REGULAR SESSION

 

SEPTEMBER 11, 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 11^th day of September 2023 at 6:00 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Rory H. McEntee, President

Michael K. Marran, Vice President

Patricia A. Alley

Deborah D. Bergner

 

1.         CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to recess to Closed Executive Session pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(1) to discuss matters pertaining to personnel regarding the positions of Municipal Court and Housing Court Judge and Probate Court Judge; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(5) to discuss matters related to the acquisition or lease of real property for public purposes, or of the disposition of publicly held property wherein advanced public information would be detrimental to the interest of the public; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation.

 

Regular Session is reconvened at 7:02 PM, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to seal the minutes of the Closed Executive Session held pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(1) to discuss matters pertaining to personnel regarding the positions of Municipal Court and Housing Court Judge and Probate Court Judge; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(5) to discuss matters related to the acquisition or lease of real property for public purposes, or of the disposition of publicly held property wherein advanced public information would be detrimental to the interest of the public; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation.

 

It is noted that a motion was voted on in Closed Executive Session regarding the acquisition or lease of real property for public purposes, or of the disposition of publicly held property wherein advanced public information would be detrimental to the interest of the public.

 

Convened to Work Session at 7:09 PM.

 

 

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk

 

 

 

WORK SESSION

 

SEPTEMBER 11, 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 11^th day of September 2023 at 7:09 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Rory H. McEntee, President

Michael K. Marran, Vice President

Patricia A. Alley

Deborah D. Bergner

 

 

 

2.         A.        INTERVIEWS

 

The Town Council interviews Elizabeth Kroll relative to her interest in being reappointed to the Library Board of Trustees.

 

The Town Council interviews John Hanson relative to his interest in being appointed to the Recreation Commission.

 

2.         B.        WORK SESSION

 

The Town Council takes a brief recess.

 

Convened to Regular Session.

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

 

SEPTEMBER 11, 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 11^th day of September 2023 at 7:30 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Rory H. McEntee, President

Michael K. Marran, Vice President

Patricia A. Alley

Deborah D. Bergner

 

2.         C.        REGULAR SESSION

 

3.         A.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag is given.

 

C.        MOMENT OF SILENCE IN REMEMBRANCE OF 9/11

 

A moment of silence is observed in remembrance of 9/11.

 

B.        LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT

 

The Land Acknowledgement Statement is read.

 

4.         ROLL CALL

 

Roll Call is taken and four members are present. Councilwoman Rose is absent. 

 

5.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

A.        Work Session: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Work Session held on August 15, 2023 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

B.        Regular Session: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Regular Session held on August 15, 2023 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

C.        Closed Executive Session: UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Closed Executive Session held on August 15, 2023 are accepted.

 

6.         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 Sweet Althea’s LLC d/b/a Sweet Althea’s, 542 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879.  Application by Kim Curtis, Member; Renewal. License No. 62146.

 

(CA)    B.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an amendment and one-year extension of an award of bid granted on September 12, 2022 to CDM Smith Inc. (formerly known as Camp, Dresser and McKee, Inc.), 75 State Street, Suite 701, Boston, MA 02109 for WebGIS hosting and technical support services in accordance with a proposal dated August 10, 2023 in an amount not to exceed $6,200; and as further described in a memorandum from the Planning Director to the Town Manager dated August 24, 2023 and entitled “CDM Smith WebGIS Contract Renewal.”

 

(CA)    C.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Tax Assessor to abate taxes in the total amount of $4,780.00, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 626.

 

(CA)    D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant the Joint Petition #30834813 of Rhode Island Energy and Verizon New England to install Joint Pole 65-50 between Poles 65 & 66 on the north side of Charlestown Beach 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 Charlestown Beach 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 September 5, 2023 and entitled “Rhode Island Energy Pole Setting Request – Pole 65-50 Charlestown Beach Road.”

 

7.         LICENSES

 

A.        Attorney Elizabeth Noonan is present and provides testimony relative to the application by Matunuck Market, LLC for new Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the comments received from resident Veronika Kot expressing concerns about the neighborhood being impacted by commercial traffic that Matunuck Market will generate.

 

Michael Ursillo, Town Solicitor notes that this item is solely for the Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses and the correspondence received from Ms. Kot is for Public Hearing Item 8A relative to the application for a Class B Victualler Liquor License.

 

Ms. Noonan explains where the business is located and that the Zoning Board of Review (ZBR) held a Public Hearing on an application for a Special Use Permit for service of alcohol. That petition was granted by the ZBR with the conditions that they will install appropriate signage to direct the flow of traffic away from Narragansett Avenue West and will install a gate running across the rear of the lot and parallel to Narragansett Avenue West that will remain closed between 2:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the conditions set by the ZBR, the location of the building, school bus schedules in the area, and the gate that will be installed in the rear of the location.

 

Perry Raso, Managing Member is present and confirms that repairs were made to the partial retaining wall in the rear of the building and the removed fence will be replaced.

 

Ms. Noonan addresses the concerns listed in Ms. Kot’s letter. The vegetation removed from the location will be replaced when the business is closer to being opened. Arrangements will be made for employees to park offsite.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to Matunuck Market, LLC, 151 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 effective December 1, 2023 subject to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, Retail Sales Tax Permit, and RI Department of Health approval. Application by Perry Raso, Managing Member; New. License No. 80590.

 

B.        Pamela Davis is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Holiday Sales License to Eclectic Energy, LLC d/b/a Eclectic Energy, 102 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to submittal of a Retail Sales Tax Permit. Application by Pamela Davis, Owner; New. License No. 80156.

 

C.        Danielle Martin is present, and after testimony and discussion on Items 7C and 7D it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Temporary Mass Gathering Permit to Extreme Airsoft,1425 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 to conduct the EA Fest Block Party on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM in their parking lot subject to approval by the Building Official and Director of EMS. Application by Danielle Martin, Vice President; New. License No. TMG-23-8.

 

D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Class F 19-hour Beverage License to Peace Dale Neighborhood Revitalization, Inc., 1425 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 for the EA Fest Block Party on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM in their parking lot subject to approval by the Building Official. Application by Danielle Martin, Director; New. License No. 80914.

 

E.         Danielle Martin presents testimony, and after discussion it is

 

VOTED: to grant a Firearms and Ammunitions License to Freedom Sports and Arms, Inc. d/b/a Revival Firearms, 236 High Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Danielle Martin, Incorporator; New. License No. 79654.

 

Councilwoman Alley abstained.

 

8.         PUBLIC HEARING (continued)

 

A.        Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is held relative to an application for a license to keep and sell alcoholic beverages in South Kingstown in accordance with the General Laws of 1956, as amended, as follows:

 

CLASS B VICTUALLER LIQUOR LICENSE

 

Application for a Class B Victualler Liquor License by Matunuck Market, LLC, 151 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI by Perry Raso, Managing Member for the bar, dining and waiting areas in the restaurant in accordance with a Special Use Permit granted by the Zoning Board of Review on May 31, 2023; and as further defined in a site plan on file in the Town Clerk’s office.

 

The discussion and testimony given during License Item 7A is incorporated into the record of this Public Hearing.

 

Attorney Elizabeth Noonan testifies regarding the ZBRs approval and conditions set in granting the Special Use Permit for the service of alcohol, and notes that no appeals have been submitted to the ZBR at this time. It is requested that the liquor license be effective December 1, 2023.

 

Council President McEntee opens the Public Hearing to comments from the public.

 

Virginia Kenny, an abutter is present and reads into the record a letter to the Town Council expressing concerns about the impact of commercial traffic generated by Matunuck Market on the Narragansett Avenue West neighborhood, the retaining wall in the rear of the property and the removal of the rear fence.

 

Discussion ensues relative to traffic patterns, landscaping of the area, and the purpose of erecting a gate at the back of the building.

 

Andrew Holt is present and comments in support of the proposed liquor license for Matunuck Market.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.

 

New Business Item 10A is brought forward. Discussion ensues relative to increasing the number of Class B Victualler Liquor Licenses from 30 to 31, and it is

 

10A.    UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to amend the Town’s Liquor License Rules and Regulations, Section I. The current number of licenses for each class shall be authorized as indicated below, unless changed by a majority vote of the Town Council:

 

Class                                                                           Number

A – Retail                                                                    4 maximum

B – Victualler                                                               30        31

B – Tavern                                                                  2

B – Limited                                                                  5

B – Hotel                                                                     1

B – M                                                                          0

C                                                                                 0

D – Club Full Privilege                                                1

D – Limited                                                                  0

F                                                                                  Five per year per organization

F – 1                                                                            Five per year per organization

J – Limited                                                                  1

T – Legitimate Theater                                                3

 

8A.      The Town Council returns to a decision on Public Hearing 8A, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant an application for a license to keep and sell alcoholic beverages in South Kingstown in accordance with the General Laws of 1956, as amended, as follows:

 

CLASS B VICTUALLER LIQUOR LICENSE

 

Application for a Class B Victualler Liquor License by Matunuck Market, LLC, 151 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI by Perry Raso, Managing Member for the bar, dining and waiting areas in the restaurant in accordance with a Special Use Permit granted by the Zoning Board of Review on May 31, 2023; and as further defined in a site plan on file in the Town Clerk’s office. License No. 80590.

 

Said license is granted effective December 1, 2023 and is contingent upon the issuance of a Certificate of Good Standing from the RI Division of Taxation, a Certificate of Insurance evidencing required liability coverage, compliance with all Town ordinances and regulations, the payment of any municipal taxes and user fees in arrears to the Town, and the correction of any fire code violations

 

9.         COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED CITIZENS

 

Council President McEntee invites residents to come forward with comments for 30 minutes.

 

The following members of the public comment relative to the Town’s decision to discontinue maintenance of private roads:

Norma Roelke

Barbara Lacroix

Lou Chrostowski

Susan Dey-Sigman

Mary-Gail Smith

Joe Duva

Robert Jensen

Bob Trager

 

10.       NEW BUSINESS

 

B.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to affirm a proclamation presented on August 21, 2023 in recognition of the 90^th anniversary of the Theatre By The Sea, as follows:

 

THEATRE BY THE SEA

 

WHEREAS,    the THEATRE BY THE SEA, one of the few remaining old barn theatres in the country which has provided opportunities for hundreds of young aspiring actors, actresses and theatre technicians and greatly enhanced our culture in the Town of South Kingstown and the State of Rhode Island, is celebrating its 90th Anniversary, and

 

WHEREAS,    the THEATRE BY THE SEA has presented outstanding productions throughout its history starring such talents as Marlon Brando, Carol Channing, Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, Gig Young, Bea Lillie, Groucho Marx, Walter Matthau, Burgess Meredith, Mae West and Barbara Eden, and

 

WHEREAS,    this 230 year old barn, converted to a theatre in 1933 has gone through some bad times such as losing its roof in the 1954 hurricane, not being used for several years because of a decrease in interest in barn theatres, and also the danger of being razed for residential construction, was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 through the efforts of Tommy Brent who ran the theatre for twenty-two seasons, when FourQuest Entertainment, consisting of Laura Harris, Renny Serre and Richard Erikson came on board, doing extensive renovation and continuing  to produce high quality summer theatre until 2003, and

 

WHEREAS,    the curtain went down and the theatre was dark until 2007, when entrepreneur Bill Hanney purchased the property where he continues the outstanding producing legacy THEATRE BY THE SEA has been known for throughout its history.

 

NOW THEREFORE WE THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN do hereby extend congratulations to the THEATRE BY THE SEA on its ninetieth year operating as a summer theatre in the Town and wish Bill Hanney and his management team success in their future endeavors.

 

C.        Councilwoman Alley reads into the record a proclamation recognizing September 2023 as Military Suicide Awareness Month in South Kingstown.

 

Erica Westbrook, President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 916 Women’s Auxiliary is present and comments on the anniversary of 9/11, and the epidemic of active-duty military and veteran suicide.

 

Ken Galyas Sr., President of Heroes Horizons is present and speaks about his son SPC Ken Galyas Jr. who committed suicide after a long struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

Ms. Westbrook notes that active-duty military suicide has increased in 2023 and speaks about the Brandon Act signed into law in 2021 allowing service members to seek mental health treatment. It is also noted that the new 988 helpline is now operational.

 

Judy Munson, VFW Post 916 Women’s Auxiliary is present and comments on the gravity of military suicide.

 

Ella and Margaret Whaley, VFW Post 916 Women’s Auxiliary are present and speak about their family members who served in the military.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt a proclamation recognizing September 2023 as Military Suicide Awareness Month in the Town of South Kingstown, as follows:

 

MILITARY SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH

 

WHEREAS,    family matters, support matters, and every military Veteran matters, this September, Suicide Prevention Month encourages Veterans and their loved ones to focus on the things that give life meaning, the things that matter; anyone who knows a Veteran can help, and

 

WHEREAS,    whether a Veteran has just returned home or served years ago, their experiences remain with them, their wounds might not be visible, but they need our attention. We can support Veterans who are dealing with challenges of all kinds; we’re in this together, and

 

WHEREAS,    the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) urges groups and individuals nationwide to stay alert for signs of suicide risk in the Veterans they care about.  If you’re concerned about the Veteran in your life, lending a hand doesn’t have to be hard, just talking about it opens the door to finding support and the Veterans Crisis Line can help, and

 

WHEREAS,    the first step in preventing suicide is to understand the warning signs; people may show signs of risk before considering harming themselves.  Warning signs include: hopelessness, anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings, rage or anger, engaging in risky activities, increasing alcohol or drug abuse, and withdrawing from family and friends.

 

WHEREAS,    the Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that Veterans and their families and friends can access any day, any time. Trained professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line, many who are Veterans themselves are ready to listen, providing free confidential support, 24/7, 365 days a year, and 

 

WHEREAS,    the VA counts on grassroots networks and community organizations to spread the word that support is just a call, click, or text away.  It’s up to all of us to get educated, get involved, and take action to help Veterans access the support and care they deserve, and

 

NOW THEREFORE WE THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN proclaim September 2023 as MILITARY SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH in the Town of South Kingstown and request our residents to let a Veteran know they are not alone and that they matter.

 

D.        Craig Stanley, Chief of Emergency Medical Services is present and reviews items 10D and 10E, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize a purchase from Zoll Medical Corporation, 269 Mill Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824 of one Zoll X-Series Manual Monitor/Defibrillator in an amount not to exceed $33,000; and as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of Emergency Medical Services to the Town Manager dated August 21, 2023 and entitled “Cardiac Monitor Replacement.”

 

E.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize a purchase from Stryker Inc., PO Box 93308, Chicago, IL 60673-3308 for a Lucas3 CPR Compression device in an amount not to exceed $12,648; and as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of Emergency Medical Services to the Town Manager dated August 21, 2023 and entitled “Lucas3 CPR Device Purchase Recommendation.”

 

F.         Laurel Clark, Library Director is present and reviews the Rhode Island Community Learning Center Compact which is an addendum to the recently signed Learn365RI Compact. Signing this addendum will affirm the Town’s eligibility to move into Stage II of the Capital Project Fund (CPF) Multi-Purpose Community Center Grant. Stage II involves the renovation of the Peace Dale Library.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the timeline for submitting the grant application, the Town’s eligibility to receive approximately $2.1 million in grant funding, and the purpose of the Learn365RI Program.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Manager to sign the RI Municipal Learning Center Compact; as further described in a memorandum from the Library Director to the Town Manager dated August 28, 2023 and entitled “Authorization to Participate in the Rhode Island Community Learning Center Compact and application for the Multi-Purpose Communities Facilities Project Grant.”

 

G.        Wendy Duarte, Interim Tax Assessor is present and reviews the need for oblique and aerial cloud imagery. These types of images have been available through state agencies in the past but are no longer available.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to Pictometry International Corp. d/b/a EagleView, 25 Methodist Hill Drive, Rochester, NY 14623 for a Fall 2023 aerial and oblique photography flight, in accordance with a proposal dated July, 28, 2023 in an amount not to exceed $25,252; and as further described in a memorandum from the Interim Town Assessor to the Town Manager dated September 1, 2023 and entitled “Eagleview Pictometry Contract.”

 

H.        Matthew Moynihan, Chief of Police is present and reviews Items 10H and 10I, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award to Cromwell Public Affairs, 649 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02908 for traffic safety communications and media relations consulting services in an amount not to exceed $32,000, subject to the availability of grant funding; and as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of Police to the Town Manager dated September 4, 2023 and entitled “Award Recommendation – Media Consulting Services – Cromwell Public Affairs.”

 

I.          UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award to All Traffic Solutions, 3100 Research Drive, State College, PA 16801 for two (2) speed alert message signs in an amount not to exceed $12,450, including contingency; and as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of Police to the Town Manager dated September 4, 2023 and entitled “Award Recommendation – Speed Alert Message Signs – All Traffic Solutions.”

 

J.         Richard Bourbonnais, Director of Public Services is present and reviews Items 10J, 10K, and 10L, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Republic Services, 1080 Airport Road, Fall River, MA 02720 for the Regular Refuse Disposal and Recycling Package at the unit costs per pickup bid for the period September 12, 2023 through June 30, 2025; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated September 5, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Refuse, Recycling & Grit Collection Contract.”

 

K.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Republic Services, 1080 Airport Road, Fall River, MA 02720 for Sludge Transportation at the unit cost of $410.00 per round trip to the RIRRC Central Landfill facility and $435.00 per round trip to the SYNAGRO Woonsocket incinerator facility for the period September 12, 2023 through June 30, 2025; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated September 5, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Refuse, Recycling & Grit Collection Contract.”

 

L.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Republic Services, 1080 Airport Road, Fall River, MA 02720 for the Grit Package at the unit cost of $58.00 per pickup for the period September 12, 2023 through June 30, 2025; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated September 5, 2023 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Refuse, Recycling & Grit Collection Contract.”

 

11.       TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

A.        The Town Manager reviews the School Building Committee’s (SBC) findings relative to increased costs for the school construction project.

 

Brian Silvia, Finance Director; Phil Conte, Studio JAED Architects; and Chris Spiegel, Senior Project Manager, LeftField Project Management, the Town’s Owner Project Manager (OPM) are in attendance for a presentation and discussion.

 

Mr. Spiegel provides a brief presentation on their due diligence of estimate validation and analysis. The purpose of this due diligence analysis is to ensure the budget contains all costs, compare individual construction cost components against recent projects, protect the Town from substantial scope reduction, and discover potential opportunities for cost savings.

 

Mr. Spiegel compares other towns with similar projects and reviews an estimate analysis. Third party cost estimator PM&C provided a project cost estimate of approximately $126 million which did not include hazardous materials abatement, full demolition, and soft costs. After LeftField evaluated the project cost estimate, it was determined that the actual project cost totals approximately $151 million which is roughly $26 million over what was requested and passed by the legislature. The projected tax impact analysis shows that the average annual taxpayer cost would be $22.60 more if the Town were to request a $150 million bond. The $125 million bond amount is not sufficient to complete the project.

 

Mr. Conte reviews the evaluation of the project. Mr. Conte expresses his deepest apologies for presenting an insufficient cost estimate and notes the importance of notifying the Town Council that the funding is not enough. Following an in-depth discussion with LeftField there are multiple factors impacting the costs.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the project estimate discrepancies and the methodology being used for cost analysis.

 

Mr. Spiegel explains the thorough and detailed analysis they conducted as the Owner Project Manager including the construction costs of other school projects, construction markups, average costs, and special construction and demolition costs.

 

Mr. Conte explains Studio JAED’s review of the $126 million estimate received from PM&C and after corrections were made, the project estimate increased to $135 million. They compared costs of other local school projects, and it was determined that the cost of the project was going to increase to $150 million.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the $15 million deficit, the difference between PM&C and Studio JAED’s square footage estimate, ensuring the cost includes needs instead of wants, the importance of the project, potential cost savings, and the timeline to request new enabling legislation.

 

The Finance Director explains the funding strategy for the bond and the pending schedule to roll out the bond. Further discussion ensues relative to the potential use of surplus funds to close the cost gap, the possibility of implementing a 30-year bond life, and the process to obtain new enabling legislation to put the school bond question on the ballot in April 2024.

 

Mr. Silvia reviews the Trustees of the SK School Funds valuation at the close of the prior fiscal year shows $2.1 million is related to the schools, $944,000 of that is tied to general education or the SK High School. There is approximately $107,000 related to Wakefield Elementary School

 

10.       NEW BUSINESS continued

 

M.        Discussion ensues relative to scheduling a joint work session with the School Committee and the School Building Committee.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to withdraw the submission of the following question to the Office of the Secretary of State for inclusion on the November 7, 2023 Local Election ballot: 

 

CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF NEW HIGH SCHOOL,

ATHLETIC FACILITY AND OTHER SCHOOL FACILITIES

$125,000,000 BONDS AND NOTES

 

(Chapter 25/26 – Local Acts of 2023)

 

******************************

 

“Shall an act, passed at the 2023 session of the General Assembly, entitled 'An act authorizing the Town of South Kingstown to issue not to ‎exceed $125,000,000 general obligation bonds and notes to finance ‎the ‎acquisition, ‎construction, improvement, renovation, ‎furnishing and ‎equipping of a new ‎high ‎school, athletic ‎facility, and other school facilities in the town‎ and all ‎expenses incident thereto, ‎including, but ‎not limited to, costs ‎of design, demolition, ‎athletic ‎fields, ‎landscaping and parking ‎and all attendant expenses, including engineering, ‎architectural and other project-related consulting costs, ‎provided that the authorization shall be reduced by the ‎amount of certain grants received from state bond proceeds, ‎from the Rhode Island Department of Education or from the Rhode Island School Building Authority' be approved?”

 

COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED CITIZENS

 

Council Vice President McEntee invites residents to resume comments.

 

Dorald Beasley is present and comments on the need to increase the school bond to $150 million and suggests school funding on a per pupil basis.

 

12.       COMMUNICATIONS

 

A.        Dorald Beasley comments on his request for information on the Town’s tax rate determination. The Finance Director explains that levy information was updated after the State’s Motor Vehicle Phase-out was implemented.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated August 16, 2023 from Dorald Beasley requesting information on the Town’s tax rate determination is received, placed on file, and the Town Council further directs

 

B.        Mary Leyden and Mark Parsons from Matunuck Point Beach Club, and Gerald Del Piano are present and comment in opposition to the Town Council’s decision to discontinue maintenance of private roads.

 

Michael Ursillo, Town Solicitor explains the process to make private roads public. Homeowners on private roads may either bring the road up to Town standards or seek legal representation to have the question of whether the road is dedicated to the public resolved in Superior Court. The Town doesn’t have jurisdiction to make a legal determination whether a road is currently public or private.

 

Council President McEntee calls for a brief recess.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails from Mary Leyden; Mark and Lorraine Parsons; Stephanie Canter (video); Gerald and Rosemarie Del Piano; and Peter Zawisza, President, Matunuck Point Beach Club requesting the Town Council to reconsider its decision to discontinue maintenance of private roads are received, placed on file, and referred to the Town Solicitor.

 

C.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated August 28, 2023 from James Normann tendering his resignation from the Sustainability Committee as of September 1, 2023 is accepted, and the Town Council directs that a letter of thanks be sent.

 

D.        William Murray Gates, IV, Historic District Commission (HDC) is present and comments on the HDC’s proposal that the Town take possession of the historic Rodman Family Cemetery and associated right of way in order to provide perpetual maintenance.

 

Discussion ensues relative to an offer by Roland Fiore to mow the property in the fall, volunteers willing to assist in maintaining the cemetery, and determining ownership of the cemetery property.

 

The Town Manager notes there are many historic cemeteries within the Town and the Town only maintains five of them. It would be costly for the Town to undertake the maintenance of historic cemeteries and it is suggested to continue to allow volunteers to assist.

 

Discussion ensues relative to legislation that allows towns to take possession of neglected or abandoned cemeteries, potential grant opportunities, assessing the Town’s options, and the cost of a title search.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated September 5, 2023 from William Murray Gates, IV, Historic District Commission Chairperson proposing that the Town take possession of the historic Rodman Family Cemetery and associated right of way is received, placed on file, and referred to the Town Solicitor to determine a cost estimate for a title search.

 

13.       APPOINTMENTS

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Elizabeth Kroll to the Library Board of Trustees for a term to expire in July 2026.

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint John Hanson to the Recreation Commission for a term to expire in June 2026.

 

B.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to promote the following members of the Zoning Board of Review: Arlene Hicks from Alternate #1 to full member to fill a term to expire in March 2026; and Kevin C. Pellissier from Alternate #2 to Alternate #1 to fill a term to expire in March 2025; as further described in a memorandum from the Building Official to the Town Manager dated August 31, 2023 and entitled “Zoning Board Member Appointments.”

 

C.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint Adam J. Sholes, Esquire as the Municipal Court and Housing Court Judge for the Town of South Kingstown.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adjourn at 11:14 PM.

 

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk