February 12 Town Council Meeting Preview
Thomas Dambo
The
Charlestown Town Council has an agenda full of compelling topics for Monday
night.
First, there will be an executive session meeting, at 6:15 pm, to consider contract agreements with the various unions and associations of town workers. The regular Council meeting will begin at 7 pm in the Council Chambers. Here are some of the topics that will be of interest:
- The meeting will
start with presentations and proclamations honoring former Town Council
member Grace Klinger, who passed away on January 20.
- Amendments to the
Town ordinance on Taxation will be introduced, and scheduled for a public
hearing on March 11. The changes are mostly corrections that will
eliminate unnecessary requirements for those receiving tax exemption. The
full text can be read here.
- A proposed zoning
change for the property at 1645 Shannock Road will be introduced and
scheduled for a public hearing on March 11. This would change the property
to mixed use, with a commercial portion, to be used by South County
Habitat For Humanity, and a two-bedroom residential unit. The property
most recently held a septic service company. Prior to that, it was the
site of Charlestown Fire District's Station 1 (Charlestown-Richmond Fire
Department) before moving to the new building on South County Trail. The
details can be read here.
- The Council will
consider a proposed resolution supporting state legislation authorizing
the Chariho Regional School District's plan to build three new elementary
schools, replacing existing schools. This Resolution supports the people's
right to vote on this matter. It can be read here.
- The Council will
consider filling an Alternate member position on the Zoning Board of
Review. Applications have been
received from Joseph M. DeMarco, William Isabella, and Steven A. Rice.
- The Council will hold
a public hearing amending Chapter 218 - Zoning, primarily to conform to
recently enacted State mandates. The proposed changes can be read here.
- The Council will
discuss a report on options for resurfacing Charlestown Beach Road, along
and near the beach, and the recommendation from the Climate Resiliency
Commission. The report was initially presented to the Council at the
January 22 meeting. Next steps will be decided at this meeting. The
information can be read here.
- The Ninigret Troll artwork
project and agreement with the South County Tourism Council
will be discussed.
- The Council and Town
Solicitor will discuss whether a special town
vote will be needed to approve possible demolition of the
existing Charlestown Elementary School as part of the Chariho Regional
School District's plans to build new schools. This item is continued from
the January 22 meeting.
- The Council will discuss whether and how to fill the current vacancy on the Town Council. Information, including the Town Charter section on filling vacancies, can be read here.
The
entire agenda, including the procedure for streaming access, can be viewed here.
