By Mark Katzman

Last night's Town Council meeting was sparsely attended. Absent were councilors Dennis Canario, and also Karen Gleason who, I believe, has now missed three meetings in a row.

Placed on the agenda by Finance Director Dave Faucher was a report that was presented by a professional Actuarial Adviser with regard to Post-Employment Benefits Valuation. This was a very dense and complex report, filled with actuarial and finance terminology. The bottom line, however, is that there currently exists 13 million dollars of liability, which we are currently paying off at the rate of 1.5 million dollars per year. A discussion on how we might limit future liability ensued, with ideas such as increasing the number of years service or increasing the retirement age. The expert reported that these efforts would be helpful, but the immediate effect would be “fractional” and any such effort would do nothing to change our current liability level.

Town Administrator Bob Driscoll reported on the status of Governor Carcieri’s proposed State Budget/cuts to communities. In spite of all the rhetoric, much is still unknown about what the actual impact to towns will be. Council President Pete McIntyre suggested the Town impose an immediate freeze on overtime, but Driscoll pointed out that over 90% of all current overtime is for either snow removal, police, or fire, areas where we can not afford to cut. McIntyre accepted this news unhappily, but gracefully, and I give him credit for not attempting to grandstand over the issue. Incidentally, compounding the overtime issue is the fact that we have had so many snow storms already this year that have fallen on weekends — a time when overtime pay is required.

There was and is much angst over how we can possibly afford such things as our underfunded retirement liabilities. The truth, however, is that much of these costs, and much of our increasing costs, have to do with health care — a matter that is a national issue. It is probable (I hope) that changes effected under the Obama administration will have a dramatic effect on the health care cost burdens that are currently borne by towns, states, businesses and individuals across the country. There is very little we can do to more effectively plan at this point. The truth is that if/when the stuff hits the fan (financially speaking) then we will have to deal with it. My only hope is that when the time comes we will all focus on dealing with the situation, rather than wasting time tying to affix blame on those that came before us for "creating this situation."

Mr. Rizy of the Melville Park Committee reported that there has been up to now essentially very little in the way of actual or formalized rules for Park visitors. They have proposed rules that essentially reflect those currently in place at State parks, such as requiring people to carry out any trash they bring in, keep dogs on leashes, pick up after dogs ("mitts" are available on site) and no use of metal detectors (use of which encourages random and unauthorized digging). Camping has gone on essentially unregulated, but in practice the only known campers have been Boy Scouts. The new rules would require camping only by permit to "Organized Groups." Councilor Jim Seveney jested, "As opposed to unorganized groups?" and Rizy retorted, to much chuckling. "Why do you ask? Is the council planning to go camping at Melville?"

Attorney C. B. Chappell addressed the council on behalf of the owners of the west-side shoreline property that is best known as the former location of Albin Yachts, with a request to change the current zoning from "Industrial" to "Residential – 40." He pointed out that the current high-end condominium developments in the adjacent Carnagie Abbey properties were actually built in an "Industrial Zone" through a variety of legal hoops and loopholes. He suggested that his client could do the same thing, however, they are being upfront in asking the town to recognize that this land is NOT going to be used for industrial purposes, but instead will be (happily) utilized for high-end development that will bring in tax revenues, while not adding significantly to the need for town services (including schools). No vote was taken, but the Council appeared to agree with Mr. Chappell, and will begin the process required to change the zoning designation of this property, and perhaps the adjacent properties as well.

Bob Driscoll presented a report from the DOT on what the DOT considers to be "Shovel Ready" projects (i.e., projects that might be funded under the Obama administration.) On the list was the Sakonnet River Bridge — but not on the list was the Island Park Escape bridge. Mr. Driscoll was asked to write a letter to the DOT in this regard. Resident Kathy Melvin rose and provided a diatribe on her fears of the DOT funding what she repeatedly called "The Turn Arounds." She meant, of course, the "Roundabouts" — which is another way of saying “The Town Center Plan.” She has voiced opposition to the town center plan, considering it a waste of money. I believe the Town Center Plan is a good plan, but not a waste of money because at this time absolutely no money has been allocated for it. It is - a plan – a hope – a dream even. It is okay to have such things. Ms. Melvin feared the plan would be funded by a "DOT that cannot be trusted." After politely listening to Ms. Melvin, both Driscoll and McIntyre pointed out that her remarks were really on a matter that was not on the agenda.