A disturbing trend, in my opinion, is the frequent usage by the Bristol Town Council of “Request for Executive Session Pursuant to RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (5),” and sometimes more than once in a single town council meeting.

So, what exactly is this Rhode Island General Law? The law states: “Purposes for which meeting may be closed - ....(a) A public body may hold a meeting closed to the public pursuant to 42-46-4 for one or more of the following purposes (5) Any discussions or considerations related to the acquisition or lease of real property for public purposes, or of the disposition of publicly held property wherein advanced public information would be detrimental to the public interest.”

At the November and December meetings, this request was once again cited, in relation to leasing our closed landfill to an energy contractor, for solar power generation. This “closed meeting” is an impediment to transparency and keeps the public from having “full disclosure” and is in no way detrimental to the public.

The Bristol Town Council, in addition to Solicitor Mike Ursillo, have little or no experience in the very complicated renewable energy industry. I would suggest to the council to immediately involve Bristol residents who do: Pat McCarthy (Govt. & Energy), Doug Gablinske (Govt. & Energy) and Paul Raducha (Energy). Do this before decisions are made once again that commit us to contracts that are unfavorable, but this time to a 10- or a 20-year duration. Please cease usage of RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (5).

Antonio “Tony” Avila

18 Highview Drive
Bristol