WORKSHOP of the Town Council held Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Town Building, Harrisville for and within the Town of Burrillville.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilor William A. Andrews was excused due to a death in the family.
OTHERS PRESENT: Roland A. Audette, E.J. Finocchio, Michael E. Gingell, David C. Ketcham, Valerie Ann Leduc, Dennis C. Leahy, Kevin P. Menard and Theresa Stelmach. Victor D. Antoniello was excused due to a prior commitment.
Relative to the 2002 Charter Review Commission.
Council President Wallace F. Lees welcomed the newly appointed members of the Charter Review Commission. Roland A. Audette, E.J. Finocchio, Michael E. Gingell, David C. Ketcham, Valerie Ann Leduc, Dennis C. Leahy, Kevin P. Menard and Theresa Stelmach were introduced to the assemblage. The town clerk swore in the members.
Comments by Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor.
Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, reviewed the procedure used during previous Charter Reviews. He pointed out that the Commission would ultimately make a recommendation to the Town Council. The Town Council, he said, has three options: to accept the recommendation and submit it to the voters, to accept portions of the work and submit that to the people, or decline the recommendation entirely. The Town Council has the final say of what goes to the voters. Mr. Kane voiced his support of the Council/Manager form of government. He also said that he was available to the Commission at any time through the town clerk.
Town Council Members Comments.
· Councilor Norman C. Mainville concurred with the solicitor relative to the form of government. He said that, in his opinion, the charter needs some tweaking and that he was looking forward to sharing his ideas with the commission.
Note: Councilor Mainville was excused at 7:15 p.m.
· Councilor Edward F. Bonczek stated his goal to improve information to residents. He suggested that it is important to not spend any more of other people s money without their permission.
· Councilor William E. Gonyea praised the appointments to the Commission. He said that he is looking forward to their input and offered his support and encouragement.
· Councilor Louis Bleiweis congratulated the Commission on their appointment. While the choice was difficult, the resulting Commission is highly satisfactory. Councilor Bleiweis stated that he is a long-time supporter of the Council/Manager form of government. He offered the Town Council s full assistance to the Commission.
· Council President Wallace F. Lees commended the screening subcommittee for their efforts in recommending an excellent group assembled for the Commission. He voice faith in the Commission and extended his best wishes to them.
· Councilor Jacqueline Zahn reviewed the Screening Subcommittee procedure. She said the number of applicants and the various backgrounds of members of the Commission impressed her. In extending an offer for the Town Council s assistance to the Commission, she mentioned that it was neither the Commission nor the Town Council who ultimately decide on changes to the Charter, but the electors.
Note: Councilor William E. Gonyea was excused at 7:30 p.m.
Charter Review Commission Members comments.
Dennis Leahey said he was honored by the appointment to the Commission. He believed that the Charter is a good document that needs some minor adjustments. Theresa Stelmach agreed that being open minded was important and that sharing ideas would result in a win-win situation.
General Discussion of the project.
· It was discussed that the Commission is free to design aprocess they believe is appropriate for developing their recommendation.
· The Town would provide secretarial service.
· The Commission is subject to the open meetings laws.
· The Charter provides for a six-month timeframe for submitting a report with recommendations for amendments, additions and deletions to the Charter.
· The Town Clerk would prepare the notice and agenda for the first meeting.
Voted to adjourn at 7:35 p.m.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor William A. Andrews was excused.
Information relating to the workshop is on file with the record of the minutes. The meeting was taped and the tape is on file with the record of the minutes.
Recorded by
Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk
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