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WORK SESSION
JANUARY 23, 2017
At a WORK SESSION of the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown, County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island held at the Town Hall, in and for said Town on the 23rd day of January 2017 at 6:45 PM.
PRESENT: Margaret M. Healy, President
Abel G. Collins, Vice President
Bryant C. DaCruz
Liz Gledhill
Joe Viele
1. A. INTERVIEWS
The Town Council interviews Andrew Gilmartin relative to his interest in serving on the School Committee.
The Town Council interviews Roland Benjamin relative to his interest in serving on the School Committee.
The Town Council interviews Stephen Scott Mueller relative to his interest in serving on the School Committee.
1. B. WORK SESSION
Discussion ensues relative to scheduling a Work Session with the South Kingstown Partnership for Prevention for a presentation by the Attorney General’s office in regard to Marijuana in Rhode Island and to discuss the Town Council’s Goals and Objectives for the 2016-2018 term. The following are possible dates: February 1, 2 or 6.
Discussion ensues relative to scheduling interviews for applicants to the Town Boards and Commissions. On February 13, 2017 the two remaining applicants to the Sustainability Committee are scheduled to interview. Andrew Martinez, applicant to the Historic District Commission and Judith Munson, applicant to the Saugatucket Veterans’ Memorial Park Commission will be scheduled to interview on February 27, 2017.
Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 8B adopted by the Charlestown Town Council on January 10, 2017 requesting support in opposition to the Federal Railroad Administration’s proposed change to the railroad alignment within the Town of Charlestown borders.
Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 8C adopted by the Warwick City Council on January 6, 2017 requesting support in its request to the General Assembly to enact legislation to classify multi-unit rental housing developments as non-smoking areas.
Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 8D from Stephen Stewart, Chairman, Saugatucket Veterans’ Memorial Commission dated January 12, 2017 requesting the Town Council to expand the Saugatucket Veterans’ Memorial Commission’s charge to designate the Commission as a standing committee and to expand its duties.
Discussion ensues relative to Communication Items 8E dated January 11, 2017 from Alfred R. and Barbara J. Crudale and Mary M. Nunes requesting support in opposition to the Federal Railroad Administration’s proposed change to the railroad alignment within the Town of Charlestown borders.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13C authorizing a fifth amendment with Synagro Northeast, LLC, 435 Williams Court Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21220, originally awarded on October 11, 2005, for municipal wastewater sludge transportation, incineration, and disposal.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business item 13D authorizing an award of contract to ADS Construction Inc., 300 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence, RI 02915 for the installation of a new ADA compliant lift at the Neighborhood Guild in accordance with all specifications in the amount of $190,000, including a contingency of $17,000.
Discussion ensues relative to Public Hearing 7A relative to adoption of the proposed FY 2017-2018 to FY 2022-2023 Capital Improvement Program.
Convened to Regular Session.
Dale S. Holberton, CMC
Town Clerk
REGULAR SESSION
JANUARY 23, 2017
At a REGULAR SESSION of the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown, County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island, held at the Town Hall, in and for said Town on the 23rd day of January 2017 at 7:30 PM.
PRESENT: Margaret M. Healy, President
Abel G. Collins, Vice President
Bryant C. DaCruz
Liz Gledhill
Joe Viele
1. C. REGULAR SESSION
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag is given.
3. ROLL CALL
Roll Call is taken and all members are present.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
A. Work Sessions: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Work Sessions held on January 4, 2017 and January 9, 2017 are accepted, approved and placed on file.
B. Regular Sessions: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Regular Sessions held on December 20, 2016 and January 9, 2017 are accepted, approved and placed on file.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to approve the Consent Agenda as indicated by (CA) on same.
(CA) 6C. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to the following; Renewals:
BAGELS OF WAKEFIELD, INC. d/b/a BAGELZ THE BAGEL BAKERY, 90 Pershing Avenue, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Nancy G. Lieberman, 39 Wampum Trail, Wakefield, RI 02879. License Nos. BS-16-131, 132.
BAGELS, INC. d/b/a BAGELZ THE BAGEL BAKERY, 99 Fortin Road, Unit J2, Kingston, RI 02881. Application by Nancy G. Lieberman, 39 Wampum Trail, Wakefield, RI 02879. License Nos. BS-16-128, 129.
BREWED AWAKENINGS COFFEE HOUSE, INC., 60 South County Commons Way, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by David J. Levesque, 9 Thayer Avenue, Narragansett, RI 02882. License Nos. BS-16-150, 151.
(CA) 6D. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Holiday Sales and Farm Retail Sales Licenses to HIGHLAND FARM, INC., 4145 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Martha Bradley, 139 Orchard Avenue, Wakefield, RI 02879; Renewals License Nos. BS-16-222, 223.
(CA) 6E. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Firearms and Ammunition License to SALT POND GROUP, LLC d/b/a PEACE DALE SHOOTING PRESERVE, 130 Pearls Way, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by James Waugh, 17 Edith Road, Narragansett, RI 02882; Renewal. License No. BS-16-341.
(CA) 8A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a communication dated December 2016 from Helen Pernicone, President, South Kingstown C.A.R.E.S. extending an invitation to their 13th Annual Spelling Bee Fundraiser scheduled for February 15th at the Elks Club is received and placed on file. (1/12/2017 Interim, Item C.)
(CA) 8F. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that any communication added to the Agenda subsequent to this is hereby added by majority vote, in accordance with RIGL §42-46-6 (b) Notice --… “Nothing contained herein shall prevent a public body, other than a school committee, from adding additional items to the agenda by majority vote of the members. Such additional items shall be for informational purposes only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official.”
(CA) 13A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to affirm a proclamation presented to L. Vincent Murray in honor of his retirement as Director of Planning, as follows:
L. VINCENT MURRAY
WHEREAS, L. VINCENT MURRAY was appointed the Director of Planning for the Town of South Kingstown in August 2003 having served as Senior Planner for the Town since 1998. Prior to his employment with the Town of South Kingstown, VIN also served as the Director of Planning for the Towns of East Greenwich and North Kingstown and held several senior planning positions in the City of Warwick, including Director of Economic and Community Development, and
WHEREAS, HE has successfully and effectively applied his talents as a professional planner to improve the quality of life in South Kingstown by implementing the Town Council goals relating to the comprehensive community plan, economic development, conservation and sustainability efforts, open space preservation and affordable housing, and
WHEREAS, VIN is a member of the Statewide Planning Council, the American Planning Association, RhodeMap RI, the University of Rhode Island Master Plan Committee, and staff liaison to the Planning Board, Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee, Coastal Resources Management Council and the Route 138 Project Area Committee, and
WHEREAS, VIN’S communication skills are evident in the multitude of memorandums he has prepared and the professional, entertaining presentations he has given throughout his career. He will be greatly missed by his fellow staff members for his willingness to assist, leadership skills, dry sense of humor and Irish wit, and
WHEREAS, HE has tendered his resignation to the Town of South Kingstown to spend more time with his wife Kathy skiing at Killington, Vermont, attending music festivals, travelling and leisurely frequenting the newest and oldest restaurants and pubs.
NOW, THEREFORE WE THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN do hereby extend our thanks and appreciation to L. VINCENT MURRAY for his contributions and devoted service to the Town of South Kingstown and wish him a happy, healthy retirement and success in all of his future endeavors.
(CA) 13B. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to declare February 22, 2017 as GEORGE WASHINGTON DAY in the Town of South Kingstown in commemoration of the first President’s birthday.
(CA) 13E. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that any New Business added to the Agenda subsequent to this is hereby added by majority vote, in accordance with RIGL §42-46-6 (b) Notice --… “Nothing contained herein shall prevent a public body, other than a school committee, from adding additional items to the agenda by majority vote of the members. Such additional items shall be for informational purposes only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official.”
6. LICENSES
A. The applicant is present and testifies regarding this application, and after discussion it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant, subject to having all State licenses in place, a Victualling License to N & S MAZAJ CAFÉ LLC d/b/a MAZAJ CAFÉ, 99 Fortin Road, Unit 117, Kingston, RI 02881. Application by Nour Sawan, 190 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI 02903; New; continued from December 12, 2016 and January 9, 2017. License No. BS-16-30.
B. The applicant is present and testifies regarding this application, and after discussion it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Holiday Sales License to MATTRESS FIRM, INC. d/b/a MATTRESS FIRM, 26 South County Commons Way, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Robert Jacknewitz, 2324 Hampton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139; New. License No. BS-17-3.
7. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is held relative to adoption of the proposed FY 2017-2018 to FY 2022-2023 Capital Improvement Program.
The Town Manager presents the proposed CIP.
Andrew Gilmartin is present and comments on School computer replacement.
Discussion ensues, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt the FY 2017-2018 to FY 2022-2023 Capital Improvement Program as presented, as follows.
FY 2017-2018 to FY 2022-2023 Capital Improvement Program
| The Town Manager has prepared the six-year Capital Improvement Program for the period FY 2017-2018 | ||
| through FY 2022-2023 which includes the following proposed project expenditures: | ||
| I. 2017-2018 Capital Budget | ||
| A. | General Fund | FY2017-2018 |
| 1 | Park Rehabilitation/Improvements | $126,000 |
| 2 | Recreation Equipment Acquisition/Replacement | 130,000 |
| 3 | Road Improvement Program | 660,000 |
| 4 | Public Works Equipment Acquisition/Replacement | 303,500 |
| 5 | Public Safety Building - General | 15,000 |
| 6 | Harbor Patrol - Equipment Replacement | 25,000 |
| 7 | EMS Medical Diagnostics/Equipment Upgrade | 15,000 |
| 8 | EMS Facilities Improvements - South Station | 10,000 |
| 9 | EMS Vehicle Replacements | 105,000 |
| 10 | Fire Alarm Division Migration to Radio Box System | 30,000 |
| 11 | Fire Alarm Division Vehicle Replacement | 30,000 |
| 12 | Information Technology Program | 70,000 |
| | $1,519,500 | |
| B. | Senior Services Fund | |
| 1 | Adult Day Services Center Improvements | $20,000 |
| 2 | Senior Center Facility Improvements | 15,000 |
| $35,000 | ||
| C. | Water Fund | |
| 1 | Mautucket Water Tank Cleaning | $11,000 |
| 2 | Victoria Lane Water Tank Cleaning | 38,000 |
| 3 | Pump Station Infrastructure | 10,000 |
| 4 | Leak Detection Equipment Reserve | 25,000 |
| 5 | Water Main Replacement Reserve | 25,000 |
| $109,000 | ||
| D. | Wastewater Fund | |
| 1 | WWTF Building Infrastructure Upgrade | $40,000 |
| 2 | Local Pump Station Improvements | 50,000 |
| 3 | Silver Lake Pump Station Upgrades | 150,000 |
| 4 | Solids Handling Upgrade | 30,000 |
| 5 | Waste Sludge Pumps | 50,000 |
| 6 | Influent Headworks | 50,000 |
| 7 | Clarifier Repair | 100,000 |
| 8 | Rolling Stock Equipment Replacement | 30,000 |
| 9 | DPS Building Improvement Contribution | 20,000 |
| 10 | Geographic Information System Upgrade | 10,000 |
| | | $530,000 |
| E. | School Fund | |
| 1 | Elementary School Laptops | $170,000 |
| 2 | Telecommunications Program | 25,000 |
| 3 | Administrative Computers | 10,000 |
| 4 | Computer Equity/Replacement | 50,000 |
| 5 | Student Computer Initiative (1:1 Ratio) | 200,000 |
| 6 | Network Hardware | 25,000 |
| 7 | High School Elevator Upgrade | 35,000 |
| 8 | Vehicle Replacement Program | 40,000 |
| 9 | Track Resurfacing | 25,000 |
| $580,000 | ||
| | ||
| Grand Total | $2,773,500 | |
| II. | Long-Term Capital Projects |
|
| ||
| Listed below are the program costs that would be required to complete proposed major capital projects during the six-year period FY 2017-2018 through FY 2022-2023: | ||
| Six-Year Long Term Element | ||
| Open Space Program | $450,000 | |
| Leisure Services Programs | 2,721,000 | |
| General Municipal Programs | 8,198,975 | |
| School Department Programs | 7,910,060 | |
| Utilities Programs | 1,100,000 | |
| Total | $20,380,035 | |
| III. | Fair Share Development Fees (Effective July 1, 2017) | |
| Recreational Facilities | ||
| Single Household Fee | $3,150 | |
| Households with two bedrooms or less | $2,363 | |
8. COMMUNICATIONS
B. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted by the Charlestown Town Council on January 10, 2017 requesting support in opposition to the Federal Railroad Administration’s proposed change to the railroad alignment within the Town of Charlestown borders is received, placed on file, and the Town Council further directs to support the Town of Charlestown in its opposition to the Federal Railroad Administration’s proposed change to the railroad alignment in the Town of Charlestown and that letters be sent to the Federal Railroad Administration and the Town of Charlestown notifying them of this vote. (1/19/2017 Miscellaneous, item II E.)
C. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted by the Warwick City Council on January 6, 2017 requesting support in its request to the General Assembly to enact legislation to classify multi-unit rental housing developments as non-smoking areas is received and placed on file. (1/19/2017 Miscellaneous, Item II D.)
D. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a communication from Stephen Stewart, Chairman, Saugatucket Veterans’ Memorial Commission dated January 12, 2017 requesting the Town Council to expand the Saugatucket Veterans’ Memorial Commission’s charge to designate the Commission as a standing committee and to expand its duties (1/19/2017 Miscellaneous, Item II B.) is received, placed on file, and the Town Council further directs to expand the Saugatucket Veterans’ Memorial Commission’s charge to designate the Commission as a standing committee and to expand its duties as follows:
1. to study all war memorials in South Kingstown;
2. make recommendations to the Town Council and provide information in regard to restoration, maintenance, site improvements and cost estimates;
3. request budget appropriations for proposed improvements.
E. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that communications dated January 11, 2017 from Alfred R. and Barbara J. Crudale and Mary M. Nunes requesting support in opposition to the Federal Railroad Administration’s proposed change to the railroad alignment within the Town of Charlestown borders are received, placed on file, and the Town Council further directs that letters be sent to Alfred R. and Barbara J. Crudale and Mary M. Nunes informing them of the Town Council’s vote in support of the Town of Charlestown’s opposition to the Federal Railroad Administration’s proposed change to the railroad alignment within the Town of Charlestown borders and informing them that Director of Planning for the Town of South Kingstown was present at the meeting held in Charlestown. (1/19/2017 Miscellaneous, Item II E.)
9. COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED CITIZENS
Council President Healy invites residents to come forward with comments.
Helen Farrell Allen is present, comments on the celebration of George Washington Day and submits a letter of thanks to the Town Council.
The following are present and comment regarding making an appointment to fill the vacancy on the School Committee:
Maureen Martin supports the appointment of Stephen Scott Mueller.
John Rose supports the appointment of Stephen Scott Mueller.
Marc Ladin supports the appointment of the next-highest vote getter.
Tara Apperson supports the appointment of Andrew Gilmartin, as he was the next-highest vote getter.
Charlotte Toolan supports the appointment of Andrew Gilmartin.
Bill Rosen comments that the Charter change to fill a Town Council vacancy with the next-highest vote getters should be followed to fill this vacancy on the School Committee.
Jonathan Daly-LaBelle comments on the qualifications of the three candidates.
Dorald Beasley supports following the Charter change for filling a Town Council vacancy in making this appointment.
Jim O’Neill comments on the Town Council’s responsibility in choosing the candidate, and supports the appointment of Stephen Scott Mueller.
George Dubuque does not support the automatic appointment of the next-highest vote getter, and supports the appointment of Stephen Scott Mueller.
Brooke Conley supports the appointment of the next-highest vote getter.
10. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
The Town Manager’s Interim Report dated January 12, 2017, and the Agenda and Miscellaneous Reports dated January 19, 2017 are accepted, approved and placed on file.
11. TOWN SOLICITOR’S REPORT – none
12. APPOINTMENTS
A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Kristine Bishop Chapman to the South Kingstown Canvassing Authority for a term to expire in March 2023.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Richard Jurczak to the Economic Development Committee for a term to expire March in 2020.
B. The appointment to fill a vacancy on the School Committee is considered. Council President Healy opens the nominations.
Councilwoman Gledhill nominates Andrew Gilmartin.
Councilman DaCruz nominates Roland Benjamin.
Council Vice President Collins nominates Stephen Scott Mueller.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the nominations.
Discussion ensues.
A vote is taken on the appointment of Andrew Gilmartin. Councilwoman Gledhill votes aye. The motion fails.
A vote is taken on the appointment of Roland Benjamin. Councilmen DaCruz and Viele vote aye. The motion fails.
A vote is taken on the appointment of Stephen Scott Mueller. Council Vice President Collins and Council President Healy vote aye. The motion fails.
Discussion resumes.
A second vote is taken on the appointment of Andrew Gilmartin. Council Vice President Collins and Councilwoman Gledhill vote aye. The motion fails.
A second vote is taken on the appointment of Roland Benjamin. Councilmen DaCruz and Viele vote aye. The motion fails.
A second vote is taken on the appointment of Stephen Scott Mueller. Council President Healy votes aye. The motion fails.
A third round of votes is taken, with the same results. President Healy declares the Council is deadlocked.
Discussion ensues, and it is
VOTED: to drop the lowest vote-getter from consideration.
Council President Healy and Council Vice President Collins vote no.
Discussion resumes.
A vote is taken on the appointment of Andrew Gilmartin. Council Vice President Collins and Councilwoman Gledhill vote aye.
A vote is taken on the appointment of Roland Benjamin, and it is
VOTED: to appoint Roland Benjamin to the South Kingstown School Committee for an interim term to expire in November 2018.
Council President Healy, and Councilmen DaCruz and Viele vote in favor.
13. NEW BUSINESS
C. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize a fifth amendment to a contract originally awarded on October 11, 2005 with Synagro Northeast, LLC, 435 Williams Court, Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21220 for municipal wastewater sludge transportation, incineration, and disposal; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated January 17, 2017 and entitled “Sludge Incineration Contract – Amendment #5.”
D. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to ADS Construction Inc., 300 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence, RI 02915 for the installation of a new ADA compliant lift at the Neighborhood Guild in accordance with all specifications in the amount of $190,000, including a contingency of seventeen thousand dollars, and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services to the Town Manager dated January 18, 2017 and entitled “Recommendation for Award of Contract for Installation of Neighborhood Guild Wheelchair Lift.”
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adjourn at 9:05 PM.
Dale S. Holberton, CMC
Town Clerk