WORKSHOP SESSION of the Town Council held Wednesday, January 31, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Town Building, Harrisville for and within the Town of Burrillville.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Senator Paul Fogarty, Representatives Scott Rabideau and Mary Ann Carroll.
Relative to discussing the 2001 Legislative Agenda, issues and concerns that may impact the Town, and any pending or proposed legislation that pertains to the Town.
The workshop was called to order by Council President Wallace F. Lees at 7:00 p.m. The discussion was turned over to Town Manager Michael C. Wood, who said that the purpose of the workshop was to review items from previous years, discuss which should be carried over and make additions. He reviewed the list of issues carried forward. A copy of the list is filed with the minutes of the workshop. Several items were discussed in additional detail.
Police Bill of Rights: There was a discussion of the Policeman s Bill of Rights and the alternatives that might be considered in addressing this matter. The possibilities included bringing back the committee to study the matter or submitting the bill again.
Laws permitting payment in lieu of taxes: During this discussion Representative Rabideau suggested that the best course might be for the house finance advisor to speak with the town treasurer to see if there is a discrepancy.
Registry Resolution or Legislation: Senator Fogarty said that he would file the bill regarding a branch of the registry. He asked whether the Town was prepared to offer the same support as last year. There was a brief discussion of the Town s interest in alternatives.
State Zoning/Planning Enabling Legislation: There was an explanation of the reason for this enabling legislation that would allow two types of zoning relief. Senator Fogarty stated that this legislation will be drawn on February 1, 2001. Representative Rabideau said that a resolution would be needed and that the Town Council should consider contacting the other town councils.
Weed Abatement: Town Councilor William E. Gonyea said that he would like to have the weed abatement program recreated. There was a discussion of the high cost of using chemicals to abate weeds and the advantages of using a mechanical harvester. The Town could keep a single harvester busy for the entire season. While the cost of the harvester is not outrageous, the Town would have to have people trained to take the calls and use the equipment. There was a discussion of looking at several entities sharing the cost or perhaps regional acquisition of the machinery.
Energy Facilities Siting Board: Town Solicitor Walter J. Kane reviewed the establishment of the EFSB in 1986 and how industry deregulation in the 1990s affected the need for this Board. Representative Rabideau asked whether making the EFSB subject to the Administrative Procedures Act would help and discussed pending legislation on the EFSB.
Pascoag Reservoir: Representative Carroll said that she has been involved in discussions on this matter. Action should be held pending the decision of the courts.
Additional Discussion:
Library Funding: Councilor William A. Andrews asked whether the legislators believed the State would continue funding for building libraries, since current plans are predicated on matching funds. They said they would check into this matter.
State Aid: Senator Fogarty said that the five percent was sponsored again this year. He pointed out that the hearings were scheduled for April and that the legislators would report to the towns as soon as they know.
Zambarano: Senator Fogarty discussed the need for positive use of this facility. He said that he had a bill in to keep the incinerator at Zambarano and discussed the advantages of having the incinerator remain on site.
VOTED: To adjourn at 8:30 p.m. by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
Information relating to the workshop is on file with the record of the minutes. The meeting was taped and the tape is on file with the record of the minutes.
Recorded by
Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk
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