REGULAR SESSION

 

JUNE 26, 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 26^th day of June 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.         CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to recess to Closed Executive Session pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(1) to discuss matters pertaining to personnel regarding the position of Municipal Court and Housing Court Judge; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to litigation re: RI State Association of Fire Fighters et al. v. RI Department of Health et al.

 

Regular Session is reconvened at 6:49 PM, and it is

 

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 regarding the position of Municipal Court and Housing Court Judge; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to litigation re: RI State Association of Fire Fighters et al. v. RI Department of Health et al.

 

Councilwoman Bergner voted against.

 

It is noted that two votes were taken during the Closed Executive Session.

 

The Town Council takes a brief recess.

 

Convened to Work Session at 7:00 PM.

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

WORK SESSION

 

JUNE 26, 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 26^th day of June 2023 at 7:00 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Rory H. McEntee, President

Michael K. Marran, Vice President

Patricia A. Alley

Deborah D. Bergner

Jessica L. Rose

 

 

 

2.         A.        INTERVIEWS

 

The Town Council interviews Kevin C. Pelissier relative to his interest in being appointed to the Zoning Board of Review as an alternate member.

 

The Town Council interviews Sean Johnson relative to his interest in being reappointed to the Recreation Commission.

 

The Town Council interviews Elisabeth Gilbert Hoy relative to her interest in being appointed to the Sustainability Committee.

 

2.         B.        WORK SESSION

 

Council President McEntee reviews that the New Business items will be organized and brought forward by each Department Head. It is noted that members of the public will be permitted to ask questions during these items.

 

Council Vice President Marran notes that he will recuse himself from consideration of a renewal application by Daddy’s Bread for a Victualling License under Consent Agenda Item 6A.

 

The Council takes a brief recess.

 

Convened to Regular Session.

 

 

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 26^th day of June 2023 at 7:00 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Rory H. McEntee, President

Michael K. Marran, Vice President

Patricia A. Alley

Deborah D. Bergner

Jessica L. Rose

 

 

3.         A.        REGULAR SESSION

 

B.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag is given.

 

C.        LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT

 

The Land Acknowledgement Statement is read.

 

4.         ROLL CALL

 

Roll Call is taken and all members are present.

 

5.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

Council Vice President Marran notes that in the minutes under the Town Manager’s Report, the number of persons who voted during the Budget Referendum needs to be corrected from 5,382 to 5,832.

 

A.        Work Session: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Work Session held on June 12, 2023 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

B.        Regular Session: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Regular Session held on June 12, 2023 as amended are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

6.         CONSENT AGENDA

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to approve the Consent Agenda as indicated by (CA) on same, with the exception of Daddy’s Bread under Item 6A.

 

(CA)    B.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Theatre and Holiday Sales Licenses to Matunuck Live Theatre, Inc. d/b/a Theatre by the Sea 364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield, RI  02879.  Application by Tom Senter, Vice President and Secretary; Renewal.  License No. 79832.

 

(CA)    C.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling, Holiday Sales and Miscellaneous Peddlers Licenses to Dels Mon LLC d/b/a Del’s of South County, 49 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879.  Application by Emily Buonanno, Member; Renewal.  License No. 78761.

 

(CA)    D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant the Joint Petition #30621700 of Rhode Island Energy and Verizon New England to relocate Joint Pole 19 approximately 20’ northeast of its current location on the west side of Hundred Acre Pond Road and to use the public ways named for the purposes stated in said petition, that the work be done to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Services and notification to Town for municipal utility mark-out prior to pole setting, and that this approval is conditioned upon the removal of all existing double poles along the entire length of Hundred Acre Pond Road prior to new pole(s) placement; and any new double poles created as part of this request be removed within sixty (60) calendar days of new pole(s) placement.  Said petition is further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 31, 2023 and entitled “Rhode Island Energy Pole Setting Request – Pole 19 Hundred Acre Pond Road”. Book 6, page 20.

 

(CA)    E.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Tax Assessor to abate taxes in the total amount of $8,223.45, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 621.

 

(CA)    A.        VOTED: to grant a Victualling License to Daddy’s Bread, 805 Moonstone Beach Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Jennifer Hopkins Manzo, Owner; Renewal. License No. 59125.

 

Council Vice President Marran recuses himself.

 

7.         LICENSES

 

A.        Desiree Fournier is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to Nutrition Dynamix, 593 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Desiree Fournier, Owner; New. License No. 79918.

 

B.        Marissa Kervin is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Miscellaneous Peddler License to Allume Chocolate, LLC d/b/a Allume Chocolate, 370 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Marissa Kervin, Member; New. License No. 79527.

 

8.         PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

A.        Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is held relative to a proposed amendment to the Town Code, Chapter 10 Motor Vehicles and Traffic, as follows:

 

Chapter 10 Motor Vehicles and Traffic

 

Article II. Stopping, Standing and Parking

 

Option 1:

Sec. 10-46. One-hour parking zones.

No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any of the following streets or portions of streets, except to avoid conflict with other traffic, in excess of one (1) hour at any one (1) time:

* * * * *

Pine Street, northerly side, from Kenyon Avenue to a point two hundred ten (210) feet easterly of Kenyon Avenue;

 

Option 2:

Sec. 10-47. One-hour limit, except Sundays and holidays.

No person shall park a vehicle on any of the following streets in excess of one (1) hour, except Sundays and holidays:

* * * * *

Pine Street, northerly side, from Kenyon Avenue to a point two hundred ten (210) feet easterly of Kenyon Avenue.

 

Option 3:

Sec. 10-51. Two-hour limit between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

No person shall park a vehicle on any of the following streets in excess of two (2) hours at one (1) time, between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

* * * * *

Pine Street, northerly side, from Kenyon Avenue to a point two hundred ten (210) feet easterly of Kenyon Avenue.

 

Matthew Moynihan, Chief of Police is present and reviews the request submitted by a nearby church to allow parking on Pine Street during church services. Chief Moynihan provides an overview of Police and Public Services’ assessment of Pine Street involving the one-hour parking limit and staff’s recommended options. It is noted that additional parking spaces can’t be added to the street due to driveways and the width of the one-way street.

 

General discussion ensues in support of Option 2 to allow a one-hour parking limit with the exception of Sundays and holidays.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt amendments to the Town Code, Chapter 10 Motor Vehicles and Traffic, as follows:

 

Chapter 10 Motor Vehicles and Traffic

 

Article II. Stopping, Standing and Parking

 

Sec. 10-46. One-hour parking zones.

No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any of the following streets or portions of streets, except to avoid conflict with other traffic, in excess of one (1) hour at any one (1) time:

* * * * *

Pine Street, northerly side, from Kenyon Avenue to a point two hundred ten (210) feet easterly of Kenyon Avenue;

 

Sec. 10-47. One-hour limit, except Sundays and holidays.

No person shall park a vehicle on any of the following streets in excess of one (1) hour, except Sundays and holidays:

* * * * *

Pine Street, northerly side, from Kenyon Avenue to a point two hundred ten (210) feet easterly of Kenyon Avenue.

 

B.        Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is held relative to adoption of the FY 2023-2024 Position Allocation to Pay Schedule.

 

James Manni, Town Manager notes the major challenges of recruitment and retention of high-level staff. The key categories of attracting employees include the quality of life, pay scales, a title that accurately reflects what they do, and time off. Mr. Manni explains that later in the meeting he will discuss an operating budget surplus and how that came to be.

 

Lucas Murray, Director of Administrative Services gives a brief presentation on the annual review and changes to the Non-Union Position Allocation to Pay Schedule in accordance with Section 13-31(b) of the Town Code. Mr. Murray reviews the current hiring trends/challenges including competition with other municipalities and the private sector for a very limited pool of applicants, and senior staff often having to do more with less by finding ways to be more efficient. The Town’s personnel goals and strategies are to recruit, retain, train and maintain operational continuity. Mr. Murray reports on the non-union positions filled in FY 2022-2023.

 

The changes to the position allocations are as follows: addition of Public Services Librarian at Grade 6 to offset elimination of three part time positions; Parks Superintendent is retitled to Deputy Director of Leisure Services/Parks Superintendent and reassigned from Grade 13 to Grade 14; Facilities Superintendent is retitled to Facilities Director and reassigned from Grade 13 to Grade 14; Town Assessor was reassigned from Grade 13 to Grade 14 in July 2022 due to competitive labor market conditions; the Town Clerk is reassigned from Grade 14 to Grade 15 due to the added responsibilities of Municipal Court; Information Services Manager is retitled to Deputy Director of Information Technology; and the Town Engineer is retitled to Town Engineer/Deputy Director of Public Services and reassigned from Grade 15 to Grade 16.

 

The Town Manager reviews the following position allocation changes: the Director of Administrative Services is retitled to Deputy Town Manager/Director of Administrative Services and reassigned from Grade 16 to Grade 17 in consideration of new duties and responsibilities, and it is noted that the Finance Director and Public Services Director positions were reassigned from Grade 19 to Grade 18 in FY 2023 based on salary survey assessments.

 

Mr. Murray also notes a 2.25% salary increase as adopted in the FY 2023-2024 Budget that is in line with the Collective Bargaining Agreements.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the net effect of these changes, keeping quality employees, the requirement for Directors to be present at the Council meetings, and being mindful of the optics when it comes to Town staff benefits.

 

The Town Council thanks the Directors for their hard work and preparedness.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt the FY 2023-2024 Position Allocation to Pay Schedule, as follows:

 

Non-Union Employees Position Allocation to Pay Schedule FY 2023-2024

 

9.         NEW BUSINESS

 

A.        The Non-Union Employee Benefits are reviewed, and the Town Manager notes the goal to level time off among staff and grant 4 weeks vacation to Directors.

 

Lucas Murray, Director of Administrative Services gives a brief presentation on the annual review and changes to the non-union benefits schedule in accordance with Section 13-29 of the Town Code. There are no changes to medical and dental co-pays or benefit impact. The vacation leave adjustment is being increased in response to challenges recruiting skilled senior professionals. Most directors and deputy directors have higher levels of vacation/sick accruals whether recruited internally or externally, and senior staff at a Grade 10 or higher often work long hours with no overtime eligibility. Directors and deputy directors will now be allowed to carry over a maximum of two hundred and twenty (220) days, and all other non-union employees will be allowed to carry over up to one hundred and ninety (190) days of sick leave. Mr. Murray reviews the following reasons for the sick accrual carry over increase: senior staff are often unable to take time off due to Town obligations or operational needs and these changes increase the Town competitiveness to recruit/retain senior level employees.

 

Discussion ensues, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt the FY 2023-2024 Non-Union Employee Benefits Summary as outlined in the Town Council’s FY 2023-2024 Budget adopted April 24, 2023, and as amended herein; as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Administrative Services to the Town Manager dated June 14, 2023 and entitled “FY 2023-2024 Non-Union Municipal Personnel Salary and Benefits Adoption.”

 

B.        Brian Silvia, Finance Director is present and explains that the motor vehicle, tangible, and real estate tax accounts delinquent for 10 years are no longer collectible. It is noted that the delinquent real estate tax account is a cottage on leased land that was damaged by superstorm Sandy and was unsalvageable.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the abatement of uncollectible tangible personal property taxes for 2012 in the amount of $9,642.34; uncollectible motor vehicle taxes for 2012 in the amount of $22,563.38; and uncollectible real estate taxes for 2012 in the amount of $123.87, for a combined total of uncollectible taxes in the amount of $32,329.59; as further described in a memorandum from the Finance Director to the Town Manager dated June 15, 2023 and entitled “Abatement of Uncollectible 2012 Motor Vehicle, Tangible, and Real Estate Taxes.”

 

C.        Brian Silvia, Finance Director reviews year-end projected results of the General Fund Revenue which is expected to exceed the budget by $1,977,823. Two drivers that make up 95% of this overage are State reimbursements and investment income. Expenses are projected to come in under budget by $700,785.

 

Mr. Silvia reviews the proposed expenditure transfers, the history of Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) which is fully funded and in a strong position, and the plan for the future Debt Service Fund in anticipation of the school bond referendum.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Town’s policy to maintain the recommended level of undesignated fund balance.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize fund transfers, as shown below; and as further described in a memorandum from the Finance Director to the Town Manager dated June 15, 2023 and entitled “Year End Reserve Fund Transfers.”

 

Reserve Fund Transfers from General Fund

 

BE IT RESOLVED that program balances identified below in the 2022-2023 fiscal year appropriations for General Fund (101) shall be transferred to the following Reserve Funds in the corresponding not-to-exceed amounts:

 

 

FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Town Finance Director, with the advice and consent of the Town Council, is hereby permitted to invest the funds at any time in said savings accounts or certificates of deposit of commercial or savings banks, or trust companies, or in obligations of the United States or its agencies, or in any other short-term investment as would be made by prudent persons of discretion and intelligence.

 

FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Town Council is hereby authorized to use the total funds, or such part thereof of said Reserve Funds, for capital expenditures as may be voted by the Town Council.

 

Richard Bourbonnais, Director of Public Services is present and reviews Items 9D through 9F, and 9N through 9P.

 

D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Manager to execute an access agreement with the University of Rhode Island for access across the property located at 2940 Kingstown Road (Kingston Pump Station) in accordance with terms of the Property Access Agreement as approved by the Town Solicitor; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 14, 2023 and entitled “Kingston Pump Station – Access Agreement.”

 

E.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an amendment to an award of bid originally granted on June 12, 2017, and amended on September 29, 2020, June 28, 2021 and July 11, 2022 to UniFirst Corporation, 33 Lambert Lind Highway, Warwick, RI 02888 for Uniform Leasing Services at the unit prices bid for the period July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 15, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Uniform Leasing Services Contract Extension.”

 

F.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award to Howard Johnson Inc., 1978 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale, RI 02883 for the purchase of one (1) John Deere 1025R Sub-Compact/Utility Tractor (18 PTO hp) with attachments and one (1) John Deere Z730M ZTrak with attachments in accordance with pricing agreement per the Sourcewell contract #031121-DAC in an amount not to exceed $36,700; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 16, 2023 and entitled “Award Recommendation – Tractor and Mower Replacement.”

 

N.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to National Water Main Cleaning Company, 25 Marshall Street, Canton, MA 02021 for On-Call Storm Water and Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure Cleaning & Video Services at the unit prices bid for the period ending June 30, 2027; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 15, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – On-Call Storm Water and Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure Cleaning & Video Services (Bid Reference # SK0068PS)”.

 

O.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reject all bids for the Rotary Two Post Symmetric Lift 20,000 lbs. Capacity Installed, opened on May 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM; as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 19, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Rotary Two Post Symmetric Lift 20,000 lbs. Capacity Installed.”  

 

P.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Action Auto Parts, Inc., 795 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 for a Rotary Two Post Symmetric Lift 20,000 lbs. Capacity Installed in an amount not to exceed $34,995; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 19, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Rotary Two Post Symmetric Lift 20,000 lbs. Capacity Installed.”

 

Matthew Moynihan, Chief of Police reviews Items 9G through 9I.

 

G.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Barney’s Uniforms, 922 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI 02920 for the purchase of Class A police uniform garments at the unit prices bid for the period July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, with the option to extend one additional year through June 30, 2025, inclusive, if mutually agreeable to both parties; and as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of Police to the Town Manager dated June 20, 2023 and entitled: "Bid Recommendation – Class A Uniform Garments – SK0061PD.”

 

H.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Barney’s Uniforms, 922 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI 02920 for the purchase of Blauer police uniform garments at the unit prices bid for the period July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, with the option to extend one additional year through June 30, 2025, inclusive, if mutually agreeable to both parties; and as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of Police to the Town Manager dated June 20, 2023 and entitled: "Bid Recommendation – Blauer Uniform Garments – SK0060PD.”

 

I.          UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award to FirstNet by AT&T, d/b/a AT&T Mobility National Accounts LLC, PO Box 6463, Carol Stream, IL 60197-6463 for Cellular Wireless Services, Equipment and Accessories for the Police Department in accordance with the State of RI Master Price Agreement #299, with the option to extend the contract term based on the MPA agreement; and as further described in a memorandum from the Police Chief to the Town Manager dated June 20, 2023 and entitled  “Award Recommendation – FirstNet by AT&T.”

 

J.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Prime Heating & Cooling, 517 Niantic Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910 for HVAC service and maintenance for a two (2) year term commencing July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025, with an optional one (1) year contract extension at the following price schedule; and as further described in a memorandum from the Facilities Superintendent to the Town Manager dated June 20, 2023 and entitled “Bid recommendation – HVAC Service Contract SK0009FAC.”

 

 

 

K.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid for mechanical service contracts for a two (2) year term from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025 for electrical, plumbing, and carpentry/painting services to the following in accordance with the terms and conditions of the bid specifications at the prices below; and as further described in a memorandum from the Facilities Superintendent to the Town Manager dated June 3, 2023 and entitled “Bid recommendation – Mechanical Service Contracts – Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry and Painting SK0009FAC.”

 

Electrical:	W.H. Holland Electric, Inc., 1979 Kingstown Road, PO Box 5, Peace Dale, RI 02883
Regular Service (M-F 8AM-4:30PM)
Licensed Technician			$105/hr.
Apprentice/Helper			$90/hr.
Emergency Service (Off Hours)
Licensed Technician			$157.50/hr.
Apprentice/Helper			$135/hr.
Parts & Materials Markup			25%
Plumbing:	Kazounis Plumbing & Heating, LLC, 94 Fairview Avenue, Hope Valley, RI 02834
Regular Service (M-F 8AM-4:30PM)
Licensed Technician			$129/hr.
Apprentice/Helper			$60/hr.
Emergency Service (Off Hours)
Licensed Technician			$258/hr.
Apprentice/Helper			$120/hr.
Parts & Materials Markup			20%
Carpentry/Painting:		Abcore Restoration Co., Inc., 2 Secluded Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882
Regular Service (M-F 8AM-4:30PM)
Licensed Technician Carpentry			$70.88/hr.
Licensed Technician Painting			$70.88/hr.
Emergency Service (Off Hours)
Licensed Technician Carpentry			$70.88/hr.
Licensed Technician Painting			$70.88/hr.
Parts & Materials Markup			0%

 

 

The Town Council expresses their deepest condolences to Mark Russo, Facilities Superintendent for his familial loss.

 

L.         James Manni, Town Manager reviews the increase in available grant funding to local municipalities and the need for a consultant to assist staff in drafting successful grant proposals.

 

Lisa Andoscia, President, Rosewood Consulting is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the award of a one (1) year contract to Rosewood Consulting, Inc., One Rosewood Drive, North Providence, RI 02904 for Grant Administration and Writing Services in an amount not to exceed $60,000; as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Administrative Services to the Town Manager dated June 20, 2023 and entitled “Recommendation for Purchase Award – Town Manager’s Grant Administration and Writing Services (Bid Reference SK0003TM).”

 

M.        The Town Manager reviews Governor McKee’s Learn365RI Challenge Initiative to improve RI Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS) math and English language arts scores, school attendance rates, and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates. The Governor’s office is requiring municipalities to develop educational initiatives in partnership with community-based organizations (CBO’s). The Town has engaged with the Jonnycake Center and URI to act as the Town’s CBO’s. It is noted that there is $4 million in grant funding opportunities statewide.

 

Kate Brewster, Executive Director of the Jonnycake Center is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Manager to sign the Rhode Island Municipal Education Compact, and to sign and submit an application to the Advancing Learning Beyond the 180-Day School Year Grant program; as further detailed in a memorandum from the Director of Administrative Services to the Town Manager dated June 21, 2023 entitled “Authorization to Participate in the Rhode Island Educational Compact and Advancing Learning Beyond the 180-Day School Year Grant.”

 

10.       TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

A.        James Manni, Town Manager gives a brief overview of the Town’s 300^th Anniversary Parade. There were approximately 2,000 participants from 130 different entities. Mr. Manni commends the 300^th Anniversary Steering Committee and Town staff for their dedication and hard work.

 

Mr. Manni notes that the Town will hold a public workshop presentation regarding the Downtown/Village Revitalization Project on June 28^th at 6:00 PM. This project is using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds designated by the Town Council last year.

 

B.        Lucas Murray, Director of Administrative Services reports that the School Building Committee (SBC) recommends the Stage II application be submitted to the RI Department of Education (RIDE). Mr. Murray notes that the School Committee and the Town Council must also authorize the submission of the application. The SBC received an initial project estimate of approximately $136 million. Mr. Murray reviews the cost evaluation and inflationary costs. The focus will be the South Kingstown High School and in July Town staff will be requesting Town Council to authorize a school bond question to be placed on the ballot for November 7^th. The Town Council will be asked to approve the submission of the Stage II application at their July 10^th meeting.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the cost of the project being higher than the school bond cost approved by the RI General Assembly for the school bond referendum and the Town’s plans to obtain the maximum 55% state reimbursement for the project. Stage III of the application will be for refined design of the facility.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to add the structure of the agenda for discussion purposes.

 

Discussion ensues relative to moving the public comments section of the Agenda forward before New Business.

 

Further discussion ensues relative to amending the auto response for communications submitted via email by adding links to the Town Council meeting schedule and the next Agenda.

 

11.       PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Council President McEntee invites residents to come forward with comments.

 

Tom Russell, Member, Saugatucket Homeowners Association is present and comments on issues the HOA has had with the homeowner at 72 Sophia Court. Mr. Russell reviews the violation notices sent to the homeowner, the amount of people living in the home, and asks for a status update on the actions taken by the Town.

 

Michael Ursillo, Town Solicitor states his office will provide a status update at the July 10^th Council meeting.

 

Dorothy Hill and Thomas Hogan, Members of the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee are present and report on their meeting held at the Matunuck Community Center.

 

Doug Shapiro is present and comments on private road ownership and the Town maintaining roads in a safe condition.

 

Robert Jensen is present and requests that the Town Council reconsider their decision to stop maintaining private roads.

 

Discussion ensues relative to further research into maintaining private roads.

 

The Town Solicitor notes that a report is being prepared relative to how roads become public and what constitutes a private road.

 

Patricia Barber is present and disputes Arrow Wood Trail as a private road.

 

Norma Roelke is present and comments on her attorney’s title research deeming Sand Piper Drive private and the Town’s history of maintaining it until now.

 

Chris Iredale is present and compliments the 300^th Anniversary Steering Committee on the 300th Anniversary Parade. Mr. Iredale inquires whether the Town could solicit for sponsorships or volunteers to maintain historic cemeteries.

 

James Manni, Town Manager reports that the Town does have a fund to maintain eight cemeteries in perpetuity, but it will run out in approximately ten years. It is noted further research is needed.

 

Dorald Beasley is present and inquires how the Town budget surplus will be used.

 

Councilwoman Bergner and Council President McEntee respond.

 

Dorald Beasley comments in opposition to increasing the number of signatures required to file a budget referendum petition and proposes the School Superintendent salary be increased to attract good candidates.

 

12.       COMMUNICATIONS

 

A.        Discussion ensues relative to the use of some of the Funds managed by the Trustees of the School Funds.

 

Brian Silvia, Finance Director reviews discussions the Trustees have had relative to the Funds that are no longer serving a purpose such as the Wakefield Grammar School Fund or the Depreciation Fund.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated June 20, 2023 from Councilwoman Deborah D. Bergner requesting a report on the funds held by the Trustees of the School Funds is received and placed on file. The Finance Director’s Report is referred to the Town Manager and the Town Solicitor for review.

 

B.        Discussion ensues relative to emails concerning the Budget Referendum process.

 

Michael Ursillo, Town Solicitor explains how the Charter would need to be amended to make changes..

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails from Christian Blaney, Laura Roebuck, James Blakeney, Tiffany Doran, Margaret Hayden, Jonathan Sigman, and Caroline Stabile concerning the budget referendum process and requesting that the number of signatures required for a petition be increased are received, placed on file, and referred to the Town Solicitor to draft a procedural report on amending the Town Charter.

 

C.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted June 14, 2023 by the Burrillville Town Council in opposition to Senate Bill S0137 and House Bill H5201 entitled An Act Relating to Towns and Cities – Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers – Presumption for Heart Disease and Hypertension regarding retirement with “injured on duty” status is received and placed on file.

 

D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated June 13, 2023 from Tracey and Tim Owens concerning the status of Uncle Sam’s Lane as a private road and the Town’s decision to discontinue road maintenance services is received and placed on file.

 

It is requested that a fiscal impact statement on snow plowing for all roads be provided to the Town Council.

 

E.         Doug Shapiro comments on the process for a private road to become a public road.

 

The Town Solicitor responds. Discussion ensues.

 

Norma Roelke comments on dead end roads with water access.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails dated June 18, 2023 from Douglas Shapiro and dated June 21, 2023 from Kathy Creedon regarding the status of Teal Drive ownership and the Town’s decision to discontinue road maintenance services are received and placed on file.

 

13.       APPOINTMENTS

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint Kevin C. Pelissier as Alternate Member No. 2 to the Zoning Board of Review to fill a term to expire in March 2026.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Sean Johnson to the Recreation Commission for a term to expire in June 2026.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint Elisabeth Gilbert Hoy to the Sustainability Committee.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adjourn at 10:24 PM.

 

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk