Town budget,
CDBG grants, Chariho withdrawal, mining ordinance and sale of town right-of-way
on the agenda
By Will Collette
The Council will take its first official
action on the proposed budget for FY2015 which starts July 1. The only action
needed at the Monday meeting is to accept the budget and set it for public
hearing on May 4. The budget is less than last year by a lot - $2.6 million –
but only because we made a couple of large, one-time-only payments by paying
off the loan on the Police Station construction before it was due and paying
cash for road work.The Budget Commission is recommending a budget that calls for the town to collect $23,197,455 in taxes for next year, compared to $22,712,264 which was budgeted to be collected for the current year. That's an anticipated increase in tax collections of $485,191. At the same time, because of the town-wide revaluation, Charlestown's property tax base shrunk by $60 million.
So once again, the tax rate will rise, this time to an estimated $9.87 per thousand in assessed value, up from $9.46 currently. Your actual bottom line will depend on how much your assessment changed when you received your new revaluation number in the letter sent to you by Tax Assessor Ken Swain. As more information about the budget and from the Tax Assessor's office comes out, we'll know more.
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| From the Tax Assessor website |
The Council will also discuss its
priorities for what local projects to propose for funding with federal
Community Development Block Grant funds. This annual item usually sparks some
interesting debate.
The Council will continue the public
hearing on the town’s ordinance to control quarries and sand pits. After
hearing lots of resistance from quarry owners and suggestions from neighbors of
these quarries, the version the Council will discuss on Monday is dramatically
different and, in my opinion, greatly improved from the version originally sent
to it by the Planning Commission.
Toward the end of the agenda, the
Council will discuss the merits of selling a 5-foot wide strip of town-owned beach
access to neighboring beach property owners, many of whom are non-residents, who feel that members of the public misuse that strip of land when they go to the beach and trespass on their land.
I don't like the idea of the town selling off public access to the beach. Public access to the beach is a long-standing issue in Rhode Island and is currently being litigated in Westerly. This deal gives the appearance of favoritism to beach property owners over public beach goers.
However, the CCA Party owes its existence to the generous campaign contributions of the non-residents who get priority service from the town.
However, the CCA Party owes its existence to the generous campaign contributions of the non-residents who get priority service from the town.
Before the public portion of the meeting
starts, the Council will meet in private Executive Session to discuss
litigation with Shelter Cove Properties and potentially suing the owners of 372
Charlestown Beach Road. They are listed as Hugh, Anna and Francis Jones and the
property is shown on the tax assessor’s website as a boarded up structure that
was “destroyed by fire.”
The regular Council
session starts at 7 PM in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. The actual order
of business is shown below. Links to
agenda documents will be added in later as they become available on Clerkbase.
1. CALL TO
ORDER, Moment of Silence, Pledge of Allegiance
2. ROLL CALL
Motion to move items 17e, 15e, 18a, 9c, 18b and 12 to
be heard next on the Agenda and to move item 15a to be heard before item
9a.
17. APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
e. Discussion and potential
action regarding the acceptance of the resignation of Ellen A. Hefler from
the position of Deputy Town Clerk, effective May 2, 2014. NOTE: best wishes to Ellen on her retirement. She was always
friendly and helpful, often above and beyond the call of duty. I’m sorry to see
her go.
15. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND
PROCLAMATIONS
e. Discussion and potential
action regarding the Proclamation of April as Donate Life Month
18. FISCAL MATTERS
a. Discussion and potential
action regarding the adoption of a tentative 2014-2015 Budget and potential warrant items
for presentation at the Budget Public Hearing on May 5, 2014 (per Charter
C-81).
The Council will officially receive the new budget for the first
time and will send it forward to the May public hearing which will then be
followed by a town referendum.
On the surface, the budget is $3 million less
than last year, but in fact, that $3 million reflects the Council’s decision to
spend $3 million to pay off the loan on the Police Station BEFORE it was due
and for road repairs, instead of using bonds. Those two expenses last year were
one-time-only. We’ll have more detailed, separate coverage of the budget later.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
c. Public hearing and potential
action regarding the Community Development Block Grant –
18. FISCAL MATTERS
b. Discussion and potential
action regarding the use of CDBG funds to provide deferred loans for the replacement of Mobile Homes
12. CONSENT AGENDA
All items marked with “CA” are to be considered consent agenda
Motion to accept, approve and place on file the following as
the consent agenda: 11a, 11b, 11c, 13a, 13b, 15c, 15d, 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 18c,
18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, and 18j.
These are items considered non-controversial (sort of) and are
handled as a bloc, voted on without discussion or debate. Councilor Lisa
DiBello usually pulls one or two items from the list for discussion. Councilor
Dan Slattery sometimes pulls an item or two as well.
Notice item #17.c. buried in the consent agenda below (I've highlighted it in yellow). This bit of pointless detritus from last month's meeting should be out in the open, not buried as it is.
11. LICENSES AND PERMITS
“CA” a. Discussion and potential action regarding the approval of
the following events at Ninigret Park with a recommendation from the Parks
and Recreation Commission, subject to review of contracts by the Town
Solicitor, receipt of all applicable paperwork and insurance and that all event
details are satisfactorily met by the Parks and Recreation Director:
1. Event: NBX Cycling Club
Summer Training Series
Event Dates: Wednesday evenings; April 16, 2014 to August 27,
2014; 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Camping: None
Insurance: $1 Million General Liability
Fee: (see below)
· $100.00 use
of Kimball Pavilion fee, due at time of application, to be used for
registration purposes, day one
· Sixteen
dates as prescribed by schedule. No rain dates prescribed or available and
schedule subject to change if the Parks and Recreation Department deems it
necessary for any reason, i.e. weather, condition of course, scheduling
conflicts, etc.
· NBX
calculates the number of riders per week and provides email information as to
attendance weekly
· NBX
calculates total number of riders for the 16 date season, multiplying by $2.00
per rider for total calculation
· Payment is
due within 14 days of the conclusion of the season
2. Event: Charlestown Elementary
School Walk-a-thon, Charlestown PTO
Event Dates: May 24, 2014
Camping: None
Insurance: $1 Million General Liability
Fee: Waived
3. Event: Run for Freedom – Joy
Fellowship Assembly of God
Event Dates: June 7, 2014; 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Camping: None
Insurance: $1 Million General Liability
Fee: Waived
4. Event: Ocean State Summer
Cup, Chariho High School Girls Soccer Team
Event Dates: Tuesday evenings; June 24, 2014 to August 28, 2014;
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Camping: None
Insurance: $1 Million General Liability
Fee: Waived
“CA” b. Discussion and potential action regarding the approval of
the following events at Wicklund Park with a recommendation from
the Parks and Recreation Commission, subject to review of contracts by the Town
Solicitor, receipt of all applicable paperwork and insurance and that all event
details are satisfactorily met by the Parks and Recreation Director:
1. Event: Chariho Girls
Softball League
Event Dates: April 15, 2014 to August 30, 2014
Camping: None
Insurance: $1 Million General Liability
Fee: Waived
“CA” c. Discussion and potential action regarding the approval of
the following events at Puchalski Field with a recommendation
from the Parks and Recreation Commission, subject to review of contracts by the
Town Solicitor, receipt of all applicable paperwork and insurance and that all
event details are satisfactorily met by the Parks and Recreation Director:
1. Event: Chariho Cowboy
2014 Season
Event Dates: Sundays; from September 7, 2014 to November 23, 2014
(Weeknights from August 1, 2014 to September 12, 2014; Saturdays from August 1,
2014 to November 22, 2014)
Camping: None
Insurance: $1 Million General Liability
Fee: Waived
13. MINUTES AND REPORTS
“CA” a. Town Council Minutes:
“CA” b. Reports:
Building Official – March 2014; Police Chief – March 2014; Public Works Director – March 2014; Town Clerk – March 2014; Treasurer – February 2014
15. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND
PROCLAMATIONS
“CA” c. Discussion and potential action regarding a Resolution
Supporting a Moratorium on Comprehensive Permit Applications, similar to
Council resolution passed on November 12, 2013. This is old news and now, with new pro-business
leadership in the House of Reps, even more of a futile gesture.
“CA” d. Discussion and potential action on a Resolution thanking Dan
Beardsley for his 40 years of service to the Rhode Island League of Cities and
Towns
17. APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
“CA” a. Discussion and potential action regarding the acceptance
of the resignation of Donna Greene from the Parks and Recreation
Commission with regret
“CA” b. Discussion and potential action regarding the acceptance
of the resignation of Kim Freni
from the Board of Canvassers with regret
“CA” c. Discussion and potential action regarding the appointment of Linda Philips, Ronald J. Areglado and Christopher J. Sheehan to
the Ad Hoc Chariho Withdrawal Committee, term to run concurrent with
Council terms.
This
is the ridiculous outcome of Councilor Dan Slattery’s call to arms against the
other two Chariho towns for daring to suggest changes in the Chariho Act. This
whole issue is classic Slattery – overblown, overwrought puffery based on
half-truths and designed to create new, imaginary demons that Deputy Dan can
ride out and slay.
Slattery's blood started to blood when the Richmond Town Council got Rep. Larry Valencia to introduce two bills regarding Chariho that Slattery doesn't like. I doubt this bills were anything more than "by request" bills when they were introduced, but after Gordon Fox was bounced as Speaker of the House and replaced by Nick Mattiello, all hope for these bills died - Larry supported Mattiello's opponent and will be punished by having his bills die in committee.
Besides, the state would not allow Chariho to break apart unless it's in the STATE'S self-interest for Chariho to be dismantled. Slattery probably knows all this, but he's not one to let any crisis - real or imagined - go to waste.
Slattery's blood started to blood when the Richmond Town Council got Rep. Larry Valencia to introduce two bills regarding Chariho that Slattery doesn't like. I doubt this bills were anything more than "by request" bills when they were introduced, but after Gordon Fox was bounced as Speaker of the House and replaced by Nick Mattiello, all hope for these bills died - Larry supported Mattiello's opponent and will be punished by having his bills die in committee.
Besides, the state would not allow Chariho to break apart unless it's in the STATE'S self-interest for Chariho to be dismantled. Slattery probably knows all this, but he's not one to let any crisis - real or imagined - go to waste.
And since this whole thing is based on ridiculous puffery,
what better person to name to the committee than the Right Honorable Ron
Areglado, the CCA Party’s patronage appointee to the Chariho School Committee.
This subject is on the "consent agenda" so none of this will actually be discussed. The Council will simply vote to create a ridiculous, useless committee to give Slattery another toy to play with.
This subject is on the "consent agenda" so none of this will actually be discussed. The Council will simply vote to create a ridiculous, useless committee to give Slattery another toy to play with.
“CA” d. Discussion and potential action regarding the appointment
of Anne Mullhall to the Friends of Ninigret Park Subcommittee, term
to expire in February of 2017
18. FISCAL MATTERS
“CA” c. Discussion and potential action
regarding the bid award to refurbish the Komatsu WA-30 4 Wheel Loader to PBE
Group in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00, as budgeted, through line item
01.990.9937, and authorization of the Town Administrator and Town Treasurer,
each, to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver such
certificates, receipts or other documents as may be necessary to carry into
effect the foregoing
“CA” d. Discussion and potential action regarding the bid award for
replacement of wainscoting and removal of the wing-walls at Town Hall to V
& M Construction, Inc. in the amount of $15,038.00, with funds to be drawn
from the Capital Improvement Fund, and authorization of the Town Administrator
and Town Treasurer, each, to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver
such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be necessary to carry
into effect the foregoing
“CA” e. Discussion and potential action regarding the award of the
Klondike Rd Phase II bid
to Cardi Corporation
in the amount of $793,337.50.00, as budgeted in line item
70.000.5100.000, with authorization to expend the balance of the budget
approved by Referendum to be available for built-in cost adjustments,
unforeseen conditions on site, line striping and other contingencies after
construction is completed and authorization of the Town Administrator and Town
Treasurer, each, to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver such
certificates, receipts or other documents as may be necessary to carry into
effect the foregoing
“CA” f. Discussion and potential action
regarding the award of the Beach Cleaning Services bid to H.S. Plaut Environmental
Company in the amount of $13,000.00, as budgeted, through line items
01.820.6095 and 01.850.6095 and authorization of the Town Administrator and
Town Treasurer, each, to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver
such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be necessary to carry
into effect the foregoing
“CA” g. Appointment of Tara Welinsky as
Interim Deputy Town Clerk beginning May 5, 2014 until the vacant
position is filled and a permanent appointment is made by the Town Council, to
be paid the hourly wage of the base level of a Deputy Town Clerk according to
the Teamster Local Union No. 251 contract, from budget line item 470-5010 (Public
Records – Town Clerk Wages)
“CA” h. Discussion and potential action
regarding the approval of the CodeRed Emergency Communication Network
two-year extension contract in the amount of $13,020.00 from 01.490.4950.000 to
complete the original agreement from One Call Now dated April 19, 2011
(Emergency Communication Network acquired One Call Now June 1, 2012 and is
honoring the One Call Now contract.) and authorization of the Town
Administrator and Town Treasurer, each, to take any and all such actions, and
execute and deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be
necessary to carry into effect the foregoing
“CA” i. Discussion and potential action
regarding the approval of Beach fees as recommended by the Parks and
Recreation Commission as follows:
Season Passes:
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Resident/Taxpayer Beach Sticker:
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$45
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Resident/Taxpayer Beach Sticker – Senior:
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$25
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Non Resident (Blue Shutters Only):
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$90
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Non Resident (Blue Shutters Only):
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$50
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Cottage Passes:
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$400
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Daily Entrance Fee:
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Charlestown Beach
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Weekday:
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$15
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Weekend/Holidays:
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$20
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Blue Shutters Beach
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Weekday:
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$15
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Weekend/Holidays:
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$20
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“CA” j. Discussion and potential action
regarding an administrative change of the Community Garden from the Town of Charlestown to Southern Rhode Island Volunteers and authorization of the Town
Administrator and Town Treasurer, each, to take any and all such actions, and
execute and deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be
necessary to carry into effect the foregoing.
3. PUBLIC
COMMENT for items not on the Agenda
4. COUNCIL
COMMENTS
5. PERSONS
WISHING TO BE HEARD
a. Joseph S. Dolock – Memorial Day
Parade
6. ADMINISTRATOR
and COMMISSION REPORTS
a. Town Administrator
b. Commission Reports
7. UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
a. Discussion
and potential action regarding
the Ninigret Park event fee schedule with an advisory opinion from
the Parks and Recreation Commission
8. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion and potential
action regarding the nomination of Colors for a Cause RI
for the Charlestown Community Service Award
for the Charlestown Community Service Award
15. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND
PROCLAMATIONS
a. Discussion and potential
action regarding a Resolution Seeking Amendments to the Rhode Island General Law (Extraction). This resolution asks Charlestown's General Assembly representatives (Rep. Donna Walsh, Senators Cathie Cool Rumsey and Dennis Algiere) to seek a municipal bill that authorizes Charlestown to enact and enforce Ordinance #364, below.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Public hearing and potential
action regarding Ordinance #364 – Chapter 155, Nuisances (Extraction). This is a continuation of the public hearing on
the ordinance to bring Charlestown’s quarries under town regulation for the
first time. The Ordinance was listed as Ordinance #362, but has been greatly
changed and re-numbered as Ordinance #364. I discuss the details in this
ordinance in a separate article (click here)
b. Public Hearing and potential
action regarding the sale and/or disposal of Map 9, Lot 19 (Charlestown Beach
Road).
Charlestown is considering cutting off a town owned right-of-way to Charlestown Town Beach in order to resolve complaints about trespass by people using the right-of-way. Those complaints come from beach property owners around that right of way, many of whom are non-residents. I think the town should give its first priority to protecting public access - and address the complaints from property owners over illegal conduct through the police.
Charlestown is considering cutting off a town owned right-of-way to Charlestown Town Beach in order to resolve complaints about trespass by people using the right-of-way. Those complaints come from beach property owners around that right of way, many of whom are non-residents. I think the town should give its first priority to protecting public access - and address the complaints from property owners over illegal conduct through the police.
10. COUNCIL SITTING AS BEVERAGE LICENSING
BOARD
a. Motion to
order advertised for public hearing on
May 12, 2014 at 7:00 pm, the following applications for beverage license:
Charlestown Chamber of Commerce d/b/a Charlestown Chamber of Commerce 30th Annual Seafood Festival
for Class F Liquor License for the 30th Annual Charlestown Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival
to be held at Ninigret Park on August 1-alcohol served 12:00 pm until 10:00 pm,
August 2-alcohol served 11:00 am until 10:00 pm, August 3-alcohol served 11:00
am until 9:00 pm.
14. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Board and Commission
vacancies
15. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND
PROCLAMATIONS
b. Discussion and potential
action on a Plastic Bag Ban Resolution. This was on last month’s agenda but was not discussed for lack of
time.
f. Discussion and
potential action regarding a Resolution on Fortified Building Codes forResidential and Commercial Buildings The attachments to this resolution offer lots of very good detail on how to storm-proof structures. If you're thinking of a retrofit, this is essential reading.
16. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS – None
19. LEGAL MATTERS – None
20. ADJOURNMENT