1.    6:00 P.M.  CALL TO ORDER

 

Present:   Vice Pres. Giorno

                 Councilors Cioffi, Aiello, Cooke, Ahern, McCuin

                 T. Mgr. Rooney, T. Sol. Dylan Conley

                 Co. Clk. Giordano, T. Sgt. Falcone

                  Cameron Moore, Town Council Student Representative

 

Absent:      Council President Duhamel

 

        INVOCATION – Councilor Ahern

 

        SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Council Vice President Giorno

 

     Council Vice President Giorno assumed the Chair in the absence of 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. 

 

a.     Amos Brumble, 166 Main St - re: Bike Path

 

b.     Marcus Orr, 23 Autumn Lane - re: Bike Path

 

COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE

 

     None

 

 

 3.    School Building Project - Stage I Application – Update – Justin Hopkins, Chair, School Building Committee

 

Present:  Chair Justin Hopkins and Vice Chair Christine Cooke, School Building Committee

 

     Mr. Hopkins updated the Council on the School Building Project and provided a detailed report of what was discussed at the first meeting of the Committee.  He stated that the district has been invited by RIDE to submit a Stage I application, which is due by February 17^th, and will be invited to submit the Stage II application, which is due by September 15^th, and that the results of the public survey have been received and that information will be provided in the coming weeks.  He explained the Stage I application, which identifies the need, but is not a description of the solution, and the language in and the requirements of the checklist.   He stated that the committee is trying to move forward as expeditiously as possible and is intent on submitting the Stage I application in mid February.  He further stated that the Building Committee will be meeting tomorrow and it is his intention to develop a work plan of community engagement and a schedule of how the committee will arrive at decisions to move forward.  Mr. Hopkins responded to questions from the Council.

 

     Discussion was held regarding the Stage 1 and Stage II applications, whether multiple questions can be placed on the ballot, and possibly scheduling a referendum in the spring to determine what plan the community would accept.

 

Motion by Ms. Cioffi, Seconded by Mr. Aiello, to recess the Committee of the Whole Meeting and convene the Regular Meeting to allow Chief of Police Lacey to report under the Town Manager’s Report on steps being taken to address gun violence.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 4.    Proposed Ordinance – “An Ordinance Authorizing The Transfer Of Funds To Support Changes Within Town Departments (Engineering Division - $31,025.50)– Discussion And Possible Action To Move To Regular Meeting To Be Ordered Advertised For Public Hearing

 

Present:   Kyle Zaleski, Town Engineer

 

     Mr. Zaleski addressed the aforesaid ordinance, which will transfer funds to hire an additional engineer during this fiscal year budget, and explained the need for same.  He described the projects and issues that will require the additional help.

 

Motion by Ms. Ahern, Seconded by Ms. Cioffi, that the aforesaid proposed ordinance be moved to the Regular Meeting that follows to be ordered advertised for public hearing.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 5.    2020 Town-Wide Infrastructure Plans Presentation – Kyle Zalaski, Town Engineer – Discussion and Possible Action

 

Present:   Kyle Zalaski, Town Engineer

 

     Mr. Zalaski explained the aforesaid plans, being highway and drainage improvements.  He identified the roads for which designs are currently being prepared with plans to go out to bid, roads that have been assessed that will be addressed through Public Works, and projects that will be done in coordination with the road bond this year.  He addressed the Boombridge Road bridge reconstruction, which will be completed this year and the costs, the road resurfacing and sidewalk improvements on a portion of Atlantic Avenue associated with same, and a change order request for resurfacing of nineteen additional roads.  He updated the Council on the reconstruction of School Street reconstruction, the designs for which will be put out to bid in March 2020.  He addressed future road resurfacing plans, which include a remaining portion of Atlantic Avenue, Uzzi Avenue, Riverview Avenue, Azalea Drive; Boombridge Road, Breen Road, Pasadena Avenue and Oak Street.  He noted the receipt of CDBG grants for infrastructure improvements involving ADA sidewalk and ramp enhancements, which will go out to bid in February, and the receipt of grants to address drainage issues.  He further noted that the Church Street sidewalks project is being reviewed by DEM, will be forwarded to DOT for final review, and will be put out to bid in February or March, and that improvements will be made to the Christ Church parking lot, the Senior Center parking lot and the Utilities Department parking lot.

 

     The Council commended Mr. Zalaski on his excellent performance in being on schedule and under budget.

 

6.     Eco Trail – Update – Discussion

 

Present:   Lisa Pellegrini, Director of Development Services

 

     Councilor Cooke briefed the Council on the meeting with DEM and DOT regarding the repurposing of grant funds allocated to the bike path project.  He stated that the Eco Trail will be retitled Bike-Ped Path and described the location and length of same.  He noted that DOT is taking the lead on engineering the project and that DEM advised that the Council take no action on the grant funds.  He stated that, before the project can commence, a traffic study will need to be done in July and that potentially the $330,000 will remain in Westerly.

 

     Town Manager Rooney stated that DOT will be addressing improvements to the State Beach parking lot to improve the flow of traffic on Atlantic Avenue upon entering and exiting the parking lot and will also assist with drainage improvements.

 

7.     Bike Path – Update And Possible Action

 

Present:   Lisa Pellegrini, Director of Development Services

                

     Ms. Pellegrini noted that she and Recreation Director Duffy will be working closely with DEM, DOT and the consultant, VHP, on the Bike-Ped Path project.  She stated that a road safety assessment is being done and will continue during the peak of the season.  She reported on the thirteen resiliency grant applications that have been completed since October to assist with drainage issues.

 

8.     Proposed Ordinance – “An Ordinance In Amendment Of Article I, Procurement Policy, Of Chapter 49 Of The Westerly Code Of Ordinances Entitled ‘Procurements’” (§49-3. Purchasing Agent) – Discussion and Possible Action To Move To Regular Meeting To Be Ordered Advertised For Public Hearing

    

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. McCuin, that the aforesaid proposed ordinance be tabled indefinitely.  (So Voted 5 to 1 – Councilor Giorno dissented; Council President Duhamel absent)

 

9.     Possible Establishment Of Town Veterans’ Committee – Discussion And Possible Action

 

     Discussion was held regarding the establishment of a veterans committee to represent all the veteran’s organizations, to provide outreach for veterans, to conduct the memorial parades, and to provide a liaison report to the Council.

 

     Councilor Aiello noted that, after speaking with the veteran’s groups and advising them that a committee would have to abide by the Open Meetings law regarding posting of agendas and minutes, they would prefer to have a council liaison.

 

Motion by Ms. Ahern, Seconded by Mr. Aiello, that this matter be referred to the February 3, 2020 Committee of the Whole Workshop and that a resolution be prepared for the appointment of a Council liaison to the veteran’s organizations.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

10.   ADJOURNMENT

 

        7:55 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

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