1.    6:00 P.M.  CALL TO ORDER

 

Present:   Pres. Duhamel, Vice Pres. Giorno

                 Councilors Aiello, Cooke, McCuin

                 T. Mgr. Rooney

                 Co. Clk. Pro Tem LeBlanc

 

In Attendance Remotely:   Councilors Cioffi, Ahern

                                            Acting T. Sol. K. Pecchia

 

Absent:    T. Sol. Conley

                 Co. Clk. Giordano

                 T. Sgt. Falcone

 

Also Present:   Chief of Police Shawn Lacey

                        Lisa Konicki, President, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce

 

        INVOCATION – Councilor Cooke

 

        SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Council President Duhamel

 

 

 2.    PRESENTATIONS

 

a.     COVID-19 Update

 

        Report from J. Mark Rooney, Town Manager

 

     Town Manager Rooney reported that the Town continues to receive active support in all of the prevention protocols, including the wearing of masks and social distancing.  He reported that early voting starts on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, in the lower level of Town Hall, noting that there will be temperature checks of all voters and social distancing will be maintained.  He stated that a ballot drop box has been placed outside of Town Hall on the Christ Church side of the building; that there is still time to request an absentee ballot; and that voting information is available on the Town's website.

 

        Report from Shawn Lacey, Chief of Police

 

     Chief Lacey reported that, yesterday, over 1,500 people in Rhode Island were tested and that the positive cases resulted in a 3.2% infection rate, which is up from last week at a 1.4% infection rate and this week at a 1.2% infection rate.  He further reported that 43 people were hospitalized last week and 66 people this week.  He stated that Rhode Island is considered a red state with neighboring states and explained some travel restrictions have been put in place.  He noted that two temporary hospital sites have been closed, but that one will remain open in the event the infection rate increases.  He stated that K through 12 testing sites and travel testing sites will be closed on Columbus Day, October 12^th.   He reported that testing sites require an appointment.  He stated any rapid test performed before 3:00 p.m. will receive results that same evening and after 3:00 p.m. will receive results the following morning.  He noted the parameters and safety restrictions put in place for Halloween.  He reported that the Police Station is receiving supplies of PPE gear on the State level.  He stated that Rhode Island is still on the travel restriction list and that a new list will be updated on Tuesday, October 6, 2020.  He stated that people traveling out of Rhode Island into nearby states must receive a negative test 72 hours before going and receive another negative test when returning back to Rhode Island from a red state in order to return to work or school.  He reported that the State is encouraging everyone to get a flu vaccine.  He stated that trial runs on the distribution of the COVID vaccine are underway to determine how to distribute, the possible distribution sites and how many vaccines can be performed in one day.

 

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

 

     Ms. Konicki reported that the Chamber received 36 of the 120 heat lamps and delivered them to a variety of businesses.  She stated that the Chamber was thrilled that Westerly won a grant for $55,000 which will provide for tents to allow a wide range of businesses to conduct commerce outdoors longer this season.  She reported that there are three more “Sunday Fun Day” events and that businesses appreciate the support of the community.  She stated that the Chamber still has face marks and disinfectant supplies available for Rhode Island businesses.  She noted that next week she will be reporting on a potential new activity in the Watch Hill area to support this business community during the holiday season.

 

Motion by Mr. McCuin, Seconded by Mr. Cooke, to move to Item #4 at this time.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

b.     Recreation Update – Julia Beasley, Interim Recreation Director and Edward Haik, Chair, Board of Recreation

 

Present:   Julia Beasley, Interim Recreation Director

                 Edward Haik, Chair, Board of Recreation

 

    Ms. Beasley read aloud her report, dated October 1, 2020, attached hereto and made part of the record.  She addressed the cancelling of scheduled programs due to COVID, the opening of Town beaches on time, and the commencement of recreation programs on June 29, 2020 that continued during the summer months.  She explained that she supported the decision to keep area playgrounds closed.  She addressed a spreadsheet on the Town Beaches and reported that the revenue from Town Beach passes totaled $289,431, which was generated from the sale of 2,909 Old Town Beach passes and 520 new Town Beach passes.  She explained that the Town usually gives the advantage to the private parking lots and only charges $5 more on daily parking passes.  She noted that an employee parking lot was created at the tourist booth in order to generate more money at the Town beach parking lots.  She stated that her goal is for beach pass sales to pay for beach staffing and lifeguards.  She addressed the rehabilitation of the Rotary Park tennis courts and beach volleyball courts.  She reported on upcoming programs for the fall and winter and the costs involved for use of Town facilities.  She reported on the success of the “Run for the Pumpkins” event held over the weekend.  She responded to questions from the Council regarding revenue generated from the lease of the Town Beach concession stand, programs and events.  She stated that, in order to maintain safe programs, everyone needs to be responsible for cleaning.  She addressed the use of the Bradford school for activities.  She stated that the Town could use the outdoor basketball and tennis courts at the Tower Street School for pickle ball.

 

     Mr. Haik praised Ms. Beasley and her staff for the work accomplished at the Town beaches, noting that there was not one positive COVID case, and for their organization and implementation of the summer recreation programs.  He addressed the large leagues run by volunteers.  He stated that the Westerly Youth basketball league run by volunteers will not be allowed to use the school gyms and the Board of Recreation is trying to find a way to overcome this challenge.  He reported that over 25 organizations are looking to use the Bradford gym; that programs could be expanded and revenue generated if a few of the classrooms can be opened; and that he believed an air quality test is needed to be performed for a portion of the building. 

 

     Town Manager Rooney addressed the cost of recreation programs and how the Town Beach summer programs and the overall Recreation Department run a deficit each year.  He felt that the problem lies with the consolidation of recreation field maintenance handled by the Department of Public Works.  

 

c.     Sump Pumps And Storm Water Issues – Bill Beauregard, Asst. Director DPW/Utilities

 

     Town Manager Rooney stated that he will present the Council with a draft ordinance amending Section 206-48 of the Code of Ordinances.  

 

Motion by Mr. McCuin, Seconded by Mr. Cooke, that the aforesaid matter be delayed to the October 26, 2020 Regular Meeting.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

3.     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.     Ken Burton, 83 Potter Hill Rd - re: Attended funeral service for Shorty Terranova; thanked Westerly for treating veterans in a positive way; re: Draft Ordinance for Honor Roll Committee; already existing committee and asked whether the current members will join the committee; re: Flags on lamp posts – received positive comments; re: Addressed missing names on memorial and boots to the ground fellows

 

COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE

 

     Councilors Aiello and Giorno responded to Citizens’ Comments regarding the proposed ordinance establishing a Veterans ‘Rolls of Honor’ Memorial Committee.  Councilor Aiello explained that the Town is mandated by law to maintain rolls of honor.  He stated that the proposed ordinance, which is required by State law, establishes a formal committee and protocol.  He noted that the ordinance does not negate the library or former Honor Roll Committee members from being involved; that the next Town Council would appoint the committee; and that there will always be a majority of veterans on the committee.  He noted that an ordinance gives more credence to the committee than a resolution. 

 

     Town Manager Rooney reported that a meeting will be held tomorrow with RI DEM Director Janet Coit, CRMC Acting Director Jeff Willis and representatives from the Weekapaug Fire District to discuss rights-of-way and fishermen's access point from the west side of the breachway of the Weekapaug Fire District property.  He stated that the Weekapaug Fire District has given assurance that there is a plan and a permit by CRMC to create a path from the parking lot to the ocean.  He reported that the Town is getting final prices for permanent granite signage for the sixteen Town rights-of-way to the shore and that the Department of Public Works will work on erecting the signs through the fall into spring.

 

 4.    Request For Letter Of Support – Preservation Of Safe Airspace Bill – Discussion and Possible Action

 

     Council President Duhamel explained that this is a request from Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) seeking support of a bill pending in the House, noting that it has already been through the Senate.  He stated that Attorney Gregory Massard was present at the prior Council meeting to alert the Council of the bill and provide information on same.  He stated that the Council has also received numerous correspondence from people who strongly oppose the bill. 

 

Motion by Mr. McCuin, Seconded by Mr. Cooke, to not move the letter of support forward to a Regular Meeting for consideration.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Motion by Ms. Giorno, Seconded by Mr. Cooke, to revert to Item #2b at this time.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 5.    Columbus Day Statue – Discussion and Possible Action

a.     Statue Security ($5,000.00)

 

b.     Assistance of Public Works Personnel With Landscaping

 

     Councilor Giorno stated that she serves on a committee at Westerly Public Library to protect the Columbus Day statue and from that a security subcommittee was formed, consisting of Chief of Police Lacey, herself, Dante Gulino and Alan Peck.  She reported that permanent security cameras monitored by the Police Department, as well as sensors, will be installed to protect the statue.  She asked that the Town contribute money to assist with the security measures and to allow for the assistance of the Department of Public Works personnel with fencing and trench work.  She suggested that the $5,000 subsidy allocated for the Columbus Day parade, which will not be held this year due to COVID, could be used towards security measures to protect the statue. 

 

     Councilors Ahern and Cioffi expressed hesitation to giving additional money to the Westerly Public Library because of the substantial subsidy allocated to the Library by the Town.  It was felt that the Library’s subsidy monies could be used towards security measures of the statue, which was gifted to the Library, and that the $5,000 not used for this year’s Columbus Day parade should come back to the Town. 

 

     Town Manager Rooney reported that the Columbus Day Parade Committee submitted a letter to the Town stating that they did not need this fiscal year’s subsidy of $5,000.  He stated that the cost for the security upgrades and motion sensors is approximately $8,000 and that the cost of the total project, including fencing, lighting, landscaping, etc., is approximately $75,000.  He explained that he put forth the funding request and Public Works assistance, not the Library, who plans to fund the entire project using Library funds and fundraising efforts. 

 

     It was the consensus of the majority of the Council that the Town Manager be authorized to transfer $5,000 from the Columbus Day parade to be put towards security measures of the Columbus Day statue in Wilcox Park and that Public Works personnel be allowed to assist the Westerly Public Library with trench work and landscaping around the Columbus Day statue.  (Councilor Cioffi dissented)

 

6.     Proposed Ordinance – “An Ordinance In Amendment Of Chapter 5 Of The Westerly Code Of Ordinances Entitled ‘Boards, Committees And Commission’” (Add Article XX Veterans ‘Rolls of Honor’ Memorial Committee” – Discussion and Possible Action

 

     It was the consensus of the Council that the aforesaid proposed ordinance be moved forward to the next meeting to be ordered advertised for public hearing on October 26, 2020.

 

a.     Proposed Criteria for Updating ‘Rolls of Honor’ Plaques at the Westerly World War Memorial – Discussion and Possible Action

 

     It was the consensus of the Council that the aforesaid criteria be placed on the October 19, 2020 Regular Meeting for consideration.

 

 

7.     ADJOURNMENT

 

        7:42 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

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