Council News and Notes: September 7, 2011

A roundup of the rest of Tuesday night’s meeting. Unless otherwise indicated, all votes are unanimous.

• Council president Glenna Hagopian did not attend Tuesday’s meeting – it was a scheduled absence, according to town staff. Councilor Wilkens served as president because Council Vice President David Crook was nursing a sore throat.
• Because of Hagopian’s absence, the council postponed voting on several spending proposals. Hearings on new police cruisers, a snowplow truck and renovations to the town hall break room and kitchen were postponed until the council’s next full quorum meeting. The total spending for the projects would be $176,865.42.
• Similarly, a motion for a $12,199.66 tax abatement to the Nature Conservancy for property obtained in the Whale Rock area was tabled. According to the council and Town Manager Grady Miller, representatives from the Nature Conservancy were not in attendance to discuss the proposal.
• The council approved a revision to the process for changes to the town’s comprehensive plan. Previously, changes could only be made twice a year. This has been expanded to four times a year, in line with other Rhode Island communities.
• The council approved $295.48 in motor vehicle abatements and $2,336.94 in real estate abatements.
• Class F liquor licenses were approved for the Chamber of Commerce’s Summer End festival at the North Beach Clubhouse on Sept. 18, and for the Kinney Bungalow for a fundraising event on Sept. 14.
• The council approved a request from the police department to purchase a digital body wire for $3,699 to replace its current wire. According to documentation included with the request, the funds would come from the department’s budget.
• The council approved $4,770 for emergency plumbing work at the South Pavilion.
• The council approved a motion to reject three bids for a new phone system for the police department. According to documentation, the bids – $55,801.56 by Altura Communication and $68,161.19 by Carousel Industries, along with an unspecified third bid from Telspan – were more than what was budgeted for the project.
• In related business, the council accepted a $23,256 grant from the Rhode Island Justice Commission. According to Narragansett Police Chief Dean Hoxsie, the funds would combine with the same grant from 2010 to purchase a new, computer database phone system.
• The council approved a motion to sign a settlement agreement between the town and John Mancini, the owner of 14 Allegash Trail. According to a document prepared by Town Solicitor Mark McSally, the dispute stemmed from Mancini’s claim that a storm drain was flooding his property. According to the settlement, a new drain line would be installed, paid for by insurance.
• The council scheduled a work session for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12. Up for discussion will be the findings of the Woods Hole Group on beach sand replenishment, and changing the designated areas for alcohol serving at the town beach during approved events.