II. Roll Call Walter M. O. Steere, III, President; William E. Reichert, Vice-President; George O. (Buster) Steere; and Edward C. Burlingame.

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1 At a meeting of the Town Council holden in and for the Town of Glocester on September 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; George O. (Buster) Steere; and Edward C. Burlingame. Steven A. Sette Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk; Tim Kane, Assistant Town Solicitor; Diane Brennan, Finance Director; Gary Treml, Director of Public Works; and Tim Inacio, Town Planner. III. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Edna Kent, Town Historian. IV. Open Forum - Agenda Items A. Marie Sweet of Chestnut Hill Road spoke about the Resolution on the agenda, asking what we are asking to be repealed. Councilor Burlingame explained that the Resolution addresses the tax exemption allowed to Brown University professors. V. Resolution A. Resolution # (Legislative request: Repeal of law allowing Brown University Professor exemptions) Councilor W. Steere stated that the Council has decided to forward a Resolution to all cities and towns, as well as our legislators to request support in the repeal of R.I. General Law (9) Taxation. Councilor Burlingame read the following Resolution into the record: Resolution # In opposition to R.I. General Law (9) Taxation WHEREAS, in 1764, in the Brown University Charter King George II granted an exemption from taxation of property for the university and its professors; and in Rhode Island s Public Laws of 1863, Chapter 451, this exemption for professors, their estates, and their families was limited to the first $10,000 in assessed value of their personal property; and WHEREAS, in 1966, the Board of Directors of the University voted to require newly appointed professors to waive their right to this exemption and at that time there were nine professors grand fathered in ; and Page 1 of 12

2 WHEREAS, the law allowing this exemption, R.I.G.L (subsection 9) Taxation, is still an active Rhode Island General Law; and WHEREAS, to avoid confusion and/or the right of someone to claim this exemption in the future the Town of Glocester is asking our Legislators to repeal the subsection in its entirety; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Glocester respectfully requests our Legislators to call for the repeal of R.I.G.L (9) during the next legislative session and the Town Council request this Resolution to be forwarded to all R.I. cities & towns with a request for their Legislative support. ATTEST: Jean M. Fecteau, CMC, Town Clerk By order of the Town Council Walter M.O.Steere, III, Town Council President seconded by Councilor Reichert. VI. Consent Items A. Approval of Town Council Minutes of August 21, Disc. and/or action MOTION was made by Councilor G. Steere to APPROVE the Town Council minutes of August 21, 2014; seconded by Councilor Reichert. VII. 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/ One Two year term to expire 1/2015 MOTION was made by Councilor Reichert to TABLE the appointments to the Community Resource and Wastewater Advisory Commission; seconded by Councilor G. Steere. Page 2 of 12

3 b. Recreation Commission 1. One Two year term to expire 01/01/2015 Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk, stated that there are no recommendations at this time. MOTION was made by Councilor G. Steere to TABLE the appointment to the Recreation Commission; seconded by Councilor Reichert. c. Personnel Board 1. One unexpired two year term to expire 1/2015 Councilor W. Steere stated that if there are any talent bank applications for this position, the individual should be contacted. Councilor W. Steere further stated that there should be discussion regarding the future of this board. Tim Kane, Assistant Town Solicitor, stated that there is an Ordinance in place, but the Council could vote to repeal the Ordinance. Councilor Burlingame suggested that the item be tabled for now. MOTION was made by Councilor Burlingame to TABLE the appointment to the Personnel Board; seconded by Councilor Reichert. B. Personnel a. Part time Transfer Station Monitors - Discussion and/or action Gary Treml, Director of Public Works, asked the Council to table this appointment. MOTION was made by Councilor G. Steere to TABLE the appointment of Part time Transfer Station Monitors; seconded by Councilor Reichert. Page 3 of 12

4 C. Kent Property Use - Update - Discussion and/or action Councilor G. Steere stated that the septic design was submitted but was rejected by the Department of Environmental Management. Councilor G. Steere noted that DEM is requiring a sand filter design due to the water table. Councilor W. Steere stated that Diane Brennan, Finance Director, has been working on how to fund the project while waiting for reimbursement from the State. Councilor Reichert asked how the new design would affect the project financially. Councilor G. Steere replied that it would change substantially. Councilor W. Steere asked if there are other options which would not include a septic system, such as portable facilities to be used at events. Councilor G. Steere expressed his opinion that if we are going to have a building, there should be restrooms. Councilor G. Steere stated that the Committee will be meeting soon to discuss the matter. VIII. New Business A. Land Trust Hunting Rules & Regulations 2014/ Discussion and/or action Discussion: Councilor W. Steere stated that the Council has received the Land Trust s rules and regulations for this year. Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk, noted that there are no changes proposed from the previous year s regulations. MOTION was made by Councilor Reichert to APPROVE the 2014/2015 Land Trust Properties/Sprague Farm Complex Hunting Regulations as adopted by the Glocester Land Trust; seconded by Councilor G. Steere. Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk, has informed the Council there is no change proposed from what Council approved last year to the Conservation properties Rules & Regulations re: Williams Mills Conservation Property. J. Fecteau requested that the Council ratify the regulations at the next meeting, but allow her to issue permits beginning tomorrow. J. Fecteau commented that both the Land Trust and Conservation Commission have questioned the need for Council approval, adding that she responded that since her office will be issuing the permits, she would be more comfortable having Council approval. There was Council consensus to place Williams Mills rules and regulations on the next Town Council agenda for ratification. B. Personnel 1. Employee Request for Family Medical Leave Act - Discussion and/or action Gary Treml, Director of Public Works, explained that one of his employees suffered a heart attack recently and his sick time will soon be exhausted. The employee is requesting to be placed on Family Medical Leave. MOTION was made by Councilor Reichert to AUTHORIZE the Individual (Public Works Page 4 of 12

5 Employee) be approved for Family Medical Leave Act on an as needed basis; seconded by Councilor G. Steere. C. Election 2014: Polling Locations - Discussion and/or action Councilor W. Steere stated that the polling locations for this year s elections are different due to the fact that the State has determined that the Town Hall is no longer a suitable polling place. Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk, commented that we have done the best we could with the few available polling locations in Town, and explained that redistricting in 2012 caused there to be too many voters for the Town Hall to accommodate. J. Fecteau stated that she published Voting District Maps to assist voters in determining their polling locations. J. Fecteau stated that she has received many calls from voters who object to having to drive past a polling place to get to their designated location. J. Fecteau stated that she replied that there is nothing she can do about it, and if it is a hardship for the voter, they are able to vote by mail ballot. J. Fecteau stated that after the election, she and the Council could work together to express their displeasure to the State. Councilor W. Steere read the following letter from the Board of Elections into the record: On 4/ I inspected Precinct 1301 Council Chambers at Glocester Town Hall. Upon measuring the room I discovered there was roughly 1,056 square feet of useable space for voting. The precinct has 2,512 active voters which requires 15 voting booths per R.I.G.L For a precinct of this size, the Board of Elections recommends 1,700 square feet of useable space to accommodate for voting booths, voting equipment, poll workers and voters. I gave my findings to Bob Rapoza, as he and Bob Kando had a meeting scheduled with the Glocester Board of Canvassers. After their meeting, I was asked to return to Glocester as polling places were going to be changed around and the Town Hall Council Chambers would no longer be used. Gregory McBurney (end of letter) Lauren Niedel-Gresh, next State Committeewoman for the District, stated many voters do not know about the change in polling locations. Jean Fecteau noted that polling locations have been changed many times and voters should check before they vote. L. Niedel-Gresh suggested that a message be sent out via Code Red and asked if people will be getting a written notification. L. Niedel-Gresh commented that the map that was published in the Bargain Buyer was difficult to understand. Councilor W. Steere stated that the notice directed voters to call the Town Hall if they had any questions. L. Niedel-Gresh stated that in the past, postcards were sent out. J. Fecteau replied that notices are only mailed when districts change, but not for polling place changes, which could occur every election. L. Niedel-Gresh voice her opinion that although these changes were implemented by the State, voters may be disenfranchised. Councilor Page 5 of 12

6 Burlingame stated his opinion that the map in the Bargain Buyer was clear, and people must accept responsibility for themselves. Councilor Burlingame further stated that he does not want the Town to be on the receiving end of a problem caused by the State. J. Fecteau stated that she will send out a Code Red announcement on Friday and again on Monday, the day before the Primary. Councilor W. Steere stated that these are valid concerns, but the Clerk s office has done all they can to get the information out to the voters. Russell Gross stated that he found the color-coded map to be easy to use. Rose LaVoie stated that she could not find her polling place on the map, but she had the sense to call the Town Hall and ask. R. LaVoie stated that people have to take responsibility for their own actions. D. Planning Department - Extend Former Planner hours on an as-needed basis Discussion and/or action Councilor G. Steere stated that he has spoken with Tim Inacio, Town Planner, who has indicated that there are many projects coming up. Councilor G. Steere asked if there is the possibility of having Ray Goff, former Town Planner, assist as needed, but not on a regular basis. Councilor G. Steere stated that this would give T. Inacio a tool to use if he needs it. Councilor Burlingame agreed that there is a lot going on and it would be a good idea for a couple of months. Councilor W. Steere suggested that this be extended until the end of October only. Councilor Reichert agreed, stating that T. Inacio has a good handle on things, but this would give him the option to receive assistance if necessary. Tim Inacio, Town Planner, stated that R. Goff has been extremely helpful and it is always good to have a second set of eyes to review certain plans. MOTION was made by Councilor G. Steere to approve the continuation of the employment of the former Town Planner Ray Goff on an as needed basis effective to the end of October. The rate of pay will remain the same as the agreement made on July 17, 2014 and all hours will be reviewed by the Council in order to process payment. The decision to have Ray Goff s assistance will be the call of the Town Planner; seconded by Councilor Reichert. Discussion: Councilor W. Steere asked if October, 2014 should be specified. Tim Kane, Assistant Town Solicitor, replied in the affirmative. Councilor G. Steere withdrew his motion and Councilor Reichert withdrew his second. MOTION was made by Councilor G. Steere to approve the continuation of the employment of the former Town Planner Ray Goff on an as needed basis effective to the end of October, The rate of pay will remain the same as the agreement made on July 17, 2014 and all hours will be reviewed by the Council in order to process payment. The decision to have Ray Goff s assistance will be the call of the Town Planner; seconded by Councilor Reichert. Page 6 of 12

7 E. Boards & Commissions 1. Parade Committee a. Resignation 1. One regular member appointment - Discussion and/or action Councilor W. Steere stated that the Council has received the resignation of Lauren Kitson from the Parade Committee. MOTION was made by Councilor G. Steere to ACCEPT the resignation of Lauren Kitson from the Parade Committee; seconded by Councilor Reichert. b. Appointments 1. One regular member appointment - Discussion and/or action Councilor W. Steere stated that the Clerk has checked with the Chair of the Parade Committee to see if any ad hoc members could be moved up. There has been no response at this time. MOTION was made by Councilor G. Steere to TABLE the Appointment of one regular voting member to the Parade Committee; seconded by Councilor Burlingame. 2. F/G Juvenile Hearing Three positions Councilor W. Steere stated that there are two expired regular three year positions and 1 oneyear alternate position. The Clerk has checked with those members and all wish to be reappointed. MOTION was made by Councilor G. Steere to REAPPOINT Joseph Peters & John Pitocco to the Foster/Glocester Juvenile Hearing Board for three year terms to expire 9/30/2017 and to REAPPOINT Christopher VanPelt to a one year Alternate position to expire 9/30/2015; seconded by Councilor Reichert. Page 7 of 12

8 IX. Council Correspondence/Discussion A. Councilor W. Steere stated that the issue of Richard Tarlaian s property being taxed in two towns was inadvertently omitted from the agenda, therefore the Council can discuss the matter but cannot take action. Discussion: Tim Kane, Assistant Town Solicitor, stated that he has reviewed the matter and the town officials in Burrillville want a practical solution to the problem. T. Kane stated that there is concern that it may cause a ripple effect with other properties on the Burrillville/Glocester Town line. T. Kane noted that Burrillville is willing to waive any back taxes on the Tarlaians property. T. Kane stated that he feels that the problem goes back to the survey done in 1989 when the surveyor did not take the time to locate the town boundary. T. Kane commented that when it was a large tract of vacant land, nobody cared, but when houses were built, it became an issue. T. Kane recommended that this be placed on the next agenda and that the Tax Assessors for the two towns get together in the meantime to review the map. B. Councilor W. Steere stated that the Council received correspondence from the West Glocester Fire Department with regard to reflective markers which are available for $ C. Councilor W. Steere stated that a letter was received from the Department of Health regarding a Use Waiver Application for public water supply. D. Councilor W. Steere stated that an invitation to the Pawtucket Arts Festival was received from the Mayor of Pawtucket. E. Councilor W. Steere stated that a letter was received from a resident of Elbow Rock Road with regard to the condition of the road. X. Department Head Report/Discussion A. Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk, stated that she has spoken with a Town resident who would like to hold several special events per year on his property. The events would be ATV races sponsored by an association. J. Fecteau stated that the resident drew out a map with a general layout of the property which will be forwarded to the Solicitor and the Council for review. J. Fecteau stated that she met with Mr. Tarlaian today and she is glad that there is a possible solution; however, she feels that this is a Town issue and is Page 8 of 12

9 concerned that it was allowed to happen to one of our residents. B. Diane Brennan, Finance Director, reported that Standards & Poor has given Glocester an upgrade from AA stable to AA+ stable and the Finance Department has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence. Councilor W. Steere commented that there are very few towns in Rhode Island with such a high rating and stated that it is a group effort of all Town employees and Boards and Commissions. XI. None. XII. Bds. and Commissions/Discussion Open Forum A. Councilor W. Steere spoke regarding the Our Town project by PBS. Councilor W. Steere stated that a meeting was held at the Library which was very well-attended. Councilor W. Steere commented that this is quite an opportunity for Glocester residents to be able to tell people about our town. Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk, noted that PBS will be setting up on the Town Hall lawn for several days to allow people to stop by and tell their stories. Councilor W. Steere stated that one of our volunteers, Matt Salisbury, has done a lot of work with regard to the flags that are mounted on the poles in the village. Councilor W. Steere stated that M. Salisbury has spent $50 on supplies and Councilor W. Steere asked if the Council could reimburse those funds. Councilor W. Steere spoke about election season and suggested that the candidates for Town Council donate to the Food Pantry instead of spending money on political signs. B. Councilor G. Steere asked if the doors to the Town Hall could be unlocked. Councilor W. Steere replied that due to recent events, some of the doors are locked for the safety of the employees and the public. Councilor W. Steere noted that these safety measures were directed by Public Safety, not the Town Clerk or the Council. C. Rose LaVoie stated that she agrees that the doors to the Town Hall should all be unlocked. R. LaVoie stated that she had an appointment with the Tax Assessor and had to walk a long way to gain entrance to the building. R. LaVoie stated that the Council should put it to a vote. R. LaVoie spoke about the Kent Property project. R. LaVoie suggested that before spending a lot of money, we should have a written plan with an estimate of cost. R. LaVoie commented that the $30,000 grant will barely cover the septic system and she feels that the voters should decide whether to spend taxpayer money on the project. Page 9 of 12

10 R. LaVoie stated that it is wonderful that of all the villages in Rhode Island, Chepachet will be the first one to be highlighted on PBS. R. LaVoie further stated that the RI Historic Preservation Commission will be holding their convention in Glocester next April. R. LaVoie stated that over 500 people are expected to attend, adding that this will be good for local businesses. D. Marie Sweet, representing the Glocester Heritage Society, stated that Heritage Day will be held on September 21 st. E. Lauren Niedel-Gresh stated that it is difficult to ride a bike in the Village and requested that bike racks be installed at several locations such as Citizens Bank and Town Hall. L. Niedel-Gresh stated that this would allow bike-riders to park and walk through the Village. L. Niedel-Gresh also suggested that bike racks be replaced at the schools. Councilor W. Steere replied that the Council can look into the Village, but anything pertaining to the schools must go through the Regional School District. L. Niedel-Gresh suggested that there be a meet and greet with the candidates for local office. It was stated that in the past, the Glocester Business Association has conducted this type of event. F. Richard Tarlaian, of White Pine Drive, stated that he would like to know what prompted Burrillville to change the town line in Mr. Tarlaian stated that he is bringing up this issue now because the last tax sale notice he received was the last straw and was very upsetting to him and his wife. R. Tarlaian expressed his opinion that the town of Burrillville did something unlawful. R. Tarlaian asked if something went into the State Archives when the towns of Burrillville and Glocester split. If so, R. Tarlaian asked who would be the proper town entity to investigate this. R. Tarlaian stated that he met with the Town Clerk today and she was extremely helpful, but he feels that the State Archives should be researched. R. Tarlaian expressed concern that there is a conflict of interest regarding Tim Kane representing both Burrillville and Glocester. Tim Kane, Assistant Town Solicitor, replied that with all due respect, that is up to the discretion of the client, and Mr. Tarlaian is not the client in this case. T. Kane stated that he is trying to find a solution, but he has no control over what the Burrillville Tax Assessor did in Councilor W. Steere noted that the Council cannot take action because this was not on the agenda, but more research will be done prior to the next meeting. G. Tom Sanzi asked if proper notice was given to voters regarding redistricting. Councilor W. Steere replied that there have been numerous advertisements in the last two (2) weeks. T. Sanzi stated that he feels that the voters should have had at least a month s notice and suggested that the Council send a letter to the State to that effect. T. Sanzi stated that when people arrive at the Town Hall and discover that it is no longer a polling place, they will just go home and not cast their ballot. Page 10 of 12

11 H. Councilor W. Steere referred to the Transfer Station policy on tire disposal and asked what he should do if somebody dumps tires on his property. Gary Treml, Public Works Director, stated that this has been an ongoing problem. G. Treml stated that people call the DPW to report that there are tires on the side of the road and he suspects that this will happen more frequently when the policy is put into action. G. Treml suggested that if a resident sees somebody dumping tires, they should call the Police. XIII. Seek to Convene to Executive Session Pursuant to: MOTION was made by Councilor Burlingame to Convene to Executive Session pursuant to: A. - R.I.G.L (a)(5) Land Acquisition - Discussion and/or action and B. - R.I.G.L (a)(2) Potential Litigation (State Pension law suit); seconded by Councilor G. Steere. XIV. Reconvene Open Session MOTION was made by Councilor Burlingame to reconvene open session and to disclose that one (1) vote was taken in Executive Session; seconded by Councilor Reichert: MOTION was made by Councilor G. Steere to SEAL the minutes of Executive Session: seconded by Councilor Burlingame Vote taken: That the Town of Glocester remain in the lawsuit regarding Pension Litigation as a dormant or passive defendant, but will be able to participate in settlement discussion and to participate in the lawsuit as the Town sees fit. Unanimous Ayes. Motion passed. XV. Adjourn MOTION was made by Councilor Reichert to ADJOURN at 9:26 p.m.; seconded by Councilor G. Steere. Page 11 of 12

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