REGULAR MEETING of the Town Council held Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 7:00 o'clock 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
1. Commemoration of 9-11 ~ A Day to Remember
A ceremony was held in commemoration of the tragic evens of September 11, 2001. Participating in an honor guard were members of the Burrillville Police Department, Burrillville Ambulance Association, Harrisville Fire Department, Pascoag Fire Department, Hose #1 and Hose #2, Nasonville Fire Department, Oakland/Mapleville Fire Department, and the Veterans Association. Council President Wallace F. Lees led those present in pledging allegiance to the flag. Tamara Pacheco sang the National Anthem.
The Town Council adopted the following proclamation:
Burrillville Town Council
Proclamation
“A Day To Remember”
WHEREAS, the unprovoked attacks of September 11, 2001, upon America by foreign terrorists have thrust the United States, and other countries, into a war it never envisioned, militarily or diplomatically; and
WHEREAS, the challenges facing all the civilized people of the world as they relate to the war on terrorism will not end until those fanatics responsible are eliminated or brought to justice; and
WHEREAS, America is fully committed through Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle to ensure our freedoms remain unfettered and sovereign for all generations, now and forever; and
WHEREAS, world opinion needs to remain focused upon the eradication of these inhuman acts perpetrated around the globe; and
WHEREAS, one way to accomplish this is to never forget that those innocent victims did not die in vain; and
WHEREAS, America can fight back by reminding the world that the deaths of these people will always be remembered and they will be forever loved; and
WHEREAS, a noble and appropriate way to accomplish this is trough the annual celebration of their living; and
WHEREAS, this commemoration should be held each September 11 throughout the land to include:
a The promotion of global peace and goodwill;
a The demonstration of America’s resolve and perseverance to win the war on terrorism;
a The advancement of responsible citizenship;
a The encouragement of patriotism and love of country; and
a The poignant remembrance of those innocent victims that died on September 11, as heroes, one and all;
now therefore be it resolved, that we, the Town Council of the Town of Burrillville do hereby issue this proclamation to memorialize those men, women, and children who lost their lives; and
be it further resolved that this proclamation be publicized for all to see and know that the citizens of Burrillville remember with eternal respect those whose lives were suddenly, without cause, and pointlessly taken from them on September 11, 2001.
May They Forever Rest In Peace and Abide In Our Memories
Respectfully Submitted and Approved, on this 11th day of September 2002.
Richard Peck, Commander of the American Legion Post, addressed those present as follows:
We’re here in memory of those whose lives were lost during the attack on America one year ago today. The events that occurred last September 11th staggered our Nation – but only for a moment. An enemy unfamiliar with the strength and resilience of the American people thought they could frighten us and cripple us as a Nation. Their assumptions and misunderstandings of us and what we stand for became apparent to them and to the world.
Out of the chaos of that day came order and a clear sense of what we needed to do. Out of the confusion of that day came a new solidarity, a strength of purpose and a clear and united resolve. Not in the name of vengeance alone, but more importantly in the name of justice, we looked closer at ourselves on September 11th and in the days that followed. The smoke and dust of the ruined Twin Towers failed to cast a shadow over the extreme acts of courage and valor displayed by hundreds of police, fire fighters, emergency medical personnel and others during the frightful morning of September 11th. We now understand that heroes surround us on a daily basis: everyday heroes – ordinary men and women – made extraordinary by their professionalism and their willingness to serve and protect, and who go beyond the boundaries of duty.
When American Airlines flight 77 tore through the walls of the Pentagon, it was selfless government and civilian workers who put their own lives at risk to save fellow employees and comrades. Passengers aboard flight 93 showed valor beyond words when, after realizing that terrorists had taken control of their aircraft and were targeting the Nation’s capitol with cruel intent, took action that perhaps saved thousands of lives at the cost of their own.
The truth of that day reaffirmed what we already knew: that evil will always be countered by good, that violence is not strength, that compassion is not the enemy.
Though all of this, what has become most evident is the rekindling of the American spirit, a new awareness and deeper understanding of what our Nation stands for. As we reflect on those whose lives were cut short as a result on the attack on America, we can take solace in knowing that their memory has served to inspire a greater enthusiasm for service. The best way for us to honor their memory is to recommit ourselves to our families, to our community and to our country. One way of doing this is through a local community service project.
As we depart today’s ceremony, let us each be determined to do more in their names to make the United States an even greater Nation than ever before.
Council President Wallace F. Lees introduced Brian Choiniere and George Dupuis, two Burrillville residents serving on active duty, and presented them with copies of the proclamation. The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence and the playing of Taps.
2. VOTED to receive and open for discussion the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Town Council held Wednesday, August 28, 2002.
Motion by Councilor William E. Gonyea. Seconded by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
Discussion: Councilor William E. Gonyea pointed out that the minutes of the August 28, 2002 regular meeting did not contain the commendation to the Department of Public Works for their work above and beyond their duty on the Wallum Lake Dam and other town capital improvements.
VOTED to amend the minutes accordingly, and to send a letter of commendation to the Department of Public Works.
Motion by Councilor William E. Gonyea. Seconded by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
VOTED to accept the amended minutes of the regular meeting held Wednesday, August 28, 2002; and two Public Hearings held Wednesday, August 28, 2002 relative to ordinance amendments; and to dispense with the reading of said minutes.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
3. Public Comment: None
4. General Good and Welfare of the Town of Burrillville.
Council President Wallace F. Lees announced that the Town Council would attend a candlelight vigil at the Town Common following the meeting. He invited all those present to join them. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, thanked a young town resident, Taylor Foster, for suggesting the candlelight vigil and Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation, for organizing the event.
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, acknowledged the 9-11 ceremonies sponsored by the school department, held at Callahan School and Burrillville High School. He had attended the High School ceremony and congratulated the students and the school department on a very nice and touching ceremony.
5. Petitions: None
6. Special Business:
02-241 VOTED to grant the application from Edward A. Gartland, Nasonville Fire Department, for a victualing license and a Class F liquor license for a chowder and clam cake dinner to be held September 15, 2002 at Nasonville Fire Department, 2577 Victory Highway, Nasonville.
Motion by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. Seconded by Councilor William E. Gonyea. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
7. Unfinished Business: None
8. New Business:
02-242 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from John P. Mainville, Finance Director and Mark Adams, Town Treasurer regarding the creation of an Adult Education Program Revolving Fund.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor William E. Gonyea. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
Discussion: The purpose of the request to establish a revolving fund was for the tuition of participants in the program to be available to the school department for use in administering the program. There was a brief discussion of whether there would be assurances that the adult education program would be carried out and the suitability of using a revolving fund in this manner.
VOTED that the Town Council authorizes the creation of an Adult Education Program Revolving Fund, which will utilize the tuition revenues that would be generated by the attending students and any other adult education program related revenues to offset the corresponding expenses of the program.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
02-243 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from John P. Mainville, Finance Director and Mark Adams, Town Treasurer regarding Debt Reduction Utilization.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor William E. Gonyea. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, reviewed the Town Council vote to authorize the administration to go out to refinance bonds. He said that he and John P. Mainville, Finance Director, had discussed the matter of prepaying existing debt and they believe it appropriate to utilize whatever funds are in the debt reserve fund to eliminate, reduce or marginalize the amount going out for bonds. John P. Mainville elaborated that the request was to use up to the entire value of the fund, which is approximately $1.5 million, plus interest. That amount would be used in conjunction with the debt applicable to those issues in the current budget to pay off four issues and refinance two other issues. The net affect over the life of the issues is about a $2.5 million
savings.
VOTED that the Finance Department is authorized to prepay some of the Town’s existing debt with any, or all, funds from the Debt Reserve Fund.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
02-244 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Michael C. Wood, Town Manager regarding two new positions for the Finance Department.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, stated that these positions had been approved previously by the Town Council and included in the budget. There was no net budget impact for the Information Systems Technician; funding was shifted from contracted services to a position. The Assistant Assessor/Appraiser was been in the budget for two years, but has gone unfilled because of the problems in finding an Assessor. This request is simply to add these two positions to the classification plan.
VOTED to add the positions of Information Systems Technician and Assistant Assessor/Appraiser to the classification plan. The base wage for both positions will be $40,000 (maximum).
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
02-245 VOTED to receive and open for discussion the correspondence from Michael C. Wood, Town Manager regarding matching funds for the "Needs Assessment and Technical Plan for Assistance."
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, explained that this plan is a sequel to The Community Builders program approved by the Town Council during the Spring of 2002. This plan is necessary to improve the Town’s chances at securing funding for future housing projects. The Community Builders would finance $53,000 and the Town would provide matching funds of $15,000. Since the money is not needed now, merely the commitment to provide funding, the recommendation is to appropriate the Town match from the FY2004 Capital Improvement Program. There was a brief discussion of ownership of the plan. Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, explained that his reading of the grant is that the Town is the recipient
VOTED to appropriate fifteen thousand ($15,000) from the FY2004 Capital Improvement Program as matching funds for the Needs Assessment and Technical Plan for Assistance by The Community Builders, Inc.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
02-246 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Michael C. Wood, Town Manager regarding emergency action to provide trash removal/recycling contracts.
Motion by Councilor William E. Gonyea. Seconded by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, review the problem of N.E.E.D having suspended service to the Town on Tuesday, September 10, 2002. Richard P. St. Sauveur and Geoffrey DiCenso worked with the Manager to address the situation. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, issued a letter of intent to Coastal for services. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, asked that the Town Council grant him authorization to enter into short-term agreements as needed, and to further authorize him to go out to bid for a contract. Coastal began service to the Town on Wednesday, September 11, 2002.
Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, explained the history of the problems with the contract with N.E.E.D. and elaborated on the actions taken on September 10, 2002. He explained that N.E.E.D. was informed that the Town is terminating the contract.
Councilor Norman C. Mainville discussed his experience at North Smithfield in researching the services of Coastal. Councilor William E. Gonyea stated that he had been contacted by Rambone Disposal Service regarding rubbish collection in Burrillville. Councilor Gonyea stated that he referred the call to the Town Manager. Councilor Louis Bleiweis suggested that the Town Council should compliment the Town Manager and Town Solicitor for having taken quick action to avoid what might have been crisis in the community.
VOTED to declare the rubbish/recycling situation an emergency.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
VOTED to authorize the manager to enter into a short-term contract not to go past December 31, 2002, for rubbish and recycling; to authorize preparation of solicitation for bids for the Council to award; and to request that the Manager explore the possibility of co-bidding with the Town of Smithfield.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
02-247 VOTED to open the introduction and first reading of an amendment to Chapter VI of the General Ordinances of the Town of Burrillville entitled "Time Limit Parking."
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
Discussion: Councilor William A. Andrews, chair of the Ordinance Subcommittee, stated that the subcommittee had reviewed the question of limiting parking on Maple Street. The Harrisville Fire Department originally raised the issue. The Ordinance Subcommittee discussed the situation with the Chief of Police. The Subcommittee suggests an amendment to schedule II of the Traffic ordinance that will add: No Parking between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the easterly side of Maple Street from Callahan School Street to Utility Pole #8, a distance of 200 feet. A public hearing was scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2002. The clerk was asked to notify Chief Mark St. Pierre of the public hearing.
02-248 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Michael C. Wood, Town Manager regarding the appointment of a representative to the NRI Cooperative Extension Board of Directors. Note: Norman C. Mainville currently holds the position.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
Discussion: Councilor Norman C. Mainville declined reappointment to the board. He explained briefly that the board relates to the URI Extension Service. There was a brief discussion, including a suggestion that a member of the School Committee may be interested in serving.
02-249 VOTED to refer to the Screening Subcommittee the application from Alan Chuman regarding his reappointment to the Jesse Smith Library Board of Trustees; and to instruct the clerk to contact the Library Board for a recommendation and attendance record of Mr. Chuman.
Motion by Councilor William E. Gonyea. Seconded by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
9. Town Clerk/Communication: None
10. Additional New Business:
02-250 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 discussions or considerations related to the acquisition, sale and exchange of real property; and pending purchase of land; [§42-46-5(a)(5] to discuss the disposition of publicly held property.
Motion by Councilor William E. Gonyea. Seconded by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
The Council returned to Open Session at 8:37 p.m. Councilor William A. Andrews announced that four votes had been taken.
VOTED to seal the minutes of the executive session.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor William E. Gonyea. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Norman C. Mainville was excused.
12. VOTED to adjourn at 8:38 p.m.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor William E. Gonyea. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Norman C. Mainville was excused.
Information relating to the meeting 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
| 
