Welcome to Burrillville, RI - 10-10-2007 Town Council Regular Meeting

REGULAR MEETING of the Burrillville Town Council held Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. in the Town Council Chambers, 105 Harrisville Main St., Harrisville for and within the Town of Burrillville.

2. MAIN MOTION to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held September 26, 2007; the public hearing held September 26, 2007; and the hearing held October 3, 2007; and dispense with the reading of said minutes.

The motion carried, six in favor, one opposed. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Councilor Kevin M. Blais voted in opposition.

Councilor Kevin M. Blais noted for the record that his vote in opposition was because he did not think the October 3, 2007 minutes accurately reflected the events of the meeting and he did not have the opportunity to review the tape that he requested through the Town Manager. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, noted that he was not at the October 3, 2007 hearing, that he had not spoken with Councilor Blais since that date, and that he knew of no request for a tape. Mr. Wood indicated that the administration would provide a copy of the tape upon request.

Councilor Margaret L. Dudley noted that cookbooks, being sold as a fundraiser for the new library, are still available. She noted that the books are well done. Councilor Dudley also noted that the library project is under budget.

Motion by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. 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.

Discussion: Council President Nancy F. Binns noted that the proclamation had been originally considered in March 2007 but due to a communication issue the Officers had not been present. Council President Binns read the following proclamation:

WHEREAS, On January 31, 2007 the Burrillville Police Department and Pascoag Fire and Rescue were dispatched to South Shore Road in response to a call for assistance with a victim, Erica Haringa of Douglas, Massachusetts, who had fallen through the ice on Wallum Lake; and

WHEREAS, Upon arrival at the scene, police Sergeant Albert E. Carlow along with police officer Kathy Kelley and Lieutenant Alan Russell of the Pascoag Fire Department and several civilians assessed the situation, observing that the victim was struggling in the water about thirty-five yards from the shore; and

WHEREAS, Upon reaching the victim, Haringa was pulled into the boat and Sergeant Carlow along with Lieutenant Russell pulled the boat back to shore using the ropes secured by Shephard and Golinski. Once on shore, the young man was dragged to the police car to wait for arrival of the rescue vehicle; and

WHEREAS, Due to the quick thinking and swift action of Sergeant Carlow and Officer Kelley as well as Lieutenant Russell, Alan Shepherd and Joseph Golinski a situation which could have ended in a real tragedy was avoided.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Town Council of the Town of Burrillville on this 14th day of March, 2007 do hereby honor and commend Sergeant Albert E. Carlow and Officer Kathy Kelley for their roles in the handling of a potentially tragic situation. We further honor their commitment to serve the Town of Burrillville as members of the Burrillville Police Department and consider ourselves fortunate to have such dedicated individuals willing to serve our community in such a manner.

WHEREAS, In May, 1887, the RI General Assembly granted a charter to the Pascoag Fire District, authorizing the District to provide fire suppression, water and electric services to its customers; and on April 4, 2001, the Water Department and the Electric Department separated from the Pascoag Fire District and the Pascoag Utility District was Legislatively created as a Quasi Municipality; and

WHEREAS, The Pascoag Utility District (PUD) is the only not for profit, public power utility in Rhode Island, with the lowest residential rates in the state and superlative service levels and response times; and

WHEREAS, PUD installed specially coated high voltage conductors, helping insure uninterrupted electric service to its ratepayers and, in 1998, the District converted to a more efficient Distribution System, resulting in significant savings and helping attract business to the Town; and

WHEREAS, The Northeast Public Power Association's Linemen Apprentice School is now located on PUD grounds, bringing in excess of 100 linemen to classes in Burrillville resulting in their patronage of the businesses of Burrillville; and

WHEREAS, PUD, in its commitment to renewable sources of energy, obtains approximately 25% of its power from the St. Lawrence and Niagara Falls Hydro-electric plants. Recently negotiated contracts guarantee the District's rights to this valuable commodity through 2057. This power costs approximately 75% less than today's Market Prices; and

WHEREAS, During the MBTE crisis, the Pascoag Utility District distributed thousands of gallons of free bottled water every Thursday, from their offices, to the residents of Pascoag; and

WHEREAS, Continuing exploration for new water sources, at no cost to Pascoag residents, has resulted in a new well scheduled to come on line in November 2007, which will provide up to 20% of Pascoag's needs; and

WHEREAS, PUD is an integral and valued member of the Burrillville Community, having provided, in 2007, $74,000 in rebates to the Town for installation of Energy Efficient equipment and lighting for; the Callahan School renovation project, the Levy Community Rink renovation project and the construction of the new Jesse M. Smith Library; and

WHEREAS, PUD partners with the Burrillville High School technology students under the guidance of teacher Charles "Chuck" Boucher. These students undertake various energy conservation projects, making annual presentation to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission; and

WHEREAS, The Pascoag Utility District further shows their commitment to and support of the community by donating the labor and equipment to hang banners and Christmas lights and decorations, trim trees at the Burrillville Housing Authority and our libraries, erecting the scoreboard at the new football field, providing championship rings to High School athletes and supporting financially our local charities. The General Manager is this year's state chairperson for the RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund which brings thousands of dollars of heating assistance to our residents; and

WHEREAS, these are but a few of the numerous activities the PUD undertakes which support the community and the Town of Burrillville is indeed fortunate to have such a good "Corporate Citizen"!

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Town Council of the Town of Burrillville, extend its gratitude to the Pascoag Utility District and declare April 2008 "Pascoag Utility District Month".

Discussion: Present representing the Pascoag Utility District were Commissioners Al Palmisciano, Ann Polacek, and Bill Mageau with General Manager Ted Garille and Assistant General Manager Bill Guertin. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, added his thanks and commendations to the District for their cooperation with the Town.

07-294 VOTED to open the correspondence from Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk, regarding a presentation by Sen. Paul W. Fogarty and a congressional delegation relative to a Senior Center grant.

Discussion: Senator Paul W. Fogarty and Representative Edwin R. Pacheco were present for the discussion. Senator Fogarty addressed the Town Council about plans for a Senior Center, discussing the process and issues that the Town of Glocester encountered during their recent project. Senator Fogarty noted that he had communicated with Senator Reed, Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Kennedy about federal funding for the project. He reviewed the planning and construction process, discussed fund raising, offered his support as well as that of Glocester officials, and recommended a tour of the new Glocester facility. Senator Fogarty provided the clerk with application forms and other information, to be conveyed to the Senior Center Feasibility Study Committee. Councilor Wallace F. Lees introduced members of the Committee to Senator Fogarty and Representative Pacheco. There was general discussion of the matter.

Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. 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.

07-296 VOTED to open the motion to appropriate the sum of $36,000 from the major capital account for professional services and expenses for renovation and physical modifications to the Jesse M. Smith building and grounds.

Motion by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. 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.

Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, referenced the revised recommendation, a copy of which is on file with the record of the meeting, noting that some funds had been allocated in the capital improvement program. There was general review and discussion of the proposed plan.

VOTED to appropriate the sum of $15,000 from the Major Capital Fund for professional services and expenses for the renovation and physical modifications to the Jesse M. Smith building and grounds.

Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. 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.

07-297 VOTED to refer to the Ordinance Subcommittee the proposed amendments to the General Ordinances of the Town of Burrillville, Chapter 30, entitled Zoning: A) §30-201. Development Plan Review; and B) §30-203. Cluster Development.

Discussion: Councilor Kevin M. Blais asked whether the proposed changes might include a development of a nursery, such as the one that he had discussed with the Building Official for review by the Planning Board. Councilor Blais recused, stating that his residence might be subject to the proposed amendments.

The motion carried, six in favor, one recusal. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Councilor Kevin M. Blais recused.

Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. 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.

Motion by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. 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.

Motion by Councilor Kevin M. Blais. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. 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.

07-302 VOTED to open the correspondence from Council President Nancy F. Binns regarding her recommendation that the Screening Subcommittee consider adding alternate position(s) to the Senior Center Feasibility Study Committee.

Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. 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.

Motion by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor Cynthia L. Roe. 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.

Discussion: Councilor Kevin M. Blais raised a concern related to generating the greatest possible revenue on surplus vehicles. He said that he had been approached by an individual who had repeatedly bid on all vehicles, and indicated that the value of the vehicles listed was $2,000 or more. John P. Mainville, Finance Director, reviewed the process of advertising surplus items and receiving sealed bids.

B) that the 2000 Ford Taurus assigned to the Information Systems Department be declared surplus and that the Administration be granted authority to dispose of it in the best manner that it deems practical.

VOTED that the 1998 Crown Victoria assigned to the Information Systems Department be declared surplus and that the Administration is granted authority to dispose of it in the best manner that it deems practical.

Discussion: There was discussion of whether it would be appropriate to close for the full days of Monday, December 24, 2007 and Monday, December 31, 2007 rather than the half-day required in the collective bargaining agreements, provided that the employees used vacation or personal time for the additional hours. The manager pointed out that the arrangement would have to be agreed upon through the collective bargaining units.

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.

A) Application #06-259 in reference to property located near Victory Highway at the intersection of Nasonville Road and the intersection with Douglas Turnpike (Map 114, Lot 44, sublot 5); and

B) Application #06-368 in reference to property located near Victory Highway at its intersection with the eastern end of Nasonville Road and the intersection with Douglas Turnpike (Map 114, Lot 44, sublots 1, 2, and 4); and

D) Application #07-159 in reference to property and proposed project located along Bronco Highway near the intersection with Central Street (Map 195, Lot 2 and Map 213, Lots 9 and 10).

Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. 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.