Monthly Meeting
May 21, 2008

Meeting Minutes

The meeting was Called to Order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairperson Joe Thomas. Those in attendance included Bill Dickinson, Bruce Fournier, Mim Logee, Matthew Mannix and Dan Quirk. District Manager Erin Rooney, Tax Collector Helen Patience, Harbormaster Mike Tortolani were also present. Bob Stebenne, Treasurer Natalie McDonald and Clerk Catherine Kelleher were absent.

NOTE: These minutes were transcribed from a tape recording due to the absence of the Clerk at the meeting.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Assembly recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 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.

Urgent Business

None.

Period of Public Comment

Winnie Kelly expressed her thanks to all who sent cards and prayers to her sister, Marie.

Ratification of Minutes

None

Committee Reports

Beach (Mim Logee)

1. The report is on tape.

2. The breach way was opened on May 21^st.

3. Little Beach Restoration Project (Joe Thomas)

a. Mr. Thomas’s report on the Little Beach Restoration Project is scanned and attached to these meeting minutes.

 

b. Joe report that the quotes from Bob Barber range from $9,200 to $11,700 depending on the number of days involved to complete the project. It was noted that the Council had previously approved $8,500 for this project.

c. This clean-up project would include 125 feet to the left of the boat ramp, near the lifeguard chair, and 150 feet to the right of the boat ramp, where the boats are moored.

d. Matthew Mannix proposed cleaning on the area to the left of the boat ramp which is the swimming area at Little Beach.

e. Bruce Fournier indicated that he was in favor of restoring the entire area because one of the most valuable assets of Bonnet Shores is the beach.

f. Mary Beth Holland stated that she does not believe that enough people use Little Beach to warrant allocating this sum of money. She agreed with Matthew Mannix that doing the side to the left of the ramp would be more reasonable.

g. Bill Dickinson expressed his support for restoring both sides.

h. Pat Mannix stated that the beach has changed drastically over the years. She indicated that the beach is rocky and the water is shallow.

i. Dan Quirk stated that, as Kelly Beach becomes more and more crowded, the restored Little Beach would be a wonderful alternative.

j. Mike Tortolani reported that he has received numerous complaints about Little Beach and that it should be cleaned.

k. Lee Listro stated that, as a long time user of Little Beach, anything that is done to improve Little Beach would be well worthwhile.

l. Bruce Fournier motioned that $3,200 be allocated to restore Little Beach on both sides of the ramp and that the stones be reset. The motion was seconded by Bill Dickinson. Roll call revealed that Bruce Fournier, Bill Dickinson, Joe Thomas, Mim Logee and Dan Quirk voted in favor of the restoration as motioned. Matthew Mannix opposed. The motion passed 5 votes to 1.

4. The Beach Bus will run every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m. starting on June 28^th and will continue through Labor Day. This will include service on the 4^th of July. The bus will not run on VJ Day.

Historical (Lee Listro)

5. The report is on tape.

6. Lee reported that the interviewing of some of Bonnet’s older citizens continues and proves to be most rewarding.

By Laws (Matthew Mannix)

7. The report is on tape.

8. The next By Laws Committee meeting is scheduled for June 5^th at 7:30 p.m.

Bonnet Days (Matthew Mannix)

9. The report is on tape and has been scanned and is attached to these meeting minutes.

10. Bonnet Days is scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. with a children’s "Fun Run" at that time, a "Fun Walk" at 6:15 p.m., and a "3-mile run" at 7:00 p.m. These activities will be followed by a "Bonnet Bash" for families and participants of all ages.

11. The next Bonnet Days Planning meeting will be held on June 4^th at 7:00 p.m.

Roads (Bruce Fournier)

The report is on tape and has been scanned and is attached to these meeting minutes.

Recreation (Joe Thomas)

The report is on tape and has been scanned and is attached to these meeting minutes.

Beautification (Bill Dickinson)

12. The report is on tape and has been scanned and is attached to these meeting minutes.

13. Joe Thomas expressed his appreciation to Marge Manning for organizing Earth Day.

Pond (Bill Dickinson)

The report is on tape and has been scanned and is attached to these meeting minutes.

Social (Bill Dickinson)

14. The report is on tape and has been scanned and is attached to these meeting minutes.

15. Bill thanked Steve McCooey and Joe Thomas for hanging the Bonnet Quilt on the Community Center wall.

Harbor (Dan Quirk)

16. The report is on tape and has been scanned and is attached to these meeting minutes.

17. Comments on the Harbor Plan were received from Kevin Cute, CRMC and the committee reviewed them at their meeting on May 20^th.

18. As an alternative to the originally planned sailing program, which will not take place this year, a limited program will be offered free of charge as a one or two day event.

Treasurer’s Report (Natalie McDonald)

None.

Tax Collector’s Report (Helen Patience)

B. The report is on tape.

C. 97% of the taxes have been collected.

Land Trust (Doris Baris)

D. The report is on tape.

E. The trustees met on April 30^th.

1. It was recommended that Bruce Fournier represent the Land Trust at the Town to seek approval for the foot bridge.

2. Approval for 3 new benches at Little Beach was requested.

3. A plan for maintenance of all benches, to include power washing, is being constructed.

F. There are 4 possible land donations, but there are still some legal issues to be resolved.

G. Bruce Fournier motioned to approve the Land Trust’s request to place 3 additional benches in the Little Beach area. The motion was seconded by Matthew Mannix and approved by all Council members in attendance.

District Manager’s Report (Erin Rooney)

H. The report is on tape.

I. Erin expressed her gratitude to Marge Manning for organizing Earth Day.

J. U.R.I. is considering a "meet and greet" event in September for students and residents.

K. The Narragansett Police expressed thanks to the Bonnet Shores Fire District for its cooperation regarding the assault on Camden Avenue.

L. A blood drive is being scheduled for August 6, 2008.

M. Bob Barber opened the breach way.

N. The District Manager met with Joe Mignano and the head lifeguard for the Bonnet Shores Beach Club. They are eager to work with the Fire District lifeguards.

O. The camp schedule is as follows:

1. Session One – June 30^th to July 25^th

2. Session Two – July 28^th to August 22^nd.

P. The Community Center is rented all but one Saturday in July and August.

Q. The cleaning of the Community Center was discussed at great length.

R. The District Manager will draft a revised rental agreement for review and consideration at the next monthly meeting.

S. The lifeguards and camp counselors will attend the start of Bonnet Days to meet members of the community.

T. Erin received an inquiry for networking with the elderly in the community.

Old Business

None.

New Business

Trash Bin Proposal:

1. The automated Trash Pick-Up/Standardized Carts report is on tape and has been scanned and is attached to these meeting minutes.

2. Bruce Fournier made a motion to:

a. implement the cart system with one 64-gallon cart per household;

b. eliminate the Thursday pick-up; and

c. the informational mailer, as proposed, be mailed.

3. The motion was seconded.

4. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding:

a. non compliant residents being fined

b. grass clippings

c. recyclables

d. the size of the carts

e. the seasonal bulk pick-up

f. trash blowing around in the neighborhoods

5. Roll call vote showed that Bruce Fournier, Bill Dickinson, Dan Quirk, Joe Thomas and Mim Logee approved of the motion. Matthew Mannix opposed.

6. Mr. Thomas thanked Bruce Fournier for the preparation and planning he did in researching this proposal.

U. Joe Thomas made a motion to appoint Bill Dickinson and Bob Stebenne as the two Council representatives on the 7-person Nominating Committee. The motion was seconded by Matthew Mannix and approved by all Council members in attendance.

V. Joe Thomas proposed closing the Annual Meeting after all agenda items have been discussed and allow posting of the election results on the following day. A lengthy discussion ensued. This item was tabled for further discussion at the June meeting.

W. It was noted that the Community Center needs to be power washed, sanded, primed and painted. Doris Baris will ask the Land Trust to take on the project of painting the building. The current bid on hand is for $2,500 to prep and paint the building, but it does not include the cost of paint, or the cost of painting the window grids. The Council agreed to have the Land Trust proceed.

Executive Sessions

Bruce Fournier made a motion for the Council to move to an Executive Session. That motion was seconded by Mim Logee and approved by all Council members in attendance.

Adjournment

The regular meeting adjourned at 9:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine M. Kelleher

Clerk