WORK SESSION

 

MAY 8, 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 8^th day of May 2023 at 6:00 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Rory H. McEntee, President

Patricia A. Alley

Deborah D. Bergner

 

 

1.         A.        PRESENTATION

 

Jamie Rabbitt, Director of Planning gives an introduction to the presentation of the Downtown/Village Revitalization Project prepared by Weston & Sampson Consulting Group and Union Studio Architects for the Town’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program.

 

Ashley Sweet, Project Manager, Weston & Sampson presents the Project Overview, Focus Areas, and Project Approach. The Project Approach included Step 1, site visits to document existing conditions. Jeremy Lake, Principal, Union Studio Architects reviews Step 2, internal design workshops. Ms. Sweet reviews Step 3, draft design sheets to review each village’s existing and proposed design, updates and example of design features. Existing conditions and design concepts are presented for each of the village areas including West Kingston, a section of Kingstown Road, Peace Dale (rotary), Wakefield (Ben Robinson Square) at the intersection of High Street and Main Street and the Main Street area, and Matunuck. The next steps are the basis of design report, conducting public workshops, Town Council adoption, and implementation.

 

Discussion ensues regarding some of the proposals. When questioned how these improvements would provide economic development to local businesses, Mr. Lake notes pedestrian improvements and character for a better quality business environment. The Director of Planning notes that the intent of this presentation is to provide a snapshot, improvements are proposed for Main Street to Dale Carlia Corner. Town Manager James Manni notes that these improvements would provide an economic driver.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the cost and funding for these projects, including infrastructure funding, and the Federal Safe Streets For All grant program for safety improvements. Community and Town Council input will be needed before any decisions are made to assign money to specific projects.

 

Discussion ensues regarding reviewing projects presented for all the villages and the option to choose whether to concentrate funding on fewer areas in order to achieve better results.

 

Discussion ensues relative to holding public workshops to present the design concepts.

 

1.         B.        INTERVIEWS

 

The Town Council interviews Susan Spranger Axelrod relative to her interest in being reappointed to the Planning Board.

 

The Town Council interviews Peter DiStefano relative to his interest in being reappointed to the Planning Board.

 

The Town Council interviews Maria Mack relative to her interest in being reappointed to the Planning Board.

 

The Town Council interviews Joseph Murphy relative to his interest in being reappointed to the Planning Board.

 

1.         C.        WORK SESSION

 

James M. Manni, Town Manager reviews this evening’s Agenda, noting that a New Business Item under Consent Agenda concerns a Civil Action filed against the Town’s Police Department, among several departments in the state, by Anthony Lipscomb alleging civil rights violations. Town Solicitor Michael Ursillo advises that the RI Interlocal Risk Management Trust attorney has already filed a motion to dismiss this lawsuit.

 

Licenses to be considered this evening include a Temporary Mass Gathering Permit for the Wakefield Music Festival and a Miscellaneous Permit to conduct the annual Run4Kerri road race.

 

Public Hearing Item 7A. concerns updates to the Police Department Standing Order 440.03 Cellblock / Holding Facility. It is noted that one word that was inadvertently omitted will need to be added to one section of the Standing Order.

 

New Business Item 8A concerns an Order of Notice for a Public Hearing relative to a proposed amendment to the Town Code, Chapter 10 Motor Vehicles and Traffic. The Town Council is being provided with three options, as requested at the last meeting.

 

The Town Manager notes that his report should be listed before Public Comments, and asks that this be brought forward for the presentation on the Senior Services Department, and an update on the School Building Committee. A draft of the Town Council’s Goals and Objectives has been provided for the Town Council members to update with their priorities.

 

Communication Item 8B concerns an email dated April 27, 2023 from Nicole Solas requesting an investigation of an agreement between the School District and the teachers union regarding non-resident student enrollment. The Town Manager explains the Memorandum of Understanding that was put in place during COVID and is no longer in use by the School Department.

 

Convened to Regular Session.

 

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

 

MAY 8, 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 8^th day of May 2023 at 7:30 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Rory H. McEntee, President

Patricia A. Alley

Deborah D. Bergner

 

 

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 three members are present. Council Vice President Marran and Councilwoman Rose are absent.

 

4.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

A.        Work Sessions:  UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Work Sessions held on March 27 (continued) and April 24, 2023 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

B.        Regular Sessions: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Regular Sessions held on March 27 (continued), April 13, April 17 and April 24, 2023 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

5.         CONSENT AGENDA

 

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

 

(CA)    A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling Licenses to the following; Renewals:

 

Doughboys, LLC d/b/a NY Pizza of RI, 328 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to issuance of a Retail Sales Tax permit. Application by Nabil Bahi, Member. License No. 74694.

 

Elite Huevos, Inc. d/b/a Bluebird Café, 554 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Howard Raitano, Jr. President; Renewal.  License No. 60900.

 

S & C Ice Cream, Inc. d/b/a Brickley’s Ice Cream, 322 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879.  Application by Christina Brophy, Vice President.  License No. 61447.

 

Town Made, LLC d/b/a Town Made, 203 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879.  Application by Ken Procaccianti, Member; Renewal.  License No. 75003.

 

(CA)    B.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to the following; Renewals:

 

Buffalo Gill’s LLC d/b/a Buffalo Gill’s, 222 Rose Hill Road, Wakefield, RI  02879.  Application by Brandon Gilley, Member.  License No. 77313.

 

Lamfong, LLC d/b/a Simply Thai, 99 Fortin Road, Kingston, RI 02881.  Application by Lamphone Voravongsa, Member.  License No. 78821

 

Snug Harbor Marina, Inc. d/b/a Snug Harbor Marina, 410 Gooseberry Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Elisa Conti Cahill, Manager.  License No. 79248.

 

South County Bread Company LLC d/b/a South County Bread, 333 Main Street, Wakefield, RI  02879.  Application by Jeffrey Collins, Member.  License No. 69909.

 

(CA)    C.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Holiday Sales Licenses to the following; Renewals:

 

Mattress Firm, Inc. d/b/a Mattress Firm 17004, 26 South County Commons Way, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Angela Brannon, Tax Accountant. License No. 61167.

 

Office Superstore East, LLC d/b/a Staples the Office Superstore, 160 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Donna King, Sr. Analyst. License No. 59830.

 

(CA)    D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling, Holiday Sales and Tourist Accommodation Licenses for 100 spaces, 343 persons to Southern Rhode Island Hospitality, LLC d/b/a Fairfield by Marriott South Kingstown RI/Newport Area, 3 Fairfield Way, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Bonnie Brake, Director of Hotel Operations; Renewal.  License No. 62539.

 

(CA)    E.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Holiday Sales and Tourist Accommodation Licenses for 100 rooms, 372 persons to Village Hotel Associates d/b/a Hampton Inn South Kingstown, 20 Hotel Drive, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Bonnie Brake, Director of Hotel Operations; Renewal. License No. 60002.

 

(CA)    F.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Holiday Sales, Dance and Tourist Accommodation Licenses for 10 spaces, 22 persons to Shepherd’s Run, LLC d/b/a Shepherd’s Run, 4780 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879.  Application by Ryan Schoen, Managing Member; Renewal. License No. 72550.

 

(CA)    G.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Tourist Accommodation License for 3 spaces, 5 persons to David and Stephanie Osborn d/b/a Sugarloaf Hill Bed and Breakfast, 607 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by David and Stephanie Osborn, Owners; Renewal.  License No. 59733.

 

(CA)    H.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Miscellaneous Peddler’s License to Lauren Scowcroft d/b/a Buttercup the Flower Truck.  Application by Lauren Scowcroft, Owner; Renewal.  License No. 74258.

 

(CA)    I.          UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Laundry License to Laundromat Lawyers, LLC d/b/a Get the Funk Out, 100 Fortin Road, Kingston, RI 02881. Application by Annette Jacques, Member; Renewal.  License No. 58995.

 

(CA)    J.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that Civil Action Case 1:22-cv-00319-WES-LDA filed in the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island by Anthony Lipscomb pro se relative to an incident that occurred during May or June 2022 be referred to the Town Solicitor and the Town’s insurance carrier.

 

6.         LICENSES

 

A.        Christopher Simpson is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Temporary Mass Gathering Permit to conduct the Wakefield Music Festival on Saturday, May 27, 2023 (rain date Sunday, May 28, 2023) from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM to the Contemporary Theater Company, 327 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Christopher J. Simpson, President; Renewal.  License No. TMG-23-3.

 

B.        Bill and Kathy Bessette are present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Miscellaneous Permit to conduct the annual Run4Kerri 4 Mile Memorial Road Race on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at 9:00 AM to The Kerri Lynn Bessette Female Athletic Scholarship Fund, Inc., 78 Bedford Drive, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to the execution of a hold harmless agreement indemnifying the Town and issuance of a certificate of insurance naming the Town as an additional insured in the amounts specified by the Finance Director. Application by Kathy Bessette, Director; Renewal.  License No. 79324.

 

7.         PUBLIC HEARING

 

A.        Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is held relative to proposed amendments to Police Department Standing Order 440.03 Cellblock / Holding Facility. Matthew Moynihan, Chief of Police presents the updates to the policy, and notes that these changes to the Standing Order are to bring the policy up to current practice. The Police Chief advises that under Article IV. Procedures, Section C. Security and Control, Item 2. Holding Facility Procedure the word “not” must be added to the third sentence in paragraph k. so that it reads “Non-sworn persons and escorted civilians will not be permitted in the Holding Facility if a prisoner is held in the Holding Cell or Padded Cell.”

 

There are no public comments, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt amendments to Police Department Standing Order 440.03 Cellblock / Holding Facility, as revised, as follows:

 

South Kingstown Police Department

1790 KINGSTOWN RD., WAKEFIELD, RI 02879

 

 

I.                  PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide for the safe detention of all prisoners held in the department’s holding facility with minimal risks to all prisoners, department members, and other persons.

 

II.               POLICY

It is the policy of the South Kingstown Police Department to maintain a short-term cellblock/holding facility for prisoners awaiting interview, arrest processing, transportation to court, or transfer to another facility.

The department recognizes the safety of prisoners and department members to be of paramount importance. Therefore, personnel assigned to or using the holding facility will adhere to the following procedures and will be alert to any problems or conditions that may compromise security, safety, or well-being of detained prisoners.

 

III.           DEFINITIONS

Bail Room – A secure room located within the holding facility that is equipped with a telephone for prisoners to make a private call on an unrecorded line. This room also serves as a secure area in which to conduct special arraignments and/or interviews.

Booking Officer - A sworn member of the South Kingstown Police Department either transporting a prisoner to the holding facility or accepting custody of a prisoner at headquarters, but not necessarily the arresting officer. The arresting officer will be responsible for processing the prisoner unless directed otherwise by the Patrol OIC.

Cells - The eight (8) steel door holding areas in the cellblock facility: four (4) Male (Male Cellblock), two (2) Female (Female Cellblock), one (1) Padded, one (1) Holding; for securely housing a prisoner until release; equipped with lighting and a video camera for constant observation as well as a toilet; generally, there is one (1) person per cell, with the exception of Holding.

Holding Cell – The large cell used for the temporary holding of prisoners prior to processing or release.

Holding Facility - The portion of the South Kingstown Police Department building designated for use in the short-term incarceration or detention of persons in custody. This facility includes the Male & Female Cellblocks, Padded Cell, Holding Cell, Processing Area, Bail Room and Sally Port.

Padded Cell - The cell with padded material on all walls and floor; used to house a prisoner who has represented harm to his/herself.

Prisoner - A person who has been arrested and taken into custody.

Processing Area – The area adjoining the sally port, where prisoners are first received. This room contains equipment necessary for the testing and/or processing of prisoners.

Sally Port – A secure, garage-type area where an officer can pull a vehicle in to transfer a prisoner to or from the rest of the Holding Facility.

 

IV.           PROCEDURES

A.      Administration and Management

1.      Supervision

a.       The Captain of Administrative Services and the OIC will be ultimately responsible for the following:

(1)     Daily operation and maintenance of the holding facility;

(2)     Assuring compliance with security, safety, sanitation and all applicable federal and state law requirements;

(3)     Supervision and the designation of such personnel necessary to safeguard the overall well-being of prisoners; and

(4)     Coordinating staff training with the Training Officer

b.      The Shift OIC will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Holding Facility, including operating procedures set forth in this policy as well as compliance with all applicable federal and state laws.

2.      Training

a.       The Training Officer will be responsible for the special training required for police officers including training in the use of fire suppression and other equipment provided by the department. New officers will receive initial training during their Field Training period on the operation of the Holding Facility.

Refresher training will be held at least once every three years or sooner if deemed necessary by the Captain of Administrative Services.

b.      All officers will receive basic training and in-service training, as needed, on the use of physical restraints and searching and processing of prisoners.

3.      Inspections

a.       The Patrol Shift Lieutenant is responsible for ensuring a daily visual inspection of the entire holding facility including, but not limited to, security, safety, sanitation and emergency equipment, is conducted. An Inspection Report will be filled out daily and kept in the Holding Area Inspection binder in the Bail Room. Safety issues or problems will be immediately reported to the Captain of Administrative Services. Sanitary issues will be reported to Maintenance Staff.

b.      The Patrol Shift Lieutenant is responsible for ensuring a weekly inspection is conducted and noted in the Holding Area Inspection binder.

A.      Safety and Emergency Operations

1.      The holding facility will contain automatic fire, heat, and smoke detection systems that are initially approved and inspected every three years by the local Fire Marshall. Documentation will be kept with the Facilities Manager.

2.      A fire extinguisher will be located under the sink in the Holding Facility. Secondary fire extinguishers are located across from the first-floor interview room by the North Entrance to the building.

3.      Each cell will be equipped with video monitoring equipment which will be used to continually monitor the Holding Facility from Dispatch as well as the OIC’s office.

a.       Video monitoring devices are for safety and security of officers and prisoners. They will not be used to invade prisoner privacy.

b.      Dispatchers will monitor prisoners who are unattended. Prisoners will be visually observed / monitored until release from custody or transferred to another facility.

c.       Through the department digital video recorder, the toilet in each cell except the Padded Cell, will have a black mark over it to ensure the privacy of those prisoners who may be monitored by a Dispatcher or Officer of the opposite sex.

4.      Officers will notify Dispatch when they are entering any room within the Holding Facility with a prisoner or suspect. Dispatchers will monitor such interactions to ensure officer safety. In the event that an officer requires assistance, the OIC and additional officers will be immediately called to respond, as deemed necessary.

5.      Officers will be equipped with a portable radio containing a panic alarm when within the Holding Facility while a prisoner is present.

6.      An evacuation plan, which designates the assigned emergency exit plan, will be posted in the Holding Facility.

7.      In the event the Holding Facility must be evacuated due to emergency circumstances (fire, flood, etc.) officers will:

a.       Ensure the safety and security of the prisoners while taking into consideration the severity of the circumstances;

b.      Notify the OIC and Dispatch, who will notify emergency resources (fire, rescue, etc.) as necessary;

c.       Attempt to extinguish any fire using appropriate equipment provided;

d.      Request additional officers for security and evacuation procedures, as necessary;

e.       The OIC will coordinate the evacuation in accordance with procedures set forth in Operational Policy 120.02 Emergency Evacuation / Containment Plan.

8.      At least one officer will be at the police station at all times when a prisoner is in the Holding Facility. Exceptions can be made when a major incident or emergency occurs and the officer receives permission from the OIC to leave.

9.      The OIC is responsible to ensure that a physical check is done of all prisoners in the Holding Facility near the start of the shift and one additional check. Prisoners with known or obvious mental or physical issues may need to be checked more often, depending on the issue, as per annual training. Each check will be entered as a log note in IMC (i.e. “Prisoner check Male Cells 1 & 4”). If something out of the ordinary is observed or occurs, it should be noted as well.

B.       Security and Control

1.      Firearms/Less Lethal Weapons

a.       Upon first entering either the Sally Port or Bail Room with a prisoner, or when prisoners are in the Holding Area an officer will secure his or her firearm in a lockbox.

b.      Firearms are not permitted past the Sally Port or Bail Room in the Holding Facility when prisoners are present, unless exigent circumstances exist.

c.       Officers will not remove their firearms from their holsters in the presence of prisoners unless the prisoner is handcuffed or restrained.

d.      The wearing of less lethal weapons in the Holding Facility is authorized.

2.      Holding Facility Procedure

a.       An arresting officer will notify Dispatch that they are bringing in a prisoner.

b.      The officer transporting the prisoner to the Holding Facility will be responsible for conducting a thorough search of the prisoner’s person and property, the processing of, any testing of and the securing of the prisoner, unless such responsibilities are assumed by a Booking Officer.

c.       Prior to placing any prisoners in a cell, the officer must search the area to ensure that no weapons, contraband, or means of affecting an escape are present. Any department member finding any such prohibited items will immediately report it to the OIC.

d.      After placing a prisoner in a cell, the cell door will be closed, locked, and physically checked to ensure it is securely locked. The hallway door to the male or female cellblock area will be closed and securely locked when prisoners are in a cell.

e.       Officers should avoid entering an occupied cell. If it is necessary to enter an occupied cell the officer should be accompanied by another officer if one is immediately available, for officer safety purposes.

f.       Whenever a prisoner’s cell is opened, for whatever reason, Dispatch will be advised so that they may monitor the officer-prisoner interaction.

g.      All access doors to the Holding Facility will be closed and locked whenever any cell is occupied. The Sally Port doors will remain closed when not in use.

h.      Metal culinary utensils are prohibited in the cellblock. Handheld food should be served to avoid the use of any utensils. In the rare event the prisoner is allowed plastic utensils, they must be retrieved before the detainee is removed from the cell.

i.        No maintenance work may be conducted in an occupied cell. After any maintenance has been completed within the Holding Facility, the OIC or designee will ensure that no tools have been left behind.

j.        The arresting/booking officer and personnel necessary for the safe and secure operation of the Holding Facility are considered authorized persons. Under no circumstances will unauthorized persons be permitted in the Holding Facility to view prisoners in their cells.

k.      Non-sworn authorized persons and escorted civilians, with the permission of the OIC shall be permitted in the Holding Facility. Approval will be granted when prisoner(s) are secured in a cell in the male and female cellblock area.  Non-sworn persons and escorted civilians will not be permitted in the Holding Facility if a prisoner is held in the Holding Cell or Padded Cell.

l.        The Holding Facility doors are all electronically controlled through Dispatch and work on generator power in the event of a power outage. Should the locks malfunction, the doors can be manually opened with keys located in the Patrol Sergeant’s Office key box. A spare set of Holding Facility keys will be stored in the Patrol Lieutenant’s office, for emergency purposes.

 

 

8.         NEW BUSINESS

 

A.        Discussion ensues, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Clerk to advertise for Order of Notice a Public Hearing relative to a proposed amendment to the Town Code 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.

 

B.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to amend the Solid Waste User Fee for residential refuse tags from $2.25 to $2.35 per tag effective July 1, 2023, and amend the Town’s Schedule of Fees; as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated April 25, 2023 and entitled “Rose Hill Regional Transfer Station Refuse Tag Fee Adjustment.”

 

C.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to North-Eastern Tree Service, Inc., 100 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920 for municipal tree and stump removal services in an amount not to exceed $30,000, including a $7,580 contingency; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated April 25, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Municipal Tree & Stump Removal Services.”

 

D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to Dixon Engineering, Inc., 1104 Third Avenue, Lake Odessa, MI 48849 for On-call Engineering Services for Mautucket and Victoria water towers at the specified contracted hourly rates through December 31, 2023 in an amount not to exceed $30,000; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated April 28, 2023 and entitled “On-call Engineering Services – Mautucket and Victoria Water Towers.”

 

E.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to Stonkus Hydraulic, 12 Mill Street, Bellingham, MA  02019 for valve and incidental equipment upgrades at the South Shore Water District interconnect in an amount not to exceed $44,905, including a contingency of $5,000; and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Public Services to the Town Manager dated May 1, 2023 and entitled “South Shore Interconnect Valve Replacement.”

 

F.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Manager to execute individual Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) Agreements for FY 2021-2022, FY 2022-2023 and FY 2023-2024 with The Jewish Children’s Home of Rhode Island (Camp JORI) in accordance with the Town Code, Chapter 17 Taxation, Article IV. Property Tax Exemptions and Payment in Lieu of Tax Agreements for Charitable Organizations, Section 17-45.

 

11.       TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

The Town Manager’s Report is brought forward.

 

A.        Luke Murray, Director of Administrative Services and Chairman provides an update on the School Building Committee (SBC). At last week’s joint meeting with the Recreation Commission it was decided to move Curtis Corner Middle School fields up from the wetlands area. The SBC will start cost estimating for inclusion in the Stage II application to RIDE. A community showcase of the building concepts will be presented on Saturday, May 20^th at 9 AM at the High School. A “green” building design is being discussed and a report will be provided. Stage III of the application will be for refined design of the facility. Discussion ensues regarding SKHS Athletic Director Terry Lynch having input at SBC meetings, and meeting attendance by members.

 

James Manni, Town Manager notes that a draft of the Town Council’s Goals and Objectives was provided to members this evening for their review, and asks that members provide updates to the Town Manager’s office. Further discussion will be held on this policy document before it is formalized for adoption.

 

B.        The Town Manager reviews the Senior Services Program and discusses the fair share contribution agreement with the Town of Narragansett. A Memorandum of Understanding with a 70/30 split between the towns is being drafted for a 3 year term. Mr. Manni notes that Narragansett is working on resurrecting the Senior Advisory Committee and that Councilwoman Alley is interested in serving as our Town Council liaison.

 

Theresa Murphy, Director of Leisure Services and Susan DiMasi, Senior Center Director discuss the multigenerational enrichment programs offered at the Senior Center. Senior Services Programs include Transportation, Nutrition, the Senior Center, and the Adult Day Services provided through St. Elizabeth’s. The budget of $729,000 for FY 2023-2024 is supported by funding from the Town, Narragansett, and program revenues of $125,000. It is noted that staff is involved with Emergency Medical Services for their special needs registry, and are affiliated with URI programs and staff. Discussion ensues regarding the annual fee of $10 for South Kingstown and Narragansett residents.

 

9.         PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Council President McEntee invites residents to come forward with comments.

 

Dorald Beasley is present and comments on a School Budget Sub-Committee report for the current fiscal year, and the budget referendum petition he filed to cut $1.5 million from the School Fund.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the school budget and the potential effects of a referendum on the Town budget.

 

Michael Ursillo, Town Solicitor advises that if a petition to reduce the school budget were successful, the School Committee can file a legal challenge with the RI Department of Education regarding the School Committee’s ability to meet the Basic Education Program, contractual obligations and other RIDE requirements.

 

10.       COMMUNICATIONS

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated April 27, 2023 from Robert D. Watt, Jr., Providence Monthly Meeting (Quakers) requesting a resolution to welcome the Golden Rule Peace Ship when it visits Rhode Island in June is received, placed on file, and staff is directed to prepare a welcome resolution.

 

B.        An email concerning an agreement between the School District and the teachers’ union regarding non-resident student enrollment is considered. The Town Manager explains that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was set during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow teachers to bring their students to attend school in South Kingstown so that those teachers could teach at Matunuck Elementary School in person. The agreement is no longer in effect.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 27, 2023 from Nicole Solas requesting an investigation of an agreement between the School District and the teachers union regarding non-resident student enrollment is received, placed on file, and referred to the School Department for response.

 

C.        Discussion ensues regarding an expanded request to fly the Pride flag. The Town Solicitor reviews the Town’s adopted Flag Policy, and the Town Manager discusses flag pole regulations.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated May 1, 2023 from Lou Chrostowski requesting that the Pride flag be flown for the entire month of June, rather than on June 29^th as the Council authorized is received, placed on file, and it is voted to allow the flag to be flown at the Public Safety Complex from June 26 through June 30, 2023.

 

12.       APPOINTMENTS

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Susan Spranger Axelrod, Peter DiStefano, Maria Mack and Joseph Murphy to the Planning Board for terms to expire in May 2026.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED:  to adjourn at 8:57 PM.

 

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk