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10-8-2008 Regular Meeting
REGULAR MEETING of the Burrillville Town Council to be held Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 7:03 P.M. in the Town Council Chambers, 105 Harrisville Main St., Harrisville for and within the Town of Burrillville.

PRESENT:  Council President Nancy F. Binns, Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville.

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Councilor Cynthia L. Roe, who was out of state, was excused.

1.      Council President Nancy F. Binns led those present in pledging allegiance to the flag.

2.      MOTION that the question of accepting the minutes of the regular meeting held September 24, 2008 be continued to the next meeting.

Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The motion carried, five in favor, one opposed, one excused. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Kevin M. Blais voted in opposition. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

3.      Public Comment

Renay McLeish of Pascoag commented on the RIPTA public forum and thanked Councilors Margaret L. Dudley, Wallace F. Lees and Norman C. Mainville, and Town Manager Michael C. Wood for their participation.

Richard Cote of Cooper Hill Road raised a concern related to one of his neighbors operating a business involving land clearing, logging and firewood on residential property. Mr. Cote reviewed discussions with the Building Official. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, said he would investigate the matter and contact Mr. Cote.

Michele Badessa of Glendale noted that  no one present had prior knowledge of her comments.

Michele Badessa of Glendale asked whether the Town Council considers the Town Manager's contract prudent, taking into account the current economic climate. Council President Nancy F. Binns suggested that there was no purpose in going back to a legal contract that had been settled a year earlier. Kevin Menard of Pascoag said that, as a tax payer, he believed that having a highly qualified Town Manager is well worth the money and a good investment for the Town, especially in hard economic times.

4.      General Good and Welfare of the Town of Burrillville

Councilor Norman C. Mainville reported on the Eagle Scout Eric Nadeau's Court of Honor, spoke of the many local Scouts who had attained the rank of Eagle, and acknowledged the role of the families in the achievement. Councilor Mainville discussed the benefits of Scouting programs.

Councilor Margaret L. Dudley announced The Friends of the Library Vendor and Craft Fair scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2008 from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Burrillville Middle School.

Councilor Margaret L. Dudley noted that the Snakes Alive 5K Road Race would be held on Sunday, October 12, 2008.

Councilor Margaret L. Dudley announced the Burrillville Historical Society open house on October 11 and 12, 2008 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Historical Society, Pascoag.

Councilor Norman C. Mainville distributed, reviewed and discussed an article relative to a municipality that had not raised taxes since 1999 and which suffered the loss of nine fire fighters.  A copy of the handout is on file with the record of the meeting. Councilor Mainville commented on the Town of Burrillville's mature money management practices which avoid safety issues and expenses related to poor management.

Councilor Kevin M. Blais thanked Nancy Hopkins Schmeltz for her diligence in addressing issues with the school lunch program.

Councilor Kevin M. Blais commented on issues related to recent newspaper articles, responsibility to abide by the law, no trespass orders issued to town employees, the Town Council and administrations' responsibilities, and communication from the administration to the Town Council. Discussion followed.

Council President Nancy F. Binns read a letter from the Government Finance Officers Association in which the Town was notified that the Town's comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 qualifies for a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

Council President Nancy F. Binns read correspondence received by the Town Manager in which a resident of Tarkiln Road commended the Tarkiln Road project, the Department of Public Works in general, and Public Works employees Barry Hopkins and Paul Cahill in particular. Council President Binns suggested the Department of Public Works be commended on a job well done.

Michael C, Wood, Town Manager, said that the Snakes Alive Road Race would begin on South Main St., Pascoag, at 11:30 A.M.

5.      Petitions  

08-277  VOTED to grant the petition from Verizon New England, Inc. to place two new sole poles on Collins Taft Road, as shown on attached plan, in the Town of Burrillville.

Motion by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

08-278  VOTED to grant the petition from Verizon New England, Inc., to dig a 4' square splice pit at the base of existing P4. in sidewalk area on Sayles Avenue, as shown on attached plan, in the Town of Burrillville.

Motion by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

6.      Special Business:

08-279  VOTED to grant a Class F Liquor License to the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church for an Applefest Dinner to be held on October 18, 2008 at 181 Sayles Avenue, Pascoag (Map 174, Lot 131).

Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

7.      Unfinished Business:  None

8.      New Business:

08-280  VOTED to open the request from Jason M. Rhodes, Director, Burrillville Emergency Management Agency, that the Town Council adopt the revised Town of Burrillville Emergency Operations Plan, September 2008.

Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

Note: A copy of the plan is available for review in the Town Clerk's Office.

Discussion:  Councilor Margaret L. Dudley commented on a job well done and thanked Mr. Rhodes for presenting the report to the Town Council on disk.  Jason M. Rhodes, Director, Burrillville Emergency Management Agency, acknowledged the assistance of administrative staff, explained the state requirements for revising the plan, and summarized the new format. There was discussion of the plan and the need for emergency management volunteers.

VOTED to adopt, as presented.

Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

08-281  VOTED to refer to the Screening Subcommittee the application from Edward F. Bonczek for reappointment to the Redevelopment Agency.

Motion by Councilor Kevin M. Blais. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

08-282  VOTED to refer to the Screening Subcommittee the application from Russell Couture for reappointment to the Board of Assessment Review.

Motion by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor Kevin M. Blais. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

08-283  VOTED to refer to the Screening Subcommittee the application from William J. Peterson, Jr. for appointment to the Sewer Commission.

Motion by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

08-284  Proposed Ordinance Establishing the Pascoag Reservoir/Echo Lake Dam Management District; first reading and scheduling of a public hearing.

VOTED to schedule a public hearing at the call of the chair in conjunction with the Town of Glocester; so that there is a hearing one night in Glocester and a hearing another night in Burrillville.

Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. The motion carried, five in favor, one recusal, one excused. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Wallace F. Lees recused. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

9.      Town Clerk/Communication:  

08-285  VOTED to receive the correspondence from Racheal Costa and Erica Simanski, William L. Callahan PTF Parents, regarding the Red Ribbon Week scheduled October 20 through October 24, 2008.

Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

Note: The Town Clerk was asked to inform the Town Council of the time of the parade.

08-286  VOTED to open the correspondence from John P. Mainville, Finance Director and Edward J. Pienkos, Information Systems Manager, regarding the Department of Public Works phone system.

Motion by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

Discussion: Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, summarized the problems with the Department of Public Works' phone system and the proposed correction. Edward J. Pienkos, Information Systems Manager, elaborated on the situation and recommending the purchase of an InterTel telephone system at a cost of approximately $3,650.00. The matter was discussed.

VOTED to appropriate $4,000 from the capital improvement fund to purchase and install a new telephone system at the Department of Public Works.
Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

08-287  Resolution of the Providence City Council regarding proclaiming the month of September "Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month".

MOTION to receive and file the resolution of the Providence City Council regarding proclaiming the month of September "Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month".

Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley.

MOTION to receive, support, and file the resolution of the Providence City Council regarding proclaiming the month of September "Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month".

Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Kevin M. Blais. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

Note: Council President Nancy F. Binns announced that item #08-289 would be taken up at this point on the agenda.

08-289  VOTED to award the bid for the roofing project at the Beckwith Bruckshaw Memorial Lodge (Community Recreation Center) to Rick Buskey, Aboveboard Contracting, in the amount of $20,800 and to allow a $2,000 contingency for this project, as recommended by Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks & Recreation.

Motion by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

10.     Additional New Business:  

08-288  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 review, discussion and consideration related to the acquisition, sale, and exchange of real property relative to Assessor's Map 178, Lot 5 (Clear River Road) and town-owned land (Commerce Park); and

[42-46-5(a)(2)]        for consideration, discussion and action relative to collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Burrillville and the Fraternal Order of Police Burrillville.

Motion by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

Note: There was a recess before executive session.

The Council returned to open session at 8:35 P.M.

VOTED to seal the minutes of executive session, noting that one vote had been taken.

Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

08-289  Recommendation of Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks and Recreation, to award the bid for the roofing project at the Beckwith Bruckshaw Memorial Lodge (Community Recreation Center) to Rick Buskey, Aboveboard Contracting, in the amount of $20,800 and to allow a $2,000 contingency for this project.

Note: Item #08-289 was considered earlier on the agenda.

VOTED to adjourn at 8:35 P.M.

Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.

The meeting was taped. The tape is on file with the record of the meeting.



Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk



Last Updated: Wednesday, October 29, 2008

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