PUBLIC HEARING of the Town Council held Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chamber, Town Building, Harrisville for and within the Town of Burrillville.
PRESENT: Council President Nancy F. Binns, Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
Relative to considering and acting on the following proposed changes to the Revised General Ordinances of the Town of Burrillville:
The Town Council of the Town of Burrillville hereby ordains as follows:
The General Ordinances of the Town of Burrillville are hereby amended by adding the following
CHAPTER 18.5. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION, ADVISORY
NOTE: The notice of hearing was advertised in the legal section of the Woonsocket Call on Friday, September 21, 2007.
1. Comments/Input/Recommendation from the Ordinance Subcommittee
Councilor Margaret L. Dudley reported that the matter had come to them from a Councilor, with a sample ordinance from a neighboring community. Councilor Dudley said that the Subcommittee had reviewed the sample, along with other Public Safety Commission ordinances. She said that the Ordinance Subcommittee was of the impression that the matter had been discussed with the various fire departments but since that was apparently not the case, she recommended that a workshop be held and the matter recommitted to the Ordinance Subcommittee.
2. Comments/Input/Recommendations by the Administration (Town Solicitor, Town Manager, Administrative Staff)
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, said that the Ordinance was structured to conform to the Town Charter. He suggested that the recommendation was to include many members to provide input. Mr. Wood concurred with Councilor Dudley relative to workshops with the fire departments.
Timothy F. Kane, Town Solicitor, indicated that the Commission would be strictly advisory and that the suggested membership include a broad representation of town officials and fire chiefs. Mr. Kane suggested that the proposal did not conflict with state law or town ordinance.
Mr. Kane suggested that the hearing be continued during further development.
3. Proponents:
Chief David Shaw suggested that a workshop would be appropriate to allow him to consult with the Board of Fire Commissioners.
Chief Gus Eddy of Nasonville also asked that a workshop be scheduled after October 9, 2007 so that the Commissioners could consider and make recommendations relative to the ordinance.
Chief Robert Bishop of Wallum Lake Fire Department suggested that the language should be changed from "fire districts" to "fire chiefs or designee".
MOTION to continue this public hearing to November 14, 2007; and to recommit the draft ordinance to the Ordinance Subcommittee to set up a workshop with the fire representatives.
Point of Order: Councilor Kevin M. Blais suggested that the public hearing be closed. Council President Nancy F. Binns noted that the public hearing was not being closed but continued to a future date.
MOTION by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor Norman C. Mainville.
Discussion: Councilor Kevin M. Blais recommended that the membership be open to residents and Councilors, as well as those professionals specified in the proposal.
Councilor Norman C. Mainville discussed his purpose in proposing the ordinance. Councilor Mainville noted that there are federal monies available for those communities that are addressing potential hazard situations. Councilor Mainville explained the process.
The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe.
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