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, Vice Pres. Giorno

                 Councilors Aiello, Cooke, Ahern, McCuin

                 T. Mgr. Rooney

                 Co. Clk. Giordano

 

In Attendance Remotely:   Councilor Cioffi

                                            T. Sol. Conley

 

Absent:    T. Sgt. Falcone

 

Also Present:   Chief of Police Shawn Lacey

 

        INVOCATION – Councilor Giorno

 

        SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Council President Duhamel

 

     Councilor Giorno extended birthday wishes to councilor Aiello's mother who is celebrating her 89th birthday.

 

 

 2.    PRESENTATIONS

 

a.     COVID-19 Update

 

                                                                                Report from Shawn Lacey, Chief of Police

 

     Chief Lacey reported that statewide the average positivity rate increased from 3.3% to 3.9% for the week; that new hospitalizations increased from 163 last week to 228 this week; and that the number of new cases is at 362, which puts the state in the red zone.  He stated that yesterday there were 481 positive test cases.  He further stated that there is a minimum amount of cases in school system with three of the schools with less than five cases; that in Westerly, there are 224 confirmed positive cases, being one of the eight towns in the state that has 3% positivity rate or less; and that last week 722 people from Town received tests resulting in a 2.4% positivity rate.  He reported that the Governor will announce new restrictions this week; that people are being asked not to travel or have large family gatherings for Thanksgiving.  He stated that meetings are being held weekly regarding the distribution of vaccines to the townspeople and he will keep everyone apprised.  

 

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

 

     Ms. Konicki reported that final eighteen heat lamps have been ordered and will be distributed this week as well as catering tents that were provided through the Restore RI grant; that all but $47 was spent out of the $55,000 grant; that there are other grants available for businesses, which are posted on Facebook, one being the Hart Recovery Program grant for $10,000,000 for hotels, arts and tourism, with an application  deadline of November 19th, and the other being a Division of Taxation

grant of between $2,000 and $10,000 for bars and restaurants that were affected by the Governor's Executive Order issued on November 5th scaling back the hours of service, with an application deadline of December 15th.  She explained the requirements of each grant and offered the assistance of the Chamber in navigating the application process.

 

b.     Road Bond Project Update – Town Engineer Zalaski

 

Present:   Kyle Zalaski, Town Engineer

 

     Town Engineer Zalaski gave recap of last yrs $15 million road bond as to what was completed last year, where the Town is currently with the road projects, and what projects are scheduled to be completed.  He stated that the bond included the resurfacing of 58 roads, the reconstruction of School Street and the Town's contribution for the reconstruction of the Boombridge Road bridge.  He reported that last year 44 roads were resurfaced; that a consultant was procured for the reconstruction design of School Street; and that this year 42 roads were resurfaced, noting the several remaining roads to be completed this week.  He  noted that sidewalk reconstruction will be completed along Atlantic Avenue and Peal Street; that the reconstruction of Pearl Street will completed in the Spring; that 28 additional  roads, based on staff recommendations, were able to be completed; and that Boombrindge Road bridge on schedule to be finished by end of November.  He reported that a low bid of $2.95 million was received from Ferreira Construction for the reconstruction of School Street and of that amount $750,000 will be funded by the Utilities Division for water line reconstruction and $2.2 million will be funded by the road bond.  He stated that the total cost of the project will be $3 million, which includes a 25% contingency and engineering construction oversight, after which it is anticipated that there will be remaining funds in the bond of approximately $2.175 million.  He noted the list of committed projects for next year, which includes reconstruction of Pasadena Avenue and Breen Road, drainage repair on Riverview Avenue, and Bowling Lane culvert replacement.  He further noted several projects that are being evaluated for next year, such as Church Street sidewalk repair, Atlantic Avenue resurfacing, and maintenance of Manatuck and Waters Edge rights-of-way and Uzzi Avenue.

 

     The Councilors commended Mr. Zalaski on a job well done in completing projects on time and on budget. Councilor Aiello expressed concern with the cost of the School Street reconstruction project and questioned the timeline for resurfacing other roads in the Westerly and Bradford areas.

 

3.     CITIZENS COMMENTS

 

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        The following individual appeared remotely:

 

a.     John Goodman, Director of Media and Public Relations, RI Airport Corporation - re: Airport Legislation; submitted statement for the record; provided background on how legislation came about; asked Council to render decision as to whether or not to support airport

 

COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE

 

     Councilors McCuin and Aiello responded regarding RI Airport Corporation stating that they would like to see the bill that is before the House and the bill that was passed by the Senate.

 

 4.    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 – Discussion and Possible Action

 

     In response to Councilor Ahern's concern as to whether the aforesaid resolution and be addressed since neither the Memorandum of Understanding nor the edits made to it by Councilor Aiello have been discussed, Town Solicitor Conley stated that the resolution can be discussed, but the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding with the edits needs to be addressed prior to the resolution so that whatever is approved by the resolution is the Memorandum of Understanding that is agreed to by the Council.

 

     Councilors reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding.  Each of Councilor Aiello's edits was agreed to, except the edit in paragraph six.  It was the consensus of the Council to leave paragraph six as previously written and that the highlighted language be removed.   

 

Motion by Mr. Cooke, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that the Memorandum of Understanding be placed on the November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting for consideration.  (So Voted 6 to 1 – Councilor McCuin dissented)

 

Motion by Ms. Ahern, Seconded by Mr. Cooke, that the aforesaid resolution, as amended, be placed on the November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting agenda for consideration.  (So Voted 6 to 1 – Councilor McCuin dissented)

 

5.     Resolution Of The Town Of Westerly Opposing House Bill 7900 “An Act Relating To Aeronautics – Airports And Land Fields – Airport Zoning” – Discussion and Possible Action

 

     Councilor Ahern explained that, if this bill passes, the Town is sacrificing local control.  She stated that both Middletown and Warwick have sent resolutions of opposition to the House of Representatives, and she felt it appropriate for Westerly to do the same.

 

     Councilors McCuin and Aiello stated that they would like to have before them both the Senate and House of Representative bills.

 

Motion by Mr. Cooke, Seconded by Ms. Giorno, that the aforesaid resolution be placed on the November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting agenda for consideration.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 6.    Resolution Accepting Fallon Trail Into The Town Of Westerly Road System – Discussion and Possible Action

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. McCuin, that the aforesaid resolution be placed on the November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting agenda for consideration.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

7.     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 Mr. Cooke, Seconded by Mr. Aiello, that a letter be prepared and placed on the November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting agenda for consideration.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

8.     ADJOURNMENT

 

        7:30 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

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