Monthly Meeting

September 21, 2005

Meeting Minutes

 I.       The meeting was Called to Order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairperson Joe Thomas.  Those in attendance included Joe Bleczinski, Bruce Fournier, Pat Mannix, Carmine Moretti, Bob Stebenne and Pat Zito.   District Manager Frank Murray, Treasurer Natalie McDonald, Tax Collector Helen Patience, Harbormaster Mike Tortolani, Attorney Kerry Rafanelli and Clerk Catherine Kelleher were also present. 

II.    Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. Thomas thanked Linda Byrne and her family for the new flag that she and her family donated to the Community Center.  The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited by the Assembly.  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

Plans for a knockdown and rebuild on Bayberry Road were viewed by all Council members.  Motion to accept the plans as submitted, subject to no variances, was made by Joe Thomas.  The motion was seconded by Bob Stebenne and approved by Joe Thomas, Bruce Fournier, Pat Zito, Pat Mannix, Carmine Moretti and Bob Stebenne.  Joe Bleczinski abstained. 

IV.  Period of Public Comment

A.     The Assembly was reminded that they are asked to submit items in writing for discussion during this Period of Public Comment so the issues can be listed on the agenda.  

B.     The public comments of Paul Haas, Ann Marie Silveria, Doris Baris, Sharon Ford and Nancy Carroll are available on the tape recording retained at the Community Center.   

V.      Ratification of Minutes

Motion to approve the August, 2005 Council meeting minutes was made by Carmine Moretti.  The motion was seconded by Bruce Fournier and approved by all Council members in attendance. 

VI.  Committee Reports

A.     Harbor

1.      Harbormaster Mike Tortolani reported that the floats were missing.  

2.      Mr. Tortolani requested volunteers to assist him in removing the docks on or about October 12^th.  

3.      Harbor Committee Chairperson Joe Bleczinski reported that he has revised the mooring waiting list.  He had asked Tax Collector, Helen Patience, to review the list and it appears that 10 names should be removed since they are no longer taxpayers. 

4.      Registered letters were mailed to those on the list to notify them that moorings are available.  They will have 10 days to respond or their names will be removed.

5.      Joe Thomas proposed that the Harbor Committee develop a policy detailing what measures are to be taken when the Harbormaster attempts to notify someone on the mooring list, but is unable to contact him/her.  The draft of that policy should be presented to the Council at the next monthly Council meeting. 

6.      Mr. Thomas also asked the Harbor Committee to obtain information regarding the Town’s Harbor Management Plan regarding taxpayer versus non-taxpayer moorings. 

B.     Trash

1.      Pat Mannix reported that twice weekly trash collections ended on Labor Day. 

2.      The dumpster is scheduled for October 15^th and November 12^th. 

C.     U.R.I. Coalition

1.      Carmine Moretti stated that she and Pat Zito attended the U.R.I. Coalition meeting on September 20, 2005 and heard that there are 226 houses being rented in Bonnet Shores . 

2.      A lengthy discussion ensued regarding parking at the Community Center, parking on the streets in Bonnet Shores , and loud and drunken parties in the Fire District. 

3.      Pat Zito suggested that residents, who have college students renting near them, pick up a copy of the U.R.I. Blue Book from the Community Center and deliver it to the students.

4.      Pat Zito and Carmine Moretti will work with District Manager Frank Murray to post “no Parking” signs at the Community Center.  They will also design a one-page flyer listing guidelines for reporting rental incidents, U.R.I. Coalition meeting dates, and appropriate phone numbers.  The flyers will be distributed in all residents’ mailboxes.

D.  Social Committee

1.      Pat Zito mentioned that Octoberfest will be held on October 15, 2005 at the Community Center.  Attendance is $25 per person.   

2.      The Holiday Party is scheduled for Sunday, December 4, 2005 at the Spain Restaurant. 

 E.     Beautification

1.      Pat Zito expressed concern about the condition and maintenance of the Fire District grounds. 

2.      The entrances to Bonnet Shores along Route 1A are poorly maintained. 

F.      Roads

1.      According to David Austerhout, Director of Narragansett Public Works, the following roads are slated for repairs this Fall:  Fairway Drive ; Anchorage Road ; and Fairport Road

2.      Additional areas of concern that were reported to Chairperson Bruce Fournier included:  the corner of Stratford and Bayberry; Lake Road and Col. John Gardner, near the point. 

3.      It was reported that street sweeping was done poorly this Spring, leaving heavy amounts of sand on the roads. 

G .    Beaches

1.      Chairperson Bob Stebenne and Frank Murray will revise the standing operating procedures (SOPs) for the lifeguards, outlining their areas of responsibility and accountability.  The revisions will be presented to the Council for review in early 2006. 

2.      Mr. Stebenne met with Eric Jenssen from the Bonnet Shores Beach Club Management regarding trash barrels and radios, as well as maintaining the good working relationship the Beach Club has with the Fire District. 

3.      Mr. Stebenne and Mike Tortolani plan to meet with Kelly Beachfront property owners regarding signage and boat access. 

VII.            Treasurer’s Report

A.     See attached report on the website.

B.     Natalie McDonald reported that $201,777.09 is available in the combined checking and money market accounts.

C.     $2,500 of the profits from the Bonnet Daze Road Race has been placed in the playground fund at the request of Neal Colman. 

D.    The final bill from the Bonnet Shores Beach Club for beach clean-up totaled $5,000.

E.     To date, the Day Camp has realized $12,166 compared to a budget of $9,170.

VIII.          Tax Collector’s Report

A.     See attached report on the website.

B.     2004-05 tax information is as follows:

·        Total assessed value - $347,130,300.00

·        Collectable taxes - $225, 638.50

·        Total abated taxes - $2,987.55

·        Total collectable taxes - $222,647.08

·        Taxes collected to date - $202,303.79

IX.    Land Trust

A.     See attached minutes, of their July 14, 2005 meeting, on the website.

B.     Donna Gunning reported that Walter Manning was elected Chairperson at the Land Trust meeting that followed the Annual Meeting on July 21^st.  Other members of the Land Trust Committee are:  Doris Baris, Cliff Hall, Marion Donnelly, and Donna Gunning.

C.     Priorities for the upcoming year are:

a.       Applying for a grant to do survey work, particularly in the boating area.

b.      Sending 15 letters to taxpayers for solicitation of land.

D.    Working with the Town to increase the level of concern regarding sewers in the Fire District.

X.     District Manager’s Report

Frank Murray reported that the Hall is being rented on a regular basis.

XI.  Old Business

A.     Regarding the 20 foot footpath ownership, Attorney Kerry Rafanelli reported that all information has been given to the title examiner. 

B.     Selection of the Audit Committee will commence with Joe Thomas serving as Chair.

C.     The SOP Committee will meet with Bob Stebenne and Frank Murray to revise the Lifeguard procedures. 

D.    Bob Stebenne and Mike Tortolani will meet with waterfront property owners regarding boat launching at Kelly Beach. 

E.     Pat Zito made a motion to authorize Frank Murray to purchase a table mover, chair cart and 4 new tables for the Community Center after obtaining comparative bids from 3 vendors.  Money will be allocated from the capital expenses for the purchase.  The motion was seconded by Carmine Moretti and approved by all Council members in attendance. 

F.      Maximum recycling green bins for paper will be discussed at future contract negotiations. 

G.    Pat Mannix reported that Dave Correira said the change in the beach bus schedule ( 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ) would not be a problem.  The next time the beach bus contract is negotiated, the Council will inquire about the cost of adding an hour to the schedule ( 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. )

H.    Joe Thomas asked Frank Murray to have “30 minute parking only” signs made and erected on poles at Little Beach. 

I.       Bruce Fournier motioned to abbreviate the monthly meeting minutes to include date, location, time of the meeting, Council attendees, motions made, and action items for Council members.  The motion was seconded by Pat Zito.  Pat Mannix objected and a lengthy discussion ensued.  (That discussion can be heard on the tape recording retained at the Community Center.)  Mr. Fournier ultimately rescinded his motion. 

J.      Pat Zito made a motion for the Council to invest in a tape recorder of such quality as to ensure that the meetings are clearly represented on tape and to subsequently reduce the minutes to what is appropriate according to open meeting laws.  That motion was seconded by Bruce Fournier.  Pat Mannix again objected.

K.    Joe Bleczinski requested that Pat Zito rescind her motion and to consider making it 2 motions instead. 

L.     Pat Zito rescinded her earlier motion and made a new motion to approve the purchase of a tape recorder of such quality as to ensure that the monthly meetings will be clearly represented on the recorder.  That motion was seconded by Bruce Fournier.  A roll call vote was requested by Carmine Moretti.  Bob Stebenne, Bruce Fournier, Pat Zito, Carmine Moretti, Pat Mannix, Joe Thomas and Joe Bleczinski all voted to approve the motion. 

M.  Pat Zito then made a motion to allow the Clerk to reduce the minutes to comply with open meeting laws, which represents the attendees, the motions, the discussion of the motions and the votes on motions.  The motion was seconded by Bruce Fournier.  A roll call vote was taken.  Bob Stebenne, Bruce Fournier, Pat Zito and Joe Thomas voted to approve the motion.  Carmine Moretti, Pat Mannix and Joe Bleczinski disapproved.  The motion carried 4 to 3. 

N.    Carmine Moretti questioned 3 items from previous minutes: 

1.      Department of Public Works;

2.      Matthew Mannix and Frank Murray organizing all past minutes;

3.      Pat Zito regarding landscaping bids.

O.    Doris Baris has a copy of all changes made to the Charter since 1984 and will give a copy of those changes to Bob Stebenne. 

P.      Helen Patience reported that the Fire District collects $12,189.42 from the Bonnet Shores Beach Club and she estimates that is cost $3,000 to $4,000 for her time, mailings, follow-ups, etc. 

Q.    A lengthy discussion occurred regarding taxes on the Bonnet Shores Beach Club.  Further discussion was tabled until the October monthly meeting.

R.    Neal Colman reminded the Assembly that there will be a road race in Bonnet Shores on October 16^th with the proceeds going to our troops serving in the military.  Neal asked if the rental fee for the Community Center could be waived for this event.  The Council agreed that the rental fee would be returned if the Community Center was left clean. 

S.      Bob Stebenne stated that he had been approached by several people regarding renovations to the Community Center.  He requested that this matter be included on the agenda for next month’s meeting. 

T.     Joe Thomas read a letter written by Maureen Jackson requesting permission to place a bench at Little Beach in memory of her husband.  Joe Bleczinski made a motion to deny that request.  The motion was tabled. 

U.     Bob Stebenne reported that one of the tables at the Community Center had been damaged and subsequently broken during a rental.  The District Manager suggested asking the rental party for payment for the table.  Carmine Moretti made a motion to withhold the deposit money from the renters.  The motion was seconded by Pat Zito.  A roll call vote was taken.  Carmine Moretti, Pat Mannix, Pat Zito and Joe Bleczinski approved the motion.  Bob Stebenne, Bruce Fournier and Joe Thomas disapproved.  The motion passed 4 votes to 3 to withhold the deposit. 

XII.           New Business

None.

XIII.        Council Comment

None.

XIV.        Executive Sessions

            None.

XV.           Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine M. Kelleher

Clerk

Bonnet Shores Fire District Council

Bonnet Shores Fire District Community Center

130 Bonnet Shores Road

Narragansett, Rhode Island

Agenda – Action Items

October 19, 2005

1. Doris Baris asked the Council to view the landscaping of the new home at the corner of Bonnet Point Road and Dunes Road .  She is of the opinion that the property owners have landscaped to the street past the fire hydrant and walkway.

2. Doris Baris stated that Mr. Sowa on Dunes Road took 2 feet of Bonnet Shores property by placing his wall on the property line and added a 2-foot backfill onto our land.  Joe Thomas asked that this matter be referred to Attorney Kerry Rafanelli.

3. Joe Thomas recommended that the Harbormaster and Harbor Committee members seek guidance from the Harbor Management Plan for the Town of Narragansett , including their directives on taxpayers versus non-taxpayers.

4. Joe Thomas proposed that the Harbor Committee develop a policy detailing what measures are to be taken when the Harbormaster is unable to contact persons on the mooring waiting list.  The draft of that policy is to be presented to the Council at this month’s meeting.

5. Frank Murray will post a sign at the entrance to Bonnet Shores saying “Trash Pick Up Once Weekly”.

6. Carmine Moretti and Frank Murray will call towing companies to get information regarding towing from the Community Center and the associated fees. 

7. Pat Zito and Carmine Moretti will work with Frank Murray to erect a sign at the Community Center which states “Private Property – Park at your own risk – Violators will be towed”

8. A one-page flyer listing guidelines for reporting rental incidents, U.R.I. Coalition dates, and appropriate phone numbers will be placed in residents’ doors.

9. Bob Stebenne and Mike Tortolani plan to meet with Kelly Beach front property owners regarding signage and boat launching.

10. Kerry Rafanelli is to obtain a title search.

11. Joe Thomas is to form and chair the Audit Committee.

Bonnet Shores Fire District Council

Agenda – Action Items - Continued

October 19, 2005

12. Bob Stebenne and Frank Murray will revise SOPs for the lifeguards.

13. Frank Murray is to purchase 4 tables for the Community Center.

14. Recycling will be discussed at future trash removal contract negotiations.

15. Questions regarding fees for a one hour increase and for a change in the hours of operation of the beach bus will be proposed when negotiating the Beach Bus contract.

16. Frank Murray is to have “30 minute parking” signs made and erected on stakes at Little Beach.

17. Kathy Kelleher is to research what is required by law and interpret the open meeting law requirement regarding meeting minutes.

18. Community Center renovations are to be discussed per the request of Bob Stebenne.