JOINT WORKSHOP of the Town Council held Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 7:05 P.M. in the Burrillville High School Media Center, Burrillville High School, 425 East Avenue, 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. and Norman C. Mainville
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused due to family illness.
OTHER PARTICIPANTS:
Senior Center Feasibility Study Committee
Burrillville Planning Board
Redevelopment Agency of Burrillville
Relative to consideration and discussion of a proposed Senior Center in the Town of Burrillville
Councilor Norman C. Mainville thanked the Council President and the Clerk for having rescheduled the workshop.
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager summarized the discussion points and information on neighboring senior centers which had been distributed to those present and which are on file with the record of the meeting. Mr. Wood reviewed finances relative to debt schedules and operating expenses, land options for various proposed locations for a senior center, possible resolution/legislation required to move forward with a project, and issues that might impact a potential senior center.
James Langlois, Chairman of the Redevelopment Agency, identified the town's redevelopment districts and discussed progress in the districts. Mr. Langlois voiced the Redevelopment Agency's request that discussions of a location for a potential senior center include the redevelopment districts. The effects of locating a senior center in a village center, the purpose of a center, site restrictions, and parking requirements were discussed.
Senator Paul W. Fogarty addressed those present about present financial conditions, the decision-making process relative to location, possible fund-raising efforts, and activities held at senior centers. Senator Fogarty offered his support and urged patience during the process.
Susan Sgambado of Mapleville pointed out that the Governor's FY2009 budget significantly reduces aid to senior centers. Senator Fogarty agreed that reductions are likely. Don Howe of Pascoag opposed a senior center project at this time for financial reasons.
Jeffrey Partington, Chairman, Burrillville Planning Board, explained that the Planning Board's role is to ensure compliance with the comprehensive plan. Mr. Partington discussed possible locations, the development/redevelopment process, and the role of compromise in town projects. There was discussion of Planning Board and Redevelopment Agency involvement at this point, the process to date, and various proposed locations. The comprehensive plan was discussed.
There was discussion of potential federal and other funding, the operating procedures for a senior center, and the role of the Planning Board.
There was a recess from 8:30 P.M. to 8:45 P.M.
Raymond Menard of the Senior Center Feasibility Study Committee presented a slide show demonstrating buildings and locations of senior centers around the State of Rhode Island. Mr. Menard explained the features, activities, and services provided at various centers. Mr. Menard discussed his experience as an architect, his work on the project, the requirements of a senior center, and various proposed locations.
There was discussion of transportation to and from a senior center, site studies in progress in Oakland, the cost of development, site characteristics, parking requirements, the placement of a building on the Oakland site, and the membership of the Senior Citizens' Association.
VOTED to adjourn at 9:40 P.M.
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 Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.
Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk
| 
