TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
(as amended on
A regular meeting of the Jamestown Town Council was called
to order at the Jamestown Philomenian Library,
David J. Long, Vice President
Julio J. DiGiando
absent: Claire M. Ferguson
Guy J. Settipane
also present:
Maryanne Crawford, CPA, Town Administrator
J. William W. Harsch, Town Solicitor
Arlene D. Petit, Town Clerk
Steven J. Goslee, Public Works Director
Lisa Bryer, Town Planner
Thomas P. Tighe, Chief of Police
James Archibald, Harbor Management Commission
Richard Condon, Harbor Management Commission
Representative Bruce Long
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
1) Vollmer and Associates re: Highway Facility
Council President Littman noted that John T. Hannigan, PE,
Principal of Vollmer Associates has met with the liaison group, to address
design concerns. The question now arises
as to the next step to be taken. President
Littman stated that the Council has been in agreement on the location at
President Littman requested that the report from the Neighborhood Advisory Committee be advanced on the Council Agenda.
Christopher Powell asked for clarification on the responsibilities and make-up of the liaison group. Mr. Powell indicated it was his understanding that there was to be a consolidation of the concerns of the Neighborhood Advisory Committee, Conservation Commission and the Building and Facilities Committee to be presented by the liaison group.
Council President Littman stated that it was important that the Council continue to direct the development of the highway facility project. Although, it was expected that the liaison group would meet with Mr. Hannigan to discuss what the concerns of their particular committee were.
Councilor DiGiando noted that it has been a productive process; however, he would have expected it to be completed by now.
Mr. Hannigan presented a slide of Alternate 3 as adopted by the Council several months ago. Mr. Hannigan stated that he met with the liaison group and based upon their concerns with the building site, Alternate 3D was proposed. One of the major concerns was the open aeration tanks from the sewer plant. There would be an additional cost to cover those tanks. Mr. Hannigan noted that in order to begin the next step in the process it is most important that a decision is made on the building site.
Council President Littman stated that Alternate 3 was selected and voted on by the Town Council based on the recommendations of the Neighborhood Advisory Committee.
Councilor DiGiando reviewed the rationale of the liaison group for the selection of site Alternate 3D.
Public Works Director, Steven Goslee stated his concerns with the Alternate 3D site and strongly suggested that the Council not consider changing from the original plan. Mr. Goslee informed the Council that it is his opinion that Alternative 3D is not operationally adequate.
Following a request by Councilor Long, Mr. Hannigan recommended the Alternate 3 site as the preferred location. Additionally, Mr. Hannigan stated that once the final site is agreed upon, the preliminary work could be done on the building and cost estimates could be given.
Councilor Long indicated that it was his understanding that the final site was approved and that the liaison group would give input to address their concerns and fine-tune the site. However, Councilor Long stated that now it seems as if the Council is starting over again with building site selection.
It was the consensus of the Council that the liaison group
submit a report to the Council by
Mr. Hannigan stated that once the site is picked, he would try to incorporate as many of the liaison group’s concerns as possible into the design.
Dennis Webster stated that regardless of what the site is, there will be screening needed west of the large square tank.
It was moved by Councilor DiGiando, seconded by Councilor
Littman to accept the letter dated
SITTING AS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSING COMMISSION
None
CONSENT AGENDA
It was requested that item # 4 be removed
from the Consent Agenda. It was moved
by Councilor Long, seconded by
Councilor DiGiando to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. So unanimously voted. The Consent Agenda consisted of the
following:
1) Adoption of Council minutes:
a)
2) Bills and Payroll
3) Minutes from Boards, Commissions and Committees:
a) Neighborhood
Advisory Committee (
4)
5) CRMC December 2003 Calendar
6)
DEM RE:
7) Zoning Board of Review abutters notice
to the Town of
a) Application of Steven S. Munger, whose property is located at 27 Douglas St.; Plat 8, Lot 425 for a variance from Article 3, Sec. 301 (Uses and Districts, I. Residential, #10) to allow for a mixed use consisting of a single family residence and a general office utilizing 400 sq. ft. of floor area. Said property is located in a CL zone and contains 5000 sq. ft.
8) Abatements/Addenda of Taxes
4) CRMC notice re: application of Bradford
Sweet Swett,
It was moved by Councilor DiGiando, seconded by Councilor Long to refer the CRMC notice regarding the construction of a residential boating pier to the Harbor Management Commission. So unanimously voted.
EXECUTIVE SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT:
It was announced by Council President Littman that there would be an executive session later in the evening, pursuant to RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (2) collective bargaining to discuss the NAGE contract.
1) Pursuant to RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (2) collective bargaining
i) NAGE contract
PUBLIC HEARING
None
OPEN FORUM
1) Scheduled request to address
2) Non-scheduled request to address
Representative Bruce Long notified the Council that the Port Security Grant has not yet been acted upon. Representative Long informed the Council that there is a State Homeland Security Grant being made available in the amount of $21,000,000.
Christopher Powell, representing DEM Fish & Wildlife, presented the final plan showing the proposed marina facility and harbor lines. Mr. Powell indicated that under the maintenance certificate with CRMC, the bulkhead work would begin within the next two weeks. Mr. Powell noted that the second phase of the project, which will need Council approval, is the installation of the float system.
It was the consensus of the Council that this be put on the
agenda for the
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND TOWN OFFICIALS
1)
Town Administrator’s report
(attached)
Town Administrator's Report
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.
As discussed in the report from Tax Assessor Ken Gray,
notices regarding property valuations were sent out on
On December 2, 2003 municipal officials
from a number of communities from Aquidneck
Island, the Turnpike and Bridge Authority, Chief Tighe
and I had a meeting to discuss the idea of looking into the feasibility of
regional dispatching. We all agree regional dispatching may provide an opportunity
to improve effectiveness and efficiency. We all recognize there may be certain
issues that require compromise and realize we must first conduct a feasibility
study. We plan to have another meeting on
Chief Tighe returned back to work on Monday December 1st, after a three-month medical leave. Lt. Balzer should be commended for his performance running the Police Department during Chief Tighe's absence.
The Town recently requested bids for tree pruning and removal. The Town received one bid, from Ocean State Tree Services for $3200.00-$3600.00.1 am recommending we award this bid tonight
Attached please find the schedule for budget hearings. I have confirmed with Superintendent Sipala the school committee is available to meet on the dates outlined on the schedule. If council members do not have conflicts with the attached schedule, I am requesting you approve it.
Finally, if any of you have any questions regarding my proposed budget or would like additional information, please let me know.
For Council Consideration
• Approve the schedule for budget hearings
• Award the bid for tree pruning and removal to Ocean State Tree Services for $3200.00-$3600.00
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Additional items discussed by the Town
Administrator:
Winter Storm
The Town Administrator commended the
Department of Public Works for their response to the recent snow storm. The Town Administrator reported that because
the storm was on a weekend, the labor cost would be approximately $10,000.00,
which makes the budget item for 2003/2004 over budget by $7,500.00.
Revaluation
The Town Administrator reported that
properties have been inspected with the exception of approximately 20% and
notices have been sent out.
Additionally, it was reported that Jerome Appraisal will be meeting with
residents at the Police Station to review appeals.
It was moved by Councilor Long,
seconded by Councilor DiGiando to award the bid for tree pruning and removal to
Ocean State Tree Services in the amount of $3,200.00 - $3,600.00. So unanimously voted.
Schedule for Budget Hearings
It was the consensus of the Council to
approve the schedule for budget hearings as presented.
Fire/Rescue Boat
The Town Administrator reported the
Town has been notified that we will be receiving a fire/rescue boat, as secured
by Police Chief Tighe and Fred Pease.
2)
Neighborhood Advisory
Committee re: Highway Facility
Previously discussed
3)
Planning Commission
a) RI Economic Development Corporation: Community Economic Growth Fund Grant Application for Council endorsement
The Town Planner informed the Council that the Town of
It was moved by Council President Littman, seconded by Councilor Long to approve an application to the RIEDC under the Community Economic Growth Fund applying for $12,000.00 to be used as presented by the Town Planner. So unanimously voted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1) Cost Sharing
a) Costs for proposal as presented by Town
Administrator (continued from
b)
Submission from Sav Rebecchi re: Basic Time-on-Task
(Project Cost) Tracking (continued from
The Town Administrator informed the Council that she has not received the report from the auditors as yet. As soon as it is received the report will be forwarded to the Council.
It was the consensus of the Council to continue this item on the Council agenda.
2) Petition for Abandonment of Street/Highway - Pursuant to
RIGL
a) Petition
from John A. Murphy, Esq., representing all abutters to a portion of
John
Murphy, attorney representing the petitioners/abutters, addressed comments
submitted by Town Officials relating to the abandonment of a portion of
The Town Solicitor noted that pursuant to RIGL 24-6-1, it is the initiative of the Town Council as to whether they wish to abandon a street or not. The Council could decide not to abandon; therefore, no hearing would be necessary. Mr. Harsch informed the Council that this is not a regulatory matter, but is a legislative matter and therefore, it is not mandatory that a hearing be held.
In
determining the process to follow, it was the consensus of the Council to
request that the Town Solicitor provide a written opinion of whether the
portion of
It was the
consensus of the Council to continue this item on the agenda to the 2003
c) Town Planner Recommendations
i)
ii)
d) Fire Chief Recommendations
i)
ii)
e) Public Works Director Recommendations
It was
moved by Council President Littman, seconded by Councilor Long to accept the
recommendations from the Town Planner, Fire Chief and Public Works Director
regarding the petition for abandonment by
3) Harbor Management Commission re: appointments (continued from
Position Applicant Term Ending
Recreational Boating Rep. Richard C. Anderson
Commercial Mooring Operator James T. Archibald
Outside Riparian Owner Daniel Lilly
Commercial Fishing Industry Gregory P. Murphy (has not been interviewed)
Environmental Community to be advertised
a) Memorandum from the Town Clerk re:
Harbor Management Commission (continued from
b) Attendance sheet
The Council discussed the possibility of one Harbor Management Commission member representing more than one group. Councilor DiGiando recommended that the representative for the environmental community could be handled by the Conservation Commission advisory.
It was moved by Councilor DiGiando,
seconded by Councilor Long to reappoint James Archibald as the representative
for Commercial Mooring Operators, with a term ending
It was the consensus of the Council that the Town Solicitor provide a written opinion on how to address the time between the present and when the new Harbor Ordinance is adopted and to provide that opinion by the next Council meeting on December 22, 2003.
It was moved by Council President Littman, seconded by Councilor Long to accept the attendance sheet for the Harbor Management Commission. So unanimously voted.
4) Public Access and Maintenance to
Rights-of-Way (continued from
a) Report and recommendations from Town Administrator
The Town Council granted the request
from the Town Administrator for a continuance to the
5)
Liaison Group re:
responsibilities (continued from
The Town Administrator reported that she has been informed by Town Solicitor, Larry Parks that in order for the liaison group to meet the guidelines of the Open Meetings Act, all meetings should be posted and minutes taken and submitted to the Council.
COMMUNICATIONS
None
NEW BUSINESS
1) Event applications:
a)
It was
moved by Councilor DiGiando, seconded by Councilor Long to approve the event
application for the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce for a hayride throughout the
village on
b) Save the Bay
Potters Cove/Taylor Point
The Town
Solicitor expressed his concern that not all participants are signing a
Kimberly
Crawley, Save the Bay representative, informed the Council that no one is
allowed to enter the water until a
It was the
consensus of the Council to continue the request by Save the Bay to the
OPEN FORUM:
Donald
Forrest,
EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded
by Councilor DiGiando to enter into executive session at
The Council returned from executive
session at
It was moved by Council President
Littman, seconded by Councilor Long to amend the NAGE contract in accordance
with the recommendations made by the Town Administrator. So unanimously voted.
There being no further business before
the Council, it was moved by Councilor Long, seconded by Council President
Littman to adjourn the meeting at
Attest:
Arlene D. Petit
Town Clerk
C: Town Council Members (5)
Town Administrator
Town Solicitor
Administrative
Circulation