***** UNAPPROVED MINUTES *****
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
October 28, 2002
A regular meeting of the Jamestown Town Council was called to order at the
Jamestown Philomenian Library, 26 North Road at 7:05 PM by Council
President Guy J. Settipane. The following members were present:
David A. Swain, Vice President
Kenneth G. Littman
David J. Long
Norma B. Willis
Also present were:
Maryanne Crawford, CPA, Town Administrator/Finance Director
Arlene D. Kalooski, Town Clerk
Douglas R. DeSimone, Esq., Town Solicitor
Susan Brayman, Tax Assessor
Representative William H. Murphy
Representative Bruce J. Long
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
1) Proposed resolution in opposition to increased gambling (per Town
Council President Settipane and Councilor Willis)
A proposed resolution in opposition to increased gambling was introduced
by Council President Settipane and Councilor Willis. Following suggested
changes to include in the resolution the specific type of gambling being
increased; that being video slot machines, it was moved by Council
President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Willis to adopt resolution
number 02-023R in opposition to increased video slot machine gambling.
So unanimously voted.
SITTING AS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSING COMMISSION
None
CONSENT AGENDA
It was requested that item #1 (a) be removed from the Consent Agenda. It
was moved by Councilor Settipane, seconded by Councilor Littman to
approve the Consent Agenda as amended. So unanimously voted. The
Consent Agenda consists of:
1) (a)
2) Bills and Payroll
3) Copies of Minutes of Boards & Committee Meetings:
a) Zoning Board of Review (09/24/2002)
b) Planning Commission (09/18/2002, 10/02/2002)
c) Harbor Management Commission (09/18/2002,
09/25/2002, 10/02/2002)
d) Beavertail State Park Advisory Committee (05/15/2002)
e) Parking Committee (08/27/2002)
f) Library Board of Trustees (09/20/2002)
g) Tree Preservation and Protection Committee
(08/20/2002)
4) CRMC Notices:
a) Postponement of Jamestown Right-of-Way: High Street
meeting
5) Abatements/Addenda from the Tax Assessor
********************************************
1) Adoption of Council minutes:
a) 10/15/2002 Regular Meeting
The Town Clerk informed the Council that there was an error on page 6.
The area on Melrose Avenue being considered for parking restrictions
should state "twenty feet south of the first driveway..." The Clerk was
directed to change the minutes accordingly.
Council President Settipane requested that a summary of the comments
made by residents when discussing the Fort Wetherill site be recorded in the
minutes. Additionally, Council President Settipane requested that minutes
correctly reflect his statements when discussing the Planning Commission.
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Willis
to have the Clerk correct the minutes and resubmit for Council approval. So
unanimously voted.
EXECUTIVE SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1) Jamestown Code of Ordinance Section 18-27: Proposed
amendment to Prohibited Parking on Specified Streets (cont.
from 10/15/2002)
a) Copies of photographs submitted by the Chief of Police
b) Letter from Jim Archibald from the Jamestown Boatyard,
re: Dumpling Drive area
Council President Settipane opened the hearing at 7:20 PM.
Police Chief Thomas Tighe informed the Council that to the north of the
shipyard Dumpling Drive is very defined; however, in the area of the
shipyard it is not clearly defined. Chief Tighe requested that the Council
refer the Dumpling Drive parking issue back to the Parking Committee for
further review.
It was the consensus of the Council that the Parking Committee reviews the
parking restrictions on Dumpling Drive and return to the Council with their
recommendations.
James Archibald, Mast Street, expressed his concern with the proposed
parking restriction on Melrose Avenue. Mr. Archibald stated that with
parking only on the west side of Melrose Avenue only, children being
dropped off for school would be crossing two lanes of traffic with no
crosswalk and no supervision.
Councilor Willis reviewed the school plan for the picking up and dropping
off of students. Parents would go through the parking lot, stopping at the
school in a designated area for pickup and drop off.
There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed at 7:35 PM.
It was moved by Councilor Swain, seconded by Councilor Willis to approve
the proposed amendment to Prohibited Parking on Specified Streets Section
18-27, excluding the issue relating to Dumpling Drive. So unanimously
voted.
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Swain
to accept the communication presented to the Council by James Archibald
concerning Dumpling Drive. So unanimously voted.
OPEN FORUM
1) Scheduled request to address
a) Representative William H. Murphy
i) Russian Fish Processing Vessel
ii) Jamestown Verrazano Bridge construction
Representative William Murphy updated the Council regarding the
possibility of the Russian Fish Processing Vessel using Quonset Point as
their area of operation. Mr. Murphy stated that it is expected that William
Quinby of Mayflower International, the U. S. representative for the Russian
factory vessel will be meeting with the Economic Development Corporation
(EDC) in the near future to discuss this possibility.
Mr. Murphy noted that he attended a meeting with Dr. Ankner from RIDOT.
Mr. Ankner is requesting permission for the removal of the barriers on the
Jamestown Verrazano bridge in the evening hours after rush hours thus
eliminating traffic tie-ups. Following construction, RIDOT and the
contractor will discuss plans for the Spring.
2) Non-scheduled request to address
Representative Bruce Long presented a copy of a letter that he sent to
William Quinby requesting that Quonset/Davisville Port and Commerce
Park be considered for the berthing option for the Russian Fish Processing
vessels.
Additionally, Mr. Long reported that he has spoken to Mr. Ankner and he is
willing to meet with representatives of the Town of Jamestown regarding
work on the Jamestown Varrazano bridge.
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND TOWN OFFICIALS
1) Town Administrator's report
---------------------------
Town Administrator's Report
October 28, 2002
The following report consists of items of general interest to the Council. I
will be pleased to provide any additional clarification or information you
require.
Last spring the Town received a $25,000.00 grant to develop a Storm Water
Management Plan. The Town has contracted the engineering firm of Fuss & O'Neill
Inc. to develop the Plan for the Town. The scope of the work will include a
review of current conditions, resources, and practices in the Town, as well as
an updated cost effective plan for program improvements and the schedule of
implementations. The grant requirement includes public participation and
workshop. It is anticipated this Plan will be completed within a year.
Thanks to Town Clerk Arlene Kalooski and Charter Review Chairman Sav
Rehecchi, included in the October 24, 2002 edition of the Jamestown Press is the
list of proposed charter amendments and brief summary. This will allow
interested voters the opportunity to review and become familiar with the
proposed amendments and ballot presentation prior to Election Day on November 5,
2002. All registered voters are encouraged to review these proposed charter
amendments.
I have requested the Town Solicitor review the RI General Laws relating to
changing the Town's fiscal year. Once he has completed his review I will forward
my recommendation to the Council.
The Community Center beautification dedication took place on Sunday, October
13, 2002. In spite of the heavy drizzle, all in attendance had a great time.
Thanks again are extended to the Committee and the entire Jamestown Community
who made this project a great success.
As I stated in my report to Council on October 15, 2002, in the coming
weeks, most of my time will-be dedicated to the fiscal 2003/04 budget.
For your information I have attached a copy of the latest electrical savings
for the Town. Our involvement with the League of Cities and Towns made this
available.
------------------------------------
In addition to the items on the Town Administrator's report, there was
discussion on the following:
School Budget Workshop
November 7, 2002
Narragansett Electric Cable Project
A press release is scheduled for November 7, 2002. Council members are
invited to attend. There will be a boat trip to view the laying of cable along
the bay.
South Reservoir
Councilor Willis inquired if there would be any pumping at the South
Reservoir. The Town Administrator noted that a protocol for pumping is
being established at this time; however, some pumping will be done.
Skate Park
The Town Administrator noted that the timetable for completing the project
is approximately November 28, 2002.
2) Town Clerk Memorandum
a) Committee term expirations
The Town Clerk informed the Council that vacancies on Planning
Commission, Harbor Management Commission and the Zoning Board of
Review would be advertised this week. No action taken.
3) Jamestown Housing Authority
a) Letter requesting to waive PILOT funds
A request from Jamestown Housing Authority to waive Pilot funds for 2001
through 2003 was discussed. The Town Administrator informed the Council
that these funds have been waived in the past.
It was the consensus of the Council that they would like additional
information from the Jamestown Housing Authority regarding the waiving
of Pilot funds.
4) Harbor Management Commission
a) East End Repair of Steel Pier Bid approval
James Archibald, Harbor Commission Representative, reviewed the bids
received for repair to the East end of the steel pier. The Council discussed
the amount budgeted for that particular project and because the bid is
slightly higher than expected, that it may be necessary to defer some other
projects and funds to the next budget session. The Town Administrator
noted that the repair is scheduled to be completed before March 15, 2003.
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Swain
to award the bid for repair to the east end of the steel pier to Specialty
Diving Services, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $41,950.00. So
unanimously voted.
5) Beavertail State Park Advisory Committee
a) Letter requesting funds for a permanent year-round restroom
facilities at Beavertail State Park
The Council reviewed the letter from the Beavertail State Park Advisory
Committee regarding permanent year-round restroom facilities at Beavertail
State Park. The Town Administrator informed the Council that she made it
clear to the Committee that the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners
may have a problem with a significant increase in water use at the Beavertail
State Park facility; therefore, the Committee is researching alternate
methods, which have been used in some other parks. It is expected that the
Town will be asked to support grant applications for this $200,000.00
project.
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Long
to accept the letter from Beavertail State Park Advisory Committee. So
unanimously voted.
6) Planning Commission
a) Memorandum re: joint workshop set for November, 20
2002
It was the consensus of the Council to accept the date for the joint workshop
for the High Groundwater Table Ordinance on November 20, 2002 at 7:30
PM at the Jamestown Philomenian Library.
7) Affordable Housing Committee
a) Letter from Steve Ostiguy, Church Community Housing,
re: Residential Rehabilitation Loan Application No. J048
Peter Lally representing Church Community Housing reviewed the letter
relating to the rehabilitation for the Grinnell Street property. The building
is
eligible to receive a $20,000.00 residential rehabilitation loan to be
amortized at an annual interest rate of 3% for a term of five years and a
$5,000.00 lead abatement grant. It is expected that the fair market rent of
$775.00 per month will cover the costs of the loan. Additionally, Mr. Lally
informed the Council that the Affordable Housing Committee will assist in
the screening of applicants and will oversee the rehabilitation of the
property.
As it was the original intent of the Town to move the house in a year or so,
the Council discussed how that would effect the requirement that the
property remain in the affordable housing stock for five years.
It was the consensus of the Council that the Executive Director, Stephen
Ostiguy be invited to the next Council meeting to further address this issue.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1) Elderly Exemptions
a) Memorandum from the Town Administrator
The Town Administrator reported that in 1999 the elderly exemption was
amended based upon a percentage of the federal poverty level as determined
by the federal guidelines. The same formula is being suggested now;
however, the maximum income level would be adjusted to 220% of the
federal poverty guideline. With this adjustment it is thought that more
residents would be eligible for the exemption. Also of concern was Section
(3) which discusses residency and title to property for a five (5) year period.
The Town Administrator informed the Council that the next step in the
procedure is to have this exemption forwarded to State Legislators. The
Town Administrator recommended continuing this on the agenda until the
Town Solicitor and she review the document language.
It was the consensus of the Council to continue the Elderly Exemptions to
the next Council meeting on November 12, 2002.
3) Fort Wetherill
a) Request from State for an extension of storage (cont.
from 10/15/2002)
Christopher Powell reviewed the request by the State for additional storage
time for their floats. Presently the Memorandum of Understanding between
the State and the Town limits their outside storage of anything to three
months. The Division of Fish and Wildlife is requesting that the
Memorandum of Understanding be revisited to address this issue.
The Town Administrator recommended waiting until the Division of Fish
and Wildlife have occupied Fort Wetherill for one year before considering
any changes to the Memorandum of Understanding. In that time, it would
give both the Town and State adequate time to access their needs.
The Town Solicitor advised that the Council could, at this time, choose to
take no action on this issue rather than make any changes to the
Memorandum of Understanding. No action taken.
b) Memorandum of Understanding between the State of
Rhode Island, Department of Environmental
Management and the Town of Jamestown entered May
14, 1999
Previously discussed.
c) Budget proposal for site evaluation by Siegmund &
Associates (per Town Administrator)
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Willis
to set the budget for site evaluation by Siegmund & Associates to not more
than $5,000.00. It was voted Councilor Willis, aye; Councilor Swain, aye;
Councilor Littman, aye; Council President Settipane, aye; Councilor Long,
nay. The motion passed with four in favor and one opposed.
d) Letter from Mark Gibson, Deputy Chief of Marine
Fisheries re: request to modify Memorandum of
Understanding
No action taken.
4) Liquor Licenses (cont. from 10/15/2002)
a) Draft ordinance presented by Council President Settipane
Council President Settipane introduced a draft ordinance to provide
standards and to guide establishments holding alcoholic beverage licenses.
Additionally, Council President Settipane noted that the State is requiring all
cities and towns that issue Class B alcoholic beverage licenses to forward a
formal plan for approval no later than December 1, 2002 and with an
implementation by January 1, 2003.
It was the consensus of the Council that the Town Solicitor review the draft
ordinance and prepare it for advertising for a hearing. If approved by the
Council, the ordinance would become effective December 1, 2002.
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Long
to advertise the Ordinance Regulating Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for
public hearing. So unanimously voted.
b) Letter from Jeffrey Greer, Department of Business
Regulation, re: Class B Liquor Licenses with Town
imposed Entertainment License restrictions
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Long
to accept the letter from Jeffrey Greer. So unanimously voted.
COMMUNICATIONS
1) Copy of letters to the Editor re: Highway Barn - Fort Wetherill
a) Letter from Barbara Lundy
b) Letter from Kay Worden
c) Carol & Tom Todd
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor Willis
to accept the letters from Barbara Lundy, Kay Worden, and Carol and Tom
Todd. So unanimously voted.
2) Letter from Rep. William H. Murphy re: curbing on
Narragansett Avenue from Ocean Avenue to West Ferry
It was moved by Councilor Willis, seconded by Councilor Long to accept
the communication from Representative William H. Murphy. So
unanimously voted.
3) Letter from Clean Water Act 30 re: proclamation
It was moved by Councilor Willis, seconded by Councilor Long to accept
the communication relating to the Clean Water Act. So unanimously voted.
NEW BUSINESS
1) Letter from Ernest A. Almonte, State office of the Auditor re:
annual audit
The Town Administrator informed the Council that the Town is preparing a
corrective action plan and is in compliance with State law.
2) Letter of the Town Administrator from the Department of
Transportation
re: repairs to the Jamestown Bridge
The Council reviewed the letter submitted by William Ankner, Director of
RIDOT detailing the repairs made on the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge and
the request to remove barriers and other construction support materials in the
evening after the rush hour.
It was moved by Council Littman, seconded by Councilor Willis to approve
the removal of barriers on the bridge during the evening hours. So
unanimously hours.
3) Event Application:
a) Jamestown Rotary Club request to hang Christmas lights
on Narragansett Avenue for the time of November 30,
2002 to January 4, 2003
It was moved by Councilor Willis, seconded by Councilor Long to allow the
Jamestown Rotary Club to hang Christmas lights on Narragansett Avenue
from November 30, 2002 to January 4, 2003. So unanimously voted.
5) Letter from Richard Romanelli re: Donation of Plat 16 Lot 60,
Beacon Avenue
The Town Administrator recommended the property be accepted subject to
an inspection by Town Officials. Councilor Swain requested additional
information regarding wetlands, tax assessment and any other implications.
It was the consensus of the Council that this be continued to the next
Council meeting on November 12, 2002.
6) Tax Exemptions proposed ordinances (per Town Solicitor)
a) Gold Star Exemption
b) Veterans Exemption
c) Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Exemption
d) Persons Visually Impaired Exemption
The Town Solicitor reported that the proposed ordinances have been
prepared in order to effectuate the decisions made by the Council in March
and April of 2002. It was noted that enabling legislation was enacted and
now the Town must have the ordinances adopted.
It was moved by Council President Settipane, seconded by Councilor
Littman to advertise the updated exemption and proposed ordinances for
hearing prior to December 30, 2002. So unanimously voted.
OTHER COMMUNICATIONS
None
OPEN FORUM CONTINUED
Sav Rebecchi, Sail Street, inquired if the Harbor Management Commission
budget would be considered along with the Town's budget.
Council President Settipane indicated that this issue is currently being
addressed by the Harbor Management Commission.
There being no further business, it was moved by Councilor Long seconded
by Councilor Swain to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 PM. So unanimously
voted.
Attest:
Arlene D. Kalooski
Town Clerk
c: Town Council Members (5)
Town Administrator
Town Solicitor
Administrative Circulation
Town Council Meeting 10/28/2002
1 of 1