The Bristol Town Council held its final meeting of the year on Thursday, December 19. Councilman Tim Sweeney was not present.
At the beginning of the meeting, council president Nathan Calouro called for a moment of silence for David Simoes, Joseph DeMelo, and John Faria, all of who were involved in local politics and community service.

Town of Bristol borrowing resolution

The council voted to pass two bonds, one for $2 million and one for $2.5 million, to be used for town infrastructure projects.

The $2 million bond will be used for the Silver Creek Watershed Study, which will be implemented to help with flood mitigation and capital improvements to stormwater basins at Highview Drive. The Town has been waiting for a response from the Department of Environmental Management to determine if the project is eligible for funding from the State Revolving Fund (SRF). “Diane Williamson has tried to get DEM’s attention on this,” said attorney Sandra Mack. In the meantime, Mack, along with Town administrator Steven Contente, have spoken with the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank about their stormwater lending program in an effort to secure financing in the event DEM does not approve financing. “We want to move forward on this while interest rates are favorable,” said Mack.

The second bond, for 2.5 million, has already received DEM approval. It includes upgrades to the compost facility including odor control, and other improvements to meet federal and state standards.

Bid 1055 update

The bid regarding the rehabilitation of the former Walley School to create a community resources and senior center was extended from its December 18 to January 15.