TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA

 

TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN

 

RHODE ISLAND

 

 

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

 

CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION – 6:30 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

Nichole C. Romane, 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 9/5/2024

 

1.            CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION – 6:30 PM

 

A.        A Closed Executive Session 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 re: International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 3365 AFL-CIO, Council 94, Local 1612, and SKMEA/NEA.

 

2.            WORK SESSION – 7:00 PM

Discussion with the Economic Development Committee

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 – August 13, 2024

             

B.        Regular Session – August 13, 2024

 

C.        Closed Executive Session – August 13, 2024

 

6.            CONSENT AGENDA

 

(CA)    A.        A resolution that a claim filed by Douglas Chabot, Esquire on behalf of his client Thomas Ruggiero relative to an incident that occurred on or about July 24, 2024 be referred to the Town Solicitor and the Town’s insurance carrier.

 

(CA)    B.        A resolution authorizing an award of contract to Prime Heating and Cooling, 517 Niantic Ave, Cranston RI 02910 for the procurement and installation of an air conditioning mini split system in the IT server room in accordance with all specifications in the amount not to exceed $5,938.00, and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Facilities to the Town Manager dated August 23, 2024 and entitled “Award of Contract –Replacement HVAC for IT Server Room.”

 

(CA)    C.        A resolution authorizing the Town Assessor to abate taxes in the amount of $2,499.66, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 640.

 

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 Private Detective License to Steven O'Donnell & Associates, LLC, 76 Hartford Avenue, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application By Steven O’Donnell, President. New; License No. 84522.

           

            B.        A resolution granting a Temporary Mass Gathering Permit to Extreme Airsoft and Peace Dale Neighborhood Revitalization, Inc., 1425 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 to conduct the annual EA Fest Block Party on Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Application by Danielle Martin, Officer; New. License No. TGM-24-4.

 

8.            DISCUSSION AND COMMUNITY COMMENT

 

A.        Proposed Hazard Recreation Field Land Swap associated with the South Kingstown High School Construction Project to meet requirements of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

 

9.            NEW BUSINESS

 

A.           A resolution adopting a citation recognizing Robert Littlefield for his service as the Interim School Superintendent.

 

B.           A resolution adopting a citation recognizing Alexis Meyer for her service at the Interim Assistant Superintendent.

 

C.           A resolution authorizing an amendment of a contract authorized on September 23, 2022, with Beta Group Inc., 701 George Washington Highway, Lincoln, RI, for an expanded scope of work involving the Old Mountain Field Master plan and architectural/engineering services for design and constructions specifications; from a total of $109,000 to $264,371 including a contingency of $23,800, and as further described in a memorandum from the Leisure Services Director to the Town Manager dated August 20, 2024; and entitled “Old Mountain Field Master Plan Architectural/Engineering Services – Amendment of Contract.”

 

D.           A resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a commitment form and subsequent grant agreement with Restore America’s Estuaries on behalf of the Town for stormwater related work in the Green Hill Pond watershed in the amount of $250,000; as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager, dated August 26, 2024, entitled “Green Hill Pond RAE Grant Recommendation.”

 

E.            A resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a Second Lease Amendment with T-Mobile Northeast, LLC, successor in interest to Omnipoint Communications at the Mautucket Road water tower, Wakefield, RI, in accordance with terms of the lease agreement as approved by the Town Solicitor and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager, dated August 26, 2024, entitled “T-Mobile – Mautucket Road Water Tower – Second Amendment Lease Agreement.”

 

F.            A resolution authorizing an award of bid for Liquid Sodium Chlorite to Erco Worldwide, 5050 Satellite Drive, Suite 600, Mississauga, ON L4W0G1, Canada at the unit bid price of $11.46 per gallon and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated August 28, 2024 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Liquid Sodium Chlorite.”

 

G.           A resolution authorizing an award of bid to K5 Corporation, 9 Rock View Way, Rockland, MA  02370 at the unit prices bid for municipal road striping/marking services and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated September 3, 2024 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – FY 2024-25 Regional Road Striping.”

 

H.           A resolution authorizing an award of bid, to Liberty Chevrolet, Inc., 90 Bay State Road, Wakefield, MA, 01880, for a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD SUV in an amount not to exceed $34,541.45 and in accordance with State MPA #599; and as further described in a memorandum from the Building Official to the Town Manager dated August 29, 2024, and entitled “Award Recommendation – Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)”.

 

I.              A resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program subaward agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for the purchase of a CD3 solar-powered boat washing station to be installed at Worden Pond in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, as further described in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager to the Town Manager dated September 4, 2024, entitled “Request for Authorization to Execute a Grant Agreement for Purchase of a Boat Washing Station ."

 

J.            A resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a grant agreement for the acceptance of a Narragansett Bay and Watershed Restoration Fund award with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management in the amount of $155,000 for the second-year treatment of Hydrilla in Indian Lake, as further described in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager to the Town Manager dated September 4, 2024, entitled “Request for Authorization to Execute a Grant Agreement for Hydrilla Treatment at Indian Lake. "

 

K.           A resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a grant agreement for the acceptance of a Narragansett Bay and Watershed Restoration Fund award with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management in the amount of $66,350 to mitigate stormwater impacts in the impaired Indian Run Brook as it passes through the town-owned property between the Neighborhood Guild and Village Green Park, as further described in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager to the Town Manager dated September 4, 2024, entitled “Request for Authorization to Execute a Grant Agreement for the Indian Run Brook Restoration Project. "

 

L.            A resolution appointing Robert Littlefield as a voting member of the South Kingstown School Building Committee, as further described in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager to the Town Manager dated September 4, 2024.

 

M.           A resolution authorizing an amendment to an award of bid originally granted on May 23, 2022 and amended on December 11, 2023 to ThinkGard LLC, 160 Yeager Parkway, Suite 200, Pelham, AL 35124 for backup and disaster recovery services in the total amount $14,136 for a three (3) year term with a 3-year renewal option not to exceed a ten percent (10%) increase over the prior year as described in a memorandum from the Director of Technology to the Town Manager dated September 3, 2024 and titled “Contract Extension for Backup Services”.

 

10.          TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

A.           Update on School Building Project

B.           Update on American Rescue Plan Act Funds.

C.           Update on Old Tower Hill Road Neighborhood Plan.

D.           Update on the Main Street Façade Improvement Program.

 

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.        Emails from Indian Lake residents requesting the Town Council accept the Bay and Watershed Restoration Fund Grant (BWRF) from the Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) to chemically treat the hydrilla invasion at Indian Lake are 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: Amy Crawford, Joshua White Port and Meghann Sparks wish to be reappointed. 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 current term (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).

 

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

Vacancies: five terms to expire in July 2025 (David Hamel and James Vogel did not wish to be reappointed; Christopher Moore resigned; two additional open positions).

Applicant: David R. Stone (applied 7/16/2024); Neil Murray (applied 9/3/2024).

 

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

Vacancy: one term to expire in June 2029 (Paul Schurman did not wish to be reappointed).

 

Conservation Commission (7 members; 3 year term)

Reappointments for terms to expire in September 2024. Margaret Clune wishes to be reappointed. Dennis John Bowman does not wish to be reappointed. It is reported that Ms. Clune has attended 6 of 6 meetings held during her current term (attendance as of 4/23/2024).

 

Economic Development Committee (11 members, 3 year term)

Vacancy: one term to expire in March 2027 (Larry Fish resigned).

Applicant: Jack Cadman (applied 8/21/2024)

 

Historic District Commission (7 members; 3 year term)

Reappointments for terms to expire in December 2024. Awaiting responses from David Nedwidek and Linda Stedman.

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

 

Housing Authority (5 members; 5 year term)

Reappointment for a term to expire in October 2024. Awaiting response from Susana Vazquez McCoy.

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)

Reappointment for a term to expire in July 2024: Hilary Carlson wishes to be reappointed (to be interviewed at a future meeting). It is reported that Ms. Carlson has attended 25 of 32 meetings held during her current term (attendance as of 7/15/2024).

Applicant: Lisa Wholey (applied 2/23/2024); Applicant: David R. Stone (applied 7/16/2024)

 

Planning Board (7 members; 3 year term)

Applicants: William Green (applied 2/12/2024; interviewed 3/11/2024); Michael Christy (applied 3/14/2024; interviewed 4/8/2024)

 

Recreation Commission (5 members; 3 year term)

Vacancy: one term to expire June 2025 (David Palazzetti resigned)

 

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)

Applicant: Rachel Littlefield (applied 6/6/2024)

 

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 in 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)

Vacancy (Mark Kravatz resigned)

 

Waterfront Advisory Commission (7 members; 3 year term)

Reappointment for a term to expire in June 2024: Barry Gross wishes to be reappointed (to be interviewed at a future meeting. It is reported that Mr. Gross has attended 19 of 21 meetings held during his current term (attendance as of 2/8/2024).

 

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

Vacancy: Alternate #3 term to expire in March 2027 (William MacDonald promoted to Alt. #2)

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