1.      5:30 P.M.  CALL TO ORDER

 

Present:   Pres. Morrone, Vice Pres. Lowther

                 Councilors Overton, Aiello, Cordio, LaPietra, Scialabba

                 T. Mgr. Lacey, T. Sol. Conley

                 Co. Clk. LeBlanc, T. Sgt. Falcone

 

INVOCATION – Councilor Scialabba

 

SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Council President Morrone

 

 

2.              RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS & MEMORIALS

 

        a.     Condolences – Glenn J. Miller

 

     Mrs. Claire Miller and Tammy Marques, wife and daughter of the deceased, were present to accept the resolution, read aloud by Council President Morrone.

 

        b.     Congratulations – The Westerly High School Junior Varsity Softball Team

 

     Coach Josh Arnold and members of the Westerly High School Junior Varsity Softball Team were present to accept the resolution, read aloud by Councilor Aiello.

 

 

3.              PRESENTATIONS

 

a.      Tower Street School Reuse Study – Thomas Liguori, Esq. – Discussion

 

Present:   Thomas Liguori, Jr., Esq., representing the Royce Family Fund

                 Nicholas Moore, Esq.

 

     Attorney Liguori stated that the purpose of tonight’s meeting is to request a dedicated time, preferably in mid-August, for a more in-depth discussion with the Town Council with respect to the Tower Street School reuse possibilities.  He provided a history of the Tower Street School property.  He stated that the school had been closed and operated as a municipal building hosting both municipal and private charitable organizations for various recreational and human-service programs; that the Council considered selling the property and sought an advisory opinion from the Planning Board, which indicated that the property has potential for continued public use; and that the Council solicited and received proposals for purchase and considered such a sale for the development of low- and moderate-income housing.  He stated that the Royce Family Fund was approached in 2020 and again in 2021 with concerns of possible hindsight that better community use could have been made of the property and that a pause for an in-depth consideration of possible municipal, charitable and educational uses should occur.  He reported that, in 2021, the Town and the Royce Family Fund entered into a lease/purchase agreement whereby the Royce Family Fund agreed to coordinate a community-wide assessment of future uses of the property and the evaluation of the feasibility of said uses.  He stated that a community-needs assessment was conducted and potential major partners identified addressing those needs shared with this Council in early February, which include the Westerly Education Center, Wood River Health Center, Ocean Community YMCA for before and after school daycare, Town of Westerly for indoor and outdoor recreation, and low- and moderate-income housing.  He addressed the property with regards to wetlands and buffers, stating that the extent of what can happen on the property is substantially more constraining than what was anticipated because of the existence of wetlands.  He stated that one of the reasons to meet with the Council is to have more information to share and have the Council weigh in on prioritizations.

 

     Discussion was held regarding the area suitable for housing; the next steps and timeline, the debt ceiling, the appropriations’ process, the expansion of the Westerly Education Center, the Royce Family Fund lease and ownership of the property, the space available for lease and recreation to meet community needs; the condominium space, the current outdoor recreation space, the need for a neighborhood indoor community center, and the ARPA funding request to preserve the basketball courts.

 

Motion by Mr. Overton, Seconded by Mr. Aiello, that the agenda be amended to move to Item #6a 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.  Citizens will have up to ten (10) minutes and one opportunity to speak.  The comments of citizens accessing this portion of our meeting are neither adopted nor endorsed by this body but heard as requested.  Comments shall be limited to agenda items only.  If the matter is scheduled for a public hearing, the comments shall be deferred to that agenda item. 

 

a.     Caroline Contrata, 22 Mariner Heights – re: Spring Avenue Extension Right-of-Way – asked Council to correct record to refer to it as Spring Avenue right-of-way; re: Fort Road right-of-way – asked Council to refer to CRMC for State designation

 

b.     Anthony Nunes, 123 Elm St, Stonington, CT – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

c.     Daniel King, 20 North Capalbo Dr – re: Supports proposed Ordinance regarding Veterans ‘Rolls of Honor’ Memorial Committee; re: Greater Development Bradford Association – supports Councilor Aiello’s $500,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding request for Bradford sports complex; supports Town Manager’s $500,000 APRA request for Bowling Lane Infrastructure Improvements Project

 

d.     Marianne Mirando, 14 Mastuxet Ave, Westerly High School Librarian – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

e.     Brigitte Hopkins, 39 Highland Ave, Executive Director, Westerly Public Library – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

f.     William Lancellotta, 6 George St, Executive Director, Westerly Public Library – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

g.     Maria Bernier, 34 Pleasant St, Board Member, Westerly Public Library and Memorial Park – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

h.     Jessica Wick, 5 Grove Ave – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

i.      Laura MacClaughlin, 17 Beach St – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

j.      Stephen Cersosimo, 4189 Old Post Rd, Charlestown, RI, local business owner – re: Fort Road right-of-way – shoreline access; asked Council to refer to CRMC for State designation

 

k.     Benjamin Weber, 3 Blossom Ct – re: Spring Avenue right-of-way and Fort Road right-of-way – shoreline access; asked Council to refer Fort Road right-of-way to CRMC for State designation; asked Council to seek alternative counsel in defending shoreline access; asked Council President Morrone to refrain from participating in discussion and/or votes on Fort Road

 

l.      Conrad Furla, 437 North Road, North Kingstown, RI – re: Fort Road right-of-way – shoreline access; asked Council to refer Fort Road right-of-way to CRMC for State designation; asked Council President Morrone to refrain from participating in discussion and/or votes on Fort Road; asked Council to seek alternative counsel in defending shoreline access

 

m.   Christopher Lawlor, 8 Bucks Trail, Member of RI Sports Fisherman’s Club – re: Fort Road right-of-way – shoreline access; asked Council to refer Fort Road right-of-way to CRMC for State designation; asked Council to seek alternative counsel in defending shoreline access

 

n.     Ellen Madison, 149 South Woody Hill Rd – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

o.     Danielle Beliveau, 19 Grove Ave, Savoy Book Shop & Café employee – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

p.     James Tarbox, 52 Riverview Ave – re: Fort Road right-of-way – shoreline access; asked Council to refer Fort Road right-of-way to CRMC for State designation; asked Council to seek alternative counsel in defending shoreline access; re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

q.     Colleen King, 39 Merrill Court, Groton, CT, librarian – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

r.     Kelly Cecchini, 53 Granite St – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

s.     Robert Chiaradio, Jr., 86B Quannacut Rd – re: Supports Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

t.      Francis Hopkins, 222 Buckeye Brook Rd, Charlestown, RI, representing Wood River Health Services – re: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding request by Wood River Health Services

 

u.     Jessica Castigliego, 10 Batterson Ave – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

v.     Christine Almeida, 128 Woodville Rd, Hope Valley, RI – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

w.    William Miller, 35 Pasadena Ave, Board Member, Westerly Public Library and Memorial Park – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

x.     Steve Banahan, 2 Oxford St – re: Fort Road right-of-way – shoreline access; asked Council to refer Fort Road right-of-way to CRMC for State designation; asked Council to seek alternative counsel in defending shoreline access; re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

y.     Paul Schauer, representing RICAN at 805 Alton-Carolina Rd, Charlestown, RI – re: Up to $40,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding request by RICAN

 

z.     Ellen Kane, 76 Winnapaug Rd – re: Fort Road right-of-way and Spring Avenue right-of-way – shoreline access; asked Council to refer Fort Road right-of-way to CRMC for State designation; asked Council to seek outside counsel to handle Fort Road litigation

 

aa.   Matthew Ferarro, 65 Margin St – re: Rights-of-way; public access; asked Council to create a position equal to the Conservation Commissioner in Watch Hill to oversee rights-of-way

 

bb.   Jonathan Daly-LaBelle, 22 Top St – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

cc.   Robert Lombardo, 81 Avondale Rd – re: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding requests and requests for financial statements; statements made by Councilor LaPietra at April 5, 2023 meeting regarding subsidy to Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce

 

dd.   Robert Delaney, 6 East Stuart St, representing Dunns Corners Fire District – re: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding request

 

ee.   Katherine Rosen, 5 Gull Terrace – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

ff.    Nina Rossomando, 12 West Fairway Ave – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

gg.   Regina DeAngelo, 62 Baxter St, Charlestown, RI – re: Rights-of-way; public access; asked Council to refer rights-of-way to CRMC for State designation; asked Council to hire outside counsel to handle rights-of-way litigation

 

hh.   Marco Cozzolino, 12 Rock Ridge Rd – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

ii.     Jane Brockman, 15 Spring St – re: Supports Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

jj.     Paolo Magliari, 154 Main St – re: Supports Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

kk.   James Malardo, 14 South Woody Hill Rd – re: Fort Road and Spring Avenue rights-of-way; public access; asked Council to refer Fort Road right-of-way to CRMC for State designation; asked Council to hire outside legal counsel to handle right-of-way litigation; Regulation 2910

 

ll.     Jason Jarvis, 70 Beach St – re: Opposed to Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”

 

mm.  Anthony Palazzolo, Jr., 285 Pendleton Hill Rd, Stonington, CT – re: Rights-of-way; public access; asked Council to hire outside counsel to handle Fort Road right-of-way litigation – entered into the record a copy of the Westlaw Precision regarding Gerald J. Petros, Esq.

 

     Council President Morrone read the list of names of individuals in support of Fort Road right-of-way which is attached hereto and made part of the record of these proceedings.

 

COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE

 

     Councilors responded to Citizens’ Comments regarding the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows,” Fort Road right-of-way, and public access.

 

10:00 P.M.  Motion by Ms. Cordio, Seconded by Ms. Scialabba, to waive the 10:00 pm curfew (Rule 9(a)) and continue with the meeting.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

10:05 P.M.  RECESSED

 

10:20 P.M.  RECONVENED

 

 

5.              CONSENT CALENDAR

 

        a.     Approval of Minutes

Regular – 4/17/23 (tabled from 5/15/23), 5/15/23

Workshop – 5/17/23

Executive – 4/17/23 (Sealed), 5/15/23 (Sealed)

 

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

 

1.     22/23- 66 Resolution Authorizing The Waiver Of Penalty For Late Payments ($469.61)

 

2.     22/23-67 Resolution Awarding Contract For Park Avenue And Vose Street Improvements Project ($484,789.00)

 

        c.     Resignation and Appointments

 

1.    Appointments:

a.    Scott Clairmont, Ad Hoc Westerly Marina Study Committee

 

     Councilor Lowther nominated Scott Clairmont for appointment to the Ad Hoc Westerly Marina Study Committee.

 

A vote was taken on the nomination of Scott Clairmont of 24 Mariner Heights, Unit 1, for appointment to the Ad Hoc Westerly Marina Study Committee for an indefinite term, and the nomination carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

     Town Solicitor Conley addressed the Open Meetings Act, stating that it also applies to ad hoc committees.

 

 

6.              PUBLIC HEARINGS (Adv. on 5/25/23 and 5/29/23 for this time)

       

a.     Chapter 2034 – “An Ordinance Expanding The Boundaries Of The Westerly Sewer District (Steven M. Stoehr and Melissa A. Stoehr, 4 Laurel Hill Rd (AP 18, Lot 57E)

 

Motion by Mr. Overton, Seconded by Ms. Cordio, that the public hearing be opened.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Present:   Thomas J. Liguori, Jr., Esq., representing the applicants

                 Steven M. Stoehr, 4 Laurel Hill Rd, property owner

                 Linda Cordeiro, Stenographer, Certified Professional Stenographers

 

     Attorney Liguori presented the Town Clerk with a copy of the notice sent to the abutting property owner located outside the sewer district as required under the sewer ordinance.  He explained that Steven and Melissa Stoehr reside on Laurel Hill Road and that their property is served by a septic system that has failed.  He stated that properties located to the rear and side of their property are in the sewer district.  He explained that the property owner located to the rear of the Stoehr property has a narrow strip of land to Potter Hill Road that has a sewer stub servicing the property and has agreed to grant the Stoehrs’ an easement for the installation of a sewer line to an existing sewer stub on Potter Hill Road.  He noted that there are no sewer lines on Laurel Hill Road.  He stated that there would be no cost to Town and that the Stoehrs’ would pay the right-of-entry fee and be charged an ad valorem tax.

 

     No one appeared in favor or in opposition.

 

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

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. Lowther, that the aforesaid ordinance be adopted.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Motion by Mr. Overton, Seconded by Mr. Aiello, to revert to Item #4.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

b.     Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) – Program Year 2022 Application

1.     22/23-68 Resolution Authorizing Submission Of A Community Development Block Grant Application To The Rhode Island Office of Housing And Community Development ($1,331,891.00)

 

Present:   Dale Faulkner, Grant Administrator

 

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

 

     No one appeared in favor or in opposition.

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Ms. Scialabba, that the public hearing be closed.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. Lowther, that the aforesaid resolution be adopted.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

c.     Proposed FY2023/2024 Water, Sewer and Transfer Station Budgets

 

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

 

     No one appeared in favor or in opposition.

 

     Councilor LaPietra stated, for the record, that he is not in favor of the sticker program under the Transfer Station budget.

 

     Councilor Aiello stated, for the record, that he is totally opposed to the $50 transfer station fee as currently defined.  He stated that he believes that the Town needs to work towards improving and adjusting operations to be able to reduce and eventually eliminate the fee.  He reported that, at the September 12, 2022 Town Council workshop, Town Solicitor Dylan Conley stated that due to the timing of the November election and the budgetary issues involved, the former Council did not have adequate time to address the fee in any other manner and could not change it; therefore, it was passed onto the current Council to address.  He stated that, because this is not classified as a tax, but is a fee, that all property owners, regardless of the organizational status, should be charged the fee, and that this includes properties owned by the school, town, state, religious and non-profit organizations.

 

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

 

Motion by Ms. Cordio, Seconded by Mr. Lowther, that the FY2023/2024 Water, Sewer and Transfer Station Budgets be adopted.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

d.     Chapter 2035 – “An Ordinance Setting Water Rate Schedules For The 2023-2024 Fiscal Year” (Single Unit Residential - $126.00 per unit Service Charge plus $4.36 per 100 cu. ft. in excess of 4,800 cu. ft. per meter; Commercial & Industrial - $126.00 per unit Service Charge plus $5.06 per 100 cu. ft. in excess of 4,800 cu. ft. per meter; Private Fire Hydrant charge per year - $125.00; Public fire hydrant charge per year - $100.00 effective 7/1/2023)

 

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

 

     No one appeared in favor or in opposition.

 

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

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. Lowther, that the aforesaid ordinance be adopted.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

e.     Chapter 2036 – “An Ordinance Establishing The Sewer Use Or Service Charge For Fiscal Year 2023-2024” ($356.00 per unit)

 

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

 

     No one appeared in favor or in opposition.

 

Motion by Ms. Scialabba, Seconded by Mr. Lowther, that the public hearing be closed.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. Lowther, that the aforesaid ordinance be adopted.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

f.     Chapter 2037 – “An Ordinance Establishing The Ad Valorem Tax On Personal And Real Property For The Fiscal Year 2023-2024” ($0.54 per $1,000 of assessed valuation)

 

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

 

     No one appeared in favor or in opposition.

 

Motion by Ms. Scialabba, Seconded by Mr. Aiello, that the public hearing be closed.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Motion by Ms. Cordio, Seconded by Mr. Lowther, that the aforesaid ordinance be adopted.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

7.      NEW BUSINESS

 

a.     Resolution In Support Of House Bill H 6324 Entitled, “An Act Relating To Criminal Offenses – Obscene And Objectionable Publication And Shows” – Discussion and Possible Action

 

     Council President Morrone announced the names of individuals in favor and in opposition to the aforesaid resolution which are entered into the record and made part of these proceedings. 

 

Motion by Mr. Overton, Seconded by Mr. LaPietra, that the aforesaid resolution be adopted. 

 

Motion by Ms. Cordio, that the resolution be amended to state that the Council opposes House Bill H 6234 Entitled, “An Act Relating To Criminal Offenses – Obscene And Objectionable Publication And Shows.”  There was no Second. 

 

     Town Solicitor Conley explained that Councilor Cordio’s requested amendment would require text changes and would be a substantive change.

 

     Councilor Cordio withdrew her motion.

 

A poll vote was taken as follows on the motion and the motion failed:  (Voted 4 to 2 – Councilor Aiello abstained)

 

                                                YES                                         NO

 

                                               LaPietra                                   Scialabba

                                               Overton                                   Lowther

                                                                                               Cordio

                                                                                               Morrone

Aiello – abstained because he needed more information

 

b.     Resolution In Support Of Senate Bill SB-0598 And House Bill HB-5754 Exempting From Taxation The Real And Tangible Personal Property Of Wood River Health Services, Inc. – Discussion and Possible Action

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Ms. Scialabba, that the aforesaid resolution be adopted.  

 

     Town Solicitor Conley explained that it is a common misconception that simply because an organization is a non-profit organization that it is exempt from taxes.  He stated that, to be exempt from taxes, a non-profit organization must be granted an exemption from the State that allows the municipality to apply an exemption from property taxes.  He stated that non-profit status alone does not qualify an organization for property tax exemption.

 

A poll vote was taken as follows and the motion failed:  (Voted 5 to 2 – Councilors LaPietra, Overton, Lowther, Cordio and Council President Morrone dissented)

                                                YES                                         NO

 

                                               Scialabba                                LaPietra

                                               Aiello                                       Overton

                                                                                               Lowther

                                                                                               Cordio

                                                                                               Morrone

 

c.     22/23-69 Resolution Authorizing The Town Manager To Enter Into A Brokerage Service Fee Agreement With USI Insurance Services LLC For Risk Management Services – Discussion and Possible Action

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. Lowther, that the aforesaid resolution be adopted.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

d.     Proposed Ordinance – “An Ordinance In Amendment Of Article XX, Veterans ‘Rolls of Honor’ Memorial Committee Of Chapter 5 Of The Westerly Code Of Ordinances Entitled ‘Boards, Committees And Commissions’” (Amend § 5-89 Officers; quorum; compensation and § 5-90 Duties)

        (Order Adv. for Public Hearing on 6/19/23)

 

Motion by Ms. Scialabba, Seconded by Mr. Aiello, that the aforesaid proposed ordinance be ordered advertised for public hearing on June 19, 2023.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

e.     Learn365RI – Discussion and Vote to Authorize the Town Manager to Sign the Rhode Island Municipal Education Compact

 

     Town Manager Lacey explained Learn365RI, which is an initiative by the Governor to provide funding to communities from the State.  He stated that the Town would collaborate with the school to develop and implement learning strategies to augment the 180 days of the traditional school schedule to provide opportunities for year-round out-of-school learning in homes and in the community.  He stated that the deadline to sign the agreement is June 22, 2023 and signing the compact does not mandate the application for acceptance or the Town accepting the funding.

 

     Councilor Lowther asked that the Town obtain an advisory opinion from the School Committee.

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. Lowther, that the Town Manager be authorized to sign the Rhode Island Municipal Education Compact.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

8.      UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

a.     ARPA Funding Allocations – Discussion and Possible Action

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. Lowther, that Item #8a – ARPA Funding Allocations be continued to the next available meeting.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. LaPietra, that the following Communications & Reports be continued to the June 19, 2023 meeting:  (Voted Unanimously)

 

9.      COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS

(Backup materials for the following reports can be viewed on the Town of Westerly website at www.westerlyri.gov)

 

        a.     Liaison Reports

 

        b.     Town Council – 6/5/23

 

        c.     Town Manager – 6/5/23

 

        d.     Town Solicitor – 6/5/23

               1.  Oral Status on Spring Avenue Extension Right-of-Way – CRMC Hearing

 

        e.     Town Clerk

 

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

 

        g.     Requests of Town Manager by Councilors

 

 

10.    CITIZENS COMMENTS

 

     When addressing the Council, please state your name and address; please conduct yourself in an orderly and respectful fashion.  Citizens will have up to five (5) minutes and one opportunity to speak.  The comments of citizens accessing this portion of our meeting are neither adopted nor endorsed by this body but heard as requested. 

 

a.     Jonathan D. Labelle, Top St – re: Town Council Resolution in support of House Bill H 6324 entitled “An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Obscene and Objectional Publication and Shows”; re: Golden Rule Boat – invited Councilors to visit New London, Providence or Bristol to see the Golden Rule Peace Ship arrive

 

b.     Lisa Konicki, Executive Director, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce – re: 18 supporters were present at the May 15, 2023 Town Council meeting and 15 supporters were present tonight for the Chamber’s ARPA funding request

 

COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE

 

        None

 

 

11.    POSSIBLE EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. Lowther, to go into executive session for discussion and/or action regarding those items of business exempt from open meetings under Rhode Island General Laws §42-46-4 and §42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation – J.G. & R.R. for their Minor Child J.R. v. Westerly, et al., No. 1:21-cv-00056-WES-PAS; §42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation – Trestle Park, LLC v. Town of Westerly, et al. WC-2023-0227; and §42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation – Watch Hill Fire District; and The Watch Hill Conservancy v. Town of Westerly, et al. WC-2023-0190.  (Voted Unanimously by poll vote for Litigation on J.G. & R.R. for their Minor Child J.R. v. Westerly, et al; So Voted 6 to 1 by poll vote for Litigation on Trestle Park, LLC v. Town of Westerly, et al and Watch Hill Fire District; and The Watch Hill Conservancy v. Town of Westerly, et al – Councilor LaPietra dissented)

 

11:23 P.M.  EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

     The purpose of this Executive Session was to discuss Litigation.

 

*                    *                    *                    *                    *

 

12:22 A.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn and seal the minutes of this Executive Session. 

 

        12:24 A.M.  Reconvened Open Session  (Councilor Cordio absent)

 

Executive Session Report

 

     Council President Morrone announced that the Council, under Litigation, discussed the matters of J.G. & R.R. for their Minor Child J.R. v. Westerly, et al., Trestle Park, LLC v. Town of Westerly, et al, and Watch Hill Fire District; and The Watch Hill Conservancy v. Town of Westerly, et al. and that no votes were taken.

 

Motion by Ms. Scialabba, Seconded by Ms. Scialabba, that the Executive Session minutes be sealed.  (So Voted 5 to 1 – Councilor LaPietra dissented; Councilor Cordio absent)

 

 

12.    ADJOURNMENT

 

        12:25 A.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

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