WORK SESSION

 

JUNE 26, 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 26^th day of June 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 David E. Hamel relative to his interest in serving on the Bicycle – Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

 

The Town Council interviews J. Vernon Wyman relative to his interest in serving on the Conservation Commission.   

 

1.         B.        WORK SESSION

 

Discussion ensues relative to the receipt of a letter requesting the adoption of an Immigration Ordinance.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the number of events being held at the Farmhouse By The Sea.

 

Discussion ensues relative to legislation being introduced in regard to amending RIGL §44-3-3 to allow the Contemporary Theater Company  to receive a tax exemption on its property located at 321 Main Street.

 

Discussion ensues regarding Public Hearing 7A relative to adoption of the FY2017-2018 Position Allocation to Pay Schedule.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13J  formally adopting the employee benefits provided to non-union personnel, as presented in the Town Council’s FY 2017-2018 Final Budget adopted April 24, 2017, including the Basic Wage and Salary Program and Longevity Benefits, effective July 1, 2017.

 

Discussion ensues relative to steps that have been taken to alleviate traffic congestion at the East Matunuck State Beach and on Succotash Road.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13A authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise for Order of Notice a Public Hearing to consider expansion of the Diane Drive Special Sewer Area by adding an additional dwelling unit associated with Tax Assessor’s Plat 24-1, Lot 26 (or portion thereof) into the Diane Drive Special Sewer Area.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13B authorizing an award of bid for miscellaneous road building materials.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13C authorizing an award of bid to Microbac, 61 Louisa Viens Drive, Dayville, CT 06241 for analytical laboratory testing services through June 30, 2020 at the unit prices bid.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13D authorizing an award of bid for reinforced concrete pipe to Scituate Concrete Pipe at the unit prices bid.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13E authorizing an award of bid for Drainage/ Concrete Curb/ Retaining Wall Materials to various bidders at the unit prices bid.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13F authorizing an award of bid to T. Miozzi, Inc., 80 Compass Circle, North Kingstown, RI 02852 for the Town’s FY 2017-2018 Pavement Reclamation and Overlay Program in an amount not to exceed $899,500.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13G authorizing the transfer of $100,000 from the Open Space Acquisition Fund (Fund #0404) to the Affordable Housing Fund (Fund #0332) in order to support affordable housing initiatives as presented in the Town Council FY 2017-2018 Capital Improvement Program adopted January 23, 2017.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13H authorizing the transfer of $200,000 from the Open Space Acquisition Fund (Fund #0404) to the Recreation Improvement Fund (Fund #0420) in order to support construction of the Bike Path Connector between the Broad Rock Playfields and South County Commons as presented in the Town Council FY 2017-2018 Capital Improvement Program adopted January 23, 2017.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13I authorizing tax collection procedures.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13K authorizing an award of bid to Howard Johnson Inc., 1978 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale, RI 02879 for the purchase of one utility tractor in accordance with all bid specifications, in an amount not to exceed $22,800 including a trade-in allowance of $7,000.

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13L authorizing an award of bid to Turf Products, 157 Moody Road, P.O. Box 1200, Enfield, CT 06083 for the purchase of one turf aerator in accordance with all bid specifications, in an amount not to exceed $26,813.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13N granting the request of the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County (DVRSCS) for “pre-development” funding support up to the amount of $7,200 from the Town’s Affordable Housing Fund (#0332) for the potential acquisition of property located at 210 High Street, with a $1,200 initial allocation for appraisal services and the remaining funds to be allocated at the discretion of the Director of Planning based on the outcome of the appraisal.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13O authorizing the purchase from Konica Minolta Business Solutions, 2670 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889 of a ScanPro 3000 Digital Microfilm Reader for the Peace Dale Library in an amount not to exceed $9,690.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13P authorizing an amendment to an award of bid originally granted on November 23, 2015 to Ballou Electrical Services, 72 Whitford Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 for Town building fire alarm testing services through August 31, 2018 from an amount not to exceed $5,698 per year to an amount not to exceed $6,948 per year, to include the Main Street Comfort Station and the Community Recreation Center.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the War Monument located at the Hazard School, 153 School Street, Wakefield, RI.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the 4^th of July Celebration at Old Mountain Field.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the proposed legislation in regard to the elimination of the car tax.

 

Convened to Regular Session.

 

 

Dale S. Holberton, CMC

Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

 

JUNE 26, 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 26^th day of June 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 Session: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Work Session held on June 12, 2017 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

B.        Regular Session: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Regular Session held on June 12, 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)    8C.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a communication dated June 14, 2017 from Tim Lemire providing an update on his efforts concerning legislation to require parent education for divorcing couples is received and placed on file. (6/22/2017 Miscellaneous, Item II C.)

 

(CA)    8D.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted June 5, 2017 by the Middletown Town Council in opposition to legislation pending in the General Assembly that seeks to reduce the required time frames for Planning Board decisions on major subdivisions and land development projects (House Bill H 5475 and Senate Bill S 0481) is received and placed on file. (6/22/2017 Miscellaneous, Item II D.)

 

(CA)    8E.      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 authorize the Town Clerk to advertise for Order of Notice a Public Hearing to consider expansion of the Diane Drive Special Sewer Area by adding an additional dwelling unit associated with Tax Assessor’s Plat 24-1, Lot 26 (or portion thereof) into the Diane Drive Special Sewer Area, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Town Code, Chapter 19 Utilities, Article II. Wastewater Management, Section 19-146. Special area sewer assessments, fees and user charges.

 

(CA)    13M.   UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Pat’s Power Equipment, 3992 Old Post Road, P.O. Box 1619, Charlestown, RI 02813 for the purchase of two walk-behind mowers, in accordance with all bid specifications in an amount not to exceed $9,100, including a trade-in allowance of $700; and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services to the Town Manager dated June 21, 2017 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Utility Tractor, Turf Aerator, and Walk Behind Mowers.”

 

(CA)    13O.    UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the purchase from Konica Minolta Business Solutions, 2670 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889 of a ScanPro 3000 Digital Microfilm Reader for the Peace Dale Library in an amount not to exceed $9,690; and as further described in a memorandum from the Library Director to the Town Manager dated June 13, 2017 and entitled “Digital Microfilm Reader.”

 

(CA)    13Q.    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.        Candace Brown is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Holiday Sales License to Therapy Clothing Boutique, LLC d/b/a Therapy Boutique, 343B Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to issuance of a Retail Sales Tax Permit. Application by Lauren Wells, 11 Galleon Court, Wakefield, RI 02879; New. License No. BS-17-27.

 

B.        Tim Bristow and Colby Blanchet are present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling and Miscellaneous Peddler Licenses to Yea Dog, 54 Narragansett Avenue, Narragansett, RI 02882. Application by Tim Bristow, 54 Narragansett Avenue, Narragansett, RI 02882; New. License Nos. BS-17-24, 25.

 

C.        Matthew Luongo is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Miscellaneous Permit to conduct a portion of the Ride Round Rhody Bike Ride in South Kingstown on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at 7 AM to Lifecycle, Inc., 21 Western Avenue, Barrington, RI 02806 subject to the execution of a hold harmless agreement indemnifying the Town, issuance of a Certificate of Insurance naming the Town as an additional insured in the amounts specified by the Finance Director, and approval by the Town’s Traffic and Transportation Committee and RIDOT. Proceeds to benefit multiple organizations and support local cancer treatment. Application by Matthew D. Luongo, Event Manager, 3351 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886; Renewal. License No. SE-17-7.

 

D.        Nancy Rush and Karen Litwin are present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Miscellaneous Permit to conduct a portion of the 3^rd Annual Haley Dowdell Memorial Motorcycle Run in South Kingstown on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 11 AM to the Haley Dowdell Memorial Foundation, Inc., 5 Simon Templar Drive, Coventry, RI 02816 subject to the execution of a hold harmless agreement indemnifying the Town, issuance of a Certificate of Insurance naming the Town as an additional insured in the amounts specified by the Finance Director, and approval by the Town’s Traffic and Transportation Committee and RIDOT. Proceeds to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Application by William E. Rush, Treasurer, 5 Simon Templar Drive, Coventry, RI 02816; Renewal. License No. SE-17-9.

 

E.        Janet Bertwell is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Miscellaneous Permit to conduct the Wakefield River Festival on Saturday, October 7, 2017 from 10 AM to 5 PM on Main Street between Robinson Street and Kenyon Avenue and in the Town parking lot to the Wakefield Village Association, 311A Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to the execution of a hold harmless agreement indemnifying the Town, issuance of a Certificate of Insurance naming the Town as an additional insured for the event in the amounts specified by the Town, and approval by the Town’s Traffic and Transportation Review Committee and RIDOT. Proceeds to benefit the Wakefield Village Association. Application by Janet L. Bertwell, Vice President, 311A Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879; Renewal. License No. SE-17-8.

 

7.         PUBLIC HEARING

 

A.        Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is held relative to adoption of the FY2017-2018 Position Allocation to Pay Schedule.

 

Town Manager Stephen Alfred reviews the pay schedule for non-union employees, and discussion ensues.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt the FY2017-2018 Position Allocation to Pay Schedule as presented, as follows:

 

Non Union Employees Position Allocation to Pay Schedule FY 2017-2018

 

 

8.         COMMUNICATIONS

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a communication dated May 31, 2017 from Susan L. Cohen advising that she does not wish to be reappointed to the Library Board of Trustees when her term expires in July is received, placed on file, and the Town Council directs that a letter of thanks be sent. (6/1/2017 Interim, Item G.)

 

B.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a communication dated June 14, 2017 from Mayor Joseph M. Polisena seeking support for a resolution adopted by the Johnston Town Council in opposition to House Bill H 5413 and Senate Bill S 0290, the Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act that would mandate paid sick leave for part time and seasonal employees is received and placed on file. (6/15/2017 Interim, Item I.)

 

9.         COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED CITIZENS

 

Council President Healy invites residents to come forward with comments.

 

Bob Trager is present and comments on the town’s efforts with regard to traffic on Succotash Road.

 

Dr. Bill Rosen is present and comments on traffic issues on Route 138 in the vicinity of URI, and the status of the state’s traffic improvements projects for that road.

 

10.       TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Mr. Alfred notes the tax rate has been set at $15.31 for the next fiscal year. The Town Manager’s Interim Report dated June 15, 2017, and the Agenda and Miscellaneous Reports dated June 22, 2017 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

11.       TOWN SOLICITOR’S REPORT – none

 

12.       APPOINTMENTS

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint J. Vernon Wyman to the Conservation Commission to fill a term to expire in September 2019.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Betty J. Cotter and Donna L. Gilton to the Library Board of Trustees for a term to expire in July 2020.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint Elizabeth L. Kroll to the Library Board of Trustees for a term to expire in July 2020.

 

13.       NEW BUSINESS

 

B.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid for miscellaneous road building materials to the following bidders at the unit prices; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 19, 2017 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Road Building Materials.”

 

 

 

 

C.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Microbac, 61 Louisa Viens Drive, Dayville, CT 06241 for analytical laboratory testing services through June 30, 2020 at the unit prices bid; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 9, 2017 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Analytical Laboratory Testing Services.”

 

D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid for reinforced concrete pipe to the following bidder at the unit prices bid; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 19, 2017 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP).”

 

 

E.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid for Drainage/ Concrete Curb/ Retaining Wall Materials to the following bidders at the unit prices bid; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 19, 2017 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Drainage/Concrete Curb/Retaining Wall Materials.”

 

 

 

 

F.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to T. Miozzi, Inc., 80 Compass Circle, North Kingstown, RI 02852 for the Town’s FY 2017-2018 Pavement Reclamation and Overlay Program in an amount not to exceed $899,500, including a contingency; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 19, 2017 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Pavement Reclamation and Overlay Program.”

 

G.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the transfer of $100,000 from the Open Space Acquisition Fund (Fund #0404) to the Affordable Housing Fund (Fund #0332) in order to support affordable housing initiatives as presented in the Town Council FY 2017-2018 Capital Improvement Program adopted January 23, 2017.

 

H.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the transfer of $200,000 from the Open Space Acquisition Fund (Fund #0404) to the Recreation Improvement Fund (Fund #0420) in order to support construction of the Bike Path Connector between the Broad Rock Playfields and South County Commons as presented in the Town Council FY 2017-2018 Capital Improvement Program adopted January 23, 2017.

 

I.          UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize tax collection procedures, as follows:

 

TAX RESOLUTIONS

 

BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council hereby orders the assessment and collection of a tax on the ratable real estate and tangible personal property and motor vehicle excise tax in a sum not more than $71,690,510; said tax is for the ordinary expenses and charges, for the payment of interest and indebtedness, in whole or in part of said Town, and for other purposes authorized by law.  The Tax Assessor shall assess and apportion said tax on the inhabitants and ratable property of said Town as of the 31st day of December 2016 at Twelve o’clock midnight, according to law (the date of assessment) and shall, on completion of said assessment, date, certify, and sign the same and deliver to and deposit the same in the office of the Town Clerk on or before the 15th day of June 2017;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the Town taxes and the motor vehicle excise taxes shall be due and payable on and between August 1, 2017 and September 1, 2017, and all taxes remaining unpaid after September 1, 2017 shall carry until collected a penalty at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum upon such unpaid tax, with the exception of taxes being paid under the quarterly installment law.  For purposes of calculating the appeal period for relief from the tax assessment, said appeal period shall run from August 1, 2017;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that said taxes, if levied in excess of One Hundred dollars ($100.00), may be paid in quarterly installments, the first installment of twenty-five percent (25%) on or before the 1st day of August 2017 and the remaining installments as follows: twenty-five percent (25%) on or before the 1st day of November, 2017; twenty-five percent (25%) on or before the 1st day of February, 2018; twenty-five percent (25%) on or before the 1st day of May, 2018.  Each installment of taxes, if paid on or before the last day of each installment period successively and in order, shall be free from any charge for interest.

 

If the first installment or any succeeding installment of taxes is not paid by the tenth (10th) business day following the last date of the respective installment period or periods as they occur, then the whole tax or remaining unpaid balance of the tax as the case may be, shall immediately become due and payable and shall carry until collected a penalty at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum from August 1, 2017 for real and personal property taxes, and motor vehicle excise tax as allowed by the laws of the State of Rhode Island.  Upon payment of any and all delinquent quarterly installments together with interest accrued on the full unpaid balance of the tax, the right to pay the remaining taxes on the installment basis will be reinstated;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the Tax Collector is ordered and directed to make levy or levies on all property or properties and persons.  Taxes assessed December 31, 2015, for 2016 taxes on Real Estate for which remain unpaid on the First Monday in March 2018, shall cause said Tax Collector  to proceed according to law to collect said tax or taxes so delinquent;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the Director of Finance of this Town be and is hereby instructed and empowered to hire all necessary funds for the use of the Town for the year ensuing, and to renew all notes against the Town outstanding as may be found necessary.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the Director of Finance be and is hereby authorized to issue from time to time notes of the Town of South Kingstown, subject to the approval of the Town Council, in anticipation of the receipt of taxes assessed as of December 31, 2016.  Said borrowed moneys shall be used and expended for the payment of current liabilities and expenses of said Town of South Kingstown, and shall be issued under the authority of Title 45-12-4 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, 1956 as amended.

 

J.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to formally adopt the employee benefits provided to non-union personnel, as presented in the Town Council’s FY 2017-2018 Final Budget adopted April 24, 2017, including the Basic Wage and Salary Program and Longevity Benefits, effective July 1, 2017; and as further described in a memorandum from the Town Manager to the Town Council dated June 21, 2017 and entitled “Non-Organized Town Personnel FY 2017-2018 Salary/Benefits Adjustments.”

 

K.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Howard Johnson Inc., 1978 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale, RI 02879 for the purchase of one utility tractor in accordance with all bid specifications, in an amount not to exceed $22,800 including a trade-in allowance of $7,000; and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services to the Town Manager dated June 21, 2017 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Utility Tractor, Turf Aerator, and Walk Behind Mowers.”

 

L.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Turf Products, 157 Moody Road, P.O. Box 1200, Enfield, CT 06083 for the purchase of one turf aerator in accordance with all bid specifications, in an amount not to exceed $26,813; and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services to the Town Manager dated June 21, 2017 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Utility Tractor, Turf Aerator, and Walk Behind Mowers.”

 

N.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant the request of the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County (DVRSCS) for “pre-development” funding support up to the amount of $7,200 from the Town’s Affordable Housing Fund (#0332) for the potential acquisition of property located at 210 High Street, with a $1,200 initial allocation for appraisal services and the remaining funds to be allocated at the discretion of the Director of Planning based on the outcome of the appraisal; and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Planning to the Town Manager dated June 21, 2017 and entitled “Recommendation Regarding the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County’s (DVRCSC) Request for Pre-development Resources from the Town’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.”  Grant of this request is contingent upon a positive recommendation from the Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee.

 

P.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an amendment to an award of bid originally granted on November 23, 2015 to Ballou Electrical Services, 72 Whitford Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 for Town building fire alarm testing services through August 31, 2018 from an amount not to exceed $5,698 per year to an amount not to exceed $6,948 per year, to include the Main Street Comfort Station and the Community Recreation Center; and as further described in a memorandum from the Communications Superintendent to the Town Manager dated June 8, 2017 and entitled “Fire Alarm Testing – Contract Amendment.”

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adjourn at 8:31 PM.

 

Dale S. Holberton, CMC

Town Clerk