REGULAR MEETING of the Burrillville Town Council held Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. in the Town Council Chambers, 105 Harrisville Main St., Harrisville for and within the Town of Burrillville.
PRESENT: Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe
MEMBERS ABSENT: Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused due to illness.
1. Council Vice President Wallace F. Lees led those present in pledging allegiance to the flag.
2. MOTION to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held November 14, 2007, the three public hearings held November 14, 2007, and the special meeting held November 19, 2007; and dispense with the reading of said minutes.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L Dudley.
Discussion: Councilor Kevin M. Blais said that the note on the last page of the minutes of November 14, 2007 entitled Conclusion of a Public Hearing and discussion of item #07-338 on page seven of the minutes of the regular meeting held November 14, 2007 did not correctly reflect his comments.
The motion carried, five in favor, one opposed, one excused. Voting in favor of the motion were 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. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused
3. Public Comment: None
4. General Good and Welfare of the Town of Burrillville
Councilor Margret L. Dudley reminded those present that the Northwest Corner Cookbook, developed by the Library Capital Campaign Committee, remains available. She said proceeds will benefit the new library.
Councilor Kevin M. Blais discussed a recent newspaper article related to an executive session. Councilor Blais questioned the decorum of comments attributed to the Town Council President.
Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation, announced holiday festivities to be held on Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 1:30 P.M.
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, congratulated the Downtown Pascoag Neighborhood Association (DPNA) on a very nice Victorian Holiday.
Councilor Norman C. Mainville announced the first annual Starry Nights on Route 102 holiday event scheduled for November 30, December 7, and December 14, 2007 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
5. Petitions: None
6. Special Business: None
7. Unfinished Business: None
8. New Business:
07-339 VOTED to open the correspondence from Jessica Wang, Democracy Matters, regarding her request to address the Town Council relative to proposed legislation to amend §17-25-1, Rhode Island Public Financing of Elections Act.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
Discussion: Jessica Wang and Colin Lentz of Democracy Matters addressed the Town Council, requesting their support of legislation related to public financing of elections. Mr. Lentz described the Rhode Island Coalition that introduced the legislation. Ms. Wang described the how funding would proceed under the act and discussed the intent of the act. Members of the Town Council discussed the proposal with Ms. Wang and Mr. Lentz.
VOTED to receive and file.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
07-340 VOTED to receive and file the correspondence from The Champlin Foundations to the Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library regarding approval of grant(s) for the new library, and to send a letter of thanks on behalf of the town.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley.
Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, noted that the grants were for an additional $250,000 towards the construction and accessories for the library.
The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
07-341 Correspondence from Erin L. Naylor regarding her request for an abatement of interest; and the recommendation of John P. Mainville, Finance Director.
It was noted that Ms. Naylor was not present.
VOTED to deny.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
07-342 Correspondence from Cheri R. Hall, CPRP, Director of Parks & Recreation and Thomas J. Kravitz, Town Planner, regarding a request for the Council's support of a trail project, authorization of a DEM grant application and commitment of matching funds.
MOTION to approve.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Cynthia L. Roe.
Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, suggested the Recreation Capital Account for the $10,000 in matching funds, if the Council chose to support the project and commit the funding.
MOTION to amend by adding with funds from the Recreation Capital Account, #5020.
Amendment by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmoyzn, Jr.
Discussion: Councilor Kevin M. Blais raised several questions related to funding the trail project. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, explained the procedure, described the effect of committing matching funds, and discussed the Town Council's continuing decision-making authority as the process moved forward. Councilor Margaret L. Dudley noted that there is funding for the project included in the FY2009 CIP budget and supported committing the $10,000 now. Councilor Norman C. Mainville discussed the phases involved in such projects, reflected on the town's historic support of recreation, and recommended moving forward.
The amendment carried unanimously by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
The main motion carried unanimously by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
07-343 Tax Assessor's report on Abatements and Uncollectibes:
VOTED to approve abatements in the amount of $52,218.23 for the period covering June 29, 2007 to October 15, 2007.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
VOTED to table additions in the amount of $63,948.40 for the period covering June 29, 2007 to October 15, 2007.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Kevin M. Blais. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
07-344 VOTED to refer to the Screening Subcommittee the application from Mark A. Fiore for appointment to a Burrillville Green Energy Committee.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
07-345 Correspondence from Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr., Vice Chair, Screening Subcommittee, regarding the committee's recommendations.
VOTED to reappoint Michael Stearns to the Board of Assessment Review for a three-year term to expire November 30, 2010.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
VOTED to reappoint Christine Mattera and Jennifer Bergin to the Narcotics Guidance Council each for a three-year term to expire November 30, 2010.
Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
VOTED to appoint Barbara Schouboe as an alternate to the Library Capital Campaign Committee.
Motion by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
VOTED to appoint Christopher Lacey as an alternate to the Board of Assessment Review for a one-year term to expire November 30, 2008.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Cynthia L. Roe. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
9. Town Clerk/Communication:
07-346 VOTED to open the correspondence from Louise R. Phaneuf regarding the HousingWorksRI press conference scheduled for Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 11:00 A.M.; and a certificate of commendation to be considered for adoption.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Cynthia L. Roe. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
VOTED to approve a certificate of commendation for HousingWorksRI.
Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor Cynthia L. Roe. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
07-347 MOTION to authorize Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk, to withdraw $1,182.00 in annual interest from the Burial Lots Fund for maintenance of cemeteries; to be considered and acted on.
Note: Council Vice President Wallace F. Lees recused from voting on item #07-347 and turned the meeting over to Councilor Norman C. Mainville.
MOTION to withdraw $1,182.00 in annual interest from the Burial Lots Fund for the maintenance of cemeteries.
Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor Cynthia L. Roe.
Discussion: Councilors Wallace F. Lees and Norman C. Mainville explained that funds are set aside by families and/or estates for perpetual care of certain cemetery lots. Those funds are held by the treasurer and a portion of the interest is paid annually to individuals who maintain the lots. There was discussion of the process and how the caretakers are chosen. It was suggested that further review of policies should be considered at a future date.
The motion carried, five in favor, one recusal, one excused. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Councilor Wallace F. Lees recused. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
Councilor Norman C. Mainville turned the meeting back to Council Vice President Wallace F. Lees.
07-348 VOTED to receive and file the correspondence from Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, regarding his absence from the state during the upcoming holidays.
Motion by Councilor Kevin M. Blais. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
07-349 VOTED to receive and file the correspondence from Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, regarding holiday hours.
Motion by Councilor Kevin M. Blais. Seconded by Councilor Cynthia L. Roe. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
07-350 Correspondence from Julie A. Coelho, Town Clerk of Warren, regarding a request for support of the Warren Town Council's resolution in support of long-term health care for veterans.
VOTED to support.
Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
10. VOTED to receive reports 1 - 25:
1. Town Treasurer: Reports of September and October 2007
2. Burrillville Sewer Commission: Report of October 2007 and Meetings of September 28 and October 9, 2007
3. Tax Collector: Report of October 2007
4. Department of Public Works: Report of October 2007
5. Chief of Police: Report of October 2007
6. Office of Building Official: Report of October 2007
7. Animal Control Officer: Report of October 2007
8. Burrillville Housing Authority: Meetings of September 12 and October 10, 2007
9. Planning Board/Town Planner: Meeting of October 1, 2007
10. Zoning Board of Review: No report
11. Parks and Recreation Department: Report of November 2007
12. Information Systems Department: Report of November 2007
13. Burrillville Conservation Commission: Meeting of August 14, 2007
14. Ordinance Subcommittee: Meeting of October 12, 2007
15. Redevelopment Agency: Meeting of September 25, 2007
16. B-PAC: Meeting of October 18, 2007
17. Personnel Board: No report
18. Screening Subcommittee: Meeting October 15, 2007
19. Budget Board: No report
20. Library Building Committee: Meetings of October 10 & 24, 2007
21. Library Fundraising Committee: No report
22. Burrillville School Committee: No report
23. Callahan School Building Committee: No report
24. Senior Center Feasibility Study Committee: Meeting of October 17, 2007
25. Emergency Management Agency: Report of October 2007
Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
11. VOTED to adjourn at 7:57 P.M.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Cynthia L. Roe. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., Norman C. Mainville and Cynthia L. Roe. Council President Nancy F. Binns was excused.
Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk
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