At a meeting of the Town Council holden in and for the Town of Glocester on December 4, 2014:

Transcription

1 At a meeting of the Town Council holden in and for the Town of Glocester on December 4, 2014: I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. II. Roll Call Members Present: Member Absent: Also present: Walter M. O. Steere, III, President; William E. Reichert, Vice-President; Edward C. Burlingame; and Steven A. Sette. George O. (Buster) Steere Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk; Tim Kane, Assistant Town Solicitor; Joseph DelPrete, Chief of Police; Diane Brennan, Finance Director; Susan Harris, Deputy Town Clerk; Gary Treml, Director of Public Works; Kenneth Johnson, Building/Zoning Official; Judy Branch, Director of Human Services; David Steere, Budget Board chair; and Walter Steere, Jr., School Committee member III. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. IV. None. Open Forum - Agenda Items V. Resolution: Wreaths Across America Councilor W. Steere stated that on December 9 th at 10:00 a.m., there will be a Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Ponaganset Middle School. In honor of that event the Council would like to adopt the following resolution, which was read into the record by Councilor Reichert: RESOLUTION # WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA WHEREAS: Wreaths Across America is a commemoration that since 1992 has been honoring our Veterans with an escort to Arlington National Ceremony, beginning on December 7, 2014 in Harrington Maine and arriving in Virginia on December 13, 2014 with events along the way held at State Houses, schools, cemeteries, and memorial parks, all during this week-long trip between Maine and Virginia; and WHEREAS: by the time the final wreath has been placed this event has helped spread the message of the importance of remembering our fallen heros, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families to preserve the freedoms we hold dear; and WHEREAS: this week of events is made possible by thousands of volunteers across the country and here in Glocester our students and their teachers give of their time and efforts for months to prepare for our chance at showing our support. This year a fundraiser was held before hand to raise the funds to purchase a wreath to bring to Arlington Page 1 of 13

2 on behalf of every eight grade student; and WHEREAS: Ponaganset Middle School, under the direction of Social Studies Teacher, Michael Calenda, has been and continues to be the force that brings this honor to our Town; through their hard work and diligence. These young people have set an example for all our residents to follow and have laid the groundwork to ensure our Veterans are never forgotten with the REMEMBER, HONOR, and TEACH message; and The Town Council and the Town Clerk represent all Glocester residents when we say WE ARE PROUD of the spirit you bring, the example you set, and the leadership you show by giving us WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA in Glocester. Walter M.O. Steere, III Glocester Town Council President Jean M. Fecteau, CMC, Town Clerk Dated this 4 th day of December, 2014 seconded by Councilor Burlingame. Discussion: Councilor W. Steere urged all who can attend to do so. Councilor Sette noted that this year s event will be impressive as it is the kick-off for the entire caravan. VI. Public Hearings - Discussion and/or action Councilor W. Steere stated that this Public Hearing for Special Event Licenses (Businesses) was advertised in the Valley Breeze/Observer on November 26 th, Councilor W. Steere DECLARED the Hearing OPEN and stated that each of these establishments has submitted applications with their requests for Councilor W. Steere further stated that the Police and Fire Departments have been notified of the applications. 1. Daniel Saad, RMZ, LLC, d/b/a Snows Clambox 2461 Putnam Pike, Glocester, RI Request for Car Shows Events with Outdoor Entertainment April - September, 2015 It was stated that Mr. Saad was not present at the meeting. Tim Kane, Assistant Town Solicitor, recommended that the Council table the matter until February. MOTION was made by Councilor Burlingame to TABLE the Public Hearing for Daniel Saad, RMZ, LLC, d/b/a Snows Clambox, 2461 Putnam Pike, Glocester, RI, until the meeting of February 19, 2015; seconded by Councilor Sette. Page 2 of 13

3 2. Adriana Iannuzzi, Adriana Enterprises, LLC, d/b/a Sticks Tavern 417 Putnam Pike, Glocester, RI Request for miscellaneous Special Events with Outdoor Entertainment June - September, 2015 Ana Iannuzzi was present and stated that her request is the same as last year, a three-piece band or a DJ. Councilor W. Steere asked Joseph DelPrete if he has any issues with this request. Chief DelPrete reminded the applicant that parking is not allowed on Route 44. Councilor W. Steere asked if anyone wished to speak for or against this application. There was no response. 3. Robin Tyo, Tyo-Ristaino Corp, d/b/a Cadys Tavern 2168 Putnam Pike, Glocester, RI Request for miscellaneous Special Events May - August, 2015 Robin Tyo was present at the meeting. Councilor W. Steere asked if anyone wished to speak for or against this application. Discussion: Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk, noted that last year s application listed ten (10) events, while this year s application is for three (3) events. 4. Joseph Iaciofano, Knight Farm, LLC, d/b/a Knight Farm 1 Snake Hill Road, Glocester, RI Request for Car/Antique Tractor Shows June - August, 2015 Joseph Iaciofano was not present at the meeting. Councilor W. Steere asked if anyone wished to speak for or against this application. Discussion: Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk, asked that this matter also be tabled until February because the applicant has not paid the advertising fee for the Public Hearing and is not present. MOTION was made by Councilor Burlingame to CONTINUE the Public Hearing for Joseph Iaciofano, Knight Farm LLC, d/b/a Knight Farm, 1 Snake Hill Road, Glocester, RI, until February 19, 2015; seconded by Councilor Sette. Page 3 of 13

4 Councilor W. Steere again asked if anyone wished to be heard regarding the applications for Special Events. Hearing none, Councilor W. Steere CLOSED the Public Hearing. MOTION was made by Councilor Sette to APPROVE 8 Bike Runs/Charity Events from June through September 2015 for Adriana Iannuzzi, Adriana Enterprises, LLC, d/b/a Sticks Tavern, not to exceed a four hour period between 1:00 p.m and 6:00 p.m., no consecutive days in the same weekend, including volleyball competitions, subject to: 1. the filing of an application 10 days prior to each event 2. Crowd management & parking plan filed with each application 3. No on-street parking allowed on Route Should uses not previously discussed, or included on application be requested, additional Council approval may be sought by the Town Clerk 5. the approval of the Chief of Police & Fire Chief 6. This approval may be rescinded by the Town Council for just cause. 7. Live music will be limited to a three-piece band with no bass or a DJ Seconded by Councilor Burlingame. MOTION was made by Councilor Sette to APPROVE 3 Car/Bike Wash for charity from April through September 2015 for Robin Tyo, Tyo-Ristaino Corp., d/b/a Cady s Tavern, subject to: 1. the filing of an application 10 days prior to each event 2. Crowd management & parking plan filed with each application 3. No on-street parking allowed on Route Should uses not previously discussed, or included on application be requested, additional Council approval may be sought by the Town Clerk 5. the approval of the Chief of Police & Fire Chief 6. This approval may be rescinded by the Town Council for just cause. Seconded by Councilor Reichert. Page 4 of 13

5 VII. Consent Items - Discussion and/or action A. Approval of Town Council Minutes of Nov. 19, 2014 B. Pole Grant - Pole 77-5 Tourtellot Hill Road MOTION was made by Councilor Reichert to APPROVE the Town Council minutes of November 19, 2014 and to APPROVE the Pole Grant for pole 77-5 Tourtellot Hill Road; seconded by Councilor Burlingame. VIII. Unfinished Business A. Bds. & Commissions 1. Appointments - Discussion and/or action a. Community Resource and Wastewater Advisory Commission 1. One Alternate one year term to expire 01/2015 MOTION was made by Councilor Burlingame to TABLE until January 15, 2015 the appointment for the alternate one year position to the Community Resource and Wastewater Advisory Commission; seconded by Councilor Reichert. 2. One Two year term to expire 1/2015 MOTION was made by Councilor Burlingame to TABLE until January 15, 2015 the appointment for the two year term to expire 1/2016 to the Community Resource and Wastewater Advisory Commission; seconded by Councilor Reichert. b. Recreation Commission 1. One Two year term to expire 01/01/2015 MOTION was made by Councilor Burlingame to TABLE until January 15, 2015 the appointment to the Recreation Commission for one two year term to expire 1/2015; seconded by Councilor Page 5 of 13

6 Reichert. c. Senior Center Board of Directors 1. One five year expired term to expire 11/2019 MOTION was made by Councilor Burlingame to TABLE until January 15, 2015 the appointment to position #2 for one five year term to expire 11/2019; seconded by Councilor Reichert. Discussion: Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk, stated that a talent bank application was received from an individual who checked off both Senior Center Board of Directors and Conservation Commission. d. Parade Committee (position #6) MOTION was made by Councilor Reichert to TABLE until January 15, 2015 the appointment to the Parade Committee; seconded by Councilor Burlingame. e. Conservation Commission 1. One Three year term to expire 1/2016 MOTION was made by Councilor Sette to TABLE until January 15, 2015 the appointment to the Conservation Commission for one three year term to expire 1/2016; seconded by Councilor Burlingame. IX. New Business A. Authorization: Assignment/Commitment of Fund Balances - FY Discussion and/or action Page 6 of 13

7 MOTION was made by Councilor Reichert to ASSIGN the following portions of the General Fund balance at fiscal year end June 30, 2014 for the purposes specified: $1,508 for Tree Planting $296,918 for Healthcare Reserve $384,191 for Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) $48,964 for Police equipment maintenance $15,226 for Senior Center dues $74,797 for Radio contracts $38,324 for Comprehensive Plan $297,278 for Revaluation Reserve $540,740 for Storm fund $379,919 for Accrued Comp Absences $50,000 for Matching Grants and to AUTHORIZE the Director of Finance and the Town Council President to make adjustments as necessary to comply with our required surplus; seconded by Councilor Burlingame. B Policy(s) for social media (discussion/action) Councilor W. Steere stated that there have been some issues recently which indicate that there is a need for a policy regarding use of Facebook and other social media by Town employees and members of boards and commissions. Tim Kane, Assistant Town Solicitor, stated that boards and commissions are volunteers and not employees and he will do research to determine if a policy can be implemented for them. Councilor Reichert pointed out that there are several Facebook pages with the word Glocester, giving the impression that they are Town-related, which they are not. Councilor W. Steere agreed, stating that it must be made clear that the Town does not have an official Facebook page. Regarding boards and commissions, Councilor Sette stated that if a board had a blog through our website, we could control its content, but as private citizens, people have the right to make comments on social media. T. Kane stated that members of boards and commissions must be careful, especially if their comments pertain to their duties on the board or commission. Councilor Burlingame concurred, adding that the members work for the Council and any issues should be brought to the Council for discussion. Councilor Burlingame stated that he takes the conservative position that there should be no comment on social media by boards and commissions. Tim Kane stated his opinion that board and commission members should not be commenting on matters which may come before their board or commission, and he recommended a policy which would make this cause for removal. Councilor Sette suggested checking in with the League of Cities and Towns for their input. Lauren Niedel commented that the Facebook site has good general information that people share. Page 7 of 13

8 L. Niedel stated that for the most part, it is just citizens of the Town who post comments. L. Niedel stated her opinion that the site is positive, although it does get heated at times when people vent regarding certain situations. L. Niedel recommended that the Town create an official Facebook page. Councilor Burlingame stated that he respectfully disagrees. C. Proposal for wreaths in the village - Discussion and/or action Councilor W. Steere stated that the Town Council received a proposal for wreaths in the Village for the amount of approximately $490.00, with volunteers to put them up on the lamp posts. MOTION was made by Councilor Burlingame to CONTINUE until the next meeting the discussion regarding wreaths in the Village; seconded by Councilor Reichert. D. Authorization: Payment of Claim against Town of Glocester - Discussion and/or action Councilor W. Steere stated that the Council has received a packet of information regarding a claim resulting from a tree on Town property. The Finance Director has obtained the necessary claim and the Public Works Director reviewed the scene where the tree limb fell. Diane Brennan, Finance Director, stated that it was deemed that the Town was at fault and the claimant presented three (3) estimates. D. Brennan added that if the Council approves the payment, the claimant will sign a release. MOTION was made by Councilor Reichert to AUTHORIZE the payment of $ (estimate dated 11/26/14) to satisfy a claim against the Town of Glocester for damage incurred (from fallen tree limb) to the vehicle, 2011 Dodge Ram, owned by Richard Sanzi, of 18 Dorr Drive (payment not to exceed $650.00) ; seconded by Councilor Burlingame. E. Boards & Commissions 1. Resignation - Discussion and/or action a. Parade Committee (position #7) Councilor W. Steere stated that the Clerk has received the resignation of Kathleen Wholey from the Parade Committee. Page 8 of 13

9 MOTION was made by Councilor Reichert to ACCEPT the Resignation of Kathleen Wholey from the Parade Committee; seconded by Councilor Burlingame. Councilor W. Steere expressed thanks for Ms. Wholey s service on the Parade Committee. 2. Appointments - Discussion and/or action a. Parade Committee (position #7) MOTION was made by Councilor Sette to TABLE until January 15, 2015 the appointment to the Parade Committee (position #7); seconded by Councilor Burlingame. b. Zoning Board 1. One five year expired term 11/30/2014 Councilor W. Steere stated that this appointment is for the expired term of Greg Meinertz. Mr. Meinertz has expressed that he would like to be reappointed. MOTION was made by Councilor Sette to REAPPOINT Greg Meinertz to the Zoning Board for one five year term to expire 11/30/2019; seconded by Councilor Burlingame. c. Historic District Commission 1. Two 3-year expired terms 11/30/2014 Councilor W. Steere stated that this appointment is for the expired terms of Diana Seaver and Michael Robinson, both of whom wish to be reappointed. MOTION was made by Councilor Burlingame to REAPPOINT Diana Seaver to the Historic District Commission for a 3 year term to expire 11/30/2017; seconded by Councilor Reichert. Page 9 of 13

10 MOTION was made by Councilor Sette to REAPPOINT Michael Robinson to the Historic District Commission for a 3 year term to expire 11/30/2017; seconded by Councilor Burlingame. 2. One alternate 1-year expired term 11/30/2014 Councilor W. Steere stated that this appointment is for the expired term of Stephanie Kain, who wishes to be reappointed. MOTION was made by Councilor Reichert to REAPPOINT Stephanie Kain to the Historic District Commission for an alternate 1 year term to expire 11/30/2015; seconded by Councilor Burlingame. F. Clerks job descriptions- addition (to provide Town Hall wide coverage) Discussion and/or action Councilor Burlingame stated that this was brought up by Councilor G. Steere, who was not present at the meeting. Councilor Burlingame explained that when we hire new people, we want to make sure that they are available to help in another area if directed by a Department Head. Councilor Burlingame stated that we have done this in the past, but he felt that it should be in the job descriptions. Councilor Burlingame noted that nothing has come up to prompt this suggestion; he feels that it would clean up loose ends. Councilor Sette asked if the Council would have to go back to the Union to collectively bargain. Councilor Burlingame replied in the negative, stating that job descriptions are not part of that. There was Council consensus to discuss the matter with the Union before proceeding. X. Council Correspondence/Discussion A. Councilor W. Steere stated that the first business meeting of January will be held on January 5, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall. There was Council consensus to have one regular meeting in January, on the 15 th. Page 10 of 13

11 B. Councilor W. Steere stated that the Council has received a copy of the Town Council budget worksheet request for 2015/2016, adding that if any changes are to be included for consideration, let the Town Clerk know, as these are to be submitted to the budget board by January 2 nd. Councilor Sette suggested adding a line item which would be used to advertise for somebody to record Town Council meetings for broadcast on cable access. Councilor Sette estimated that the cost would be approximately $ per year. Councilor Burlingame agreed, and further recommended that the Council Contingency Fund be increased. Regarding the cable TV broadcasts, Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk, asked if any equipment would be needed. Councilor Sette replied that the cable company provides the equipment as well as training. Regarding the Contingency Fund, J. Fecteau stated that she will provide a year-to-date report of funds spent so that the Council can decide by how much they wish to increase the line item. C. Councilor W. Steere stated that the Council received a donation request from the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. D. Councilor W. Steere stated that notes from the December 1 st Department Head meeting were submitted by Councilor Burlingame. E. Councilor W. Steere stated that a letter was received from the State Traffic Commission with regard to speed limits on Victory Highway. F. Councilor W. Steere stated that a memo was received from Tim Inacio, Town Planner, with regard to RI Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission: Certified Local Government Grant. G. Councilor W. Steere stated that another memo was received from the Town Planner concerning RIDOT-Glocester Route 44 2-Lane Concept Update. H. Councilor W. Steere thanked RI PBS for the work they did on the Our Town special which featured Glocester. Councilor Burlingame agreed and stated that it was a good presentation. XI. Department Head Report/Discussion A. Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk, asked if the Council wanted her to send a letter to PBS expressing their appreciation. The Council members replied in the affirmative. J. Fecteau stated that in 2011, Sections 89 and 90 of Chapter 350, Article XI of the Zoning Ordinance was amended to give the Planning Board the authority to issue permits for low and moderate income housing. J. Fecteau stated that it appears that the rest of the chapter was not amended to reflect the change. J. Fecteau requested that a First Reading be scheduled for the next Town Council meeting. Councilor Burlingame stated that we need to get this cleaned up because there are some inconsistencies. Tim Kane, Assistant Town Solicitor, agreed. Page 11 of 13

12 B. Judy Branch, Director of Human Services, reported that her office assisted 140 families at Thanksgiving and she is now planning for Christmas. J. Branch stated that she has a program which distributes toys and gifts to children in need. J. Branch commented that she has received many generous donations this year. XII. XIII. Bds. and Commissions/Discussion A. Dave Steere, Budget Board chair, noted that two (2) Budget Board members have terms which will expire on January 1 st. D. Steere stated that one of the members does not wish to be reappointed. Open Forum A. Lauren Niedel stated that Tracey Smith was the resident who was displaced by the recent fire at Snow s Clambox. L. Niedel stated that there is a gofundme website for anyone who wishes to make a donation. L. Niedel requested that a link be placed on the Town s website. Councilor W. Steere stated that this is a commendable thing and the Council would like to be able to help, but if we do not know who is running the website and where the money goes, he would be concerned about putting it on our website. Councilor W. Steere thanked L. Niedel for bringing this forward. B. Walter Steere, Jr. spoke regarding the Charter amendments which were on the Election ballot. Regarding the all-day referendum which was passed, W. Steere, Jr. stated that he assumes this will not be in effect for 2015, but expressed hope that it will be in place by the next budget year. W. Steere, Jr. stated that many things will have to be worked out and recommended that the Council appoint a committee to get it in place. Councilor Burlingame stated that language will have to be replaced in the Charter, which will have to be ratified by the Legislature before anything can be done. W. Steere, Jr. commented that more thought should have gone into this before the people voted on it, because once passed, the people expect it to be done. Councilor Sette expressed his opinion that if we get it into the next legislative session, we should be able to implement it for our next budget. There was general consensus that the Charter amendment will be ratified in XIV. Adjourn There was discussion concerning the other Charter amendment regarding the procedure which must be followed to change a budget. It was stated that this amendment was rejected by the voters. Tim Kane stated that there has always been some debate about this section of the Charter. Councilor Sette asked if the Regional School District is planning to change to an allday referendum, now that the Town has done so. Walter Steere, Jr. voiced his opinion that this is unlikely. Councilor Burlingame asked if the teachers contract has been approved. W. Steere replied that it was on the last agenda but was put off until January. Councilor Sette asked how other regional school districts approve their budgets. Tim Kane stated that he will look into it. Page 12 of 13

13 MOTION was made by Councilor Burlingame to ADJOURN at 8:42 p.m.; seconded by Councilor Reichert Page 13 of 13