Monthly Meeting

June 15, 2005

Meeting Minutes

 I.       The meeting was Called to Order at 7:43 p.m. by Chairperson Steve McCooey.  Those in attendance included Joe Bleczinski, Bruce Fournier, Pat Mannix, Joe Thomas and Pat Zito.  District Manager Frank Murray, Treasurer Natalie McDonald, Tax Collector Helen Patience, 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. Period of Public Comment

A.     Marie Kelly expressed her concern regarding  “speeding” on Bonnet Point Road .  She also stated that the plows had destroyed some of her grass last winter.  Bruce Fournier said that he agreed that speeding was a concern and added that drivers were not stopping at the stop sign near the causeway.  He suggested sending a letter on Fire District stationery to the Narragansett Police Department requesting stronger police presence in the area.  He also suggested sending a letter to the Department of Public Works requesting speed limit signs.  The Council agreed to have Mr. Fournier direct letters to the two departments as requested.

B.     Paul Haas suggested that signs also be obtained announcing “pedestrians in the roadway”. 

C.     In response to a question from the Assembly, Bruce Fournier stated that he will be presenting the roads wish list to Mr. Ousterhout, who is the new director of Public Works for the Town, indicating that Fairport, Anchorage , Fairway and Maywood Roads should be on the priority list for repaving. 

IV.   Ratification of Minutes

A.     Bruce Fournier motioned to approve the minutes of the May 2005 meeting.  The motion was seconded by JoeBleczinski and approved by all Council members in attendance. 

B.     Although the minutes of the May 2005 meeting were ratified, Pat Mannix asked that the following additions be included.  These additions will appear only in these June 2005 minutes.

1.      Under “New Business”:  Matthew Mannix agreed to help Frank Murray in getting the previous meeting minutes in chronological order.  Pat Mannix will serve as the Council representative assisting with this project. 

2.      Under section H in the “District Manager’s Report”:  Pat Mannix stated that, while her response to Mary Beth Holland’s question was correct at the time, the trash was collected on Tuesday because of the Memorial Day Holiday on Monday.  Waste Management was not able to complete the job as scheduled so they, Pat Mannix and Bruce Fournier agreed to begin the twice weekly trash collection on June 6, 2005 .

3.      Under section I in the District Manager’s Report:  The beach bus will begin on July 2, 2005 and will run up to and including Labor Day.  The bus will be cancelled during inclement weather. 

V.     Committee Reports

A.     Beautification

1.      Pat Zito expressed concern that the grass cutting maintenance of the common grounds has not been done very well.  Frank Murray stated that he had had a serious talk with the newly hired young man regarding his job responsibilities and he now has a better understanding of his expectations. 

2.      Pat Zito requested that a request for proposal be submitted to professional landscapers for the mowing of the Bonnet Shores Fire District common ground.  Steve McCooey suggested that these bids be obtained for the different areas since proper equipment will be needed for each. 

3.      Pat Mannix urged the Council to give the current hire a chance to do the job right.  Pat Zito agreed that he would continue this season, but she again requested bids from professionals who have the right equipment in order to do the job efficiently.  Steve McCooey approved the solicitation of bids by Pat Zito. 

B.     Roads

1.      See attached report on the website.

2.      Bruce Fournier reported that David Ousterhout began his duties as the new Director of Public Works for the Town of Narragansett on June 13, 2005 .  A copy of the road status spreadsheet will be forwarded to his attention as soon as an email address is set up for him. 

3.      Street sweeping has begun by the Town.  They are scheduled to be in Bonnet Shores by the end of June.

4.      New road lines were painted along the perimeter loop of Bonnet to include Bonnet Point Road, Col. John Gardner, and Bonnet Shores Road . 

5.      Gravel grading has been completed on Ottawa , Allagash, Presque Isle, Mohawk, Algonquin, Old Town Trails and Cross Road .

C.     Nominating Committee

1.      Bruce Fournier reported that the Nominating Committee members are as follows:

a.       Mary Beth Holland, Chairperson

b.      Bruce Fournier, Co-chairperson

c.       Doris Baris

d.      Hope Marsella

e.      Marge Manning

f.        Dick Agnitsch

g.      John Silviera

2.      Positions available include:

a.      Land Trust position – 3-year term

b.      Moderator –annual position

c.       Fire Warden – annual position

d.      Tax assessor – annual position

3.      The first meeting was held on June 7, 2005 with the following being discussed:

a.      Incumbents were contacted to inquire about their interest in reviewing their nomination.

b.      Joe Bleczinski indicated that he would prefer running for a one-year position.

c.       Helen Patience stated that she would again like to run for the Tax Collector position.

d.      Natalie McDonald indicated that she would like to again run for Treasurer. 

e.      The Nominating Committee agreed to make the above recommendations for those respective seats for the upcoming year.

f.        It was determined that Bruce Fournier would contact the existing seat holders.  This included Council member, Pat Zito, the 3 tax assessor seats and the 2 fire warden seats. 

g.      Mary Beth Holland will contact the existing moderator.

4.      The second Nominating Committee meeting was held on June 11, 2005 at 8:00 a.m. The following items were discussed:

a.      Kathy Kelleher agreed to run for an additional year as Clerk.

b.      Alicia McDonald will be the moderator for the 2005 Annual Meeting; however, she will then be moving out of the area and will be unable to serve as moderator in the future. 

c.       Two 3-year positions remain open on the Council.

d.      A 1-year position is available for moderator.

e.      One fire warden position is open.

f.        One tax assessor position remains open.

5.      The next meeting of the Nominating Committee will be held on June 16, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.

D.    Trash

1.      Pat Mannix reported that the summer schedule for trash collection began on the Monday after Memorial Day. 

2.      The schedule is as follows:

a.      Trash and recyclables on Mondays, plus one bag of grass clippings.

b.      Trash only on Thursdays, plus one bag of grass clippings.

3.       The dumpster will be at the Community Center from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. every other Saturday during June, July and August, as well as on one Saturday in October and one in November. 

4.      The trash and dumpster schedules will be contained in the newsletter and will also be posted at all designated areas at Little Beach, Kelly Beach and on the Community Center door and bulletin boards. 

E.     Harbor

1.      The Harbor Committee agreed with Mike Tortolani’s suggestion that he not accept mooring applications.  Rather, the Harbor Committee will maintain the list. 

2.      All details regarding the application process will be in the newsletter. 

3.      The Committee discussed ways to ask those not using their moorings to give them up. 

4.      Pat Zito inquired if the Committee was aware of how many people were renting out their moorings.  Mike Tortolani stated that he was not aware of those who may be allowing others to use their moorings for money, but there are approximately six residents who are allowing others to use their moorings.  He further indicated that, to his knowledge, there is no written rule regarding a taxpayer renting or allowing someone else to use one’s mooring.

5.      Mike Tortolani stated that Harbor Committee meetings would be held in the Fall to address these issues.  He hopes to have specific rules and regulations in place for the 2006 season.

6.      Steve McCooey reported that Kevin Kute from Coastal is willing to attend the Harbor Committee meetings to answer questions. 

7.      Mike stated that the Town of Narragansett is updating their Harbor Management Plan.  He related that he and Paul Haas were part of the Narragansett Harbor Committee 10 or 15 years ago.   

8.      Doris Baris asked if the owners of the boats at the mooring pay for the mooring.  Mike Tortolani stated that only taxpayers may obtain a mooring, however, he had no way of knowing if the boat owners at the mooring were taxpayers. 

F.      Public Works

1.      Steve McCooey reported that the white lines have been painted on the basketball court.  Additional lines will be painted.  It was estimated that the courts would be ready for use with the dismissal of school for the summer recess.

2.      Steve McCooey stated that he had a telephone conversation with Don Holten regarding his fence.  Mr. Holten will submit plans for the fence once he receives them from his architect. 

3.      Joe Thomas reported that Mrs. Reed asked a civil engineer to review the plans for the footbridge and to submit an estimate of the cost to do so.  She received an estimate of $500 to do the review. 

4.      Pat Zito asked if a chronological report was available of all the work Mrs. Reed has done on the footbridge.  Frank Murray will make a copy of that report for all Council members. 

5.      Natalie McDonald asked if the Council had an overall idea of the cost for the footbridge.  Steve McCooey stated that it should be approximately $3000.

6.      Bruce Fournier reported that United Water had installed the meter pit and the hydrant for the foot wash at Kelly Beach.  Bruce will get the hardware for the connecting hose and Steve McCooey will assist him with the connection.  Natalie McDonald indicated that the bill for United Water had been paid.

VI.   Treasurer’s Report

A.     See attached report on the website. 

B.     Natalie McDonald reported that $78,991.37 is available in the checking and money market accounts.

C.     $2,344.62 was paid to United Water for the foot wash at Kelly Beach.

D.    $2,218 was paid to Attorney Kerry Rafanelli for services related to a legal matter. 

E.     A $250 Earth Day grant was received, which will help to reduce the Beautification expenses.  Beautification costs are $389 over budget.

VII.             Tax Collector’s Report

A.     See attached report on the website.

B.     2004-05 tax information is as follows:

·        Total assessed value - $343,218,100.00

·        Total taxes - $223,095.61

·        Total abated taxes - $3,825.01

·        Total collectible taxes - $219,270.60

·        Taxes collected to date - $217,799.41

·        Percentage collected to date – 99

·        Interest collected to date - $1,016.28

·        Returned check fee - $100.00

·        Title search fee - $110.00

C.     Prior years tax information is as follow:

·        Total taxes due - $4,341.86

·        Total taxes collected - $2,718.55

·        Interest collected - $287.96

D.    Certified letters will be mailed the end of this week for the upcoming tax sale.  There are approximately 45 properties available and most are Bonnet Shores Beach Club properties.

E.     The title search fee is $55 per person on the deed.  The search is done by an attorney for delinquent taxes.  Owners of property with delinquent taxes will receive a certified letter.  Tax sales will be advertised in The Narragansett Times for 3 consecutive weeks. 

VIII.        Harbor Master’s Report

Mike Tortolani reported that 15 people have not paid for their moorings

IX.    Land Trust

A.     Doris Baris stated that 94 letters have been mailed to property owners who have unbuildable lots asking their interest in donating their land to the Land Trust.

B.     Doris presented a bill to Natalie McDonald for payment.

X.     District Manager’s Report

A.     Frank Murray stated that several families have requested that their deposit for rental of the Community Center be held from one year to the next in order to secure the rental on their requested date each year. 

B.     One resident suggested raising the rental fee by $25 for a cleaning fee.  A lengthy discussion ensued without any definitive decision.  Steve McCooey suggested that the issue be tabled until a later Council meeting. 

C.     The matter was tabled for discussion at a future Council meeting.

XI.  Old Business

A.     Pat Zito reported that Frank Murray was in receipt of a letter from resident, Faith A. LaSalle, who was responding to a letter sent to her by the Bonnet Shores Fire District Council regarding the Fire District property that abuts her property.

B.     Steve McCooey suggested that the Council meet with the three abutting property owners at the Community Center in order to address the issues of concern. 

C.     The matter of charging per page for copies made at the Community Center was discussed.  Steve McCooey directed Frank Murray to avoid charging for photocopying for the next 3 months and to advise the Council if this became problematic.   

XII.           New Business

A.     A draft of the agenda for the 2005 Annual meeting was reviewed.

B.     A lengthy discussion ensued regarding proposed renovations of the Community Center.

C.     A motion was made by Bruce Fournier to approve the 2005 Annual Meeting agenda as amended.  The motion was seconded by Joe Thomas and approved by all Council members in attendance.

D.    Natalie McDonald presented the budget for 2005-2006.  Motion to accept the budget as submitted was made by Bruce Fournier.  The motion was seconded by Joe Thomas and approved by all Council members in attendance. 

E.     Tony Moretti expressed concern regarding large articles of trash, including a mattress on Burbank and a stove on Bonnet Shores Road , which were left at the roadside. 

F.      Mr. Moretti also reported that someone had been depositing grass clippings into the bay.  He indicated that the entire cove was filled with clippings when he launched his boat. 

G.    Joe Bleczinski asked who was responsible for clearing the right-of-way at Bonnet Point Road , “The Point”.  Doris Baris stated that she had cleared it once before.  She indicated that it is a coastal right-of-way and she volunteered to contact the State.

H.    Steve McCooey identified the following items that needed to be considered by the Council:

1.      An audit review needs to be done.  A “Request For Proposal” (RFP) to 3 firms is needed.  Steve indicated that he would speak to Dick Agnitsch regarding past practices.

2.      A “duties list” for the District Manager should be developed following the Annual Meeting.  This information should be available for  the organizational committee meeting.  Mr. McCooey is seeking input from the current District Manager, Frank Murray.

3.      Steve reminded the Council that dates for the organizational committee meeting needs to be scheduled 7-10 days following the Annual Meeting. 

4.      If there is a “yes” vote on the proposed Community Center renovations, a volunteer sign-up sheet should be posted as soon as possible in order to involve as many residents as possible on the designated committees to research the best ways to improve the Community Center with additions and/or renovations. 

5.      Mr. McCooey suggested closing the Community Center for 2 months during the winter.  He indicated that, by closing the building in January and February, money could be saved on the District Manager’s salary, heating and electricity.  He suggested that the monthly Council meetings be suspended for those 2 months due to lack of resident involvement at that time. 

6.      Researching the proper format for the Council monthly meeting minutes should be researched.  He opined that Council members in the past have requested more information than necessarily needs to be recorded in the minutes.  He suggested that the minutes be consolidated to report only Council member attendance, motions made and actions on agenda items. 

7.      Steve suggested that a complete Treasurer’s report be submitted to the Council every other month rather than every month as it is currently done. 

8.      The Capital Improvement list will be given to Frank Murray to be entered into the computer. 

I.        Steve thanked all the Council members and all the paid Fire District employees for working well together.  He indicated that it had been a pleasure working with everyone. 

J.      Doris Baris asked if the Council planned to purchase a new computer for the Community Center.  Hope Marsella motioned to appropriate $750 for the purchase of a new computer.  The motion was seconded by Bruce Fournier and approved by all Council members in attendance. 

K.    Doris Baris also suggested that the Council purchase a tape recorder to be used for meetings other than the monthly Council meetings, including the Annual Meeting and other committee meetings.  She indicated that the second recorder should be left at the Community Center for use when it is needed.

L.     Pat Mannix motioned to cancel the July 2005 Council meeting due to the Annual Meeting being held the same month.  The motion was seconded by Bruce Fournier and approved by all Council members in attendance. 

M.  Pat Mannix stated that, as Vice Chair, she wished Steve McCooey all the best.  She indicated that it had been wonderful working with him.  She said that he ran open meetings and there was never a need for an executive session under his leadership.  She stated that he also worked hard and volunteered his time and talents for the community.  She said that he would be missed on the Council. 

XIII.        Council Comment

None.

XIV.        Executive Sessions

            None.

XV.           Adjournment

A.     Pat Mannix motioned to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Pat Zito and approved by all Council members in attendance. 

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

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine M. Kelleher

Clerk