Resolution NOT Appointing Member to Town Council District 4 Vacancy

Some notes I made about this topic from tonight's meeting:

At the beginning of tonight's meeting there was a work session interviewing applicants for the interim appointment as Town Council Member representing District 4. The only person who was there for the interview was Bob Thibeault. Bob is a former and recent TC member from D4. Bob had his interview in front of the public. No other applicants were interviewed.

Later, during the meeting under Item H.1, Councilman Hyde made a motion to appoint David Florio as Council Member to represent District 4. There was no 2nd to the motion, so it could not be voted on. Council President Pomfret made a motion to appoint Robert Thibeault as a Council Member to represent District 4. Seconded by Councilman Cloutier. The vote was Councilmen Pomfret and Cloutier in favor, Councilman Colaluca against and Council Hyde abstaining, so the motion failed. There were no other motions made, so for now there are just four Council members.

Sept. 8 - Work Session Proposed Charter Amendments

Monday evening during the Town Council meeting there will be a work session on the 11 proposed amendments to our Home Rule Charter. I urge you all to attend the hearing; hopefully town officials will allow the public to ask as many questions as possible to help us understand the reasons for these suggested changes to the charter.

Here is the full TC meeting agenda:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/62354.pdf

RIPEC Reading

Here is a link to the RIPEC report "A System at Capacity: Rhode Island's State and Local Tax System":
http://ripec.org/matriarch/d.asp?PageID=66&PageName2=pdfsdoc&p=&PageName=Executive+Summary+FINAL%2Epdf

Happy Labor Day

A brief history of Labor Day:
http://www.dol.gov/OPA/ABOUTDOL/LABORDAY.HTM

From the last paragraph in this article:
"The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker. "

A prayer for Labor Day:
Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives. So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good. As we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Zoning Board Violation Hearing Sept. 3rd - Town Farm Road

To those of you who live in the Town Farm Road area, I thought you should be made aware of an appeal of a zoning violation hearing happening next Wednesday night:

APPEAL(S) OF VIOLATION OF ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Applicant: Studley Brothers Inc.
Owner: Same Location of Property: AP 324; Lot 110; Town Farm Road
Zone: RR3 Existing Use: Gravel Bank Proposed Use: Same
Applicant is appealing a Notice of Violation/Cease and Desist from the Coventry Zoning Enforcement Officer.

This was the location of the proposed Boyd Brook development from a few years ago. Here is a link to the full Zoning board agenda:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4234/2008/61779.pdf

CONE Tax Treaty

I've received some requests to view the existing tax treaty agreement between CONE and the town of Coventry. Here is the link. Click on the document dated 01/15/1997.

http://www.coventrycitizensalliance.org/card_news.asp

Town Meetings Next Week

Town Council 8/25:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/61736.pdf

School Committee 8/26:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2008/61647.pdf

Planning Commission: 8/27:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2008/61723.pdf

Candidates: KO charter proposals

Interesting Projo article:
http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/wb_charter_review_08-15-08_3AB7NJN_v12.3e8587d.html

From the article: "Charter commission member Thaddeus Jendzejec, a Democrat and former council member, said Raptakis served on the town manager search committee and should remember how hard it was to find a candidate with the charter-mandated credentials."

My comments --
1. I think the reason it was hard then and almost impossible now to find qualified Town Manager candidates is that the town has scared them off. After seeing our 19-year TM "retire" and the Town Council hire & fire the next TM in little over one year's time (and then not follow our charter's requirement to search for a replacement), the word is out among the Public Administrator community that Coventry is not a place to build a career, it is inhospitable to TMs, it is to be avoided like the plague.

2. The voters will get a chance to say yes or no to each of the 11 proposed amendments. Please read everything you can about these proposals. Hopefully the town will post the exact wording of each amenment with an explanation for each. Even better, I hope that the town will hold at least one or two public forums on these proposed changes. Remember the bond issue from earlier this year? The town did not do very much to educate the public (except for the efforts of Council members Thompson & Cloutier to get the word out) and the bond issue was voted down. Lesson learned? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Attorney general investigates use of longtime public trust funds

It will interesting to see how the AG's investigation turns out.

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_charitable_trust_08-14-08_0SB79MQ_v9.3e840da.html

Proposed Town Charter Changes

From the KC Times:


Cov. charter changes ballot-bound

Tuesday, 05 August 2008
HANNAH CLARKIN
hclarkin@ricentral.com


COVENTRY — At its meeting on July 28, the Coventry Town Council unanimously approved 11 proposed charter changes to appear on the November ballot.
The proposed changes would affect voting districts, the number of council members, the procedure for filling a school committee vacancy, the qualifications for the position of town manager, probate court responsibilities, financial provisions, the qualifications of the director of finance, the qualifications of the town treasurer, the qualifications of the director of public works, the building inspector, and the municipal court. These changes were unanimously recommended by the Charter Review Commission, chaired by Arthur G. Capaldi, who also serves as the town’s municipal court judge. Leo R. Blais, Jean A. Boulanger, Esq., Kenneth DaSilva, Thaddeus Jendzejec, Victor G. Moffitt, James J. Spearman, Raymond J. Sullivan Jr., and Ronald Wood sat on the commission.

1. Redistricting – relating to Article II, Section 2.05 At the request of the Coventry Board of Canvassers, the Charter Review Commission recommended a charter change to provide for redrawing of district boundary lines every four years —within a year of the gubernatorial election — instead of every two years, as it currently stands. “The board of canvassers’ chairman [Francis J. Perry Jr.] said it was a real difficult thing to do it every two years,” Capaldi said. “A lot of times it doesn’t change a lot in two years; in every four years there may be a change.”

2. Town council – relating to Article III, Section 3.01 Former Coventry Town Council President Jendzejec recommended that the structure of the town council be changed to add two additional members who would be elected at-large from across the town, Capaldi said.“It gives more of a help to the council and it gives two people the ability to see the big picture. It also helps the voters; it gives people not only their own district person to go to, but also these two people,” he said.The additional members would be elected across the town. The two candidates with the most votes would take the positions. Until the charter was created in 1972, all council members were elected at large, Capaldi said.


3. School Committee – relating to Article IV, Section 4.03The commission recommended the charter be changed such that, if a vacancy occurs on the school committee 12 or fewer months before the next regular election, the vacancy will be filled for the unexpired term by the town council. The current limit for the council to appoint to fill a vacancy on the school committee is six or fewer months before the next election.“The board of canvassers said this would make more sense to have a long period of time instead of a short period of time,” Capaldi said. “It’s less costly than running another election.”

4. Town Manager – relating to Article V, Section 5.01 The current charter requires a candidate for town manager to hold, at minimum, a master’s degree in business administration from an accredited college or university and to have spent at least three years as the manager of some city, town, or county; or, that the candidate have a minimum degree in public administration from an accredited college or university with special preference to actual experience in respect to the duties of the office.The commission recommended allowing consideration of town manager candidates who have bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degrees and at least three years experience in administration, not specifically management, in some city, town, or county.“I cannot remember who suggested it,” Capaldi said. “But I personally am in favor of changing — not lessening — the standards, but giving the council more leeway in selection. It’s wise to have a degree [requirement] that is more open — [a candidate] still needs the experience in town government, but it gives the council more freedom.”


5. Probate court – relating to Article VI, Section 6.04This change would allow the probate judge to be represented in his absence by the municipal court judge as well as the town solicitor, Capaldi said. The charter currently limits the duties to the town solicitor.

6. Financial Provision – relating to Article VIII, Section 8.18The commission suggested a change to the charter such that amendments to the capital or operating budgets that raise them by $175,000 would require all-day referendums. Currently, amendments that raise or lower the budgets by $100,000 require a referendum — an amount that is not as large as it was in 1972 when the charter was passed, Capaldi said. The recommended change also includes a clause that would adjust the amount requiring a referendum yearly according to the change in the Consumer Price Index.


7&8. Department of Finance – relating to Article X, Section 10.02 and Section 10.11 The recommended changes in this section were put forth by Moffitt, Capaldi said. One relates to the director of finance and the other to the town treasurer. Under the proposed change, the director of finance shall have knowledge of municipal accounting, finance, taxation, budgeting, financial control and investments and shall have a minimum of a bachelor of arts or science degree in a financial area of study. The charter does not currently mention knowledge of investments or state a degree requirement.“Since the town manager depends on the finance director, the finance director should have some experience in that area — the position should require knowledge in investments,” Capaldi said. “These requirements [are] a little more strict.”The treasurer, under the proposed change, must have a minimum of a bachelor of arts or science degree in the financial area of study. The charter does not currently state a degree requirement for the position of town treasurer, saying only “The town treasurer shall have knowledge of accounting and shall have had experience in budgeting and financial control.”

9. Department of Public Works — relating to Article XI, Section 11.02 Currently, the director of public works must possess at least five years experience in municipal engineering. This proposed charter change would lessen the requirements to run the department of public works. The proposed change would allow a director who had a bachelor of arts or science degree and at least five year’s experience in public works. “Again, this is a lessening of the requirements to open [the position] up to people to run the department of public works that have a lot of experience,” Capaldi said. “Former contractors may have that kind of experience or people who have maybe worked for the department for 25 to 30 years, which is a good thing. I never really liked having just an engineer over everybody.”


10. Department of Building Inspector – relating to Article XI.A The proposed change to this section of the charter would add language indicating that the building inspector is answerable only to the town manager.Currently, Capaldi said, the building inspector is answerable to several different departments. “Under the zoning law, he is the only one who can make decisions of zoning. In the present charter, he is under the town manager but also the town engineer and the planner. He has to make independent decisions, or else there are decisions that are not proper.” Placing the inspector exclusively under the town manager will allow him to be more independent, Capaldi said.

11. Municipal Court – addition to the charter.Currently, the town’s municipal court exists only by an ordinance, Capaldi said. This proposed change would make the municipal court more permanent. “I think this is really good and it helps the town,” he said. “A local judge has a better feeling for what comes before him because he lives in the town. No district court judge knows the Town of Coventry better than I do, or better than someone who lives here does.”Making the municipal court part of the charter will make it safe from the political whims of future councils, Capaldi said.

TC Meeting 07/28/08 Notes

Brief notes from tonight's meeting:

Full Agenda:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/60732.pdf

Items of interest: EXECUTIVE SESSION R.I.G.L. 42-46-5 (a) (1) Pertaining to Personnel
• Interviews for School Committee. The interviews were done in the public.

WORK SESSION -- Charter Review Committee recommendations -- I came to the meeting late and missed nearly all discussion.

H. CONSENT AGENDA
12. Resolution adopting Charter Review recommendations - The TC voted 5-0 to approve the 11 or 12 proposed amendments to our charter. I was not able to obtain a copy of the amendments; hopefully the town will make them available at its web site.

I. RESOLUTIONS 1. Resolution appointing member to serve on School Committee -- The TC voted 4-1 to appoint Michael Reeves to the open seat for District 5.

J. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ENSUING ACTION
4. Amendment of Zoning Ordinance and Map, Assessor’s Plat 24, Lot 125 (The Woods at Red Brook) from Residential 20 to R-20 (Planned Development) -- The public hearing was opened but then immediately continued to the 08/25/08 TC meeting. Counsel for the applicant wanted to ensure that proper notice to abutters is sent out that meets the requirements of existing law.

5. Amendment of Zoning Ordinance and Map, Assessor’s Plat 55, Lot 77 (Anthony Mill) from Industrial 2 Residential with Mill Conversion District/floating zone. Sorry, I left before this public hearing began. Saving this historic building via a conversion to housing has the potential to be a good thing if done within the context of our existing land use ordinances.

Meetings Scheduled for This Coming Week

Town Council July 28:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/60732.pdf

TC meeting -- Items of interest:

EXECUTIVE SESSION
R.I.G.L. 42-46-5 (a) (1)
Pertaining to Personnel
• Interviews for School Committee

WORK SESSION
• Charter Review Committee recommendations

H. CONSENT AGENDA
12. Resolution adopting Charter Review recommendations

I. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution appointing member to serve on School Committee

J. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ENSUING ACTION
4. Amendment of Zoning Ordinance and Map, Assessor’s Plat 24, Lot 125 (The Woods at Red Brook) from Residential 20 to R-20 (Planned Development)
5. Amendment of Zoning Ordinance and Map, Assessor’s Plat 55, Lot 77 (Anthony Mill) from Industrial 2 Residential with Mill Conversion District/floating zone

School Committee July 29:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2008/60638.pdf

Sewer Assessment Review Board July 29:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/5301/2008/60143.pdf

Coventry Seafood Building -- GONE

Another piece of our heritage was taken away from us yesterday. Was it really necessary to tear down a 136 year old building that had historical significance? I guess we'll have to wait and see how much of a net increase in tax revenue this ends up producing. And even if that happens in this case, the ends did not justify the means.

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_historic_building_07-17-08_3TASUT4_v7.3bf1f70.html

It was alarming to me that the issuance of the demolition permit and the actual razing activity all happened in the same day. In my opinion, we need an ordinance that provides for a review process whenever it is proposed to tear down any habitational, mercantile, commercial or institutional structure that is 50 years old or older. A process that allows for input by historical organizations and the public.

Demolition Issue

I disagree with the idea that "progress" has to mean that viable, historic buildings must be eradicated and replaced with new mercantile/commercial buildings that look like they could be from anywhere in America. If the purpose of tearing down the Coventry Seafood building is to expand the parking lot for the shopping plaza next door, that certainly is not going to bring in more tax revenue. Structures like this, that define our sense of place, are what make our town unique.
http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_coventry_historic_building_07-15-08_HBARSU_v10.3f5d6c4.html

Town Council Executive Session 07/14/08

Here's the TC agenda:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/60187.pdf

For other meeting agendas this week, go to this link and choose:
http://www.state.ri.us/govtracker/index.php?page=DetailMuni&eid=3763

Coventry must hold special election, solicitor advises

Thank you town officials for allowing the voters of District 5 to choose a new School Committee member (at least we can choose for the period Nov. '08 to Nov. 2010). Here is the link to Projo article:

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_coventry_solicitor_07-11-08_EEAQO43_v17.3f60a04.html

RI Ironman 70.3 Competition in Coventry

This coming Sunday morning, July 13th, the Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island is coming to Coventry. Actually, it is coming through our town. There are about 2,000 people who signed up for this event, are we ready for it?

The swim takes place in Narragansett, the cycling route comes through Coventry starting at Exit 7, north through Arnold Rd. to Sandy Bottom to Washington St. and north through Knotty Oak Rd. and into Scituate. The run part will be held in Providence. The event starts at 6 am at Roger Wheeler Beach, so the bike riders should be in town beginning after 8:30 am or so.

Here is the link to course maps:
http://ironman.com/events/ironman70.3/rhodeisland70.3/?show=maps

So, pull up a lawn chair at the Arnold Road causeway or at the CVS Clock Park at Tiogue Ave. @ Sandy Bottom and cheer on the participants.

Vacated school board seat leaves questions

I guess the Town Charter will need at least one amendment...

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/118750/1/

Candidate Information

Local Coventry candidate info:

http://www.sec.state.ri.us/candidates/search/?set_language=en&muni_id=06&citySearch=Search

KCT Article - Coventry ditches Route 102 rezone plan

Thank you Chairman Crossman and PC members for holding a successful public hearing

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/118279/1/

Ucoming Meetings

Town Council Monday June 23:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/59446.pdf

School Committee Tuesday June 24:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2008/59410.pdf

Planning Commission Wednesday June 25:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2008/59410.pdf

Agenda item number 8 is --
"PUBLIC MEETING-Continued
Review and critique the Comprehensive Community Plan update in
accordance with RIGL 45-22.2-8."

I hope you folks from "western" can attend and let town officials know what you want your part of Coventry to look like 5, 10, 20 years from now.

News Article on FTM - Budget Approved

The meeting started at 7:00 pm and it was over by 7:50. And it wasn't too hot in the auditorium, either.

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_coventry_ftm_06-11-08_BJAFGBC_v13.3735cf1.html

Financial Town Meeting June 10th

Here's the agenda:

http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/58794.pdf

Hope to see many of you there.

June 3rd Public Hearing On Comprehensive Plan was Cancelled

There was a lack of a quorum:

Russell Crossman, Chairman - Present
Scott Nelson, Vice Chairman - Absent
George Caldow - Present
Paul Daggett - Absent
Cynthia Fagan - Present
David Florio - Absent
Ron Flynn - Present
Josh Nunes - Absent
Jason Osenkowski - Absent

There needs to be 5 members to constitute a quorum; only 4 were present. The meeting was cancelled at 7:30 pm with no business conducted. The public hearing on proposed changes to our Comprehensive Community Plan has been re-scheduled to the Planning Commission's Wednesday, June 25th. It will probably be one of several agenda items for that evening.

Thanks to all of the residents from western and central Cov (thanks PORA members) for coming tonight. I hope you will plan on attending the 6/25 meeting. Spread the word so more folks from western can be there next time.

Planning Commission Meeting June 3, 2008

Planning Commission Meeting
1670 Flat River Road
Coventry, RI 02816
June 03, 2008
7:00 pm

Here is a link to the agenda for next Tuesday’s meeting:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2008/58371.pdf

The item of interest is:

PUBLIC MEETING-Continued
Review and critique the Comprehensive Community Plan update in
accordance with RIGL 45-22.2-8.

I hope many residents who live in “western” will attend. If lots of people show up and express their comments, questions and concerns the Planning Commission may modify some of the proposed changes to the Comp Plan. If no one comes to the meeting, it is likely that the PC would recommend the updated Comp Plan to the Town Council as suggested by the consultant.

Public hearing - Proposed Changes to our Comprehensive Community Plan - 6/3/08

I contacted the Planning Dept. today, and they said that the public hearing on Proposed Changes to our Comprehensive Community Plan is still scheduled for next Tuesday, June 3rd, 7:00 pm at town hall. I previously posted notes taken at the public hearing that was held on 04/09/08, go to that date to read them.

An important item discussed by the town's consultant was a proposal to change the land use designation of the area on both sides of Route 102 from Harkney Hill Road south the West Greenwich border from rural residential to BUSINESS PARK. For those of you who live in "Western", you might want to check article 6 of the town zoning regulations to see what types of uses are permitted in a business park zone.
Go to http://www.town.coventry.ri.us/zoningregs.pdf to see the list of uses that are permitted or could be allowed under a special use permit.

Here are just some of the uses that are a "by-right" or permitted in a Business Park zone:
Motel and Hotel
Metal Fabrication/Machine Shop
Storage of flammable or explosive materials above ground or underground
Equipment garage for the commercial storage of construction vehicles and heavy equipment over 4 ton carrying capacity
Manufacture of wood products and furniture
Printing, publishing and allied industries
Manufacture of pharmaceuticals
Manufacture of glass products
Motor freight terminal
Transmitters and towers for private use
Utility substation
Drive-in and fast food restaurants
Landscape supply (in bulk)
General warehousing and storage facilities
Self storage facilities
General automotive repair, body shop
Bowling alley, billiards, movie theater
Video, pinball arcades

Here are some just some of the uses that could be approved in a Business Park via a special use permit:
Multi-family housing project
Automobile junk yards
Open storage of solid fuel, sand or gravel
Commercial woodlots and firewood storage and sales
School bus parking and storage
Sewage treatment facilities
Gasoline service station
Fuel dealer, oil and bottled gas sale and service only

I urge those of you who live in western to attend this meeting to express your comments, concerns and questions.

News Articles on FY 2009 Budget

The TC approved the 2008-2009 budget last night.

Projo article:
http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/wB_coventry_council_05-20-08_JEA6Q3V_v8.3813c9d.html

The Financial Town Meeting is scheduled for June 11. Hope to see many of you there.

Meetngs of Interest

Town Council 5/19:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/57831.pdf

Sewer Subcommittee 5/20:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4247/2008/57708.pdf

Planning 5/21:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2008/57754.pdf

Kudos to Chief DaSilva

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_COVENTRY_SHOPLIFTING_05-01-08_ER9VH34_v16.34a0b57.html

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/110591/

Proposed New Statewide Formula for Aid to Schools

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/109352/

Nice Article on "Western"

Below is a link to a nice news article in today's Projo West Bay section on Western. The article states "Western Coventry is suited to people who like nature, open space, and animals". That could all change if the designated use of land on Route 102 south of Harkney Hill Rd. is amended as proposed on the town's comprehensive community plan from rural residential to business park.

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/HO_greene041308_04-13-08_8F9L22N_v14.28b0f69.html

Proposes Changes to Our Comprehensive Community Plan

Notes from Planning Commission Meeting of 04/09/08, 6:00 pm
Held at Town Council Chambers

Subject: Proposed update to our Comprehensive Community Plan.

Overview given by consultant Tony Lacawicz (not sure of last name spelling).

State law requires an update to a town’s comp plan every 5 years. Coventry initially approved its first comp plan 03/22/1999. There have been minor adjustments to the plan since then but this is the first major update. I glanced through the proposed revised comp plan book and there many, many changes in the text and maps so these notes only touch on the changes envisioned.

Mr. Lacawicz stated that his presentation would only touch on the major recommendations being made to the comp plan. He and his partner were hired by the town to work with the Planning Dept. on the update. It has taken two years to complete the project.

As a part of his work, the consultant interviewed the Town Manager, all dept. heads, local school officials, local boards & commissions, the various fire district leaders, Kent County Water, West Warwick Regional Sewer District, RI Economic Development, DEM and DOT.

The updated plan uses year 2000 census data and other federal and state data bases. There are 27 updated maps.

Proposed Significant Changes:
If you live in “Western” please note item 1:

1. Change the land use designation of the area on Route 102 from Harkney Hill Road south the West Greenwich border from rural residential to BUSINESS PARK. There was some discussion among Planning Commission members about why this change is being proposed. State officials told the consultant and Planning that they see the Route 102 corridor as a future growth area. Looking ahead 20 to 30 years in the future it is thought this part of town may be a good spot for business development. Questions arose about whether the recommendation should be for a Village Business District instead of a BP designation.
2. The town needs to devise a policy that integrates water supply management with land use and economic development so growth doesn’t outstrip the availability of water.
3. Add inclusionary zones – giving a density bonus to developers who add an affordable housing component to residential projects.
4. Recommend change in land use at businesses abutting CONE on Arnold Rd. and Hopkins Hill Road from general business to BUSINESS PARK.
5. South Main Street – Village Business District along the entire area.
6. Mill Conversion Zones – change the zoning to all of the old mills in town.

The process of amending our comp plan:
1) Agreement on changes to be made and recommendations by the Planning Commission to the Town Council.
2) Hopefully, some work sessions by Town Council, but a public hearing must be held on proposed changes to the comp plan.
3) Once the town approves the update, it gets sent to the state for review. This review process may take up to a year. This state review procedure does not preclude the town from implementing the revised comp plan.
4) What could also happen is that the town could change the zoning in areas that the comp plan calls for changing. State law requires the town to change zoning to match its comp plan within 18 months of adopting the comp plan. No penalty for not following the law, but the town exposes itself to litigation by not making the appropriate changes.

The public hearing was continued to Tuesday, June 3rd, 7:00 pm at Town Council chambers. If you live in Western and are concerned about the proposed land use changes along Route 102 you should contact your Town Council member immediately and also plan on attending the 06/03/08 PC public hearing. If you voice your comments, questions and concerns now the proposed changes might not happen. If you do nothing, these changes could definitely be made.

News Article - Budget

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/107716/

News Article - Town Budget

Projo article on yesterday's work session - Town Council and Dept. Heads. I wish the meeting had been held in the evening when most of the public could have attended if they wanted to:

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_cov-budget_04-08-08_MR9M5JU_v10.373e2f9.html

Meetings This Week

Town Council 4/7 at 12 Noon!
http://www.state.ri.us/eTownCrier/index.php?page=meeting&id=55600

School Committee 4/8 7 pm:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/5472/2008/55582.pdf

Planning 4/9 6:00 pm Public review of update to comprehensive community plan:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2008/55615.pdf

Student Research for Tiogue Lake

Nice article about CHS student environmental project:

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_aquatics_robotics_04-02-08_119JTPM_v12.34b13c2.html

Public Hearings on School, Town Budgets

KC Times of 04/01/08 on page B-7 there is a legal notice of the pending budget hearings:

Proposed 2008-2009 Budget

Public Hearing Dates:

Municipal Budget -- April 15th, 6:00 pm, Town Council Chambers

School Budget -- April 17th, 6:00 pm, Town Council Chambers

Copies of the proposed budget can be viewed at the Town Library during its usual hours of operation.

Suggestion -- Could the budget be posted on the town web site, as it has done int past?

These are public hearings. Any person attending will be allowed to speak and question the TC, Town Manager and a representative of the School Committee.

Please attend the meeting of your choice.

Route 3 Upgrade Diminished

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/106767/

We're Number 6

RI has the 6th highest tax burden according to this survey:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/Advice/TheBestAndWorstStatesForTaxes.aspx?page=2

Nice post, Duck

http://twopartysystem.blogspot.com/

See the post of 03/28/08.

Notes from CONE Master Plan Public Hearing

MY NOTES FROM PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Master Plan: Centre Of New England Phases 7B and 7C
Commerce Park Realty, LLC
Major Land Development Project Proposing 52 Residential Condominiums
AP 5, Lots 14.1 and 14.2; Zone BP
Centre of New England Boulevard

4.5 acre site on the west side of CONE across from Hertz Rental and near Mack Truck and Champion Windows. Adjacent to Amgen property, wetlands, existing detention basin.
Proposed 52 units, 26 duplexes. Not age-restricted, needs relief from age-restriction requirement. Needs relief from buffer zone requirement.
3 different models: 900 Square Feet $179,000; 1200 SF $189,000; 1500 SF $199,000. This site was originally planned as self-storage units, 90% impervious surfaces, now will be 42% impervious.
Intends to apply for Kent County Water, will be sewered. Well water for irrigation.
All units two bedroom or less.
DEM wants easement to wetlands to the south of the property.
Fiscal impact to be assessed a the preliminary hearing.
Master Plan voted on and approved 6-0 (3 members absent) with conditions. Age restriction and buffer variances granted.

Projo Article on H-7950

Here is the projo link to last night's hearing on the Massive Tax Increase Bill:
http://www.projo.com/news/content/BUDGET_PROTESTS_03-27-08_CB9H9AB_v17.774f00.html

Here is KC Times article on the same subject:
http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/106045/

I was screaming at the TV when the sponsors were answering questions on the "fairness" of the bill. Over 100 people signed up to testify on this bill. There was a lot of opposition there as well some folks who were in favor of passage. In the end the bill was "held for further study" which means its chances of being enacted are slim. It also means that we need to watch this very closely, as a different version of the massive tax increase bill may re-submitted.

News Articles - Public Payroll Info, Solar Wind Farm

The top ten salaried people - municipal and school:
http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_cov_top_ten_03-25-08_R09CV54_v36.358da09.html

Possible solar wind farm at Picillo:
http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/bz_solar_farm25_03-25-08_K19G9RN_v11.38e5188.html

Good luck Chief DaSilva:
http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_police_03-25-08_BU9GA1D_v12.3587b04.html

Upcoming Meetings

Town Council 03/24:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/55050.pdf

School Committee 03/25:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2008/54894.pdf

Planning Commission 03/26:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2008/54982.pdf

Land Trust 04/01:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4244/2008/55011.pdf

Stop H-7950, Stop Our Taxes from Being Increased!

Here is a link to the wording of House bill H-7950:

http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText08/HouseText08/H7950.pdf

This bill would raise taxes by an estimated $300 MILLION PER YEAR by expanding the scope of what is subject to the sales tax and increasing several other taxes.

Bill Sponsors:

Rep. David A. Segal rep-segal@rilin.state.ri.us (401)432-7049
Rep. Anastasia Williams rep-williams@rilin.state.ri.us (401)272-8135
Rep. Grace Diaz rep-diaz@rilin.state.ri.us (401)467-8413
Rep. Joseph S. Almeida rep-almeida@rilin.state.ri.us (401)467-7033
Rep. Arthur Handy rep-handy@rilin.state.ri.us (401)785-8996

Here are our local elected officials in the House of Representatives:

Ray Sullivan rep-sullivan@rilin.state.ri.us
Victor Moffit rep-moffitt@rilin.state.ri.us
Nicholas Gorham rep-gorham@rilin.state.ri.us
Patricia Serpa rep-serpa@rilin.state.ri.us

If you agree that we are over-taxed as it is and are opposed to increasing taxes further, then please contact the sponsors and our local reps and let them that you are against passage of this bill. The hearing for this bill is scheduled for March 26th so please contact these officials immediately.

Legislative Alert

I received this info a couple of days ago. RI is the 5th highest taxed state in the USA. We're taxed out! Please read below and if you agree contact your state representative or senator and tell them no more additional or increased taxes!


Bill # H-7950 TAXES, TAXES AND MORE TAXES!
March 18, 2008 The House Finance Committee has rescheduled a hearing on anti-business and job development legislation to be heard on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at approximately 4:30 P.M. in Room 35. The bill includes the following:
* Sales tax on virtually all services, including appliance repairs, landscaping, movie tickets, laundry, temp agencies, club membership, real estate services and so on except physicians and lawyers
* Reduction in sales tax from 7% to 4.5% over a number of years
* 2% gross revenue tax on lawyers and accountants
* Tax on clothing valued over $250
* Tax on the trade-in of motor vehicles
* Reinstate the capital gains tax back to 5%
* Tax non-resident S-Corporation owners at the corporate rate of 9%
* Repeal virtually all business tax credits
* Tax on the press and newspapers
* Impose a cap on historic tax credits with eligibility requirements
* Sales tax on all fuels including home heating oil
* Tax precious metal bullion
* Increase state income tax 2.5% in 2008
* Decrease many other tax credits
* Eliminate the research and development tax credit for employers of 30 or fewer employees
* Eliminate the alternative flat tax after 2008
* Tax on dietary supplements sold on prescriptions
* Institute a sales tax on bus/van/truck rentals
* Eliminate the capital investment in small business credit
* Repeal the Job Development Act
* Repeal the mill building and economic privatization act
* Repeal the exception from sales tax by writers, composers and artists

Increasing taxes are not the way to go to correct a serious budget problem. This legislation will surely stop economic development, job creation, and is just plain BAD LEGISLATION! Taxing services have been an abysmal failure in other states and falls heavily on small business and on those who cannot up and relocate. For your information, it is estimated this bill alone will increase taxes by over $300 million.

Address your letter to The Honorable (Representative's name), c/o Speaker of the House, 323 State House, Providence, RI 02903 and to the Honorable (Senator's name) c/o Senate President's Office, 318 State House, Providence, RI 02903. Also please send a copy of your letter to the address below. For Representative and/or Senator in your district refer to the links below.

http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/hofrep.html

http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/senate.html

School Article

Here is a link to projo article about the school budget:

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_blunder_03-19-08_TU9E4IB_v11.372d0c9.html

The School Committee last week mistakenly adopted the original, uncut version of its 2009 spending request. It was just a glitch, said school officials. There is a rumor I've heard that the town wants to eliminate the Town Finance Director's position and have the School Business Administrator take over the books for both town and school. I have a better idea -- eliminate the school business adminstrator position and have our town finance director take over the books for both town and school -- and then have a forensic audit done of School Dept. finances.

‘Irregularities’ found at Resource Recovery Corp.

http://www.projo.com/news/content/Resource_Recovery_03-14-08_9E9C8E4_v17.3730064.html

Finalists for Town Engineering Work

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_folo_firing_03-12-08_9E9BCF4_v11.2ae2.html

News Articles

Coventry's animal control ordinance updated:
http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_cov_council_03-11-08_PN9B48K_v14.3730435.html

State Open Government Forum held last night at CCRI:
http://www.projo.com/news/content/open_records_03-11-08_DT9B4DJ_v30.38e9d45.html

Town Council 03/10/07 Meeting Agenda

Thank you Council members for bringing Public Comment back!

http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/54346.pdf

News Articles, Meetings

Articles --

CONE - Wells
http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_wells_03-07-08_SU98F61_v18.ad282d.html

Voter Disaffiliation
http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_vote7_03-07-08_CU99GTI_v8.ad329b.html


Upcoming Meetings --

School Committee 03/11/08:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2008/54236.pdf

Conservation 03/11/08, includes proposed new condos for CONE:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4239/2008/54129.pdf

Planning 03/12/08, includes proposed new condos for CONE:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2008/54116.pdf

What a Concept

Could this be done in RI?

http://www.sacbee.com/1098/story/738462.html

News Articles - Town & School Payrolls, CONE

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_coventrypay_03-04-08_JA981RL_v12.372ed7b.html

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/103347/

News Articles - Schools

Budget news:

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/102863/

Caruolo:

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/102862/

Coventry comparison:

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/School_Payrolls26_02-26-08_PV94CIE_v37.348c93b.html

Fracas at Town Council Meeting 02/25/08

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/102714/

Article on New Bond Issue Proposal

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/102437/

News Article on TIF/Budget

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/102319/

News Article - West Greeniwch at I-95 Exit 7

http://www.coventrycourier.com/content/view/69004/

Corruption Costs Us All

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june05/obrien062005.htm

Engineering Debacle - Another Article

This one from the KC Times:

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/content/view/101063/

Engineering Dept. Debacle

Link to Projo article on eliminating Engineering:

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_canned_02-12-08_7R8VP6M_v9.3718576.html

Town Council Meeting 02/11

>Just some notes from tonight’s TC meeting:
>>Agenda item G.2 resolution pertaining to Engineering Dept.
>>The town clerk read the resolution. There were references to >difficult times, being responsible to save taxpayers money and of >course the decision to eliminate the Engineering Dept., the Town >Engineer and Assist TE positions effective immediately.>>Before the vote, TC President Pomfret said this was “one step in the >right direction for the taxpayers”, that the town “will save >thousands of dollars in the long run” that this is “the first >victory for the taxpayers”. Councilman Cloutier expressed his >reservations on making this move, that he had received calls from >constituents worried about who would oversee the Centre of New >England, sewer construction and Tiogue Lake. There was no other >discussion among council members of the pros and cons of doing this. > The vote was 3-1 in favor so the resolution passed. Councilmen >Pomfret, Hyde and Colaluca were in favor, Councilman Cloutier was >opposed. Councilman Thompson was absent this evening.

>>As you know, I am opposed to doing away with the Town Engineer >position. We are a town of 35,000, there needs to be an engineer who >will represent the public interest. The largest development in our >history, CONE, has got 15 years to go. We've got major sewer >construction going on. Our Town Engineer spends at least half of >her time each week on CONE. Subbing this out to engineering >companies is not the way to go. This was a political decision.

>>When the TC went into Executive Session, I asked the town Finance >Director what would be the cost savings of eliminating the >Engineering Dept. He told me that he did not know, that he would >need to know how much time the Town Engineer spent as an engineer >and the amount of time she spent as head of DPW. I asked the >Finance Director if town leaders consulted with him on the financial >impact of doing away with Engineering and he replied no, that no >town official asked him his opinion. It would be nice to know what >type of savings are to be had, what type of data the TC had to work >with and who provided them with the information.

>>The good news is that there will soon have a public hearing on >amending our animals & fowl ordinance to add a “pooper scooper” >provision. Please don’t miss this event, tentatively scheduled for >March 10th.

Zoning Meeting Feb. 6

http://www.kentcountytimes.com/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,156/

Under Construction