Development News for Glocester, Rhode Island

Salary Differential Ratified for Acting Police Chief

The Town Council ratified the salary differential for Captain Jeffrey Jennison, who was appointed acting chief. He will receive an $892.52 bi-weekly increase to his wages until the council deems otherwise, reflecting the difference between a police captain's and a police chief's salary. This ratification addresses compensation adjustments for his interim role.

Hay Cutting on Snake Hill Road Property Noted; School Deficit and Park Maintenance Costs Discussed

A resident inquired about the status of the property off Snake Hill Road, noting that hay has been cut there for years by an individual who does a good job maintaining it. Separately, a discussion occurred regarding the Glosser School Committee's reported $340,000 deficit, the use of fund balance and capital project money, and concerns about the legality and sustainability of this financial approach. Gary Trembl, DPW Director, agreed with the concerns about the school's financial situation and suggested the school needs a clearer plan from the start of the year. He also mentioned that replacing a swing at a park could cost nearly $1,000.

Town Council Approves Sick Leave Advances for DPW and Finance Department Employees

The Town Council approved a request for a 30-day advance on future sick leave for Christopher Leonard, a DPW employee, after he exhausted his sick and vacation time due to surgery. The request was approved per the DPW collective bargaining agreement. Separately, the council also approved a similar request for Kathy Lamontine, an administrative aid in the Finance Department, for a 30-day future sick leave advance, having met the 10-plus years of service requirement as per the employee handbook. Both requests were approved, contingent upon exhausting all paid leave time.

Town Council Approves Carnival Event with Stipulations for Memorial Park

The Town Council approved a request to authorize a carnival event organized by Rockwell Amusements, to be held from May 29th-31st at Gloucester Memorial Park. The event's hours are set as Friday, May 29th, from 5 PM to 9 PM; Saturday, May 30th, from 1 PM to 9 PM; and Sunday, May 31st, from 1 PM to 8 PM. This approval comes with several stipulations, including food safety compliance, vendor licensing, cleanup responsibilities, coordination with police and fire departments for safety and presence, proof of liability insurance, provision of porta-johns, clear parking signage, and adherence to the specified dates and hours. Police will have discretion to terminate the event for public safety reasons. Parking will be restricted on Adelaide and the access road, with designated parking at the senior center and baseball fields. The event aims to generate revenue for the town.