EMERGENCY MEETING of the Burrillville Town Council held Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 10:40 a.m. at the Council Chambers, Town Building, 105 Harrisville Main St., Harrisville, for and within the Town of Burrillville.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, Nancy F. Binns, Margaret L. Dudley, and William E. Gonyea.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilors William A. Andrews and Ronald E. Faford
OTHERS PRESENT: Col. Bernard E. Gannon, Chief of Police; Lt. Kevin SanAntonio, Burrillville Police Department; Richard Lapierre, Emergency Management Director; Theodore Garille, Pascoag Utility District.
Relative to discussions and considerations related to declaring a state of emergency due to flooding in various areas of the Town of Burrillville.
Council President Wallace F. Lees asked Col. Bernard E. Gannon, Chief of Police, to report on storm and flood conditions in various areas of the Town of Burrillville. Col. Gannon reported that rain had caused problems in town, including flooding and overflow of dams. Evacuations were underway around Manly Drive and the area, which were under water. Electricity was being shut down in some areas. Lt. San Antonio reported that Wilson’s Reservoir had crested and overflowed Wallum Lake Road. Col. Gannon reported that the evacuation was voluntary; that there was no authority to mandate an evacuation without a declaration of emergency. It was noted that Centennial Street was also being evacuated.
Richard Lapierre, Emergency Management, reported that The Lodge (Burrillville Recreation Center) had been opened for shelter. Col. Gannon said that it might be necessary to open the Burrillville Middle School for additional emergency shelter.
Council President Wallace F. Lees asked whether the fire departments had been notified. The Council was informed that all fire departments had been actively involved in the situation since 4:00 a.m.
Councilor Margaret L. Dudley asked whether the electricity shut down was localized. Mr. Garille said that electricity was being shut off as requested only in those locations where it was necessary.
Lt. San Antonio reported on problems with the dam in Harrisville.
Council President Wallace F. Lees asked about the affect on the Blackstone River. Mr. Lapierre reported that the rivers were expected to crest later in the afternoon and that the water was expected to continue to rise until 4:00 o’clock. There was discussion that it was expected that the Blackstone River could handle the increase in water.
Col. Bernard E. Gannon, Chief of Police, recommended that a state of emergency be declared.
Lt. San Antonio received a telephone call. He reported that a 3,000 gallon tank of liquid asphalt had failed. Mr. Lapierre indicated that this situation could be addressed.
VOTED to adopt a resolution supporting the declaration a state of emergency by the Town Council President.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. The motion was unanimous by the five members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, Nancy F. Binns, Margaret L. Dudley, and William E. Gonyea. Councilors William A. Andrews and Ronald E. Faford were not present.
Further Discussion: Lt. San Antonio reported that the sewer pumps were under water but that Jack Martin, Superintendent of the Burrillville Waste Water Facility, indicated that the situation was fine. Lt. San Antonio also reported that Eccleston Field had flooded across Callahan School Street as far as the W.L. Callahan School. Callahan School Street had been closed. Lt. San Antonio indicted that portions of Harrisville Main St. had also been closed.
VOTED to adjourn at 10:45 a.m.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. The motion was unanimous by the five members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, Nancy F. Binns, Margaret L. Dudley, and William E. Gonyea. Councilors William A. Andrews and Ronald E. Faford were not present.
The meeting was taped. The tape is on file with the record of the meeting.
Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk
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