TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
June 10, 2002
A regular meeting of the Jamestown Town Council was called to order at the Jamestown Philomenian Library, 26 North Road at 7:02 PM by Council President Guy J. Settipane. The following members were present:
David A. Swain, Vice President
David J. Long
Kenneth G. Littman
Norma B. Willis
Also present were:
Maryanne Crawford, CPA, Town Administrator/Finance Director
Arlene D. Kalooski, Town Clerk
Douglas R. DeSimone, Esq., Town Solicitor
Lisa Bryer, Town Planner
Robert Lambert, Planning Commission Chair
Victor Calabretta, Planning Commission Member
Dennis Webster, Quonset Davisville Liaison Committee Chair
Richard Allphin, Zoning Board of Review Chair
Representative Bruce J. Long
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Council President Settipane read the Proclamation honoring the 2002 graduating class of Jamestown. The Proclamation will be delivered to the class at their graduation.
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Willis to adopt the Proclamation as presented. So unanimously voted.
SITTING AS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSING COMMISSION
None
CONSENT AGENDA
It was requested that items 1(a), 1(b) and 2 be removed from the Consent Agenda. It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Littman to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. So unanimously voted. The Consent Agenda consists of:
a) Library Board of Trustees (04/30/2002)
4) CRMC June Calendar Notice
5) State Planning Council re: TIP public hearings on June 27th at 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM
6) RIDEM Notices:
a) Two Applications for David Thurston, 181 Lloyd Rd., Saunderstown; for an evaluation of a proposed single family dwelling, ISDS, driveway and private well; located at Plat 16, Lot 12 on the corner of Frigate St. and Seaside Dr. (dated 05/28/2002 & 05/29/2002)
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Councilor Swain noted that upon the submission of the final report of the Building and Facilities Committee there was a detailed discussion regarding the size of the facility as it relates to the amount of equipment that needed to be stored inside the highway barn. Councilor Swain requested that this discussion be included in the minutes.
05/20/2002 Work Session with the Harbor Management Commission
It was moved by Councilor Willis, seconded by Councilor Littman to request that the clerk review the minutes of the work session for additional information. It was voted Councilor Long, aye; Councilor Littman, aye; Councilor Swain, aye; Councilor Willis, aye with Council President Settipane recusing. The motion passed.
2) Bills and Payroll
Following the review of several bills, it was moved by Councilor Swain, seconded by Councilor Willis to approve the bills and payroll. So unanimously voted.
EXECUTIVE SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
Council President Settipane noted that there would be an Executive Session later in the evening.
Administrator)
a) Lease Negotiations re: Verizon
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Council President Settipane opened the public hearing for the Comprehensive Community Plan at 7:14 PM.
The Town Planner noted that there were four public hearings held by the Planning Commission and a public hearing held by the Town Council in order to solicit public input into the Comprehensive Community Plan. The Town Planner informed the Council that the comments and suggestions given by the Council at these hearings have been taken into consideration.
The Town Planner reviewed several of the changes made to the Comprehensive Community Plan. It was noted that the majority of the changes were textural.
Future Land Use Map:
The Town Planner noted that there were several changes to the Future Land Use Map.
Low Density Residential - the entire dark yellow area on the North-end of the Island was inadvertently made a different color. That area has always been a Low Density Residential area and in a GIS coding error it was made the same category as the watershed district which is a light beige color – this was corrected.
Downtown Village Map:
Other changes as outlined in the memorandum from the Town Planner, dated May 30, 2002 were reviewed.
Following a discussion by the Council in further review of the Comprehensive Community Plan, it was moved by Councilor Littman, seconded by Councilor Willis to change page 154, the last sentence of the first paragraph to read …the Harbor Management Commission shall advise the Town Council as to those amenities to support the existing moorings to relieve the strain on the village district. So unanimously voted.
Council President Settipane invited comments from the audience.
William Munger, Cole Street requested additional relating to the Action Plan, Policy #1 on page 263. Mr. Munger inquired if the Town Planner considered seasonal off-site marina parking as a commercial parking lot.
Councilor Willis pointed out that wording should be changed on the action plans to read consider amending rather than amend.
It was moved by Councilor Willis, seconded by Councilor Swain to amend the section of the Economic Development Plan, Policy #1 (a) to read consider amending. It was voted Councilor Littman, aye; Councilor Long, nay; Councilor Swain, aye; Councilor Willis, aye; Council President Settipane, aye. The motion passed.
There being no further comment, it was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Swain to close the public hearing at 7:30 PM. So unanimously voted.
There being no further discussion by the Council, it was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Long to adopt the Comprehensive Community Plan as proposed and amended. So unanimously voted.
The Council thanked the Town Planner and the Planning Commission for all their hard work in putting together Jamestown’s Comprehensive Community Plan.
OPEN FORUM
Mr. Corrente, Chair of the WWII Memorial, gave a presentation to the Council depicting the proposed WWII Memorial to be situated in Memorial Park in Providence. The memorial, for which Mr. Corrente is soliciting $2,500.00, will include a circular wall around the monument with the heraldic seals of the State’s thirty-nine cities and towns and include the number of townspeople who served their country.
The Council expressed their support for the WWII Memorial and it was the consensus of the Council that Mr. Corrente return prior to the next Town budget cycle so that Jamestown can participate in this worthwhile cause.
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REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND TOWN OFFICIALS
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Town Administrator's Report
June
10, 2002The following report consists of items of general interest to the Council. I will be pleased to provide any additional clarification of information you require.
As I am sure most of you know, the General Assembly past the
2002/03 State budget. There has been some statement made that Governor Almond will veto the budget. For your information I have attached the state aid the Town will be receiving. We will have to wait and see what happens in the next few days.Approximately three months ago, Lisa Bryer, Steve Goslee, and I interviewed three candidates to implement our Wastewater Management Ordinance. We offered the job to the top two candidates, both candidates refused the offer. It appears the hourly rate and lack of benefits was the reasons the candidates have refused the Town's offer. Lisa Bryer has contacted the graduate school at URI to see if there is a graduate student who is looking for a part time job. Since this is a new position and the staffing requirement may change once the program is fully implemented, a graduate student may be the best candidate for the job. Also since it is June and there are many recent graduates looking for employment, I will re-advertise the position in the coming weeks. Unfortunately this will delay the implementation of this new program for a few months. Currently Lisa Bryer and Steve Goslee have been answering questions residents may have about this new ordinance.
Donald Haskewll, the Town's IT Consultant has been working on the Town's web page. Sometime this summer I would like to have Donald attend a Council meeting to show you the new Town Government's web page. A recent addition to the web page is the assessments of all properties in the Town. Included in the assessment is a picture of the property as well as other information. I encourage all
of you to visit the Town "under construction'web page at www.jamestownri.net.Attached please find a copy of a memo form Tax Assessor Susan Brayman to me about the bid for the revaluation. As stated in the memo, Jerome Appraisal was the only bidder and their bid is significantly below the budget. I would recommend the Council award the bid to Jerome Appraisal for an amount not to exceed $189,000
Attached please find a copy of a memo I received from Councilor Willis
Council consideration:
Award the bid for appraisal for the Town of Jamestown to Jerome Appraisal in an amount not to exceed $189,000
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a) Tax Assessor re: request for bid award for the 2003 full revaluation bid to Jerome Appraisal
The Town Administrator requested approval for the bid from Jerome Appraisal Company in the amount of $189,900.00 for the 2003 full revaluation.
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Swain to award the bid to Jerome Appraisal Company in an amount not to exceed $189,900.00. So unanimously voted.
Councilor Willis suggested that the Town Administrator drop finalized projects off the tracking report.
Wastewater Management
The Council discussed the implementation of the Wastewater Management Program. The Town Administrator informed the Council that she has had difficulty filling the twenty-hour position. Council President Settipane suggested that the program could begin using present staff until such time that an appropriate person be found. The Town Administrator recommended re-advertising the position, as there is no staff available at this time. Additionally, the possibility of hiring temporary personnel was discussed.
It was the consensus of the Council to begin work on the Wastewater Management program while we are looking to fill the position.
The Town Administrator noted that the road paving report was not included in their packet and suggested that it be continued until the next Town Council meeting.
2) Quonset/Davisville Liaison Committee
Dennis Webster informed the Council that the letter included in their packet is a draft for the Council’s review; the final letter will be available for the next Town Council meeting.
The Council discussed additional items they wished to have incorporated into the letter. Concerns regarding security issues, light pollution, and impact on the fishing industry. Mr. Webster noted that it is expected that this letter will be discussed with the consultant when hired by the Town.
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Littman to authorize Mr. Webster to prepare a final draft of the letter for the Council’s signature incorporating some of the suggestions made and forward it to the Army Corps of Engineers. So unanimously voted.
It was the consensus of the Council that item IX 4 (a) be moved to this point in the meeting.
Unfinished Business
4) Quonset/Davisville Liaison Committee - Environmental Impact Statement
a) Award bid to EA Engineering, Science and Technology in an amount not to exceed $14,750.00
It was moved by Councilor Swain, seconded by Councilor Littman to award the bid for consultant to EA Engineering, Science and Technology in an amount not to exceed $14,750.00. So unanimously voted.
3) Town Planner
Excerpts from several of the sixth grade letters were read by Council members. It was moved by Councilor Swain, seconded by Council President Settipane to accept the letters. So unanimously voted.
The Town Solicitor noted that the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Section 709 addresses merger provisions for nonconforming lots of record on a district by district basis. Further noting that there are different specifications for different districts.
It was moved by Councilor Swain, seconded by Councilor Littman to advertise the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment relating to Section 709 for hearing. So unanimously voted.
Council President Settipane informed the Town Administrator that the date for hearing should be set administratively.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1) Highway Barn
Councilor Willis shared results of her inquiry into the public facility buildings from other communities. Additionally, Councilor Willis read a memorandum submitted to the Town Administrator expressing her concerns with the cost associated with the construction of a highway barn and requested that the Town Administrator provide a determination of what equipment must be stored inside and what may be stored outside.
It was moved by Councilor Willis, seconded by Council President Settipane to request that the Town Administrator determine what equipment and vehicles must be stored inside and what equipment and vehicles may be stored outside, with factual reasons for the opinions. So unanimously voted.
The Town Administrator noted that she expects to give a presentation at the next Town Council meeting.
Councilor Willis suggested that this presentation be given at the Water and Sewer meeting so that it would give the Council time to review it prior to any decisions.
It was moved by Councilor Willis, seconded by Councilor Swain to request that the Town Administrator give a presentation on the size of the highway barn at the Water and Sewer meeting on June 17, 2002. So unanimously voted.
2) Proposed Charter Amendments
Council President Settipane invited public input at this time.
Mary Webster, Mt. Hope Avenue inquired if the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee is being considered. Mr. Rebecchi noted that although this committee was considered, it is not presently part of the recommended changes to the Charter.
Council President Settipane requested that the changes discussed at the work session be made to the document for the review of the Council.
The Town Administrator suggested that the Charter Review Committee Chair and the Town Clerk work to incorporate changes previously requested by the Council for their review.
The date for the review to be set further in the meeting. (See consensus of Council prior to Executive Session announcement).
3) Zoning Ordinance Amendment relating to Open Space and Public Zones including Development Plan Review (cont. from 05/13/2002)
Following a review of the Council’s considerations relating to the proposed Zoning amendment, The Town Solicitor noted that the public hearing has been closed and it is now proper for the Council to undertake deliberations; however, the Council may not make changes. The Town Solicitor informed the Council that at this time it is appropriate to either adopt the proposed amendment or send it back to the Planning Commission for changes.
Discussion ensued relative to any changes to be presented to the Planning Commission. It was the consensus of the Council that the following suggestions be considered:
Section entitled "Amend Zoning Map"
Section V. Transportation & Utilities
It was moved by Councilor Settipane, seconded by Councilor Willis that the proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance relating to Open Space and Public Zones including Development Plan Review be referred to the Planning Commission for review and request that The Planner make the amendments to the dimensional table and lot list as proposed by the majority of the Council. The voted was Councilor Littman, aye; Councilor Long, nay; Councilor Swain, aye; Councilor Willis, aye; Council President Settipane, aye. The motion passed.
COMMUNICATIONS
1) Letter from Caleb Martin re: Water Bans
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded by Councilor Littman to accept the communication from Caleb Martin. So unanimously voted.
2) Letter from Amy Barclay de Tolly re: ISDS located at Plat 5, Lot 58; Ferry St.
Ms. Barclay de Tolly presented the Council with photographs of neighboring property to Plat 5, Lot 58.
The Town Solicitor advised the Council that Ms. Barclay De Tolly could present her information under Open Forum at the end of the meeting; however, she should return to another meeting if a Council action vote is being requested.
It was moved by Councilor Littman, seconded by Council President Settipane to accept the communication from Amy Barclay de Tolly and to put it on the agenda for the June 24, 2002 Town Council meeting. So unanimously voted.
3) Letter from Garofalo & Assoc. re: notice of proposed ISDS requiring variance from ISDS regulations for property belonging to Anthony & Isobel Lafazia; located at Plat 14, Lot 100, Stern St.
It was moved by Councilor Swain, seconded by Councilor Willis to accept the communication from Garofalo & Associates. So unanimously voted.
NEW BUSINESS
1) Town Council Meetings
a) Time limit established as proposed by Councilor Settipane; 11:00 PM, unless voted for an extension
Council President Settipane discussed the need for a curfew and the possibility of scheduling an additional Council meeting when necessary. Additionally discussed was the possibility of scheduling hearings or work sessions on a separate night at a special meeting.
The Council discussed the necessity of making a formal change to the rules and regulations for Town Council meetings or rather doing it by consensus if a meeting is going past 11:00 PM.
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Willis to establish a review of the agenda at 11:00 PM by a poll of the Council as to whether or not to continue past 11:00 PM or to continue to another meeting. So unanimously voted.
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded by Council President Settipane to refer the letter from Jamie J. & Michelle M. Layman to the Chief of Police and the Parking Committee. So unanimously voted.
3) June 24, 2002 Town Council Meeting
a) Location
The Town Administrator recommended moving the June 24, 2002 Town Council meeting to the Community Center because of the town-wide interest in the selection for the site and size of the highway barn.
Councilor Swain inquired if there would be additional public input regarding the highway barn.
Following discussion and the allowing of additional public input, it was moved by Councilor Swain, seconded by Council President Settipane to start the meeting at 6:30 and to hold the meeting at the Community Center. So unanimously voted.
OPEN FORUM CONTINUED
Amy Barclay deTolly verbally presented her letter and photographs to the Council.
Councilor Swain inquired what dates were available for the review of the proposed Charter amendments.
It was the consensus of the Council to review the proposed Charter amendments on July 11, 2002.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Swain to enter into Executive Session at 9:50 PM, pursuant to RIGL 42-46-5(a) (5) Real Estate to discuss lease negotiations regarding Verizon. The vote was Councilor Littman, aye; Councilor Long, aye; Councilor Swain, aye; Councilor Willis, aye; Council President Settipane, aye. The motion unanimously passed.
The Council returned from Executive Session at 10:05 PM. It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Long to seal the minutes of the Executive Session. It was voted Councilor Littman, aye; Councilor Long, aye; Councilor Swain, aye; Councilor Willis aye; Council President Settipane, aye. The motion unanimously passed.
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Swain to authorize the Town Administrator to finalize and enter into a lease with Verison as discussed in the Executive Session. So unanimously voted.
There being no further business before the Council it was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Long to adjourn the meeting at 10:06 PM. So unanimously voted.
Attest:
Arlene D. Kalooski
Town Clerk