PUBLIC HEARING of the Town Council held Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 7:15 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
Relative to consideration, discussion and action on proposed changes to Chapter VI of the General Ordinances of the Town of Burrillville entitled Traffic, Schedule II, Time Limit Parking.
NOTE: The above was duly advertised in the Legal Section of the Woonsocket Call on Wednesday, September 18, 2002.
1. Comments/Input/Recommendation from Colonel Bernard E. Gannon, Chief of Police.
None
Note: Colonel Bernard E. Gannon, Chief of Police, was not present at the hearing.
2. Comments/Input/Recommendations from the Ordinance Subcommittee.
Councilor William A. Andrews, chair of the ordinance subcommittee, stated that the subcommittee had reviewed the situation on two occasions. He stated that Colonel Gannon, Town Manager Michael C. Wood and Town Solicitor Walter J. Kane were present at the subcommittee meetings. The ordinance was requested by the Harrisville Fire Chief because, where the Maple Street narrows, parking causes a hazard to emergency vehicles. The options considered where to make the street one-way or to restrict parking. Councilor Andrews said that the Solicitor and the Chief of Police agree with the subcommittee that the appropriate resolution would be to ordain no parking at the narrow part of the street between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
3. Comments/Input/Recommendation by Administration (Town Solicitor, Town Manager).
Council President Wallace F. Lees stated that cars parked on Maple Street prevent school buses from turning. He supported eliminating parking from that area. Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, pointed out that the bus company had submitted the request to the Town Council for this reason. Councilor Norman C. Mainville stated that emergency vehicles also have problems in this area and therefore there should be no parking at any time.
Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, suggested that is the proposed ordinance were to be amended from limited parking to no parking, the Town Council should consider continuing the matter for one month, to allow for compilation of the appropriate document.
4. Proponents:
Mark St. Pierre, Chief, Harrisville Fire Department, agreed with Councilor Norman C. Mainville that parking should be prohibited at all times.
Barton St. Armant, Maple St., Harrisville, agreed that there should be no parking any time. He suggested that the residents should better be notified of public hearings and proposed ordinance changes.
5. Opponents: None
6. Town Council Members Comments/Input:
7. Consider and take action upon amendments to Chapter VI of the General Ordinances of the Town of Burrillville, entitled “Traffic”.
VOTED to continue for one month, to request the solicitor to draft a new amendment, and to prohibit parking along Maple Street until the matter is resolved.
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.
8. VOTED to adjourn at 7:30 p.m.
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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