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WORK SESSION
APRIL 10, 2023
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 10th day of April 2023 at 6:00 PM.
PRESENT: Rory H. McEntee, President
Michael K. Marran, Vice President
Patricia A. Alley
Deborah D. Bergner
Jessica L. Rose
1. A. WORK SESSION 
This Work Session will focus on a discussion of the Town Council’s Goals and Objectives for the 2022-2024 Term. James M. Manni, Town Manager presents an overview of the policy document, and notes that 3 of the members submitted their thoughts on items to add or update. The Council will review the 2020-2022 Goals and Objectives, make changes to the document, and then staff can prepare a draft document for formal adoption.
Council President McEntee reviews the items that have been done or are in the process of being done, including establishment of a Municipal Court and a School Facilities Project with a Bond Referendum anticipated in November. A rental registration program and mixed use zoning on Old Tower Hill Road are being reviewed, and then a homestead exemption may be explored.
Council Vice President Marran comments on working together on a better order for Council meetings, and that it can be frustrating for the public to wait to make comments until after votes have already been taken.
James Manni, Town Manager notes that most talk is generated by the communication items. New Business doesn’t generate much comment, if any.
Councilwoman Bergner comments that the current Town Council Goals and Objectives document is bulky. Ms. Bergner states that we need the community to know what the Council is working on. Ms. Bergner reviews goals she agrees with, and notes the public has the ability to comment at meetings during New Business.
Councilwoman Rose comments that the document should be easily digestible by the community.
Council President McEntee comments on focusing on tangible and achievable items.
Councilwoman Alley notes the current document includes great goals, and she would like to see some of them updated especially those with specific dates.
Discussion ensues relative to having broad goals, and a tangible list of goals that can be realistically accomplished in this term such as distribution of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, review of the Elderly Tax Exemption Program, and renovation of School buildings.
Discussion ensues relative to the suggestions submitted by Council members including sustainability, Comprehensive Transportation Study, housing affordability and diversity, a homestead exemption program, pursuit of government grants, impacts of sea level rise on infrastructure, south shore water issues, partnerships with URI, South County Hospital and other communities, streamlined Council meeting procedures, school facility planning and re-purposing of closed school buildings.
Councilwoman Alley suggests highlighting ongoing policies and projects such as the Jonnycake Center’s affordable housing project and the RIPTA transportation/bus hub.
Discussion ensues regarding having a broad topic meeting with the Planning Board, and meeting throughout the year with each of the Town boards and commissions at regular sessions.
The Town Manager reviews the Town Council’s short-term goals including implementation of a Municipal Court and a rental registration program, and long-term goals such as affordable housing.
Discussion ensues relative to the length of Town Council meetings.
Discussion ensues relative to having annual meetings with the local legislators and University officials, and to invite the Narragansett Tribe again.
Council President McEntee notes the goal of land acquisition of the Public Services building by South County Hospital, and expansion of affordable housing opportunities through the South Kingstown Housing Authority.
Discussion ensues relative to staff review of the Goals and Objectives to report back to the Town Manager regarding completion of some of the objectives.
The Town Manager requests the Town Council provide him with a list of their high priorities, for staff to prepare a draft document for their review at a future meeting.
1. B. INTERVIEWS
The Town Council interviews Robert Cagnetta relative to his interest in being reappointed to the Zoning Board of Review.
The Town Council interviews Susan Walsh relative to her interest in being reappointed to the Zoning Board of Review.
1. C. WORK SESSION (continued)
James M. Manni, Town Manager discusses his proposal to reorganize the order of the Town Council Agenda and place all Consent Agenda items together under that heading.
The Town Manager reviews the license items on this evening’s Agenda, including a Temporary Mass Gathering Permit to the 300th Anniversary Committee and DMP Painting to hold the Earth Day Post Clean-up Event and Mural Unveiling at 1428 Kingstown Road, Wakefield on Saturday, April 22nd.
Communication items are reviewed. Item 7I is a letter from a resident concerned with the recent controlled burn at Riverside Cemetery and asking that the practice be abolished. It has been determined that the Cemetery owners have hired the Union Fire District to conduct that burn on an annual basis for many years to control brush along their property.
Under the Town Manager’s Report an update on the School Building Committee will be presented by Luke Murray, Director of Administrative Services and Chair of the SBC. The Town Manager will discuss proposed revisions to the Council’s Agenda format.
The Town Solicitor will provide a report this evening on the General Assembly’s legislative package of housing bills.
New Business items are reviewed. Councilwoman Bergner describes her request under Item 12J to direct the Planning Department and Planning Board to initiate a review of the Zoning Ordinance and draft amendments to align medical marijuana regulations with recreational cannabis regulations.
Convened to Regular Session.
Susan M. Flynn, CMC
Town Clerk
REGULAR SESSION
APRIL 10, 2023
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 10th day of April 2023 at 7:30 PM.
PRESENT: Rory H. McEntee, President
Michael K. Marran, Vice President
Patricia A. Alley
Deborah D. Bergner
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.
Council President McEntee acknowledges the passing of Police Chief Matthew Moynihan’s father and extends the Town Council’s condolences.
3. ROLL CALL
Roll Call is taken and all members are present.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
A. Work Sessions: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Work Sessions held on March 6, March 7 and March 15, 2023 are accepted, approved and placed on file.
B. Regular Session: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Regular Session held on March 20, 2023 are accepted, approved and placed on file.
C. Closed Executive Session: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Closed Executive Session held on March 27, 2023 are sealed, and accepted.
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 Doughboys, LLC d/b/a NY Pizza of RI, 328 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to the submittal of current Retail Sales permit from the RI Division of Taxation. Application by Nabil Bahi, Member; Renewal. License No. 74694.
(CA) 12C. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Vinnie’s Mobile Food Shack, 20 Auburn Drive, Charlestown, RI 02813 for the operation of a mobile concession at the South Kingstown Town Beach during the 2023 and 2024 summer seasons, for a total payment amount of $1,000 in accordance with all bid specifications and subject to all RI Department of Health Food Service regulations; and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services to the Town Manager dated April 3, 2023 and entitled “Recommendation for bid award – Town Beach Concession Operation.”
(CA) 12E. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Assessor to abate taxes in the total amount of $6,302.83, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 615.
(CA) 12F. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Assessor to abate taxes in the amount of $27.38, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 616.
6. LICENSES
A. Discussion ensues, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Temporary Mass Gathering permit to the 300th Anniversary Committee and DMP Painting to hold the Earth Day Post Clean-up Event and Mural Unveiling at 1428 Kingstown Road, Wakefield on April 22, 2023 from 2 PM to 4 PM. Application by Theresa L. Murphy, Director of Leisure Services; New. License No. TMG-23-4.
B. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Victualling License to William Johnson d/b/a Willie’s Place, 1283 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to Communications, Union Fire and Department of Health approval. Application by William Johnson, Owner; New. License No. 75083.
7. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Dorald Beasley is present and discusses his email concerning the process of filling a vacancy on the School Committee in the same manner as filling a Town Council vacancy. Michael Ursillo, Town Solicitor explains the process of amending the Town Charter. Discussion ensues, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated March 13, 2023 from Dorald Beasley concerning the process to fill School Committee vacancies is received and placed on file.
B. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: than an email dated March 18, 2023 from Robert Grandchamp requesting a resolution in support of the rededication of the Civil War Memorial to the Seventh Rhode Island Volunteers at Vicksburg National Military Park is received, placed on file, and referred to the 300th Anniversary Committee’s Military Recognition Project.
C. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted March 22, 2023 by the Burrillville Town Council in opposition to RI 2023 gun control legislation is received and placed on file. The Town Council voted to support House Bills 2023 – H 5300 An Act Relating To Criminal Offenses -- Assault Weapons that would ban possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons, and 2023 – H 5434 An Act Relating To Criminal Offenses – Weapons that would require the safe storage of firearms.
D. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 2, 2023 from Edwin Wilder requesting amendments to the Town’s ordinances relative to parking on Pine Street is received, placed on file, and referred to the Police Chief.
E. Discussion ensues, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 3, 2023 from Dorald Beasley requesting a public hearing be scheduled concerning affordable housing, and concerning reuse of School properties is received and placed on file.
F. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted March 27, 2023 by the Charlestown Town Council in support of House Bill 2023 – H 5788 An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government – Tourism and Development that would revise the distribution formulas for each geographic district in the State is received, placed on file, and the Town Council voted to support this legislation.
G. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted April 3, 2023 by the Woonsocket City Council in support of House Bill 2023 – H 5160 and Senate Bill 2023 – S 0175 Acts Relating To Financial Institutions - Licensed Activities - Lenders And Loan Brokers - Check Cashing regarding Payday Lending reform is received, placed on file, and the Town Council voted to support this legislation.
H. A request by St. Romuald’s Chapel that the Town pave a sidewalk in front of the chapel is considered. Richard Bourbonnais, Director of Public Services reviews the road and sidewalk ownership and maintenance issues at that property. Discussion ensues, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated March 28, 2023 from Rev. Albert D. Ranallo, Pastor, St. Romuald Chapel requesting that the Town consider paving the Town sidewalk in front of the Chapel in Matunuck Village is received, placed on file, and referred to Town staff.
I. A letter concerning the recent controlled burn at Riverside Cemetery is considered. The Town Manager explains that the Cemetery has hired the Union Fire District to do an annual controlled burn for many years.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated April 2, 2023 from Jane Cronin concerning the annual controlled burn at Riverside Cemetery and asking that it be abolished is received and placed on file.
8. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
A. Luke Murray, Director of Administrative Services and Chairman of the School Building Committee (SBC) reports on their progress. At their last meeting they worked on getting a Request For Qualifications for a project manager to assist them with various planning aspects. A community survey is available on the SBC’s website seeking input on the new High School’s architectural design, and a second questionnaire seeking feedback on 10 basic site concepts. A field survey of the existing High School property and Curtis Corner Middle School has begun, which is required for the Stage II submission to the RI Department of Education.
B. The Town Manager reviews the reorganization of the Agenda format. The goal is to finish the business of the Town in a timely manner and look for efficiencies in conducting the meetings. Topics of discussion include a countdown clock for the public, time limits for public comments, a 3 or 5 minute rule. The Work Session is a rehearsal for the Agenda, but that time could be used to meet with the Town’s boards. It is suggested to group Consent Agenda items together under that heading. The draft format is reviewed. Discussion ensues, and it is decided to revise the Agenda format for the next meeting by moving New Business forward, and listing Public Comments before Communications.
9. TOWN SOLICITOR’S REPORT
A. Michael Ursillo, Town Solicitor reports on the Housing Bill legislative package, all of which are sitting in committee. The Town Council will be notified if any of those bills come up for review or discussion in the General Assembly.
Discussion ensues regarding inviting the local legislators to speak on pending legislation.
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Council President McEntee invites residents to come forward with comments.
Bryant DaCruz is present and comments in support of a time clock for public speaking and in regard to affordable housing.
Dorald Beasley comments on affordable housing, open space preservation, diversity of the student population, and the School Committee vacancy appointment process.
Jim O’Neill is present and comments that a bill extending the outdoor dining rules was signed by the Governor, and on affordable/workforce housing.
11. APPOINTMENTS
A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Susan Walsh to the Zoning Board of Review for a term to expire in March 2026.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Robert Cagnetta to the Zoning Board of Review for a term to expire in March 2026.
12. NEW BUSINESS
A. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to endorse House Bill 2023 – H 5639 An Act Relating to Education – Federal Aid that would establish a statewide universal school breakfast and lunch program in Rhode Island public schools through participation in federal programs to offset the costs.
B. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to George Sherman Sand & Gravel Co., Inc., 881 Curtis Corner Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 for the purchase and delivery of beach replenishment sand in accordance with all bid specifications in an amount not to exceed $11,000; and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services to the Town Manager dated March 29, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation, Beach Replenishment Sand.”
D. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to Acuity Brands Technology Service, Inc., One Lithonia Way, Conyers, GA 30012 for maintenance of Itron software and networking at the specified pricing of $0.64 per fixture, per month for a 5-year term to be paid from the Street Light Maintenance account #10130007-534000; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated March 29, 2023 and entitled “LED Streetlighting Network Maintenance Recommendation.”
G. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize a two-year extension of the original five (5) year lease between the Town of South Kingstown and Bruce Thunberg d/b/a Twin Peaks Land and Cattle Company, 501 Matunuck School House Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 to farm an approximately 22 acre parcel of property from December 31, 2022 through December 31, 2024, at the annual fee of $2,500. Said property being a portion of A.P. 92-2, Lot 39 as further identified on Town of South Kingstown GIS map #PL14-76 dated 12/14; and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Planning to the Town Manager dated April 6, 2023 and entitled “Town Beach – Agricultural Lease.”
H. Jamie Rabbitt, Director of Planning reviews a request for Town Council support of grant applications to the RI Commerce Corporation (RICC). The first application seeks a Street Scape Improvement Fund grant of $620,000 that would require a Town match of $200,000 for proposed street scape improvements to Wakefield and Peace Dale. The second application is by Perry Raso, Managing Member of Matunuck Market, LLC for a Site Readiness Grant for property located at 151 Old Tower Hill Road in Wakefield. RICC asks for 3 letters for support for these grant applications; the Town proposes to provide these from the Town Council, Economic Development Committee and the Planning Board. Discussion ensues relative to the Matunuck Market application, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Council President to submit letters of support for the Town’s applications to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation for the Site Readiness and Street Scape Improvement Fund Grant Program for proposed street scape improvements to Wakefield and Peace Dale, and site readiness (façade improvements) to Matunuck Market, LLC located at 151 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield; as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Planning to the Town Manager dated April 6, 2023 and entitled “Letters of Support to RI Commerce for Site Readiness and Street Scape Improvement Fund Grant Applications for Wakefield and Peace Dale Street Scape Improvements and Site Readiness Façade Improvements to Matunuck Market.”
I. The Director of Administrative Services reviews the research done on the South Road School property, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to direct the Town Manager to undertake a feasibility assessment of the South Road School property to determine highest and best use of the current building and/or site and prepare options for the future use or disposition of the property to be presented to the Town Council prior to further action; as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Administrative Services to the Town Manager dated April 6, 2023 and entitled “Future Use Study for the South Road School Property.”
J. Councilwoman Bergner discusses her request to investigate the Town’s cannabis regulations for medical and recreational facilities. Discussion ensues. The Director of Planning notes that the existing medical marijuana facility in West Kingston falls within the newly adopted overlay zone. Further discussion ensues, and it is
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to direct the Planning Department and Planning Board to initiate a review of the Zoning Ordinance and draft amendments to align medical marijuana regulations with recreational cannabis regulations.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adjourn at 9:50 PM.
Susan M. Flynn, CMC
Town Clerk