WORK SESSION

 

JUNE 14, 2021

 

At a WORK SESSION of the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown, County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island held via video- and tele-conference, in and for said Town on the 14^th day of June 2021 at 6:30 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Abel G. Collins, President

Rory H. McEntee, Vice President

                                    Deborah D. Bergner

                                    Deborah J. Kelso

                                    Jessica L. Rose

 

 

1.         A.        INTERVIEWS

 

The Town Council interviews Paul Jordan concerning his interest in being reappointed to the Planning Board.

 

The Town Council interviews the following applicants concerning their interest in serving on the Planning Board:

 

Michael Geremia

Robyn Pothier

Joshua Daly

James Murdock

 

1.         B.        WORK SESSION

 

Discussion ensues concerning License Item 6A, an application for Holiday Sales and Farm Retail Sales Licenses filed by Lavender Waves Farm, LLC d/b/a Lavender Waves Farm, 3814 Commodore O.H. Perry Highway in Wakefield.

 

Discussion ensues concerning the Public Hearing on this evening’s Agenda relative to adoption of the FY 2021-2022 Position Allocation to Pay Schedule, and New Business Item 12R relative to adoption of the employee benefits provided to non-union personnel, as presented in the Town Council’s FY 2021-2022 Budget adopted April 26, 2021.

 

Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 8H concerning resolutions adopted May 20, 2021 by the South Kingstown School Committee in support of legislation that would extend the time period for schools to correct health and safety deficiencies (2021 H-5232 and 2021 S-0828) and the 2021 Climate Literacy Act (S-0464 and H-5625).

 

Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 8J, a letter dated May 27, 2021 from the Exeter Town Council to Governor Daniel McKee expressing opposition to Senate Bills 2021 S-0543 and 2021 S-0804 concerning technology requirements for public meetings.

 

Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 8L from Joslin Leasca concerning the open forum section of School Committee and Town Council meetings. Amy Goins, Assistant Town Solicitor reviews the provisions of the Open Meetings Act.

 

Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 8Q from Joslin Leasca concerning beach traffic volume on Succotash Road. Joel Ewing-Chow, Chief of Police reviews traffic safety measures.

Discussion ensues concerning Communication Item 8V relative to emails from Elana Kirshenbaum, Stephen Dahl and Jean L. Williams concerning the dangers of wireless technology radiation and requesting to have a presentation on this topic at the next Council meeting.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12Q authorizing the Emergency Medical Services Chief and the Interim Town Manager to negotiate a lease agreement with the Union Fire District for a building to be constructed and dedicated for use as an EMS station to be located on the property of the proposed new fire station at 49 Matunuck School House Road.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12I authorizing the Town Clerk to request the Town’s Democratic and Republican Town Committee Chairpersons to provide a list of five people associated with their respective parties for consideration of appointment as Alternate Members to the Canvassing Authority in accordance with RIGL §17-8-1.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12L authorizing the Town Manager to execute a contract with 4Leaf, Inc., 132 Central Street Suite 210, Foxborough, MA 02035 for Plan Review and Building Inspection Services, as proposed, until the Assistant Building Inspector vacancy is filled.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12P authorizing the Town Manager to execute a First Amendment to the Revocable License Agreement with the RI Department of Health for use of South Road School as a COVID-19 testing and vaccination distribution site through December 31, 2021.

 

Discussion ensues relative to resuming in-person meetings and the technology requirements for hybrid meetings.

 

Convened to Regular Session.

 

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

 

JUNE 14, 2021

 

 

At a REGULAR SESSION of the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown, County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island, held via video- and tele-conference, in and for said Town on the 14^th day of June 2021 at 7:30 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Abel G. Collins, President

Rory H. McEntee, Vice President

                                    Deborah D. Bergner

                                    Deborah J. Kelso

                                    Jessica L. Rose

 

 

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.

 

Council President Collins reviews the access and call-in procedures for the public to view and/or participate in this evening’s virtual meeting.

 

4.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

A.        Work Session:  UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Work Session held on May 24, 2021 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

B.        Regular Session:  UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Regular Session held on May 24, 2021 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

C.        Closed Executive Session:  UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Closed Executive Session held on May 24, 2021 are accepted.

 

5.         CONSENT AGENDA

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to approve the Consent Agenda as indicated by (CA) on same.

 

(CA)    6B.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to The Rhode House, LLC d/b/a The Rhode House, 99 Fortin Road Unit 116-117, Kingston, RI 02881.  Application by Katia Erika Cuevas; Renewal. License No. 61844.

 

(CA)    8A.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted May 5, 2021 by the Bristol Town Council condemning hate in the community and a proclamation declaring the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8B.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that resolutions adopted May 12, 2021 by the Woonsocket School Committee and May 18, 2021 by the North Smithfield School Committee concerning legislation on Gun Free Schools (H-5555) are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8C.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted May 12, 2021 by the Woonsocket School Committee expressing support for legislation concerning State reimbursement of transportation services costs for public and private school pupils (H-6030) is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8D.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that resolutions adopted May 12, 2021 by the Woonsocket School Committee and May 18, 2021 by the North Smithfield School Committee expressing support for legislation concerning a moratorium on the expansion of Charter Schools (H-5193) are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8E.       UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted May 17, 2021 by the Hopkinton Town Council in support of legislation regarding waiver of the Local Maintenance of Effort Requirement for Schools (H-6287 and S-0871) is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8F.       UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 19, 2021 from Sarah Markey concerning an email sent to the School Superintendent by a member of the Council is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8G.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 20, 2021 from Ann MacDonald concerning the Town Manager’s resignation is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8I.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 26, 2021 from Jamie G. Rhodes, Esquire, Good Energy LP announcing the approval of Rhode Island’s first Community Aggregation Plan, of which South Kingstown is a participant, to expand access to clean electricity is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8K.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 28, 2021 from Jen Madison, District Manager providing the Kingston Fire District’s 3^rd Quarter FY2020-2021 State Fiscal Report is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8M.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated June 4, 2021 from Rhode Island Kids Count providing the 2021 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8N.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated June 5, 2021 from Jill O’Sullivan concerning multiple school-related issues is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8O.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated June 8, 2021 from Keri Bell concerning the continued requirement of masks being worn in schools and the response from the School Superintendent are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8P.       UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated June 8, 2021 from Joe Viele, Executive Director, Southern RI Chamber of Commerce extending an invitation to a ribbon cutting ceremony at Green Line Apothecary is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8R.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails from Paula Bradley, Greg Sweet, Melanie Reppucci, and Lou Chrostowski concerning investigation of the AFL-CIO mailer are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8S.       UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that communications from Tim Wells, Randy Manus, Roland Lavallee, William R. Baillie and Eli Nixon concerning School curriculum are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8T.       UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails from the following in support of the School Superintendent are received and placed on file: George and Susan Ainsworth; Lisa Alves; Laurie Behr; Lisa Bergeron; Abigail Bernier; Rebekah Blakeney; Colleen Boisclair; Melissa Borgia; Megan and Mike Brock; Megan Cadman; Stephanie Canter; Lauren Carey; Deirdre Carlino; Keila Carvalho; Briana Casey and Stacie Girard; Susan Casey; Brooke Conley; Donna Couture; Brenda Asher Dillman; Neile DiNitto; Brittany Dunne; Esther Eberly; Jackie Elmer; Jennifer Enck; Liz Ferguson; Rebecca Galoob; Andrea Gardiner; Amy Grim; Christine Hancock; Michelle Holden; Dawn Huff; Laura Iverson; Lisa Josephson; Jillian Barsalou Kincaid; Mick Lefort; Kelly Lloyd; Elizabeth Mullen Matteson; Kerry McGuirl; Christie Milligan; Lisa Minuto; Ryan Muir; Julie Myszak; Jaime Palter and Scott Kushner; Raven Quimby-Parsons; Susan Pavlow and Nicholas Smith; Caighln Perrin; Kory Romanat; Nicole Russell; Lorraine Simmons; Nicole Simpson; Kirstin Stahl; Melissa Taylor; Andrea Theroux; Andrea Tomlinson; Eric Towle; Kelsey Trubia; Mary Turrisi; Laurette Vitello; Rose Williams; Ania Zielinski; Mark Zullo.

 

(CA)    8U.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated June 7, 2021 from Laura Lee Costello, Executive Director, South Kingstown Housing Authority requesting the Town provide them with various historical documents related to their facilities without APRA charges for copies or staff research time is received, placed on file, and referred to the Town Manager and Director of Planning.

 

(CA)    8W.      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)    12B.    UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Tax Assessor to abate taxes in the total amount of $2,695.28, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 586.

 

(CA)    12C.    UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Tax Assessor to abate taxes in the total amount of $544.13, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 587.

 

(CA)    12S.     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 after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Holiday Sales and Farm Retail Sales Licenses to Lavender Waves Farm, LLC d/b/a Lavender Waves Farm, 3814 Commodore O.H. Perry Highway, Wakefield, RI 02879.  Application by Henry Cabrera, Member; New. License No. 71198.

 

7.         PUBLIC HEARING

 

A.        Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is held relative to adoption of the FY 2021-2022 Position Allocation to Pay Schedule.

 

The Interim Town Manager reviews the pay schedule. Minor changes from what was adopted in the Town Council’s Budget include the addition of a Natural Resources Officer position that was approved by the Town Council on May 10, 2021, and a 1.5% salary increase.

 

There are no public comments.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt the FY 2021-2022 Position Allocation to Pay Schedule as presented, as follows:

 

Non Union Employees Position Allocation to Pay Schedule FY 2021-2022

*reclassified beginning FY 2021-2022 from Grade 13

 

Non Union Employees Pay Plan FY 2021-2022*

 

 

*salaries shown above are annualized based upon 260 work days; it is noted there are 261 work days in FY 2021-2022

 

8.         COMMUNICATIONS

 

H.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to support resolutions adopted May 20, 2021 by the South Kingstown School Committee in support of legislation that would extend the time period for schools to correct health and safety deficiencies (2021 H-5232 and 2021 S-0828) and the 2021 Climate Literacy Act (S-0464 and H-5625).

 

J.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated May 27, 2021 from the Exeter Town Council to Governor Daniel McKee expressing opposition to Senate Bills 2021 S-0543 and 2021 S-0804 concerning technology requirements for public meetings is received and placed on file.

 

L.         Discussion ensues, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated June 3, 2021 from Joslin Leasca concerning the open forum section of School Committee and Town Council meetings is received and placed on file.

 

Q.        Discussion ensues, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated June 8, 2021 from Joslin Leasca concerning beach traffic volume on Succotash Road is received and placed on file.

 

V.         Discussion ensues, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails from Elana Kirshenbaum, Stephen Dahl and Jean L. Williams concerning the dangers of wireless technology radiation and requesting to have a presentation on this topic at the next Council meeting are received, placed on file, and the Town Council agreed to allow a half hour presentation during the June 28, 2021 Town Council work session at 6:30 p.m.

 

9.         COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED CITIZENS

 

Council President Collins invites residents to come forward with comments.

 

Sheila Resseger comments on wireless radiation from 5G technology.

 

Sam Parish comments on wireless technology and health effects.

 

Greg Sweet comments on Branch Street property issues and the AFL-CIO mailer investigation.

 

Town Solicitor Michael Ursillo responds that a statement of some kind will be issued after the Closed Executive Session.

 

Greg Sweet comments on the Superintendent and the School Bond Referendum.

 

Angel Lopez comments on 5G installations.

 

Dave Cote comments on the release of student information and the AFL-CIO mailer.

 

Raissa Mosher comments in regard to in-person meetings, community comments and the mailer investigation.

 

Paula Bradley comments on the release of student data.

 

Joslin Leasca comments on the security of Town and School data and the mailer investigation.

 

Karen Humes comments on the mailer investigation.

 

Valerie Speredelozzi comments on the mailer investigation.

 

Kevin Faria comments on 5G wireless technology.

 

Brian Kleczek comments on the School Superintendent’s statement regarding student data.

 

10.       TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Theresa Murphy, Interim Town Manager notes that the Town Council will hold Work Sessions on the American Rescue Plan Act funding with Town department heads on Tuesday, June 15^th and with outside agencies on Tuesday, June 29^th. The Town Manager’s Interim Reports dated May 27 and June 3, 2021, and the Miscellaneous Report dated June 10, 2021 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

Councilwoman Bergner inquires about interviewing applicants for the School Building Committee, and the status of the school facilities plan, and it is UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to add the topic of the School Building Committee to the Agenda for discussion purposes.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Schools having been approved for $7 million in funding and the role of the School Building Committee at this point. Discussion ensues regarding a recent meeting with the RI Department of Education concerning the feasibility of applying for another round of funding, given that the school bond referendum failed. Discussion ensues relative to the legal status of the School Building Committee.

 

11.       APPOINTMENTS

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint Robyn Pothier to the Planning Board for a term to expire in May 2024.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Paul Jordan to the Planning Board for a term to expire in May 2024.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint Joshua Daly to the Planning Board to complete a term to expire in May 2022.

 

12.       NEW BUSINESS

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt a resolution expressing the Town Council’s support for House Bill 5232 An Act Relating to Education – Foundation Level School Support that would extend the time period that schools have to commence construction to correct health and safety deficiencies in order to qualify for increased school housing aid.

 

D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to RI Uniform & Supply, 1395 Atwood Avenue, Suite 109, Johnston, RI 02919 for the purchase of Spiewak police duty uniforms per the unit pricing as negotiated on May 24, 2021; unit pricing to be held through June 30, 2022, with the option to extend one additional year through June 30, 2023, inclusive, if mutually agreeable to both parties; and as further described in a memorandum from the Police Chief to the Town Manager dated June 1, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation - Spiewak Police Duty Uniforms – SK0049PD.”

 

E.         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, 2024 at the unit prices bid; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 24, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Analytical Laboratory Testing Services.”

 

F.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the extension of an award of bid originally granted on June 12, 2017 to Atlantic Control Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 313, Exeter, RI, 02822 for municipal sub-contractor excavating services at the unit prices bid for a one- (1) year period from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 3, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Municipal Excavation Subcontractor Services.”

 

G.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the extension of an award of bid originally granted on May 26, 2015 to Veolia Water North America – Northeast, LLC, 53 State Street, 14th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 for On-Call Storm Water and Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure Cleaning & Video Services at the unit prices bid for the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 8, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – On-Call Storm Water and Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure Cleaning & Video Services Contract Extension.”

 

H.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid for mechanical service contracts for a two (2) year term from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023 for electrical, plumbing, carpentry and painting services to the following, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the bid specifications at the prices below; and as further described in a memorandum from the Facilities Superintendent to the Town Manager dated June 3, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Mechanical Service Contracts: Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry & Painting.”

Electrical:  W.H. Holland Electric, Inc., 1979 Kingstown Road, PO Box 5, Peace Dale, 02883

 

Regular Service (M-F 8AM-4:30PM)

Licensed Technician                                       $60/hr.

Apprentice/Helper                                           $50/hr.

 

Emergency Service (Off Hours)

Licensed Technician                                       $90/hr.

Apprentice/Helper                                           $75/hr.

Parts & Materials Markup                               25%

 

Plumbing:  Kazounis Plumbing & Heating, LLC, 94 Fairview Avenue, Hope Valley, RI 02834

 

Regular Service (M-F 8AM-4:30PM)

Licensed Technician                                       $119/hr.

Apprentice/Helper                                           $54/hr.

 

Emergency Service (Off Hours)

Licensed Technician                                       $238/hr.

Apprentice/Helper                                           $108/hr.

Parts & Materials Markup                               20%

 

Carpentry/Painting:  Abcore Restoration Co., Inc., 2 Secluded Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882

 

Regular Service (M-F 8AM-4:30PM)

Licensed Technician Carpentry                      $68.38/hr.

Licensed Technician Painting                         $58.17/hr.

 

Emergency Service (Off Hours)

Licensed Technician Carpentry                      $68.38/hr.

Licensed Technician Painting                         $58.17/hr.

Parts & Materials Markup                               0%

 

I.          UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Clerk to request the Town’s Democratic and Republican Town Committee Chairpersons to provide a list of five people associated with their respective parties for consideration of appointment as Alternate Members to the Canvassing Authority in accordance with RIGL §17-8-1; as further described in a memorandum from the Town Clerk to the Town Manager dated June 4, 2021 and entitled “Canvassing Authority Alternate Members.”

 

J.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to unseal the portion of the minutes of the Closed Executive Session held on May 24, 2021 in regard to matters pertaining to collective bargaining re: International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 3365, AFL-CIO.

 

K.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to affirm the three-year collective bargaining agreement signed by the Town Manager and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 3365, AFL-CIO effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024.

 

L.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Manager to execute a contract with 4Leaf, Inc., 132 Central Street Suite 210, Foxborough, MA 02035 for Plan Review and Building Inspection Services, as proposed, until the Assistant Building Inspector vacancy is filled; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Building Official to the Town Manager dated June 9, 2021 and entitled “Plan Review and Building Inspection Services.”

 

M.        A request to provide handicapped access to the Rose Hill book shed is referred to the Director of Public Services, and after further discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Manager to execute a three (3) year extension of the privatized operations contract for the Rose Hill Regional Transfer Station with Waste Connections, 19 Industrial Way, Seekonk, MA 02771; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 3, 2021 and entitled “Rose Hill Regional Transfer Station (RHRTS) Three (3) Year Contract Extension.”

 

N.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to JCI Jones Chemicals, 1765 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236 for sodium bisulfite at the unit bid price of $1.50 per gallon; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 8, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Wastewater Chemicals.”

 

O.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Borden & Remington Corp., PO Box 2573, Fall River, MA 02722 for sodium hypochlorite at the unit bid price of $0.8887 per gallon; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 8, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Wastewater Chemicals.”

 

P.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Manager to execute a First Amendment to the Revocable License Agreement with the RI Department of Health for use of South Road School as a COVID-19 testing and vaccination distribution site through December 31, 2021; as further described in a memorandum from the Facilities Superintendent to the Town Manager dated June 9, 2021 and entitled “South Road School COVID-19 Test Site Memorandum of Agreement.”

 

Q.        Discussion ensues relative to the proposed construction of an EMS station to improve response times to the south shore area. Craig Stanley, EMS Chief discusses the Town’s search for an appropriate site along the Route 1 corridor, and the Union Fire District’s (UFD) plans for the Matunuck Fire Station. UFD could construct a building to house EMS at the new fire station, and lease it to the Town.

 

Discussion ensues.

 

David Laudati is present and is allowed to offer comments.

 

Steve Pinch, Chief of the UFD is present and advises that the UFD has 8 stations, with no plans to add any more. They are upgrading their existing facilities.

Discussion ensues, and it is

 

VOTED: to authorize the Emergency Medical Services Chief and the Interim Town Manager to negotiate a lease agreement with the Union Fire District for a building to be constructed and dedicated for use as an EMS station to be located on the property of the proposed new fire station at 49 Matunuck School House Road; as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of EMS to the Town Manager dated June 10, 2021 and entitled “EMS Response Times – UFD-Matunuck Fire Station/EMS Station Project.”

 

Councilwoman Bergner voted no.

 

R.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt the employee benefits provided to non-union personnel, as presented in the Town Council’s FY 2021-2022 Budget adopted April 26, 2021, including the Position Allocation to Pay Schedule, the Grade & Step Schedule, Longevity, and Healthcare Benefits effective July 1, 2021, and additional employee benefits provided to non-union personnel as presented in the Non-Union Employee Benefits Summary – July 1, 2021; and as further described in a memorandum from the Town Manager to the Town Council dated June 10, 2021 and entitled “Non-Organized Municipal Personnel FY 2021-2022 Salary & Benefits.”

 

13.       CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to recess to Closed Executive Session at 10:44 PM 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; pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to collective bargaining re: Council 94 AFSCME local 1612 and IBPO local 489; pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(9) relative to any hearings on, or discussions of, a grievance filed pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement; pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(5) to discuss matters 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 interest of the public; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(1) to discuss matters pertaining to personnel.

 

Regular Session is reconvened at 12:24 AM, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to seal the minutes of the Closed Executive Session 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; pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to collective bargaining re: Council 94 AFSCME local 1612 and IBPO local 489; pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(9) relative to any hearings on, or discussions of, a grievance filed pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement; pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(5) to discuss matters 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 interest of the public; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(1) to discuss matters pertaining to personnel.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to approve a collective bargaining agreement with RI Council 94, Local 1612 effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to approve a Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) with the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO), Local 489 establishing a Deputy Chief assignment.

 

It is noted that a motion was made in Closed Executive Session relative to a grievance filed pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.

Council President Collins makes a statement on behalf of the Council regarding the ongoing investigation of the AFL-CIO mailer: As of today we have a lot more information than we did seven weeks ago when this fiasco started. We know that the list was requested by the Superintendent, provided then to Stacey Bodziony, which then made its way to Checkmate and then to the AFL-CIO. That is how the mailer got to our community. This is a good start to knowing how this all unfolded, and if I could make an editorial comment I think this whole thing could have been over a lot sooner if people had just come forward originally with this information. That being said, we’re not entirely satisfied that we have all the information related to how this happened, so we have instructed the Solicitor to continue his investigation. We look forward to hearing more of what he finds, and as he shares that with us and it becomes something that we can share, we will share it with the rest of the community. I want to thank everybody for their patience. I know this has been difficult for everyone.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED:  to adjourn at 12:28 AM.

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk