Wesley council formalizes ARPA allocations, approves marina study contract and clarifying sewer resolution

The Wesley Town Council unanimously adopted three resolutions on Oct. 14 to advance pending fiscal and infrastructure items.

First, the council authorized a change notice with GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. to move the marina aquatic survey and permitting work forward; the manager said the change notice is for $14,000 and is needed to meet funding and permitting timelines before the end of the calendar year. "This is just the next step... It's a $14,000 ask," the manager said during the meeting.

Second, the council formalized recent allocations of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in resolution form. The town manager provided a breakdown of the amounts recently approved; councilors noted a minor discrepancy between a compact sheet and the longer allocation sheet and asked staff to provide an updated list for the record.

Third, the council adopted clarifying language requested by the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) and the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation (RIHMFC) to finalize participation in a sewer tie-in loan program that helps homeowners in sewer districts convert from septic systems to sewer service.

All three resolutions were presented as confirmations of prior approvals or as requested clarifications by funding partners; councilors voted by voice and the chair announced the measures passed unanimously. Councilors asked that staff circulate an updated allocation sheet for the ARPA resolution to resolve line-item discrepancies before the record is finalized.