Warren Councilors Understand Problems With BCWA

Warren Gets It!

I attended the and was happy to hear the Warren Town Council members asking some very serious questions of the BCWA directors.

Mr. Klepper's report had asked for reimbursement funds to pay for Ms. Mack's involvement with the B&E report.  Not only was the request denied, but the BCWA was admonished for having an attorney involved in the process in the first place.  Councilwoman Tattrie pointedly remarked that there was NO reason for Ms. Mack's involvement.  The information should have been provided to B&E by BCWA employees.  YES!  

On the subject of the $20,400 being awarded to Aurora Technology to ASSIST with  choosing new software - again the council made it very clear that this was a BCWA employee decision - and not one that the Board of Directors should be involved in.  Councilwoman Tattrie remarked that the directors don't seem to really know what their jobs are.  She said "If you want to pay a consultant - hire one to help you figure out what roles are yours and what rolls are to be performed by BCWA employees."   The council recommended that and RFP be sent out for SOFTWARE proposals, NOT for someone to choose the software.  They felt that this should be tabled until the new director is on board.  

When discussion came to the search for a new Executive Director I was somewhat disappointed that no one as ever asked who vetted the resumes of the applicants.  It has been mentioned that they were "reviewed" by the Town Administrators and some business members, but "reviewed" is NOT "vetted".  Who has checked to verify that all information provided on the resumes is accurate?  Does anyone care if it's accurate?

Councilman Lial presented a motion that a letter be written to Senator Felag and Representative Malik requesting that the Auditor General be asked to get a report from the RIWRB on what money was allocated to BCWA, along with a complete accounting of where, how, and when money was spent.

All in all.... a very productive meeting!  Warren is setting the standard for the other two towns to step up and ask similar questions, but will they?  Ratepayers must demand it!

Marina Peterson, Bristol