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WORK SESSION

 

JANUARY 5, 2017

 

 

Town Manager's Proposed Capital Improvement Program

 

At a WORK SESSION of the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown, County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island, convened at the Town Hall, in and for said Town on the 5^th day of January 2017 at 6:30 PM.

 

                        PRESENT:    Margaret M. Healy, President

            Abel G. Collins, Vice President

            Bryant DaCruz

Liz Gledhill

Joe Viele

 

Also present: Stephen A. Alfred, Town Manager, Patricia Sunderland, Finance Director, Colleen Camp, Executive Assistant, Vincent Murray, Director of Planning, Terry Murphy, Director of Leisure Services, Susan DiMasi, Senior Center Director, Lance Whaley, Communications Supervisor, Jon Schock, Director of Public Services, Paul Ferrandi, Highway Superintendent, Joseph Geaber, Interim Police Chief, Jackie Corea, Police Executive Assistant, Michael Stack, Harbormaster, Rex Eberly, Recreation Grounds Superintendent, Kathy Perez, Wastewater Superintendent, Jeffrey O’Hara, Building Official, Joshua Rosen, Town Engineer, and Lori Fox, IT Director.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance is given.

 

The Town Manager summarizes the material that was reviewed last evening.

 

The Town Manager discusses the Open Space Acquisition Program. There are several changes being recommended for this program.  Over the past 16 years, the Town has been involved in 28 purchase acquisitions preserving 1,578 acres.  We have committed $7.96 million dollars to date.  The total preserved acreage in South Kingstown amounts to 11,530.4 acres representing 31.7% or 18 square miles of the land area in South Kingstown.

 

Vincent Murray, Director of Planning discusses the highlights of the Open Space Acquisition Program and relationships between the Comprehensive Community Plan and Village Planning and implementation schedule. There are two pending applications for Open Space Acquisition Projects including the Wells Farm and Whaley Farm. The Whaley Farm will result in the preservation of about 40 acres and the Town’s funding participation is not to exceed $104,200. The Wells Farm on Yawgoo Pond will result in the preservation of 33.06 acres and the Town’s funding participation is not to exceed $254,000. The expectation was that these would close prior to the end of calendar year 2016, however the federal funding commitment is in the process of being finalized. There are a number of funding partners with this project.  These two projects will be a good addition to the open space inventory within the community, and as part of the Whaley Farm there is a right-of-way dedicated that will be beneficial to future improvements through the Capital Program for Jerry Brown Farm Road.

 

The Town Manager discusses the future use of the Real Estate Conveyance Fees. As of June 30, 2016 there is $731,223 available. It is projected that another $300,000 will be generated from real estate conveyance fees in FY 2016-2017. It is proposed that $200,000 be transferred to the Bike Path to South County Commons project and $100,000 be transferred to the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund to provide a greater opportunity to the Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee to be able to hire a consultant to look at what affordable housing needs are. With these two transfers added to expenditures the balance of the Open Space Acquisition Fund is estimated to be $162,223 on June 30, 2017.

 

The debt service for FY 2017-2018 is $406,816 for bonds issued. A portion of the $300,000 generated yearly from real estate conveyance fees or $225,000 is being used to pay down the debt service. Anything over the $225,000 is available and being held in a reserve for Town acquisitions.

 

The proposal for additional flexibility for use of the funds does provide the opportunity to more broadly meet need in the community based upon what might come forward and the residual funds from open space should prove to be sufficient to meet our needs.

 

It is also proposed that $20,000 from the Recreational Fair Share Reserve Fund be made available for the Noyes Farm passive recreation management plan.  The Town purchased the Noyes Farm for $3,000,000. It was the largest undeveloped single parcel in the community, 248 acres in size. The property was purchased with a conservation easement and can be used for agricultural and ecological uses. We should be looking to develop a management plan.

 

Vincent Murray, Director of Planning discusses the Comprehensive Community Plan update and how it relates to the Capital Improvement Plan.  The Comprehensive Plan embraces the idea that South Kingstown developed historically as a collection of villages that are unique.  In the last several years, the Planning Board conducted village studies of Wakefield, Peace Dale, West Kingston and Matunuck. The Comprehensive Plan reflects the village model. The Plan is a more general document for the community in terms of setting goals, vision goals, policies and implementation actions. The specific policies translate through the Capital Budget or the Operational Budget.  Planning and budgeting are related but not a one to one correlation.

 

Terry Murphy, Director of Leisure Services is present and discusses the Bike Path Connector to South County Commons.  It is the construction and development of a 3,400 linear foot paved connector path from Broad Rock Playfields and South County Commons.  The total project cost is projected at $600,000, of which $400,000 will be provided from a RIDEM grant and $200,000 from the Open Space Capital Reserve Fund.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Neighborhood Guild Improvement project.  This project is not reliant on any tax dollars.  It will be a $1,000,000 bond issue.  There are four components including the installation of a new elevator this spring at the cost of $173,000.  Funding for the elevator is coming from reinvested capital dollars.  The other proposed expenses include improvement to the exterior main entrance alcove at an estimated cost of $75,000, window replacement/HVAC at a cost of $825,000 and interior restoration at a cost of $100,000.

Discussion ensues relative to the Marina Park Improvement Program.  Paving of the east and west parking lots occurred in the current year at a cost of $72,777.  In FY 2021-2022 it is proposed to reconstruct the boat ramp at a cost of $250,000.  The Town will continue to pursue funding from RIDEM for the reconstruction, however in the meantime it is proposed that $25,000 be provided through the Capital Budget in FY 2018 through FY 2023.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Town Beach Improvement Program.  The six-year program cost is proposed at $215,000.  The beach is an on-going maintenance program whether it is sand replenishment or erosion mitigation.  Expenses included in the six-year program include erosion mitigation, sand replenishment, playground equipment and beach storage units.  Funding for this improvement program includes funds held in reserve in the amount of $106,855, FY 2016-2017 CIP transfer in the amount of $20,000 and future CIP transfers in the amount of $110,000.  Income generated from the beach on an annual basis is about $100,000.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Old Mountain Field Improvement Program.  The expenses proposed for the six-year program are resurfacing of the lower tennis court in FY 2018 at a cost of $11,000, the construction of a picnic shelter in FY 2021 at a cost of $30,000 and in FY 2023 the replacement of the Restroom/Concession Building at a cost of $400,000 for a total program cost of $441,000.  Funding includes the Reserve Fund in the amount of $90,000, CIP transfer in FY 2016-2017 in the amount of $30,000, and CIP transfers from FY 2018-2023 in the amount of $196,000.  Additional funding in the amount of $230,000 is still needed.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Parks and Recreation Rehabilitation/Improvements Pay As You Go program for FY 2017-2018.  For Old Mountain Field funding is proposed in the amount of $11,000 for the resurfacing of the lower tennis court and $25,000 for the restroom/concession building replacement fund.  For Curtis Corner Playfields funding is proposed in the amount of $25,000 for the repair and resurfacing of the tennis courts. For West Kingston Park funding is proposed in the amount of $15,000 for lighting improvements.  For Marina Park funding is proposed in the amount of $30,000 for parking/ramp & dock improvements.  For the Town Beach funding is proposed in the amount of $20,000 for the beach improvement program.  The total request for the FY 2017-2018 is $126,000.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Parks Equipment Acquisition Replacement Pay As You Go Program for FY 2017-2018.  The total request proposed for FY 2017-2018 is $130,000 for the acquisition of a ½ ton pick-up truck in the amount of $20,000, a box truck in the amount of $32,000, a dump truck with a plow in the amount of $50,000 and a front-mount mower with bagger in the amount of $28,000.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Senior Services Long Term Program.  The proposed six-year program for the Adult Day Services Center includes funding in the amount of $30,000 for the construction of a deck, $15,000 for the roof replacement reserve and $10,000 for a security/access system.  The proposed six-year program for the Senior Center Facility Improvements includes funding in the amount of $10,000 for interior improvements, $35,000 for the roof replacement reserve, $30,000 to paint/stain the building exterior and $20,000 for the HVAC reserve.  The proposed six-year program for the Senior Transportation Program includes funding in the amount of $55,000 for a Senior Van.  The total proposed six-year program for Senior Services is $205,000.

 

Lori Fox, IT Director is present and discussion ensues relative to the Information Technology Long Term Program.  Funding in the amount of $200,000 is proposed over the six year period.  In FY 2017-2018 funding in the amount of $70,000 is proposed for server virtualization hardware replacement.  In FY 2019-2020 funding in the amount of $30,000 is proposed for the upgrade of exchange server licensing.  In FY 2020-2021 and FY 2021-2022 funding in the amount of $50,000 is proposed for fiber ring and fire wall replacement.

 

The equipment for the live broadcast is in place and testing has been conducted.  When the signal is transported down to the Westerly public access station the audio quality is good but the video quality is distorted.  Cox is working on correcting this; more information will be known next week.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Library Improvement Long Term Program.  There is no request in the Pay As You Go portion of the budget.  There are two painting projects that need to be done: exterior painting at the Hazard Memorial Library in the amount of $72,000 and exterior painting at Hale Library in the amount of $17,000.  As of June 30, 2016 there is $141,203 in the Reserve Fund.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Property Revaluation Program.  As of June 30, 2016 there is $240,713 available in the Reserve Fund.  The total anticipated expenditure for the statistical appraisals to be conducted as of December 31, 2018 is $246,600; $148,000 will come from reimbursement from the State. When we do the full revaluation scheduled for December 31, 2021 we anticipate a cost of $504,000.  The total program cost for the 2018 statistical and the 2021 full revaluations is $765,600.

 

Jon Schock is present and discussion ensues relative to the Public Works Road Improvement Program which includes road improvements reconstruction and overlay, bridges and dams, Public Works Facility improvements, and TMDL erosion and new drainage projects.  The proposed six-year Public Works Road Improvement Program includes funding in the amount of $2,964,250 for the Arterial Road Program, $1,420,375 for the Collector Road Program, $23,750 for the Local Road Program, $610,000 for Drainage Improvements, $225,000 for Bridge and Dam Improvements and $95,000 for the Highway Facility Program for a total of $5,338,375.

 

The proposed Public Works Road Improvement Program for FY 2017-2018 Pay As You Go is $1,144,500 including funding in the amount of $575,750 for the Arterial Road Program, $300,000 for the Collector Road Program, $23,750 for the Local Road Program, $115,000 for Drainage Improvements, $100,000 for Bridge and Dam Improvements and $30,000 for the Highway Facility Program.

 

The proposed Public Works Equipment Acquisition/Replacement Program for FY 2017-2018 Pay As You Go is $415,000 including funding in the amount of $35,000 for a pickup truck, $260,000 for a road grader, and $120,000 for a street sweeper.  It is proposed to use $111,500 from the Capital Fund so the Net Equipment Replacement is $303,500.

 

The proposed Public Works Highway Facility Improvement Program for FY 2017-2018 Pay As You Go is $30,000 for an Asset Management Software System.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Water Division.  The proposed six-year Water Division Program includes the replacement of the Water Division Water Meter System which allows for drive-by radio read technology for 3,300 water meters in Middlebridge and the South Shore water systems.  It was last replaced in 2008 and its warranty period is ending.  The system-wide replacement is proposed for FY 2020-2021 and the total projected cost is $1,100,000.  Funding will be provided through the Water Enterprise Fund retained earnings.

 

The proposed Water Division Program for FY 2017-2018 Pay As You Go is $109,000 including funding in the amount of $11,000 for the Mautucket Water Tank Cleaning and $38,000 for the Victoria Lane Water Tank Cleaning, $10,000 for Pump Station Infrastructure, $25,000 for the Leak Detection Reserve and $25,000 for the Water Main Replacement Reserve.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Wastewater Division Program.  The proposed Wastewater Division Program for FY 2017-2018 Pay As You Go is $530,000 including funding in the amount of $40,000 for the WWTF Building Infrastructure Upgrade; $50,000 for Local Pump Station Improvements; $150,000 for Silver Lake Pump Station upgrades; $30,000 for the Solids Handling upgrade; $50,000 for Waste Sludge Pumps; $50,000 for Influent Headworks; $100,000 for Clarifier Repair; $30,000 for Rolling Stock Equipment Replacement; $20,000 for the Department of Public Services Building Improvement Contribution and $10,000 for the Geographic Information System Upgrade.

 

Joseph Geaber, Interim Police Chief and Jackie Corea, Executive Assistant, Police Department are present and discussion ensues relative to the Public Safety Program. The proposed six-year Public Safety Program includes Computer Systems, Communications Systems and Facility Wide Improvements for the Public Safety Building. The total cost of the six year program is projected at $446,000 and includes funding in the amount of $100,000 for Computer Systems, $100,000 for Communications Systems and $246,000 for improvements to the Public Safety Building. The proposed Public Safety Facility Improvements Pay As You Go Program for FY 2017-2018 is $15,000 for Upgrades to the HVAC System.

 

Michael Stack, Harbormaster is present and discusses the proposed Public Safety Harbor Patrol Pay As You Go Program for FY 2017-2018.  Funding in the amount of $25,000 is requested for the replacement of a boat.

 

Craig Stanley, Emergency Medical Services Director and Lieutenant Melissa Davies are present and discuss the Emergency Medical Services Long Term Program.  The proposed six-year program includes funding for vehicle replacements in the amount of $530,000, South Station facility improvements in the amount of $10,000 and Medical Diagnostic Equipment in the amount of $180,000 for a total program cost of $720,000. The proposed Emergency Medical Services Pay As You Go program for FY 2017-2018 is $130,000. Funding in the amount of $10,000 is requested for the South Station Quarter Improvements, $15,000 for a Lucas Chest Compression Device and $105,000 contribution to the Vehicle Replacement Reserve Fund.

 

Lance Whaley, Communications Superintendent is present and discusses the Fire Alarm Division Long Term Program. The proposed six-year program includes funding in the amount of $140,000 for Radio Box Program Migration in the amount of $70,000, 800MHz Radios for Interoperability in the amount of $40,000 and Vehicle Replacement in the amount of $30,000.  The proposed Fire Alarm Division Pay As You Go Program for FY 2017-2018 is $60,000 and includes funding in the amount of $30,000 for Radio Alarm Box System Migration and $30,000 for a Pickup Truck.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Affordable Housing Program.  The South Kingstown Affordable Housing Trust Fund was established by the Town Council in FY 2008-2009. There was a $10,000 initial allocation at that time and no funds have been expended to date. It is proposed that $100,000 be transferred from the Open Space Reserve Fund to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in FY 2017-2018 and it is recommended that the fund be used to prepare an analysis of affordable housing needs in South Kingstown in accordance with the Town Council’s housing goals and objectives.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Town Hall Facility Improvement Long Term Program. Funding in the amount of $400,000 is proposed for the six-year program. Expenses include $50,000 for replacement of the second floor roof, $75,000 for carpeting and painting throughout the entire facility, $25,000 for storm windows in the Chambers and Tower, $15,000 for HVAC replacement in the Town Clerk’s offices, $30,000 for window replacement in the Annex, $25,000 for gutter repair/replacement and exterior painting, $20,000 for HVAC replacement in the 2^nd floor offices, $40,000 for HVAC installation in the Town Council Chambers, $100,000 for parking lot improvements and $20,000 for winterizing of the Fire Alarm Building.

 

The following members of the public are present and comment:

 

Ken Burke

Susan Marcus

 

Adjourn at 9:33 PM

 

ADJOURNED,

Dale S. Holberton, CMC

Town Clerk