Council Prepares to Welcome New Members

It was business as usual- plus gratitude - Monday night at the second to last meeting of the current City Council. On Dec. 5, three council members will depart, leaving their seats to newcomers elected during last Tuesday's municipal contest.  

The trio takes with them more than 37 years of cumulative experience in city government, and both residents and their peers made a point to thank them for their service. Two-term Councilwoman Stella Brien came in eighth place for the seven member board last week, just behind her father-in-law Albert Brien, a former state lawmaker.

"I'm glad that I had to lose to Albert Brien," said Committeewoman Brien. "I'm proud to be his daughter-in-law and proud that he will be on the City Council." 

The most seasoned council veteran, Suzanne Vadenais, elected not to run this year after twenty-four years of service to the City of Woonsocket. Councilman William Schneck, who has served for ten years, also that he would not seek re-election. The vacancies have been filled by current School Committee Chairman Marc Dubois and Zoning Board President Robert Moreau, who came in fifth and first place in the council election, respectively.

"Most people don't realize the commitment it takes until you're on a committee or you've served on a board, or you're on City Council," said Committeewoman Brien. "Even when we're not here, you're working on a matter, you're in a workshop, you're away from other obligations that we all have, so I'd like to thank the two of you for the years and years of time that you've put in," she told Vadenais and Schneck.  

All three new members were in attendance at the meeting, and although their inauguration will not take place until December, their participation and education in new aspects of city government begins as soon as next week. The newcomers have been invited to a Work Session next Monday, where the city will address wastewater issues, with an emphasis on interjurisdictional agreements - the contracts which determine, in part, what portion of the Woonsocket's wastewater bill will be picked up by neighboring communities that use the city's plant. Both Dubois and Moreau indicated that they plan to attend.

"It seems like a pretty big issue that we should know about since we're going to be voting on it," said Moreau. Auditors have also been invited to update the group on the city's financial status.

The new council will choose their president and vice president at the official inauguration on Tuesday, Dec. 6., where members must also approve the council's Rules of Order. The Valley Breeze reported last week that current Council President John Ward is believed to have the support of at least four council members and looks likely to be re-elected. 

The group is additionally tasked with appointing a probate and municipal court judge at the first meeting, though Ward indicated that those currently holding the positions - Probate Judge Thomas Dickenson and Municipal Court Judge Lloyd Gariepy - have filled the roles for years and would likely hope to continue their service.

"To all of my council colleagues, I wish you the best," said Vadenais. "I know it's going to be a real tough two years."