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Woonsocket closes public hearing after debate over $125 fee and use of audio recordings
Summary
The Woonsocket City Council closed a public hearing on an application that prompted public comment about a proposed $125 fee for some applicants and whether audio recording complies with Rhode Island law; the Planning Board had tabled the item and offered no recommendation.
Woonsocket City Council closed a public hearing on an application that prompted public comment about whether the city should impose an additional $125 fee on some applicants and whether audio recording satisfies state law.
Commenters told the council the Planning Board had tabled the matter and urged the council to avoid imposing extra costs on developers, and one commenter cited Rhode Island General Laws 45-24-61 as authorizing audio recording in lieu of stenography.
A public commenter asked, "Quizzically, the Planning Board tabled it. So you do not have a recommendation from the Planning Board?" That same commenter said they would "wait to see what the planning board recommendation is." Another public commenter spoke against extra fees and said, "So, my preference would be, you know, I guess it's up to the council how you wanna decide on this, but I'm always not in favor of additional fees for developers, especially, especially when they're bringing, money and investment to the to the community. I would prefer that the city go more towards what the Rhode Island general law 45 24 61 states, which, allows for a recording of a sound sound device, which I think is a little bit more modern technology. I relay some zoning boards and planning boards prefer to do this as stenographer. But I just think an additional cost is really unnecessary. And I also would have some questions as to what applications would be required." The commenter added that some matters are "much much minor" and said it would be a burden for small matters to face a $125 fee.
Councilman Kenoyer made a motion, and Councilwoman Fox seconded, to close the public hearing. The council called for the vote and the ayes carried; the public hearing was closed. The transcript does not record a Planning Board recommendation being presented to the council during the meeting.
The discussion in the public hearing focused on whether the city should require additional fees for applicants or rely on audio recording technology referenced under Rhode Island General Laws 45-24-61; the council took no final action on the underlying application at the time the hearing was closed.
