REGULAR MEETING of the Town Council held on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at 7:12 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 William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused due to a work commitment.
1. Council President Wallace F. Lees led those present in pledging allegiance to the flag.
2. VOTED to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held November 12, 2003; the two public hearings held on November 12, 2003; the two public hearings held November 17, 2003; the special meeting held November 17, 2003; the workshop held November 19, 2003; and dispense with the reading of said minutes.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
3. Public Comment:
John Karbowski, 203 Crossman St., Seekonk, MA requested that his junkyard license renewal be added to the agenda. He mentioned a zoning hearing the previous evening, stating that the zoning board had not revoked his license. He also stated that he had submitted his application and license fee on Wednesday, December 10, 2003. Mr. Karbowski asked when his renewal might be heard, if it was not possible to amend the current agenda. Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, pointed out that the zoning board hearing was unrelated to revocation of a license. He stated his understanding that the license application was sent to the usual address. The application was not completed and filed in time to be included on the present agenda. He said that the application was not returned by the post office as undeliverable. Therefore, the item was not listed on the agenda and, in accordance with Rhode Island public meeting laws, the agenda could not be amended unless the Town Council declares an
emergency. Mr. Kane informed Mr. Karbowski that the application filed on December 10, 2003 would be before the Town Council at its next regular meeting.
Kevin Blais, 1738 Tarkiln Road, Harrisville, addressed the Town Council, stating that he had spoken to them on numerous occasions related to numerous issues, including safety concerns. He repeated his opposition to the junked and abandoned vehicle ordinance. Mr. Blais discussed his distress with the processes of the Town Council and administration. He alluded to safety issues that he believes have been neglected.
4. General Good and Welfare of the Town of Burrillville.
Councilor William E. Gonyea congratulated the Town Clerk on having attained the designation of Certified Municipal Clerk.
Councilor Louis Bleiweis mentioned that several residents have called him relative to a senior tax freeze. He asked for a report from the Town Manager and Tax Assessor regarding the impact of a senior tax freeze. Councilor Edward F. Bonczek indicated that the Town Council has done some work in this area. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, discussed the proposed tax credit that the Town submitted to the General Assembly. He suggested that the question of a tax freeze could be reexamined. There was a brief discussion of the neighboring communities that have considered or implemented a tax freeze.
Council Edward F. Bonczek congratulated the people who were involved in the Victorian Holiday event on Pascoag Main Street. He said that the event was a great success - festive for participants and good for business.
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, stated that the Santa on the Common event had been rescheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2003 at 1:30 P.M.
Probationary Patrol Officer Justin Breault was sworn in by the Town Clerk.
Council President Wallace F. Lees moved agenda item #03-363 forward on the agenda.
03-363 Correspondence from Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation, regarding her request for a letter of commendation for Greg Bowser, recognizing his work at the trail at White Mill Park.
Greg Bowser was recognized for his work at the trail at White Mill Park as his Eagle Scout project. Cheri R. Hall briefly described the work done and commended and congratulated Greg for his efforts.
VOTED to prepare a proclamation honoring Greg for the next regular meeting of the Town Council.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
5. Petitions: None
6. Special Business:
03-333 Motion to grant the renewal of licenses for Junk Yards and the Collecting of Junk for 2004 for the following in accordance with and subject to the provisions of Chapter 4, Section 2, of the Ordinances of the Town of Burrillville entitled “Junk Dealers” and in accordance with: Title 5, Chapter 21, Title 14; Title 31, Chapters 39 and 42 of the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island, 1956, as amended; said Licenses to expire December 31, 2004 (Junk Yard License – Fee $50.00 – Collecting of Junk License – Fee $5.00)
VOTED to grant the renewal of Junk Yard and the Collecting of Junk licenses for 2004 to Thomas E. Gonyea d/b/a Gonyea Brothers Auto, 95 Ross Rd., Pascoag, Map 157, Lot 228, in a building owned by Thomas Gonyea.
Motion by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was five in favor, one recusal, one excused. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek and Ronald E. Faford. Councilor William E. Gonyea recused. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
VOTED to continue until March 10, 2004, pending clarification of the Workers’ Comp insurance, the junk yard and junk collecting licenses of Lawrence Therien d/b/a Rhode Island Auto Recycling, 1134 South Main St., Pascoag, Map 265, Lot 5; owned by Lawrence Therien.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, noted that Rhode Island Auto Recycling is a corporation and therefore must have Workers’ Comp. He suggested that this would not be grounds to deny renewal of the licenses, but the matter should be referred to the proper State agency.
VOTED to receive and open the application for a license to collect junk only from Edwin H. Reynolds, d/b/a Edwin H. Reynolds, 40 Mapleville Main St., P.O. Box 274, Shannock, RI 02875.
Motion by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. 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 William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Council President Wallace F. Lees referred the Town Council to correspondence from Joseph Raymond, Building Official.
MOTION to concur with the building inspector and not renew Mr. Reynolds application for his license to collect junk.
Further discussion: Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, suggested that if the Town Council is considering not renewing the license, it would be appropriate to provide Mr. Reynolds an opportunity to respond. Since Mr. Reynolds was not present, Mr. Kane suggested the matter could be continued to January 14, 2004, at which time Mr. Reynolds could show cause why the license should be renewed.
Councilor Andrews withdrew the motion.
VOTED to continue to January 14, 2004, at which time Mr. Reynolds could show cause why the license should be renewed; and to continue the present license until January 14, 2004.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-334 VOTED to grant the renewal of rubbish licenses for the following in accordance with and subject to the provisions of Chapter 4, Section 6 of the Ordinances of the Town of Burrillville, for a period of one year commencing January 1, 2003 and ending December 31, 2004 (License Fee $25.00 per vehicle; Bond $1,000.00.)
1. B.F.I. Waste of Fall River/Allied Waste, 1080 Airport Rd., Fall River, MA 02720, subject to receipt of bond.
2. William E. Gonyea, 125 Ross Road, Pascoag, RI.
3. Merril Jencks III d/b/a Northern Regional Disposal Inc., 674 Carr’s Pond Road, East Greenwich, RI 02818.
4. Rambone Disposal Services, Inc., 2153 Rear Plainfield Pike, Johnston.
Waste Management of RI, 1610 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The motion carried, five in favor, one recusal, one excused. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek and Ronald E. Faford. Councilor William E. Gonyea recused. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-335 VOTED to grant the renewal of Sunday and Holiday Business Licenses to the following applicants, subject to State and Local Regulations:
1) A & G Donut Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a The Coffee Mill
2) Alice M. Lavigne d/b/a Alice Florist
3) George G. Brigido d/b/a Brigido’s IGA Marketplace
4) Michael L. Coutu d/b/a Colonial Kennel
5) Dinesh Patel d/b/a Country Farms
6) Cumberland Farms Inc.
7) C.V.S. Pharmacy #1075
8) Tina Pereira d/b/a Diamond Video, Inc.
9) Lawrence Fortune d/b/a Glendale Grainery
10) Levy Community Rink
11) David L. Marcotte d/b/a Lil General
12) Humane Assoc. of Northwest RI d/b/a The Nine Lives Thrift Shop
13) Roland A. Audette d/b/a Northwest Gym and Fitness, Inc.
14) Marie A. Peloquin d/b/a Pascoag Tanning & Skin Care
15) Andrew Hardy d/b/a Pascoag Tattoo
16) Maureen Esposito d/b/a Roots & Shoots
17) Noushad Zaman d/b/a Stop-N-Save and Gas
18) Thomas King d/b/a Video King II
19) Village Ventures d/b/a Pascoag Country Store
20) Wayne G. Barber d/b/a Wayne’s Place
Motion by Councilor William E. Gonyea. Seconded by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-336 VOTED to renew Firearms Licenses for the following:
1) Roger R. Dansereau d/b/a R & J Arms, 111 Centennial Street, Pascoag, RI
2) James P. Ducharme, 41 Centennial St., Pascoag
3) Geoff Gaebe d/b/a Addieville East Farm, 200 Pheasant Drive, Mapleville
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-337 VOTED to grant an Arcade License to John J. Bateman d/b/a Spring Lake Arcade, to apply at 52 Old Hillside Drive, Glendale.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-338 VOTED to grant a victualing license to Reverend Roland L. Simoneau d/b/a Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus to hold various events throughout the coming year, as listed.
Motion by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-339 VOTED to grant a quarterly entertainment license to John Bolduc d/b/a MadDog Saloon to apply at 98 Pascoag Main St., Pascoag.
Motion by Councilor William E. Gonyea. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-340 VOTED to receive and open the application from Jeffrey Gavlik d/b/a Millhouse Restaurant to apply at 35 East Avenue, Harrisville in a building owned by Bruce and Judith Monfils.
Motion by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Councilor Edward F. Bonczek asked that the clerk inquire with the applicant relative to Workers’ Compensation and liability insurance.
VOTED to grant an annual victualing license to Jeffrey Gavlik d/b/a Millhouse Restaurant to apply at 35 East Avenue, Harrisville in a building owned by Bruce and Judith Monfils (Assessor’s Map 160, Lot 79), subject to approval of building inspector, fire department, the department of health, and insurance information.
Motion by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. 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 William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
7. Unfinished Business: None
Council President Wallace F. Lees called a brief recess, reconvening at 7:55 P.M.
Before continuing regular business, Councilor William A. Andrews amended an earlier motion
VOTED to amend the motion on item 03-334 to reflect that the licenses are valid from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Council President Wallace F. Lees took items out of order, moving item 03-055 forward on the agenda.
03-055 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk, regarding discussion of the proposed W.L. Callahan project.
Motion by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, indicated that he was not present for the original discussion of this matter. He suggested that, if the Town Council would be inclined to support this project, he would recommend continuing the matter to provide time for the administration to review the data and present options. Council William A. Andrews stated his opposition to a new school.
VOTED to table the matter to provide the administration time to research options for renovating the existing school building.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Further discussion: Donald Waterman, Chairman of the School Committee, briefly addressed the Town Council. He offered to provide whatever information the Town Council and Manager felt would be necessary. He reiterated that the School Department recommended a renovation rather than a new school and was requesting that the issue be bonded.
8. New Business:
03-341 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Richard A. Bernardo, Director of Public Works/Town Engineer, regarding a presentation by the Beta/Gates Leighton team relative to the Harrisville Streetscape project being developed along with the intersection options.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Richard A. Bernardo, Director of Public Works/Town Engineer, updated the Town Council on the status of the Route 107 project. He reviewed the 2-½ year background of the project, explaining the 1-R project and the subsequent half-million dollar enhancement grant. The intent of enhancing the original project was to make the downtown Harrisville area more pedestrian-friendly and safer for pedestrians and vehicles. He stated that there have been three public workshops related to the project.
Mr. Bernardo described proposed changes to the intersections of Chapel St/Harrisville Main Street and Harrisville Main Street/East Avenue. Mr. Bernardo pointed out that any changes would have to be approved by the State Traffic Commission, but that the Town Council’s endorsement would help the process. Mr. Bernardo suggested that the administration ultimately would request the Town Council’s endorsement of one of the options under discussion.
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, stressed that this remains a State project and that the Town is trying to work with the State to include elements of the overall plan. He discussed the State’s approach to these projects and the importance of accord within the Town.
Randy Collins, Gates Leighton & Associates, Inc., presented several options to the Town Council for the area from Steere St., Harrisville to Ashton Court. He described and displayed a streetscape improvement plan, directing his comments to the village center that included improvements to the sidewalks, lighting, trees, crosswalks and neck downs. Mr. Collins focused on pedestrian safety at the intersections around the town building. There was considerable discussion of the parking situation and the best locations for crosswalks. Several proposals were reviewed in great detail.
Among the recommendations was elimination of the left-hand turn from Chapel Street to Harrisville Main Street. According to Mr. Collins, BETA Group. Inc. has researched and observed this matter and determined that few vehicles turn left at that intersection. Therefore, while the advantages would be substantial, inconvenience would be minimal.
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, indicated that the recommendations are a direct result of the public input process. While there are some objections to any reconfiguration of the intersections, some action is needed to address pedestrian safety. He discussed the specifics of the proposal.
Councilor Edward F. Bonczek questioned the impact of the proposed changes on local businesses. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the affect on parking, the number of available parking places, the affect on traffic on Callahan School Street, the current habit of residents to park illegally on Harrisville Main Street, the difficulty pedestrians presently have crossing Harrisville Main Street, the location of crosswalks, and the use of flush islands to define the intersection while allowing emergency vehicles convenient access.
Richard A. Bernardo described proposed changes to the intersection of East Avenue and Harrisville Main Street. He suggested that it would improve the capacity of the intersection to move the stop sign from East Avenue to Harrisville Main Street coming in from Central Street.
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, described other changes that are considered important from a safety perspective. The post office has been asked to relocate the postal box to where the curb cuts to allow safer access. He also explained that the road width of Chapel Street would be made consistent, bringing curbs and sidewalks in, to better define the roadway. Additionally, the Town and the State are discussing placing sidewalks along Route 107 to Union Avenue.
Councilor William A. Andrews pointed out that traffic has increased from Pascoag through Harrisville in recent years. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, responded that many of the proposed changes are being considered because they alleviate some of the problems that the increase in traffic has caused. Councilor Louis Bleiweis acknowledged that the engineers and administration are the professionals in these matters and asked for their principal recommendation. Michael C. Wood indicated options four and five, subject to the fact that the Town Council might support restricting the left-hand turn from Chapel to Harrisville Main St. Otherwise, the designs could be changed to allow for a left-hand turn. There was further discussion of the difficulties of making the left-hand turn, the videotapes that were made of the
intersection and the problems that occur.
Councilor William A. Andrews objected to option #5, which moved the crosswalk further down Harrisville Main Street. He suggested that option #4 appeared to be the best solution, if any changes were to be made. He supported the idea of moving the stop sign from East Avenue to Harrisville Main Street. Council President Wallace F. Lees concurred.
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, briefly reviewed alternatives to redesign the existing proposals. A lengthy discussion of the practical purpose and use of crosswalks ensued. There was discussion that a crosswalk near the town building on Harrisville Main Street might present a danger to pedestrians since it is difficult to see vehicles coming north and turning left onto Harrisville Main Street. There was a suggestion to move the crosswalk west, towards the church. It was agreed that it was impractical to move a crosswalk where people would not use it.
VOTED to endorse the proposal to move the stop sign from East Avenue to Harrisville Main Street coming in from Central Street.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Richard A. Bernardo, Director of Public Works/Town Engineer, summarized the discussion. It was his impression that the Town Council seemed to endorse a derivative of option #4, relocating the recommended crosswalk west, towards the church; including the flush island and elimination of the left-hand turn. Councilor Edward F. Bonczek asked that the vote be taken in portions.
VOTED to endorse a derivative of option #4, relocating the recommended crosswalk west, towards the church in order to increase parking in front of L’il General and the town building.
Motion by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Richard A. Bernardo, Director of Public Works/Town Engineer reviewed the remaining section of proposal #4. He described that portion as follows: to utilize the remaining design of alternate #4, where a flush island would be installed with a stamped, colored concrete crosswalk traversing the island, which would result in the elimination of the left-hand movement from Chapel Street onto Harrisville Main Street.
Discussion of travel to several specific locations was reassessed, including the increased traffic along Callahan School Street, to the churches and fire district. These issues were discussed as some length.
VOTED to endorse alternative #4.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor William E. Gonyea. The motion carried, five in favor, one opposed, one excused. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Edward F. Bonczek voted in opposition. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
VOTED that, with the plan on the Harrisville Streetscape improvement where the stop sign is moved from East Avenue to Harrisville Main Street, a crosswalk be proposed.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-342 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Thomas J. Kravitz, Director of Planning & Economic Development and Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation regarding a letter of support for the DEM grant application for the completion of the second and final phase of the Hauser/Branch River Park project; and the appropriation of a maximum amount of $125,000 towards the match.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation, briefly explained the project. While the request was to appropriate a town-match up to $125,000, Ms. Hall explained that she anticipated other funding sources to reduce the expenditure.
VOTED to provide a letter of support for the DEM grant application and the appropriation of a maximum amount of $125,000 towards the match; and that the Council appropriate $125,000 from the major capital fund as a source of the Town’s match for the Town’s share of the Rhode Island Open Space and Recreation Development grant application.
Motion by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Further discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, stated for the record that Cheri R. Hall deserves considerable credit for finding outside resources and bringing this project together. He and the Council thanked her for her usual good efforts.
03-343 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation regarding a letter of support for a grant application under RI Open Space Recreation Acquisition and Development Small Grant Round for a skateboard park.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation, stated that the department sought support of the Council for a grant application. The matching funding would come from the Snakes Alive Road Race and the Burrillville Extended Care (BEC) program.
Professor Barton Levi St. Armand, 42 Maple Street, Harrisville, RI read the following letter of objection into the record:
I am hoping that this letter will reach you before the December 10th Town Council Meeting, because I and a number of my neighbors are very concerned about an item coming up on the agenda under the category of “New Business”. It is my understanding that Ms. Cheri Hall, Director of Recreation, is going to ask the Council’s permission to initiate a grant request in order to fund a skateboard park on town property. This property is the current basketball court on Eccleston Field across from the Callahan School on Callahan School Street in Harrisville. My own property, 40-42 Maple Street, is diagonally across from this proposed site, and I want to enter in the strongest possible terms my objection to this proposal. Rather than make a detailed argument, I am listing here my main objections:
1. I only learned about this from reading the 2003 Fall/Winter issue of “The Burrillville Bugle”, where under “Parks and Recreation” I read “the Town Council and the Superintendent of Schools have given their approval with grant funds being sought for the project”.
2. There was no consultation with neighbors or neighboring property owners about this project, and when I questioned Ms. Hall about it, she said that it had been fully covered in the newspapers.
3. When I asked if the Town Council had actually approved it, Ms. Hall told me that this information was mistaken and that there would be a public hearing on the project elsewhere on Town property, away from a residential neighborhood. She gave me to understand that the Eccleston Field site was chosen so that “police could keep an eye” on what the skate boarders were doing.
4. Ms. Hall also informed me that issues of the Town’s liability in case of major accident had all been taken care of.
5. I contacted Councilman William Andrews who informed me that Town liability issues had not been settled and that Board of Administration approval was necessary before the Council could vote on this matter.
In conclusion, there are a number of problems with this project, grave problems that really trouble me, beyond the conflicting delivery of garbled information I have outlined here. I am naturally concerned with the inevitable noise and potential rowdyism that is endemic to such unsupervised parks. I have visited them before with the children of friends and even well managed private skateboard parks are grating on the nerves because of the incessantly loud nature of the sport. Moreover, the fact that the designers of this project want to place it close to the road to invite a monitoring police presence suggests to me that they themselves are well aware of the potential for such a place becoming a teen hangout. This must include all the attendant consequences of potential disruption of the peace, including alcohol consumption
and drug trafficking, which have been an acknowledged major problem at many other skateboard parks.
There is, of course, the still unresolved question of Town liability for accidents at such a park. I would assume that no matter what kind of friendly legal advice the Recreation Department might have obtained, that any serious accident at this facility would involve the Town in major litigation, especially of a so-called “deep pockets” kind in this litigious age.
Finally, I am quite upset that the Town could situate such a project in what is practically my own back yard, a residential neighborhood, whereas a private developer of such a facility would be stymied by zoning regulations and the attendant hearing procedure of public discussion and debate. Moreover, I feel from reading “The Bugle” and talking to Ms. Hall that for the recreation department, this skateboard park is somehow a “done deal” and there is no way to put it off its predetermined tracks.
I hope that as members of the Town Council you will seriously consider my objections to what I consider to be an ill-conceived and even more poorly sited project. Not only do I feel that it is bad personally for me as a property owner, but that it is bad for the Town of Burrillville in general. Ms. Hall told me that she wouldn’t at all mind having a skateboard park in her own back yard, but there are those of us who stay in Burrillville because it still offers a modicum of the traditional peace and quiet of a country town. I fear that one more chunk of that tranquility will be lost permanently by the building of this skateboard park on its present proposed site on Eccleston Field.
Thank you for hearing me out on this question.
Raymond Trinque, Burrillville School Committee member discussed skateboarding at the high school. He said that while skateboarding is a legitimate sport and skateboarders are respectful of the property, the problem is that the activity is conducted in a public parking lot. He supported the Eccleston Field site. He suggested that the skateboarders would bring honor to the Town.
Council President Wallace F. Lees confirmed that the Eccleston Field is under the control of the Board of Administration. He said that Ms. Hall had submitted a letter to the Board, which they will consider at a future meeting.
Councilor William A. Andrews stated that he has received comments from several neighbors. They have told him that they are concerned about noise, liability, disruption of the school day and lighting.
Councilor Edward F. Bonczek recalled that during an earlier presentation related to the skateboard park, supervision had been discussed. Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation said that supervision was not planned. Councilor Bonczek said that he considers it difficult to support some recreational activities, such as basketball and softball, while opposing others.
Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation, stated that the liability issue had been addressed with The Interlocal Trust, who indicated that there is no greater liability with a skateboard park than with a football field or basketball court. She briefly elaborated on the reasoning involved in developing a park at this location.
Chuck Boucher of Burrillville High School discussed his experience with the skateboarders. He concurred that skateboarding should present no greater problem than other sports, he supported the design by the students and suggested that having an appropriate location for skateboarding would alleviate, rather than create, problems.
Eddie Pacheco of the Burrillville School Committee supported the skateboard park and spoke in favor of the project as a youth initiative. He recommended embracing change. Francis Chartier concurred with Mr. Pacheco and believed that the park would be a beneficial alternate activity.
While Phyllis Robillard did not object to a skateboard park in theory, she voiced concerns about the hours of use. She suggested the Burrillville Middle School would provide a better location.
Joseph Basile, a member of the committee that designed the park, indicated that the location had been chosen because it is highly visible. He suggested that the location addresses Dr. St. Armand’s concerns about alcohol and drug trafficking.
Councilor Louis Bleiweis thanked Dr. St. Armand for his comments. He suggested that if the park is approved and there were problems, approval could be revoked.
VOTED to table the request until the Board of Administration has made their decision.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Further discussion: Councilor William E. Gonyea stated that, with appropriate rules and regulations in place, he would support the proposal.
03-344 VOTED to provide a letter of support for a grant application under RI Open Space Recreation Acquisition and Development Small Grant Round for improvements to the parking area across from the recreation hall at Spring Lake Beach; and that the Council appropriate $25,000 - $15,000 from the Spring Lake fund and $10,000 from the general fund contingency line item, account #0100160-569050, for the Town’s match for a DEM Open Space and Recreation Development Grant application.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, briefly explained the project. The Town acquired land from the State adjacent to Spring Lake Beach. This proposal is to make improvements to that area, including an informal picnic area and parking lot improvements. He elaborated briefly on the plan, explaining that if this area were used for this purpose, it would affect other proposed parking use at the property.
03-345 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation, regarding her request for permission to hold the 2004 Relay for Life event at Branch River Park on June 18 and 19, 2004.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Councilor William A. Andrews asked about clean up from the 2003 event. Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation, acknowledged that there were problems and that she had discussed the matter with the new director of the event. She described the problems and supported repeating the event in 2004. Joel J. Votolato, a Cancer Society volunteer and co-chair of the Northern Rhode Island 2004 Relay for Life, addressed the Town Council. He said that he was not part of the organizational staff in 2003, but he understood the problems and had taken steps to prevent a repetition. He described the problems and explained at some length the measures that would be taken.
VOTED, based on the recommendation of the Recreation Director, to grant permission to hold the 2004 Relay for Life event at Branch River Park on June 18 and 19, 2004, subject to special use permits from the Zoning Board.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The motion carried five in favor, one opposed, one excused. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Voting in opposition was Council President Wallace F. Lees. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-346 VOTED to declared surplus and disposed of by the best means possible, certain computer hardware, as listed in the correspondence from Edward J. Pienkos, Information Systems Manager.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-347 VOTED to grant the request from Colonel Bernard E. Gannon, Chief of Police, for $3,571 to be used as matching funds for a 2003 Byrne Grant; and that the Council utilize $3,571 from the General Fund Contingency line item as a source of the Town’s match for the grant.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-348 VOTED to approve abatements processed from July 1, 2003 through October 31, 2003in the amount of $83,422.72.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-349 VOTED to receive and file the additions processed from July 1, 2003 through October 31, 2003.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-350 VOTED to name the new Tarkiln Bridge “Tarkiln Bridge” as recommended by Patricia A. Mehrtens, Burrillville Town Historian.
Motion by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-351 VOTED to deny the request of Greg Maurer for an abatement of interest.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The motion carried, five in favor, one opposed, one excused. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Edward F. Bonczek voted in opposition. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Council President Wallace F. Lees recused from item #03-352 and asked Councilor Louis Bleiweis to preside over the item.
03-352 VOTED to authorize Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk for authorization to withdraw $618.00 in annual interest from the burial lots fund for maintenance of cemeteries, as follows:
Jeffrey L. Aubin $5.50
James Gervasio 5.00
Wallace F. Lees 22.00
Pascoag Cemetery 5.00
William Penhallow 3.00
St. Patrick’s 104.00
Mark St. Pierre 473.50
Motion by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The motion carried, five in favor, one recusal, one excused. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Council President Wallace F. Lees recused. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Council President Wallace F. Lees presided over the remainder of the meeting.
03-353 VOTED first reading and for discussion of the proposed ordinance entitled “Condemnation”.
Motion by Councilor William E. Gonyea. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Councilor William A. Andrews, Chairman of the Ordinance Subcommittee, stated that Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, had explained the proposed ordinance at the previous Town Council meeting. Councilor Andrews said that the charter provides for condemnation but that there are no specific provisions for a process. The Subcommittee had reviewed the proposed ordinance at their previous meeting. He recommended a public hearing before the next Town Council meeting.
VOTED to schedule a public hearing for January 14, 2004 at 7:00 P.M.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-354 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from the Department of Education regarding housing aid payment.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, explained that the Department of Education (DOE) had not received information related to bond refinancing. The DOE has indicated that the Town was overpaid over a ten-year period and the DOE intends to take the $212,000 from the current year’s aid. The Town is negotiating with the DOE to reduce the impact by distributing payments over several years.
VOTED to receive and file the correspondence from the Department of Education regarding housing aid payment.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-355 Correspondence from Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk, regarding discussion of the proposed W.L. Callahan project.
Note: Item 03-355 was addressed earlier in the agenda.
03-356 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, regarding construction planning - high school football field.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, said that the Town and School Administrations have been working on the project over a long period and that the School Committee had endorsed a project, based on that initial work. In his opinion, the estimated cost was too high. He asked the Town Council to continue the matter to allow for a revision of the scope of services.
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, restated his belief that the Town can potentially afford the high school football field project, that it should be properly done, but that the proposed $800,000 was more than needed. He recommended that eventually a committee be formed to carry out the project, to include school department, town and private citizen representation, suggesting that the committee might investigate a public/private funding program. Mr. Wood said that funding alternatives should be considered but indicated that the project should be excluded from any potential school bonding. Councilor Louis Bleiweis suggested that the Levy Foundation would be interested in this project.
VOTED to table to no later than the last meeting of February 2004.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. 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 William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-357 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, regarding cost of living increases.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. 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 William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, stated that the proposed increase would keep the department heads in parity with the Council 94 employees. He asked the Town Council to approve the $700 pay raise and modify the classification plan.
VOTED to increase the base wage of all positions in the classification plan, including those supervisory and administrative positions not participating in the classification program, by $700. These wage increases will be effective January 1, 2004. That sum of $4,550 will be transferred from the general fund contingency line item (#0100160-569050) to the respective line items in each budget.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-358 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from John P. Mainville, Finance Director, regarding discussion and possible action on the awarding of the bid for winter sand.
Motion by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: John P. Mainville, Finance Director, stated that there is only one vendor that provides winter sand of the quality used by the Town. The bid is nearly forty percent higher than last year. He reported that the Town is ordering and storing sand at slightly more than last year’s price under an agreement that expires on December 15, 2003.
VOTED to award the bid to Rawson Trucking, Inc. for $10.40 effective December 16, 2003.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-359 VOTED that the Town Council authorize the establishment of a Fixed Asset Capitalization Policy as defined in the attached draft copy in accordance with GASB 34.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
9. Town Clerk/Communication:
03-360 VOTED to receive and file the correspondence from Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, regarding his return to duties.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-361 VOTED to receive with regret the correspondence from Mary K. Jarvis, Deputy Town Clerk, regarding her resignation; and to instruct the clerk to send Ms. Jarvis a letter conveying their best regards.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-362 VOTED to receive and file the correspondence from Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation, regarding Rhode Island Recreation & Parks Association Awards; and to convey commendations to Ms. Hall and Mr. Low.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, congratulated Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & recreation, on receiving the 2003 Distinguished Department of the Year for the State of Rhode Island. Councilor William A. Andrews added the Council’s commendation to Allan Low, recipient of the Rhode Island Recreation & Parks Association Settimo “Steamer” Ricci Volunteer Service Award. Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation, acknowledged Mr. Low’s efforts in supporting recreation in the Town of Burrillville and briefly described the department activities that were the basis for these awards. She invited the Town Council to attend the awards banquet in January 2004.
03-363 Correspondence from Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation, regarding her request for a letter of commendation for Greg Bowser, recognizing his work at the trail at White Mill Park.
Note: This item was addressed earlier on the agenda.
03-364 VOTED to receive and open the correspondence from David A. Brunetti, W.L. Callahan School Improvement Team, regarding the Town Council’s walk-through of the Callahan School.
Motion by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
Discussion: David A. Brunetti, W.L. Callahan School Improvement Team, briefly addressed the Town Council, thanking them for participating in the tour of the W.L. Callahan School. He recommended that the Town Council take into consideration that the feasibility study is already two years old and that the $5.7 million budget estimate might be outdated when the project moves forward. Council President Wallace F. Lees thanked Mr. Brunetti for his continued interest.
VOTED to receive and file.
Motion by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
03-365 VOTED to receive and file the correspondence from Charles A. Horbert, Permitting Supervisor, D.E.M. regarding insignificant alteration permit – application #03-0373.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
10. VOTED to receive the following reports.
1. Town Treasurer: October 2003
2. Burrillville Sewer Commission: October 2003; special meeting of October 7, 2003, regular meeting of October 14, 2003
3. Tax Collector: October 2003
4. Department of Public Works: September 2003, October 2003
5. Chief of Police: October 2003, November 2003
6. Office of Building Official: October 2003
7. Animal Control Officer: October 2003
8. Burrillville Housing Authority: Meeting of October 6, 2003
9. Planning Board: Meeting of Meetings of October 6, 2003, November 3, 2003
10. Parks and Recreation Department: November 2003
11. Information Systems Department: November 2003
12. Burrillville Conservation Commission: Meeting of September 9, 2003
13. Ordinance Subcommittee: Meeting of October 15, 2003
14. BOSAP: Meetings of June 19, 2003 & September 18, 2003, September Treasurer’s report, October 2003 Consultant report
Motion by Councilor William E. Gonyea. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
11. Additional New Business:
03-366 Request for Executive Session from Town Manager Michael C. Wood 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; [42-46-5 (a)(2)] for discussions relating to litigation matters and [42-46-5 (a)(2)] for discussions related to collective bargaining with IBPO, Local 369.
Note: Councilors William A. Andrews and Ronald E. Faford agreed to serve on the Police Department bargaining committee. The request for executive session was withdrawn.
12. VOTED to adjourn at 10:13 P.M.
Motion by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
The meeting was taped. The tape is on file with the minutes.
Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk
| 
