Stressing the rules of the Open Meetings Act.
Clarifying the roles of new Revision Committees.
Possible lights and electricity on Puchalski Field.
New signs for the beaches.
Possible Trolls in Ninigret Park.
Our preview of this meeting was published here.
Starting at about 5 minutes and 15 seconds in the video, Councilor Cooper made some statements stressing the importance of the Open Meetings Act rules, conflicts of interest etc. This was done in the context of the new Board and Commission assignments. Also that Boards and Commissions cannot ask town employees to do added work without approval of the Town Administrator.
Also, starting about 8 minutes and 10 seconds in the video, Council President Carney made some statements clarifying the roles and powers of the Charter Revision Committee and Ordinance Revision Committee. The statements of Cooper and Carney are both well worth watching.
The Council voted to hold the formal public hearing for Zoning rules for Public Storage Facilities on April 24. Public Storage Facilities were removed as an allowed use on April 11, 2022 with that restriction set to expire on April 30, 2023. The public hearing on April 24 may result in extending that restriction.
Regarding Cannabis regulation, Joseph Warner, the Town Building Official presented some policy questions to the Town Council (memo here). There was some discussion and a decision direct some changes made for review next month. This would later proceed to a public hearing.
Regarding the additional $55,992.07 of charges from our financial auditors, Marcum LLP, Acting Town Administrator Allen reported that another meeting was held on March 15. The result of that meeting is that Marcum agreed to develop an itemized bill "in a couple days" and that bill has not arrived. The Council voted to have the town solicitor send a letter officially contesting the invoices. The Council also voted to have the town solicitor reach out to legal counsel licensed in New York for possible participation in litigation.
The Council voted to direct the Parks and Recreation Director to obtain quotations for lighting and electricity for Puchalski Field, behind town hall. Funding would possibly come from ARPA funds. A decision to implement that would happen after quotes are received and the town's ARPA consultants are consulted. The agenda packet gives a paragraph of rationale here.
Scott Keeley proposed new signs for our Town Beaches at the February 27 Council meeting (reported here). At this meeting, the Town Council authorized the Parks and Recreation Director to refine the sign designs proposed by Mr. Keeley and obtain quotations. The objective is to do this rapidly so that the signs can be purchased in time for this summer. The details can be read in the agenda packet here.
The South Couth County Tourism Council has proposed something called the South County Troll Trail as a tourism initiative. The details are in the agenda packet starting here. This would be similar to a Troll Trail in Maine. The Tourism Council would cover all financial costs. The Council voted to allow the Tourism Council to work with the Parks and Recreation Director to develop the concept for Ninigret Park with possible implementation in 2024.
The next Town Council meeting in March will be on Wednesday, March 29, at 7 pm.
That will be preceded by a joint meeting with the Planning Commission at 6 pm.
Our Preview article here gives some details.
The Chariho School District Financial Referendum will be held on Tuesday, April 4, from 8 am until 8 pm. All voting will be in the Town Hall Council Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 8:43 pm.
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