June 15 Town Council Meeting:
- Christopher Clarkin received a Certificate of Achievement from the Town Council for obaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
- Leona Farrant received a Certificate of Achievement for reaching the age of 100.
- James F. Cairns received a Certificate of Appreciation for his many years of services to the Town.
- Accomodations were made to facilitate the clean-up of Kings Factory Road by Josh Hedin and Boy Scout Troop 15.
LeBlanc Property Acquisition: The Town Council began with a discussion of the recent information regarding the property, including advisory opinions by Town commissions and appraisal. They expressed a variety of opinions regarding their interest in the benefits and cost of the land purchase. The Council voted to have the Town Administrator send a letter to Mr. LeBlanc expressing their interest to discuss the purchase of his property.
New Business:
Members of the Frosty Drew Board of Directors made a presentation about the “dark sky” at Ninigret Park and the surrounding Charlestown area. Here are two websites that provide information about dark sky. You can also visit the Frosty Drew Website.
Deborah Tanner, Director of the Southern Rhode Island Volunteers (SRIV) presented information to the Town Council about current renovations to the Senior/Community Center. Staff offices on the ground floor are being renovated and the meeting room on the ground floor will also be renovated. There will be major renovations on the second floor where the SRIV offices are being constructed. When the renovations are complete, the Senior/Community Center will be the new home for SRIV. If you need a volunteer or would like to provide volunteer services please contact SRIV.
Senior Center Staff Reorganization: Town Council member Slattery addressed the concerns raised by residents about the reduction and consolidation of staff at the Senior/Community Center. The consolidation resulted in the elimination of a paid meals-on-wheels position (12 hours) which will return to a volunteer position. Two administrative positions have been combined into one five-day position. A new staff person will be hired to replace the two administrative positions that are being vacated. Michelle Vekakis, the Center Director will remain in her current position.
Beach Structure Ad-Hoc Committee: As a result of the June Budget Referendum which approved the funding for the construction of two new beach facilities, this Committee has been re-activated. An RFP for engineering, surveying and permitting services has been mailed to Rhode Island engineering firms and the Committee hopes to have all permits in hand by the end of 2011.
Wastewater Ordinance #340: The Wastewater Commission presented their proposed ordinance for adoption by the Town Council. The Ordinance proposes that property owners that are required to repair their septic system (now called an On-site Wastewater Treatment System - OWTS), may use a less costly method then the RIDEM required de-nitrification system. The Town has provided data to RIDEM that the proposed less-costly system combined with a faster schedule for repair/ replacement will result in a greater reduction in nitrogen entering the Town’s groundwater. Part of this proposal requires the Town to set up a monitoring program to document the performance of the Town’s proposed system.
Charlestown residents attending the meeting addressed specific language in the proposed ordinance that would result in a loss of the use of their property. Members of the Wastewater Commission suggested that they revise the proposed ordinance and bring it back to the Council at a later date.
The Town Council approved a request for a Class F liquor license for the Rhythm & Roots Festival to be held on September 2nd through the 4th.
The Town Council heard a petition made by James Mageau requesting indemnification for legal fees in the amount of $20,000.00 for activites conducted by Mr. Mageau while serving on the Town Council in July of 2008. Solicitor Ruggiero recommended that the Council obtain more information from Mr. Mageau prior to addressing this issue.
Appointments and Resignations:
Joseph Quadrato was appointed to the Charter Revision Advisory Committee.
Susan Ferrio was appointed to the Affordable Housing Commission.
Bruce Picard resigned from the Ninigret Park Dog Park Facility Subcommittee.
Mary O’Connor was appointed to the Charter Revision Advisory Board.
An indemnification request submitted by the Town Administrator for indemnification for himself, Richard Sartor, Chief Jack Shippee, Stephen McCandless, Council members Avedisian and Frank for a lawsuit filed by Lisa DiBello was heard by the Council. Solicitor Ruggiero explained to the Council that their exists a potential conflict of interest on this issue for Council members Avedisian, Frank and DiBello and that the three Council members need to seek an advisory opinion from the Ethics Commission to obtain a hardship provision. Attorney Ruggiero informed the Council that Council members Frank and Avedisian have submitted letters to the Ethics Commission requesting an opinion and a letter needs to be submitted by Council Member DiBello. The matter was continued until a solution can be established.
Other News:
Successful Concert at Ninigret Park! Forever Young performed a free concert at Ninigret Park on Sunday evening, June 26th attracting over 300 people. This concert was sponsored by the Washington Trust Bank and was the first of a series of Free Concerts and Movies that will take place at Ninigret Park over the summer. Their will be three more Concerts in July and two in August on Sunday Evenings. The next group will be the Occidental Gypsy Jazz Band on July 17th, at 5:30 pm.
The first Friday night movie is July 29th at 8:00 pm. featuring Shrek Forever After sponsored by Crotty Bodyworks, LLC. Campers will be allowed to camp in the park the night of this movie but will be required to register with the Parks and Recreation Department.
