Welcome to Burrillville, RI - 5-28-2008 Regular Meeting

REGULAR MEETING of the Burrillville Town Council held Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. in the Town Council Chambers, 105 Harrisville Main St., 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

Discussion: Councilor Kevin M. Blais objected to the May 1, 2008 minutes. He said that the minutes incorrectly identified the session as a workshop. Councilor Blais suggested that the beginning of the minutes should have explained his limited participation, the final vote should not have indicated that he had participated and the discussion should have included his participation.

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.

In response to questions from Leif Seitzinger of Pascoag there was discussion of the purchase of assistive listening devices (ALD), the cost of the system, recommendations from the Governor's Office on Disabilities, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements to have the equipment, and whether a disability must be documented to require ALDs.

Councilor Margaret L. Dudley announced a rabies clinic scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 2008 from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. at the Animal Shelter, at a cost of $10.00 per vaccination.

Councilor Norman C. Mainville referenced an article in the Rhode Island Blood Center's newsletter in which Richard Peck was recognized for 27 years as a blood drive coordinator at Pascoag Fire Department. Councilor Mainville summarized Mr. Peck's achievements and recommended that the Council recognize Mr. Peck at a future meeting.

Councilor Norman C. Mainville discussed Bargain Buyer advertisements related to that portion of the litter ordinance related to posting signs on utility poles. Councilor Mainville called for stricter enforcement or repeal of the ordinance. There was discussion of the current enforcement.

Councilor Kevin M. Blais congratulated Mr. Rossi and his colleagues who videotape the Town Council meetings. Mr. Rossi acknowledged Robert Marshall as another of the camera operators.

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.

Council President Nancy F. Binns recognized the on-going community support of Pascoag Utility District and acknowledged a $20,000 award provided as a rebate to the Town of Burrillville for installation of energy efficient equipment and lighting at the new Jesse M. Smith Library. Ted Garille, General Manager of the Pascoag Utility District, discussed the District's pleasure in working with the Town and other ratepayers. Mr. Garille introduced Ann Polacek of the Board of Utility Commissioners, Customer Service Representative Harle Round, and Assistant General Managers Judith Allaire and Bill Guertin.

WHEREAS, Seventeen year old Andrew Westlake, a senior at Burrillville High School was victorious against 20 of his fellow BHS school mates in the Poetry Out Loud competition held at the high school this spring; and

WHEREAS, Andrew Westlake went on to represent Burrillville High School at the state competition held on March 11, 2008 at Rhode Island College. There, Andrew again prevailed against his co-competitors to claim the State title along with a $20,000 scholarship; and

WHEREAS, Andrew Westlake and his mother traveled to George Washington University in Washington D.C. where he went on to represent the State of Rhode Island in the National Poetry Contest held April 28 and 29.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Town Council of the Town of Burrillville on this 28th day of May, 2008 do hereby honor and commend Andrew Westlake for his success in his recent competitions and thank him for representing the Town of Burrillville and the State of Rhode Island in such a distinguished fashion.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we, the Town Council of the Town of Burrillville wish Andrew the best of luck in his admission to Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts and great success in all of his future endeavors.

Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, introduced Donna T. Caccia and Mark V. Caccia of Cayer Caccia LLP. Mr. Wood indicated that an overview of the FY2007 Audit would be presented suggesting that a more detailed discussion could be made at a workshop at the Town Council's direction.

Ms. Caccia distributed two documents: 1) an agenda for the item and 2) Communication of Matters Prescribed by Statement on Auditing Standards #61, copies of which are on file with the record of the meeting. Ms. Caccia reviewed the Communication in some detail. Ms. Caccia summarized the Basic Financial Statements, as outlined in the agenda and presented in detail in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The report is on file with the record of the meeting.

Councilor Kevin M. Blais asked about a forensic audit of the rink. Mr. Caccia said there was nothing that came to the auditors' attention relative to an on-going problem during the normal course of the audit. There was discussion of the letter that closed the examination of the rink, a separate matter from the annual audit. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, suggested that he could contact the Superintendent of Schools should the Council require additional information. Policies at Spring Lake, the purpose of the management letter and systemic progress were discussed.

Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, credited the finance staff, the Town Council, and himself for prudent financial management. Mr. Wood spoke of the long-term benefit of good financial practices. Council President Nancy F. Binns spoke of the Town's strong bond rating. She recognized the staff and management for a job well done.

On a point of information from Jack Hodis of Pascoag, it was noted that auditors' services were awarded through the bid process every three-years, as required by law. Councilor Norman C. Mainville recognized the positive, thorough environment provided by the auditors and commended John P. Mainville, Finance Director. Council President Nancy F. Binns acknowledged the School Department's efforts in setting and maintaining a budget.

Beverly Kociuba of Black Hut Road asked why property taxes rise when the Town appears to be in sound financial condition. Council President Nancy F. Binns said that maintaining the level of service requires increases, pointed to rising costs. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager commented on the state's revenue issues, saying that when the state reduces funding to the town, the town must compensate. State reductions in the current budget and projections of additional reductions in future budgets were discussed.

Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. 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.

In response to a question from Don Howe of Pascoag, Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, indicated that funding for police station renovations would be recommended from the debt reduction fund, which is supported through Ocean State Power revenues. There was discussion of the usual use of Ocean State Power money for capital projects, debt refinancing, etc. Mr. Howe suggested alternatives to renovating the police station and recommended that those funds be used for road improvements. There was discussion of the condition of Jackson Schoolhouse Road, residents of the road asking that the Town not pave it, and the town's aggressive road improvement program.

08-168 VOTED to open the correspondence from Stephen N. Rawson, Chairman, Burrillville Conservation Commission, regarding his request that the Town Council discuss and act on the possible appointment of a Commission with the goal of exploring ways and methods of making Burrillville and its residents less energy and food dependent.

Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. 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: Stephen N. Rawson, Chairman, Burrillville Conservation Commission, addressed the Town Council about problems related to the energy crisis and offered suggestions to encourage residents to become more self-reliant. Among Mr. Rawson's recommendations were: property tax incentives to taxpayers who use their property to raise foodstuffs for the benefit of the community; community gardens; lease of wood lots on public lands; partnership with the utility companies to use town-owned dams to develop hydro-electric power; wind power in hilly areas; and potential for using solar power. Mr. Rawson requested that a committee be established to review these issues and suggested that the Conservation Commission would participate. There was general discussion of Mr. Rawson's recommendations.

Discussion: Robert Marshall said that his issue related to §3.04 of the Charter, which provides that a Councilor shall forfeit his/her office if he/she fails to attend three consecutive regular Town Council meetings without being excused by the Town Council. Mr. Marshall noted that Councilor Cynthia L. Roe had been listed as excused from meetings that she did not attend. Mr. Marshall asked how a Councilor becomes excused. Mr. Marshall said the Charter prohibits the Town Council President from administrative duties, which he said led him to believe that the President does not have greater authority than other members. Mr. Marshall said that Councilor Roe had missed meetings without being excused.

In the opinion of Timothy F. Kane, Town Solicitor, it is a pro forma duty of the presiding officer to excuse Council Members. Mr. Kane said that Councilor Roe had communicated with the Council President, that the President stated at each meeting that Councilor Roe had been excused, and that no member of the Council had objected. There was discussion of whether excusing a member of the Council is an administrative duty.

Councilor Norman C. Mainville discussed the long-standing custom of the Council President excusing members. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, discussed usual procedures in these matters, referencing the Solicitor's opinion. Mr. Marshall referenced §3.04 of the Charter and disagreed with the opinions of the Manager and Solicitor.

Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. 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 began to comment. Council President Nancy F. Binns ruled that there would be no further discussion.

On a point of order, Councilor Kevin M. Blais noted that the Council Rules of Order provide that every Councilor be given an opportunity to speak on a matter that is open. Council President Nancy F. Binns ruled that a vote had been taken and the matter was not open for further discussion.

The motion to move the question 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.

Note: Councilor Kevin M. Blais asked that the record show the reason for his vote was that he had been denied the opportunity to address the issue, as allowed in the Council rules; and that he had not been allowed to participate in the discussion, as other members of the Council had. Councilor Blais stated, for the record, his right under the Open Meetings Law to include comments on the record.

Motion by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. The motion carried. 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 made a motion to support.

08-171 VOTED to open the correspondence from Steven Welford, Superintendent of Schools, regarding a request to establish a revolving fund for Preschool Tuitions.

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.

Discussion: Steven Welford, Superintendent of Schools, requested that the Town Council establish a revolving fund for Preschool Tuitions. Mr. Welford explained that the School Committee had voted to charge tuition for preschool youngsters who are not covered by the state or federal special education regulation. Mr. Welford said that the revolving fund would allow that all fees collected would be used to offset the cost of the program.

There was discussion that tuition can be charged for this program because it is not regulated by state law but mandated under federal law. Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. commended the School Department on the program. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, indicated that the revolving fund had no financial impact and was budget neutral. The federal requirements for the program were described and discussed. There was discussion of whether the program interfered with the business of private daycare programs.

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

Point of Order: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, indicated that the fund should be established by resolution and noted that a proposed resolution would be prepared for the Town Council's consideration at a future meeting.

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.

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.

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.

08-174 VOTED to refer to the Screening Subcommittee applications from Wallace F. Auclair for reappointment to the Sewer Commission, from Mark Brizard for reappointment to the Budget Board and from Roxanne Nickerson and Jean L. Sliney for appoint to various boards and commissions.

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.

VOTED that the Town Council accept into the record the proposed resolutions declaring Shady Lane, Highland Road, and Maple Terrace public highways; accept property descriptions and plat maps of said highways into the record; and schedule public hearings for June 25, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.

08-177 VOTED to open the correspondence from Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, regarding consideration and action on an invoice for the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.

Motion by Councilor Kevin M. Blais. 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.

Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, noted that no funds had been included in the FY2008 budget for the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. The budget process for special appropriations was discussed. The work of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council was discussed.

Discussion: John P. Mainville, Finance Director, explained the purpose of the Unfunded Liability and Incentive Pay Fund, as outlined in his May 21, 2008 memo. Mr. Mainville referenced relevant portions of collective bargaining agreements, copies of which are on file with the record of the meeting. Mr. Mainville recommended that funds be transferred from the Town's Unreserved, Undesignated General Fund Balance.

Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, indicated that benefits in collective bargaining agreements and the management contracts are paid from this fund, including the incentive program for department heads. Mr. Wood pointed out that the incentive program is part of the compensation package for supervisory, non-union personnel. Mr. Wood stated the Town Council's prerogative whether to fund the program and that the administration accepts the decision. He said that issues of sick leave and vacation must be funded, but that the incentive program could be separated. Mr. Wood commented on the incentive program, the department heads' lead in controlling salaries and wages, the elimination of longevity pay, and the process and value of the program.

Councilor Kevin M. Blais spoke out against the incentive program, discussed the high number of foreclosures, discussed department heads' salaries, and spoke in support of lowering taxes.

Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, repeated that the decision of the Town Council on the subject was acceptable but objected to Councilor Blais' characterization of employees. Councilor Kevin M. Blais

said that he had not implied that the department heads were not doing a good job but rather that salaries contribute to the taxpayers' financial problems. Mr. Wood disagreed.

VOTED that the following reserve funds be increased via a transfer from the Town's Unreserved, Undesignated General Fund Balance: Land Acquisition and Improvement Fund - $30,000; Unfunded Liability (Sick/Vacation) - $163,700; Total - $193,700.

Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor Cynthia L. Roe. 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.

Note: Councilor Kevin M. Blais noted for the record that the reason that he was opposed was because of the fact that he did not think we should be giving bonuses when people are losing their homes. Councilor Norman C. Mainville said that his experience in banking indicates that foreclosures are not related to property taxes but rather are related to over-financing, upside-down mortgages and personal difficulties. Councilor Mainville spoke of the quality of life and the reasonable taxes in the Town of Burrillville.

08-179 VOTED to open consideration and action on the appointment of two Town Council members to a subcommittee to work with the manager and treasurer on a vehicle use policy.

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.

Council President Nancy F. Binns called for those in favor of Mrs. Dudley as a member of the committee to signify by saying aye. Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., and Cynthia L. Roe voted aye. Councilor Norman C. Mainville voted nay. Councilor Kevin M. Blais abstained.

Council President Nancy F. Binns called for those in favor of Mrs. Roe as a member of the committee to signify by saying aye. Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., and Cynthia L. Roe voted aye. Councilor Norman C. Mainville voted nay. Councilor Kevin M. Blais abstained.

08-180 VOTED to open the correspondence from Councilor Margaret L. Dudley regarding her request to discuss and act on the salaries and benefits of all elected officials in Burrillville.

Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. 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 Margaret L. Dudley noted that Burrillville is one of eight communities that offers health and dental insurance benefits to elected officials. Councilor Dudley discussed the amount of money involved, the potential financial impact, and suggested that this benefit should be reviewed. Councilor Margaret L. Dudley presented a proposed motion, as follows:

Beginning with the election of November 4, 2008, persons elected or reelected in a general election to any Town of Burrillville position, shall no longer receive health or dental insurance paid in part or in full by the Town of Burrillville.

Elected officials who no longer have the Town of Burrillville pay any part of their health or dental insurance, shall receive compensation of $5000.00 per year. This compensation shall be considered to include a transportation allowance and no additional funds shall be expended for transportation of elected officials unless specifically authorized by the Town Council. The Presidents of the Town Council and the School Committee shall receive an additional $1000.00 in compensation.

Effective with the election of November 4, 2008, persons elected or reelected, in a general election, to any Town of Burrillville position shall receive the same group life insurance policy afforded to the members of RI Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Local 186, at no cost to the (re)elected official.

Elected officials who do not stand for reelection in the November 4, 2008 election retain their health and dental insurance coverage and transportation allowance until the election of November 2010. These officials also retain their present monetary compensation including, in the case of Town Council members, their mileage allowance. Elected officials, who are not subject to this change until November 2010, who voluntarily relinquish their health and dental insurance coverage and their transportation allowance, shall be eligible for the increased compensation as described above, effective the same date as they terminate their coverage.

Elected officials who lose their health and/or dental insurance coverage due to this change shall be allowed to purchase health and/or dental insurance coverage through the Town of Burrillville at the full cost the Town of Burrillville pays for its' full time employee's health and dental coverage.

Timothy F. Kane, Town Solicitor, suggested that he provide a legal opinion relative to the Town Council's authority with regard to compensation. Mr. Kane also suggested that it might be necessary to enact changes in compensation by ordinance. He recommended that the matter be referred to the Ordinance Subcommittee.

Raymond Trinque, Chairman of the Burrillville School Committee, supported changes to the compensation and said he would provide the information to the School Committee.

In response to questions from Stephen Rawson, it was noted that the stipend has not changed in 30 years and that the Solicitor would provide an opinion on whether the Town Council has authority to change the compensation of School Committee Members. Mr. Rawson supported Councilor Dudley's proposal. Mr. Rawson suggested that the Town Council link attendance to compensation, as they have for other boards and commissions.

In response to a question from Michele Badessa, it was explained that a mileage allowance is paid for travel to meetings and other Council-related business at a rate of $700.00 per year for members and $1,200.00 per year for the Council President. Ms. Badessa objected to the payments. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe supported Councilor Dudley's proposal. Steven Welford recommended that any changes in the compensation be publicized prior to the candidates' declaration period. Councilor Kevin M. Blais suggested tabling the matter.

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.

08-181 VOTED to open the correspondence from Councilor Norman C. Mainville regarding his request that the Town Council schedule a workshop for the purpose of reviewing the Comprehensive Plan.

Discussion: Councilor Norman C. Mainville raised his concern about confusion about which villages are included in the village centers. Councilor Mainville noted that it had been the intent of the Route 102 Study Committee to include all village centers. He was concerned at the implication that Planning Board members did not recognize Glendale, Oakland and Mapleville as included in the plan. Councilor Mainville suggested that the Town Planner, the Planning Board, the Zoning Board, and members of the Route 102 Study Committee should meet in workshop session to discuss the matter.

08-183 VOTED to receive and file the resolutions of Warwick School Committee in support of bills 2008 H 7108 and 2008 H 7776.; and resolution of the Middletown Town Council in support of bill 2008 H 7776.

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.

08-185 VOTED to grant the request for Executive Session from Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, pursuant to Rhode Island Open Meeting Law [42-46-5 (a)(5)] for review, discussion and considerations related to the acquisition and exchange of real property relative to possible locations for a senior center.

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.

08-186 VOTED to open the correspondence from Nancy F. Binns, Town Council President, regarding a possible request that legislation be introduced authorizing bonds and a referendum related to a senior center.

Discussion: Council President Nancy F. Binns said that if the Town Council intended to request legislation authorizing bonding for a Senior Center, the proposal should be submitted to the general assembly soon. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, referenced a proposed resolution, suggesting that any vote should stipulate that the resolution is subject to modification by bond counsel.

SECTION 1. The Town council hereby memorializes the members of the General Assembly from Burrillville to introduce and urge passage of legislation authorizing bonds of the Town in the amount and for the purpose listed below; and to authorize a referendum to be held thereon, such referendum to be submitted to the electors of the Town no later than December 30, 2010.

Discussion: Richard Dionne of Nasonville recalled that he and his committee recently had requested an open space bond referendum and been denied by the Town Council. Mr. Dionne said he did not oppose the Senior Center. Mr. Dionne said that the reason discussed for not committing to bond indebtedness was financial and suggested that, since circumstances had not changed, the Town Council should give the same consideration to the Senior Center bond referendum.

There was discussion of the benefits of an open space bond, the many years that had been committed to the Senior Center issue, the hard work required by both groups, and the problems associated with including two referenda on one ballot. Stephen N. Rawson suggested that, if the bond succeeds, then flexibility should be encouraged and a community center considered. Councilor Margaret L. Dudley agreed that circumstances had not changed. Councilor Dudley raised concerns related to affordability of the bond and of operating costs.

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