Politics & Government
Council Breezes Through Agenda
Changes to the retirement board and a new flood district were discussed.
With President Robert Russo absent, Vice President Stephanie Manzi presided over the Town Council's May 9 meeting, which lasted just 55 minutes.
The evening began with a reading of an ordinance change which would allow firefighters and police officers to be eligible to serve on the Retirement Board after attaining 5 years of seniority, rather than the 10 years currently specified in the ordinance.
"It was suggested by union representatives that it be reduced to five years service," said Town Solicitor William Conley. "We're in agreement with that."
On April 21, Mayor Joseph Polisena to the retirement board. At the May 9 session, the council vote 4-0 to name Jeffrey Raposa, who had been absent from the appointment ceremony, to the board.
There is currently no representative from IAFF Local 1950, the firefighters union, on the retirement committee. After recommending a retiree for the pension board who town officials said couldn't be eligible, the union filed a grievance and is challenging the legality of the retirement committee.
Find out what's happening in Johnstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The proposed amendment is scheduled for a second public hearing and possible vote at the council's next meeting in June.
Councilors also passed a resolution to file an application for the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to improve the housing stock for residents who meet income requirements, along with providing help for local nonprofits.
Find out what's happening in Johnstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
(Read more about the town's CDBG applications here.)
Councilman Ernest Pitochelli (Dist. 2) voiced some concerns about the intent of the grant.
"This is going to be done for those in need? It's not political?" asked Pitochelli. He later added: "I have a lot more faith in this administration and those that represent this administration today than yesterday."
The Council also unanimously approved an ordinance proposing a Flood Hazard Overlay District. Since the language in the ordinance is required by the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) in order for insurance companies to write flood insurance policies, the Council didn't have much choice.
"I feel like we're being strong-armed," said Manzi.
The council is next scheduled to meet on June 13.
