ROW ROW ROW Steamboat…
What a big surprise!
Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary…
They were telling you lies?

Monday night’s Council meeting has two Agenda items about ROWs. One is about how they may be looked after and the other recalls a debacle that took place last fall on the Steamboat ROW, (Right of Way) concerning a failing tree... that many wanted removed.

Some readers might recall that an abutter, north of the Right Of Way, strongly objected to the removal because the tree... was rare (not), still viable (not) and if cabled together... would be safe( likely not). He mostly wanted to keep the shade that it provided his home during long summer days.

Even though our Town’s tree warden and the Tree Committee recommended it be taken down to eliminate risk for the neighbors who use the ROW to enjoy the shoreline, the Town Council, at the urging of Vice President Mary Meagher, voted to allow the abutter to prevail after he promised to be responsible for making it safe and keeping it healthy. To appease the neighbors, they promised to reevaluate the tree in 6 months.

Well, apparently the time came for the inspection and the Town’s Tree Warden determined it was worse than before and that it still should come down. Seeing that recommendation along with the Town Administrator’s request to proceed, on this week’s Agenda... was a surprise... but not the biggest one.

The report also revealed that the protective north side abutter… has “sold” his property! He did it without using traditional methods… no For Sale Sign and no published listings. It was done in such a clandestine manner... it makes one wonder if that was the master plan... all along. Keep the shade tree, to help with the appeal of the property and get the best price possible.

All the while the neighborhood had to live with an obnoxious “Use at your own risk” posting, on the tree, that forced concern about their safety. Shame on them! Good by and don’t let the door kick you... on your way out of town.

The Council, sitting as the Water and Sewer Department, will be faced with the connection requests that they postponed from their previous meeting. Their document Packet is jammed with application paperwork that include testimony from experts, photos and diagrams pointing out the dyer need for public water. It also includes references to the new State Laws that are forcing Public Utility services to be more accessible to those seeking connections.

Later, on the Council’s Agenda, they will be addressing the appointment of a New Harbor Master, some parking issues and new Harbor Rules and Rates for the Ferry Dock... which leads into what seems to be a regular annual happening between the Jamestown Ferry and the Town.

The document Packet has loads of communications between the Town and the Ferry’s lawyer, that show a back and forth on issue after issue that just stretches out the process and leaves open the question of whether there will be a Ferry this year, with the season just around the corner. Come on people.

On the other side of the island, the Fort Getty Pier repairs are being addressed, with an urgency to get the work done ASAP and within the budget proposed. The contract for design work on the Senior Center is on the Agenda for approval. The Conservation Commission will present their work with the Town Administrator and CRMC for the Adopt A ROW program.

The Administrator will also present a plan for using a $1,063,344. grant from the ARAP (American Rescue Plan Act) on three projects. The largest being for a Water meter replacement project totaling $858,344, which makes one wonder... how the separate and independent Water and Sewer Department, is able to use 80% of the money gifted... for the entire island’s benefit? How does the water meter replacement investment benefit... everyone?

Maybe this is a way for those... not using the Water and Sewer services… to claim they “are” helping out the Water Department’s users, which is often suggested when the department is looking for money. On the other hand, if half of the $858,344 was shared with those on private wells and ISDS... it would pay for their Annual Town fees for almost twenty years. Hmmm.

Speaking of the Council’s document Packet which is made available on the Town’s website for each meeting by our Super Clerk, Roberta Fagan… this week’s is full of information that is a great way to learn about the workings of things that are often taken for granted… did I say “grant”... oh sorry.

As I was saying, the meeting Packet is something to behold and will give you an appreciation for the effort the Council has to put in to prepare for each meeting. You can check it out Here!

The rest of the week will have a Harbor meeting on Wednesday and School Committee on Thursday. Their agendas are posted on The Eagle website.

Finally, for those who might be thinking about becoming a candidate for Town Council or School Committee this November, or know someone who would be a good fit, the deadline for stepping forward is... the last week of June. Yes, often, people who want to run for office don’t start thinking about it seriously until late summer or early fall, only to learn that the deceleration deadline has passed.

The Eagle is not taking a position about the current Council and the job they are doing, it’s just that, in the last election, there were no opposition candidates at all, and that eliminates discussion and debate over issues that are of concern to people throughout the island and not often heard.

We want the best governing we can get... and by having opponents... we will maintain confidence that we do and... those who are elected... can feel like true winners... instead of serving the community simply because no one else wanted the job!

The problem is not just Jamestown, it is a statewide issue, explained in more detail at FullBallotsRI.com. Check it out and also learn more about running for office in Rhode Island.

The Eagle

Watching over Town Governing.

Feelings… Feelings… Feelings

It’s not expected that a Town Solicitor loses their temper during a public meeting when trying to advise a Board or Commission, so The Eagle was taken back when checking out last week's video of the Zoning meeting.

It was a bit difficult to hear everything said, since very few of the members, including the Chair, turn on their microphones, but it was clear that what was being decided wasn’t the issue as much as how it was being discussed.

The application was a holdover from a previous meeting, where the Chair indicated he would put together a very detailed decision document, listing circumstances and requirements to allow for approval, even though the voting members that night indicated a split decision and the application would be denied. He sent the document to members before this week’s meeting with the hope that the 29 legal facts supporting the approval, would make a difference.

Although, the Zoning Board of Review consists of 7 members, only 5 are full members with 5 year terms and 3 alternate members with 1 years terms. For this application, there were only four members present… 2 regular and 2 alternates. With the exception of the Chair, the other three are new to the job, which clearly led to the scolding from the solicitor.

You can watch the meeting here. Within the first few minutes, the members start on the application and give their reasons for rejecting, which had become 3 against and 1 in favor. Obviously the Chair’s 29 legal facts did not help things out for the applicant who was looking for just a 2-foot variance.

At 7 & 1/2 minutes in, the Solicitor makes his loud and firm comments about the members explaining their “feelings” and not following the Legal Standards of Review. Wow! The newbies need to do their homework and learn a lot more about being part of a Quasi Judicial Board. This will be a historic video to watch.

The week ahead is free of meetings and Agenda’s to talk about. Great to have some time off. But speaking of Boards, Commissions and Committees... twice a year the Town Charter set forth, term renewals and May is the time for stepping forward.

For those who are considering becoming a volunteer to help keep Jamestown running smoothly, The Eagle thought it would be helpful to provide a link to lead document that lists all the Committees, the current members and what they are “charged” with doing. It’s a great resource to keep at hand for reference. Check it out here.

Final note about living in paradise. Although The Eagle and the Mrs. did not attend this year, we were able to see some photos of the Senior’s... Senior Prom night. Just wonderful. Kudos to those who came up with the idea and put it all together. Being old in Jamestown is getting better and better.

The Eagle

Watching over our Town’s Governing!

Water, Water, Everywhere but Not a Drop… you’d think.

The Council sitting as the Water and Sewer Commission, met the first big challenge from the result of new State laws, that give more rights to people who want to hook up to municipal water systems.

Four applicants were asking for connections out on Seaview Avenue, which is off of East Shore Road just north of Potters Cove. There was a court stenographer swearing in speakers and taking down testimony which usually is done when legal recourse, over a decision, is expected.

Before the applications were heard, two citizens spoke up during Open Forum with their input about the water status on the Island. The first went on for quite some time, due to his many years of residence and reviewed his recollection of the history about the challenges with town water supply delivery and included, the often heard call, for the entire island, meaning those who are not connected using private wells, should contribute funding to help out the department.

That was followed by a known water shortage alarmist from the Shores, who warned that the expansion of connections to the Town’s water system, could have a negative impact on them, since the Town uses wells near North pond, as a backup when demand is high. She also expressed concern about the push for more affordable housing construction.

Ever since, the Eagle moved to the Shores from the Village, 24 years ago, he has taken a deep dive into the truths about water supply for the island and debunked the folk law regarding shortages and the like.

To keep things simple for the update format, here are a few truths… 90% of the well water pulled from the aquifer in the North Island from private wells is returned back through ISDS systems ,which have been regulated by the Town for sanitation safety for almost two decades. Conversely, nearly 100% of the water used by the Town’s Water department, after being treated at the Sewer plant, goes into the bay.

Several years ago, a couple of professors from URI, presented a theory that there was a main water vein in the North Island aquifer running under North Road that could deliver an enormous supply, but the Town did not agree to dig test wells. A few years ago, the Land Trust dug a well at Godina Farm on North Road that delivers a whopping 125 gallons per minute, as predicted by the professors.

The Town Water Department, initiated a conservation program, by having the customers change their toilets and appliances to water saving versions...without considering that… less use meant... less revenue and ultimately... had to increase rates to make up for the loss.

A few candidates for Town Council, not long ago, indicated they would support having everyone on the Island paying the operating expenses of the Water Department. One was an incumbent and the other a long time Shores resident. Neither were elected!

There are ways to increase water collection at the North Pond and recharge the aquifer as well, that have not been explored. Check them out Here and Here!

Back to the applicants… the Council did not make a decision and will take the mater up again at their next meeting.

Unfortunately, all other meetings for the week were not recorded, including the Planning Committee, which usually is. So we’ll have to wait for their official Agendas to be posted in a month or so.

To end the month of Town meetings, the Zoning Board will meet on Tuesday and review four applications, two for Howland Avenue. One is a setback variance of two feet and the other is for the Dish Wireless Antenna on the water tank, which was postponed from the previous meeting for an error in the advertisement.

At 17 Bryer Avenue, the applicants are requesting the use of an automatic swimming pool cover which apparently is not allowed in our current zoning laws without a variance. The last applicant listed is Our Table restaurant that is seeking to upgrade their beer and wine license, to include mixed drinks.

The School Committee will be meeting on Thursday, but has no Agenda posted yet. Check The Eagle in a day or two for that.

The Eagle,

Watching over Town governing.

Plans...Rules...Plans...Rules

The week started off with a Special Council Meeting acting as the Water and Sewer Commission to meet a deadline to send their Updated 5 Year Management Plan to the State Board.

Much of the discussion was, once the 5 Year Plan is submitted, can it be changed and can Rules be added or amended. Because of the State’s push to have more housing, the impact on the Water Supply could be significant, according to the contracted Build Out Analysis done by our consultants. Check out the meeting video and the links to documents... Here!

The Harbor Commission met the same day to work on their Updated Management Plan, continued from their previous meeting. The changes to the ordinance will be done at a future meeting. Also, a significant discussion happened regarding accommodations for the fishermen being displaced because of the damages to the Fort Getty pier.

The Ferry docks were up for review, but not for our purposes. It was for those others that stop by with loads of passengers for a few hours and cause disruption for other users. The Executive Director presented a plan to have more control over their use of our landings. Interesting discussion.

Then parking regulations for the Fort Getty pier area, with the challenge being… the Rec Department, not the Harbor Commission, are responsible for rules and regulations about parking. The Police Chief was there to provide input about how it could be done. That meeting video and documents can be seen by Clicking Here!

The week ahead starts off with the Town Council meeting at 5:30 as the Water and Sewer Commission where they will review four applications for water hook up on Seaview Avenue. New laws from the State have given the owners more standing in their requests for Town Water access. Having four on the Agenda at the same time looks like they will get connected. Check it out live on Monday at this link.

Sitting as the Council, they will be hearing from the Administrator about repair costs to the Fort Getty Pier and the Senior Center. He will also be presenting information about the new state law allowing Low-Speed Vehicles on Town roads starting this July.

The ballot language for the proposed changes to the Town Charter, that will be presented to the voters in November, are on the Agenda for final approval by the Council.

On Wednesday, there will be three meetings of note, starting with the Affordable Housing Committee at 5:15, where their Agenda lists discussion on the three million dollar Affordable Housing Bond and the Sustainable Resident Program that was Presented by Council Vice President, Meagher at a previous Council meeting seeking funding. They meet in the small conference room that does not have video recording available so you need to attend, or wait for their meeting minutes to be posted, to see what they're planning.

At 6:30 the Planning Commission will meet and be presented with the Development Plan Review for Conanicut Island Sailing Foundation (CISF) Sailing Center and Campus Plan at Fort Getty Town Park, which has received some concern by tax payers regarding their "free" use of the land.

Finally, at the library, the Conservation Commission will meet, (Last week’s meeting had to be postponed due to lack of a quorum) and have a presentation by the Harbor Executive Director regarding a touch and go dock at Fort Getty ramp. Then they will address the ROW Adoption plan to be presented to the Town Council.

Check out The Eagle for the latest posting of Agenda’s and links to videos of previous meetings.

Fooling with the Council… not a good look.

April started off with a Council meeting on the day made notable, for fooling around. Unfortunately for them, their Affordable Housing Chairman, Bob Plain, decided to take advantage and addressed the Council with an April Fool’s joke that stung pretty deep.

During Public Forum, he went on for quite some time telling them how he felt about the Administrator’s budget cutting the contribution to the Affordable Housing set-aside and how far the Town is dropping in rank, compared to others, in our obligation to “diversify” our housing opportunities.

He determined that our volunteer Fire Department won’t exist, in the near future, because of the lack of Low-to-Moderate Income dwelling units and then... waved a $3 million dollar bond, similar to the one he asked for, that Narragansett is spending on their Affordable Housing.

As he continued, you could see from the body language of the Council, that they might have been regretting their appointment decision, that elevated his visibility and raised the volume of his "progressive, diversified" government voice.

Before the Council voted on the new Budget, the Town Administrator was clear and direct about Bob’s claim being false, funding had “not” been reduced for Affordable Housing.

Bob wasn’t done with his poking at the Town’s financial decisions, later when the updated exemptions for Veterans, Gold Star families, and Fire Department retirees were being presented, he pointed out that there were exemptions for the Blind... but not the Deaf and if Veterans were getting them... why not those who were in the Peace Corp and those who worked for non-profits.

He said he was in favor of doing more of those types of exemptions because... it would lead to our tax code being more “progressive” and that was something to build on. You can watch it all for yourself here at 41minutes into the meeting and at 1:45 minutes.

To avoid Chairs of Committees getting a bit over their skis with their position, the Charter was updated back in 2002, to have term limits for Committee members and also made it clear that a Committee Chair has no “greater” powers than any of it’s members.

There are three seats coming up for renewal on the Affordable Housing Committee so... perhaps it’s time for those with different problem solving ideas to send in their applications. Know anyone? Hint. Hint. Here’s a link to the Committee Application page.

The April 1st, Council Meeting carried a heavy load with the Budget vote that will send it to the Financial Town Meeting and the renovation cost estimates for the Senior Center. The Property Tax increase for the portion of the $29.6 million dollar budget will be around 25cents per thousand of assessed value, making it $7.23.

The way things look now, the Senior Center project will be on next year’s Capital Improvements budget, unless there is a Special Town Meeting held for approval before then. Stay tuned.

The week ahead, will start with the Conservation Commission on Tuesday featuring Steve Bois, Harbor Executive Director with a discussion of the Fort Getty Ramp and a touch and go dock. The Eagle has always wondered about this Commission sending liaisons to watch over other Town Boards like Harbor, the Tree Committee and Bike Path Committee to name a few.

Under the caption of... “is this part of their Committee’s Charge?”... This week’s agenda has a liaison reporting on... yup... for those paying attention... the Jamestown Affordable Housing Committee. Talk about stretching your importance beyond what is required. Maybe they are checking on environmental “diversity”, or making sure no new housing is being considered for the Town property they watch over. We’ll see.

At 10:AM on Wednesday the Town Council will have a Special Meeting regarding the Water Department’s Management Plan and the Build Out Analysis, which is causing quite a lot of concern.

The Harbor Commission is listed for a meeting at 5:00 PM the same day but no Agenda has been posted yet on the Town’s website or the Secretary of State’s. Check the Eagle late Monday or early Tuesday for updates. Same goes for the School Committee that is listed for a Thursday meeting. By law, all public bodies have until 48 hours before a meeting for posting their Agenda.

The Eagle Cam update… for those who are saddened about Jackie and Shadow’s eggs not hatching, this year, The Eagle has posted links to two other cams at the top of the home page, that have chicks to watch growing up. One is in Kansas and the other New Jersey. Very cute to watch.

The Eagle,

Watching over our Town’s Governing.

The Eagle happily eats a little crow... because sometimes... it’s who you know.

Over the past few updates The Eagle has spent some time pecking at Councilor Brine’s missteps regarding his Tax Relief Ad Hoc Committee’s offerings. Well, this week, Jamestown got a bit of special attention from the Federal Government because of his friendship with a Washington delegation leader.

Late Monday afternoon there was a last minute posting of an agenda for a Special Town Council meeting to be held Wednesday afternoon. (The state requires postings be done no less than 48 hours before a public meeting.) The Agenda stated that the Council would be meeting “with Dr. Kimberly McClain, Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations of Housing and Urban Development regarding the functions and services available to the Town through their office.”

The media was talking about the Secretary’s upcoming visit to Rhode Island, meeting with the Governor and touring the State, but no indication Jamestown was on the schedule. Since the meeting was going to be at the library (Early Primary voting occupied the Town Hall’s, Council Chambers) The Eagle dusted off the camera and recorded the entire meeting to share with everyone who could not attend. Click Here to Watch What Happened!

For those who are interested in all the challenges with Affordable Housing in Jamestown, and those who are working on the solutions, this meeting should be at the top of your Watch List.

It starts off with introductions of all those at the table, local, state, regional and Federal levels. The Eagle’s former friend, Bob Plain went "on-the-record" stating that he is on two Jamestown Housing committees and that, in his private capacity, he does business with one of them. Guess going public makes it OK.

During the discussions, the Secretary revealed that she has a longtime friendship with Councilor Brine. It’s fun to see a bit of “who you know” workout for our little community.

The discussions were very educational for all those in attendance however, The Eagle is not sure that the Councilor’s repeatedly identifying the island as a “Rich Community” is going to help move us up the ladder of priority for funding opportunities. Also, complaining that “inflation” is making budget challenges difficult to address, with the Biden administration saying it is lower than ever, is probably not going to make it back to Washington either. We’ll see.

The week ahead starts off with the Town Council on Monday night at 5:00 PM sitting as the Water and Sewer commission where the Water Supply Management Plan will be discussed and likely voted on along with the Build Out Analysis that will be impacted by the Legislature’s ruling allowing more ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units). The documents can be seen here…

Next, sitting as the Council, their meeting will start off with a Presentation about a community-based nonprofit that provides practical assistance and social/cultural activities called the Village Commons of RI. Then they will hear a conceptual plan, with construction estimates, on the West Street senior center.

That will be followed by a Public Hearing about changes and increases to Tax Credits, for residents with military connections, those who are visually impaired and for Fire Department Members. The full list of changes can be found by Clicking Here.

After the Town Administrator’s update to the Council, the big item is... the Final Budget Request that will go to the Financial Town Meeting on June 3rd. The ask amount is proposed to be $29,610,711, a 3% increase. All the details can be seen in the Council’s Public Document Packet… click here.

That’s all of the meeting agenda’s that have been posted so far. Check The Eagle for new postings throughout the week.

The Eagle

Happy Easter!