RVIA Meeting Minutes
February 16, 2011

Meeting called to order…

Present: Nancy Striuli, Kathy and Kevin Eisemann, Dan Sullivan, David Woisard, Linda Hagstrom, J. W. Sears, Dennis Rondina, Kara Lund, Tricia Amirault Nick Papas, Stephanie Van Patten, Tony Caparco, John Troiano, Frank Ferri, Désirée Schuler

Agenda Items Discussed:

  1. Calendar of Events:

January 29: Pasta dinner at Meadowbrook Terrace at 5 pm. Sandy will cook. The event was very successful. There were almost as many servers as there were guests served.

February 16: Neighborhood meeting at 15 Riverview. 7 pm. Meetings will be held quarterly. Additional meetings may be called if needed.

March 26: Fundraiser at Monks’ house. Details to be announced. Future adult social will include a wine tasting conducted by Jennifer Brown. We need to buy the wine and Jennifer will then explain all about the wine. We will get a 15 percent discount.

April 23: Easter Egg Hunt at Lippitt Park. One O’clock. Stephanie will organize the event.

June 11: Yard sale. Nancy will take care of the details. Nancy will advertise in the Warwick Beacon and possibly on Craigslist.

July 3: July 4th Parade and reception. Everyone should bring something for lunch.

July 9: Beach Clean up from 8-noon.

September 11: Block Part at 1-4 pm.

October 30: Halloween Parade and hay ride. Sandy has booked it and will follow up with the insurance binder with the city of Warwick.

November 19: Food drive

December 17: Caroling

2. Street Signs: Nancy met with the city’s representative. We can’t use street signs with the Heron on it. At the most, the sign will read: Riverview and then the street name. Signs can be put up by the spring once the neighborhood association approves the design. Nancy has asked for the old signs so that we can raffle them off to raise funds for the association. A silent auction was suggested to involve everyone in the neighborhood.

Once the project is finished, we will see how much grant money is left to determine which project should be completed next.

  1. Newsletter & Delivery:
    Desiree Schuler is working on the newsletter. Future editions will be saved in PDF so that they can be posted to the website.
    Delivery: Kara: Cady Ave; Dennis: Mill Cove; Tricia: Lippitt Ave; Stephanie: Rivervue Ave; Dennis: Wentworth; Whipple: Volunteer needed; Friendship and Heights: Volunteer needed; Web: Volunteer needed<; Bolster: Volunteer needed

  1. Website: Dennis Rondina asked if it was possible to post more about the neighborhood’s history in addition to the by-laws of the association. The webmaster (David W.) pointed out that all of the historical information available has been posted. Nancy suggested to wait to post the by-laws until the committee that is reviewing them is finished reviewing and updating them.

    Side note: Please email webmaster at myrva.org with an update of advertisements and other items of interest to be posted.
  2. Reconstruction of the Bridge: Stephanie pointed out that the present plans do not include an arch, which prevents kayakers from going under the bridge. In addition, a paddle map is being developed and posted for the Buckeye Brook for water sport access. The bridge has also been a problem during last March’s floods. The new design has to address future natural disasters.
  3. Sewer Update: Provided by Janine Burke, Executive Director Warwick Sewer Authority
    Archeological issues in the area have stopped work for the present. A report on the history of native Americans has been submitted to her office. At present there is no money for any work. The pump station is problematic because of the native American remains and artifacts found in the neighborhood. A new bond would need to be voted on for future funding.
  • Directional drilling under remains might be a possibility, but it will require money. The average assessment $8,200 is for installing sewers. In the neighborhood it will be a bit more costly because of the problems.
  • The archeological problems also affect the main line on Tidewater. Talks between the city and the tribes have begun, but there are many agencies involved and it will be a long process. Right now anyone who has a failing system is on his/her own.
  • $2000 Grants are available. The Long Meadow project will take up the remaining available funds. More bonds will be needed and a request for a plant upgrade, and it would be an opportune time to ask for funds for our neighborhood as well. Individual pumps are another option, but they also cost a little bit to run and maintain. It should not be a significant additional cost. Pumps can be installed inside or outside. Outside installation is recommended.
  • Note: Options include that everyone put in a new septic system and sewers will not be installed.
  • A low-pressure system would be another option. While it is cheaper to install, the big question is still Tidewater. Another option is to set up an independent wastewater management system. This will help those with failing systems avoid having to pay for a new system and then pay again to hook up to a potential sewer system. Anyone who is forced to install a new septic system before sewers are available, has the option of delaying connecting to the new sewers for up to seven years. A concern over property values was expressed. If people are unable to do regular maintenance such as painting exteriors, then they will not have funds for new septic systems. Right now, just about all the cesspools in the neighborhood would be classified as failing.
  • The Highland neighborhood is in the same situation as Rivervue. They would like sewers, but the problem is Tidewater. Talks with the Narragansetts have started. Notices from the DEM will be mailed within the next couple of months to let people know if they have a cesspool that needs to be addressed. Cesspools will have to be updated by Jan. 2013. A report and an informational meeting were requested by Frank Ferri.
  • A report will be forwarded and a meeting with EPA, the archeologist, and others will be arranged. The meeting will take place in April (2011). Frank proposed holding it at Gordon School and he will notify the mayor tomorrow. Frank proposed also involving Save the Bay. Everyone agreed this is a good plan.
  1. New Business:
    A question about fixing the Lippitt Park bricks and stone was raised. Sandy was not present and the board will check with her about the latest update. Kara is going to Haiti to help out with humanitarian projects. Schools supply, donations, toiletries, soccer balls, baby supplies including formula and cereal, shoes and underwear, and children\’s vitamins. Kara will email Frank who will send out an email.
    Donations for fundraiser at the Monks’ house will be accepted. Drop off items at Nancy’s house.

Meeting adjourned…