This meeting was conducted remotely via the Zoom meeting platform.

MINUTES

I.            Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Chair Michael Lester at 6:09pm

II.            Roll Call

Michael Lester (Chair): present, Leslie Moore (Secretary): present, Victoria Huang: present, Daniel Sierra: absent.

The meeting was staffed by Jim Vandermillen, Assistant Director of Planning & Economic Development.

III.            Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. Lester asked all present to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. 

IV.            Approval of Minutes

a.       August 26, 2020 meeting

b.      October 28, 2020 meeting

c.       December 2, 2020 meeting

d.      January 20, 2021 meeting

Mr. Lester entertained a motion to table approval of the minutes to the next meeting. Ms. Moore moved to table the approval of minutes to the next meeting. Ms. Huang seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

V.            Staff Report

·         Mr. Vandermillen shared the Transition Document that the Planning Department had prepared at the request of then-Mayor-elect Rivera at the end of 2020.  This document describes the role of the department, individual staff roles, and the status of projects.  The document was sent to Board Members and is included in the records of the meeting.

·         Mr. Lester asked whether staff had any thoughts on how block chain technology could be applied to the Comprehensive Plan.  He suggested that Central Falls could be a model city for the use of the technology.

·         Mr. Vandermillen reported that legislation had been introduced, but not yet passed, to require extensive training of Planning Board members.  Staff will investigate options for fulfilling current requirements.

·         Ms. Moore asked who to talk to about plans for River Island Park.  Principal Planner Diana Figueroa has taken responsibility for this project.  The plan is to bid the work this season.

·         Ms. Huang asked who was working on the Water Chestnuts. DPW has responsibility for this project.

VI.            Adjournment

Mr. Lester entertained a motion to adjourn.  Ms. Moore moved to adjourn; Ms. Huang seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 7:43 pm.