From: Philip Hervey, Town Manager
To: Barrington Town Council
Subj: Town Manager Memo for November 6, 2023, Council Meeting
Date: November 6, 2023
AGENDA ITEM #4: Announcements (Town Manager)
· Tuesday, November 7, 2023, Special Election: Combined Polls at Barrington High School (101 and 106), Barrington Middle School (102 and 103) and Hampden Meadows (104 and 105 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
· Friday, November 10, 2023, Veterans Day Observed: Town Hall, Peck Center, DPW, and Library are closed. Library also closed on Saturday, 11/11/23. Schools closed on Monday, 11/13/23. Refuse and recycling collection for Friday, 11/10/23 – normal schedule.
· Sunday November 12th at 1:00 p.m. and Wednesday, November 16th at 6:30 p.m.: DEI Film Screening and Discussion: “Be Water” – a documentary about the life of the legendary Bruce Lee at the Barrington Public Library. Registration recommended.
· November 23-24, 2023, Thanksgiving Holiday: Town Hall, Peck Center, DPW Library and Schools are closed. (Library closes at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 11/22/23) Refuse and recycling normal collection day is moved to the next day for the week.
· Friday, November 24th: Day after Thanksgiving Walk at Johannis Farm Wildlife Preserve 11:00 a.m.
· December 2, 2023, Barrington Tree Lighting: Children’s activities from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Santa arrives at 3:45 p.m.
· Tree Planting & Removal: October 1, 2022- September 30, 2023– 99 trees removed/ 100 trees planted.
AGENDA ITEMS #5 - #14: Consent Agenda
Motion: To accept the Consent Agenda, Items #5 – #14, as presented.
AGENDA ITEM #15: Discuss and Act: Interviews and Appointments
TM Comment: Interviews for boards and commissions are listed below along with motions.
- Building Board of Review: 1 vacancy: 1 full member with a term expiration date of December 31, 2024. Interview: Spencer Alexander
Motion: To appoint ____ to the Building Board of Review to serve as a full member, term ending December 31, 2024.
o Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee: 2 vacancies: 1st and 2nd alternates; term expiration date of Sept. 30, 2026. Interviews: Candace Baer, Qi Chen and Amy Hogarth
Motion: To appoint ____ to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to serve as a 1st Alternate, term ending September 30, 2026.
Motion: To appoint ____ to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to serve as a 2nd Alternate, term ending September 30, 2026.
- Planning Board: (1 vacancy: 2nd alternate; term ending 5/31/24). Interview: John Mueller
Motion: To appoint ____ to the Planning Board to serve as second alternate, term ending May 31, 2024.
AGENDA ITEM #16: Discuss and Act on Resolutions
TM Comment: No resolutions.
AGENDA ITEM #17: Discuss and Act on Ordinances
INTRODUCTION:
· 2023-11: An Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 33 Personnel Policies; Article V Attendance and Leave - §33-34 Military duty leave
TM Comment: In 2004 the Town Council voted to give full-time employees on active military duty health insurance and pay differential. This policy should have been put into an ordinance, which is why we’re asking the Council to introduce Ordinance No. 2023-11 and schedule the public hearing for the Dec. 4th Council meeting.
Motion: To introduce Ordinance #2023-11, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 33 Personnel Policies; Article V Attendance and Leave - §33-34 Military duty leave, and to schedule a public hearing for Monday, December 4, 2023.
· 2023-12: An Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 185 Zoning
TM Comment: The Town needs to update the Zoning Ordinance to comply with new State laws going into effect January 1, 2024. Zoning Ordinance amendments require Town Council adoption following a public hearing. There are also revisions the Planning Board will need to make to the Town’s Land Development and Subdivision Regulations (no Council action required). Ordinance No. 2023-12 would enact the Planning Board’s recommended Zoning Ordinance amendments. The motion would introduce the ordinance and have the hearing take place at the Dec. 4th Council meeting.
For more, please see the memorandum from Teresa Crean, Director of Planning, Building and Zoning.
Motion: To introduce Ordinance #2023-12, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 185 – Zoning, and to schedule a public hearing for Monday, December 4, 2023.
PUBLIC HEARING:
· 2023-9 An Amendment to an Ordinance Chapter 63 Alcoholic Beverages; 63-12 License Renewals
TM Comment: On September 11, 2023, the Town Council passed a motion “to request the Town Solicitor to draft an ordinance revising the requirements in Chapter 63, Alcoholic Beverages, Article III, Liquor License Rules and Regulations, Section 34, to exempt from the annual local training requirement any owner, manager, or alcohol server of the licensee for the year or years in which an individual has received State certification or re-certification.” The attached Ordinance, prepared by Assistant Solicitor Amy Goins, revises the liquor training requirements as per the Council motion. The amendments are under Section (34) Required training and certification, and include:
o Revising references to “Barrington Substance Abuse Task Force” to the name now in use: “BAY Team (Barrington Prevention Coalition)”
o Corrects a typo under (c) – changing “much” to “must.”
o Clarifying the process requires licensees to submit to the BAY Team, rather than the Town Clerk, information verifying the completion of alcohol training (State or local, as applicable). The BAY Team then forwards the information to the Town Clerk. (Section 34, (c))
o The most significant change relates to the revision stipulated in the Council motion from the Sept. 11 meeting:
Motion: To adopt Ordinance #2023-9, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 63 – Alcoholic Beverages [as presented / as amended].
· 2023-10 An Amendment to an Ordinance Chapter 179-9 No Parking (Prospect and Lincoln)
TM Comment: The Town is in receipt of a request for a no parking restriction on a section of Prospect Street south of Lincoln Avenue. Email from Chief Correia (10/31/23): “I have no concerns from a public safety perspective.” The proposed restricted area is shown below. I recommend adoption as presented.
Motion: To adopt Ordinance #2023-10, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 179-9 – No Parking, as presented.
AGENDA ITEM #18: Discuss and Act on Bid(s):
· Department of Public Works:
TM Comment: Alan Corvi, Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW), is requesting Council approval of multiple bids for DPW equipment and vehicles as part of the Town’s fiscal year 2023 and 2024 Capital Plan. The current Capital Reserve balance is approximately $877,000.
o One (1) Tandem Axle Cab & Chassis with Roll Off Hoist & Automatic Covering Assembly
o Motion: To approve the bid for a new 2025 Volvo VHD64B300 tandem axle cab and chassis with roll-off hoist and automatic cover assembly from Anderson Motors Inc., of East Providence for $227,952, which includes a credit of $45,000 for the trade in of a 2006 Volvo cab and chassis with roll-off hoist.
o One (1) Asphalt Hot Box Trailer
o Motion: To approve the bid for a new asphalt hot box trailer from Viking-Cives USA of 500 Captain Neville Drive, Waterbury, CT, for $44,950.
o One (1) All Season’s Dump Body
o Motion: To approve the bid from Viking Cives USA of 500 Captain Neville Drive, Waterbury, CT, for $59,971 for a new all seasons dump body to be installed on an existing DPW dump truck chassis.
o Three (3) 16,500 GVW Dump Trucks with Plows
o Motion: To approve the bid for three (3) new 2024 Ford F450 dump trucks with plows from Gervais Ford of Ayer, MA, for $262,643, which includes a credit of $21,007 for the trade in of a 2011 Chevrolet dump truck and costs for added equipment.
o One (1) Commercial Front Mower
o Motion: To approve the bid for a new 2023 commercial front mower from Ed and Matt Equipment of Greenville, RI, at a cost of $13,239.20
AGENDA ITEM #19: PUBLIC HEARING: Discuss and Act: Liquor License Renewals:
TM Comment: A public hearing is required before voting on liquor license renewal applications received by the Town. The motions below are for the Council’s consideration, after opening and closing the public hearing on each license class.
Motion 1: To grant but not issue until final paperwork is received by the Town for the following Class A Retail licenses:
· Grapes & Grains, Inc. d/b/a Grapes & Grains, Inc., 24 Bosworth Street
· Brickyard Wine & Spirits LLC d/b/a Brickyard Wine & Spirits LLC, 250 County Road
Motion 2: To grant but not issue until final paperwork is received by the Town for the following Class D Full licenses:
· American Legion Post #8, Inc. d/b/a American Legion Post #8, Inc., 2 Legion Way
· Barrington Democratic Club d/b/a Barrington Democratic Club, 186 Roffee St.
· Barrington Yacht Club d/b/a Barrington Yacht Club, 25 Barton Avenue
· R.I. Country Club d/b/a Rhode Island Country Club, 150 Nayatt Road
Motion 3: To grant but not issue until final paperwork is received by the Town for the following Class BV Full licenses:
· Tyler Point Inc. d/b/a Bluewater Bar and Grill, 32 Barton Avenue
· Stock Food Group, Inc. d/b/a East Bay Oyster Bar, 308 County Road
· Oxford Tavern Inc., d/b/a Oxford Tavern, 286 Maple Avenue
· Kee-Aree LLC d/b/a Tong-D, 156 (Rear) County Road
· New Sushi Express, Inc. d/b/a Miku Japanese Cuisine, 306 County Road
· DPP LLC, d/b/a Viola, 296 County Road
Motion 4: To grant but not issue until final paperwork is received by the Town for the following Class BVL Limited licenses:
· Pepperoni’s LLC d/b/a Piezoni’s Pizza, 222 County Road
· Leon’s Kitchenworx LLC d/b/a Leon’s Café and Catering, 230 Waseca Ave.
· J & A Restaurant Enterprises Ltd. d/b/a Nacho Mamma’s, 18 Maple Ave., Unit 3
· Spaghetti Lane, LLC d/b/a Spaghetti Lane, 8 Anoka Avenue
· Sowams A. M. Inc. d/b/a Prince Ali’s Kebab, 305 Sowams Road
AGENDA ITEM #20: Presentation: School Committee to Discuss School Construction Bond and Plan (P. McCrann)
TM Comment: School Committee Chair Patrick McCrann will update the Council on the $250 million School Construction Bond.
Motion: No motion provided.
AGENDA ITEM #21: Discuss and Act: Designate Town Clerk as ex-officio on Charter Review Committee
TM Comment: The Town Council appointed Town Clerk Meredith DeSisto to the Charter Review Commission. Requesting the Council to adopt a motion clarifying that the Town Clerk is a non-voting “ex-officio” member of the Commission and not a voting member.
Motion: To designate the Town Clerk as a non-voting “ex-officio” member of the Charter Review Commission.
AGENDA ITEM #22: Discuss and Act: Endorsement of Proposed Large RI DEM Grant Project - Skateboard Park
TM Comment: The Park and Recreation Commission last week voted unanimously in support of the submission of an application for a $280,000 Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Outdoor Recreation Grant to support the construction of a skatepark. Applications are due by December 6, 2023. The total funding available for this grant round throughout the State of RI totals just $2 million. The Commission identified the overflow parking lot to the rear of Town Hall, north of Kids Kove Playground, as the preferred location. The alternative site is within the parking lot in Haines Park just north of Cove Haven Marina.
The motion, according to Chair Mike Seward, was as follows:
The Park & Recreation commission would like the Town of Barrington to apply for a RI DEM recreation grant for $350,000 [my comment: this is the total project cost; the grant request would total $280,000] with a 20% Town match of $70,000 before December 6, 2023, for the development of a skate park to be located in the parking lot area next to “Kids Kove” playground, behind Town hall. If that location is problematic then in the parking lot off Narragansett Ave at Haines Park which has been vetted with the neighbors, next to Cove Haven Marina.
At the October 2nd meeting the Council endorsed submitting a small grant application (up to $100,000) for expanding the splash pad at Police Cove Park, along with new sections of fence, benches and other amenities.
Skateboard Park: The Commission’s preferred location is this small parking lot north of Kids Kove Playground. The lot, which has about 14 usable parking spaces, is used by the School Department to park their small buses. The Town Hall Dumpster is located here, along with a newly installed Big Brothers/Big Sisters clothing donation bin.
A significant concern about removing this parking lot is the impact on parking available for Town Hall and the Library, which can become very tight when special events occur at either building. There is no obvious alternative location for the Dumpster or donation bin. While the site is highly visible, especially compared to the second location, at Haines Park, the skate park would have users coming and going on skateboards, scooters, etc., next to traffic flow in the main parking lot.
I recommend the Haines Park parking lot as the location for a skate park. At a minimum, extending electricity to add floodlights within the parking lot would be needed for improved security. The site is less accessible to the remainder of the Town compared to the Town Hall site, but it is conveniently located close to the East Bay Bike Path. It also has no neighbors, other than the marina to the south. This is within a portion of the park in Barrington that’s included in the 30-year lease agreement the Town has with the State, expiring in 2051.
Motion: To approve the submission of $280,000 Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Outdoor Recreation Grant application to support the construction of a skatepark at Haines Park north of Cove Haven Marina.
AGENDA ITEM #23: Discuss and Act: Bike Path Bridge Project Concerns Regarding Increase to Current
TM Comment: The Town has received emails from Atlantic Marine and others about the impact of the removal of the old bridge on the velocity of the outgoing current within the easterly portion of the Barrington River across from Police Cove Park. Several boaters described new, dangerous conditions navigating this part of the river. An example:
I backed out of my slip at Atlantic Marina (15B) and turned around in the middle of Police Cove and proceeded South under the Barrington Bridge toward the channel markers at no wake speed (3.5 knots). Approximately 40 ft from the bridge (two boat lengths) I felt the tide shift my boat east. As I attempted to steer the boat away and back to the middle of the channel, the lack of speed in the no wake zone made turning difficult in the tide surge. I throttled down to neutral and then into reverse but the tide and current were too strong and I drifted into the bridge, cracking a glass windshield on my pilot house and making a softball sized dent into the frame.
The Harbor Commission has discussed this issue but has not yet adopted a motion. Commission Chair Nelson “Chip” Hawkins and Harbormaster Brian Hunt will be in attendance tonight to answer questions. Mr. Hunt has had discussions with the engineer from Aetna Bridge about the “ebbing and swirling conditions on that side of the river,” according to an email from Mr. Hunt. He wrote that his hope is the State will make “necessary changes to stop the tidal issues without jeopardizing the current permitting of the bridge replacement project.” I’ve drafted a motion to this effect.
Motion: To request the State to make the necessary changes to stop the tidal issues without jeopardizing the current permitting of the East Bay Bike Path Bridge Replacement Project.
Additional information: Photos of this area of the Barrington River are below.
The photo above was taken before the removal of the Bike Path Bridge. Atlantic Marine is to the right. Note the current south of the bridge is visible in the aerial.
Atlantic Marine as seen from the Barrington River vehicular bridge.
AGENDA ITEM #24: Discuss and Act: Resilience & Energy Commission Recommendations: All-electric Town Buildings and Schools, “Actions to Mitigate Noise Pollution for Health and Wellness of Barrington”
TM Comment: The Town is in receipt of proposals from the Resilience and Energy Committee that would impact Town and School capital planning and operations, as well as create new restrictions on the use of gas-powered lawn maintenance equipment. These issues require further study as well as opportunities for public input. The Town will have experts on board to evaluate these proposals when it engages a consultant to complete a Climate Action Plan for the Town (see Request for Qualifications). I recommend referring the proposals to the Planning Department for consideration in the development of the Action Plan, which will be looking at greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies for the Town and Schools, as well as the community as a whole.
Motion: To refer proposals from the Resilience and Energy Committee regarding all-electric Town Buildings and Schools, and “Actions to Mitigate Noise Pollution for Health and Wellness of Barrington,” to the Planning, Building and Resilience Department for evaluation and recommendation as part of the Climate Action Plan scope of work.
AGENDA ITEM #25: Discuss and Act: RI Infrastructure Bank Municipal Resilience Program Action Grant
TM Comment: The Town is preparing an application for a grant in the amount of $809,813 from the RI Infrastructure Bank Municipal Resilience Program Action Grant program to address shoreline stabilization design, engineering, permitting and construction at Allin’s Cove, Shore Drive/Latham Park, and Water Way. The program requires a 25% match of the total project cost, which comes to $269,938. Proposing the following matching fund sources: American Rescue Plan Act (the Council previously approved $100,000 from ARPA for Latham Park shoreline stabilization), and the Town’s Environmental Issues and Climate Mitigation Capital Reserve Accounts. The Town also has funding from a $100,000 grant from the RIDEM Climate Resilience Fund to help cover the cost of the work at Latham Park/Allins Cove.
Motion: To endorse the Town’s RI Infrastructure Bank Municipal Resilience Program Action Grant application in the amount of $809,813 for shoreline stabilization and water quality improvement projects at Latham Park/Shore Drive, Allin’s Cove, and Water Way.
AGENDA ITEM #26: Discuss and Act: Updated Aerial Photography for Revaluation
TM Comment: The Tax Assessor is proposing to update aerial imagery as part of the revaluation process. The Town has pricing from EagleView to provide this service. Barrington has used EagleView’s online platform for several years, which is used frequently by the Assessor and the Planning, Building & Resilience Department. Recommend authorizing sufficient funding to cover the cost of the three-year annual flyover. The Town has the option to cancel the contract after 180 days if it’s determined that the second and third years of updates are not needed.
Motion: To authorize up to $50,500 for updated aerial photography from EagleView over the next three years, with funding from the Revaluation capital reserve account.
AGENDA ITEM #27: Discuss and Act: Recreation Fields and Facilities (Standing Agenda Item)
TM Comment: This is a standing agenda item. Updates are shown in bold below.
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Background
This has been a standing agenda item. The Town is continuing to work on the questions in the Council motion passed at the January 10th meeting “to explore on separate but parallel tracks:
1. whether to build a recreation center in Barrington;
2. whether to install a synthetic turf field in Barrington; and,
3. ways to improve the overall maintenance of Barrington’s fields, including whether to develop a dedicated field maintenance team.”
The motion further stated the Town should include the following action items (updates in bold):
1. Sending out a survey to residents asking questions and opinions regarding each of the three issues; [Comment: The Town posted an online survey on January 13th, which was active through February 17th. The survey generated a total of 787 responses. (Discussed in greater detail in the materials provided to the Council for the March meeting)]
2. Referring the three issues to all of the Boards and Commissions listed on page 32 of the “Improving Barrington’s Fields and Recreational Facilities” presentation from the January 9, 2023, Town Council meeting, including the School Committee, and in addition to the Conservation Commission and any other appropriate Board or Commission; [Comment: The only comments received to date are from the Economic Development Commission, which passed motions at two separate meetings.
At the Feb. 27th EDC meeting, the Commission passed a motion recommending the Town make every responsible effort to secure a large enough parcel of land to support a plan for new athletic fields and recreation center with consideration to sell 25 Watson to offset the acquisition of the entire Zion property for that purpose and other uses consistent with the Town’s master plan. Motion carried (7 in favor of motion, no opposition).
At the January 19th EDC meeting, the Commission discussed the newest conceptual plan for the development of the Zion site and consideration of the Town to acquire space for a Recreation Center. The EDC unanimously (9-0) passed the following motion: “The EDC is requesting the Town Council provide a review and comment of drafted survey prior to its release to insure inclusivity of all communities within Barrington and economic impact with consideration to acquire space for a recreation center to help further discussion of the following items:
1. whether to build a recreation center in Barrington;
2. whether to install a synthetic turf field in Barrington; and,
3. ways to improve the overall maintenance of Barrington’s fields, including whether to develop a dedicated field maintenance team.”
3. Holding public workshops to discuss and develop the three issues for public awareness and to solicit public feedback; [Comment: The Council has held two workshops, on February 1st (fields and rec center discussion) and on April 19th (specifically on the recreation center/fieldhouse concept. The Council also toured several athletic fields with Traverse on Saturday, August 12, visiting the High School athletics complex, St. Andrew’s Farm, and Barrington Middle School.]
4. Commissioning preliminary, efficient, and cost-effective studies by consultants to review the issues involving a recreation center and synthetic turf field, including engineering and other technical studies, feasibility studies, traffic studies, or other reasonable and cost-effective preliminary studies; and, [Comment: The Town has engaged Victus Advisors to complete a Recreation Center/Field House Feasibility Study, and Traverse, a Providence landscape architecture firm, to complete an Athletic Fields Condition and Needs Analysis.]
5. Obtaining more information on potential locations for a recreation center and synthetic turf field. [Comment: this question will be examined in the recreation center/fieldhouse study and the athletic fields study, mentioned above]
Field House/Rec Center Update
Victus in August received input from the Town on its draft “Interim Report”. This report includes the following:
1. Introduction
2. Demographic & Socioeconomic Analysis
3. Local Sports/Recreation Program & Facility Inventory
4. Interview Summaries:
A. Stakeholders
B. User Groups
5. Comparable Sports/Recreation Center & Trends Analysis 38
6. Market Demand Assessment & Building Program Recommendations
7. Initial Site Analysis
8. Next Steps
Victus emailed the Town on Sept. 7th with the following update on the project status:
Completed
Kickoff Meetings, Site Tours & Stakeholder Interviews
Demographic & Socioeconomic Analysis
Local Sports/Recreation Program & Facility Inventory
Comparable Sports/Recreation Center & Trends Analysis
Initial Site Analysis
Develop Market Feasibility Results & Initial Program Recommendations
Present Deliverable - Market Feasibility Results & Initial Program Demand
In Progress
Detailed Site Analysis
Initial Building Program Development
Facility Operating Pro Forma Modeling
Next Steps
Complete Financial Pro Forma
Complete Funding Options & PPP Analysis
Complete Building Concept & Site Plans
Complete Building Cost Estimate
Submit Full Draft Report
Public Presentation in Barrington for Community Feedback
Present Full Final Report to Town Council
The consultant provided this update on 9/26/23:
-Victus is currently working on developing operating pro-formas for several different models:
· Fieldhouse only
· Gym only
· Fieldhouse + Gym
· Fieldhouse + Gym + Fitness
- S3 (architect) is currently working on developing potential building programs for all of the above, and then testing different layouts and combinations on each site (Chianese, Old County Road, Zion).
- Next steps will be:
· Victus - Funding options/partnership analysis
· S3 - Refine recommended concept plan for each site, develop construction cost analysis
Victus met with stakeholders earlier this month via Zoom to review preliminary concepts and recommendations. The firm is planning to deliver the final report in December.
Fields Analysis Update
At the October 2nd Council meeting, Ian Lacy, lead project advisor with Tom Irwin Advisors, presented preliminary findings and recommendations for improving athletic fields at Town and school sites. Mr. Lacy is a subconsultant working with Traverse Landscape Architects.
The final report should be completed in November, followed by a presentation to the Council at the December 4th meeting. From Art Eddy of Traverse (10/31/23 email): “We are close to wrapping up and I can have a draft prior to that meeting.”
The study will consist of:
1. Phase I: Due Diligence and Site Assessment of the project.
a) Initial Design Services
b) Data Collection & Site Analysis
· Section 2.1: Site Visits
· Section 2.2: Existing Conditions Plan
· Section 2.3: Existing Conditions Review
· Section 2.4: Meet with Representatives
· Section 2.5: Analyze the scheduling system
· Section 2.6: Synthetic Turf Review
· Section 2.7: Comprehensive Field Assessment
2. Phase II: Feasibility/Alternative Analysis
a) Conceptual Options
b) Estimated Costs
c) Fiscal Capacity
d) Draft Master Plan
AGENDA ITEM #28: Discuss and Act: Conservation/Climate Resiliency (Standing Agenda Item)
TM Comment: A standing agenda item on Conservation/Climate Resilience items.
Motion: No motion provided.
AGENDA ITEM #29: Public Comment (Maximum 3-minute statement)
To the public: This agenda item is for members of the public to speak regarding a topic that is not already on the agenda. Please indicate that you would like to speak by raising your hand. When you are recognized, please state your name and residency for the record.
AGENDA ITEM #30: Set Agenda for the Monday, December 4, 2023, at 7:00pm: to be held at Barrington Town Hall Council Chamber
· Public Hearing 2023-11 Ordinance Military Duty Leave
· Public Hearing 2023-12 Public Hearing: 2023-12 Ch 185 Zoning Ordinance
· Resolution: A225 regarding zoning fees
· A-Frame Signs
· Banner Program
· Discuss and Act: 25 Watson Avenue/Carmelite Monastery
· Community Engagement – Town Council Goal Setting
· Property Tax Relief for Longtime Barrington Taxpayers (A. Klepper) (January 8, 2024)