Town of Warren Pushes Off Appointing New BCWA Member Until March

During Tuesday's meeting, the Warren Town Council ran into a bit of a speed bump when it came to appointing a new member to the Bristol County Water Authority. 

Council Vice President Christopher Stanley announced that he was advised to recuse himself from voting due to the fact that he and applicant John Jannitto are both members of the same volunteer fire company. Upon hearing his statements, Councilor Catherine Tattrie also removed herself from the issue because she has ties to Warren rescue.

With Council President David Frerichs not in attendance at the meeting, the vote could not proceed. The interviews of John Jannitto, Raymond Palmieri and John Saviano for the position will be conducted at the March council meeting.

Three School Sports Teams Receive Town Recognition

The Town Council congratulated three Bristol Warren school sports teams for outstanding athletic achievement in 2010 (see video). The Kickemuit Middle School girls' soccer team was recognized for their undefeated season and for being 2010 Rhode Island state champions. 

Two Mt. Hope High School teams were also presented with an honorable mention at the meeting. The Mt. Hope junior varsity girls' soccer team was congratulated for being named 2010 Division II state champions. The Mt. Hope freshman football team was also recognized for winning the 2010 Division II East championship game and for being Division II state runner-up. 

Wharf Tavern Gets Turned Down for Liquor License Renewal

The Wharf Tavern's liquor license renewal has been continued from month to month since November, but on Tuesday the council decided to deny the renewal. 

According to the current property owner, Roger Croteau, who bought the building back in a recent auction, finances are being put in order to finish paying off the property's state and town liens, and he is working to bring the building up to fire safety standards. Croteau said that within the next few months the Wharf Tavern will again be open for business. However, Croteau said that by not allowing them to keep the liquor license, the process may take a lot longer. The fear is that interested parties may no longer want to make a deal if they cannot get the liquor license with the property. 

According to the council, once liens have been paid and fire regulations within the building fulfilled, owners of the new Wharf Tavern could apply for a new liquor license.