WORK SESSION

 

JANUARY 5, 2022

 

Town Website CIP

 

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 5^th day of January 2022 at 6:38 PM.

 

PRESENT:    Abel G. Collins, President

Rory H. McEntee, Vice President

Deborah D. Bergner

Deborah J. Kelso

 

 

Councilwoman Rose is absent.

 

Also present: Theresa L. Murphy, Interim Town Manager; Zachary Saul, Finance Director; Lucas Murray, Director of Administrative Services; Rex Eberly, Interim Director of Parks and Recreation; Lance Whaley, Communications Superintendent; Lori Ann Fox, IT Director; Joel Ewing-Chow, Police Chief; Craig Stanley, EMS Director; Laurel Clark, Director of Library Services; Jamie Rabbitt, Director of Planning; Mark Russo, Facilities Superintendent; Susan DiMasi, Director of Senior Services; Elizabeth Monty, Tax Assessor; Jon Schock, Public Services Director; Richard Bourbonnaise, Town Engineer; Paul Ferrandi, Highway Superintendent; Brett Whaley, Water Superintendent; and Kathy Perez, Wastewater Superintendent.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance is given. The Land Acknowledgement Statement is read.

 

Theresa Murphy, Interim Town Manager presents the Budget Message and discusses the Town Manager Proposed Capital Improvement Program Fiscal Period 2022-2023 to 2027-2028.  To develop this six-year plan, department directors and staff prepare their annual capital project requests and identify new projects. The criteria for project ranking are based on addressing health and safety concerns; meeting federal or state mandates and/or legal obligations; securing any outside funding to reduce the tax burden; affordability; preservation of existing tax base while assuring infrastructure and assets; and identification of available resources.

 

Mrs. Murphy discusses the Annual Funding element of the CIP. The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes the capital projects for FY 2022-2023 and these capital projects become part of the FY 2022-2023 operating budget. This first year of the CIP is referred to as the Capital Budget or the “Pay As You Go” portion of the Capital Plan. The Capital Budget for FY 2022-2023 is proposed at $4,309,086.

 

Mrs. Murphy reviews a summary of the changes in the six-year CIP program. The total projected cost of the program is now estimated at $121,422,285, an increase of $6,925,638 over the prior year’s adopted estimate. The largest increase is the School Program. The existing municipal debt level decreases, if no additional debt is taken on.  The projected debt per capita assumes funding for school facilities. The Town’s outstanding debt level is projected to decrease from $10,111,000 to $4,940,000. The property tax related to debt service carries a tax rate of $0.36 in FY 2022-2023, and is projected at $0.72 in FY 2027-2028, an increase of $160.82. The future bond schedule assumes funding for a school facilities project.

 

Fair Share Development Fees for educational facilities have been suspended since 2017. The Recreational and Open Space Fair Share Fees for FY 2022-2023 are proposed at $3,690 for single households and $2,867 for households with two bedrooms or less.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Open Space Acquisition Program.

 

Rex Eberly, Interim Director of Parks and Recreation discusses the Parks and Recreation Improvement Pay As You Go Summary for FY 2022-2023 in the total amount of $135,000.  The following projects are proposed for funding: Fagan Park picnic tables and water fountain replacement in the amount of $10,000; Old Mountain Field parking lot re-design in conjunction with the site design for a new restroom and concession building replacement in the amount of $50,000; Town Beach improvement program in the amount of $10,000 for sand replenishment and shoreline erosion mitigation; Tuckertown Park phased replacement of play structures in the amount of $30,000 and tennis and basketball court resurfacing in the amount of $20,000; and West Kingston Park tennis/pickleball court resurfacing in the amount of $15,000.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Parks and Recreation Equipment Acquisition and Replacement Program for FY 2022-2023. Funding in the amount of $143,000 is requested including $50,000 for a one-ton dump truck with stake body; $80,000 for a 12 foot mower; and $13,000 for replacement of a leaf removal vacuum attachment. Discussion ensues relative to utilizing electric equipment and vehicles in the future. Discussion ensues relative to the Old Mountain Field renovation project, the availability of grant funding and existing CIP funding.

 

Jon Schock, Director of Public Services discusses the Public Works Road Improvement Program. Road reconstruction and pavement overlay projects are proposed including Wordens Pond Road Phase 2 in the amount of $408,870 and Green Hill Beach Road in the amount of $308,000 for FY 2022-2023.  The total budget is proposed at $1,216,870 including $500,000 for projects to be determined (TBD) based on bond funding. New drainage, erosion control and TMDL projects for Green Hill Pond are proposed. The Town, in cooperation with the Friends of Green Hill Pond received a grant from the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) for $100,000 with a 50% match. Funding in the amount of $75,000 is requested for the TMDL Implementation Reserve Fund. Funding is proposed in the amount of $3,000,000 for Phase 2 of the Matunuck Beach Road Protection Project. Funding in the amount of $20,000 is proposed in FY2022-2023 for the Matunuck Beach Road Protection Reserve Fund.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Public Works Equipment Acquisition/Replacement Program. Funding in the amount of $384,000 is proposed for FY 2022-2023 including $90,000 towards a light dump truck, $70,000 towards a large dump truck, $39,000 for a pickup truck, $50,000 for a skid steer, $75,000 towards a roadside mower, $40,000 for a roller, and $20,000 for a portable message board.

Councilwoman Bergner questions funding for a pickup truck for which purchase may be deferred. Mr. Schock advises that any funds not used go into the equipment reserve fund. Zachary Saul, Finance Director is present and explains that all town equipment is covered by the reserve fund which is a multi-year fund which covers unforeseen expenses, and cost increases.

 

Council Vice President McEntee inquires about the TBD projects included in the $500,000 requested and whether Dam Street is among those projects. Mr. Schock reviews the list of projects that could be accelerated, and notes there are other roads in town that have greater water problems than Dam Street. Discussion ensues regarding the Matunuck Seawall project, and it is noted that there is no agreement yet with Hang Ten, LLC regarding the sale of Town property on Matunuck Beach Road, and that we need to move ahead with the Town project.

 

Joel Ewing-Chow, Police Chief discusses the Public Safety Program. Funding for Communications System Maintenance is proposed for FY 2022-2023 in the amount of $15,000 for computer system equipment reserve fund towards server virtualization hardware replacement, and $30,000 for a contribution towards the public safety communication equipment reserve for the telephone system and CCTV/video surveillance system. Funding is also proposed in the amount of $10,000 for the Public Safety Building maintenance reserve fund to replace the flat roof in FY 2025 at an estimated cost of $150,000, and $25,000 towards replacement of the animal control vehicle.

 

Craig Stanley, EMS Director discusses the Emergency Medical Services Program.  Funding in the amount of $49,000 is proposed for FY 2022-2023 for transport vehicle and administrative vehicle reserve funding; $20,000 for floor replacement at the North EMS Station at the Public Safety Complex, and $34,000 for medical diagnostic/equipment replacement including a cardiac monitor/defibrillator and power stretcher replacement. 

 

Lance Whaley, Communications Superintendent discusses the Fire Alarm Equipment and Vehicle Replacement program proposed for FY 2022-2023 in the total amount of $16,000 for the vehicle replacement reserve fund. The radio system project is scheduled for a kickoff meeting next week.   

 

Laurel Clark, Director of Library Services discusses the Library Programs – Facilities Improvements. Funding in the amount of $45,000 is requested for FY 2022-2023 for 4 projects. $20,000 is requested for electronic building access at all 3 library locations, $5,000 towards roof replacement at the Peace Dale Library and $5,000 towards roof replacement at Kingston Free Library, and $15,000 for parking improvements at the Kingston and Peace Dale branches. Discussion ensues relative to seeking funding from other sources for the roof replacement projects estimated to cost $100,000 and $50,000 each, such as applying for grants through the Champlin Foundation.

 

Lori Fox, Director of Information Technology discusses the Information Technology Equipment Replacement Program. Funding for FY 2022-2023 is proposed in the amount of $50,000 for Town network upgrade, including adding redundancy for firewalls.

 

Jamie Rabbitt, Director of Planning presents the Planning Department’s request for FY 2022-2023 funding. The request is for $7,500 for a comprehensive review and development of updates to land use regulations, and $22,500 for development of Town-wide design guidelines for a total of $30,000. Discussion ensues relative to the application for grant funding from RI Commerce which could reduce the need for some Town funding.

 

Elizabeth Monty, Tax Assessor discusses the Property Appraisal Program. Funding in the amount of $30,000 is proposed for FY 2022-2023 to be reserved for the 2024 statistical revaluation. The property revaluation schedule is governed by State law.

 

Mark Russo, Facilities Superintendent discusses the Town Hall Facility Improvements and Pool Vehicle Replacement Program. Total funding in the amount of $129,500 is requested for FY 2022-2023. Town Hall improvements are proposed in the amount of $45,000 for reserve funding for HVAC in the Council Chambers, $12,000 for aluminum window replacement on the second floor, and $12,500 for repairs to the High Street entrance roof and doors and installation of a railing. Reserve funding in the amount of $10,000 is requested for upgrading the HVAC system at the South Road building, $15,000 for Town-wide security and surveillance systems upgrades, and $35,000 for replacement of a Facilities Superintendent vehicle and boom lift. Discussion ensues relative to the HVAC system in the Council Chambers and air filtration being provided by the exhaust fan in the ceiling. Discussion ensues relative to the lease of the South Road building.

 

Susan DiMasi, Director of Senior Services discusses the Senior Services Equipment Improvement/Replacement Program.  Funding in the amount of $10,000 is requested for FY 2022-2023 for replacement of major kitchen appliances at the Senior Center, and $40,000 for the first year of 3-year funding for replacement of the Senior Van projected for FY 2024-2025.

 

Theresa Murphy, Interim Town Manager discusses the Neighborhood Guild Improvements Program which is proposed at $1,100,000 for FY 2022-2023. Bond funding for this program was approved by voters in 2006 and authorized for sale in December 2021. Major infrastructure improvements include exterior main entrance alcove rehabilitation in the amount of $85,000; replacement of windows and installation of a new HVAC system in the amount of $615,000; roof replacement in the amount of $100,000; fire protection, fire alarm and mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements in the amount of $200,000; and interior restoration in the amount of $100,000. Discussion ensues relative to the Neighborhood Guild Trust Fund, which will be used to reimburse debt service costs associated with this capital project.

 

The Public Services Director discusses the Utilities Funds, which are enterprise funds that require no tax dollars. Funding for the Water Program is proposed for FY 2022-2023 in the amount of $307,000, including $100,000 for Victoria Lane and Mautucket Tank repairs, $57,000 for exterior tank cleaning, $10,000 for a standby generator at Victoria Lane, $30,000 for standby generators at the Suez interconnect and Factory Pond, $40,000 for water treatment reserve, $20,000 for RI Department of Health capital infrastructure plan and $20,000 for the vulnerability assessment plan, and $30,000 for the Five-Year Update of the Water Supply Management Plan.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Wastewater Fund.  The Town of South Kingstown acts as the Manager of the Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) for its Regional Partners, the Town of Narragansett and the University of Rhode Island. Costs are apportioned by percentage of use at each pump station.  Funding in the amount of $385,000 is proposed for FY 2022-2023 including $120,000 for WWTF telemetry and control upgrade; $20,000 for upgrades to the Silver Lake Pump Station, $50,000 for upgrades at the Kingston Pump Station, $50,000 for WWTF sludge pump replacement, $50,000 for replacement of the septage holding tank, $50,000 for collection system interceptor repair and cleaning; and $45,000 for rolling stock equipment replacement.

 

The Interim Town Manager notes that a joint work session with the School Committee is scheduled for tomorrow evening to review the School Capital Improvement Program. The Town’s Capital Improvement Program will be adopted at a Public Hearing on Monday, January 24, 2022.

 

Adjourn at 8:18 PM.

 

ADJOURNED,

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk