At a meeting of the Town Council holden in and for the Town of Glocester on January 2, 2014:

Transcription

1 At a meeting of the Town Council holden in and for the Town of Glocester on January 2, 2014: I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. II. Roll Call Members Present: Also present: Walter M. O. Steere, III, President; William E. Reichert, Vice-President; George O. (Buster) Steere; Edward C. Burlingame; and Steven A. Sette. Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk; Tim Kane, Assistant Town Solicitor; Joseph DelPrete, Chief of Police; Gary Treml, Director of Public Works; and George Charette, Mark Karmozyn and Russell Gross, members of the Glocester Land Trust. III. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. IV. Open Forum - Agenda Items Chris Hebert, Committee Chair for Scout Troop 44, stated that he will address the Council after the Eagle Scout Citation is presented. V. Citation - Eagle Scout Recognition Councilor W. Steere stated that we have a Scout that has been elevated to Eagle Scout and on January 12, 2014, the following Citation, will be presented to Patrick Wahl: Councilor Sette read the following: Citation of the Glocester Town Council for Patrick Wahl in recognition of achieving the highest ranking honor of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America To achieve this award Patrick did work diligently and consistently for several years, has been a leader of other young men and a follower of good example in Scouting. Patrick also completed a service project which benefitted the Town of Glocester. The Town Council, Town Clerk and citizens of Glocester are proud to have Patrick Wahl as a member of their community. Walter M. O. Steere, III, President Glocester Town Council Jean M. Fecteau, CMC, Town Clerk Entered into record this 2 nd day of January, seconded by Councilor G. Steere. Page 1 of 7

2 Discussion: Chris Hebert expressed hope that members of the Town Council will be in attendance to present the Citation on January 12 th at the Chepachet Union Church. C. Hebert commented that Patrick Wahl was recognized by the School Committee as one of three (3) National Merit finalists from Ponaganset High School and further stated that he has been accepted to MIT. C. Hebert noted that there will be seven (7) more Eagle Scouts within the next three (3) months. VI. Wreaths Across America A. Presentation: Resolution # (previously read into the record) Update on 2013 Event - Discussion and/or action Councilor W. Steere stated that this was previously read and adopted on November 22, 2013: Councilor Reichert read the Resolution into the record: RESOLUTION # WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA WHEREAS: Wreaths Across America began as the Arlington Wreath Project in 1992 by Morrill Worcester with the donation and laying of 5,000 Christmas wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. Since that time, the program has grown and now includes wreath laying at hundreds of cemeteries in our country, as well as overseas, to honor our Veterans; and WHEREAS: this program has reached out to thousands of children and young adults each year with the message of REMEMBER, HONOR, and TEACH. This message stresses the importance of honoring each fallen serviceman and woman as an individual, with the goal of someday ensuring there is a wreath adorning every veteran s final resting place; and WHEREAS: Ponaganset Middle School, under the direction of Social Studies Teacher, Michael Calenda, has successfully brought Wreaths Across America to the Town of Glocester, with 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; 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 educating our community of the importance in teaching and remembering that the freedoms we enjoy today as Americans came, and continue to come, at a great cost to the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. Military. Thank you Ponaganset Middle School for your dedication to your Town, our Veterans, and for your American spirit. Page 2 of 7

3 Walter M.O. Steere, III Glocester Town Council President Jean M. Fecteau, CMC, Town Clerk Dated this 22 nd Day of November, Seconded and unanimously approved 11/22/2013. Michael Calenda, Ponaganset Middle School teacher, thanked the Council and stated that Wreaths Across America is a fantastic program which has become a community event. M. Calenda stated that he is honored to be a teacher in such a community. M. Calenda stated that there has been discussion regarding placing a permanent Wreaths Across America display at the Town Hall. Councilor W. Steere stated that he and Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk, attended the event and commented that it was incredible. Councilor W. Steere stated that maybe the next event could be videotaped and put on television for those who cannot attend. M. Calenda stated that he would like to make it an evening event to allow more members of the community to attend. Councilor W. Steere presented the Resolution to M. Calenda and thanked him and all those who put their efforts into the program. VII. Consent Items A. Approval of Town Council Minutes of December 19, Discussion / action MOTION was made by Councilor Sette to APPROVE the Town Council minutes of December 19, 2013, with amendments (all references to Councilor G. Steere will be stricken as he was not present at the meeting); seconded by Councilor Reichert. VOTE: AYES: W. Steere, Reichert, Burlingame and Sette. ABSTAIN: G. Steere VIII. Public Hearings A. CONTINUATION Special Event License Request - Discussion and/or action 1. Duane Lockaby, The Nutty Scotsman Inc., d/b/a The Nutty Scotsman Bar & Grill 812 Putnam Pike, Glocester Outdoor Events: May- September, 2014 Councilor W. Steere stated that Mr. Lockaby has requested a continuation to the next Council meeting. MOTION was made by Councilor G. Steere to CONTINUE the Public Hearing for Special Event License Request to the Town Council meeting of January 16, 2014, Applicant: Duane Lockaby, The Nutty Scotsman Inc. d/b/a The Nutty Scotsman Bar & Grill, 812 Putnam Pike; seconded by Councilor Burlingame. Page 3 of 7

4 IX. Unfinished Business A. Appointments 1. Boards and Commissions - Discussion and/or action a. Budget Board One expired three year term to expire 1/2017 Councilor Burlingame stated that he has a possible candidate and asked to table the appointment until the next meeting. It was stated that it is important to fill the vacancy soon because budget season is approaching. MOTION was made by Councilor Reichert to TABLE the appointment to the Budget Board for one expired three year term to expire 1/2017; seconded by Councilor G. Steere. X. New Business A. Tree Warden Appt - January 2014 to January Discussion and/or action Councilor W. Steere stated that this is the annual appointment required by R.I. State Law and that Sandra Shepard has expressed an interest in continuing in this position. MOTION was made by Councilor G. Steere to RE-APPOINT Sandra Shepard to the position of Glocester Tree Warden for a term to expire January 2015; seconded by Councilor Reichert. B. Personnel - Appointment 1. Police Dispatcher - Full time - Discussion and/or action Councilor W. Steere read the following request from Joseph DelPrete, Chief of Police: To: The Honorable Town Council From: Joseph DelPrete, Chief of Police Page 4 of 7

5 Date: December 30, 2013 Ref: Full-time Dispatcher Appointment Cc: Finance Office I am respectfully requesting to appoint John D. Falco, of Glocester, to a full time dispatcher position. This appointment is needed to fill the full time dispatcher vacancy/resignation of Daniel Lefebvre who will be entering the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy on January 5, John Falco has been a member of the Harmony Fire Department for the past (8) eight years and he currently holds the rank of Captain. Mr. Falco was selected from (45) forty five applicants who applied for this full time position. As part of his training for this position, he will also be required to complete a (40) forty hour emergency responder telecommunications course. On Sunday January 12, 2014, I would respectfully request to appoint John D. Falco to a full time dispatcher position at the current salary schedule of $16.99 per hour and six month employee probationary status. His salary will be adjusted with the signing of the new LIUNA Local 1322 dispatcher Town of Glocester contract agreement. Respectfully Submitted, Joseph DelPrete Chief of Police (end of memo) MOTION was made by Councilor Sette to APPOINT John D. Falco to the position of full time Glocester Dispatcher, with a six month employee probationary status, effective January 12, 2014, at the starting salary of $16.99 per hour, to be adjusted with the signing of any future LIUNA Local 1322 contract agreements; seconded by Councilor G. Steere. XI. Council Correspondence/Discussion A. Councilor W. Steere stated that a letter was received from the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island requesting a donation. B. Councilor W. Steere stated that an aid request was received from Boy Scout Troop 44. It was stated that the requests will be forwarded to the Budget Committee. Page 5 of 7

6 C. Councilor W. Steere stated that correspondence was received from Local Union 1322 regarding the appointment of a new steward. D. Councilor W. Steere reminded the Council members and Department Heads that the next Department Head meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 6 th at 8:30 a.m. Councilor Burlingame volunteered to chair the meeting. XII. Department Head Report/Discussion Bds. & Commissions - Discussion A. Jean Fecteau, Town Clerk, stated that the Director of Human Services wishes to hire two (2) drivers on an as-needed basis as several of her current drivers are unable to work due to various reasons. J. Fecteau noted that the candidates have had background checks and physicals and have met the necessary qualifications for the position. Judy Branch, Director of Human Services, has requested that she be able to use the drivers prior to the next Council meeting. There was Council consensus to grant the permission and to ratify the appointments at the next meeting. Jean Fecteau stated that the first meeting of the Charter Review Commission is scheduled for January 9 th. J. Fecteau stated that she will get the meeting started and review the charge of the Commission. J. Fecteau stated that after a Chair is designated, she will turn over the meeting to the Commission. J. Fecteau noted that she has sent s to the Council members, Department Heads, and chairs of Boards and Commissions to notify them that the Charter Review process is beginning and to submit any recommendations they may have. Jean Fecteau reminded the Council members that a meeting is scheduled for January 7 th at 6:00 for interviews. B. Gary Treml, Director of Public Works, spoke concerning the recent problems at the Transfer Station with regard to recycling. G. Treml stated that there had been discussion regarding having somebody present to watch the operation of the recycling area. G. Treml stated that we either have to bite the bullet and hire somebody part-time or just continue to go on as we have been. G. Treml cautioned the Council that the Resource Recovery tipping fees are going to go up and if they go up $20 per ton, it will amount to $60,000. G. Treml stated that he has repeatedly warned that this increase is coming. G. Treml stated the Council will have to decide what to do and asked that they advise him of their decision. Councilor G. Steere stated that he spoke with Jacky in the Finance Office regarding this matter. Councilor G. Steere stated that two (2) part-time employees could work two (2) days each; however if they are laid off after a year, we would have to pay unemployment. Councilor G. Steere stated that another option would be to hire a temporary employee for three (3) months. G. Treml stated that it would not solve the problem. Councilor W. Steere stated that we should have this on the agenda for the next meeting. Page 6 of 7

7 There was discussion regarding the Transfer Station project. G. Treml stated that he will try to put it out as a design-build project vs. hiring an engineer, having it designed and going out to bid. G. Treml stated that he is having a number put together to bring forward to the Budget Board. Councilor Burlingame asked if this has to be a Capital item in next year s budget. G. Treml replied in the affirmative. Councilor Burlingame commented that he agrees with G. Treml s approach. Regarding the situation at the Transfer Station, Councilor Reichert stated that if we do not wish to hire an employee due to benefits, we could hire a security agency for three (3) months. G. Treml stated that he believes it will become confrontational either way. There was Council consensus to place this matter on the next agenda for discussion. G. Treml asked if we have received anything from Factory Mutual with regard to Kent Drive. Tim Kane, Assistant Town Solicitor, stated that he spoke to the attorney today and was told that an agreement is being drawn up. XIII. None. Open Forum XIV. Seek to Convene to Executive Session Pursuant to: MOTION was made by Councilor Sette to Convene to Executive Session pursuant to: R.I.G.L (a) (2) Collective Bargaining: Police Officers Contract & R.I.G.L (a) (5) Potential Acquisition of Property; seconded by Councilor G. Steere. XV. Reconvene Open Session (Disclose votes taken in Executive Session) MOTION was made by Councilor Sette to reconvene Open Session and to seal the minutes of Executive Session (no votes were taken); seconded by Councilor G. Steere. XVI. Adjourn MOTION was made by Councilor G. Steere to ADJOURN at 8:29 p.m.; seconded by Councilor Burlingame. Page 7 of 7