THIS MEETING WAS CONDUCTED VIA ZOOM

 

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

 

1.     6:08 P.M.  CALL TO ORDER

 

Present:   Pres. Duhamel, Vice Pres. Giorno

                 Councilors Aiello, Cooke, Ahern, McCuin

                 T. Mgr. Rooney, Co. Clk. Pro Tem LeBlanc

 

In Attendance Remotely:   Councilor Cioffi

                                            T. Sol. Conley

 

Also Present:   Shawn Lacey, Chief of Police

 

        Absent:    Co. Clk. Giordano

                        T. Sgt. Falcone

 

INVOCATION – Councilor Giorno

 

SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Council President Duhamel

 

 

 2.    RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS & MEMORIALS

 

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

 

a.     Appreciation – Dan LaPointe, Chairman of the Westerly-Pawcatuck Veterans’ Board of Control

 

     Dan LaPointe were present to accept the resolution, read aloud by Councilor Aiello.

 

b.     Appreciation – Joe and Jennifer Iorlano, Owners of Midway Pizza, and Their Employees

 

     Joe and Jennifer Iorlano were present to accept the resolution, read aloud by Councilor Cooke.

 

c.     Appreciation – The Greater North End Community Development, Inc.

 

     Carla White was present to accept the resolution, read aloud by Councilor Ahern.

 

d.     Appreciation – Westerly Board of Recreation, Recreation Department and Maintenance Crew

 

     Julia Beasley, Interim Recreation Director, was present to accept the resolution, read aloud by Councilor Aiello.

 

e.     Appreciation – Josiah Broadfoot Chapter 6 Disabled American Veterans

 

     David Lowe was present to accept the resolution, read aloud by Councilor McCuin.

 

f.     Congratulations – The Westerly National Little League

 

     Art Burton was present to accept the resolution, read aloud by Council President Duhamel.

 

g.     Celebration – Veterans’ Day 2020

 

     Ray Capalbo, a Marine veteran, was present to accept the resolution, read aloud by Councilor Giorno.

 

 

 3.    PRESENTATIONS

 

a.     COVID-19 Update

 

        Report from J. Mark Rooney, Town Manager

 

     Town Manager Rooney stated that it is hopeful that there will be more than one vaccine available for distribution in December.

 

Report from Shawn Lacey, Chief of Police

 

     Chief Lacey reported the number of COVID cases are increasing.  He reported that the positivity rate is 3.3%, up from 2.9% the prior week; that there are 160 new patients hospitalized in Rhode Island, up from 145 patients last week; and that there are 278 cases per 100,000, up from 244 cases per 100,000 the prior week.  He stated that 3,975 people were tested yesterday with 266 positive cases, which is a 6.7% positivity rate.  He stated that Westerly is remaining steady; that there have been 203 positive cases since the inception of COVID; and that 30% of the population has been tested.  He reported that there have been no new hospitalizations.  He addressed the new restrictions put in place, which include a reduction in social gatherings to 10 people, a curfew of 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:30 p.m. on weekends for bars and restaurants with take-out service only after these times, and a stay-at-home advisory from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.  He noted that fines are not being issued because it is an advisory only.  He reported that catered event numbers have been reduced to 75 people; that venues of assembly have been reduced to 125 people maximum; and that large retailers are restricted to 1 person per 150 square feet.  He reported that the Governor is encouraging all business travel be cancelled and that masks be worn.  He explained the requirements before one can return to work, including having 24-hour pass after one’s last fever followed by a 10-day waiting period or a 10-day waiting period after a positive test.  He stated that the Governor is encouraging no travel for the Thanksgiving holiday; that there be no large family gatherings beyond immediate family members; and that there be no buffet-style dinner service.  He stated that Pfizer developed a drug that is 90% effective and it is hoped that it can start to be distributed next month.

 

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

 

     Ms. Konicki participated remotely.  She stated that local businesses pay the price from enhanced restrictions; therefore, the wearing of masks and social distancing is encouraged.  She reported that there is additional help to support small businesses; that any business with 2 to 100 employees who is creatively adapting to the challenges can apply for State monies; and that details are available on commerceri.com.  She stated that everyone is relying on shoppers to shop locally and that a Facebook live shopping program will be provided on the Chamber’s website on December 5^th, 7^th and 12^th, 2020. 

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. Cooke, to move to Item #7b at this time.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

 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. 

 

     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.     Benjamin Weber, 3 Blossom Ct - re: Expressed gratitude for Council diligence for public access issue and sending rights-of-way to CRMC for review; re: need to address parking for public access, especially on Spring Ave; only 10 public parking spots on Spring Ave; handicapped parking sign on Spring Ave was removed; Weekapaug Inn employees have been accessing these parking spaces; re: APRA request for maps and survey regarding Spring Ave – would appreciate a response as soon as possible

 

b.     Ken Burton, 83 Potter Hill Rd - re: Flags on poles throughout Town; WBLQ supports the veterans; thanked the Town for its support of veterans; thanked the Department of Public Works for new flag locations on 250 poles

 

c.     Anthony Palazzolo, Esq., 285 Pendleton Hill Rd, Stonington, CT - re: Thanked Council for sending rights-of-way to CRMC for review

 

d.     James Malardo, 104 South Woody Hill Rd - re: Thanked Council for work it has done with rights-of-way; re: access enforcement of sand trail - would like RIMS to be involved in the process

 

e.     Gwenn Whitham, 3 Carriage Ln, East Granby, CT - re: Thanked Council for taking vote to send rights-of -way to CRMC for review

 

COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE

 

     Councilor Giorno thanked Ken Burton for his time and dedication in making the Downtown area so patriotic through the installation of flags.  She reported that the veterans’ hour on WBLQ radio tomorrow was initially cancelled because the veterans are unable to attend; however, she volunteered to host the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and encouraged everyone to tune in.

 

     Councilor Ahern asked the Town Manager to contact the Weekapaug Inn to ensure that its employees are not using the 10 public parking spaces on Spring Avenue.

 

     Councilor Cioffi stated that she would be more than happy to assist Mr. Weber in obtaining answers to his questions regarding Spring Avenue.

 

     Town Manager Rooney reported that Public Works Superintendent Chiaradio and staff have begun to mark the Town rights-of-way from Maple Avenue to the breachway using the granite bollards and decorative signage.  With regards to enforcement of access of the sand trail, he stated that he will ask stakeholders to participate in the discussions.

 

 

 5.    CONSENT CALENDAR

 

        a.     Approval of Minutes

Regular – 10/19/20, 10/26/20

Executive – 10/26/20 (Sealed)

 

Motion by Mr. McCuin, Seconded by Mr. Aiello, 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. Aiello, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that the following resolution be adopted with the stipulation that $775,650.00 is funded by the Water Department.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

1.     20/21-32 Resolution Awarding Contract For School Street Reconstruction Project (Ferreira Construction – Not to exceed $2,954,972.00)

 

        c.     Appointments and Resignations

 

1.     Economic Development Commission – Full Member

 

            No action taken on the aforesaid appointment.

 

2.     Board of Recreation – Full Member

 

     Councilor Giorno nominated Jono Seltzer, who currently serves as Auxiliary Member, for appointment as a full member to the Board of Recreation.

 

A vote was taken on the nomination of Jono Seltzer of 5 Nina Drive, Bradford, RI for appointment as a full member to the Board of Recreation to fill the unexpired term of Sherri Mello, term expiring April 2023 and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

3.     Board of Recreation – Auxiliary Member

 

     Councilor Giorno nominated Michael Joyce for appointment as Auxiliary Member to the Board of Recreation.

 

A vote was taken on the nomination of Michael Joyce of 47 Babcock Road for appointment as Auxiliary Member to the Board of Recreation to fill the unexpired term of Jono Seltzer, term expiring April 2022 and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

4.     Housing Authority – Full Member

 

     Councilor Giorno nominated Julie Ann Rofrano for appointment to the Housing Authority.

 

A vote was taken on the nomination of Julie Ann Rofrano of 9 State Street for appointment to the Housing Authority for a five-year term, expiring May 2025 and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

5.     Zoning Board – 2^nd Alternate

 

     Councilor Giorno nominated Dawn Robinson for appointment as 2^nd Alternate to the Zoning Board.

 

A vote was taken on the nomination of Dawn Robinson of 5 Egret Lane for appointment as 2^nd Alternate to the Zoning Board for a five-year term, expiring January September 2025 and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

6.     Board of Assessment Review – Auxiliary Member

 

     Councilor Giorno nominated Kenneth F. Swain for re-appointment as Auxiliary Member to the Board of Assessment Review.

 

A vote was taken on the nomination of Kenneth F. Swain of 155 Watch Hill Road for re-appointment as Auxiliary Member to the Board of Assessment Review for a two-year term expiring August 2022 and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

7.     Planning Board – Full Member

 

     Councilor Giorno nominated Elizabeth McGuire for appointment to the Planning Board.

 

A vote was taken on the nomination of Elizabeth McGuire of 49 Urso Drive for appointment to the Planning Board to fill the unexpired term of Jason Parker, term expiring August 2021 and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

8.     Public Works Committee – Full Member

 

     Councilor Giorno nominated Joseph C. Manfredi for re-appointment to the Public Works Committee.

 

A vote was taken on the nomination of Joseph C. Manfredi of 34 Dunns Corners Road for re-appointment to the Public Works Committee for a three-year term expiring August 2023 and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

 6.    PUBLIC HEARINGS (Adv. on   11/2/20   for this time)

 

a.     Proposed Ordinance – “An Ordinance Authorizing The Transfer Of Funds to Support Animal Control Officer Staffing ($35,000.00)

 

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

 

     No one appeared or spoke remotely in favor or in opposition.

 

     Councilor McCuin stated that, due to COVID, he was opposed to the hiring of any new individuals at this time and would prefer to pay overtime instead.  Council President Duhamel agreed. 

 

     Chief of Police Lacey explained that this is the first year that the Animal Shelter has fallen back under the Public Safety umbrella.  He provided background on the past and current structure of the Animal Control Department.  He explained the necessity of having a second animal control officer in order to provide more adequate coverage and oversight of the operation.

 

     Councilors Ahern, Aiello, Giorno, Cooke and Cioffi spoke in favor of the new position. 

 

Motion by Ms. Ahern, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that the hearing be closed and the aforesaid ordinance be adopted.  A poll vote was taken as follows and the motion carried:  (So Voted 6 to 1 – Councilor McCuin dissented)

 

                                    YES                                         NO

 

                                 Cioffi                                       McCuin

                                 Aiello

                                 Giorno                                    

                                 Cooke

                                 Ahern

                                 Duhamel

 

 

 7.    NEW BUSINESS

 

a.     Petition from National Grid for New Pole Location at Margin Street (WR#29953422)

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. McCuin, that the aforesaid petition be granted.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

b.     Spring Avenue And All CRMC Rights-of-Way – Formal Adoption By The Town Council To Send To CRMC For Review

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that CRMC investigate Spring Avenue Ex. and Waters Edge Road for possible designation as public rights-of-way to the shore and to authorize the Town Council President to sign the request on behalf of the Town Council.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

     Council President Duhamel read, into the record, the list of e-mails received requesting that Spring Avenue Ex. and Waters Edge Road rights-of-way be referred to CRMC for investigation and review.

 

Motion by Mr. Cooke, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, to revert to Citizens’ Comments.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Suspend Town Council Rules Of Procedure – Rule 9(8) – Committee of The Whole Requirement To Discuss And Consider The Following Items:

 

Motion by Ms. Giorno, Seconded by Mr. Aiello, that the Town Council Rules of Procedure be suspended as aforesaid.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

c.     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

 

     Councilor Aiello requested that the aforesaid resolution be tabled to the next meeting so that he can forward his comments to the Council for review.

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that the aforesaid resolution be tabled to the next meeting.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

d.     Round Abouts – Possible Request From Town Council To RIDOT To Review

1.     Intersections of Bradford Road (Rt 91)/Church Street (Rt 216)/South Main Street

2.     Intersections of Westerly-Bradford Road (Rt 91)/Bradford Rd (Rt 91)/Dunns Corners Bradford Road (McGowan Corners)

 

     Councilor Aiello stated that the locations of the two requested round abouts are located on State roads.  He explained that RI DOT requires a request from the Town Council in order to start the procedure to evaluate the sites.

 

     Responding to Council President Duhamel, Town Manager Rooney stated that the Chief of Police and Town Engineer support the aforesaid request. 

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that a letter be send to RIDOT requesting review for possible round abouts at the two aforesaid intersections.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

 8.    UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

               None

 

 

 9.    COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS

 

        a.     Liaison Reports

 

1.     Chamber of Commerce – Santa’s arrival and holiday light trail scheduled for Friday, November 27, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. on 1 Chamber Way; free coloring books, crayons, individually wrapped cookies for the children; fee for those who make reservations for the 20 exclusive s’mores village seating – 6 people for $60; visit Chamber website for more information; Chamber is looking for volunteers to set up and break down the event  (Councilor Giorno)

 

2.     Westerly Public Library – Trustees Board meeting held; board agreed that there will be no signage for the Columbus statue; therefore, no hinderance of participants that want to contribute to protect the statue  (Councilor Giorno)

 

3.     Veterans’ Day – Extended happy Veterans’ Day to all veterans; no parade scheduled due to COVID; encouraged the public to thank veterans for their service and to tune in to WBLQ on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. for veterans hour  (Councilor Giorno)

 

4.     Board Liaison – Will be attending one more month of various board and committee meetings as liaison  (Councilor Aiello)

 

5.     2020 General Election – Board of Elections informed the Town that the State has to certify the entire election first before any city or town can certify its election; the Board of Elections plans to certify the election on or around November 30, 2020 and then the Westerly Board of Canvassers can certify the Town’s election; the new Council could possibly be sworn in on December 7, 2020  (Town Manager Rooney)

 

        b.     Town Council – 11/9/20

 

        None

 

        c.     Town Manager

 

1.     Boombridge Road Bridge – Town Manager Rooney reported that the contractor will have bridge open by the first of December and that the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation will schedule a day for the ribbon cutting.

 

        d.     Town Solicitor

 

        None

 

        e.     Town Clerk

 

        None

 

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

 

1.     House Bill regarding Airports and Landing Fields – Airport Zoning – Councilor Ahern requested that the Council consider a resolution asking Representative Azzinaro to vote against the proposal from RIAC.  She stated that the Council voted to send a letter in opposition to the proposed legislation; however, the proposed legislation passed in the Senate but has not yet been before the House.

 

2.     Left-Hand Turn Signals – Councilor Giorno requested that the Council consider sending a letter to RI DOT and Statewide Planning asking for an evaluation for the installation of left-hand turn signals at the intersections of Granite Street/Cross Street and Granite Street/John Street.

 

3.     Road Bond Update – Responding to Councilor Aiello, Town Manager Rooney stated that Town Engineer Zalaski can provide the Council with an engineering road bond update.

 

        g.     Requests of Town Manager by Councilors

 

        None

 

 

10.   ADJOURNMENT

 

        7:20 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

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