TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA

 

TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN

 

RHODE ISLAND

 

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

 

WORK SESSION – 7:00 PM

REGULAR SESSION – 7:30 PM

CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

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 9/19/2024

 

1.            A.        INTERVIEW – 7:00 PM

1. Rachel Littlefield for appointment to the Route 1 Stewardship Plan Development Committee.

 

B.        WORK SESSION – immediately following

School Building Committee presentation with guest speaker Sara Ross from UndauntedK12- Review of the Inflation Reduction Act and opportunities to offset the cost of renewable energy technologies for the South Kingstown School Building Project.

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

 

2.            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

 

3.            ROLL CALL

 

4.            CONSENT AGENDA

 

(CA)    A.        A resolution granting Holiday Sales Licenses to the following; Renewals:

           

Matunuck Beach Properties, Inc. d/b/a Roy Carpenters Beach, 240 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Christa Sisson, Vice President/Treasurer. License No. 59268.

 

Cardi's Department Store Inc. d/b/a Cardi's Furniture Bedding Plus, 25 South County Commons Way, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Susan Halvarson, Administrative Coordinator. License No. 59110.

 

Peter Pots Stoneware Inc. d/b/a Peter Pots Stoneware, 494 Glen Rock Road, West Kingstown, RI 02892. Application by Jeffrey Greene, President. License No. 59454.

 

Spirit Recognition Inc. d/b/a University Spirit, 99 Fortin Road, Kingston, RI 02881. Application by Robert Marshall, President. License No. 60846.

 

DEG LLC dba Wakefield Books d/b/a Wakefield Books, 160 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Robert Ryan, Owner. License No. 60853.

 

Bubba & Lolo’s Thrift LLC d/b/a Bubba & Lolo’s Thrift LLC, 119 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Lauren Chapin, Co-owner. License No. 85874.

 

Crops B&B LLC d/b/a Crops Beauty & Barber, 99 Fortin Road apt 129 B3 Kingston, RI 02881. Application by Madelyn Selwyn, Owner. License No. 62400.

 

Second Time Around Sports Plus Inc. d/b/a Second Time Around Sports, 160 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Joseph Mastrati, President. License No. 78729.

Kenyon Avenue Floral Co. Inc d/b/a Kenyon Avenue Floral Co. Inc, 243 Kenyon Avenue, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by William Matson, President. License No. 59219.

 

Ski General Inc d/b/a Uncle Sam’s Army Navy Surplus, 548 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Rosalie Guttin, Owner. License No. 59393.

 

(CA)    B.        A resolution granting Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to the following: Renewals:

 

The Gathering Table LLC d/b/a The Gathering Table LLC, 237 Robinson Street,

Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Kevin Momenee, Owner. License No. 81139.

 

JSC Management Group, LLC d/b/a Burger King, 126 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Kristina Smith, Senior Director HR. License No. 66950.

 

Bahij Boutros d/b/a International Pockets 99 Fortin Road Kingston, RI 02881.

Application by Bahij Boutros, Owner. License No.68830.

 

Ravi Food Mart d/b/a Ravi Food Mart, 79 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI

02879. Application by Muhammad Jamil, Owner. License No. 72409.

 

DE Foods, Inc. d/b/a KFC/ Taco Bell, 139 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI

02879. Application by David Evans, President. License No. 73090.

 

(CA)    C.        A resolution granting Victualling, Holiday Sales, and Additional Hours Licenses to Shaw’s Supermarket Inc d/b/a Shaw’s #2438, 160 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by CSC Global, Authorized Agent. Renewal; License No. 73723.

 

(CA)    D.        A resolution granting a Tourist Accommodations License to the following; Renewals:

 

Mooresfield Estate LLC d/b/a Historic Mooresfield, 782 Mooresfield Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Jeffrey Greene, Owner. Renewal; License No.69709.

 

Sheppard’s Campus Bed & Breakfast d/b/a Sheppard’s Campus Bed & Breakfast, 16 Campus Avenue, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by David Sheppard, Owner. Renewal; License No. 61883.

 

(CA)    E.       A resolution granting Trailer Park/Campground Licenses to the following; Renewals:

 

Worden Pond Family Campground Inc. d/b/a Worden Pond Family Campground Inc., 416A Worden’s Pond Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Mark Tucker, President. License No. 77255.

 

Sugar Loaf Hill Bed and Breakfast d/b/a Sugar Loaf Hill Bed and Breakfast, 607 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Stephanie Osborn, Owner. License No. 59733.

 

(CA)    F.         A resolution granting a Farm Produce Peddler License to Stoney Acres Farm d/b/a Stoney Acres Farm, 140 Stoney Acres Way, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Linda Stedman, Co-Owner. Renewal; License No. 59131.

 

(CA)    G.        A resolution granting Holiday Sales and Farm Retail Sales Licenses to The Farmers Daughter LLC d/b/a The Farmers Daughter, 952 Mooresfield Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Sarah Partyka, Owner. Renewal; License No. 59742.

 

(CA)    H.        A resolution granting a Victualling License to South Kingstown Food Services Inc d/b/a D’Angelo Sandwich Shop, 71 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Dawn Fontaine, Accounting Officer. Renewal; License No. 59482.

 

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.

 

5.            LICENSES

 

A.           A resolution continued from September 9, 2024, 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. License No. TMG-24-4.

 

            B.        A resolution granting a Class F 19-Hour Beverage License to Peace Dale Neighborhood Revitalization Inc., 1935 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 for the EA Fest Block Party event to be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Application by Danielle Martin, Member. License No. 85449.

 

            C.        A resolution granting a Temporary Mass Gathering Permit to Sons of Liberty Spirits Co., 1425 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 to conduct the annual Fall Arts & Eats on October 20, 2024, from 12:00 PM-6:00 PM. Application by Bryan Ricard, Event Coordinator. New; License No. TMG-24-6.

 

            D.        A resolution granting a Temporary Mass Gathering Permit to Contemporary Theater Company, 327 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 to conduct the annual Wakefield Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 12, 2024, (rain date of October 19, 2024) from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM subject to Certificate of Liability Insurance and an Indemnification Form. Application by Christopher Simpson, Director. License No. TMG-24-5.

 

E.         A resolution granting Victualling, Holiday Sales and Additional Hours to PVD Pizza Kingston LLC d/b/a PVD Pizza Kingston, 99 Fortin Road Kingston, RI 02881. Application by Kevin Rosenberg, Member. New; License No. 85826.

 

F.         A resolution granting a Holiday Sales to Bubba & Lolo’s Thrift LLC d/b/a Bubba & Lolo’s Thrift LLC, 119 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Lauren Chapin, Co-owner. New; License No. 85874.

 

6.            NEW BUSINESS

 

A.           A resolution authorizing the Town Assessor to abate taxes in the amount of $239,761.43 as a result of the settlement for Roy Carpenter’s Beach Association, et al. v. SK Tax Assessor PC-2023-03895; and $3,888 as a result of elderly late filers as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 641.

 

B.           A resolution authorizing an award of bid to Coyne Mechanical Inc., 347 Tourtellot Hill Road, Chepachet, RI 02814 for the installation of circulation pumps as specified at the Neighborhood Guild in accordance with all bid specifications in the total amount of $35,090 including a contingency, and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Facilities to the Town Manager dated September 12, 2024 and entitled “Award of Bid – Circulation Pump Installation-Neighborhood Guild.”

 

C.           A resolution authorizing an award of bid to Prime Heating and Cooling, 517 Niantic Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910 for the heat pump installation as specified at the Peace Dale Office Building in accordance with all bid specifications in the total amount of $40,000 including a contingency, and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Facilities to the Town Manager dated September 12, 2024 and entitled “Award Recommendation – Heat Pump Installation- PDOB.”

 

D.           A resolution to rescind an award of bid granted on July 9, 2024 to Zion Imperial Solutions, Inc., 201 King of Prussia Road, Suite 650, Radnor, PA 19087 for the purchase of liquid sodium chlorite 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.”

 

E.            A resolution authorizing an award of purchase to Bobcat of RI, Inc., 421 Lincoln Avenue, Warwick, RI 02888, for a Bandit 15XP wood chipper with gasoline engine in an amount not to exceed $69,899.30, and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated September 16, 2024 and entitled “Award of Purchase Recommendation – Wood Chipper.”

 

F.            A resolution authorizing an award of bid to Hurd Auto Mall, 1705 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919 for a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, One Ton Four Wheel Drive Utility Body Truck with Lift Gate in the total amount of $ 65,185, including trade-in, and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated September 16, 2024 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – One Ton Utility Body Truck with Lift Gate.”

 

G.           A resolution authorizing an award of bid to United Ag & Turf, 20 Excalibur Boulevard, Plainfield, CT 06374 for a 2024 John Deere 5105M Tractor with an 18’ Alamo Samurai Boom with 60” HD Flail Mower, in the total amount of $178,564.88, and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated September 16, 2024, and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Tractor with Roadside Boom Mower.”

 

H.           A resolution authorizing a joint award of bid to Mid-American Salt, LLC, 4528 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 for winter road solar salt at a unit price of $72.72 per ton delivered for FY 2024-2025, and to Eastern Salt, Co., 134 Middle Street., Lowell, MA 01852, for winter road solar salt at a unit price of $74.22 per ton delivered for FY 2024-2025, and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated September 17, 2024 and entitled “Bid Recommendation for Winter Road Solar Salt – FY 2024-25.”

 

I.              A resolution authorizing an award of contract to GZA Environmental, Inc., 188 Valley Street, Suite 300, Providence, RI 02909 for consulting engineering and design services for the Saugatucket Road culvert improvements in an amount not to exceed $107,789 which includes a $5,000 contingency, and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager, dated September 18, 2024, entitled “Bid Recommendation – Saugatucket Road Culvert Engineering Services.”

 

J.            A resolution authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise by reference for Order of Notice to consider proposed amendments to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, Article 1. Establishment of Districts and Official Zoning Map, Section 101 B. Commercial, Article 3 Use Regulations, Section 301 Schedule of Use Regulations Table, Article 503 Accessory Uses, Appendix B. Parcels Subject to Special Conditions of Previous Zoning Amendments, Article 12. Definitions; to the Town Code, Chapter 9 Licenses and Miscellaneous Business Regulations, Article 1 In General, Section 9-19 Hours of Operations of Certain Businesses; and to the Town’s Zoning Map adding a CN-M (Commercial Neighborhood – Matunuck) Zoning District; and as further described in a memorandum from the Planning Director to the Town Manager dated September 11, 2024 and entitled “Tidestorm, LLC – Zoning Ordinance/Zoning Map for Brewpubs in Existing Commercial Neighborhood Zoning Districts.”

 

K.           A resolution authorizing an award to CD3, General Benefit Corporation, 1865 Ashland Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55104 for the purchase of a Wayside Solar Boat Washing Station, with associated software tools and accessories, in the total amount of $47,085.00 as an “Exclusive Commodity” pursuant to Section 6-26(a) of the Town of South Kingstown Code of Ordinances; and as further described in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager/ DOAS to the Town Manager dated September 18, 2024, entitled “Request for Exclusive Commodity Purchase Authorization – CD3 Boat Washing Station.”

 

L.            Discussion and action regarding the adoption of an American Rescue Plan Act spending and project implementation plan as outlined in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager/DOAS to the Town Manager dated September 18, 2024 entitled “Proposal to amend the ARPA Spending and Project Implementation Plan.”

 

M.           Discussion and potential action relative to holding a Work Session with South County Health leadership, as requested by Council Member Bergner.

 

N.           Discussion and potential action relative to the 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.

 

O.           A resolution adopting a citation recognizing Larry Fish for his service to the South Kingstown Economic Development Committee, as requested by Council Member Marran.

 

P.            Discussion and potential action relative to the payment for the testing of geothermal energy at the new South Kingstown High School location, as requested by Council Member Sweet.

 

Q.           Discussion and potential action relative to the Purchase and Sales Agreement (PSA) with South County Health (SCH) for the Department of Public Services building, as requested by Council Member Sweet.

 

7.            TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

A.           Update on SBC and School Facilities Project

B.           Update on the Main Street Façade Improvement Program.

C.           Affordable Housing Initiative Update.

D.           Recognition of the Finance Department on receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

 

8.            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.

 

9.            COMMUNICATIONS

 

            A.        An email dated September 10, 2024 from Sarah Smith tendering her resignation from the Waterfront Advisory Commission is received, placed on file, and the Town Council further directs _________________________.

 

            B.        An email dated September 17, 2024 from Ella Whaley, Chaplin for VFW Auxiliary 916 requesting proclamations recognizing the month of September as Military Suicide Awareness Month and September 19, 2024 as Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day is received, placed on file, and the Town Council further directs _________________________.

 

C.        An email dated September 17, 2024 from Kate Brewster, Chief Executive Officer for the Jonnycake Center for Hope concerning their community development work and restrictions on affordable housing 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.

 

10.          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.”

 

11.          CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

A.        A Closed Executive Session 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.

 

 

 

 

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; to be interviewed 9/23/2024)

 

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).

Applicant: Sara Mariani (applied 9/6/2024).

 

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)