TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA

 

TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN

 

RHODE ISLAND

 

 

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024

 

CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION – 6:00 PM

WORK SESSION – 7:00 PM

REGULAR SESSION – 7:30 PM

 

TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

180 HIGH STREET

WAKEFIELD, RI

 

TOWN COUNCIL

Rory H. McEntee, President

Michael K. Marran, Vice President

Patricia A. Alley

Deborah D. Bergner

Charles Gregory Sweet

 

James M. Manni, Town Manager

Michael A. Ursillo, Esquire, Town Solicitor

Susan M. Flynn, CMC, Town Clerk

 

 

 

Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend in person or view the meeting live on ClerkBase at https://clerkshq.com/SouthKingstown-ri or on your local Public Access Television Station.

 

NOTE:  Individuals requesting American Sign Language interpreters or CART service must call the Town Clerk’s Office at 401-789-9331 seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the meeting date.

 

DATE POSTED 5/9/2024

1.         CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION – 6:00 PM

 

A.        A Closed Executive Session pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(1) to discuss matters pertaining to personnel; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to litigation re: Roy Carpenter’s Beach Association, et al. v. SK Tax Assessor, PC-2023-03895.

 

2.            WORK SESSION – 7:00 PM

Work Session with Trustees of the South Kingstown School Funds

All items listed on the Town Council agenda are subject to discussion.

 

3.            REGULAR SESSION – 7:30 PM

Please be advised that the Council intends to discuss and/or act upon each and every item appearing on this agenda.

 

            A.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

            B.        LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT

 

4.            ROLL CALL

 

5.            APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

            A.        Work Session – April 22, 2024

             

B.        Regular Sessions – April 15, April 17, April 22 and April 29, 2024

 

C.        Closed Executive Session – April 22, 2024

 

6.            CONSENT AGENDA

 

(CA)    A.        A resolution granting a Victualling License to Golden Jade, Inc. d/b/a Peking Tokyo, 120 Fortin Road, Kingston, RI 02881. Application by Cai Xiuyu, President. Renewal; License No. 60677.

 

Rule 13:  All items listed with a (CA) are to be considered routine by the Town Council and will be enacted by one motion.  There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Council, or a member of the public so requests, in which event the item will be removed from Consent Agenda (CA) consideration and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.

 

7.            LICENSES

 

            A.        A resolution granting a Miscellaneous Permit to conduct the annual Bike MS: Ride the Rhode on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 7:30 AM to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1111 Cromwell Avenue, Building #3 Suite 302C, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 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 for the event in the amounts specified by the Finance Director. Application by Kyle Sandness; Renewal. License No. 83070.

           

            B.        A resolution granting a Temporary Mass Gathering Permit to conduct the annual South County Pride Celebration on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 11 AM to 6 PM at the Contemporary Theater, 327 Main Street to South County Pride Foundation, 38 Sweet Fern Lane, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to the execution of a hold harmless agreement indemnifying the Town. Application by Amanda Downing Carney, Applicant; New. License No. TMG-24-3.

 

            C.        A resolution granting a Holiday Sales License to O’Reilly Automotive Store, Inc. d/b/a O’Reilly Auto Parts 6698, 684 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Christie Meadors, Business License Coordinator. New; License No. 84182.

 

8.            NEW BUSINESS

 

            A.        A resolution adopting a proclamation in recognition of the Jonnycake Center for Hope on its 50^th Anniversary of service to the community, as requested by Council Vice President Marran.

 

            B.        A resolution adopting a citation congratulating Margaret Riley on her 100^th birthday, as requested by Council Vice President Marran.

 

            C.        A resolution adopting a citation congratulating Michael Alper, retired head of the South Kingstown High School English Department, for being honored as the recipient of the F. Joseph Perry Award by South County Pride Foundation, as requested by Council Member Alley.

 

            D.        A resolution authorizing an award of contract to Atlantic Coast Polymer, Inc., 224 Commercial Boulevard, Suite 204, Lauderdale By The Sea, FL 33308 for APC345 polymer at the unit price of $2.50 per lb. (ACP345) and $2.30 per lb. (ACP660U); and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated April 29, 2024 and entitled “Wastewater Division Proprietary Chemical – FY 2024-25 Polymer.”

 

            E.         A resolution authorizing an amendment to an award of bid originally granted on July 25, 2022 to Atlantic Control Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 313, Exeter, RI 02822 for municipal sub-contractor excavating services at the unit prices bid for the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated April 29, 2024 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Municipal Excavation Sub-Contractor Services.”

 

            F.         A resolution authorizing an amendment to an award of bid originally granted on June 12, 2017, and amended on September 29, 2020, June 28, 2021, July 11, 2022 and June 27, 2023 to UniFirst Corporation, 33 Lambert Lind Highway, Warwick, RI 02888 for Uniform Leasing Services at the unit prices bid for the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated April 29, 2024 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Uniform Leasing Services Contract Extension.”

 

            G.        A resolution amending the Solid Waste User Fee for residential refuse tags from $2.35 to $2.50 per tag effective July 1, 2024, and amending the Town’s Schedule of Fees; as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated April 29, 2024 and entitled “Rose Hill Regional Transfer Station Refuse Tag Fee Adjustment.”

 

            H.        A resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute Amendment 1 to the Fourth Contract Extension for the Rose Hill Regional Transfer Station contract with Waste Connections, 19 Industrial Way, Seekonk, MA 02771; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 6, 2024 and entitled “Rose Hill Regional Transfer Station (RHRTS), Waste Connections, Fourth Contract Extension – Amendment 1.”

 

            I.          A resolution authorizing an award of contract to Union Studio, 160 Mathewson Street, Suite 201, Providence, RI 02903 for planning/architectural services for site plan options for certain Town owned properties in an amount not to exceed $75,000; as further described in a memorandum from the Planning Director and Deputy Town Manager to the Town Manager dated May 7, 2024 and entitled “Request for Award of Architectural Design Services (SK0015PL).”

 

            J.         A resolution authorizing an award of contract to Beta Group, 701 George Washington Highway, Lincoln, RI 02865 for planning services to update the Town’s existing Hazard Mitigation Plan in an amount not to exceed $45,000; as further described in a memorandum from the Planning Director to the Town Manager dated May 7, 2024 and entitled “Planning Consultant Services (Hazard Mitigation Plan) Recommendation.”

 

            K.        Discussion and potential action regarding the possible establishment of a homestead exemption, as requested by Council Member Alley.

 

9.            TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

            A.        Results of the School Bond Referendum and update on the School Facilities Project.

 

B.        Update on the Main Street Façade Improvement Program.

 

C.        Update on existing parking restrictions in the Matunuck area.

 

D.        Report on the Town’s upcoming property tax sale.

 

10.          TOWN SOLICITOR’S REPORT

 

A.        Solicitor legal services agreement.

 

B.        South Kingstown Housing Authority agreement.

 

11.          PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Rule 10A.  for the conduct of the meetings of the South Kingstown Town Council:  Members of the public shall be entitled to speak at regular meetings during any period designated on the agenda for public comment, once, for a period of five minutes, or longer at the discretion of the President, and at other times when invited to do so by the President.  The public shall address their comments to the question under debate as indicated on the agenda. Pursuant to RI General Laws §42-46-6(b), public comment regarding subject matter not on the agenda but received during the public participation portion of a meeting shall be for information purposes only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official.

 

12.          COMMUNICATIONS

 

            A.        An email dated April 28, 2024 from Jessica Spalding, South County Pride Foundation requesting that the Pride flag be flown at Town Hall for the month of June in recognition of Pride month is received, placed on file, and the Town Council further directs ____________________.

 

            B.        An email dated May 2, 2024 from Liz Gledhill, Crisis Intervention Teams of RI concerning her experience working with Police Chief Matthew Moynihan is received, placed on file, and the Town Council further directs ________________.

 

            C.        A letter dated May 9, 2024 from Fr. Albert D. Ranallo, Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church requesting to lease a portion of Town property for a vegetable garden for their meals program is received, placed on file, and the Town Council further directs ____________________.

 

Rule 18:  Correspondence to the Town Council shall be placed on the Council agenda only where action by the Council is requested.  Correspondence relating to personnel issues or personal matters shall not be placed on the agenda.  The Town Clerk shall confer with the Town Manager and/or Town Solicitor where the intent of the correspondence may be unclear.  The Town reserves the right to make correspondence public by posting it on the Town Council agenda or otherwise.

 

13.          APPOINTMENTS

 

A.           A resolution appointing ___________________________________ to the ______________________________ Board/Committee/Commission for a term to expire in _______________. (See Attachment A for Boards and Commissions Appointments Report)

 

 

Rule 11:  No item of business other than that of adjournment may be brought before the Town Council at any meeting unless such an item is introduced before 11:00 PM; provided, however, that this rule may be suspended by an affirmative vote of a majority of members present.

 

Pursuant to RIGL §42-46-6(b). Notice – “Nothing contained herein shall prevent a public body, other than a school committee from adding additional items to the agenda by majority vote of the members.  Such additional items shall be for informational purposes only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official.”

 

 

Attachment A

 

 

Boards and Commissions Appointments Report

 

 

The following information reflects the status of those Town boards, commissions and committees which have vacancies, members whose terms are expiring and are eligible for reappointment, and/or applications filed for consideration of appointment. The Town Council may make appointments at any meeting.

 

Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee (7 members; 3 year term)

Reappointments for terms to expire August 2024. Joshua White Port and Amy Crawford wish to be reappointed. Awaiting a response from Meghann Sparks. It is reported that Ms. Crawford and Mr. Port have attended 12 of 12 meetings, and Ms. Sparks has attended 18 of 21 meetings held during their respective terms (attendance as of 4/23/2024).

Vacancy: one term to expire August 2025 (George Helwig resigned)

Applicant: Darryl Geissler (applied 8/29/2023; interviewed 10/23/2023).

 

Assessment Board of Review (3 members, 1 alternate; 3 year term)

Reappointment for a term expired January 2024: David Baud wishes to be reappointed. It is reported that Mr. Baud has attended 10 of 15 meetings held during his current term.

 

Building Code/Minimum Housing Code Boards of Appeals (5 members; 5 year term)

Reappointment for a term to expire June 2024: Paul Schurman does not wish to be reappointed.

 

Bicycle – Pedestrian Advisory Committee (Minimum 5, maximum 9 members; 2 year term)

Vacancies: 3 terms expired July 2023 (David Hamel and James Vogel did not wish to be reappointed; one open position).

 

Conservation Commission (7 members; 3 year term)

Reappointments for terms to expire September 2024: Margaret Clune wishes to be reappointed. Awaiting a response from Dennis John Bowman. It is reported that Ms. Clune has attended 6 of 6 meetings and Mr. Bowman has attended 8 of 11 meetings held during their respective terms (attendance as of 4/23/2024).

 

Economic Development Committee (11 members, 3 year term)

Reappointments for terms expired March 2024: Josh Gilman wishes to be reappointed. Awaiting a response from Larry Fish. It is reported that Mr. Gilman has attended 3 of 5 meetings and Mr. Fish has attended 26 of 29 meetings held during their current term.

Vacancies: two terms to expire March 2027 (Dan Kimber and John McGinn did not wish to be reappointed).

Applicant: Randy David Apuzzo (applied 4/3/2024)

 

Historic District Commission (7 members; 3 year term)

Reappointment for a term expired December 2023: William Murray Gates wishes to be reappointed. It is reported that Mr. Gates has attended 27 of 29 meetings held during the current term (attendance as of 9/15/2023).

Vacancy: term to expire December 2026 (Andrew Martinez resigned)

 

Housing Authority (5 members; 5 year term)

Applicants: Lucienne Andrew (applied 10/23/2023; did not attend interview 2/12/2024); Gregory Jones (applied 10/27/2023; interviewed 2/12/2024); Peter Swain (applied 1/12/2024; interviewed 2/12/2024)

 

Library Board of Trustees (7 members; 3 year term)

Reappointments for terms to expire July 2024: Hilary Carlson and Timothy Murphy wish to be reappointed. It is reported that Ms. Carlson has attended 50 and Mr. Murphy has attended 59 of 60 meetings held during their current term (attendance as of 4/23/2024).

Applicant: Lisa Wholey (applied 2/23/2024).

 

Planning Board (7 members; 3 year term)

Reappointment for a term to expire May 2024: Robyn Pothier wishes to be reappointed. It is reported that Ms. Pothier has attended 62 of 73 meetings held during her current term.

Applicants: William Green (applied 2/12/2024; interviewed 3/11/2024); Michael Christy (applied 3/14/2024)

 

Recreation Commission (5 members; 3 year term)

Reappointment for a term expired in March 2024: William Litvin wishes to be reappointed. It is reported that Mr. Litvin has attended 33 of 35 meetings held during his current term.

Applicant: Robert Warren (applied 9/18/2023; interviewed 9/25/2023 and appointed to Library Board of Trustees)

 

Route 1 Stewardship Plan Development Committee (8 members)

Vacancies: Economic Development Committee Ex-Officio Member and public member (Larry Fish does not wish to continue serving; Leslie Chouinard resigned)

 

Route 138 Reconstruction Project Area Committee (11 members; 2 year term)

Reappointments for terms expired in May 2023: Susan Spranger Axelrod, Dorald Beasley, Gail Faris, Thomas Marcello and William Rosen wish to be reappointed. Awaiting a response from Diane Johnson.

Vacancies: terms expired in May 2023 (Peter Maynard did not wish to be reappointed; James Garfield, Ex-Officio member of Historic District Commission resigned; and URI representative)

 

Saugatucket Veterans’ Memorial Park Commission (5 members; 5 year term)

Vacancy: Vietnam Veteran, term expires January 2025 (Mark Spangler deceased)

 

Statistical Modeling and Analytics Research Tools (SMART) Committee (9 members)

Two vacancies: (Lauren Weinstock and Jonathan E. Daly-LaBelle resigned)

 

Sustainability Committee (7 members)

Two vacancies (Tony Silbert and Mark Kravatz resigned)

Applicants: Christine Muller (applied 1/25/2024)

 

Trustees of the South Kingstown School Funds (5 members; 5 year term)

Reappointment for a term to expire June 2024: awaiting response from Terrence Simpson.

 

Waterfront Advisory Commission (7 members; 3 year term)

Reappointments for terms to expire June 2024: Barry Gross and Nathaniel Merrill wish to be reappointed. It is reported that Mr. Gross has attended 19 of 21 meetings and Mr. Merrill has attended 17 of 20 meetings held during their current term.

 

Zoning Board of Review (5 members, 3 alternates; 3 year term)

Applicants: Robert Fetzer (applied 3/11/2024); Michael Christy (applied 3/14/2024; interviewed 4/8/2024)