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. Duhamel

                        T. Mgr. Rooney

                        Shawn Lacey, Chief of Police

 

        In Attendance Remotely:   Vice Pres. Giorno,

                                                   Councilors Cioffi, Aiello, Cooke, Ahern, McCuin

                                                   T. Sol. Dylan Conley

 

        Absent:    T. Sol. Conley

                        Co. Clk. Giordano

                        T. Sgt. Falcone

                         Cameron Moore, Town Council Student Representative

 

INVOCATION – Councilor Giorno

 

SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Council President Duhamel

 

 

 2.    RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS & MEMORIALS

 

        None

 

 

 3.    PRESENTATIONS

 

a.     COVID-19 Update

 

1.      New Rules and Regulations

 

                           Town Manager Rooney and Chief of Police Lacy updated the Council on new rules and regulations promulgated by the Governor for the re-opening of the economy.

              

2.     Restaurants – Indoor Seating & Capacities and Outdoor Seating & Parking

 

     Town Manager Rooney addressed his Executive Order affecting restaurants, which will become effective May 18^th, pursuant to Governor Raimondo’s Executive Order permitting outdoor dining.  He noted that the Executive Order relaxes all Town requirements of zoning as to parking, the number of tables, and liquor licensing, with the exception of fire safety requirements regarding the erection of tents, which will still need approval of the respective fire chiefs and the building official.  He stated that this Order will stay in effect for the period of time allowed by the Council pending the phase III re-opening of the state by the Governor.

 

     Discussion ensued regarding some content of the Manager’s Executive Order.

 

3.     Town and State Beaches and Parks

 

     Town Manager Rooney reported that today the Governor announced her plans to open state beaches after Memorial Day.  He stated that, because of the state constitution, the Governor has not closed the beaches to the ambulatory enjoyment of the public, but sunbathing is restricted, and the beach parking lots will be closed for business.  He stated that the parking lots at the Town Beach and Wuskenau Beach will be open; however, sunbathing will not be allowed until the Governor lifts that restriction and social distancing must be maintained, which the police department will be able to control.  He noted that the private parking lots will be open and that all the parks in Town are open with social distancing.

 

     Chief Lacy explained how social distancing will be maintained with regards to the parking of cars and stated that restrictions will be in place regarding social distancing.

 

4.     Retail Establishments

 

     Town Manager Rooney reported that retail establishments have opened, excluding beauty salons, gyms, massage parlors, hotels and others that cannot maintain social distancing.

 

     Chief Lacy explained the percentage of people allowed in a retail establishment per square footage of total capacity and stated that the retail establishments will continue to be monitored for social distancing.  He explained the Governor’s Order regarding the wearing of face masks, noting the conditions for which a person would not be required to wear a mask.

 

5.     Public Buildings, i.e. Town Hall

 

     Town Manager Rooney noted that Town Hall still remains open by appointment only and encouraged the public to call ahead for service and to use the online services, the postal service, and the drop box.  He stated that beach parking passes and Larkin Road permits will not be sold at the counter, but handled only by mail.  He stated that it appears that on May 26^th many of the restrictions regarding access to Town Hall will be lifted allowing the doors to be open and traffic to come in with the six-foot social distancing in place and the movement of traffic controlled to keep the public and staff safe.

 

     Mr. Rooney announced that the $5,000 Micro-E business loan for those businesses employing five people or less including the employer is continuing to be promoted and encouraged small business owners to call the Development Services Office to obtain a grant.

 

     Councilor Ahern expressed concern that the Governor has no plans for altering the restrictions placed on places of worship.  She stated that the re-opening of places of worship has not been addressed, and being that Westerly is a faith-based community and worship is a fundamental part of people’s mental health, she requested that the Town Manager urge the Governor to consider re-opening places of worship with individualized plans for smaller attendance, shorter and staggered services, and sufficient spacing.

 

 

 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. 

 

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

 

     Members of the public were invited to participate in Citizens Comments.

 

a.     Correspondence from Albert Clemence, 32 Pound Rd – re: Illegal dumping of material from numerous offsite locations on property located at 29-33 Old Carriage Road

 

b.     Correspondence from Diane C. Bowdy, 20 Sycamore Dr, School Committee Member – re: Tower Street Community Center

 

c.     Gina Fuller, 6 Comanche Ct – re: COVID-19 recommendations for re-opening the economy; re: Tower Street Community Center

 

d.     Justin Hopkins, 39 Highland Ave – re: Tower Street Community Center and Bradford Elementary School; supports community and/or recreation center at one of the facilities

 

e.     Lisa Konicki, President, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce – re: re-Opening of restaurants; not in support of closing downtown streets; re: inconsistencies in allowing events

 

f.     Janne Reisch, Esq., 36 Wells St, representing David Franzese – re: Item 8a – Vacant Lots off Tarrapat Drive – submitted an email regarding the purchase of said lots, which email is entered into the record of these proceedings

 

COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE

 

        None

 

 

 5.    CONSENT CALENDAR

 

        a.     Approval of Minutes

 

Regular – 4/27/20

Special – 4/22/20, 5/4/20

Executive – 4/22/20 (Sealed)

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. McCuin, that the April 27, 2020 Regular Meeting minutes be accepted and approved as amended; that the remaining minutes be accepted and approved as printed; and that the Executive Session minutes be sealed.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

     Councilor Aiello requested that future minutes reflect that the public was invited to participate in Citizens’ Comments electronically.

 

        b.     Fiscal Matters

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Ms. Cioffi, that the following resolutions be adopted:  (Voted Unanimously)

 

1.     19/20-79 Resolution Authorizing Payment to The Law Office Of Oliverio & Marcaccio, LLP (Litigation and Tax Appeals - $527.01)

 

2.     19/20-80 Resolution Authorizing Refund Of Class C Beverage License Application Fee (John Wiedenhelft, dba: Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery - $500.00)

 

        c.     Appointments and Resignations

 

1.     Appointments:

        a.     Board of Recreation – Auxiliary Member

 

     Councilor Giorno nominated Jono Seltzer for re-appointment to the Board of Recreation.

 

A vote was taken on the nomination of Jono Seltzer of 5 Nina Drive, Bradford, for re-appointment to the Board of Recreation for a two-year term, expiring April 2022 and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

 6.    PUBLIC HEARINGS (Adv. on   5/4/20   for this time)

 

a.     Chapter 1985 – “An Ordinance In Amendment Of Article I, Restricted Activities, Of Chapter 81 Of The Westerly Code Or Ordinances Entitled ‘Beaches’” [§81-4.1. Smoking prohibited – add “tobacco products and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, or vaping””)

 

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

 

     No one appeared remotely in favor or in opposition.

 

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

 

b.     Chapter 1986 – “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”)

 

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

 

     No one appeared remotely in favor or in opposition.

 

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

 

 

 7.    NEW BUSINESS

 

a.      Tower Street And Bradford Elementary Schools – Future Plans And Possible Sale

     Council President Duhamel stated that he appointed a small committee consisting of Councilor Ahern and Councilor Giorno to work out the details associated with the Tower Street Community Center, which will revert back to the Town on July 1^st, and bring ideas back to the Council.

1.     Discussion Of Creating A Community Center

 

     Discussion was held regarding the future of the aforesaid facilities, which have been given back to the Town.  It was suggested that the Tower Street facility be razed and the property sold; that repairs be made to the Bradford Elementary School to make rooms available to rent; that an alternative space be found to house the programs that the School Committee is concerned about that are currently located at the Tower Street Community Center; and that the Tower Street property be sold as is.

 

8:10 P.M.  Councilor Cooke removed himself from the meeting and did not return.

 

2.     Alternative Locations For Department Of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

 

     Discussion was held regarding the possible relocation of the Department of Motor Vehicles.  Town Manager Rooney reported that several locations were explored—the airport building, the police station, the basement of the PACE building, and spaces in several malls as well as costs associated with each.

 

     Councilor Ahern felt that the Mill Pond Plaza proposal would be the best option to pursue, as the space is suitable, and that it would be worth having the Town assume the $12,000 rental fee and negotiating with the DMV to have them furnish the space.

 

     The Council concurred with the proposal and offered to assist DMV with the move.

 

 

 8.    UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

a.     Vacant Lots Off Tarrapat Drive (AP 36, Lots 210, 212-217, 222-225) – Discussion and Possible Action

 

1.     Memorandum from Law Office of William J. Conley, Jr. – re: Disposition of Public Property – Terrapat Drive

 

     Discussion was held regarding the aforesaid matter.  Town Solicitor Conley explained the several processes that can be used to convey the property.  The potential for creating four lots was discussed.

 

     The matter was tabled pending receipt of further information.

 

b.     Disposition Of Old Town Garage, 39A Beach Street (AP 76, Lot 69) – Discussion and Possible Action

 

     Discussion was held regarding the aforesaid matter.  Town Manager Rooney reported that there is a great deal of interest in this property; however, with the exception of one interested party, outside storage use is being requested.  He stated that the question is whether the Council wants to grandfather the outside storage use that has historically been granted to the municipality or limit it to a residential use with the zoning restriction of one outside vehicle only.

 

     It was suggested that the Council review all the proposals.

 

     This matter will be scheduled for an Executive Session to review the bids and the proposed uses.

 

 

 9.    COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS

 

        a.     Liaison Reports

 

1.      Chamber of Commerce – 351^st Birthday Celebration of Town of Westerly on May 14, 2020, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m; everyone encouraged to decorate their vehicles and line up at boat launch and parade by Town Hall; noted continuing events associated with the celebration  (Councilor Giorno)

 

2.      Ocean Community One Fund – Raising funds throughout the community; encouraged everyone to continue supporting the fund which aids organizations in the community  (Councilor Giorno)

 

3.      SUFA And Others – Liaison groups still suffering; need assistance; encouraged all who can help with dog walking, pet food, etc. to do so  (Councilor Ahern)

 

        b.     Town Council – 5/11/20

 

        c.     Town Manager - None

 

        d.     Town Solicitor - None

 

        e.     Town Clerk - None

 

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

 

     Councilor Aiello suggested that the Council consider the celebration of Neighbor Day, which is normally celebrated the Sunday before Memorial Day, sometime in July if restrictions due to COVID-19 are lifted.

 

        g.     Requests of Town Manager by Councilors

 

        None

 

 

10.   ADJOURNMENT

 

        8:40 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

 

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