Council Roundup

HONORED WITH A RESOLUTION: The Johnston girls’ basketball team recently captured its first championship since 2002, defeating East Providence, 60-46, for the Division II crown. The Panthers finished their undefeated season with a contest they led from beginning to end. Their efforts earned them special recognition and a resolution from the Johnston Town Council.

(Sun Rise photo)

Posted Thursday, April 20, 2017 2:57 pm

Highlights of the decisions made, and items discussed, at the Johnston Town Council Meeting on Monday, April 10.

Status on Public Hearings

An ordinance amending Section 340-33 of the Town of Johnston code of ordinances entitled “Parking or Storage of Commercial Vehicles in Residence Districts,” which sets provisions for the parking or storage of trucks by weight limits, is still pending for a Planning Board advisory opinion.

A petition for a zone change submitted by Drywater, LLC requesting to change the zone on Assessor’s Plat 44-4, Lot 26 located on Central Avenue from R-40 to a Planned District zone is still pending for a Planning Board advisory opinion.

Business Licenses

Manco Holding, LLC, doing business as Cartridge World, located at 1500 Atwood Ave., was granted a business operating license and holiday sales for their retail establishment for printer sales, maintenance, and computer repair.

New England Marketing, LLC, doing business as Multi-Service Center, of 1478 Atwood Ave., was approved for a business operating license and holiday sales as a satellite and wireless retailer.

Salon Emporium, LLC, a hair dresser and beauty salon at 1989 Plainfield Pike, had their request for a business operating license with holiday sales approved.

BAAM Novelty, located at 39 Putnam Pike, was permitted a hawker/peddler license for flower sales on April 16 and May 14 for the holidays.

Located at 1999 Plainfield Pike, 1395 Atwood Ave. and 181 Putnam Pike, Keystone Novelty Distributors was permitted a hawker/peddler license for temporary sales of legal sparkler products from June 28 until July 5.

Dijie Auto Sales, located at 580-582 Killingly St. was granted a used cars and holiday sales license for car sales and repairs.

A restaurant license for Wicked Fresh Cafe, located at 1345 Hartford Avenue, had their request approved.

I Candy Bella Ink/Bella Beauty Supply, of 1365 Hartford Ave., which will specialize as a beauty salon focusing on hair, nails, lashes and make-up, was permitted a business operating license with holiday sales.

The masonry business – Ramos Masonry, LLC – located at 63 Railroad, was conditionally approved for a business operating license upon review of the business address, which was incorrectly listed as 19 Dexter St.

Liquor Licensing Commission

Ciara Restaurant and Lounge, located at 678 Killingly St., appeared before the council following a review of remand from the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation following a show cause hearing of the business by the council. The hearing reviewed the request for a stay of the use of Johnston Police Department officers required by the council at the restaurant during weekends in favor of private security. The decision was delayed until a special hearing on April 17, where an agreement was reached that the establishment could hire their own security team. A July hearing was scheduled to readdress the situation.

Constituent Requests

District 1 Councilman Richard DelFino III requested additional “Slow Children” signage on Heritage Circle and the replacement of the “Slow Children” sign on River Drive, which had been vandalized. He requested that DOT be contacted about a Simmonsville Avenue speed limit sign, which also had been vandalized.

Councilman Robert Russo of District 4 requested a follow up for his request for a traffic study at the fire station on Route 44 for a red traffic signal at the facility.

District 5 Councilman Robert Civetti requested a follow up with the Department of Public Works about getting a “Blind Driveway” sign at 111 Brown Ave., along with a new “Speed Bump” sign in front of Brown Avenue School, which has graffiti. He also voiced concerns of Poppy Hill residents and access to Greenville Avenue during the sewer and water project.

Council President Anthony Verardo requested a letter be sent to Vinagro Corporation regarding trash pickup and the placement of residents’ trashcans after pickup.

New Business

The council approved the appointment of Robert Piscione to the Johnston Retirement Board to fill the expired term of Joseph DiCarlo.

The council ratified a resolution opposing the sale of The Providence Water Supply Board.

Following an agreement reached with Southern Sky Renewable Energy RI LLC to establish a solar project in town, a resolution was approved establishing the Mayor and Town Council STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) scholarship program. The program will offer a total of $125,000 over 25 years, awarding $5,000 per year to Johnston High graduates majoring in the above areas of study.

A resolution declaring a list of items from the Fire Department as surplus property to be sold was approved. The equipment includes ropes and other equipment, but does not include trucks.

A presentation by Parmelee Poirer & Associates, LLP, to discuss the town’s audit results, findings, and recommendations resulting from the audit of the town’s financial statements for fiscal year 2016 was continued to next month’s meeting due to absence.

Randy Gomez, of Nyhart Actuary and Employment Benefits, gave a presentation of the town’s GASB 45, an accounting and financial reporting provision requiring government employers to measure and report the liabilities associated with other postemployment benefits for fiscal year 2016. A copy of the report is available at the Town Clerk’s office.