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WORK SESSION
MAY 23, 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 23rd day of May 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. INTERVIEW 
The Town Council interviews Michael Sherry concerning his interest in being reappointed to the Waterfront Advisory Commission.
1. B. WORK SESSION
James M. Manni, Town Manager reviews the Communications on this evening’s Agenda beginning with Item 7A, a memorandum from Brian Wagner, Senior Planner for a request from the Historic District Commission to present the 2022 SK Preservation Award winners.
Communication Item 7C concerns an email from Kenneth Burke, Chairman, Bicycle – Pedestrian Advisory Committee requesting to present the Bicycle – Pedestrian Master Plan for consideration.
Communication Item 7F concerns a request from Representative Teresa Tanzi for consideration of a draft resolution in support of House Bill 8113 An Act Relating to Capital Development Program – 2022 Bond Referenda with a possible authorization of $25 million for the Bike Mobility Bond referendum.
Communication Item 7G concerns an email from Chris Hubbard tendering his resignation from the Sustainability Committee.
Communication Item 7J concerns an email from Theresa Schimmel requesting a proclamation declaring the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Discussion ensues relative to removing Communication Item 7I from the Consent Agenda, and bringing it forward for discussion and public comment.
The Town Manager reviews the Town Solicitor’s report relative to nips bottles.
The Town Manager reviews the New Business on this evening’s Agenda beginning with Item 12A, a resolution to adopt a proclamation recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month.
New Business Item 12D concerns an amendment to an award of contract originally granted on December 13, 2021 to Marcus Communications, LLC for implementation, construction, subscribers, and delivery of a turnkey UHF Simulcast System. Mr. Manni notes the infrastructure is necessary and the Town is looking at potential grants that could be applied for to offset costs. Discussion ensues relative to the increased contract amount due to changing the tower location, constructing a new tower, and the extensive repairs necessary at the original location.
New Business Item 12E concerns an award of purchase to Ricoh USA Incorporated for two (2) multi-functional copy machines in a total amount not to exceed $14,363.
New Business Item 12F concerns an amendment to the water user rate schedule adopted May 9, 2022.
New Business Item 12G concerns an amendment to a contract with Geological Field Services, Inc. for the Rose Hill Landfill methane monitoring consulting engineering services for an amount not to exceed $85,000.
New Business Item 12H concerns reimbursement to the Union Fire District for costs associated with the previously proposed EMS building on the Matunuck Fire Station property in an amount not to exceed $11,089.
New Business Item 12I concerns an award of bid to Trumbull Printing for brochure printing services for a three-year period in an amount not to exceed $8,232 per year.
New Business Item 12J concerns an award of bid to Northeast Promotion and Apparel for the purchase of Recreation program shirts for a three-year period in an amount not to exceed $13,240.
New Business Item 12K concerns a three (3) year contract to ThinkGard LLC for Office 365 backup services in the amount of $5,625 per year for a total contract amount not to exceed $16,875.
The Town Manager notes that there will be a Closed Executive Session this evening relative to matters pertaining to personnel.
Convened to Regular Session.
Susan M. Flynn, CMC
Town Clerk
REGULAR SESSION
MAY 23, 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 23rd day of May 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. C. 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 May 9, 2022 are accepted, approved, and placed on file.
B. Regular Session: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Regular Session held on May 9, 2022 are accepted, approved, and placed on file.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to approve the Consent Agenda as indicated by (CA) on same, with the exception of Communication Item 7I.
(CA) 6A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Holiday Sales License to Matunuck Live Theatre, Inc., d/b/a Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Tom Senter, CFO & General Manager; Renewal. License No. 59263.
(CA) 7B. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 6, 2022 from Angela Christina, Assistant Principal for South Kingstown High School extending an invitation to the senior project presentations on May 25, 2022 is received and placed on file.
(CA) 7D. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 9, 2022 from Representative Teresa Tanzi in support of the Bicycle – Pedestrian Master Plan and consideration of a Complete Streets draft ordinance is received and placed on file.
(CA) 7E. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted May 9, 2022 by the Tiverton Town Council recognizing May 15 – 21, 2022 as National Police Week is received and placed on file.
(CA) 7H. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails dated May 17 and May 19, 2022 from David Smith concerning the Rhode Island Bicycle Summit to be held on June 3rd and June 4th, and providing an ecoRI News article relative to Bike Month are received and placed on file.
(CA) 7K. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that any communication added to the Agenda subsequent to this is hereby added by majority vote, in accordance with RIGL §42-46-6 (b) Notice --… “Nothing contained herein shall prevent a public body, other than a school committee, from adding additional items to the agenda by majority vote of the members. Such additional items shall be for informational purposes only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official.”
(CA) 12B. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Tax Assessor to abate taxes in the total amount of $697.43, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 601.
(CA) 12C. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Clerk to advertise by reference for Order of Notice a Public Hearing relative to adoption of the FY 2022-2023 Position Allocation to Pay Schedule.
(CA) 12L. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a claim filed by Stephen Adams, Esquire on behalf of his client, Linda Savastano relative to her separation from employment with the South Kingstown School Department be referred to the Town Solicitor, the Town’s insurance carrier, and the School Superintendent.
(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.”
7I. Communication Item 7I is brought forward, and discussion ensues relative to the importance of educating the public on the Town Council’s lack of authority on School Committee matters. Michael Ursillo, Town Solicitor reviews the South Kingstown Town Charter provisions, the budget process, and the deadlines for the public to petition amendments to the municipal or school budgets. Mr. Ursillo notes that the deadline for budget petitions has passed and the Town cannot amend the budget unless it is a health or safety emergency, and the School Committee has the ability to manage the line items within their funds allocated by the Council.
President McEntee invites residents to come forward with comments.
Marie Lavilez is present and comments on increasing the school budget in the future to be consistent with increasing costs, the timing of the School Committee’s process and decision to eliminate the DLI Program, and the importance of recognizing the concerns of education for the children.
Mark Kravatz is present and comments on the meetings held by the Town Council and School Committee relative to the budget, the percentage of the student population enrolled in the DLI Program, the School District’s presentation on the school budget deficit, and notification to the Town Council of the deficit and concerns of transparency.
Vanessa Armano is present and comments in opposition to the elimination of the DLI Program, and the School Committee’s assessment of the Program.
Rava Patel, student is present and thanks the DLI Program teachers for their hard work and service.
Laura Erban is present and comments on the benefits of the DLI Program, and the importance of saving the Program.
Jesus de la Torre, DLI teacher is present and comments on the dedication of the DLI teachers, the results they are able to achieve, and the equitability of the Program.
Bob Mohr is present and comments on his concerns relative to the transparency of the decision to eliminate the DLI Program.
Pam Cottle is present and comments on her experience with the DLI Program, the benefits it has for children to learn another language, and the adverse effects of eliminating the Program.
Keri Kurtow is present and comments on parents’ interest in charter schools, and alternative options to save the Program.
Son of Keri Kurtow is present and comments on the importance of working together as a community and saving the DLI Program.
Soli Smith, student is present and comments on her experience and love for the DLI Program.
Imar Kupacati is present and comments on his experience with the DLI Program, and the value of learning and speaking another language.
Donna Shirley is present and comments on her family’s experience with the DLI Program, in opposition to the elimination of the Program, and notes that most Countries are bilingual.
Jayden Reilly, student is present and comments on her love for the DLI Program.
Sadie Anderchow, Student is present and comments on the value of the Program.
Nathaniel Barnett is present and comments on correspondence received from the School Superintendent relative to a transition Spanish course for students in the 6th grade, and the timeline of the School Committee’s decision to eliminate the Program.
Maya Hubbard, student is present and comments in support of the other public comments, and explains the effects of finding out that the Program was being eliminated.
Michelle Connery and daughter Allah are present and comment on their experience with the DLI Program, and their love for the Program.
Josephine Defusco is present and comments on the benefits and outcomes of the Program, and encourages the Council to have the School Committee reevaluate their decision.
Cody Ochs is present and comments on correspondence received from the School Superintendent relative to the DLI Program, and encourages the Council to have the School Committee reevaluate their decision.
Katie Garvin is present and comments that her children are in the DLI Program, and requests an additional year to continue the Program while figuring out how to keep the Program indefinitely.
Josh Daly is present and comments on his experience with the DLI Program, and the importance and benefits of continuing with the Program.
Erin Papa, faculty member, Rhode Island College in World Languages Education is present and comments on her involvement in the creation of the DLI Program, and the history and purpose of the Program.
Alyssa Bennett is present and comments on moving to South Kingstown for the DLI Program, and the advantages of the Program and learning a second language.
Maryellen Cedrone Cooper is present and comments on her experience with the Program, thanks the teachers for their service, and requests the Council to advocate for the Program.
Suki Butler, student is present and comments on her experience with the Program.
Jen Matthew is present and comments on her experience with the Program, the Town’s school system, and expresses concerns relative to declining enrollment at the schools.
Alejandro Martinez is present and comments on his experience with the Program, and the importance of celebrating diversity.
Barbara Slade is present and expresses concerns relative to the management of the School Committee and the budget, and comments on the Town values and community support.
Joe Daly is present and comments on the value of education, in opposition to the elimination of the Program, and that the Program is an asset to the Town.
Cathleen Car is present and comments on her experience with the Program, and the informal Facebook survey residents completed relative to parents that moved to the Town for the DLI Program.
Randy Dimock is present and comments in support of the Program, and requests the Council to advocate for the Program.
Marjorie Perkins is present and comments on Communication Item K relative to adding additional items to the Agenda that require immediate action on the Council’s part.
The Town Solicitor reviews that provision and provides options that the Council can take action on.
Ms. Perkins comments on the Town’s budget and the independent auditors that review the budget.
Council President McEntee explains the independent auditor’s process and purpose, and discussion ensues relative to the Town’s budget process and the lump sum that is transferred to the School for their budget.
The Town Council discusses their limitations in swaying the School Committee’s decisions, the School Committee’s control over the School Department’s budget, encourages the public to express their concerns at School Committee meetings, and the value of the DLI Program.
Caitlin Bellucci is present and comments on the consequences and effects of eliminating the Program, and her experience with the Program.
Karen Hanecak is present and thanks the Council for their willingness to discuss this issue, other authorities that the public can submit their grievances to, and extends an invitation to the Council to attend the next School Committee meeting to advocate for the Program.
Discussion ensues relative to processes to dispute the School budget, and if a supplementary budget request is allowed. The Town Solicitor reviews the definition of an emergency and budget provisions under the Town Charter.
Imar Kupacati comments on School Committee Members being elected by the teachers union and inquires about a process to remove members.
The Town Solicitor notes there are no recall provisions in the Town, and the way to change School Committee Members would be to vote for other candidates.
Sarah Smith is present and thanks the Council for listening to the public’s concerns, expresses concerns relative to the School Committee’s transparency, and requests the Council send a letter to the School Committee to request the decision to eliminate the DLI Program be reevaluated.
Doug Perkins is present and comments in support of the DLI Program, expresses concerns relative to transparency, and requests the Council to advocate for the Program.
Brina (last name unknown) is present and comments on what could be considered an emergency public health crisis in order to amend the budget for additional School funding.
Ryan McNally is present and comments on his experience with the Program, concerns about transparency, and potential recourse the public can take to change the School Committee’s decision.
The Town Solicitor notes that the School Committee acted in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, and since the School Committee took a vote an injunction would not be applicable with the Supreme Court.
Beth Violette is present and comments on her experience at the School Committee meeting, and speaks in opposition to the elimination of the DLI Program and the decisions made by the Committee.
Bronwyn Maguire is present and comments on the School’s budget cuts, and potential actions the Council could take.
Camia Dimock is present and requests that Council Vice President Collins and Councilwoman Rose give their thoughts on the DLI Program, and requests the Council to publicly support the Program.
Council Vice President Collins speaks in support of the DLI Program, reviews the funding being provided to the schools, and encourages the public to participate in the Town’s budget process.
Councilwoman Rose speaks in support of the DLI Program, the management of the Program, and reassures the public speakers that they have been heard.
Ms. Dimock requests the Council to publicly support the Program.
Discussion ensues relative to School Committee decisions, requesting the School Committee to re-inspect their budget to reinstate the DLI Program, and the ability to send a letter with this request.
Discussion ensues relative to the FY 2021/2022 surplus and if it can be used to close the School budget deficit.
The Town Manager notes the Town’s estimated surplus is $270,000. The Town Solicitor reiterates the Town’s budget process, inability to give the Town surplus to the schools, and recommends the School Committee reevaluate their budget.
Discussion ensues relative to the other potential program cuts the School could make if the DLI Program is reinstated.
Morgan Sowers is present and comments in support of the DLI Program, and expresses concerns relative to the other program cuts at the schools.
Viera Levitt is present and comments on the closing of Wakefield Elementary School, and expresses concerns relative to school program cuts.
Daughter of Marjorie Perkins is present and comments in support of all school programs, school redistricting areas, and the importance to have the budget reevaluated.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails dated May 17, May 18, and May 19, 2022 from Sarah Gaines, Bob Mohr, Lynne Broderick, Sarah Smith, Laura Erban, and Jaime Palter in opposition to the elimination of the South Kingstown School District’s DLI program are received, placed on file, and the Town Council directs that a letter be sent to the School Committee asking them to reconsider program cuts.
Discussion ensues relative to the separation of powers, and the importance of asking the School Committee to reevaluate their budget rather than demanding.
7. COMMUNICATIONS
A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a memorandum dated April 14, 2022 from Brian Wagner, Senior Planner submitting a request from the Historic District Commission to acknowledge the South Kingstown Preservation Award winners for 2022 selected by the HDC is received, placed on file, and continued to the June 13, 2022 meeting.
C. Kenneth Burke is present and requests to schedule a presentation on the Bicycle – Pedestrian Master Plan and a Complete Streets draft ordinance.
Discussion ensues, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 9, 2022 from Kenneth Burke, Chairman, Bicycle – Pedestrian Advisory Committee requesting to present the Bicycle – Pedestrian Master Plan and for consideration of a Complete Streets draft ordinance is received, placed on file, and the Town Council directed a presentation be scheduled for the Work Session on June 27, 2022 at 6:30 PM.
F. Discussion ensues relative to Representative Tanzi’s request to support House Bill 8113 for a $25 million Bike Mobility Bond Referendum, which has been held for further study.
Discussion ensues relative to keeping consistent with the goals and purpose of the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee, the upcoming Bicycle – Pedestrian Master Plan presentation, and the state review process with proposed bills.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 16, 2022 from Representative Teresa Tanzi requesting consideration of a draft resolution in support of House Bill 8113 An Act Relating to Capital Development Program – 2022 Bond Referenda that would authorize a $25 million Bike Mobility Bond Referendum Question on the ballot for the November 2022 General Election is received, placed on file, and the Town Council voted to support the legislation.
G. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 16, 2022 from Chris Hubbard tendering his resignation from the Sustainability Committee effective immediately is received, placed on file, and the Town Council directs that a letter of thanks be sent.
J. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 19, 2022 from Theresa Schimmel requesting a proclamation declaring the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day is received, placed on file, and a resolution is adopted as follows:
NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY
This proclamation declares the first Friday in June to be National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the Town of South Kingstown to honor and remember all victims and survivors of gun violence and to declare that we as a country must do more to reduce gun violence.
WHEREAS, every day, more than 110 Americans are killed by gun violence, alongside more than 200 who are shot and wounded, and on average there are nearly 16,000 gun homicides every year; and
WHEREAS, Americans are 26 times more likely to die by gun homicide than people in other high-income countries; and
WHEREAS, in Rhode Island there are 46 gun deaths every year, with a rate of 4.2 deaths per 100,000 people. The rate of gun deaths in Rhode Island has increased 73% from 2011 to 2020 in Rhode Island; and
WHEREAS, gun homicides and assaults are concentrated in cities, with more than half of all firearm related gun deaths in the nation occurring in 127 cities; and
WHEREAS, cities and towns across the nation, including in South Kingstown, are working to end the senseless violence with evidence-based solutions; and
WHEREAS, protecting public safety in the communities they serve is the highest responsibility of town officials; and
WHEREAS, support for the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens goes hand-in-hand with keeping guns away from people with dangerous histories; and
WHEREAS, town officials and law enforcement officers know their communities best, are the most familiar with local criminal activity and how to address it, and are best positioned to understand how to keep their citizens safe; and
WHEREAS, gun violence prevention is more important than ever as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exacerbate gun violence after more than two years of increased gun sales, increased calls to suicide and domestic violence hotlines, and an increase in city gun violence; and
WHEREAS, in January 2013, Hadiya Pendleton was tragically shot and killed at age 15; and on June 3, 2022 to recognize the 25th birthday of Hadiya Pendleton (born: June 2, 1997), people across the United States will recognize National Gun Violence Awareness Day and wear orange in tribute to Hadiya Pendleton and other victims of gun violence, and the loved ones of those victims; and
WHEREAS, the idea was inspired by a group of Hadiya’s friends, who asked their classmates to commemorate her life by wearing orange; they chose this color because hunters wear orange to announce themselves to other hunters when out in the woods and orange is a color that symbolizes the value of human life; and
WHEREAS, anyone can join this campaign by pledging to wear orange on June 3rd, the first Friday in June in 2022, to help raise awareness about gun violence; and
WHEREAS, by wearing orange on June 3, 2022 Americans will raise awareness about gun violence and honor the lives of gun violence victims and survivors; and
WHEREAS, we renew our commitment to reduce gun violence and pledge to do all we can to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, and encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our children safe.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of South Kingstown, RI declares the first Friday in June, June 3, 2022, to be National Gun Violence Awareness Day and encourage all citizens to support their local communities’ efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human lives.
8. COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED CITIZENS
Council President McEntee invites residents to come forward with comments.
Mr. McEntee acknowledges the passing of William “Billy” Forbes, and Councilwoman Kelso acknowledges the passing of former Robert Considine, a former Town Council President.
9. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
The Town Manager defers his report to the June 13, 2022 meeting. The Town Manager’s Interim Report dated May 12, 2022, and the Miscellaneous Report dated May 19, 2022 are accepted, approved and placed on file.
10. APPOINTMENTS
A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Michael Sherry to the Waterfront Advisory Commission for a term to expire in June 2025.
11. TOWN SOLICITOR’S REPORT
A. The Town Solicitor reports three options that the Council could exercise in relation to banning nips bottles:
1) The Council could pass a resolution requesting the General Assembly to enact legislation either authorizing local councils to enact nip bans or enact a statewide nips ban; or
2) The Council could request the Department of Business Regulations to enact a nips ban; or
3) The Council could request the Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Resources Recovery Corporation ban nip bottles.
David Flanders is present and comments on nips bottles being a matter of local concern, and requests the Council add the nip bottle ban to the existing Plastic Reduction Ordinance.
Discussion ensues relative to choosing all three options, adding the nips ban to the Plastic Reduction Ordinance and the consequences if challenged. The Town Solicitor reviews the provisions of alcohol laws and pre-emption rights.
Discussion ensues relative to litter problems within the Town, and ways to dispose of the nips bottles.
Bill McCusker is present and comments on the disposal of nips bottles, which are non-recyclable, and that a Bill banning nips has been held for further study by the General Assembly.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Solicitor to request the General Assembly to enact legislation either authorizing local councils to enact nip bans or enact a statewide nips ban, request the Department of Business Regulations to enact a nips ban, and to request the Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Resources Recovery Corporation ban nip bottles.
12. NEW BUSINESS
A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt a proclamation recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month in the Town of South Kingstown, as follows:
Resolution Recognizing the Month of June as South Kingstown Pride Month,
Honoring the Inherent Dignity of All People and Celebrating the Pride of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, lntersex, Asexual, and Other (LGBTQIA+) Community
WHEREAS, in June of 1969, the Stonewall Uprising sparked the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States, and worldwide, and has since served as the anchor for recognizing internationally the month of June as Pride Month; and
WHEREAS, the State of Rhode Island was founded on the principles of equality and freedom; and
WHEREAS, the State of Rhode Island has outlawed discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation since 1995, and on the basis of gender identity or expression since 2001; and
WHEREAS, on August 1, 2013, the State of Rhode Island became the fifteenth state in the country to pass marriage equality; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Kingstown has adopted an anti-harassment and discrimination policy that obligates all elected and appointed officials and employees to refrain from any harassment or discrimination, direct or indirect, against any group or individual; and
WHEREAS, Town policy specifically prohibits harassment or discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression; and
WHEREAS, the Council seeks to affirm that the Town and all residents of South Kingstown should celebrate the wondrous diversity and unalienable rights of all humanity; and
WHEREAS, the Council wishes to convey its commitment to continue to promote efforts to ensure toward the full legal, social and cultural equality for members of the LGBTQIA+ community within South Kingstown, statewide, and beyond.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown officially recognize the month of June as South Kingstown Pride Month.
D. Lance Whaley, Fire Alarm / Communications Superintendent gives a brief background on the radio project contract and explains the need to change tower locations, increase the contract amount and include a contingency. Mr. Whaley notes the new tower location will be at Union Fire District Station 6 because the original location, Narragansett Fire Station 3, is not town owned and would require extensive construction upgrades; and that Town staff will provide a portion of the labor to lower costs. Discussion ensues relative to grants the Town could apply for to help offset costs, and the status of the project.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an amendment to an award of contract originally granted on December 13, 2021 to Marcus Communications, LLC, 33 Mitchell Drive, PO Box 1498, Manchester, CT 06045 for implementation, construction, subscribers, and delivery of a turnkey UHF Simulcast System in accordance with their proposal, from an amount not to exceed $2,692,842 to an amount not to exceed $3,086,687, including a contingency; and as further described in a memorandum from the Fire Alarm/Communications Superintendent to the Town Manager dated May 11, 2022 and entitled “Public Safety UHF Voice Radio Communications System, Contract Amendment #1.”
E. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of purchase to Ricoh USA Incorporated, PO Box 41564, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1564, for two (2) multi-functional copy machines in a total amount not to exceed $14,363, including trade-in allowances; as described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 16, 2022 and entitled “Multi-Functional Copy Machines - Recommendation.”
F. Jon Schock, Public Services Director advises that there was a scrivener’s error relative to the excess allowance for the additional unit charge in the previous rate schedule, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an amendment to the water user rate schedule adopted May 9, 2022, effective July 1, 2022 as follows, and amending the Town’s Schedule of Fees; as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 16, 2022 and entitled “FY 2022-23 Water User Fee Adjustment – Additional Unit Excess Allowance Correction.”
|
|
| ||
| | in Advance | Allowance | |
| First Unit (5/8" meter) | $55.00 | 1,250 cu.ft. | |
| Each Additional Unit | $27.50 | 500 cu.ft. | |
| Excess water use over the allowance at commodity rates. | |||
G. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an amendment to a contract originally awarded on April 26, 1999, and amended on March 26, 2007, February 22, 2010, March 11, 2013, March 9, 2015, June 27, 2016 and March 25, 2019 to Geological Field Services, Inc., 156 Tremont Street, Melrose, MA 02176 for landfill gas consulting engineering services from an amount not to exceed $60,000 to an amount not to exceed $85,000; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 17, 2022 and entitled “Rose Hill Landfill Methane Monitoring - Consulting Engineering Contract Amendment.”
H. Discussion ensues relative to Town reimbursement of costs for the proposed EMS station at Matunuck Fire Station, and the Town Manager notes that the invoice includes architectural services only. Discussion ensues that the funding source would come from ARPA funds.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize reimbursement to the Union Fire District for costs associated with the previously proposed EMS building on the Matunuck Fire Station property in an amount not to exceed $11,089; and as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of EMS to the Town Manager dated May 17, 2022 and entitled “UFD Reimbursement – SK Town Share of Costs Associated with EMS Building.”
I. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Trumbull Printing, 205 Spring Hill Road, Trumbull, CT 06611 to provide brochure printing services, in accordance with all bidding specifications, in an amount not to exceed $8,232 per year for a term of three years for FY2022-2023 through FY2024-2025; and as further described in a memorandum from the Leisure Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 18, 2022 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Recreation Brochure Printing #SK0110RD.”
J. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Northeast Promotion and Apparel, 297 Hamilton Street, Leominster, MA 01453 for the purchase of Recreation program shirts for a three-year period, in an amount not to exceed $13,240; as further described in a memorandum from the Leisure Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 18, 2022 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Recreation T-Shirts #SK0111RD.”
K. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize a three (3) year contract to ThinkGard LLC, 160 Yeager Parkway, Suite 200, Pelham, AL 35124 for Office 365 backup services in the amount of $5,625 per year for a total contract amount not to exceed $16,875; as described in a memorandum from the Director of Technology to the Town Manager dated May 17, 2022 and entitled “Award of Bid for Office 365 Backup Services.”
13. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to recess to Closed Executive Session at 10:42 PM pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(1) to discuss matters pertaining to personnel.
Regular Session is reconvened at 10:55 PM, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to seal the minutes of the Closed Executive Session held pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(1) to discuss matters pertaining to personnel.
It is noted that votes were taken in Closed Executive Session.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adjourn at 10:56 PM.
Susan M. Flynn, CMC
Town Clerk