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Friday, March 11, 2016

CCA to push another controversial land deal at Monday Town Council meeting

Consequences of one-party rule in Charlestown become more apparent
By Will Collette

The Charlestown Citizens Alliance (CCA Party), an offspring of the now defunct right-wing RI Statewide Coalition, controls every elected position in Charlestown, including the Town Council and Planning Commission.

That makes controversial spending and giveaway deals a whole lot easier to ramrod through, regardless of the merits or the opposition. 

Such was the case last month when the Council approved a raid on the voter-approved Recreation Bond authorization to put a bicycle track no one needs and a playground that no one asked for into Ninigret Park.

Next Monday, May 14, the CCA-controlled Council will hold a hearing on a plan to spend $600,000 in taxpayer money for a nice, but not all that special piece of land which will be added to Charlestown’s already bloated stock of open space.

The Charlestown Land Trust (CLT), a private non-profit organization in no way part of town government, secured a matching grant from the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for $258,750. The CCA claims the CLT is “donating” this money to the town of Charlestown, so the town should spend another $341 thousand or so to acquire this property.

The DEM would hold a conservation easement on the property and so would the CLT. This is similar to the wheeling and dealing done by the CCA Party and the Land Trust in 2012 when they tried, unsuccessfully, to scam taxpayers into buying the derelict YMCA camp on Watchaug Pond for an inflated price and dubious purpose.

This land deal doesn’t rise to the level of the 2012 Y-Gate scandal, even though there are many similarities.

The property is owned by the Sprague family through their Back Road Holdings LLC. For sale is 27 acres from two lots in Carolina with some frontage on the Pawcatuck. The family plans to retain a section of the land that fronts onto Carolina Back Road.

The two lots are currently assessed at $497,100 and that includes the portion that is not for sale, so let’s figure its tax value is roughly $450,000. According to the appraisal done for the Charlestown Land Trust, the property in the sales offer is worth $517,500 – see for yourself, HERE, at page 10.

But the price we are told we must pay – take it or leave and do it NOW – is $600,000. That’s $150,000 less than the town assessed value and $82,500 less than the Land Trust’s own appraisal. 

Based on the town assessment, we are being asked to pay 33% more than the land is worth; if you use the higher CLT appraisal, the asking price is 16% more than it’s worth.

But wait, sez the CCA Party! It’s a bargain too good to pass up!

And why is it a bargain? Well, first, the Land Trust is “donating” all that money. The CCA is referring to the $258,750 in state taxpayers’ money from DEM – that’s OUR own money – so they can tap the town for another $341,000. 

It’s NOT a donation. It’s a matching grant. And all of it is OUR money, taxpayer money, not the Land Trust’s or the CCA's.

According to the CCA, buying the land means 19 houses won’t be built on the land. Because Back Road Holdings LLC had plans drawn up for a subdivision with 19 houses, they panicked, assuming that in this mushy real estate market, 19 houses would actually get built. The CCA Party makes a lot of assumptions like that. 

I’m more inclined to see the resemblance to the Whalerock property deal where the town spent beaucoup money ($2.1 million) to block a wind turbine project that probably wasn’t going to be built anyway.

CCA thinks children are parasites

As the CCA Party sees it, you can assume that any property NOT locked up as open space automatically becomes high-density housing developments. 

Those high-density housing developments automatically attract young families with lots of Chariho school-aged children. 

Those Chariho kids will automatically spend the rest of their lives going to school at taxpayers’ expense because apparently children in Charlestown never complete schools to begin lives as productive, tax-paying adults.

Those are the assumptions behind the CCA Party’s bizarre, anti-family theory which is part of their sales pitch for this land deal. If you think I’m making this up or exaggerating, read it HERE on the CCA Party website.

The CCA Party’s novel economic theory, hatched by Planning Commissar Ruth Platner and her hubby Cliff Vanover, is that the more land you set aside as open space, the lower the tax rate due to their auto-rug-rat theory about development, families, children and schools.

Ruth and Cliffie have had eight years to test this theory in Charlestown. Let's review how it's worked out.

Consider how much of the land is locked up under federal, state and town ownership, exempt due to ownership by non-profits or religious organizations or tax-favored under conservation easements or the FFOS program that conserves farm, forest and open space.

The Interior Department's map shows that way over 50% of
Charlestown is already locked up for conservation. The yellow
lines indicate the area the feds are considering for the new
wildlife refuge.
And that ain’t all. The US Interior Department is looking to create a new Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge to protect the habitat of the eastern cottontail bunny. Their plan calls for acquiring up to 3,200 acres of land, mostly centered on Charlestown for the new refuge.

If you look at the Fish & Wildlife’s map, included with the plan, note the brown and green areas on that map to see the amount of land in Charlestown currently set aside for conservation. The town now has more than 50% (probably more like +60%) of its land locked up.

Now imagine another few thousand acres taken off the tax base and ask yourself, “where will the town’s revenue come from?”

SCREEN SHOT from the Charlestown Tax
Assessor's webpage on the town website.
Even though Charlestown has taken more and more land off the tax base to exclude families with children from moving to town, our property tax rate has increased each and every single year since 2008 when the CCA Party seized control of town government.

We went from $7.16 in 2008 to $10.11 per $1000 of assessed value this year. That’s an increase of 41%!

If the evidence of your own tax bill isn’t enough to debunk the Platner-Vanover “Kids Are Parasites” Theory, there’s a Bryant University study that carefully studied –and shredded - their theory’s core premise (click here to read it).

The actual land in question is hardly someplace unique and special. See for yourself. The CCA Party and the Land Trust produced a little 3-minute video that presumably casts the property in the best possible light. However, to me, it looked like typical moraine property.

But the Conservation Commission thinks the land would be OK for passive recreation. The Parks & Recreation Commission also signed off. 

I think Charlestown taxpayers need to weigh in on the cost, which instead of being $600,000, should be somewhere around $500,000.

And someone has to say it: how much more of this town’s land can be set aside as open space before the bottom falls out of our tax base?

The official Town Council meeting agenda follows with my snarky comments in Bold Red.


Charlestown Town Council
Regular Meeting
3/14/2016 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
Town Hall   4540 South County Trail   Charlestown, RI 02813
Downloads:
http://charlestownri.iqm2.com/Citizens/images/PublicAgenda.jpg 
Agenda http://charlestownri.iqm2.com/Citizens/images/FullAgenda.jpg Agenda Packet 
CALL TO ORDER, Moment of Silence, Pledge of Allegiance
ROLL CALL
Roll Call
PROCLAMATIONS
A. Swearing in of Detective Kevin Kidd as Sergeant in the Charlestown Police Department
a.
b.

B. Certificate of Appreciation in Honor of Frank Glista for His Years of Service on the Economic Improvement Commission. 
Frank also plans to stop doing the town's annual New Year's Eve bonfire
Frank is resigning from his last official town position, his seat on the Economic Improvement Commission which he chaired with distinction. 

He told the Westerly Sun that he is resigning out of disgust over the way the CCA Party-controlled Town Council has continually ignored or undermined the EIC’s work. He was especially angry at the Council’s decision to jack up fees for the Rhythm & Roots Festival (which will be addressed a little later in the agenda).

Frank deserves this award, but to get it from this Council is hypocritical bullshit. Council Boss Tom Gentz will put on his best Uncle Fluffy face, but I think everyone will understand the backstory.
C. Resolution of Respect in Honor of Roland E. Richards, Former Town Council President
PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentation to the Tomaquag Museum - Loren Spears, Executive Director
a.
PERSONS WISHING TO BE HEARD
A. Chuck Wentworth - Fee Increase for Rhythm & Roots 
See notes above on presentation to Frank Glista. Read the backstory in the Westerly Sun HERE. Under Council rules, Chuck will say his piece but the Council members will not interact with him, either with questions or comments.
a.
PUBLIC COMMENT for items not on the Agenda
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Discussion and Potential Action Regarding a Resolution Requesting that the General Assembly Enact Legislation Authorizing the Chariho Regional School District to Issue Bonds and Notes in an Amount Not to Exceed $6,000,000 to Finance the Construction, Furnishing and Equipping of a New Building for the R.Y.S.E. School, Including Removal of Existing Modular Classrooms and to Finance Improvements to the Switch Road Campus, Including But Not Limited to Landscaping, Paving, Parking and Traffic Redesign and All Expenses Incidental Thereto, Subject to Approval of State School Housing Aid at a Reimbursement Rate of Not Less Than 56%
a.
b.
B. Discussion and Potential Action Regarding a Resolution in Support of the Completion of Rhode Island's Statewide Bicycle Transportation System
a.
b.
PUBLIC HEARINGS 
This is the main event in this month’s Council meeting, whether we will use taxpayer money to add to our already top-heavy stock of open space at a price WAY above its assessed and appraised value. 

My analysis appears at the front of this article.
A. Public Hearing and Potential Action Potential Acquisition of the Sprague Property, Designated as Plat 28, Lots 82 and 84 (Carolina Back Road and Railroad Ave) with a Purchase Price for Consideration in the Amount of $600,000, Consisting of a DEM Grant to the Charlestown Land Trust in the Amount of $258,750 and the Town’s Portion Being $341,250. Advisory Opinions Received as Requested from the Conservation Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Planning Commission.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADMINISTRATOR and COMMISSION REPORTS
A. Town Administrator
B. Commission Reports
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Board and Commission Vacancies
a.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion to accept, approve and place on file the following as the consent agenda: “CA” A - “CA” X
"CA" A. Town Council Minutes:
1. February 3 (Agenda)
a.
2. February 8 (Executive and Regular)
a.
b.
"CA" B. Reports:
1. Building Official - February 2016
a.
2. Police Chief - February 2016 
Only 51 redlight camera tickets, up from 31 in January, and WAY below what the contractor needs to break-even. The system costs $17,400. If all 55 $85 tickets actually get paid, which is unlikely, that only generates $4,335.

Apparently, many of the citations were issued to drivers who failed to come to a complete stop before making a right turn.
a.
3. Public Works Director - February 2016
a.
b.
4. Town Clerk - February 2016 
Looks like Amy has stopped reporting on Charlestown births and deaths. In the past, these numbers presented a pretty graphic picture of Charlestown’s population decline as deaths outstripped births. Maybe this stat was scrapped because it doesn’t support the CCA narrative about families with children.
a.
5. Treasurer's Report - January 2016
a.
"CA" C. 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: South County Youth Soccer Club - Goal 4 Rams 6 on 6 Soccer Tournament Event Dates: July 30, 2016 Camping: N/A Insurance: $2 Million General Liability Fee: $900
a.
b.
“CA” D. Approval of the Following Events to Occur Within the Town of Charlestown Per RIGL §31-12-12(A):
a.
"CA" E. Acceptance of the Resignation of Frank Glista from the Economic Improvement Commission, with Regret
a.
"CA" F. Acceptance of the Resignation of Barbara Lutzel from the Wastewater Management Commission, with Regret
a.
"CA" G. Reappointment of Carole Dolock to the Juvenile Hearing Board, Term to Expire in February of 2019
a.
"CA" H. Reappointment of Dale A. Santiago to the Board of Canvassers, Term to Expire in March of 2022
a.
"CA" I. Reappointment of Robert J. Lyons and Jeff Burns to the Coastal Pond Management Commission, Terms to Expire in March of 2019
a.
b.
"CA" J. Appointments to Agricultural Preservation, as Recommended by the Chair: Susan W. Barrett and John Patrick Barrett, Terms to Expire in January of 2018
a.
"CA" K. Appointment of Peter Slom to the Juvenile Hearing Board, Term to Expire in February of 2018
a.
"CA" L. Appointment of a Special Police Officer as Recommended by the Chief of Police and RI Municipal Police Training Academy Certified, Term to Expire in January of 2017: Justin Vachon
a.
"CA" M. Award of the Bid to Reconstruct the Tennis and Basketball Courts at Ninigret Park to Cardi Corporation for a Sum Not to Exceed $291,600 of Which $235,200 Will be Appropriated from the Ninigret Park Bond Account 76.000.5100 and $56,400 from Recreation Capital Account 01.990.9959.0000 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; or Take Any Other Action Thereto
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
"CA" N. Award of the Dispatch Equipment Upgrade Bid to Communications Plus, LLC. for an Amount Not to Exceed $56,238, as Budgeted in Line Item 01.990.9955, 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 or Take Any Other Action Thereto
a.
b.
c.
"CA" O. Award Vision Government Solutions, Inc. the 2016 Statistical Revaluation Project for the Town of Charlestown and Oblique Aerial Photography Services from Pictometry Corporation, in an Amount Not to Exceed $152,900, Which Also Includes Additional Software and Training Services from Each Company, with the Cost for These Services to be Expended from the Budget Line Item 21.000.2100, Revaluation Side 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; or Take Any Other Action Thereto
a.
b.
"CA" P. Award of the Ninigret Park Soccer Gate Bid to V&M Construction, Inc. for an Amount Not to Exceed $9,119, as Budgeted in Line Item 990.9996, 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; or Take Any Other Action Thereto
a.
b.
c.
"CA" Q. Award of a Contract to Purchase Picnic Tables and Barbecue Grills in Ninigret Park to M.E. O'Brien and Sons, Inc., as a Contract Alliance Vendor with the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC) for a Sum Not to Exceed $22,540.53 to be Appropriated from the Ninigret Park Bond Account 76.000.5100 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; or Take Any Other Action Thereto
a.
b.
c.
"CA" R. Extension of the Award of the Recreation Trash Removal Bid to Waste Management of RI, Inc., for an Amount Not to Exceed $7162.50, Per Specifications, and $315 Per Month for an Additional Container, to Include Fiscal Year 2017 (And Terminate No Later Than June 30, 2017), as Budgeted in Line Item 01.630.6065, 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, or Any Action Relative Thereto
a.
b.
"CA" S. Extension of the Award of Professional Well and Pump Services to AB Hoxie, Inc. for an Amount Not to Exceed $96.00 Tech/Hr, $48.00 Help/Hr, $144.00 Emer/Hr, and $72.00 Emer/Hr for an Ave/Hr of $90.00 to Include Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018 (And Terminate No Later Than June 30, 2018) 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, or Any Action Relative Thereto
a.
b.
“CA” T. Request of an Advisory from the Waste Water Management Commission Due in One Month on Potential Actions the Town Could Take to Decrease the Level of Nitrates from Septic Systems, with a Copy of the Advisory to be Forwarded to the Potable Water Working Group
a.
“CA” U. Approval of a Draft Logo for the Charlestown Recommended Landscaper Process
a.
b.
c.
“CA” V. Approval of the Potable Water Working Group’s Tri-Fold Mailer, "Know Where it Goes... Help Protect Your Drinking Water."
a.
"CA" W. Approval of the Revised Purchasing Manual
a.
b.
"CA" X. Approval of the Application for a RIDEM Small Recreation Grant for Clark Memorial Field
a.
b.
ADJOURNMENT