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WORK SESSION
SEPTEMBER 13, 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 at the Town Hall, in and for said Town on the 13th day of September 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. WORK SESSION 
Jenn Judge, Member presents an update on the status of the Bicycle – Pedestrian Advisory Committee’s (BPAC) Master Plan. BPAC presented their Master Plan to the Town Council in September of 2020, and to the public in January of 2021. Last June they presented their list of Master Plan priorities to the Town Council. Ms. Judge reviews the Master Plan’s Vision Statement to maintain and expand opportunities to bike and walk for transportation, fitness and enjoyment, improve the bicycle and pedestrian network, and plan for intermodal interconnectedness; the Complete Streets concept; and to provide recommendations on how to achieve those goals and objectives.
Ken Burke, Member is present and discusses the Bicycle – Pedestrian Improvement Plan, projects and actions that implement the Master Plan. Their priorities include the Main Street business district, Kingstown Road, Broad Rock, and a Complete Streets ordinance. BPAC’s accomplishments include the installation of crosswalk flags and bike racks, Middlebridge safety upgrades, improvements to the bike paths, and suggestions for the reconstruction of Old Tower Hill Road. Their recommendations include adoption of a Complete Streets ordinance, update of the BPAC mission statement, and improvements to top priority state and local roads.
Discussion ensues concerning possible revision of the BPAC mission statement.
Kateri Collins, Member is present and comments regarding other parts of their original charge besides the Master Plan.
1. B. INTERVIEWS
The Town Council interviews Timothy S. Murphy relative to his interest in being reappointed to the Library Board of Trustees.
The Town Council interviews Hillary M. Carlson relative to her interest in being reappointed to the Library Board of Trustees.
The Town Council interviews David Flanders relative to his interest in being reappointed to the Conservation Commission.
1. C. WORK SESSION
The Interim Town Manager reviews the new license applications under consideration this evening, including Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge, Courthouse Center for the Arts, RI Guys Donuts, and Core Fitness of Wakefield. Also on the Agenda are applications for permits for a road race by Ocean State Multisport, and permits for the Wakefield Village Association’s Octoberfest Art Festival event.
Discussion ensues regarding Public Hearing 7A on this evening’s Agenda to consider an application by 629 Succotash, LLC d/b/a Matunuck Oyster Bar for expansion of their Class B Victualler Liquor License to permanently allow alcohol service on the rooftop deck.
Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 8A from Dorald Beasley concerning the sale of a former group home owned by the State on Stonehenge Road in Kingston.
Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 8E from Donald E. Tencher concerning traffic safety on Succotash Road.
Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 8J from URI President Marc Parlange concerning meeting with local leaders.
Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 8M regarding the AFL-CIO mailer investigation report.
Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 8O from Larry Fish, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee requesting a joint work session with the Town Council and the Planning Board.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12A recognizing the South Kingstown Emergency Medical Services for their life saving efforts.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12B recognizing September 2021 as Military Suicide Awareness Month in South Kingstown.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12C authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise for Order of Notice a Public Hearing relative to an application for a Class B Victualler Liquor License by ACL, LLC d/b/a Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12D authorizing an award of purchase to Stryker Medical Corporation for a power stretcher in an amount not to exceed $21,389.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12E authorizing the purchase of two multi-function copiers from Ricoh USA Inc. in an amount not to exceed $15,029.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12G authorizing an award of bid to Eagle Point Gun for ammunition.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12H authorizing an award of bid to Stillman Uniforms for Point Blank soft body armor.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12I authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise for Order of Notice a Public Hearing relative to an application for a Class T Legitimate Theater Liquor License by South County Center for the Arts d/b/a Courthouse Center for the Arts.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12J authorizing the Tax Assessor to abate taxes in the total amount of $12,371.64, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 591.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12K extending the Town’s Declaration of Emergency.
Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12L authorizing the Interim Town Manager to execute a contract with Tyler Technologies Incorporated to upgrade its Munis software.
Convened to Regular Session.
Susan M. Flynn, CMC
Town Clerk
REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 13, 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 at the Town Hall, in and for said Town on the 13th day of September 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. D. 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.
12A. New Business Item 12A is brought forward. Colonel James M. Manni is present and expresses his gratitude to the members of the South Kingstown Emergency Medical Services for their life-saving efforts. Craig Stanley, Chief of EMS speaks on behalf of the EMS team. A proclamation recognizing members of the EMS team is read and presented, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt a proclamation recognizing members of the South Kingstown Emergency Medical Services for their life-saving efforts on July 23, 2021 at the home of Colonel James M. Manni, as follows:
The Town Council hereby offers its appreciation to members of the South Kingstown Emergency Medical Services team:
Lieutenant Frank Capaldi
Paramedic Keith DeCesare
Paramedic Sarah Peet
In recognition of their professionalism during an emergency call to the home of Colonel James M. Manni on the evening of July 23, 2021. The crew’s quick response and professional training likely saved Colonel Manni’s life when he suffered anaphylactic shock after being stung by several yellow jacket bees. Members of the South Kingstown Emergency Medical Services personnel are commended for their expert care and extraordinary efforts in this life-threatening situation. The Town Council joins the Manni family in extending their appreciation, and offering their congratulations for a job well done.
12B. New Business Item 12B is brought forward. Joe Tiger Patrick, Commander of the VFW Post 916 and Judy Munson, VFW Auxiliary are present and speak regarding Military Suicide Awareness Month. A proclamation recognizing September 2021 as Military Suicide Awareness Month is read and presented, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt a proclamation recognizing September 2021 as Military Suicide Awareness Month in the Town of South Kingstown, as follows:
MILITARY SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, family matters, support matters, and every military Veteran matters, this September, Suicide Prevention Month encourages Veterans and their loved ones to focus on the things that give life meaning, the things that matter; anyone who knows a Veteran can help, and
WHEREAS, whether a Veteran has just returned home or served years ago, their experiences remain with them, their wounds might not be visible, but they need our attention. We can support Veterans who are dealing with challenges of all kinds; we’re in this together, and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) urges groups and individuals nationwide to stay alert for signs of suicide risk in the Veterans they care about. If you’re concerned about the Veteran in your life, lending a hand doesn’t have to be hard, just talking about it opens the door to finding support and the Veterans Crisis Line can help, and
WHEREAS, the first step in preventing suicide is to understand the warning signs; people may show signs of risk before considering harming themselves. Warning signs include: hopelessness, anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings, rage or anger, engaging in risky activities, increasing alcohol or drug abuse, and withdrawing from family and friends.
WHEREAS, the Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that Veterans and their families and friends can access any day, any time. Trained professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line, many who are Veterans themselves are ready to listen, providing free confidential support, 24/7, 365 days a year, and
WHEREAS, the VA counts on grassroots networks and community organizations to spread the word that support is just a call, click, or text away. It’s up to all of us to get educated, get involved, and take action to help Veterans access the support and care they deserve, and
NOW THEREFORE WE THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN proclaim September 2021 as MILITARY SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH in the Town of South Kingstown and request our residents to let a Veteran know they are not alone and that they matter.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
A. Work Sessions: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Work Sessions held on August 2, August 4, and August 10, 2021 are accepted, approved and placed on file.
B. Regular Sessions: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Regular Sessions held on August 5, August 10, and August 16, 2021 are accepted, approved and placed on file.
C. Closed Executive Session: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Closed Executive Session held on August 10, 2021 are accepted.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to approve the Consent Agenda as indicated by (CA) on same.
(CA) 6I. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Tourist Accommodations – Trailer Park License to Blackbeard Homeowners Association, 836 Matunuck Beach Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Sabrina Courville, Member; Renewal. License No. 63998.
(CA) 6J. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Holiday Sales License to Matunuck Surf Shop, Inc., 920 Matunuck Beach Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Tia Guilbert; Renewal. License No. 71044.
(CA) 8B. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated August 9, 2021 from Ken Burke, Event Coordinator inviting Council members to help kick off the Wakefield Village Association’s 5th annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 2, 2021 is received and placed on file.
(CA) 8C. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated August 10, 2021 from Jamie Palter concerning universal masking in South Kingstown Schools is received and placed on file.
(CA) 8D. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated August 6, 2021 from Timothy S. Murphy, President on behalf of the South Kingstown Library Board of Trustees to the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission expressing concerns regarding parking at the Kingston Free Library is received and placed on file.
(CA) 8F. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated August 10, 2021 from Abigail P. Rider, URI Vice President to Timothy S. Murphy, President, South Kingstown Public Library Board of Trustees and his letter in response dated August 12, 2021 concerning parking at the Kingston Free Library are received and placed on file.
(CA) 8G. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that letters dated August 10, 2021 from Richard Youngken, Chair on behalf of the South Kingstown Historic District Commission to the Town Council and to URI President Marc B. Parlange expressing concerns regarding parking at the Kingston Free Library are received and placed on file.
(CA) 8H. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated August 11, 2021 from Senator Sue Sosnowski to Abigail P. Rider, URI Vice President regarding parking at the Kingston Free Library is received and placed on file.
(CA) 8I. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails from Alyssa Taft, Carol Miro, Caitlin Restivo, Eleanor Freda and Colin Murphy concerning parking at the Kingston Free Library are received and placed on file.
(CA) 8K. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated August 19, 2021 from Richard Grant concerning the Village of Kingston and advising that the South County History Center has been awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections grant to fund enhancements at the Old Washington County Jail, is received and placed on file.
(CA) 8L. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated August 19, 2021 from Colonel James M. Manni, Superintendent, RI State Police requesting recognition of the Town’s Emergency Medical Services personnel for their extraordinary efforts in responding to an emergency at his home on July 23, 2021 is received and placed on file. (See New Business Item 12A.)
(CA) 8N. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails dated August 30, 2021 from Dorald Beasley concerning the removal of a portion of the sidewalk on the east side of Upper College Road near the Kingston Free Library are received and placed on file.
(CA) 8Q. 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) 12C. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Clerk to advertise for Order of Notice a Public Hearing relative to an application for a license to keep and sell alcoholic beverages in South Kingstown in accordance with the General Laws of 1956, as amended, as follows:
CLASS B VICTUALLER LIQUOR LICENSE
Application for a Class B Victualler Liquor License by ACL, LLC d/b/a Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge, 60 South County Commons Way, Unit G2, Wakefield, RI by Jared Haibon, Member for the dining room and bar areas; and as further defined in a site plan on file in the Town Clerk’s office.
(CA) 12F. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a Notice of Injury filed by Annie Laurie and Joseph Esposito on behalf of “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) 12I. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Clerk to advertise for Order of Notice a Public Hearing relative to an application for a license to keep and sell alcoholic beverages in South Kingstown in accordance with the General Laws of 1956, as amended, as follows:
CLASS T LEGITIMATE THEATER LIQUOR LICENSE
Application for a Class T Legitimate Theater Liquor License by South County Center for the Arts d/b/a Courthouse Center for the Arts, 3481 Kingstown Road, West Kingston, RI by Mariann Almonte, Executive Director for the first and second floor of the building, in accordance with a Special Use Permit granted by the Zoning Board of Review on November 28, 2012; and as further defined in a site plan on file in the Town Clerk’s office.
(CA) 12M. 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. Jarod Haibon, member is present and after testimony and discussion it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to ACL, LLC d/b/a Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge, 60 South County Commons Way, Unit G2, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to approval by the Wastewater Superintendent, RI Department of Health and RI Division of Taxation. Application by Jared Haibon, Member; New. License No. 72080.
B. Mariann Almonte, Executive Director is present, and after testimony and discussion it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Theater and Dance Licenses to South County Center for the Arts d/b/a Courthouse Center for the Arts, 3481 Kingstown Road, West Kingston, RI 02892 subject to approval by the Police Chief. Application by Mariann Almonte, Executive Director; New. License No. 72269.
C. Ryan Zeolla, owner is present, and after testimony and discussion it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to RI Guys Donuts, LLC d/b/a RI Guys Donuts, 99 Fortin Road, Unit 122, Kingston, RI 02881 subject to approval by the RI Department of Health. Application by Ryan Zeolla, Owner; New. License No. 72237.
D. A representative is in attendance on behalf of the applicant, and after testimony and discussion it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Holiday Sales License to Core Fitness of Wakefield, LLC d/b/a Planet Fitness, 160 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy and approval by the RI Department of Health. Application by Jennifer Littlefield, Licensing; New. License No. 72280.
E. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Miscellaneous Permit to conduct the “Angry Unicorn” Half Marathon/5K Road Race on Sunday, November 13, 2022 at 7 AM to Ocean State Multisport, P.O. Box 14103, East Providence, RI 02914 subject to the execution of a hold harmless agreement and certificate of insurance in the amounts specified by the Finance Director. Application by Gary Menissian, Race Director; Renewal. License No. 71494.
F. Ken Burke is present on behalf of the Wakefield Village Association and testifies regarding their applications for the Octoberfest Art Festival.
Discussion ensues, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Miscellaneous Permit to conduct the Octoberfest Art Festival on Saturday, October 2, 2021 on Main Street, between Robinson Street and Kenyon Avenue, and in the Municipal Parking Lot from 12 PM to 11 PM to the Wakefield Village Association, 133 Old Tower Hill Road, Suite 1, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to the execution of a hold harmless agreement indemnifying the Town, and issuance of a Certificate of Insurance naming the Town as an additional insured for the event in the amounts specified by the Finance Director. Application by Janet Bertwell, Secretary; Renewal. License No. 71629.
G. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Temporary Mass Gathering Permit to conduct the Octoberfest Art Festival on Saturday, October 2, 2021 on Main Street, between Robinson Street and Kenyon Avenue, and in the Municipal Parking Lot from 12 PM to 11 PM to the Wakefield Village Association, 133 Old Tower Hill Road, Suite 1, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Kenneth Burke, Event Coordinator; New. License No. TMG-21-1.
H. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Class F-1 19 Hour Beverage License to the Wakefield Village Association, 133 Old Tower Hill Road, Suite 1, Wakefield, RI 02879 for the Oktoberfest event to be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 12 PM to 11 PM in the parking lot at 323 Main Street. Application by Kenneth J. Tetzner, President. License No. 72418.
7. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is held relative to an application for expansion of a license to keep and sell alcoholic beverages in South Kingstown in accordance with the General Laws of 1956, as amended, as follows:
CLASS B VICTUALLER LIQUOR LICENSE
Application for expansion of a Class B Victualler Liquor License by 629 Succotash, LLC d/b/a Matunuck Oyster Bar, 629 Succotash Road, Wakefield, RI by Perry Raso, Member for the 1,500 square foot rooftop deck that was previously constructed to accommodate the allocation of seating due to COVID-19 restrictions, conditioned upon no music or amplified music allowed on the roof deck in accordance with a Special Use Permit granted November 18, 2020 by the Zoning Board of Review; and as further defined in a site plan dated July 20, 2021 on file in the Town Clerk’s office.
Attorney Joshua Parks and Perry Raso are in attendance and present testimony.
Discussion ensues regarding the restaurant’s capacity, traffic issues, wastewater treatment and restrictions imposed by the Zoning Board in granting the Special Use Permit.
The following are present and offer comments:
Bill Madden
Trish Gleason
Thelma DiBona
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant an application for expansion of a license to keep and sell alcoholic beverages in South Kingstown in accordance with the General Laws of 1956, as amended, as follows:
CLASS B VICTUALLER LIQUOR LICENSE
Expansion of a Class B Victualler Liquor License by 629 Succotash, LLC d/b/a Matunuck Oyster Bar, 629 Succotash Road, Wakefield, RI by Perry Raso, Member for the 1,500 square foot rooftop deck that was previously constructed to accommodate the allocation of seating due to COVID-19 restrictions, conditioned upon no music or amplified music allowed on the roof deck in accordance with a Special Use Permit granted November 18, 2020 by the Zoning Board of Review; and as further defined in a site plan dated July 20, 2021 on file in the Town Clerk’s office. License No.71858.
Said expansion is contingent upon the issuance of a Certificate of Good Standing from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation, filing of a Certificate of Insurance evidencing required liability coverage, compliance with all Town ordinances and regulations, the payment of any municipal taxes and user fees in arrears to the Town, and the correction of any fire code violations.
8. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Dorald Beasley is present and discussion ensues regarding the condition of a State owned group home property that was recently sold at auction. The Interim Town Manager notes that Town staff inspected the property, and advises that she does not recommend that the Town consider purchase of this property.
The Town Solicitor discusses that there is a Town ordinance limiting the number of unrelated persons living in a dwelling, and a Special Use Permit process to apply for relief from the regulations, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that communications from Dorald Beasley concerning the State owned property on Stonehenge Road in Kingston that was sold at auction on August 17, 2021, and a response from the Assistant Town Solicitor are received and placed on file.
E. Discussion ensues, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated August 8, 2021 from Donald E. Tencher concerning traffic safety on Succotash Road is received, placed on file and the Town Council directs staff to contact State Representatives in regard to traffic calming measures, speed limits and sidewalk installation.
J. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated August 11, 2021 from URI President Marc Parlange to Council President Collins advising of his intent to meet with local public leaders to discuss their perspectives on the University is received, placed on file and the Town Council directs staff to contact the URI President’s office to arrange a Work Session.
M. Discussion ensues regarding the AFL-CIO mailer investigation report, the removal of Exhibit O, and an additional email communication that was recently discovered, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails from Stacey Greene Bodziony, Sarah Markey, Emily Cummiskey, Dee Shea, and Lou Chrostowski concerning the AFL-CIO mailer investigation report, and a response from Councilwoman Bergner to Ms. Cummiskey are received and placed on file. The Town Council directs the Town Solicitor to amend the mailer investigation report to include emails between former School Superintendent Linda Savastano and Stacey Bodziony that were recently discovered.
O. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated September 7, 2021 from Larry Fish, Chairman, Economic Development Committee requesting a joint work session with the Town Council and Planning Board to discuss zoning regulations in the Commercial Highway (CH) District is received, placed on file, and referred to the Interim Town Manager and the Planning Director.
P. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated September 8, 2021 from Marc Levitt advising of his resignation from the Economic Development Committee is accepted, and the Town Council directs that a letter of thanks be sent.
9. COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED CITIZENS
Council President Collins invites residents to come forward with comments.
James O’Neill is present and comments regarding school construction, school budget increases and student enrollment.
Gregory Sweet is present and comments regarding the mailer investigation report.
Dorald Beasley comments on school costs in the district.
James O’Neill comments on South County Health’s plans for expansion and reconfiguration.
10. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
Theresa Murphy, Interim Town Manager recognizes staff for their response to clean up damage from recent storms Henri and Ida; notes that the Town has been addressing speed issues on local roads; are working with South County Hospital on their Master Plan revisions; and three proposals that have been submitted for the Town Manager executive search consultant will be provided to the Town Council for their consideration. The Town Manager’s Interim Reports dated August 12, August 19, August 26 and September 2, 2021, and the Miscellaneous Report dated September 9, 2021 are accepted, approved and placed on file.
11. APPOINTMENTS
A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Timothy Murphy to the Library Board of Trustees for a term to expire in July 2024.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Hillary Carlson to the Library Board of Trustees for a term to expire in July 2024.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint David Flanders to the Conservation Commission for a term to expire in September 2024.
B. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint John Rose to the Canvassing Authority to fill a term to expire in March 2025.
12. NEW BUSINESS
D. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the purchase of one Stryker Power-Pro XT stretcher from Stryker Medical Corporation, 3800 East Centre Avenue, Portage, MI 49002-9799 in an amount not to exceed $21,389; and as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of Emergency Medical Services to the Interim Town Manager dated August 10, 2021 and entitled “Power Stretcher Replacement.”
E. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the purchase of two multi-function copiers from Ricoh USA Inc., P.O. Box 41564, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1564 in an amount not to exceed $15,029, in accordance with RI Master Price Agreement #337; and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Technology to the Interim Town Manager dated August 30, 2021 and entitled “Multi-Function Copier Recommendation.”
G. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Eagle Point Gun, 1707 Third Street, Thorofare, NJ 08086 for ammunition per the unit prices as submitted by bid on August 31, 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 Interim Town Manager dated September 1, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Ammunition – SK0053PD.”
H. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Stillman Uniforms, 271 Post Road E-1, Westerly, RI 02891 for Point Blank soft body armor per the unit prices as submitted by bid on August 31, 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 Interim Town Manager dated September 1, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Body Armor – SK0054PD.”
J. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Tax Assessor to abate taxes in the total amount of $12,371.64, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 591.
K. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to extend 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, July 26, 2021 and August 10, 2021 as follows:
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 COVID-19, 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, and June 10, July 9, and August 6, 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, and May 24, June 28, July 26, and August 10, 2021.
Since the Council’s declaration of emergency, the Governor of the State of Rhode Island has issued 187 further supplemental emergency declarations (as of August 16, 2021) relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, and circumstances continue to be of concern both locally, statewide, and nationwide. On September 3, 2021, Governor McKee issued Executive Order 21-95 further extending the state of emergency to October 2, 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 September 4, 2021 to October 2, 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 October 12, 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 October 2, 2021, this Ordinance shall expire on that date.
L. Zachary Saul, Finance Director is present and reviews the School Department’s cost share, and after discussion it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Interim Town Manager to execute a contract with Tyler Technologies Incorporated, 1 Tyler Drive, Yarmouth, ME 04096 to upgrade its Munis software; as described in a memorandum from the Finance and IT Directors to the Interim Town Manager dated September 7, 2021 and entitled “Tyler Technology Cloud Migration.”
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adjourn at 10:03 PM.
Susan M. Flynn, CMC
Town Clerk