Board of Warden and Burgesses

Draft Minutes of Regular Meeting ~ July 19, 2010

 

 

                The regular monthly meeting of the Borough Warden & Burgesses was called to order at 7:35 PM by Warden Don Maranell.  Present were Burgesses, Kathryn Burchenal, Paul Burgess, Jeffrey Callahan, Howard Park, Edward McCreary, Robert Scala and Clerk-Treasurer, Frederick Souza

 

Public Comment:  

 

1.             Wendy Bury presented some concerns on behalf of the merchants centering on available public bathrooms and on Water Street cleanliness during July and August. After some discussion, this resulted in the Borough agreeing to temporarily add a Porta-john at Wayland’s Wharf and the merchants agreeing to direct customers requesting restrooms to that one and the one at the Town Dock.  It was also noted that any abuse of the facility would result in removal.  In addition, the baskets used for trash collection will be monitored a bit more closely to allow for not only emptying every morning, but also in the afternoon on particularly heavy days: merchants are also encouraged to put privately owned trash receptacles in front of their businesses if their business seems to be one that generates a lot of waste and to monitor the cleanliness outside of their establishments.

 

2.             Friends of Wadawanuck Square presented information regarding their work thus far and projecting into the summer and early Fall. Among the discussion points was the optimum cutting length of 3 inches which appears to be a goal the mower can’t accommodate.  The plans for topsoil, aeration and fertilizing amount to $1121.95 in costs which was appropriated from the Park Budget.  Additionally, authorization was granted for the use of herbicides to control the bittersweet.

Discussion of a permanent/semi-permanent sign on the square clarified that is not something appropriate, but instead should be a notice placed on public bulletin boards such as the one outside Tom’s News Stand. 

The light posts on the square need restoration/painting which is something that will be put as a future task for the Borough maintenance crew and budgeted accordingly.

A few limbs need to be pruned as they are somewhat of an impediment to pedestrians and some branches have fallen in recent storms.  Nick Reardon will take a look and correct what needs to be done, but it was noted that this is a perfect activity for the “Friends” as they can easily pick up any fallen branches. .

 

3.             Rita McCreary commented on enforcement of the nuisance ordinance and was advised to refer the matter to the police when necessary.  Additionally, the issue of speed calming and drivers ignoring the pedestrian crosswalks was discussed with suggestions again being forwarded concerning yield signs and speed bumps.

 

Approval of Minutes: 

On a motion by Burgess Scala, seconded by Burgess Callahan, the minutes from the regular meeting of June 19, 2010, were unanimously approved.

 

Administrative Assistant’s Report (Perry):

  • Received June tax collections - $1,463.42
  • Received tax collections for July 1-8: $79,000.00
  • Received 4th qtr for Stonington Fire District - $14,281.16
  • Met with auditor bookkeeper for pre-audit field work
  • Auditors will conduct the audit field work during the first week of August
  • Sent invoices to 3 fire districts
  • Sent request to Town for annual disbursement
  • Dime Bank account for Wayland’s Wharf was opened by Clerk-Treasurer on 6/17 at Westerly, RI branch; therefore the Cannon Square branch did not receive credit

 

Clerk-Treasurer’s Report (Souza):

 

Review of Bills:  It was noted that for the next couple of months there will be two financial reports reflecting the ending of the last fiscal year and the beginning of the new one.

 

Correspondence:  A letter was received requesting street deterioration on Chesebro Lane be addressed, and the Borough will look into what can be done to improve conditions there.

 

Warden’s Report:   

  • Cannon Square is a work in progress and plans are for a rededication to take place on August 14, 2010.  The flagpole is being repaired, and repainted, the bollards need to be ordered, the sprinkler system repairs will be completed in the fall, and it seems appropriate to redo the plaque to represent the latest restoration effort.
  • The LoCip Grant application is being prepared.
  • The status of School Street and the Church Street seawall will be reported back by Rick Olisky.
  • The Orchard Street drainage issues will addressed later this week.
  • Burgess Burchenal and Warden Maranell will be meeting with the police chief later this week
  • A pending lawsuit involving  the Borough has been concluded favorably

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

 

Fire(Scala):  No report as the data was unavailable.  However, the annual Lobster Bake will be held on August 14, 2010, at the firehouse, and plans are being formulated for an appreciation event to underscore the great service the volunteers of the departments give to the community, particularly noting the untiring hours given during the flooding.

 

Parks, Trees & Rights of Way (Park):  It was  noted that permission for the signs on Wadawanuck Square will only be granted for one week durations and are limited to community events.

 

  • Utilities and Sanitation(McCreary):   Pipe work in front of 101 Main Street has been ongoing to enlarge the water system.

 

Public Buildings(Callahan):  Andy Taylor will be upgrading the electrical system at Borough Hall and a persistent bare spot near the entrance has been recently planted with grass.

 

Emergency Management, Sidewalks, & Street Lights (Burgess):  

  • 12 Residents were contacted about sidewalk repair and 4 have responded.
  • It was also noted that some sidewalk issues are caused by deterioration of the curbing.

 

Police, Public Affairs & Communications (Burchenal):  There were 35 incidents with no discernible pattern of criminal activity.  Additionally, the recent concert at the Lighthouse was well attended and there were no problems which is a testament to everyone concerned.

 

Old Business:  none

 

New Business:

  • The Calvary Church was granted permission for a banner advertising the annual fish bake.
  • On a motion by Warden Maranell, seconded by Burgess McCreary the following actions were taken regarding ordinances which needed review/renewal:

 

SBO-17 Planning and Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals-renewed with no changes but with Burgess Callahan clarifying that the Zoning Enforcement Officer is an employee of the Board of Burgesses, not of the Zoning Board.

 

SBO-03 Parking-revised to include resident permit needed if they are to park at Wayland’s Wharf.

 

A new ordinance regarding dumpsters and dumpster permits was considered, modified, and will be posted for potential adoption commensurate with statutory adoption procedures. 

 

Other Business:  Burgess McCreary noted that emergency egress from the Borough over the railroad tracks at the end of Water Street appears to be permanently blocked and questioned how that has come to be.  He asked that this be referred to the police chief when the Warden meets with him later this week.

 

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:37 PM – (moved by Burgesses Callahan and Scala)

 

Respectfully submitted,

Frederick J. Souza ~ Borough of Stonington Clerk/Treasurer