A busy session on 09.14.2020 with the Town Council in session from 6 pm until 11 pm!

Boards and Commissions

We interviewed 6 candidates for EG Town Boards and Commissions. This is a great way to get involved with your local community.  It’s easy to apply.  The most important qualification is an interest in participating! Check out the vacancies here: https://www.eastgreenwichri.com/DocumentCenter/View/1828/Quarterly-Vacancy-Notice-PDF

Bid Approvals

The Town Council approved the purchase of important Fire Department rescue equipment, including breathing apparatus for firefighters and cardiac monitors and CPR machines for rescue vehicles.  The equipment is funded through a $300,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security.  

The Town Council approved the bid to install fiber optic cable between the Fire Station and the wastewater treatment plant for $20,000  This installation will eliminate monthly charges for a leased line from Verizon.  

Manager’s Report

As usual, Town Manager Andrew Nota’s report covered a lot of important material, including school reopening, an update on COVID related resources for businesses and families, and information for COVID related problems with housing and behavioral health.  

The manager concluded with this summary: 

It continues to remain unclear to what extent COVID economic impacts will have on the municipal and school aid totals in FY2021…final state and federal decisions may be delayed closer to the November timeline.  …Should federal aid not be available to support local municipalities and fulfill state aid funding requirements, we may require significant service changes. We will continue to operate in a conservative fashion for the time being allowing the Town the greatest flexibility later in the year, should it be needed in maintaining critical services.

Read the full manager’s report here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FrnpcBnkcXhRT8TEN5pVjD9g-pBdLuN3/view?usp=sharing

Sewer Budget Adopted

After three public readings over the past 2 months, the Sewer Budget of $4 million was approved and adopted. 

Check out the budget here: https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/676721/Sewer_Budget_FY_21_-_July_16.pdf

Affordable Housing Report

The Planning Board presented its annual report on affordable housing.  East Greenwich is making adequate annual progress toward attainment of the State mandate that at least 10% of its year-round housing stock is deed-restricted affordable units. 

Development in EG is brisk.  Our town is a wonderful place to live with a historic Main Street, waterfront marinas and entertainment, strong schools, and a central location in the state.  People want to work, live and raise their families here, and local growth is important to keep EG’s economy strong and our community diverse and vibrant.  The challenge for our Planning Board and Town Council will be to effectively manage the pace and scope of this growth to ensure that town services can be sustainably maintained in the future.  These issues will be prominent in upcoming Planning Board and Town Council meetings.  Stay tuned!

Read the Affordable Housing Report here: https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/669813/2020_housing_report.pdf