REGULAR MEETING of the Town Council held Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at 7:10 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. Council President Wallace F. Lees led those present in pledging allegiance to the flag.
2. VOTED to amend the minutes of the special meeting held Monday, November 4, 2002 to reflect the expiration date of February 28, 2004 for the term of Blanche Boisvert; and to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held Wednesday, October 23, 2002 and the Special Meeting held Monday, November 4, 2002 as amended, and to dispense with the reading of said minutes.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. 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.
3. Public Comment: None
4. General Good and Welfare of the Town of Burrillville.
Councilor Louis Bleiweis mentioned that this might be the final meeting for Councilor Norman C. Mainville, who chose not to run for reelection. He commended him on his work on the council and expressed a wish that Councilor Mainville’s absence from public life would be short.
Councilor Jacqueline Zahn concurred, discussing Councilor Mainville’s dedication to service.
Councilor Norman C. Mainville thanked the council, stating that he had enjoyed his tenure on the council. He offered his support to the council, welcoming Ronald E. Faford as a capable replacement. In particular, he commended Town Manager Michael C. Wood and Council President Wallace F. Lees for their support, dedication and interaction throughout his term.
Councilor Norman C. Mainville recognized Chuck Boucher of Burrillville High School, who has recently been recognized at RI Teacher of the Year. He outlined some of Mr. Boucher’s many accomplishments. Mr. Boucher, he said, was key in upgrading the High School’s computer systems, established a model biomedical program and effectively utilized community resources. The award is well deserved by Mr. Boucher, a great honor for the school department and reflects well on the community.
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, congratulated Mr. Boucher and discussed his work towards attaining some of the Town Council’s goals for expanding the technology program to reach residents.
5. Petitions: None
6. Special Business:
02-288 VOTED to grant the application from Rick Finlayson d/b/a Country View Golf Course for an entertainment license for a Christmas party to be held on Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. at 49 Club Lane, Harrisville.
Motion by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. 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.
7. Unfinished Business:
02-283 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Jacqueline Zahn, Chair, Screening Subcommittee, regarding their recommendation for an appointment to the recreation commission.
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: Councilor Jacqueline Zahn stated that the item had been continued from the previous meeting to allow all members to be heard. She stated that the screening subcommittee had voted two in favor, one opposed to recommend the appointment of Albert Musso to the recreation commission. The screening subcommittee interviewed Mr. Musso and Councilor Jacqueline Zahn stated her support of the recommendation to appoint Mr. Musso. Councilor William A. Andrews commented that Richard Frenette has served on the recreation commission for nearly 30 years, that his attendance record is good and saw no reason not to reappoint Mr. Frenette.
MOTION to appoint Albert Musso to the recreation commission. Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor Louis Bleiweis.
MOTION to appoint Richard Frenette to the recreation commission. Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Norman C. Mainville.
VOTED to appoint Albert Musso to the recreation commission. Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. The motion carried, four in favor, three opposed. Voting in favor of appointing Albert Musso were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Louis Bleiweis, William E. Gonyea and Jacqueline Zahn. Voting in opposition were Councilors William A. Andrews, Edward F. Bonczek and Norman C. Mainville.
VOTED to offer the town council’s unanimous endorsement of Albert Musso in his appointment to the recreation commission.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. 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. New Business:
02-289 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Richard P. St. Sauveur, Superintendent of Public Works, relative to the awarding of a contract for refuse/recyclable collection.
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 that NEED has defaulted in their contract with the Town of Burrillville, the administration moved as quickly as possible to publish an RFP, and the resulting bid seems to be more acceptable than the costs associated with the interim service. The recommendation was to award the bid to Waste Management. There was a brief discussion that the disposal of Christmas trees is a high expense and alternatives were considered. Pricing was discussed, comparing the current bid to the previous contract and the interim contract; and comparing this current bid to services offered to similar-size communities.
VOTED that the Town’s refuse/recyclables collection contract be awarded to Waste Management – Rhode Island, Inc., at a monthly rate of $56,111, (first 19 months), subject to the execution of a contractual agreement between the Town of Burrillville and Waste Management. A summary of the bids is included in the attached document. The total amount of the contract, expected to be 55 months, is $3,319,111, depending on the actual date services commence. The Town Manager and Town Solicitor are hereby authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the Town of Burrillville. NOTE: In addition, the Christmas tree pickup price is to be included above, which would be $21,000 additional for the first year and a total of $57,000 for the entire
contract.
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.
02-290 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Councilor Edward F. Bonczek, regarding his request to discuss traffic control on Sayles Avenue and the intersection of Grove/Laurel Hill.
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: Council Edward F. Bonczek explained his concern relative to verbiage of the limited time park on Sayles Avenue: it misleads drivers, he said, to believe that parking is allowed for 15 minutes. He suggested the alternative of a no-parking sign, with small print that indicates commercial vehicles only may park. Councilor Louis Bleiweis added his concern that motorists frequently ignore the stop sign at the end of Sayles Avenue. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, suggested that the Downtown Pascoag Association be consulted relative to issues related to businesses in this area.
Col. Bernard E. Gannon reported on police activity in the area, reviewing how the decisions were made in 1999 to arrive at the current signage. The department, he said, has been enforcing the current restrictions to the best of their ability: since the start of municipal court, 286 tickets have been issued in that specific area.
VOTED to refer to the ordinance subcommittee, to request that the ordinance subcommittee work with the Manager and the police department to review the entire lower section of Sayles Avenue up to Father Holland School.
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.
Further Discussion: Councilor Edward F. Bonczek voiced his concerns regarding the intersection of Laurel Hill Avenue and Grove Street. While people who drive the area regularly appear to be aware of the danger, there is high potential for an accident, particularly for people who are less familiar with the area.
VOTED to refer the question of adding a stop sign at the intersection of Grove Street and Laurel Hill Avenue to the ordinance subcommittee.
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.
Further Discussion: Col. Bernard E. Gannon, Chief of Police, reported that the police department agrees with the need for this sign and recommended a temporary placement pending the passage of an ordinance.
VOTED to declare an emergency in the interest of public safety and to place a temporary stop sign at the intersection of Grove Street and Laurel Hill Road.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. 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.
02-291 VOTED to receive with deep regret the correspondence from Margaret L. Dudley, regarding her resignation from the Budget Board, to send a letter of thanks to Ms. Dudley; and to refer the position to the screening subcommittee.
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: Councilor Jacqueline Zahn commended Ms. Dudley on a job well done on the budget board. This resignation, she said, is a serious loss to the budget board.
02-292 VOTED to refer to the screening subcommittee the application from Mark S. Brizard for reappointment to the Budget Board.
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.
02-293 VOTED to grant the request of the Burrillville Allied Veterans Council to hold the Memorial Parade scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2003.
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.
02-294 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Jacqueline Zahn, Chair, Screening Subcommittee, regarding recommended appointments to the Juvenile Hearing Board and the Storm Water Management Steering Committee.
Motion by Councilor Jaqueline 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: Councilor Jacqueline Zahn, Chair of the Screening Subcommittee, reported that the subcommittee had conducted interviews for the Juvenile Hearing Board and the Storm Water Management Steering Subcommittee. Thomas J. Kravitz, Town Planner, attended. Councilor Zahn expressed satisfaction at the large number of qualified candidates who applied for these positions. Councilor Louis Bleiweis stated that during discussion, he had supported Ann Polacek for the vacancy on the Juvenile Hearing Board due to her exceptional qualifications and long-service to the community. That notwithstanding, he agreed that Dr. Almeida would also be an excellent choice.
VOTED to appoint Cheryl Almeida to the Juvenile Hearing Board, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Richard Aubin; term to expire 1/31/03; to appoint Thomas M. Fagan to the Juvenile Hearing Board, to complete the vacancy created by the resignation of Richard Tramonti; term to expire 1/31/04; and to appoint Kevin Cleary, Mark Fowler, Norman C. Mainville, Marc Tremblay and Paul Vanasse to the Storm Water Management Steering Committee.
Motion by Councilor Jaqueline 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.
9. Town Clerk/Communication:
02-295 VOTED to receive and file the correspondence from James D. Marques, CMC, Town Clerk of the Town of North Kingstown, regarding their resolution in support of the Quonset Point Davisville Industrial Park bond question #4.
Motion by Councilor Jaqueline Zahn. 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.
10. Additional New Business:
02-296 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 discussion or considerations related to the acquisition, sale and exchange of real property, [§42-46-5(a)(5] to discuss the disposition of publicly held property; and request for executive session from Wallace F. Lees, Council President, pursuant to Rhode Island Open Meeting Law [§42-46-5(a)(5] to discuss job performance of Town Manager Michael C. Wood.
Motion by Councilor Jaqueline Zahn. 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.
The Council returned to Open Session at 8:30 p.m. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn announced that three votes had been taken.
VOTED to seal the minutes of the executive session.
Motion by Councilor Jaqueline 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.
11. VOTED to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.
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.
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
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