Monthly Meeting

January 19, 2005

Meeting Minutes

I.       The meeting was Called to Order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairperson Steve McCooey.  Those in attendance included Bruce Fournier, Pat Mannix, Hope Marsella, Joe Thomas and Joe Bleczenski.  Treasurer Natalie McDonald, Tax Collector Helen Patience, District Manager Frank Murray, Harbormaster Mike Tortolani and Clerk Catherine Kelleher were also present. 

II.    Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the Assembly.  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. 

III. Treasurer’s Report

A.     The Chair granted permission for the Treasurer’s Report to be given early in the meeting. 

B.     See attached Treasurer’s Report on the website. 

C.     Natalie McDonald reported that the final payment of $2,250 has been made to the Rhode Island Interlocal Trust for the lawsuit settlement. 

D.    The Workers Compensation Insurance audit has been completed. 

E.     A lengthy discussion took place regarding funding for the cleaning of Little Beach. 

IV.  Urgent Business

None.

V.     Period of Public Comment

A.     Dick Agnitsch reminded the Council of the letter received from the State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training regarding hazardous materials.  A discussion followed. 

B.     Doris Baris suggested having a sign made indicating that trash would be collected on holiday Mondays when Waste Management ignores the holiday and does regular trash collection.  The Council agreed that a sign would be made and posted which reads, “Holiday Week – Trash pick up on Monday”.

C.     Doris Baris asked who is responsible for repairing/replacing the fences on Boston Neck Road that borders Bonnet Shores . 

D.    Ann Marie Silviera suggested that this information is recorded in the Town clerk’s office. 

VI.   Ratification of Minutes

Motion to approve the minutes of the November, 2004 Council meeting was made by Joe Bleczenski.  The motion was seconded by Hope Marsella and approved by all Council members in attendance. 

VII.           Harbormaster’s Report

A.     See attached report on the website.

B.     Joe Joe Bleczenski and Mike Tortolani requested a deposit check for the gangway. 

C.     Mr. Tortolani indicated that a standard $90 per boat fee will be assessed annually.  This information will be included in a letter being sent to boaters. 

D.    A flyer has been made for all ramp users.  Information contained therein includes:

A.     30 minute parking at Little Beach for loading and unloading

B.     Do not leave trailer on the beach

C.     Return key immediately after use

D.    Re-lock gate immediately after use

E.     All boaters are required to complete a check list stating that their gear is all inspected; their chain meets all regulations; and the minimum size of the ball is to be 18 inches with their name and number clearly marked on it.  [See attached float and gear verification form on the website.]

F.      Pat Mannix motioned to approve the suggestions submitted by Mike Tortolani and Joe Bleczenski.  The motion was seconded by Bruce Fournier and approved by all Council members in attendance. 

VIII.        Committee Reports

A.     Roads

A.     Bruce Fournier surveyed Bonnet Shores Fire District property, observing for encroachment.

B.     See “Bonnet Shores Fire District Paper Road Survey” posted on the website. 

C.     Steve McCooey will ask Pat Zito to write letters of concern regarding abutting property to two owners of the properties marked #3 and #18 on the survey.  The letters should be reviewed by Attorney Kerry Rafanelli before being sent. 

D.    Mr. Fournier indicated that United Water informed him that a contractor would have to be hired to install the foot wash at Kelly Beach.  A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the foot wash. 

E.     Doris Baris will provide Mr. Fournier with the name of the representative from United Water, as well as the quote she obtained for doing the work. 

B.     Social Committee

1.             The Holiday Party was held at the Community Center on December 4, 2004 . 

2.             Pat Mannix thanked Mary Beth Holland for doing an outstanding job organizing, decorating and arranging the catering of the event. 

3.             Mrs. Mannix also thanked George and Mary Ann Vine for donating the poinsettia plants used for centerpieces. 

4.             Profits from the party were $129.02

5.             Mary Beth and Brian Holland worked the entire Saturday after Thanksgiving cleaning the kitchen, including the cupboards, stove and refrigerator.  Pat Mannix expressed her deep appreciation for their work. 

6.             Mary Beth Holland thanked Anna and Bob Tucker for allowing her and Pat Mannix to pick holly from their property.  The holly was used for the Holiday Party.  Helen Patience, Doris Baris, Janelle Tortolani, Hope Marsella and Steve McCooey were also thanked for helping to decorate the hall.  Doris Baris was also thanked for donating the coffee and cream for the party. 

C.     By Laws

1.             Hope Marsella stated that there was nothing new to report.

2.             The next committee meeting has not yet been scheduled. 

D.    Trash

1.       Pat Mannix reported that Waste Management has been collecting trash on Mondays.

2.      Pat indicated that she has not heard any complaints regarding the trash with the exception of some residents’ confusion regarding the Monday holiday collections.

3.      The Christmas tree collection was held on January 8, 2005 .

E.     Recreation

1.       Steve McCooey reported that Elizabeth Reed is working on the foot bridge. 

2.      Elizabeth requested $100 for the permit and permission to submit the permit.  Permission was granted by Mr. McCooey.

3.      The basketball court will be asphalted in early April.

IX.  Tax Collector’s Report

A.     See attached report on the website. 

B.     Total assessed value = $343,218,100.

C.     Total taxes = $223,095.61 for 2004

D.    Total abated taxes = $3,825.01.

E.     Total collectible taxes = $219,270.60.

F.      Taxes due from prior years = $4,796.00.

G.    Taxes collected to date = $208,810.79 for 2004; and $2,264.41 for the prior year. 

H.    Percentage collected to date = 95.22%

I.       Interest collected to date = $35.94 for 2004; and $197.69 for the prior year.

J.      Returned check fees = $25.00.

X.     Land Trust

A.     Doris Baris reported in Donna Gunning’s absence. 

B.     There appears to be more than 10 feet between the Sowa construction and the Fire District property. 

C.     The bill for the markers was $306.00 and it has been submitted to the Treasurer for payment. 

D.    Steve McCooey questioned if the Land Trust had given the Fire District money for the foot wash.  Mrs. Baris replied that she had planned to ask the State for a materials grant for the foot wash. 

XI.  District Manager’s Report

A.     Frank Murray reported that there were 27 rentals of the Community Center in 2004. 

B.     New homes currently being built are appearing on the septic list. 

C.     The Town will be sending notices to all residents not in compliance with the requirements to have their septic systems pumped. 

XII.           Old Business

A.     Hope Marsella has been researching the cost of bulletin boards, but has not yet received any quotes.  Joe Bleczenski. indicated that he had a catalog containing outdoor bulletin boards.  He will give that information to Mrs. Marsella.  

B.     Steve McCooey suggested installing a new bulletin board on the Community Center building.. 

C.     The cost will be approximately $400 for new poles to be erected to prevent vehicles from driving across the Community Center field.  Mr. McCooey anticipates that this project will be completed when the cement trucks are in Bonnet Shores for the foot bridge construction.

D.    Bruce Fournier motioned to set $400 aside to erect the poles as mentioned.  The motion was seconded by Joe Bleczenski. and approved by all Council members in attendance. 

XIII.        New Business

A.     Joe Bleczenski. suggested removing one of the boulders (possibly the middle one) from near the bike racks at Kelly beach.  He indicated that this would allow 5 to 6 more bikes to be parked there.  Steve McCooey asked Frank Murray to view the area and to bring the matter up for discussion at next month’s meeting. 

B.     In response to a question from Mary Beth Holland, Mr. Murray said that he had not received any complaints regarding lawns being dug up by plows. 

C.     The Council agreed to have Marge Manning proceed with planning the Spring Fling.

D.    Mary Beth Holland suggested painting the Community Center floor twice a year; once in the Spring and again in the Fall.  She also suggested getting prices for new flooring at the Community Center.  Mr. McCooey recommended that this be presented at the budget meetings under capital expenditures. 

E.     Doris Baris expressed concern about overnight parking at the Community Center.  She suggested that “No Parking” signs be erected. 

F.      Hope Marsella suggested that the Council search for new legal council since it is difficult to consult with Kerry Rafanelli. 

XIV.        Council Comment

None.

XV.           Executive Sessions

            None.

XVI.        Adjournment

A.     Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Steve McCooey.  The motion was seconded by Hope Marsella.

B.     The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine M. Kelleher

Clerk