sharon E. Ahern

 

 

 9.    COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS

 

        a.     Liaison Reports

 

1.     Westerly Public Library & Wilcox Park – monthly meeting to be held tomorrow; everyone encouraged to order books on-line; visit web site for library services.  (Councilor Giorno)

 

2.     Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce – commended Chamber, Westerly Police Department, and volunteers for their efforts in coordinating the Santa Claus Coming To Town event; Chamber looking for volunteers; Stonington pop-up books are available.  (Councilor Giorno)

 

        b.     Town Council – 12/14/20

 

        c.     Town Manager

 

1.     Town Hall Services during COVID – Town Manager Rooney thanked the public and emphasized that extensive Town services are available on-line; that departments can be contacted for help with the on-line services and the use of the drop box; and that the departments will work cooperatively with the public to schedule appointments if business needs be done in person.

 

        d.     Town Solicitor

 

        e.     Town Clerk

 

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

 

        g.     Requests of Town Manager by Councilors

 

 

10.   ADJOURNMENT

 

        7:53 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

 

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