AGENDA

 

TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN

 

RHODE ISLAND

 

 

TOWN COUNCIL

 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021

 

WORK SESSION

7:00 PM

REGULAR SESSION

7:30 PM

 

TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

180 HIGH STREET, WAKEFIELD, RI

 

Please be advised meetings are now being held in person. Due to the expiration of the Governor’s Executive Order 21-72, fully virtual meetings are no longer permitted. All Council members and applicants must attend in person. Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend in person or view the meeting live on ClerkBase at https://clerkshq.com/SouthKingstown-ri  or on your local Public Access Television Station. Standard COVID-19 protocols in town buildings apply to all meeting attendees. Attendees who are not vaccinated must wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

 

 

NOTE:  Individuals requesting American Sign Language interpreters or CART service must call the Town Clerk’s Office at 401-789-9331 seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the meeting date.

 

DATE POSTED: 8/5/2021

 

 

1.         A.        INTERVIEW – 7:00 PM

See Attachment A for Boards and Commissions Appointments Report.

 

B.        WORK SESSION – immediately following

All items listed on Town Council agenda are subject to discussion.

 

C.        REGULAR SESSION – 7:30 PM

Please be advised that the Council intends to discuss and/or act upon each and every item appearing on this agenda.

 

2.         PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

3.         ROLL CALL

 

4.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

            A.        Work Session – July 26, 2021

             

B.        Regular Session – July 26, 2021

 

C.        Closed Executive Session – July 26, 2021

 

5.         CONSENT AGENDA

 

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *      *      *      *      *     *     *     *     *

 

I.              Rule 10A.  for the conduct of the meetings of the South Kingstown Town Council:  Members of the public shall be entitled to speak at regular meetings during any period designated on the agenda for public comment, once, for a period of five minutes, or longer at the discretion of the President, and at other times when invited to do so by the President.  The public shall address their comments to the question under debate as indicated on the agenda. Pursuant to RI General Laws §42-46-6(b), public comment regarding subject matter not on the agenda but received during the public participation portion of a meeting shall be for information 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.

 

II.             Rule 11:  No item of business other than that of adjournment may be brought before the Town Council at any meeting unless such an item is introduced before 11:00 PM; provided, however, that this rule may be suspended by an affirmative vote of a majority of members present.

 

III.            Rule 13:  All items listed with a (CA) are to be considered routine by the Town Council and will be enacted by one motion.  There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Council, or a member of the public so requests, in which event the item will be removed from Consent Agenda (CA) consideration and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.

 

Pursuant to 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 - none

 

7.         COMMUNICATIONS

 

(CA)    A.        A communication dated July 18, 2021 from James M. Mageau concerning Critical Race Theory (CRT) training and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    B.        An email dated July 21, 2021 from John Kotula regarding racism is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    C.        Emails from Jen Krueger, Kateri Collins and Kim Rielly in support of appointing Bob Hicks to the School Committee are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    D.        Emails from April Tessier, Andrea Spaziante, Peter and Michelle McNally, Brian Kleczek, Laura Wallace, Christian Petrichko, Laurie Roebuck, Druanne Graf, Barbara Lema, Kate Collins, Tanya Tedeschi, Katherine Lang and MK Whitten in support of appointing Kaitlyn Roebuck to the School Committee are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    E.         An email dated August 4, 2021 from Cynthia L. Dowgiallo in support of appointing Carol Vetter to the School Committee is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    F.         Emails from John Kotula, Johnette Rodriguez, Jesus de la Torre and Ilana Rose suggesting questions for the School Committee applicants are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    G.        An email dated July 22, 2021 from Dorald Beasley concerning the School Building Committee is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    H.        An email dated July 26, 2021 from Andrew Gilmartin supporting the continued use of Zoom for Town Council meetings is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    I.          An email dated July 26, 2021 from Elizabeth Gledhill concerning stone sealing on Winter Street and Kenwood Avenue is received, placed on file and referred to the Director of Public Services.

 

            J.         An email dated July 26, 2021 from Timothy Murphy, Chairman, Library Board of Trustees to URI President Dooley and Dr. Parlange regarding the impending loss of parking spaces on campus reserved for Kingston Free Library is received, placed on file and the Town Council further directs ____.

 

(CA)    K.        Emails from Terry Brittell and Jennifer Panneton concerning the Matunuck Sea Wall Protection Project are received and placed on file.

 

            L.         An email dated July 29, 2021 from Jonathan Daly-LaBelle advising of his resignation from the SMART Committee is received, placed on file and the Town Council further directs ______________.

 

            M.        A letter dated July 27, 2021 from Charles A. Sweet suggesting plans to develop a scenic pathway between the Neighborhood Guild and Old Mountain Field, and to upgrade and expand school facilities, athletic fields and parking areas is received, placed on file and the Town Council further directs _____________.

 

            N.        A letter dated July 28, 2021 from Richard J. Jurczak advising of his resignation from the Zoning Board of Review effective October 1, 2021 is received, placed on file and the Town Council further directs .

 

(CA)    O.        An email dated August 3, 2021 from Jenifer Madison, District Manager providing the Kingston Fire District’s 4th Quarter State Fiscal Report for FY 2020-2021 is received and placed on file.

 

            P.         An email dated August 4, 2021 from Joslin B. Leasca requesting consideration of the renewal of an emergency executive order to limit the number of students hosting or attending social gatherings in community housing is received, placed on file and the Town Council further directs .

 

            Q.        An email dated August 4, 2021 from Councilwoman Deborah J. Kelso concerning mask requirements at in person meetings is received, placed on file and the Town Council further directs .

 

(CA)    R.        An email dated August 4, 2021 from Dorald Beasley concerning potential School Department cost savings is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    S.         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.”

 

8.         COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED CITIZENS

 

9.         TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

See Attachment B for Town Manager’s Reports

 

10.       APPOINTMENTS

 

A.           A resolution appointing ___________________________________ to the ______________________________ Board/Committee/Commission for a term to expire in _______________. (See Attachment A for Boards and Commissions Appointments Report)

 

 

11.       NEW BUSINESS

 

A.           A resolution recognizing members of the Union Fire District for saving the life of a man and his dog from a fire at their home, as follows:

 

                        The Town Council hereby offers its appreciation to members of the Union Fire District:

 

CAPTAIN TYLER PARKS

LIEUTENANT ERIC HOLMLANDER

CAPTAIN ANDY DUCKWORTH

LIEUTENANT MATT VINER

LIEUTENANT DAN KIELY

DEPUTY CHIEF TONY CINQUEGRANA

 

                        In recognition of their courage during the early morning hours of March 20, 2021 when the crew’s quick response and professional training helped rescue a victim and his dog who were trapped in a serious fire at their home. Their performance was above and beyond the obligation of duty. Members of the Kingston Fire District, South Kingstown Police and Emergency Medical Services personnel are also commended for their actions and assistance in this dangerous situation. The Town Council extends its appreciation and congratulations for a job well done.

 

B.           A resolution authorizing an award of contract to Dixon Engineering & Inspection Services, 789 Lafayette Road, Medina, OH 44256 for potable water tank anchor stud design services in an amount not to exceed $16,430 including a contingency of $5,000; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Interim Town Manager dated August 2, 2021 and entitled “Water Tank Anchor Bolt Remedial Design - Engineering Services.”

 

C.           A resolution authorizing an amendment to an award of bid originally granted on July 22, 2019 to Safety Marking, Inc., 255 Hancock Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 for municipal road striping / marking services at the unit prices bid for the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Interim Town Manager dated August 2, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation - Regional Road Striping Contract Extension.”

 

D.           A resolution authorizing the Interim Town Manager to execute a 1st lease amendment between the Town of South Kingstown and T-Mobile USA, Inc., 12920 S.E. 38th Street, Bellevue, WA 98006 for the Town’s Department of Public Services lattice antenna tower located at 509 Commodore Perry Highway, in accordance with terms of lease agreements as approved by the Assistant Town Solicitor; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Interim Town Manager dated July 29, 2021 and entitled “T-Mobile Cellular Lease Amendment for Department of Public Services Antenna.”

 

E.            A resolution authorizing the Interim Town Manager to execute a 1st lease amendment between the Town of South Kingstown and T-Mobile USA, Inc., 12920 S.E. 38th Street, Bellevue, WA 98006 for the Town’s Public Services Department Victoria Lane water tank, in accordance with terms of lease agreements as approved by the Assistant Town Solicitor; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Interim Town Manager dated July 29, 2021 and entitled “T-Mobile Cellular Lease Amendment for Victoria Lane Tank.”

 

F.            A resolution rejecting all bids received for a 2022 Ford F350 4X4 pickup truck with snow plow, and that current year capital funds in the amount of $39,000 be reserved in the Highway Division’s equipment reserve fund; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Interim Town Manager dated July 29, 2021 and entitled “Pickup Truck with Snow Plow – Recommendation to Reject All Bids.”

 

(CA)    G.        A resolution that a claim filed by Adam J. Resmini, Esquire on behalf of his client, "Jane Doe", a minor, relative to an incident that occurred on or about July 23, 2021 be referred to the Town Solicitor and the Town’s insurance carrier.

 

(CA)    H.        A resolution authorizing the Tax Assessor to abate taxes in the total amount of $5,225.91, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 590.

 

I.              A resolution authorizing the purchase from Zoll Medical Corporation, 269 Mill Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824 of one Zoll X-Series Manual Monitor/Defibrillator in an amount not to exceed $30,654 including trade-in allowance; as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of EMS to the Interim Town Manager dated August 4, 2021 and entitled “Cardiac Monitor Replacement.”

 

J.            A resolution extending the Town’s Declaration of Emergency adopted at an Emergency Session on March 15, 2020 and subsequently renewed on April 13, 2020, May 11, 2020, June 8, 2020, July 13, 2020, August 11, 2020, September 14, 2020, October 13, 2020, November 9, 2020, December 14, 2020, January 11, 2021, January 25, 2021, February 22, 2021, March 22, 2021, April 26, 2021, May 24, 2021, June 28, 2021, and July 26, 2021 as shown on Exhibit 1 attached hereto.

 

K.           A resolution authorizing the establishment of a Steering Committee for the purpose of planning and implementing a year-long celebration to recognize the 300th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of South Kingstown, as further described in a memorandum from the Interim Town Manager to the Town Council dated August 5, 2021 and entitled “Steering Committee for Town 300th Anniversary.”

 

(CA)    L.         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.”

 

12.       CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

A.        A Closed Executive Session pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(1) to discuss matters pertaining to personnel re: Town Manager; pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to collective bargaining re: South Kingstown Municipal Employees Association (SKMEA) local NEARI; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(4) to discuss matters pertaining to investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct, either civil or criminal re: AFL-CIO mailer

 

13.       NEW BUSINESS (continued)

 

            A.        A resolution authorizing the Interim Town Manager to enter into a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the NEARI local South Kingstown Municipal Employees Association (SKMEA) for FY2021-2022 through FY2024-2025, in accordance with a memorandum from the Interim Town Manager to the Town Council dated August 3, 2021 and entitled “SKMEA/NEARI Labor Contract Negotiations.”

 

B.           The Town Council may discuss and act on a Memorandum from the Town Solicitor relative to the findings of the AFL-CIO student mailer Investigation.

 

 

 

Exhibit 1

 

Town of South Kingstown

Renewed Declaration of Emergency

 

On March 15, 2020, pursuant to Sec. 3214 of the South Kingstown Home Rule Charter, the Town Council declared the existence of an emergency. The basis for the Council’s emergency declaration was the danger to health and life posed by the novel coronavirus known as COVID19, as set forth in Governor Gina Raimondo’s Executive Order 20-02 dated March 9, 2020 declaring a state of emergency, and Executive Order 20-03 dated March 13, 2020 containing a supplemental emergency declaration. Governor Raimondo extended the state of emergency as set forth in Executive Order 20-23 on April 10, 2020, and it was further extended on May 7, June 4, July 3, July 31, September 2, October 2, November 2, December 2, December 22, 2020, January 19, and February 16, 2021. Governor Daniel McKee further extended the state of emergency on March 16, April 21, May 20, June 10, and July 9, 2021. The Town Council voted to extend the date of the local emergency declaration on April 13, 2020, and it was further extended on May 11, June 8, July  13, August 11, September 14, October 13, November 9, December 14, 2020, January 11, January 25, February 22, March 22, April 26, May 24, June 28, and July 26, 2021.

 

Since the Council’s declaration of emergency, the Governor of the State of Rhode Island has issued 184 further supplemental emergency declarations (as of July 30, 2021) relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, and circumstances continue to be of concern both locally, statewide, and nationwide. On July 8, 2021, Governor McKee issued Executive Order 21-77 further extending the state of emergency to August 6, 2021. Therefore, the Town Council deems it prudent to declare that a state of emergency continues to exist in Town, and hereby extends the end date of its emergency declaration from July 26, 2021 to August 6, 2021. The substance of the Council’s declaration of emergency remains in full force and effect, except to the extent that it has been superseded by an Executive Order of the Governor of the State of Rhode Island.

 

The Council hereby delegates the authority to the Interim Town Manager to take any and all actions deemed necessary to address the ongoing emergency. The Interim Town Manager shall report actions taken pursuant to this emergency declaration to the Council and to the public as soon as practicable, including ongoing updates on the Town’s website.

 

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until September 13, 2021 unless renewed, modified, or terminated by a subsequent ordinance. Provided, however, that if the statewide state of emergency is not extended by executive order of the Governor of the State of Rhode Island on or before August 6, 2021, this Ordinance shall expire on that date.

 

 

 

Attachment A

 

Boards and Commissions Appointments Report

 

 

The following information reflects the status of those Town boards, commissions and committees which have vacancies, members whose terms are expiring and are eligible for reappointment, and/or applications filed for consideration of appointment. The Town Council may make appointments at any meeting.

 

Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee (7 members; 3 year term)

Vacancy: term expires August 2024 (Joshua Daly resigned upon appointment to the Planning Board)

 

Bicycle – Pedestrian Advisory Committee (minimum 5, maximum 9 members; 2 year term)

Vacancies: two terms expiring July 2023 (William McCusker and Paul Higgins resigned)

Reappointments for terms expiring July 2021: Kenneth Burke, Kateri Collins, David E. Hamel, Jenn Judge and James Vogel wish to be reappointed. It is reported that of 23 meetings held during the current term, Mr. Burke and Ms. Collins attended 23, Mr. Hamel attended 19, Ms. Judge attended 18 and Mr. Vogel attended 17.

Applicant: Lisa-Beth Sanford (applied 7/30/2021)

 

Conservation Commission (7 members; 3 year term)

Reappointments for a term expiring September 2021: David Flanders wishes to be reappointed. It is reported that Mr. Flanders attended 28 of the 29 meetings held during the current term. Anne Heffron does not wish to be reappointed. 

 

Economic Development Committee (11 members, 3 year term)

Applicant: Susan Walsh (applied 1/14/2021; interviewed 3/8/2021 and appointed to Zoning Board of Review)

 

Historic District Commission (7 members, 3 year term)

Vacancy: term expires December 2021 (James Garfield resigned)

 

Library Board of Trustees (7 members; 3 year term)

Reappointments for terms expiring July 2021: Timothy S. Murphy and Hillary M. Carlson wish to be reappointed (to be interviewed 9/13/2021). It is reported that Mr. Murphy has attended 29 and Ms. Carlson has attended 26 of 30 meetings held during the current term.

Applicants: Lori A. Underhill (applied 8/6/2020; interviewed 9/29/2020); Heidi Henderson (applied 8/14/2020; interviewed 9/29/2020); Stephanie R. Canter (applied 10/7/2020); Joanne Mikolajewski Walsh (applied 10/19/2020)

 

Planning Board (7 members; 3 year term)

Applicants: Michael L. Geremia (applied 6/29/2020; interviewed 10/13/2020 and 6/14/2021); James M. Murdock (applied 05/25/2021; interviewed 6/14/2021)

 

Route 1 Stewardship Plan Development Committee (7 members)

Vacancy (Steve Wood resigned)

Applicant: Thomas J. Daniels (applied 4/21/2021)

 

Route 138 Reconstruction Project Area Committee (11 members; 2 year term)

Vacancies: Ex-officio member of Historic District Commission (James Garfield resigned) and URI representative.

Reappointments for terms expired May 2021: Susan E. Axelrod, Dorald Beasley, Gail Faris, Thomas Marcello, Peter Maynard and William Rosen wish to be reappointed.

Saugatucket Veterans’ Memorial Park Commission (5 members; 5 year term)

Vacancy: term expires January 2025 (Mark Spangler deceased)

 

School Building Committee

Applicants: Tim J. LaRose (applied 4/7/2021; did not attend interview on 5/10/2021); Maria Berube (applied 5/10/2021); Michelle Davis (applied 5/10/2021); Cadence Hansen (applied 5/10/2021); Christine Pierce (applied 5/10/2021); Lauren Ralph (applied 5/10/2021)

 

Applicants: Ryan V. Muir (applied 3/5/2021; interviewed 4/12/2021); Brian W. Nelson (applied 3/5/2021; interviewed 4/12/2021); Roland J. Fiore (applied 3/8/2021; interviewed 4/12/2021; withdrew); Robert A. Mohr (applied 3/12/2021; interviewed 4/12/2021); Robert E. Littlefield (applied 3/23/2021; interviewed 4/12/2021); Daniel L. Secone (applied 4/1/2021; interviewed 4/12/2021); Dorald Beasley (applied 4/7/2021; interviewed 4/12/2021); Robert Hicks (applied 4/7/2021; interviewed 4/12/2021; withdrew 7/28/2021); Steve Torbett (applied 4/7/2021; withdrew); Thomas J. Routliffe (applied 4/5/2021; interviewed 5/10/2021); Doug Bates (applied 4/7/2021; interviewed 5/10/2021); Gregory C. Sweet (applied 4/7/2021; interviewed 5/10/2021); Joseph F. Short (applied 4/21/2021; interviewed 5/10/2021, withdrew); Christopher N. Roman (applied 5/5/2021; interviewed 5/10/2021); Charles J. Brown (applied 5/5/2021; interviewed 5/10/2021); Jacy A. Northup (applied 5/5/2021; interviewed 5/10/2021)

 

School Committee

Vacancies: 2 terms expire November 2022 (Emily Cummiskey and Sarah Markey resigned)

Applicants interviewed on 8/2/2021: David A. Cote (applied 7/20/2021); Michael K. Marran (applied 7/22/2021); David T. Middleton (applied 7/19/2021); Steven M. Mooney Jr. (applied 7/23/2021); Valerie Speredelozzi (applied 7/9/2021)

Applicants interviewed on 8/4/2021: Sean M. Cote (applied 7/6/2021); James J. Patalano (applied 7/21/2021); Kaitlyn Roebuck (applied 7/23/2021); Carol A. Vetter (applied 7/12/2021)

Applicants that withdrew: Robert A. Hicks (applied 7/13/2021); Shirley Kinsey (applied 7/21/2021); Paul C. Daley (applied 7/20/2021); Jo Ann E. Basel (applied 7/19/2021)

 

Statistical Modeling and Analytics Research Tools (SMART) Committee

Vacancy (Lauren Weinstock resigned)

 

Sustainability Committee (7 members)

Vacancy (Hannah Morini resigned)

Applicant: Pamela F. Lezaeta (applied 6/21/2021)

 

Waterfront Advisory Commission (7 members; 3 year term)

Vacancy: 1 term expiring June 2024 (Leo Murphy did not wish to be reappointed)

Reappointment for a term expired June 2021: Awaiting response from Bruce Laramee

Applicant: Barrett Gross (applied 7/28/2021; to be interviewed 8/10/2021)

 

Zoning Board of Review (5 members, 2 alternates; 3 year term)

Vacancy: Alternate #2 for a term expiring 3/2023 (Casey Charkowick promoted to full member 4/12/2021)

Applicant: Michele A. Doherty (applied 7/2/2020; interviewed 9/14/2020)

 

 

Attachment B

 

1.    Manager’s Report dated July 29, 2021

 

2.    Manager’s Report dated August 5, 2021