Council Roundup
Highlights of the decisions made, and items discussed, at the Johnston Town Council Meeting on Monday, June 12.
STATUS ON PUBLIC HEARINGS
An ordinance amending Article XX of chapter 340 of the Johnston Code of Ordinances entitled “Compassion Centers & Section 340-8 Table of Use Regulations,” which amends provisions for entities involved with medical marijuana, was held pending a Planning Board advisory opinion.
ORDINANCES TO BE READ
The following ordinances were introduced by the council, and will be voted on during July’s council meeting, during which time the public may pose questions.
Ordinance 2017-8 seeks to authorize the borrowing of up to $2,435,000 for the purpose of financing improvements to the town’s athletic facility, installation of new water lines and new water meters, and upgrades to existing water meters. The ordinance also authorizes the issuance of general obligation notes or bonds for such purposes.
In order to accommodate several landowners along Hartford Avenue, where a proposed sewer and water line extension project is slated for this fall, an exception was made which allowed them to speak on the ordinance as they would be unable to attend next month’s meeting. All spoke in favor of the extension and hoped that the sewer line project would move forward.
Ordinance 2017-9, seeks to amend Section 47-48 of the Town of Johnston Code of Ordinances entitled “Eligibility for retirement; retirement allowance,” which pertains to placement on the Police Pension List.
Ordinance 2017-10 seeks to amend Chapter 47 of the Town of Johnston Code of Ordinances entitled “Personnel Policies. This ordinance pertains to the Police Funding Improvement Plan.
BUSINESS LICENSES
The JN Phillips Compay, Inc., d/b/a Altieri Auto Glass located at 1232 Hartford Avenue was granted a business operating license transfer for auto glass repair and replacement.
Phantom Fireworks Eastern Region, LLC, d/b/a Phantom Fireworks was approved for a hawker/peddler license for the sale of legal fireworks from June 23 until July 4 at 1463 Atwood Avenue and 2948 Hartford Avenue was approved.
Wishes Under Wrap, located at 91 Putnam Avenue, was granted a business operating license, phone calls only as a home based business with internet sales.
Lopco Contracting, Inc. located at 1384 Hartford Ave. Unit B, was permitted a business operating license with holiday sales. The business will have an office with indoor storage of equipment and vehicles.
Located at 1465 Atwood Ave., My Cousin Vinny’s Rentals was permitted a business operating license with holiday sales as a party rental company.
A business operating license transfer was granted to Jounce Fitness, LLC, located at 39 Putnam Pike, as a trampoline based full body workout and fitness studio.
A business operating license for the manufacture and distribution of personal care and home cleaning products free of harmful chemicals was approved for Pure Haven, LLC, d/b/a Pure Haven Essentials located at 1 Carding Lane.
LIQUOR LICENSING COMMISSION
St. Rocco’s Catholic Church, located at 927 Atwood Ave., was approved for a special Class F liquor license for their annual festival held on August 17-20.
CONSTITUENT REQUESTS
District 1 Councilman Richard DelFino III requested that the street sign on Jamie Drive be replaced as it was broken. He also requested roadside brush on Peck Hill Road be cleared, and was told by Arnold Vecchione of the Department of Public Works that clearing would begin soon.
District 4 Councilman Robert Russo asked for street signs to be replaced on Vermont Street and Becker Avenue.
District 5 Councilman Robert Civetti addressed pothole issues and repavement of roads in several areas of the district.
NEW BUSINESS
A follow-up on discrepancies in the audit results, findings, and recommendations resulting from the audit of the town’s financial statements for the 2016 fiscal were reviewed.
A petition for a street abandonment for referral to the Planning Board submitted by Carpionato Group, LLC, for the town to abandon Commerce Road a.k.a. Commerce Way was approved.
Resolutions authorizing the Mayor to enter into a third party agreement for administrative services relating to Police Officers and Firefighters that are injured while on duty was approved.
A resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a lease agreement between the town and Southern Sky Renewable Energy Rhode Island, LLC, for a solar facility was referred to planning.
Approval was given for a resolution that would allow the mayor to enter into a tax stabilization agreement between the town and Wind Energy Development, LLC for the construction of four wind turbines.
A resolution opposing House Bill 5413 and Senate Bill 0290, which would require municipalities to provide paid sick leave to part-time and seasonal employees, was approved with strong urging from Mayor Polisena.
PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCES
The council adopted an ordinance requesting a zone change from a petition submitted by Drywater, LLC, to change the zone on assessor’s plat 44-4, lot 26, located on Central Avenue. The ordinance changes the zone from the existed R-40 zone to a Planned District Zone to allow a condominium development was approved. Several residents who live on Central Avenue spoke out against the ordinance.
After hearing from members of law enforcement, the public, and substance abuse professionals, the council approved an ordinance amending the code of ordinances entitled “Manner of Sale of Tobacco and Drug Paraphernalia Regulated.” The ordinance restricts the sale of tobacco related products.
