WORK SESSION

 

JANUARY 24, 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 via video- and tele-conference, in and for said Town on the 24^th day of January 2022 at 6:00 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Abel G. Collins, President

Rory H. McEntee, Vice President

                                    Deborah D. Bergner

                                    Deborah J. Kelso

                                    Jessica L. Rose

 

 

1.         A.        WORK SESSION

 

Discussion ensues regarding the Saugatucket Park Improvement Project with members of the Town’s Economic Development Committee, Recreation Commission and Planning Board.

 

Members of the Economic Development Committee present: Larry Fish, Joanne Esposito, Susan Marcus, Tom Routliffe, Brian Smith, Ken Tetzner, and Henry Thayer.

 

Members of the Recreation Commission present: John Biafore, Sean Johnson, Will Litvin, and David Palazzetti.

 

Members of the Planning Board present: Susan Axelrod, Joshua Daly, Peter DiStefano, Paul Jordan, Maria Mack, Joe Murphy, and Robyn Pothier.

 

Brian Wagner, Senior Planner gives an overview of the planning of the Saugatucket Park Project.

 

Susan Marcus gives a presentation for the Economic Development Committee (EDC). She reports on the forum that was held at the Contemporary Theater Company, which reviewed the park’s history, restoration ideas and Southern New England Program (SNEP) technical assistance, and discussed the values and concerns by the public. The park’s assets include its design by renowned architect Frederick Law Olmsted, it is near Historic Downtown, and the Saugatucket River flows between them. The EDC proposes to link the Saugatucket River, park and the downtown area. They hope to invest in and protect the natural resources, connect the social and recreational assets such as the Bike Path, and engage our community.

 

Randy Collins, Architect with BETA Engineering discusses improvements to Saugatucket Park path including replacing the basketball court and providing a pickle ball court, removing the invasive species on the slopes and installing fencing. The SNEP network offers technical assistance with stormwater issues. The budget for the Saugatucket Park Historic Restoration Project is proposed at $445,000 including historic renovations, installation of lighting, benches and plantings, Main Street America membership, and hiring a grants coordinator. Additional potential projects include a Bike Path connection to Saugatucket Park, SNEP recommendations for stormwater improvements, and parking lot upgrades.

 

Discussion ensues relative to funding for the project. There is some funding designated in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and some American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding is already targeted for lighting.

The Interim Town Manager advises that funding requests should come through the Recreation Commission, can be addressed in the long-term plan in the CIP, and the Town could consider committing funds from the ARPA.

 

Joanne Esposito comments that the ideas proposed in this project will help mark the Town’s 300^th Anniversary celebration.

 

1.         B.        INTERVIEWS

 

The Town Council interviews Kenneth Burke relative to his interest in being reappointed to the Bicycle – Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

 

The Town Council interviews George Helwig relative to his interest in being appointed to the Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee.

 

1.         C.        WORK SESSION

 

The Interim Town Manager reviews items on this evening’s Agenda.

 

License Items 6A and B are applications for Class F licenses for URI men’s basketball games at the Ryan Center

 

There is a Public Hearing this evening for adoption of the FY 2022-2023 to FY 2027-2028 Capital Improvement Program.

 

New Business Item 13A is a funding request for the 300^th Anniversary Steering Committee.

 

New Business Item 13B seeks approval for a Certified Local Government grant to host a statewide Historic District Commission Training Camp.

 

New Business Item 13C is a request for approval for South County Art Association to apply for a Certified Local Government Grant for their building on Kingstown Road.

 

New Business Item 13E is nomination and election of officers of the Town Council for the remainder of the term. Michael Ursillo, Town Solicitor reviews the process which is necessary because the Council President has indicated his intention to step down from that seat this evening.

 

Discussion ensues regarding New Business Item 13F relative to hiring a consultant to manage the ARPA funds. Funding in the amount of $1.1 million for a new EMS building is included in the ARPA funding. Jon Schock, Director of Public Services notes that multi-faceted projects typically include 10% costs for conceptual design. Jamie Rabbitt, Director of Planning notes that his department has worked with Weston and Sampson to refine the Town’s ARPA proposal to secure the funding proposed for the EMS project. Discussion ensues relative to the 3-year timeframe of the ARPA spending requirement, and administrative costs involved in managing the projects.

 

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 13G concerning the streetlights program. The Director of Public Services explains the Town’s conversion to LED lighting, and now the State is ready to take over the State roads. Since 30% of our inventory is on state roads, the Town will save electricity costs. The ornamental streetlights on Main Street still need to be converted to LED.  

 

New Business Item 13H will authorize the advertisement of a Public Hearing on an application by the vendor at the Ryan Center for a Class J Convention Hall Liquor License.

 

Convened to Regular Session.

 

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

 

JANUARY 24, 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 via video- and tele-conference, in and for said Town on the 24^th day of January 2022 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.         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 – none

 

5.         CONSENT AGENDA

 

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

 

Note: Consent Agenda License Items 6C, D, E and F are duplicates of licenses granted on January 10, 2022 and were inadvertently included on this Agenda.

 

(CA)    8A.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated January 17, 2022 from Jonathan Daly-LaBelle concerning School facilities discussions and considerations is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8C.      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)    13D.    UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Tax Assessor to abate taxes in the total amount of $691.79, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 597.

           

(CA)    13H.    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 J - CONVENTION HALL LIQUOR LICENSE

 

Application for a Class J Convention Hall Liquor License by Global Spectrum LP, d/b/a The Ryan Center, 1 Lincoln Almond Plaza, Kingston, RI 02881 by Mario Martone; and as further defined in a site plan on file in the Town Clerk’s office.

             

(CA)    13I.      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.        Mario Martone is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Class F 19-Hour Beverage License to Global Spectrum LP d/b/a Spectra Venue Management for the URI Men’s Basketball Game on Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Thomas M. Ryan Center, 1 Lincoln Almond Plaza, Kingston RI 02881. Application by Mario Martone, 2 Briarwood Drive, North Providence, RI 02911; subject to Building/Zoning, Police, and Kingston Fire District approvals. License No. 74068.

 

B.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Class F 19-Hour Beverage License to Global Spectrum LP d/b/a Spectra Venue Management for the URI Men’s Basketball Game on Monday, February 14, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Thomas M. Ryan Center, 1 Lincoln Almond Plaza, Kingston RI 02881. Application by Mario Martone, 2 Briarwood Drive, North Providence, RI 02911; subject to Building/Zoning, Police, and Kingston Fire District approvals. License No. 74071.

 

7.         PUBLIC HEARING

 

A.        Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is held relative to adoption of the proposed FY 2022-2023 to FY 2027-2028 Capital Improvement Program. The Interim Town Manager gives a presentation, noting the annual funding element for FY2022-2023 priority projects total $4,309,086, about a 1.9% increase from the current year. The six-year plan total of $121,422,285 includes bond funding of $86 million for potential school projects.

Councilwoman Bergner expresses concern with funding for a Public Services Department truck in the amount of $39,000 that will be deferred. The Interim Town Manager responds, and indicates that the funding could be dedicated to a different piece of equipment such as to accelerate the purchase of a Senior Van. Zachary Saul, Finance Director explains the need for flexibility in this program, and notes that the use of unassigned fund balance is not recommended for smaller purchases.

Greg Sweet is in attendance and asks if funding has been approved for proposed projects under the American Rescue Plan Act.

 

Council President Collins notes that a framework for funding was approved. 

Discussion ensues, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt the FY 2022-2023 to FY 2027-2028 Capital Improvement Program, as amended by re-allocating $39,000 in the FY2022-2023 Capital Budget from the General Fund, Public Works Equipment Acquisition/ Replacement to the Senior Services Fund, Senior Van, as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.         COMMUNICATIONS

 

B.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated January 11, 2022 from the RI Department of Environmental Management relative to the Land and Water Conservation Fund program compliance and property stewardship is received, placed on file and referred to the Town Manager’s Office.

 

9.         COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED CITIZENS

 

Council President Collins invites residents to come forward with comments.

 

Greg Sweet comments on water or sewer projects being included in ARPA funds.

 

10.       TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

The Interim Town Manager comments on a RI Department of Environmental Management grant for marine pump-out facility replacement at Marina Park; COVID-19 rapid test kits are being distributed by the Town; State testing sites have ample appointments with a shorter time for obtaining results; and the South Kingstown Land Trust has offered land on Ministerial Road for purchase to the Town for $10,000.

 

Council President Collins notes the decline in COVID cases, and asks about the timeline for a return to in person meetings. Mrs. Murphy notes that the Town is waiting for reports, and for the Governor’s Executive Order on Open Meetings. The Town Manager’s Interim Report dated January 13, 2022, and the Miscellaneous Report dated January 20, 2022 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

11.       TOWN SOLICITOR’S REPORT

 

A.        Michael Ursillo, Town Solicitor reports on the Town Manager search. The consultants, MRI have received 20 applications, sent essay questions to 10 of which 7 have responded (one withdrew, one got hired, one didn’t respond). They are compiling information and plan to meet with the Council during the week of February 7^th to discuss candidates. It is consensus to schedule that meeting for Tuesday, February 8^th in the Council Chambers. Information on the candidates will be provided to the Council in advance of that meeting.  

 

12.       APPOINTMENTS

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Kenneth Burke to the Bicycle – Pedestrian Advisory Committee for a term to expire in July 2023.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint George W. Helwig to the Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee to fill a term to expire in August 2022.

 

B.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint Sue Barrett to the Town’s 300^th Anniversary Steering Committee.

 

 

13.       NEW BUSINESS

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the establishment of a 300^th Anniversary fund to support the development and implementation of programs for a year-long celebration of the Town’s 300^th anniversary of incorporation in 2023; and further authorizing the transfer of $10,000 from the Town Council contingency fund to the newly established 300^th Anniversary fund; as further described in a memorandum from the Interim Town Manager to the Town Council dated January 19, 2022 and entitled “Request for funding – Town 300^th Anniversary Steering Committee.”

 

B.        Brian Wagner, Senior Planner explains in-kind contribution costs, and after discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Planning Department to submit an application to the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission for a Certified Local Government grant for the SKHDC to host a statewide Historic District Commission Training Camp. The application proposes a project budget of $14,000 with $10,500 in federal grant aid provided by the RIHPHC matched with $3,500 of in-kind services provided by the Town; as further described in a memorandum from the Senior Planner to the Interim Town Manager dated January 18, 2022 and entitled “A Resolution Authorizing the Planning Department to Apply to the RIHPHC for a Certified Local Government Grant for HDC Training.”

 

C.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the South County Art Association to submit an application to the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission for a Certified Local Government grant to investigate moisture infiltration issues at the Association’s buildings at 2579 Kingstown Road. The Association’s application proposes a project budget of $10,000 with $9,000 in federal grant aid provided by the RIHPHC matched with $1,000 of cash and in-kind services provided by the Association. This authorization is granted with the understanding that no financial or in-kind support is requested from or required from the Town; as further described in a memorandum from the Senior Planner to the Interim Town Manager dated January 18, 2022 and entitled “A Resolution Authorizing the South County Art Association to Apply for a Certified Local Government Grant from the RIHPHC.”

 

E.         Council President Collins advises the Council members that he requested this item be placed on the agenda as he does not intend to run for re-election, and resigns as President of the Town Council to allow for another member to gain experience for the remainder of the term.

 

The floor is opened for nominations for President of the Town Council.

 

Rory McEntee            is nominated for President of the Town Council by Councilman Collins. Hearing no further nominations, nominations are declared closed.

 

A roll call vote is taken, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to elect Rory H. McEntee as President of the Town Council for the remainder of the 2020-2022 term.

 

Council President McEntee calls for nominations for Vice President of the Town Council.

 

Abel Collins is nominated for Vice President by Councilwoman Kelso. Hearing no further nominations, nominations are declared closed.

 

A roll call vote is taken, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to elect Abel G. Collins as Vice President of the Town Council for the remainder of the 2020-2022 term.

 

F.         The Interim Town Manager presents the request to award a contract to Weston and Sampson for professional consulting services related to the American Rescue Plan Act Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.

 

Councilwoman Rose makes a motion to table this resolution until a new Town Manager is hired, seconded by Councilwoman Bergner. Discussion ensues relative to the hiring timeline for a new Town Manager. The Town Solicitor indicates that would take at least 6 to 9 weeks. Councilwoman Kelso notes that the ARPA are department projects, not the Town Manager’s.

 

Mrs. Murphy reviews the consultant’s scope of work, including vetting the Council’s proposed framework, conducting site visits and workshops with staff, walking the Town to identify initiatives or projects.

 

Council Vice President Collins indicates his willingness to move forward with this motion, comments on the need to get this process started, and notes that non-profit groups are waiting for funding.

 

Councilwoman Bergner comments that the original proposal has been scaled back, we anticipate additional costs.

 

Mrs. Murphy notes that some projects have been revised, the Town has some in-house capabilities, but that 10% allocation for design services is typical on a major project. It is also noted that there was an original estimate of $300,000 for grant management added to the 10% design costs.

 

Council President McEntee agrees with Council Vice President Collins on the need to move forward with hiring a consultant but is willing to table it until the next meeting on February 14^th and have the consultant attend the meeting.  

 

Councilwoman Rose comments that she is not caught up on this issue due to a recent illness.

 

Council President McEntee suggests that this resolution be tabled until February 14, 2022 and have the consultant come in to address the Council.

 

Councilwoman Rose amends her motion to table this resolution until February 14, 2022, seconded by Councilwoman Bergner. Councilwoman Bergner requests an updated list of projects.

 

Councilwoman Kelso indicates she is willing to table this until the next meeting and ask the consultant to attend, but that the Council should vote on this matter at that time.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to continue to February 14, 2022 consideration of an award of contract to Weston and Sampson, 100 Foxborough Blvd., Foxborough, MA 02035 for professional consulting services related to the American Rescue Plan Act Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, in an amount not to exceed $492,800, including a $20,000 contingency as detailed in the amended proposal; as further described in a memorandum from the Interim Town Manager to the Town Council dated January 19, 2022 and entitled “Recommendation for award of contract – ARPA Funds – Consulting Services.”

 

G.        Jon Schock, Director of Public Services reviews the streetlight conversion to LED lighting project. The State has agreed to take over the streetlights on State roads. The Town will be able to control or dim the streetlights on Town roads. A savings in electricity costs is anticipated.

 

Discussion ensues, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Interim Town Manager to execute any required agreements and/ or documents with the RI Department of Transportation that are necessary to transfer ownership and maintenance of any and all streetlights on State roads currently owned by the Town of South Kingstown to the RI Department of Transportation; as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Interim Town Manager dated January 20, 2022 and entitled “LED Streetlighting Conversion Update and State Road Streetlight Transfer Agreement.”

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED:  to adjourn at 9:08 PM.

 

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk