Welcome to Burrillville, RI - 10-22-2003 Regular Council Meeting

Motion by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. Seconded by Councilor William E. Gonyea. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

03-294 VOTED to receive and open the petition from residents neighboring the U.S. Post Office, Pascoag, RI, relative to their request that the Town of Burrillville end the plan to construct an addition to the municipal parking lot in the neighborhood

Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor William E. Gonyea. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

Discussion: Resident Robert Goulet, Sayles Avenue, Pascoag addressed the Town Council, stating that he started the petition upon receipt of notification from the Department of Environmental Management relative to the project. He stated that the Town had not notified residents of the project and the residents near the post office were unaware of the plan. There was considerable discussion of the matter of notification. Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, stated that there is no legal requirement for direct notification. Thomas J. Kravitz, Director of Planning & Economic Development reviewed the public notification of the project during planning and implementation. Nancy Angell, a resident of Hill Road, discussed the background of the project, which, she said, began more than three years ago because parking in Pascoag was identified as a problem. These discussions, she said, were held in neighborhood meetings held at the Fire Station, before the current planner was appointed and even before the formation of the Pascoag Downtown Neighborhood Association.

Mr. Kravitz displayed the plan of the parking lot. He described developing the concept in conjunction with the community group (Pascoag Downtown Neighborhood Association). Mr. Kravitz addressed the residents’ concerns related to environmental impact, briefly describing the engineering study for this plan that suggests an environmental improvement. He asked that residents review the plan and offered several suggestions, including fencing, landscaping and lighting, to proceed with the plan while making it work for all parties.

Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, reviewed that this parking lot, on town-owned land, is vital to the economic redevelopment of downtown Pascoag. He supported considering the abutters concerns while emphasizing the importance of accommodating the need for additional parking for local businesses, their customers and the general public. He described the buffers included in the plan and the intention to save as much vegetation as possible. Ultimately, he recommended that the long-planned project should go forward.

Mr. Goulet outlined the concerns of the abutters, which included attracting miscreants and damaging the environment. Ms. Pamela Poirier, Sayles Avenue, voiced concerns over the potential loss of wild plants and birds along the river. She discussed current litter and loitering in the parking lot and was concerned that the problems would be exacerbated. She also questioned the need for additional parking.

Councilor Louis Bleiweis discussed the original reason for the parking lot, which was to provide parking for businesses while allowing on-street parking to remain available for the public. He recommended that the resident’s concerns should be reviewed.

There was discussion of whether additional parking is necessary. The engineering study, as well as surveys of the neighborhood, has indicated that additional parking is currently required in the area and that, as the revitalization moves forward the need would increase.

Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

Discussion: Mr. Fredette had nothing to add to the discussion at this point. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, pointed out that the Town Council had been working on the matter of senior citizens’ tax exemptions for several years, that legislation had been filed during the previous legislative session that was not adopted by the general assembly, and that the Town Council would request that legislation be resubmitted in the coming session. Once legislation is in place, the Town Council will review and may adopt exemptions that they believe to be appropriate.

03-296 VOTED to continue to the regular meeting scheduled for November 12, 2003, the petition from Verizon, Right-of-Way Department regarding their request to relocate one joint pole (P.5) location 17’ north of Tarkiln Road; and the recommendation of Richard Bernardo, Director of Public Works/Town Engineer.

Motion by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was five in favor, one opposed, one excused. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Voting in opposition was Councilor William A. Andrews. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

Motion by Councilor William E. Gonyea. Seconded by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

Motion by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

03-297 VOTED to grant the renewal of Pool Table licenses for Village Barn, Maddog Saloon, Casa Fernandes, Tuffy’s Bar & Grill, Wallum Lake Rod & Gun Club, Spritzers Café, Dev’s Café with an expiration date of December 1, 2004.

Motion by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. 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 William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

03-298 VOTED to grant a victualing license for the annual pasta supper to be held on November 15, 2003 at St. Theresa’s Church, 35 Dion Drive, Nasonville to Cub Scout Pack #188 subject to receipt of complete documentation.

Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. 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 William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, described amendments to the Personnel Policies and Employment Terms & Conditions that were the result of further study and because of the views expressed by the Town Council at an earlier meeting.

Motion by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, reviewed that this policy had been distributed at an earlier meeting. This policy, he said, is essentially structured according to and required by State and Federal law.

03-300 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Barbara A. VonVillas, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, regarding the School Committee’s request to update the Town Council on the School Department’s FY2004 Budget and to report on the way the additional allocated funds have been spent.

Discussion: Donald Waterman, Chair, Burrillville School Committee, described the purpose of their attendance at the meeting, which was to present financial information related to the School Department budget. He mentioned discussions during the prior budget season when it became apparent that the Town Council had not been fully informed of issues related to the School Department budget. It is the intention of the School Committee, he said, to regularly inform the Town Council of financial concerns.

Barbara A. VonVillas, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, distributed a flyer related to inadequacies of the W.L. Callahan School, as well as an FY 04 Budget Presentation. The flyer and presentation are on file with the record of the meeting.

Barbara A. VonVillas, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, addressed each topic included in the presentation, briefly elaborating on each. The issues addressed included budget history, staffing adjustments, budget adjustments, department resources, Steere Farm roofing issues, capital improvement funds, per pupil costs and a summary of results of state assessments. Dr. VonVillas emphasized that the School Department does not have “plenty” of money, but that funding is sufficient.

During Dr. VonVillas’s discussion of capital improvement funds, there was a discussion of the appropriate uses of capital funds. Dr. VonVillas stated that the items under discussion were purchased in accordance with direction received from the Town Council. This matter was discussed at some length.

03-301 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Arthur Hurley, Chair, Burrillville Budget Board, regarding his request to begin discussion and consideration of the Town Council’s direction for the 2004/2005 budget.

Discussion: Arthur R. Hurley, Chair, Burrillville Budget Board, suggested that the Budget Board would like to engage in discussions with the Town Council before beginning their work on the FY2005 budget. Greater discussion on Council priorities and anticipated funding would reduce the required effort, lessen the frustration that the Budget Board has encountered while preparing a budget and result in a better document. Councilor Ronald E. Faford recommended scheduling a workshop.

In addition to a workshop, the Budget Board indicated that they would benefit from reports relevant to proposed budget items, such as the Town’s Capital Plan and Capital Projects list and the School Department’s report on the W.L. Callahan School.

Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, referred to the assessment of the Pascoag Main Street Business District, suggesting that residents would find the report of interest as it relates to the revitalization of the area. He mentioned the Dunkin’ Donuts project as a first-class project that complies with the revitalization program and which, due to the cooperation of the developers, provides a significant and necessary influx of capital. The report, he said, clearly describes the goals for the downtown Pascoag area, which has been in bad repair for many years. He suggested the importance of a commitment to the area.

According to Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, a component of the report includes a recommendation to consider certain local tax incentives for redevelopment of buildings within specified areas. He suggested that it would be appropriate for the ordinance subcommittee to review this concept, to be brought to the full Council at a later date. Mr. Wood referred to an existing ordinance that allows for tax incentives for new businesses, at the discretion of the Town Council. While he does not encourage this practice, he suggested that it might be appropriate to offer to people who have worked and lived in Town over a period of time the same benefits afforded new businesses and industry.

Councilor William A. Andrews commented on the difficulties local businesses have in obtaining grant money. He suggested that a tax incentive program, such as described by the town planner, would be of benefit to the business owners and would result in a better-looking community.

Motion by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

03-303 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, regarding formal approval of a CDBG – Sub-recipient agreement for Harrisville Water District; and action authorizing the Town Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the Town.

Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, explained that when the Town entered into the agreement for CDBG money to address the MTBE issue, there was a secondary agreement with the Pascoag Utility District. This sub-recipient agreement with Harrisville Water District, which is similar to the earlier agreement with Pascoag Utility District, is to allow for $50,000 to be provided to Harrisville to help build the well and well infrastructure.

Discussion: John P. Mainville, Finance Director, described the three bids received for tax administration and tax collection software. He recommended that the bid be awarded to Opal Data Technologies, the low bidder and the company that provides software to about 25 Rhode Island municipalities. He suggested that the software is perceived to be user-friendly.

VOTED to award the bid for Tax Administration and Tax Collection Software to Opal Data Technologies at an amount to not exceed $50,000, subject to the negotiation of an acceptable contract to be executed by the Town Manager.

03-306 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from John P. Mainville, Finance Director, regarding the awarding of bids for replacement dump truck bodies, stainless steel spreaders, a vibratory asphalt roller and a 37,000 GVW truck.

Discussion: Council President Wallace F. Lees asked whether it would benefit the Town to buy consistently the same types of trucks. He suggested that since many Town vehicles are International it would provide maintenance cost savings to continue to purchase International trucks. A brief discussion ensued.

VOTED to award the purchase of four (4) Replacement Dump Truck Bodies to Truck Equipment Boston, Inc., with requested options, in the total amount of $28,500 ($7,125 per unit). Truck Equipment Boston, Inc. being identified as the lowest responsible bidder.

Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

VOTED to award the purchase of one (1) 37,000 lb. GVW Truck with combination dump body and requested options to ALTRU Bros. Freightliner Truck Sales, Inc. in the amount of $79,871 per unit. ALTRU Bros. Freightliner Truck Sales, Inc. being identified as the lowest responsible bidder.

03-308 VOTED to schedule a public hearing to be held on November 12, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. related to the proposed amendments to the ordinances of the Town of Burrillville entitled “Mandatory Recycling” for first reading; and discussion and action on scheduling a public hearing.

03-309 VOTED to refer to the Screening Subcommittee the correspondence from Maureen Guilbault, Executive Director, Burrillville Housing Authority, regarding the resignation of Nancy Faford; and the recommendation that Ronald Blanchard be appointed to replace Nancy Faford.

Motion by Councilor William E. Gonyea. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, explained that there are several new members of the Conservation Commission and the Commission is interested in developing some new programs. Therefore, they have asked the Town Council to reconsider the budget.

Motion by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. Seconded by Councilor William E. Gonyea. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

Discussion: Councilor William A. Andrews suggested that a car would be more economical and comfortable than a truck. Councilor Edward F. Bonczek questioned the practice of using the Town vehicle to travel home. Council President Wallace F. Lees suggested a larger truck would better serve the department. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, explained that the vehicle is for job-related activities but that “on-call” employees are allowed to drive vehicles home; that while a car would be an acceptable alternative, a truck had been specified to provide wider use; and that a larger truck would be a greater expense. The matter was discussed at some length.

Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor William E. Gonyea. The vote was five in favor, one opposed, one excused. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Voting in opposition was Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

Motion by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. Seconded by Councilor William E. Gonyea. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

03-317 VOTED to grant the request for Executive Session from Town Manager Michael C. Wood pursuant to Rhode Island Open Meeting Law [42-46-5 (a)(5)] for discussions or considerations related to the acquisition, sale and exchange of real property and [42-46-5 (a)(5)] for discussions pertaining to current litigation.

Motion by Councilor William E. Gonyea. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.

Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members in attendance. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.