WORK SESSION

 

APRIL 25, 2022

 

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 25^th day of April 2022 at 7:00 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Rory H. McEntee, President

Abel G. Collins, Vice President

Deborah D. Bergner

Deborah J. Kelso

Jessica L. Rose

 

 

1.         A.        WORK SESSION

 

Theresa L. Murphy, Interim Town Manager reviews the Licenses on this evening’s Agenda, beginning with Item 6A, an application by Ragnar Events, LLC for a Special Events License.

 

License Item 6B concerns an application for a new Victualling License by William Johnson d/b/a Willie’s Place.

 

The Interim Town Manager reviews Public Hearing Item 7A concerning proposed amendments to the Town Code increasing the income brackets for the property tax exemptions for elderly persons.

 

The Interim Town Manager reviews Public Hearing Item 7B concerning adoption of the Town Council’s Final Budget for FY 2022-2023.

 

The Interim Town Manager reviews the Communications on this evening’s Agenda beginning with Item 8E, a resolution adopted by the Charlestown Town Council in support of House Bill H8055 relative to a definition of the recognizable high tide line to the shore that establishes a high watermark for public access. It is noted that the Town has many public access points and rights of way along the coast line, and the Waterfront Advisory Commission inspects them in conjunction with the Harbor Management Plan public access inventories.

 

Communication Item 8G concerns a letter from Henry Thayer, Vice Chair, Economic Development Committee relative to their review of the Conservation Commission’s proposal to amend the Town’s Plastic Reduction Ordinance to ban “nips” bottles, as requested by the Town Council. The Economic Development Committee voted in support of the Conservation Commission’s proposal to amend the Ordinance to ban “nips” bottles. The Town Solicitor notes that there are state law preemptions and conflicts with Class A liquor license regulations, and requests the item be referred to the Town Solicitor’s office for further review.

 

Communication Item 8I concerns a resolution adopted by the Burrillville Town Council in opposition to several bills pending before the RI General Assembly concerning gun control.

 

Communication Item 8J concerns an email from Joanne Esposito, Chairwoman, 300^th Anniversary Steering Committee requesting to give an update on the Committee’s plans for the Town’s upcoming anniversary next year. Ms. Esposito will be in attendance for the presentation.

 

Communication Item 8O concerns a letter to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee from the Hopkinton Town Council expressing opposition to House Bill 6676 relative to taxation of renewable energy resources. The Interim Town Manager notes that the Bill was postponed in February 2022 and there hasn’t been any activity since then.

 

The Interim Town Manager reviews the New Business items on this evening’s Agenda, beginning with Item 12C concerning an award of bid to New England Building & Bridge for the Victoria Lane and Mautucket Road Water Tank Anchor Bolt Project completion. This is the same vendor doing the Matunuck Beach Road Seawall Project.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12B concerning an award of bid to OSA Group Rescue Training for Rescue Task Force training. The Chief of EMS explains that the training is charged per student, and they are coordinating the training with other communities.

 

The Interim Town Manager reviews New Business Item 12D concerning an award of contract to Connectivity Point to install key fob security electronic access systems at the Neighborhood Guild, Senior Center, Peace Dale Office Building, and the Highway Department. This is the same vendor and access system installed at other Town Facilities.

 

New Business Item 12E concerns an award of contract to National Water Main Cleaning Co. for the Matunuck Beach Road stormwater pipe rehabilitation. The Interim Town Manager notes that the Highway Division historically corrects stormwater pipe issues, but due to the pipe’s proximity to a water line the Public Services Director recommended the Town go out to bid on the project. This project is an unanticipated cost and funding is requested to come from the Road Improvement Reserve Fund.

 

New Business Item 12F concerns an amendment to an award of bid to T. Miozzi, Inc. for pavement reclamation and overlay services. The Interim Town Manager notes that additional paving needed on Matunuck Beach Road for the stormwater pipe rehabilitation will take priority over the pavement of North Road, Frank Avenue, and Moonstone Beach Road.

 

The Interim Town Manager notes that there will be a Closed Executive Session this evening relative to pending litigation, and the Ministerial Road property.

 

Convened to Regular Session.

 

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

 

APRIL 25, 2022

 

 

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 25^th day of April 2022 at 7:30 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Rory H. McEntee, President

Abel G. Collins, Vice President

Deborah D. Bergner

Deborah J. Kelso

Jessica L. Rose

 

 

 

1.         B.        REGULAR SESSION

 

2.         A.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag is given.

 

B.        LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT

 

The Land Acknowledgement Statement is read.

 

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 April 11, 2022 are accepted, approved, and placed on file. 

 

B.        Regular Sessions: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Regular Sessions held on April 11 and April 14, 2022 are accepted, approved, and placed on file.

 

5.         CONSENT AGENDA

 

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

 

(CA)    6C.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Victualling License to Boss Thai Restaurant, 682 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Piyapong Rittipa, Owner; Renewal. License No. 62302.

 

(CA)    6D.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to Del’s Mon, LLC d/b/a Del’s of South County, 49 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879.  Application by Michael Cummings, Member; Renewal.  License No. 66426.

 

(CA)    6E.       UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Holiday Sales License to Phantom Fireworks Eastern Region, LLC d/b/a Phantom Fireworks, 51 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI  02879. Application by Joshua Nielsen, State Manager; Renewal. License No. 69057.

 

(CA)    6F.       UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Holiday Sales and Tourist Accommodations Licenses to Village Hotel Associates d/b/a Hampton Inn South Kingstown, 20 Hotel Drive, Wakefield, RI 02879 for 100 spaces, 372 persons. Application by Bonnie Brake, Director of Hotel Operations; Renewal. License No. 60002.

 

(CA)    8A.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated April 8, 2022 from Gary Frazer, US Department of the Interior concerning the completion of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) report and associated maps is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8B.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 11, 2022 from Dorald Beasley concerning the formation of a new School Building Committee in accordance with the Town Charter and concerning a provision of the new Town Manager’s contract, and a response from the Town Solicitor are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8C.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that resolutions adopted April 11, 2022 by the Tiverton Town Council in opposition to Senate Bill S2244 and House Bill H7198 entitled An Act Relating To Labor And Labor Relations -- Municipal Employees' Arbitration; and in opposition to House Bill 2022 H6638 An Act Relating To Towns and Cities – Zoning Ordinances are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8D.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 11, 2022 from Ian Clark in support of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map relative to South County Hospital is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8F.       UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 12, 2022 from Kelley Young and a petition signed by local businesses in opposition to the closure of Wakefield Elementary School are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8H.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that resolutions adopted April 13, 2022 by the Burrillville Town Council in opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and in support of RI’s Ukrainian – American community; and in opposition to Senate Bill S2557 and House Bill H7829 entitled Mandatory Translation Services are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8K.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 15, 2022 from Dorald Beasley concerning South Kingstown School District student assessment data is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8L.       UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 16, 2022 from Kate Brewster, Executive Director advising that the Jonnycake Center’s open house has been postponed to April 29th is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8M.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 18, 2022 from Bill Boardman extending an invitation to Sophia Boardman’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday, May 1st is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8N.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 18, 2022 from Susan Myette concerning housing for moderate income seniors and the Elderly Tax Exemption Program, and a response from the Town Clerk are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8P.       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)    12A.    UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Tax Assessor to abate taxes in the total amount of $133.93, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 600.

 

(CA)    12B.    UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to OSA Group Rescue Training, PO Box 853, Portsmouth, RI 02871 for Rescue Task Force training as specified, in an amount not to exceed $7,000; and as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of EMS to the Interim Town Manager dated April 11, 2022 and entitled “Training – Rescue Task Force/TECC Training – Active Assailant Event.” 

 

(CA)    13G.    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.        Amber Sadlier is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Special Events License to conduct a portion of the Ragnar Relay New England in South Kingstown on Friday, May 20, 2022 starting at 12:30 PM to Ragnar Events, LLC, 5570 W. 1730 S., Suite 1000, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, subject to the execution of a hold harmless agreement indemnifying the Town, issuance of a Certificate of Insurance in the amounts specified by the Finance Director, and RI Department of Transportation approval.  Application by Julia Bullard, Member; Renewal.  License No. 74199.

 

B.        William Johnson is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Victualling License to Willie’s Place, 58 High Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to approval by the Building Official, Police Department, Fire Chief and RI Department of Health. Application by William Johnson, Owner; New. License No. 75083.

 

 

7.         PUBLIC HEARINGS

A.           Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is held relative to proposed amendments to the Town Code, Chapter 17 Taxation, Article III. Property Tax Exemptions for Elderly Persons, Section 17-44. Amount of exemption; filing of applications, as follows:

 

Chapter 17 Taxation

Article III. Property Tax Exemptions for Elderly Persons

 

******

Sec. 17-44. Amount of exemption; filing of applications.

 

(a)        If the applicant’s total gross household income does not exceed thirty-nine thousand ($39,000.00) forty three thousand two hundred fifty one dollars ($43,251.00), the tax on the property shall be equal to four (4) percent of that gross income, provided that the maximum tax savings to the applicant shall not exceed the following:

 

Luke Murray, Director of Administrative Services gives a presentation on the Town’s annual review of the elderly tax exemption, and the history and provisions of the elderly tax exemption program. There were no program adjustments between 2007 and 2020. In 2020 the maximum tax credits were increased by 5% with the goal to increase the income brackets and tax credits by 5% going forward in alternating years to account for past inflation without substantially impacting the overall exemption program. In 2022 the Social Security Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) increased by 5.9% and the Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines increased by 4.78%.The proposed amendments would increase gross household income threshold by 10.9%, merge the lowest 2 brackets to increase equity, and increase the maximum tax credit by 5% to assist in mitigating tax rate increases.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the application process and extension of the application deadline.

Council President McEntee opens the floor to public comments.

 

Martha Stamp is present and comments in opposition to the applications being based on gross income without taking deductions into account.

 

Greg Sweet is present and comments that the program income limits are still too low, and supports basing applications on adjusted gross income after deductions.

 

Mike Marran is present and comments that federal poverty level is based on modified adjusted gross income and not total gross household income, and suggests the Council could change the way applications are calculated.

 

Bob Trager is present and comments on access to affordable housing.

 

Dorald Beasley is present and comments on Social Security benefits cost of living increase, inflation, and property valuation increases.

 

Mr. Murray notes that in 2021, $214,000 was provided in tax credits and this year’s program will raise the amount of tax credits to approximately $260,000. The Town will continue to look at potential improvements to the program.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt amendments to the Town Code, Chapter 17 Taxation, Article III. Property Tax Exemptions for Elderly Persons, Section 17-44. Amount of exemption; filing of applications, as follows:

 

Chapter 17 Taxation

Article III. Property Tax Exemptions for Elderly Persons

 

******

Sec. 17-44. Amount of exemption; filing of applications.

 

(a)        If the applicant’s total gross household income does not exceed forty three thousand two hundred fifty one dollars ($43,251.00), the tax on the property shall be equal to four (4) percent of that gross income, provided that the maximum tax savings to the applicant shall not exceed the following:

 

B.        Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is held relative to adoption of the Town Council’s Final FY 2022-2023 Budget, as shown as follows:

 

Town Council’s Adopted Preliminary FY 2022-2023 Budget

 

The Interim Town Manager gives a presentation on the Preliminary Budget for FY 2022-2023 adopted on March 21, 2022 with a net property tax levy of $75,396,416, an increase of 1.79% over the current year, reducing the property tax rate to $10.97. The School Department is level funded for Maintenance of Effort (MOE) as required by State law. In adopting the Preliminary Budget, reductions to the Town Manager’s Proposed Budget were made to healthcare, OPEB contribution, Council Contingency Account, Debt Service Fund allocation, the Town’s mobile app was eliminated, and Outside Agency funding was increased by $9,000 for a total reduction of $344,171. The Town Council directed review of the operating budget line items to seek additional savings of $120,208 without the use of Unassigned Fund Balance in Option #4. Department Heads were directed to review their budgets and submit line item reductions equal to the Department’s proportional share of that amount along with the associated potential impact on services.

 

The resulting General Fund Reduction Considerations are presented: Option 3A is an additional reduction of $56,600 with minimal impact on services. Option 4A includes reductions in 3A and additional reductions of $63,608 that would impact services. Option 3A would result in an increase of 1.72% over the current year, and a tax rate of $10.96. Option 4A would result in an increase of 1.63% over the current year, and a tax rate of $10.95, impacting services such as education and training, materials and supplies. Option 4B would include the minimal impact reduction of $56,600 plus utilize $63,608 in Unassigned Fund Balance to avoid cuts that would impact services. Option 5 would be complete level funding with a 0% increase which would cause significant impact and require unidentified reductions in personnel and/or Town services.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the projected operating surplus and the difficulty of accurately predicting a surplus. Most year-end surplus is transferred to capital projects, and the surplus realized for FY 2021-2022 was $896,432. Discussion continues relative to the Unassigned Fund Balance, potential implications of using this fund, and the amount of the Unassigned Fund Balance in this budget. The Town’s goal is to reduce reliance on the fund due to future obligations and avoiding creation of a structural deficit. Discussion ensues relative to the importance of prudent fiscal management, the difference in tax rate savings with the General Fund Reduction options, and opposition to reducing Town services.

 

Council President McEntee opens the floor to public comments.

 

Timothy Murphy, President, Library Board of Trustees is present and speaks in support of maintaining the Library fund appropriation.

 

Andrew Shea is present and comments on affordable housing, the school budget and increased tax payer costs, and utilizing existing resources to increase revenues and decrease tax payer burden.

 

Bob Trager comments on families’ inability to live here due to cost increases, and the importance of public participation in Council meetings.

 

Roland Benjamin is present and comments on the Town’s expenditure increases, school per pupil costs, and tuition increases.

 

Chris Blaine is present and comments on the increased valuation of her elderly parents’ home, and what the new tax bill will be.

 

Nate Barrington is present and comments that there is a spending problem and in support of General Fund Reduction Option 5 to level fund the budget.

 

Jessica Juday is present and comments on her wedding videography business being shut down during COVID, tax increases due to the property revaluation, and ARPA funding and its spending uses.

 

David Cote is present and comments on the school budget, spending increases, and declining student performance and district ranking.

 

Dorald Beasley comments on per pupil costs, the declining enrollment in South Kingstown schools, and in support of reducing the school budget.

 

Peter Stelljes is present and comments on the volume of school expenditures.

 

Elle Noordzy is present and expresses concern that budget decisions are being made without all of the data.

 

Monique Chartier is present and comments on the Town’s expenditure increases, per pupil costs, and tuition increases.

 

Viera Levitt is present and comments on the Town’s 300^th anniversary, in opposition to closing Wakefield Elementary School, and efforts needed to keep sustainable practices to keep students in South Kingstown.

 

Margaret Carlson, South Kingstown High School is present and comments on the lack of paper at the high school, and the decline in student enrollment due to the inability of teachers and families to afford to live here.

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.

Council Vice President Collins makes a motion to adopt the Final FY 2022-2023 Budget as modified by Option 3A and is seconded by Councilwoman Kelso. Mr. Collins acknowledges the focus of discussion has been on schools this evening, including transportation issues, and notes the Town has been negatively affected by the State Funding Formula, and that more efficiencies will be found with the next school facilities process. The municipality provides services to all community members, and will be increasing services such as EMS.

Council President McEntee comments on being mindful of taxpayers and services, the Unassigned Fund Balance allows us to do capital projects and is for emergencies. Mr. McEntee asks Council members to agree to use $60,000 in Unassigned Fund Balance as proposed in Option 4B.

Discussion ensues, and Council Vice President Collins withdraws the original motion, and makes a second motion to adopt the Final FY 2022-2023 Budget as modified by Option 4B.

Further discussion ensues. A roll call vote is taken, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt the Town Council’s Final FY 2022-2023 Budget as modified by General Fund Reductions Option 4B, as follows:

 

Town Council’s Adopted Final FY 2022-2023 Budget

 

 

 

8.         COMMUNICATIONS

 

E.         The Interim Town Manager reviews a resolution adopted by the Charlestown Town Council in support of House Bill H8055 that defines a recognizable high tide line for public access. CRMC created a subcommittee to author legislation language to solidify the high tide mark. Mrs. Murphy notes there have been challenges with where the public can traverse along the coast, and that the Town has many public access points and rights of way along the coastline.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted April 11, 2022 by the Charlestown Town Council in support of House Bill 2022 – H8055 An Act Relating to Waters and Navigation – Coastal Resources Management Council that provides a definition of the Recognizable High Tide Line for the Public's Rights and Privileges of the Shore is received, placed on file, and the Town Council voted to support the legislation.

 

G.        David Flanders, Chairman, Conservation Commission is present and requests that the Town hold a Public Hearing on the Commission’s proposal to ban “nips” bottles. The Town Solicitor advises that this matter be referred to his office to prepare an in depth memo, and notes that state law may prevent individual communities from banning “nips” bottles due to conflicts with Class A liquor license regulations.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated April 12, 2022 from Henry Thayer, Vice Chair concerning the Economic Development Committee’s review of the Conservation Commission’s proposal to amend the Town’s Plastic Reduction Ordinance to ban “nips” bottles is received, placed on file, and referred to the Town Solicitor.

 

Bill McCusker, Friends of the Saugatucket River is present and reports on the amount of “nips” collected in a recent clean-up effort.

 

I.          UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted April 13, 2022 by the Burrillville Town Council in opposition to several bills pending before the RI General Assembly concerning gun control is received and placed on file.

 

J.         Joanne Esposito, Chairwoman is in attendance and gives a presentation on the 300^th Anniversary Steering Committee plans entitled “Celebrating the Spirit of South Kingstown”. Ms. Esposito notes the design of their seal, the different represented groups, volunteers and honorary chairs that make up the Committee, and thanks the Interim Town Manager for her efforts and guidance. She reviews the mission statement, 15 commemorative projects, 35 commemorative events and ideas for student collaboration, media plan, the Town’s budget appropriation, the estimated $175,000 in expenses, and fundraising efforts. Discussion ensues relative to potential sources for funding, and getting younger students and parents involved.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 13, 2022 from Joanne Esposito, Chairwoman requesting to present the 300th Anniversary Steering Committee’s plans for the Town’s upcoming anniversary next year is received, placed on file, and the report is accepted.

 

O.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a copy of a letter dated April 7, 2022 to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee from the Hopkinton Town Council expressing their opposition to House Bill 6676 An Act Relating to Taxation – Levy and Assessment of Local Taxes relative to the assessment of renewable energy resources is received and placed on file.

 

9.         COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED CITIZENS

 

Council President McEntee invites residents to come forward with comments.

 

Councilwoman Rose recuses herself.

 

Stephanie Maass is present and submits a resolution adopted by the Warwick City Council requesting the RI General Assembly to delay their property revaluation, comments on alternative ways the Town can assess certain districts to mitigate disproportionality at Roy Carpenters Beach in Matunuck, and impacts due to COVID-19.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to add assessment valuation to the Agenda for discussion.

 

David Dolce, Interim Tax Assessor discusses the Roy Carpenter’s Beach assessments, noting that 13 multi-listing service sales were compared to see if the valuation is realistic. A memo to the Interim Town Manager indicates the property values are realistic, and notes that swings in appreciation are common at various points in time. Discussion ensues relative to the hearing and appeal process with Vision Appraisal and the Tax Assessor.

 

Stephanie Maass comments on cottages that received different property designations and valuation.

 

Mr. Dolce responds that those properties will be reviewed.

 

Bob Trager comments on property value changes, and commends Vice President Collins for his summation of the budget.

 

Bill McCusker, Friends of the Saugatucket is present and comments on the Earth Day Cleanup event that was held, and notes the problems of litter.

 

Joe Viele, Executive Director, Southern RI Chamber of Commerce is present and thanks Theresa Murphy for her service and dedication as Interim Town Manager, and welcomes Jim Manni as the new Town Manager.

 

10.       TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

The Interim Town Manager reviews the Town Manager transition period, and leadership positions that are open for recruitment. The Town Manager’s Interim Report dated April 14, 2022, and the Miscellaneous Report dated April 21, 2022 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

Councilmembers commend Mrs. Murphy for her service, commitment, and dedication in her position as the Interim Town Manager.

 

11.       APPOINTMENTS – None

 

12.       NEW BUSINESS

 

C.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to New England Building & Bridge, 388 Veazie Street, Providence, RI 02904 for the Victoria Lane and Mautucket Road Water Tank Anchor Bolt Project in an amount not to exceed $261,000, including a $20,000 contingency; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Interim Town Manager dated April 19, 2022 and entitled “Water Tank Anchor Bolt Remedial Project – Bid Award.”

 

D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to Connectivity Point, 1 Wholesale Way, Cranston, RI 02920 in accordance with State of RI MPA #419, for installation of an enhanced security system to include electronic access points at the Neighborhood Guild, Senior Center, Peace Dale Office Building and Highway Department in an amount not to exceed $24,317, inclusive of all labor and materials; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Facilities Superintendent to the Interim Town Manager dated April 20, 2022 and entitled “Recommendation: Security Systems.”

 

E.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to National Water Main Cleaning Co., 25 Marshall Street, Canton, MA 02021 for Matunuck Beach Road stormwater pipe rehabilitation in an amount not to exceed $206,570, including a $20,000 contingency, using funding from the Road Improvement Reserve Fund; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Interim Town Manager dated April 15, 2022 and entitled “Matunuck Beach Road Emergency Drainage Pipe Rehabilitation.”

 

F.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an amendment to an award of bid originally granted on June 26, 2017, and subsequently amended on May 14, 2018, April 22, 2019 and August 11, 2020, to T. Miozzi, Inc., 80 Compass Circle, North Kingstown, RI 02852 for FY 2021-2022 pavement reclamation and overlay from an amount not to exceed $3,365,243 to an amount not to exceed $4,271,353; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Interim Town Manager dated April 18, 2022 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – FY 2021-22 Pavement Program.”

 

13.       CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to recess to Closed Executive Session at 10:52 PM pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to litigation re: KSL-SK, Inc. v. Jean Bouchard, WC-2020-0139 (tax appeal); and 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 re: Ministerial Road property.

 

Regular Session is reconvened at 11:19 PM, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to seal the minutes of the Closed Executive Session held pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to litigation re: KSL-SK, Inc. v. Jean Bouchard, WC-2020-0139 (tax appeal); and 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 re: Ministerial Road property.

 

It is noted that votes were taken in Closed Executive Session.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED:  to adjourn at 11:20 PM.

 

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk