Ratified 07/19/07

Bonnet Shores Fire District

Bonnet Shores Fire District Community Center

130 Bonnet Shores Road

Narragansett, Rhode Island

 

Annual Meeting

July 20, 2006

 

Meeting Minutes

 

I.            Call to Order

A.     The meeting was called to order at 7:56 p.m. at the Narragansett High School on South Pier Road in Narragansett, Rhode Island by Moderator, Matthew Mannix.  Council members present included Chairperson Joe Thomas, Joe Bleczinski, Bruce Fournier, Pat Mannix, Carmine Moretti and Pat Zito. Treasurer Natalie McDonald, Tax Collector Helen Patience, Attorney Kerry Rafanelli, Harbormaster Mike Tortolani, Clerk Catherine Kelleher and District Manager Frank Murray were also in attendance.  Bob Stebenne was absent.

B.     The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited by the Assembly.

C.     The Assembly observed a moment of silence to reflect on those members of the Bonnet Shores Fire District that have died this past year. 

D.    The Council and Assembly observed a prayerful moment of silence for the men and women who are serving in the Armed Forces, in harm’s way, in Afghanistan and Iraq and, in particular, for those serving from our own state and community.

 

II.            Proper Notice and Quorum

Notice of a quorum was attested by the clerk. 

 

III.            Ratification of the 2005 Annual Meeting Minutes

Carol Fortin motioned to accept the minutes of the 2005 Annual Meeting.  The motion was seconded by Brian Holland and approved by the Assembly. 

 

IV.            Announcement

Information regarding the upcoming blood drive was presented by Jennifer McQueeney. 

 

V.            Nominating Committee

A.     Report was given by Steve McCooey

B.     The moderator accepted nominations from the floor:

1.       Bruce Fournier nominated Joe Thomas for a 3-year Council seat.

2.      Ann Marie Silveira nominated Joe Bleczinski for a 3-year Council seat.

3.      Anita Langer nominated Lloyd Albert for moderator.

4.      Bill Dickinson nominated Winnie Kelly as a tax assessor.

 

 

3. The moderator asked the clerk to cast one vote in favor of the unopposed positions of Treasurer (Natalie McDonald), Tax Collector (Helen Patience), Clerk (Kathy Kelleher), Land Trust, and Fire Warden.  The Assembly voted unanimously.
4. Candidates Joe Bleczinski, Norma Mann, Dan Quirk, Joe Thomas, Lloyd Albert, Matthew Mannix, Winnie Kelly and Doris Baris were introduced.
5. Nominations of taxpayers to serve on the Nominating Committee included:

·        Steve McCooey

·        Doris Baris

·        Lee Listro

·        Howard Logee

·        John Silveira

·        Hope Marsella

·        Linda Byrne

·        Austin Donnelly

·        Brian Holland

 

VI.            Ballot Vote

The Assembly voted by ballots at 8:45 p.m.  The ballots were collected in the ballot boxes by the Clerk.

                                   

VII.            Community Center Renovation/Expansion Study

Discussion of $7,500 to be allocated for the proposed Community Center renovation study occurred.  Those who spoke in favor of the expansion/renovation included Joe Thomas, Miki Dickinson and Pat Zito.  Those opposed to the plan included Doris Baris, Mary Beth Holland, Joe Bleczinski, Lou Pucci and Pat Mannix. 

 

VIII.            State of the District Report

A.     Joe thanked those who helped set up and serve at this meeting.  They included Kathy Kelleher, Natalie McDonald, Helen Patience, Winnie Kelly, Ernie Esposito, Miki Dickinson, Frank Murray, Matt Mannix and Kerry Rafanelli. 

B.     Financial

1.      The total budget is approximately $256,000 which is up by approximately $5,300 from last year.

2.      Taxes are up about $9,500 or 4.5% over last year.  This is the first tax increase in 5 years which is less than 1% per year. 

3.      Trash collection costs were $140,000 which reflects an increase of $8,000 over last year.

4.      The capital improvement budget is $37,200 for 14 proposed items.  The prior year funds from the general account and the capital fund will cover this amount. 

C.     Legal

There were no significant legal issues this past year.  

 

D.    Beaches and Harbor

1.      Bob Stebenne is working closely with the Bonnet Shores Beach Club.

a.      The lifeguards are fully integrated with the Bonnet Shores Beach Club communications systems (walkie-talkie).

b.      The Bonnet Shores Beach Club is emptying trash barrels at Kelly Beach several times a day at no cost to the Fire District. 

c.       Mr. Stebenne is researching a means to clean up and maintain Little Beach as a soft sand beach.  He is trying to remove the seaweed in the meantime. 

2.      Mr. Thomas thanked Bob for his work on the beaches and lifeguards. 

3.      Fireworks at Little Beach were discussed.

4.      The new Harbor Management Plan is nearing completion.  Mr. Thomas thanked Joe Bleczinski and Mike Tortolani for their work on this project. 

E.     Social Committee

1.      The Social Committee had a great year.  Events included the Octoberfest, Game Night and the summer picnic at the Community Center.  All events were filled to capacity. 

2.       It was noted that there had not been enough seating for all of the events, indicating a growing year-round community.

3.      The holiday party was held at the Spain Restaurant.

4.      The Social Committee also sponsored a dinner theater in Newport. 

5.      Joe thanked Pat Zito and the Social Committee members for their work and acknowledged that the Social Committee is self funded. 

F.      Beautification Committee

1.      There are several new members replacing members who have stepped back after many years of service. 

2.      Mr. Thomas thanked Pat Zito and her committee members.

G.    Roads

1.      Three of the worst roads (Fairway, Anchorage and Fairport) have been repaved.

2.      Road conditions and a priority list are contained on the website. 

3.      Bruce Fournier will submit the list to the Town. 

4.      Efforts are underway to identify and address unsafe intersections, cures and walkways. 

5.      Joe thanked Bruce for his work.

H.    Joe Thomas thanked Pat Mannix for her efforts in managing the trash collection and the Saturday dumpster program. 

I.       Mr. Thomas thanked Carmine Moretti and Paul Haas for their efforts in supporting the U.R.I. Coalition.  He noted that this had been an exceptionally difficult year with the loss of the 3 U.R.I. students in the bay.  The Fire District sponsored a walk in memory of those students. 

J.      Joe thanked Linda Byrne and Lynn Manning for organizing Bonnet Fun Day. 

K.    Dick Agnitsch is stepping down as webmaster.  Joe thanked Dick for the work he has done.  The webmaster position will be posted and Joe encouraged interested parties to apply. 

L.     Linda Byrne was thanked for her dedication to and supervision of the day camp.

 

M.  Marge Manning was thanked for organizing Earth Day.

N.    Joe thanked Joe Bleczinski for serving 2 years on the Council. 

 

IX.            Tax Collector’s Report 

A.     See attached report on the website and hardcopy retained in the District Manager’s office at the Community Center. 

B.     The mil rate is set at 0.000404.

C.     Fiscal Year 2006 taxes were as follows:

·        Total assessment - $347,130, 300.00

·        Taxes assessed - $225,638.50

·        Less abatements - $2,987.55

·        Total collectable taxes - $222,647.08

·        Taxes collected to date - $221,426.10

·        Percentage collected – 99.45%

·        Interest collected - $743.22

·        Unpaid 2006 taxes - $1,220.98

·        Returned check fee - $50.00

D.    Fiscal Year 2007 are as follows: 

·        Total assessment - $575,711, 200.00

·        Less abated assessments – ($7,212,500.00)

·        Total taxable assessment - $568,498,700.00

·        Total collectable taxes - $229,673.47

 

X.            Treasurer’s Report

A.     See attached report on the website and hardcopy retained in the District Manager’s office at the Community Center.

B.     Natalie McDonald reported that the Treasurer’s report was submitted for audit.

C.     Total receipts for the year were $252,090.00.  60% of our receipts was spent on trash collection.  10% was spent on beaches (lifeguards, clean up, etc.).  25% was spent on legal fees, insurance premiums and management expenses.  The remaining 5% was spent on property management.

D.    The year ended with a surplus of $4,682.00 despite a cost overrun of $4,850.00 on trash collection due solely to an increase in the price of fuel this past year.

E.     The year ended with cash balances of:

F.      Natalie thanked the Council for being a pleasure with which to work and for being fiscally responsible this past year. 

 

 

XI.            Ratification of Compensation

A.     Tax Collector = $5,000.  Motion to accept was made by Winnie Kelly, seconded by Steve Patience and approved by the Assembly.

B.     Clerk = $1,800.  Motion to accept that pay rate was made by Carol Fortin and seconded by Lou Pucci.  After discussion, the motion failed to carry.  A motion to increase the clerk’s pay to a minimum of $3,000 was then made by Gene DeCiccio.  Additional discussion ensued.  The motion was seconded by Carol Fortin and approved by the Assembly.   

C.     Treasurer = $3,500.  Motion to accept was made by Winnie Kelly, seconded by Steve Patience and approved by the Assembly.

 

XII.            Land Trust Report

A.     The report was given by Donna Gunning in place of Walter Manning who is serving as a counter with the election. 

B.     The Land Trust requests an allocation of $1,000 for operating expenses.  A motion was made to approve the allocation by Doris Baris.  The motion was seconded by Lou Pucci and approved by the Assembly. 

 

XIII.            Old Business

None. 

 

XIV.            New Business

Joe Thomas thanked Tom Hynes for the set up and audio at the Annual Meeting. 

 

XV.            Recess

Recess occurred at 9:58 p.m. for election results.  The meeting resumed at 10:45 p.m.

 

XVI.            Election Results

A.     Council seats

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