WORK SESSION

 

JUNE 12, 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 12^th day of June 2023 at 6:30 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Rory H. McEntee, President

Michael K. Marran, Vice President

Patricia A. Alley

Deborah D. Bergner

Jessica L. Rose

 

 

 

1.         A.        WORK SESSION WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

 

Larry Fish, Chairman addresses the Town Council on behalf of the members of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) regarding issues of priority to the group. Their first priority is a recommendation for the immediate creation of a Commercial Highway (CH) overlay district, and the hiring of a Project Manager or designation of Town staff to draft the necessary changes. There is a concern that commercial properties in the center of Town are being sold to new owners without updated regulations in place.

 

The Village revitalization project’s downtown proposal should include stormwater management, improvements to the municipal parking lot, the Saugatucket River and Park, and a grant writer to work with the Main Street organizations for best use of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

 

A study needs to be conducted of the Town’s surplus property for reuse potential, but the EDC needs guidance from the Town Council in this regard.

 

The Town should reinstate the Town Gown meetings with officials from URI. The University’s 5 year plan is a positive step, but South County Hospital should be integrated as well.

 

Mr. Fish notes that the EDC could absorb the SMART Committee as a sub-committee if the group were to be disbanded as a formal committee.

 

Mr. Fish comments on the traffic flow at Dale Carlia Corner in the center of downtown Wakefield. It is stated that the timing of the pedestrian crossing lights make drivers avoid going through town, which affects businesses.

 

Jamie Rabbitt, Director of Planning responds to the recommendation to create a CH overlay district for the Old Tower Hill Road area. A Request for Quotation for consulting services to develop mixed-use zoning regulations is set to be returned by June 29^th. Mr. Rabbitt notes that an increase in density will increase traffic, and a financial analysis needs to be undertaken.

 

Discussion ensues regarding the timeline for selecting a consultant and choosing the scope of services to be about 8 weeks. Discussion ensues regarding the timeline for adopting new regulations. Mr. Rabbitt indicates this will span a 13-month timeframe covering the current fiscal year through the beginning of FY 2025.

 

Mr. Fish asks that an emergency overlay district be created now. 

 

Discussion ensues.

The Director of Planning discusses the stormwater mitigation that is already included in the Village Revitalization Project.

 

With regard to the Town’s surplus property, it is noted that the Town is already conducting a feasibility study of South Road property, and may add other buildings to the study in the future.

 

Discussion ensues regarding moving the SMART Committee to a sub-committee of the EDC, and clarifying the charge of the group.

 

Discussion ensues regarding adjusting the timing of the Dale Carlia traffic signal, which is controlled by the RI Department of Transportation.

 

The EDC will meet with the Town Council again at their first meeting in August.

 

1.         B.        INTERVIEWS

 

The Town Council interviews Andrew Holt relative to his interest in being appointed to the Economic Development Committee.

 

The Town Council interviews Connor Duckworth relative to his interest in being reappointed to the Waterfront Advisory Commission.

 

The Town Council interviews Sarah Lindley Smith relative to her interest in being reappointed to the Waterfront Advisory Commission.

 

1.         C.        WORK SESSION

 

The Town Council takes a brief recess.

 

Convened to Regular Session.

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

 

JUNE 12, 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 12^th day of June 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.

 

3.         ROLL CALL

 

Roll Call is taken and all members are present.

 

4.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

A.        Work Session:  VOTED: that the minutes of the Work Session held on May 22, 2023 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

Councilwoman Bergner abstained due to her absence from that meeting.

 

B.        Regular Session:  VOTED: that the minutes of the Regular Session held on May 22, 2023 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

Councilwoman Bergner abstained due to her absence from that meeting.

 

5.         CONSENT AGENDA

 

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

 

(CA)    A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to PKR Serendipity LLC d/b/a Swirls & Scoops, 1922 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Paulina Reves, Member; Renewal. License No. 70851.

 

(CA)    B.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award to Ricoh USA Incorporated, PO Box 41564, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1564 for one (1) multi-function copier in an amount not to exceed $7,679; as described in a memorandum from the Planning Director to the Town Manager dated June 2, 2023 and entitled “Multi-Functional Copy Machine - Recommendation.”

 

(CA)    C.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Tax Assessor to abate taxes in the total amount of $632.24, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 620.

 

(CA)    D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to North-Eastern Tree Service, Inc. in accordance with Rhode Island Master Price Agreement #372 pricing for tree removal and pruning at Old Mountain Field in an amount not to exceed $8,600; and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services to the Town Manager dated June 6, 2023 and entitled “Old Mountain Field Tree Removal and Pruning Recommendation.”

 

(CA)    E.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to RI Flags LLC, 909 Boston Neck Road, Unit 2, Narragansett, RI 02882 to refurbish the flagpole at the Town Hall and add a yardarm in an amount not to exceed $3,000; as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of Police to the Town Manager dated June 7, 2023 and entitled “Town Hall Flagpole – Retrofit to Add Yardarm.”

 

(CA)    F.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award to Ricoh USA Incorporated, PO Box 41564, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1564 for a multifunction copier in an amount not to exceed $8,124; as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Administrative Services to the Town Manager dated June 4, 2023 and entitled “Recommendation for Purchase Award – Town Manager’s Multifunction Copier.”

 

(CA)    G.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award to Ricoh USA Incorporated, PO Box 41564, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1564 for a multifunction copier in an amount not to exceed $5,564; as further described in a memorandum from the Library Director to the Town Manager dated June 6, 2023 and entitled “Multi-Functional Copy Machine – Recommendation.”

 

6.         LICENSES

 

A.        Brandon Viens, COO is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Victualling License to Daisey Beckham, LLC d/b/a Pokemoto, 26 South County Commons Way, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Timothy O’Connor, Member; New. License No. 77592.

 

7.         NEW BUSINESS

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt a proclamation recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month in the Town of South Kingstown, as follows:

 

Resolution of the South Kingstown Town Council

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; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the South Kingstown Town Council, officially designate the month of June as South Kingstown Pride Month.

 

B.        James Manni, Town Manager comments in support of the purchase of police air drones.

 

Matthew Moynihan, Chief of Police is present and discusses the essential role of the air drones to public safety. It is noted that the drone footage is synced with law enforcement cameras and the footage will be stored in the same place.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award to Axon Enterprises, Inc., 17800 N 85^th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 for the purchase of Axon Air Police Drone Bundle Package, complete with thermal drone hardware, Axon Air UAS software licensing for a five-year period, and virtual training, per quote dated May 15, 2023, in an amount not to exceed $18,242; as described in a memorandum from the Chief of Police to the Town Manager dated May 15, 2023 and entitled “Award Recommendation - Axon Air Police Drone Bundle Package.”

 

C.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award to Narragansett Gasoline Co., Inc., PO Box 489, Narragansett, RI 02882 for automated exterior car wash services at the discounted unit cost of $9.00 per vehicle, pricing to be valid through June 30, 2024, with the option to extend at the same unit prices if mutually agreeable to both parties; as described in a memorandum from the Chief of Police to the Town Manager dated May 31, 2023 and entitled “Award Recommendation – Automated Exterior Car Wash Services.”

 

D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to Bartending by Dennis Inc.,  3 Johnson Avenue, Narragansett, RI 02882 for provision of licensed and certified alcohol service at Saugatucket Park on June 17, 2023 from noon to 4:00 PM in an amount not to exceed $10,250; and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services to the Town Manager dated June 1, 2023 and entitled “Contract Recommendation - for Professional Alcohol Catering Service – 300th Anniversary Picnic.”

 

Richard Bourbonnais, Director of Public Services reviews Items 7E through 7K, 7P and 7R.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the uses for a variable message sign, and one of the proposed vendors for the Pavement Preservation Program.

 

E.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to JCI Jones, 40 Railroad Avenue, Merrimack, NH 03054 for sodium bisulfite at the unit bid price of $2.280 per gallon; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 15, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Wastewater Chemicals.”

 

F.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Borden & Remington Corp., PO Box 2573, Fall River, MA 02722 for sodium hypochlorite at the unit bid price of $2.2584 per gallon; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 15, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Wastewater Chemicals.”

 

G.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to International Dioxcide, Inc., 40 Whitecap Drive, North Kingstown, RI 02852 for sodium chlorite at the unit bid price of $11.30 per gallon; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 15, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Wastewater Chemicals.”

 

H.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Traffic Logix Corporation, 3 Harriet Lane, Spring Valley, NY 10977 for a Variable Message Sign in an amount not to exceed $16,599; as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 16, 2023 and entitled “Variable Message Sign – Town Council Recommendation.”

 

I.          UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize awards of bid to Dosch King Company Inc., 16 Troy Hills Road, Whippany, NJ 07981 for single ⅜” treated stone seal with latex at the unit price bid of $2.68 per square yard; and to Sealcoating Inc. d/b/a Indus, 825 Granite Street, Braintree, MA 02184 for crack sealing at the unit price bid of $12.87 per gallon, with a total sum cost for all pavement management services above not to exceed $290,000 for FY 2022-2023 and $280,000 for FY 2023-2024; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 19, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Pavement Preservation Program.”

 

J.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid for miscellaneous road building materials to the following bidders at the unit prices bid; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 31, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation - Road Building Materials.”

 

 

 

K.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid for Drainage/ Concrete Curb/ Retaining Wall Materials to the following bidders at the unit prices bid; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 31, 2023 and entitled Bid Recommendation - Drainage/ Concrete Curb/ Retaining Wall Materials.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Alamo Industrial Group, Inc., 1502 East Walnut Street, Sequin, TX 78155 through Sourcewell Contract #070821 for a Heavy-Duty Grass Flail, Swivel mower head in an amount not to exceed $20,569; as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 5, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – HD Grass Flail Mower Head.”

 

R.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Bobcat of RI, 421 Lincoln Avenue, Warwick, RI 02888 for a 24” Road Planer under State of RI MPA #91 in an amount not to exceed $25,186; as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 5, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – 24” Road Planer.”

 

L.         James Rabbitt, Planning Director is present and reviews the solicitation of requests for qualifications (RFQ) from consultant firms for architectural services associated with the design of the proposed new EMS building on Ministerial Road. It is recommended that the Town retain Union Studio for these services.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to Union Studio, 160 Mathewson Street #201, Providence, RI 02903 for architectural services for the proposed EMS building on Ministerial Road in an amount not to exceed $127,500; as described in a memorandum from the Planning Director to the Town Manager dated June 2, 2023 and entitled “Architectural Services (EMS Building, Ministerial Road) Recommendation.”

 

Mark Russo, Facilities Superintendent is present and reviews Items 7M and 7N. In June 2022, an invitation to bid for an articulating boom lift was advertised but all bids exceeded Facilities funding for this item in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). With sufficient CIP multi-year funding available in FY 2023, a second invitation to bid was advertised and it is requested to authorize an award of bid to Evergreen Specialty Services.

 

M.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reject all bids opened on June 24, 2022 at 9AM for the Articulating Boom Lift SK0005FAC; as further described in a memorandum from the Facilities Superintendent to the Town Manager dated June 3, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Articulating Boom Lift.”

 

N.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Evergreen Specialty Services, 21 Sioux Drive, Commack, NY 11725 for the purchase of one 2023 Nifty Lift SP 34 4X4 Bi-Energy in accordance with all bid specifications in an amount not to exceed $56,750; and as further described in a memorandum from the Facilities Superintendent to the Town Manager dated June 3, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Articulating Boom Lift.”

 

O.        Brian Silvia, Finance Director is present and reviews the selection process, costs, and the budget services provided by the financial software programs being proposed for purchase.

 

James Manni, Town Manager comments on the inefficiency of the current budget process and notes the proposed software will help mainstream the process.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to ClearGov, 2 Mill & Main, Suite 630, Maynard, MA 01754 under Buyboard Purchasing Cooperative Agreement #692-23 for web-based budget software programs for a 3-year term from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026, in accordance with bid specifications, in a total contract amount not to exceed $101,659 including implementation and training costs; and as further described in a memorandum from the Finance Director to the Town Manager dated June 7, 2023 and entitled “ClearGov Bundled Digital Budget Software.”

 

Q.        The Town Manager discusses the Marina Park Boat Ramp Project. There is a grant requirement to have the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities (GCD) review the project plans, and additional financial assistance has been received from the RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) in order to incorporate the required changes.

 

Theresa Murphy, Director of Leisure Services is in attendance and reviews the $280,000 grant from RIDEM and the Federal Sport Fish Restoration program. GCD’s review of the project expanded the scope of work in order to meet ADA accessibility requirements and RIDEM is providing an additional $100,000 to assist the Town in completing this project.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an amendment to an existing contract, originally granted on October 11, 2022, to New England Building and Bridge Company, 388 Veazie Street, Providence, RI 02904 for construction of the Marina Park Boat Ramp and Town Dock from an amount not to exceed $643,160 to an amount not to exceed $735,860, in accordance with the amended specified scope of work required for ADA accessibility; as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services to the Town Manager dated June 6, 2023 and entitled “Recommendation for Contract Amendment – Marina Park Boat Ramp Project.”

 

S.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award to Strobes N More, 81 Tom Harvey Road, Westerly, RI 02891 for the installation of emergency lights and accessories, pricing per State of RI MPA #566, in an amount not to exceed $17,500, including a contingency; and as further described in a memorandum from the Police Chief to the Town Manager dated June 6, 2023 and entitled “Award Recommendation – Emergency Lighting and Accessories (V407).”

 

Mark Russo, Facilities Superintendent reviews Items 7T and 7U. In March 2022, an invitation to bid was advertised for boiler replacement at the Public Safety Complex, but all bids exceeded available funding. A second invitation to bid was advertised in May 2023 that included boiler replacement at the Neighborhood Guild. Funding for these projects is available in the Public Safety Building Capital Reserve and Neighborhood Guild Building Improvement Bond.

 

T.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reject all bids opened on April 1, 2022 at 10AM for the Public Safety Complex Boiler Replacement Design/Build SK0056PD; and as further described in a memorandum from the Facilities Superintendent to the Town Manager dated June 6, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Boiler Replacements for Public Safety Complex and Neighborhood Guild SK0007FAC.”

 

U.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Coyne Mechanical Inc., 347 Tourtellot Hill Road, Chepachet, RI 02814 for Boiler Replacements at the Public Safety Complex in an amount not to exceed $138,000 and Neighborhood Guild in an amount not to exceed $133,000, including a contingency for each project; and as further described in a memorandum from the Facilities Superintendent to the Town Manager dated June 6, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Boiler Replacements for Public Safety Complex and Neighborhood Guild SK0007FAC.”

 

V.         James Rabbitt, Planning Director reviews the mission statement and charge of the Route 1 Stewardship Plan Development Committee. The Town solicited requests for qualifications (RFQ) from qualified consultants to provide planning/transportation consulting services to assist in the final development of a draft Stewardship Plan for the Town’s Route 1 corridor. Mr. Rabbitt provides the goals and objectives that the consultant will be responsible for drafting. It is noted that the Route 1 Stewardship Plan Development Committee will have completed its charge once the Stewardship Plan is complete.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to Beta Group, 701 George Washington Highway, Lincoln, RI 02865 for planning/transportation consulting services for the Route 1 Stewardship Plan in an amount not to exceed $30,000; as further described in a memorandum from the Planning Director to the Town Manager dated June 2, 2023 and entitled “Planning/Transportation Consultant Services (Route 1 Stewardship Plan) Recommendation.”

 

W.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Clerk to advertise for Order of Notice two Public Hearings relative to the Town of South Kingstown’s intent to apply for Community Development Block Grant funds to improve building infrastructure within the Town; as further described in a memorandum from the Planning Director to the Town Manager dated June 7, 2023 and entitled “SK Community Development Block Grant Program FY23/24 Application.”

 

X.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Shanix Technology, 40 Worthington Road, Cranston, RI 02920 for audio-visual equipment for the Council Chambers in an amount not to exceed $89,781, including a $5,000 contingency; and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Technology to the Town Manager dated June 7, 2023 and entitled “Award of Bid for Council Chambers Audio-Visual Equipment.”

 

Y.         Brian Silvia, Finance Director and Mark Capuano, Tax Assessor review the annual tax collection procedures including tax due dates, quarterly payment schedule, interest due on delinquent taxes, one-time waiver of interest on one overdue tax payment, and the levy on the current year taxes for the upcoming fiscal year. Assessed values have increased slightly since adoption of the budget, which in turn has decreased the proposed tax rate from $11.07 to $11.05.

 

Discussion ensues regarding implications for the proposed school bond, potential budget surplus and the status of pending tax appeals.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize tax collection procedures, as follows:

 

TAX RESOLUTIONS

 

BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council hereby orders the assessment and collection of a tax on the ratable real estate and tangible personal property in a sum not more than $77,000,000; said tax is for the ordinary expenses and charges, for the payment of interest and indebtedness, in whole or in part of said Town, and for other purposes authorized by law.  The Tax Assessor shall assess and apportion said tax on the inhabitants and ratable property of said Town as of the 31st day of December, A.D. 2022 at Twelve o’clock midnight, according to law (the date of assessment) and shall, on completion of said assessment, date, certify, and sign the same and deliver to and deposit the same in the office of the Town Clerk on or before the 15th day of August, A.D. 2023;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the Town taxes shall be due and payable on and between August 1, 2023, and August 31, 2023, and all taxes remaining unpaid after August 31, 2023, shall carry until collected a penalty at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum upon such unpaid tax, with the exception of taxes being paid under the quarterly installment law.  For purposes of calculating the appeal period for relief from the tax assessment, said appeal period shall run from August 1, 2023;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that said taxes, if levied in excess of One Hundred dollars ($100.00), may be paid in quarterly installments, the first installment of twenty-five percent (25%) on or before the 1st day of August 2023 and the remaining installments as follows: twenty-five percent (25%) on or before the 1st day of November 2023; twenty-five percent (25%) on or before the 1st day of February 2024; twenty-five percent (25%) on or before the 1st day of May 2024.  Each installment of taxes, if paid on or before the last day of each installment period successively and in order, shall be free from any charge for interest.

 

If the first installment or any succeeding installment of taxes is not paid prior to the first (1st) day of the next calendar month following the last date of the respective installment period or periods as they occur, then the whole tax or remaining unpaid balance of the tax as the case may be, shall immediately become due and payable and shall carry until collected a penalty at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum from August 1, 2023 for real and personal property taxes, and motor vehicle excise tax as allowed by the laws of the State of Rhode Island.  Upon payment of any and all delinquent quarterly installments together with interest accrued on the full unpaid balance of the tax, the right to pay the remaining taxes on the installment basis will be reinstated.  Pursuant to R.I.G.L. 44-5-8.1, per Chapter 17 Article VIII of the Town of South Kingstown’s Code of Ordinances, the Town is authorized to permit a waiver of interest on one quarter’s overdue real estate property tax payment.  To receive a waiver on a penalty charge, a tax account must satisfy all conditions specified and adopted in the Town of South Kingstown’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 17, Article VIII;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the Tax Collector is ordered and directed to make levy or levies on all property or properties and persons.  Taxes assessed December 31, 2022, for 2023 taxes on Real Estate for which remain unpaid on the First Monday in March A.D. 2024, shall cause said Tax Collector to proceed according to law to collect said tax or taxes so delinquent;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the Director of Finance of this Town be and is hereby instructed and empowered to hire all necessary funds for the use of the Town for the year ensuing, and to renew all notes against the Town outstanding as may be found necessary.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the Director of Finance be and is hereby authorized to issue from time-to-time notes of the Town of South Kingstown, subject to the approval of the Town Council, in anticipation of the receipt of taxes assessed as of December 31, 2022.  Said borrowed moneys shall be used and expended for the payment of current liabilities and expenses of said Town of South Kingstown and shall be issued under the authority of Title 45-12-4 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, 1956 as amended.

 

Z.         James Rabbitt, Planning Director reviews the management of the Community Development Block Grant Program, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Manager to negotiate and enter into a management agreement/contract with the Church Community Housing Corporation for the purposes of administering/managing the Town’s Community Development Block Grant Program; as described in a memorandum from the Planning Director to the Town Manager dated June 5, 2023 and entitled “SK Community Development Block Grant Program FY23/24 Recommendation.”

 

8.         TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

A.        The Town Manager reports that a total of 5,832 persons voted at the Budget Referendum held on June 6^th at the Community Recreation Center.  The petition to decrease the Town’s Property Tax Transfer to the School Fund by $1.5 million was defeated 4,604 to 1,228. As a result, the Town Council’s Final Budget as adopted on April 24, 2023 is confirmed. The Town will begin preparing for the School Bond referendum that will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.   

 

B.        Mr. Manni informs the Council that Luke Murray will be stepping down as Chairman of the School Building Committee (SBC) after July 1^st but will remain as a member. Mr. Murray reports that provisions in the State Budget lifted the cap on housing bonuses to 20%, raising the Town’s possible reimbursement rate for the School Facilities Project to 55%. The deadline for start of construction has been extended to July 2024. The SBC interviewed firms for Owners Project Managers (OPM) and recommends the appointment of Left Field as the OPM for the School Facilities Project. The Stage II application to the RI Department of Education (RIDE) is in process and will be voted upon at their June 22^nd meeting. The Town Council will be asked to approve the submission of the Stage II application at their July 10^th meeting. The enabling legislation for the School Bond has been approved by the RI General Assembly. The Town Manager reports that the bill has been signed by the Governor. Discussion ensues regarding the School Bond Referendum.   

 

9.         PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Council President McEntee invites residents to come forward with comments.

 

Chris Iredale is present and comments on the deplorable condition of Historical Cemetery #2 located on Route 138.

 

The Town Manager responds that the owners/caretakers are responsible for the cemetery.

 

Bob Trager is present and comments on Town decisions, the importance of public comment, and the audio-visual improvements that will be made to the Town Council Chambers.

 

Jim O’Neill is present and comments on the State Aid increase in education and inquires if the Town will receive additional funding.

 

The Town Manager states that this is being monitored by the RI League of Cities and Towns.

 

Andrew Holt comments on the outcome of the Budget Referendum and thanks the Town Council and staff.

 

10.       COMMUNICATIONS           

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated May 20, 2023 from Lorraine A. Miller Horton concerning pedestrian safety in Peace Dale and asking for the release of the draft report on the use of ARPA funds for village revitalization prepared by Weston & Sampson Consulting Group is received, placed on file, and the Town Council directs that the information be made public.

 

B.        Discussion ensues relative to the purpose and investments managed by the Trustees of the South Kingstown School Funds, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 22, 2023 from James Lathrop tendering his resignation from the Trustees of the South Kingstown School Funds is accepted, and the Town Council directs that a letter of thanks be sent.

 

C.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 31, 2023 from Shawn J. Brown, Town Administrator, Town of Middletown seeking support for House Bill 2023 – H 5792 and Senate Bill 2023 – S 0454 entitled An Act Relating to Education – Foundation Level School Support that would amend the computation of school housing aid for school housing projects and would provide that construction of certain projects commence in June 2024 rather than December 2023 is received, placed on file, and the Town Council voted to support the legislation.

 

D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated June 3, 2023 from Dennis Migneault tendering his resignation as the Town’s representative on the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council is accepted, and the Town Council directs that a letter of thanks be sent.

 

E.         The Town Manager notes that URI and RIDEM have done research on Beech Tree Leaf Disease. Richard Bourbonnais, Public Services Director discusses the Town’s tree management practices, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails dated May 28, 2023 from Mario Briccetti and June 4, 2023 from Tom Kolodziej concerning treatment of local infestations of Beach Tree Leaf disease are received, placed on file, and referred to the Director of Public Services and Conservation Commission.

 

11.       APPOINTMENTS

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint Andrew Holt to the Economic Development Committee for a term to expire in March 2026.

 

B.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Connor Duckworth and Sarah Lindley to the Waterfront Advisory Commission for terms to expire in June 2026.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adjourn at 9:33 PM.

 

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk