TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
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
Claire M. Ferguson
absent: Guy J. Settipane
also present:
Thomas P. Tighe,
Richard M. Bianculli, Jr., Town Solicitor
Arlene D. Petit, Town Clerk
Lisa Bryer, Town Planner
Steven J. Goslee, Public Works Director
Michael Gray, Deputy Public Works
Director/Town Engineer
Council President Littman expressed his
condolences on behalf of the Town Council to Councilor Settipane for the loss
of his father, Dr. Guy A. Settipane.
COUNCIL SITTING AS ALCOHOLIC LICENSING
BOARD
All approvals for licenses and permits
are subject to the resolution of debts, taxes and appropriate signatures as
well as, when applicable, proof of insurance.
None
CONSENT AGENDA
An item on the Consent Agenda need not be
removed for simple clarification or correction of typographical errors. Approval of the Consent Agenda shall be
equivalent to approval of each item as if it had been acted upon separately.
It was requested that items 1(a), 6 and
7(b) be removed from the consent agenda.
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded by Councilor Ferguson to
approve the consent agenda as amended. So unanimously voted.
The consent agenda consisted of the following:
1) Adoption
of Council minutes:
a)
b)
2) Bills
and Payroll
3) Minutes
from Boards, Commissions and Committees:
a) Conservation
Commission (
b) Tax
Assessment Board of Review (
c) Library
Board of Trustees (
d) Town
Administrator Search Committee (
e)
4) CRMC
Notices:
a) August
2004 Amended Calendar
5) DEM
Notices:
a) Notice
re: Public Hearing FY 2005 Project Priority List & FY 2005 Intended Use
Plan
6)
7) Proclamations
& Resolutions from
a) Town
of
b)
8) Letter
from Amy L. Ritchie,
9) Abatements/Addenda
of Taxes
******************************
1) Adoption
of Council minutes:
a)
Council President Littman requested that
the minutes be amended as follows: page
1, 2nd paragraph should be changed to indicate that the Town of Jamestown and
State of Rhode Island co-manage Beavertail State Park not co-own.
6) Notice
of proposed ISDS requiring a variance from ISDS regulations; application
#0315-0037, Plat 15, Lots 84 & 85 Starboard Avenue
Councilor DiGiando noted that the report
from the Deputy Public Works Director/Town Engineer shows that the lot next to lots 84 and 85 have a failed septic system.
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded
by Councilor DiGiando to accept items 1(a) and 6. So unanimously voted.
7) Proclamations
& Resolutions from
b) Town
of
Council President Littman requested that
the Town Administrator inform them when the Bristol Town Council has set a date
for the meeting with Weaver’s Cove Energy, LLC.
It was moved by Councilor DiGiando,
seconded by Councilor Ferguson to accept the letter from the Town of
EXECUTIVE SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
Council President Littman announced that
the Council would enter into executive session later in the meeting, pursuant
to RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (5) to discuss the acquisition of open space and lease
negotiations and RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (2) to discuss contract negotiations.
1) Pursuant
to RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (5) Real Estate:
a) Lease
negotiations
b) Acquisition
of open space
2) Pursuant
to RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (2) Contract Negotiations
Council President Littman requested that
item #4 under unfinished business be moved up on the agenda.
Unfinished Business
4) Proposed
Highway Barn Facility at
John Hannigan, present for Vollmer
Associates
Council President Littman explained that
a bond issue to construct the highway facility would be placed on the November
2, 2004 ballot, prior to that, Vollmer Associates would be asked to present a
specific design for alternative site plan 5A, giving residents an opportunity
to view the design prior to the election.
Mr. Hannigan stated that it was his
understanding that the Council favored the construction of a metal building on
the
Councilor
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded
by Councilor DiGiando to instruct Vollmer Associates to proceed with
preliminary designs for alternative 5A to be presented to the Council and
residents by the beginning of October, which include detailed diagrams of the
building and outdoor storage space. It
was voted Councilor DiGiando, aye; Councilor Ferguson, nay; Councilor Long,
aye; Council President Littman, aye. The
motion passed with three in favor and one opposed.
COUNCIL, ADMINISTRATOR, SOLICITOR, COMMISSION/COMMITTEE
COMMENTS & REPORTS
1) Town
Administrator verbal report
a) Department
Director’s reports
The Town Administrator informed the
Council that the items to be discussed are agenda items and could be discussed
at that time.
2) Public
Works Department
a) Memo
from Michael Gray re: Wastewater Management Program
Michael Gray, Deputy Public Works
Director/Town Engineer, reviewed his memorandum dated
Mr. Gray also reported that the Town has
received a matching grant in the amount of $25,000 from RIDEM to fund an ISDS
Riser/Filter Retrofit Program. This
program will provide $100.00 of financial assistance to 250 homeowners with
existing septic systems to retrofit their systems with effluent filters over
the outlet from the septic tank and install watertight PVC or polyethylene
access risers where needed.
Councilor DiGiando inquired how
substandard systems (cesspools) fit into this program. Mr. Gray stated that at the present time, neither
the Town nor RIDEM have a phase-out program in place for cesspools.
Mr. Gray reported that financing for
repairs to septic systems is available through the Rhode Island Clean Water
Finance Agency. The specifics of this
loan are included with the memorandum to the Council.
Unfinished Business
1) Public
Works Department
Michael Gray read his report to Council
regarding Liquefied Natural Gas facilities.
Additionally, Mr. Gray reported that the Town has received a Memorandum
of Agreement from the United States Coast Guard for the purposes of developing
a comprehensive State-wide Emergency Response Plan to address all issues
regarding safety and security at the Keyspan facility located at Fields Point
in
The Town Administrator reported that the
Town Solicitor is reviewing the Memorandum of Agreement for review and
comments.
It was the consensus of the Council to
forward the Memorandum of Agreement to the Council with the Town Solicitor’s
comments for the next Council meeting on
It was moved by Council President
Littman, seconded by Councilor Ferguson to accept the report from the Deputy
Public Works Director/Town Engineer regarding Liquefied Natural Gas
Facilities. So
unanimously voted.
Weaver’s Cove LNG Project Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
Mr. Gray informed the Council that he has
reviewed the impact statement for Weaver’s Cove and found it to be site
specific in
There was Council discussion on the lack
of information in the EIS relating to the safety of surrounding areas should
there be an explosion or some other emergency.
It was moved by Council President
Littman, seconded by Councilor DiGiando to accept the information regarding the
Weaver’s Cove LNG facility.
PUBLIC HEARING
1) Proposed
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance re: Section 314 High Groundwater Table and
Impervious Layer Overlay District; duly advertised on July 23rd, 30th and
August 5th (continued from
Council President Littman opened the public
hearing at
President Littman noted that at the
August 10 meeting, the Council requested that the Planning Commission submit
their rationale for the changes being made to the High Groundwater Table
ordinance, as well as requesting comments from the Zoning Board of Review. President Littman stated that although these
documents have not been received, the hearing would continue to be open for
public comment.
Leo Errara,
Phillip Zarlengo,
The Town Planner noted that the Planning
Commission has proposed these changes in order to streamline the
ordinance. Many of the changes made are
clarifications of either a definition or regulation, keeping the ordinance more
in line with RIDEM. In addition, an area
of duplication has been removed by omitting the Zoning Board of Review as a
permitting authority in all cases except administrative Sub-district
reviews. The new proposal also captures
all development, new and additions, in Sub-District A, as well as adding a new development standards.
Raymond Iannetta,
Councilor DiGiando stated that the
Council also needs to consider a contingency plan to protect the entire
island’s water supply and suggested a comprehensive discussion on the issues
relating to the water and sewer district as well as the issues concerning the
The Council discussed the fact that it is
the intention of this ordinance to encourage responsible development.
Councilor
Charlotte Zarlengo,
It was moved by Council President
Littman, seconded by Councilor DiGiando to continue the hearing and public
comment to
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
None
COMMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1) Petition
from residents against Deer Management as proposed by DEM
(10 postcards)
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded
by Councilor Ferguson to accept the petitions regarding the Deer Management
Program as proposed by RIDEM. So unanimously voted.
2) Letter from Nancy W. Bennett re: deer
population
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded
by Councilor Ferguson to accept the letter from Nancy W. Bennett. So unanimously voted.
3) Letter
from Jane Berglund-Toll re: deer population
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded
by Councilor Ferguson to accept the letter from Jane Berglund-Toll. So unanimously voted.
4) Letter
from Thomas F. Ginnerty re: deer population
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded
by Councilor Ferguson to accept the letter from Thomas F. Ginnerty. So unanimously voted.
5) Letter
from the Knights of Columbus requesting a proclamation for Romeo R. Lambert
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded
by Councilor Ferguson to accept the letter from the Knights of Columbus. So unanimously voted.
6) Letter
to the Planning Commission re: notification and solicitation of comments for
proposed Rhode Island Army National Guard Landing Zones
Councilor DiGiando expressed his concern
relating to noise issues and suggested that alternative areas to
It was the consensus of the Council that
the Town Planner and Town Administrator request additional information and that
this item be continued on the
It was moved by Councilor DiGiando,
seconded by Councilor Long to accept the communication received from EA
Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. on behalf of the Rhode Island Army
National Guard. So
unanimously voted.
LICENSES & PERMITS
All approvals for licenses and permits
are subject to the resolution of debts, taxes and appropriate signatures as
well as, when applicable, proof of insurance.
None
OPEN FORUM
1) Scheduled
request to address
a) Representative
Bruce Long – Legislative Update
Representative Long presented a verbal
legislative update.
2) Non-scheduled
request to address
The Town Administrator informed the
Council that the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Waterfront Festival in
appreciation of the Public Safety Professionals and Volunteers on
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
1) Affordable
Housing Commission
a) Letter
from Paul M. Robertson re: resignation
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded
by Council President Littman to accept the resignation of Paul M. Robertson. So unanimously voted
It was the consensus of the Council to
use the list of previous applicants to fill this position.
2)
a) One (1) vacancy
exists for citizen-at-large member, term ending
i) Seeking
appointment:
• Nancy
Kolman-Ventrone
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded
by Councilor Ferguson to appoint Nancy Kolman Ventrone to the Jamestown
Ambulance Compensation Committee with a term ending
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1) Public
Works Department (cont. from
a) Report
from Michael Gray, PE
i) Liquefied
Natural Gas (LNG) facilities
Previously discussed.
b) Information
provided by Council President Littman re: Weaver’s Cove LNG Project, Draft
Environmental Impact Statement by FERC, August 2004
Previously discussed.
2) Letter
and Petition from Clayton Carlisle re: boogie boards at
a) Memorandum
from Town Clerk with proposed ordinance amendment Sec. 42.53 as submitted by
the Town Solicitor
It was the consensus of the Council to
order advertising for a hearing on the proposed amendment to the Jamestown Code
of Ordinance, Sec. 42-53. relating to inner tubes,
surfboards, rafts, flotation devices, golf clubs, ball playing, boating and
water skiing at beaches, for hearing on
3) Design,
Construction and Maintenance Agreement by and between RIDOT and the Town of
The Town Administrator reported that he
has set up a meeting between RIDOT, Jamestown Public Works Director, himself
and the Town Solicitor to review all options for the replacement of the
temporary water hose on the
The question of whether or not
The Public Works Director informed the
Council that to his knowledge there is not a new written agreement with the
Town of
It was the consensus of
the Council to have the Public Works Director provide the Council with
the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of
4) Proposed
Highway Barn Facility at
a) Council
decision re: design for building and citing at location
Previously discussed.
5) Fire
Safety Code (cont from
a) Town
Administrator report re: cost to bring Town buildings up to code
The Town Administrator presented
estimates for the costs associated with bringing the Town buildings up to code
as required by the Fire Marshall.
Planning
–
Town
Office –
Highway
Facility –
Total $32,750.00
The Town Administrator suggested that the
Council consider using $32,750.00 on an emergency basis from the funds set
aside for repairs to the Community Center and replace those funds at the next
budget session.
It was moved by Councilor DiGiando,
seconded by Councilor Ferguson to authorize the Town Administrator to spend
$32,750.00 to bring the Town buildings up to fire code as outlined by the Town
Administrator. In addition, the Town Administrator will bid out the work and
return to the Council for their approval.
So unanimously voted.
6) Modification
to the wood pile pier (verbal report per Councilor DiGiando)
Councilor DiGiando reported that the
Facilities Subcommittee of the Harbor Management Commission would be reviewing
alternatives for the wood pile pier at East Ferry at their next meeting.
It was the consensus of the Council to
continue the modification of the wood pile pier to the
NEW BUSINESS
Council President Litttman requested that
the Council discuss item #6.
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
The Public Works Director reported that
the Revised Environmental Monitoring Plan, as approved by RIDEM, is for
quarterly monitoring for two years, after the site work the monitoring will be
semi-annual after the site work out to the thirty year mark then, if the
Council warrants it necessary, yearly monitoring could be done.
Daniel O’Neill,
Raymond Iannetta,
Mr. Goslee informed the Council that GZ7
would be installed next week.
Norma Willis,
It was the consensus of the Council that
Edward Summerly attend the Council meeting on September 13 or
1) Letter
from Police Officer Clarke Westall requesting acceptance of request for
retirement
It was moved by Councilor DiGiando, seconded
by Councilor Ferguson to accept the letter of resignation for the purpose of
retirement from Clarke Westall. So unanimously voted.
The Town Clerk was asked to forward a letter in appreciation of Officer
Westall’s many years of service.
2)
a) Notice
of Intention re: acquisition of the Beavertail Lighthouse (future)
Linda Warner, President of the Beavertail
Lighthouse Museum Association, informed the Council that the US Coast Guard is
in the process of declaring all lighthouses as surplus property. In anticipation of this, the Association
would like to prepare for the possible acquisition of the Beavertail
Lighthouse. Ms. Warner presented a
document entitled “Notice of Intention Beavertail Lighthouse Museum
Association.” Ms. Warner stated that
the
Councilor DiGiando asked how this would
affect the lease for the Lighthouse Keeper’s house. Mr. Karantz, Chairman of the Beavertail
Lighthouse Museum Association, noted that plans for the lighthouse would be
coordinated with the Town, State and Association, at which time the lease could
be discussed. Presently, there is no way
of knowing when and if the Beavertail Lighthouse will be selected as surplus
property; however, the Association wants to be ready in case it is.
It was the consensus of the Council to
instruct the Town Administrator to select a liaison to work with the Beavertail
Lighthouse Museum Association on their efforts to acquire the Beavertail
Lighthouse.
3) Harbor
Management Plan & Harbor Management Ordinance – review and comments from
Harbor Management Commission (per Councilor DiGiando)
Councilor DiGiando stated that the Harbor
Management Commission has noted several inconsistencies in the Comprehensive
Harbor Management Plan and the Harbor Management Ordinance such as inconsistent
language, lack of a map, inaccurate coordinates and boundaries.
It was the consensus of the Council to
request the Town Solicitor, Larry Parks to address these issues at the
4) Board
of Water and Sewer (per Town Administrator)
a) Change
in meeting date for September from
The Town Administrator informed the
Council that the Public Works Director will be attending a seminar on
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded
by Councilor DiGiando to change the date of the Board of Water and Sewer
Commission from
5) Award
bid for road oiling to Dosch King Co. in an amount not to exceed $1.49/gallon
for CRS-2L and $185.00 per hour for the Computerized Chip Spreader
The Public Works Director reported that
there was an error in the bid for the Computerized Chip Spreader from All
States Asphalt, Inc. The $1.75 per hour
should have been $175.00 per hour. Mr.
Goslee recommended the bid award to Dosch King Co., Inc.
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded
by Councilor Ferguson to award the bid for road oiling to Dosch King Co., Inc
for an amount not to exceed $1.49 per gallon for CRS-2L and $185.00 per hour
for the Computerized Chip Spreader. So unanimously voted.
6) GZA
GeoEnvironmental re: Revised Environmental Monitoring Plan
Previously discussed.
Councilor DiGiando requested that the
Council have a discussion regarding a Wildlife Management Committee at the next
Town Council meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ANNOUNCEMENT (cont.)
It was moved by Councilor Long, seconded
by Councilor Ferguson to enter into executive session at 9:50 PM pursuant to
RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (5) real estate and RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (2) contract
negotiations. It was voted Councilor
DiGiando, aye; Councilor Ferguson, aye; Councilor Long, aye; Council President
Littman, aye. The motion passed with all
in favor.
The Council returned from executive
session at
It was moved by Councilor DiGiando,
seconded by Councilor Ferguson to authorize the Town Administrator to seek
professional services in the review and development of the leasing of the
particular town-owned property as discussed in executive session So unanimously voted.
It was moved by Council President
Littman, seconded by Councilor Long to authorize the Town Planner to submit two
grant applications for the Rhode Island Natural Heritage Preservation
Commission Open Space Conservation and Acquisition Grants 2004 for
consideration of matching funds for the acquisition of open space relating to
two vacant parcels in the Town of
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before
the Council, it was moved by Councilor Long, seconded by Councilor Ferguson to
adjourn the meeting at
Attest:
Arlene D. Petit
Town Clerk
c: Town Council
Members (5)
Town
Administrator
Town
Solicitor
Administrative
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