Monthly Meeting
January 17, 2007

Meeting Minutes

 I.       The meeting was Called to Order at 7:30 p.m. by Bruce Fournier.  Those in attendance included Bill Dickinson, Pat Mannix,  Dan Quirk and Pat Zito.   District Manager Frank Murray, Treasurer Natalie McDonald, Tax Collector Helen Patience, Harbormaster Mike Tortolani, and Clerk Catherine Kelleher were also present.  Joe Thomas and Bob Stebenne were absent.

 II.    Pledge of Allegiance

The Assembly recited the Pledge of Allegiance.  The Council and Assembly also observed a prayerful moment of silence for the men and women in uniform 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. Urgent Business

A.     Lt. Gamma of the Narragansett Police Department addressed the major issues which were identified at an open meeting on December 2, 2006 by Bonnet Shores Fire District residents.  The two primary issues identified were parking and speeding. 

B.     Bruce Fournier requested a show-of-hands by all present in favor of no parking on all roads in Bonnet Shores .  Results of that show-of-hands is as follows:

1.      Eleven were in favor of total enforcement; five were in favor of seasonal enforcement.

2.      Ten were in favor of proactive enforcement; seven were in favor of reactive enforcement.

C.     It was agreed that there will be no parking allowed on the roads in Bonnet Shores .  The Fire District will give notice to residents and the police will begin proactive enforcement.

D.    Lt. Gamma stated that Community Service is not a police matter, but rather an issue to be addressed with Mark McSally or John DeCubellis.

E.     The entire assembly agreed to strict enforcement of the 25 mph speed limit.

F.      Lt. Gamma stressed his availability and willingness to assist residents with police concerns.

 IV.  Period of Public Comment

A.     Doris Baris reported that she called the State House today and minutes have not been filed electronically since this topic was last discussed.

B.     Bruce Fournier asked Frank Murray to purchase a tape recorder for less than $100 to be used as back-up.

C.     Closed meetings and executive session minutes were discussed.

 V.      Ratification of Minutes

A.     Motion to accept the minutes of the November 15, 2006 Council meeting with two spelling corrections (“Frisella” and “Bouthroyd”) was made by Dan Quirk and seconded by Pat Zito.  The motion passed 5 votes to none.

B.     Motion to accept the minutes of the November 25, 2006 meeting was made by Dan Quirk with the addendum that a hands vote was taken 4 votes to 1 to elect Bill Dickinson to fill the temporary Council position until the 2007 Annual Meeting. 

VI.  Committee Reports

A.     Beach (Bob Stebenne)

The report is on tape and a hard copy is attached to the original minutes.  Both are retained at the Community Center.

B.     Pond (Bob Stebenne)

The report is on tape and a hard copy is attached to the original minutes.  Both are retained at the Community Center.

C.     Community Center Study (Bob Stebenne)

The report is on tape and a hard copy is attached to the original minutes.  Both are retained at the Community Center.

D.    Social (Pat Zito and Pat Mannix)

1.      The report is on tape and is retained at the Community Center. 

2.      There will be no February event.

3.      On March 10, 2007, there will be a St. Patrick’s Day/St. Joseph’s Day event.

4.      The 75^th Anniversary celebration of Bonnet Shores Fire District will be held on Friday, September 14, 2007 at the Dunes Club.

5.      Pat Mannix made a motion to request $300 from the Bonnet Shores Fire District Council to be appropriated as a binder to the Dunes Club for the celebration.  The motion was seconded by Pat Zito and approved by all Council members in attendance. 

E.     Trash (Pat Mannix)

1.      The report is on tape and is retained at the Community Center.

2.      Martin Luther King Day was not a holiday for Waste Management.  The trash was collected on Monday, January 15^th. 

3.      Christmas trees were picked up on January 13^th. 

4.      Paul Haas requested that the Council question Waste Management regarding their ability to do non-curb collection and to obtain the fee for doing so. 

F.      Roads (Bruce Fournier)

1.      The report is on tape and a hard copy is attached to the original minutes.  Both are retained at the Community Center. 

2.      Pat Zito motioned to approve the allocation of $1,500 for a survey of the intersection of Bonnet Point Road at Col. John Gardner Road .  The motion was seconded by Bill Dickinson and approved 5 votes to none. 

3.      Bonnet Shores Fire District Ordinance meeting was held on December 2, 2006.  A summary of that meeting was provided by Bruce Fournier and is attached to these original meeting minutes and retained at the Community Center. 

4.      Trash disposal and collection was discussed.  The Bonnet Shores Fire District ordinance calls for closed-top trash containers.  Waste Management has covered containers on wheels which are available for $75 per container. 

5.      A copy of a letter sent to Police Chief Smith, dated December 10, 2006, subject: “Bonnet Shores Ordinance Enforcement” is attached to the original meeting minutes and retained at the Community Center.   

G.    Harbor Committee (Dan Quirk)

The report is on tape and a hard copy is attached to the original minutes.  Both are retained at the Community Center.

H.    Harbor Master (Mike Tortolani)

1.      The report is on tape and is retained at the Community Center. 

2.      Mike questioned the availability of funds for the next fiscal year for a new ramp if the ramp is not installed this year.  Natalie McDonald responded that any capital surplus or operating surplus from prior years is available to be appropriated in the next year. 

 VII.            Treasurer’s Report (Natalie McDonald)

A.     The report is on tape and a hard copy is attached to these original minutes.  Both are retained in the Community Center.

B.     There is a combined balance of the checking account and money market account in the amount of $168,569.87

C.     The report has been filed for audit. 

 VIII.          Tax Collector’s Report (Helen Patience)

A.     The report is on tape and a hard copy is attached to these original meeting minutes.  Both are retained in the Community Center.

B.     Helen reported that she has received several calls from residents who have received their re-evaluation from the Town and are now requesting a rebate from the Fire District.   

C.     2007 Fiscal Year tax information is as follows:

·        Total assessment - $575,711,200.00

·        Taxes assessed - $232,587.32

·        Total abated taxes - $2,999.91

·        Total collectable taxes - $229,587.41

·        Taxes collected to date - $221,775.23

·        Returned check fees - $6.99

·        Interest collected - $668.46

·        Percentage collected – 96.6%

D.    Fiscal Year 2006 tax information is as follows:

·        Uncollected from the prior year - $1,220.98

·        Taxes collected from prior year – $432.33

·        Uncollected taxes - $788.65

·        Interest collected - $52.32

IX.  Land Trust

No report.   

X.     District Manager’s Report (Frank Murray)

A.     The report is on tape and a hard copy is attached to the original minutes.  Both are retained at the Community Center.

B.     Frank thanked Steve Ryder for his efforts in revitalizing the sign for the rear entrance to Bonnet Shores .  The sign will be installed this Spring. 

C.     The April Herring Run is to be scheduled. 

D.    The District Manager’s winter hours through June 2007 continue to be noon to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. 

 XI.  Old Business

A.     Bruce Fournier reported that he, Joe Thomas, Bill Dickinson, Dan Quirk and Attorney Kerry Rafanelli met with real estate Attorney Anthony Montabano regarding the 20-foot path between Col. John Gardner Road and Bonnet Point Road and the Brooklyn Road extension. 

B.     Bill Dickinson motioned not to pursue any action regarding the 20-foot path.  The motion was seconded by Pat Zito.  Bill Dickinson, Pat Zito, Pat Mannix and Bruce Fournier approved the motion.  Dan Quirk abstained.   The motion passed 4 votes to none with 1 abstention. 

C.     There was no update on the ballot counting procedures at the Annual Meeting.

D.    Paul Haas provided a follow up report on the direction of the U.R.I. Coalition: 

1.      The importance of communication with landlords was stressed.

2.      The University is going to have an orientation program in the Spring for those renting in the Fall.

3.      Paul attended the January 17, 2007 morning meeting of the Homestead Act Committee.  He volunteered to monitor the progress on behalf of the Fire District.  

E.     Bill Dickinson made a motion that the Council not approve the plans for the Brooklyn Road Extension as presented and not approve the use of Bonnet Shores land for the cyclone filter.  The motion was seconded by Pat Mannix.  A lengthy discussion ensued.  The motion was approved by all Council members in attendance. 

 XII.           New Business

A.     The Council approved additional hours for Mike for roadside clean-up.

B.     Trash will be collected from designated areas of Bonnet Shores , under the supervision of the District Manager. 

 XIII.        Executive Sessions

None. 

XIV.        Adjournment

A.     Dan Quirk motioned to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Pat Mannix.

B.     The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine M. Kelleher

Clerk