WORK SESSION

 

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

 

 

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 23^rd day of September 2024 at 7:00 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Rory H. McEntee, President

Michael K. Marran, Vice President

Patricia A. Alley

Deborah D. Bergner

Charles Gregory Sweet

 

 

 

1.         A.        INTERVIEW

 

The Town Council interviews Rachel Littlefield relative to her interest in being appointed to the Route 1 Stewardship Plan Development Committee.

 

B.        WORK SESSION

 

Kate Macinanti, School Building Committee (SBC) Chair provides a brief overview of the Inflation Reduction Act and opportunities to offset the cost of renewable energy technologies for the South Kingstown School Building Project, and introduces guest speaker Sara Ross from UndauntedK12.

 

Sara Ross, Co-founder of UndauntedK12 gives a presentation on UndauntedK12’s mission to support public schools transition to zero carbon emissions, tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act that can assist in funding school facility upgrades and reduce energy bills, the renewable energy technologies available for tax credit, benefits of clean energy for students and school communities, cost savings over time, and the process to obtain these tax credits.

 

Discussion ensues relative to geothermal heating, Inflation Reduction Act funding for coastal cities to develop climate change resiliency, other renewable energy projects being done in Rhode Island, purchases eligible for these tax credits, the filing process for tax credits with the IRS, the ability to claim tax credits in the previous fiscal year, and reviewing past Town projects to evaluate if anything is eligible for tax credit.

 

Amy Goins, Assistant Town Solicitor recommends that the Town Council refer the assessment of all eligible costs for tax credits to the Town Manager.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize and direct the Town Manager to review Town projects that have used renewable energy technologies that are eligible for tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act.

 

Convened to Regular Session.

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

 

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

 

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 23^rd day of September, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Rory H. McEntee, President

Michael K. Marran, Vice President

Patricia A. Alley

Deborah D. Bergner

Charles Gregory Sweet

 

 

2.         REGULAR SESSION

 

A.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag is given.

 

B.        LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT

 

The Land Acknowledgement Statement is read.

 

3.         ROLL CALL

 

Roll Call is taken and all members are present.

 

4.         CONSENT AGENDA

 

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

 

(CA)    A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant 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.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant 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.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant 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.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Tourist Accommodations Licenses 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.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant 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.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant 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.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant 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.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant 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.

 

New Business Item 6O is brought forward.

 

Council President McEntee reads a citation recognizing Larry Fish for his service to the South Kingstown Economic Development Committee into the record.

 

Larry Fish is present, thanks the Town Council for their recognition and thanks the Economic Development Committee for their hard work and dedication.

 

Carol Hagan McEntee, Rhode Island House of Representatives is present and expresses her appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Fish for his service and presents a citation from the State of Rhode Island.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt a recognizing Larry Fish for his service to the South Kingstown Economic Development Committee, as requested by Council Member Marran, as follows:

 

LARRY FISH

 

WHEREAS,    the Town Council regularly seeks out the input of town residents for advice and counsel in developing policies, goals and objectives for the betterment of the residents of the Town and established the Economic Development Committee (EDC) for the specific purpose of advising the Council on a variety of topics and proposals for the continued growth of the vibrant economic activity enjoyed in South Kingstown; and

 

WHEREAS,    among the first town residents appointed to the EDC was Larry Fish, and went on to serve on the EDC for over two decades, and during much of that time was elected Chair by his fellow EDC members; and

WHEREAS,    during his tenure as a member and Chair, Larry Fish was instrumental in the creation of the Route 1 Special Management District and South County Commons, presiding over 48 separate public hearings on the matter; and

WHEREAS,    under Larry Fish’s leadership, the EDC formulated and recommended to the Town Council, the South Kingstown Tax Treaty, administered the town’s first Business Survey, fostered the momentum for the revitalization of Saugatucket Park, and helped create the South Kingstown High School Job Fair to match local youth and jobs with area businesses; and

 

WHEREAS,    Larry Fish also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Southern RI Chamber of Commerce for many years, including ten years as its President; and

 

WHEREAS,    Larry Fish has also been a vital and successful member of the South Kingstown and Washington County business community as owner of Pier Cleaners, growing it from one location with six employees, to four locations with over fifty employees, and as the General Manager of the Wakefield Mall for over thirty-five years, identifying tenant businesses for location there, and making the annual arrival of Santa Claus by helicopter a town “must-see” event for generations of South Kingstown children; and

 

WHEREAS,    Larry Fish has also given countless hours of volunteer service to our community as a founding member of the Matty Fund, a founding member of Soccer RI and President for ten years, with his wife Phyllis starting the South County Seaside Classic soccer tournament, one of the largest soccer events in New England, bringing thousands of families to South Kingstown each year; and

 

NOW THEREFORE, WE THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN hereby recognizes on behalf of the entire community, and extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Larry Fish for all his hard work and dedication to the Town, the business community, and the children of South Kingstown.

 

5.         LICENSES

 

A.       Danielle Martin is present and after testimony and discussion on License Items 5A and 5B, it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Temporary Mass Gathering Permit, continued from September 9, 2024, 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.       UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant 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.       Paul Baptista, Tasting Room Manager is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant 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.       Maggie Cady, General Manager is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant 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.       Kevin Rosenberg is present and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant 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.       Brian Bouyea, Co-Owner is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

VOTED: to grant a Holiday Sales License 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.

 

Council Vice President Marran recuses.

 

6.         NEW BUSINESS

 

A.        Wendy Duarte, Town Assessor reviews Tax Abatement Request No. 641, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize 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.        Mark Russo, Director of Facilities reviews a request for the installation of circulation pumps as specified at the Neighborhood Guild.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize 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.        The Director of Facilities reviews a request for the installation of a heat pump at the Peace Dale Office Building.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize 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.        Richard Bourbonnais, Director of Public Services reviews a request to rescind an award of bid to Zion Imperial Solutions, Inc. for wastewater chemicals due to their inability to honor the pricing given.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: 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.         The Director of Public Services reviews a request for a woodchipper.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of purchase to Bobcat of RI, Inc., 421 Lincoln Avenue, Warwick, RI 02888, for a Bandit 15XP woodchipper 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 – Woodchipper.”

 

F.         The Director of Public Services reviews a request for a one-ton utility body truck with lift gate.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize 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.        The Director of Public Services reviews a request for a tractor with roadside boom mower. It is noted that the existing mowers are not functional.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize 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.        The Director of Public Services reviews a request for winter road solar salt.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize 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.          The Director of Public Services reviews a request for consulting engineering and design services for the Saugatucket Road culvert improvements.

 

Discussion ensues relative to estimated construction costs and the grant received from the Municipal Resilience Program.

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize 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.         James Rabbitt, Planning Director reviews an application by Tidestorm, LLC for Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map amendments for brewpubs in existing Commercial Neighborhood Zoning Districts and within a new district, Commercial Neighborhood Matunuck (CN-M).

 

Discussion ensues relative to requirements within other Commercial Neighborhood Zoning Districts, the new proposed definition of a brewery, and waste procedures.

 

Richard Bourbonnais, Director of Public Services reviews the Biochemical Oxygen Demand over a 5-day period (BOD5) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) requirements, and the process brewpubs must follow for waste removal.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize 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.        Lucas Murray, Deputy Town Manager reviews a request to purchase a boat washing station for Wordens Pond.

 

Discussion ensues relative to opportunities for additional grant funding and educating the community.

 

Michael Stach, Harbormaster notes that there isn’t an education component at Wordens Pond and that it will be implemented at a later date.

 

Further discussion ensues relative to the magnitude and treatment of the hydrilla infestation at Wordens Pond.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize 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.”

 

Communication Item 9B is brought forward.

 

Ella Whaley, Chaplin, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the US, Auxiliary 916 is present and introduces Erica Westburg, President, VFW.

 

Ms. Westburg reviews the seriousness of military suicide, the impacts of these suicides, the resources available, and thanks the Town Council for considering a proclamation in recognition of Military Suicide Awareness Month.

 

Council President McEntee reads proclamations recognizing the month of September as Military Suicide Awareness Month and September 19, 2024 as Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day into the record.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that 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 request is approved 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, 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

 

WHEREAS     September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and September 10th, 2024 is both Suicide Prevention Awareness Day and the start of Suicide Prevention Awareness Week. This year, the World Health Organization has decided to go with the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.

 

NOW THEREFORE WE THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN proclaim September 2024 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.

 

GOLD STAR MOTHER’S AND FAMILY DAY

 

WHEREAS,    Sunday, September 29th, 2024 is Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day, and

 

WHEREAS,    this is a day set to recognize, honor and remember those who lost their closest loved ones to combat, and 

 

WHEREAS,    the concept of “Gold Star” loved ones dates back to the First World War, but Gold Star Mother’s day was officially observed for the first time in 1936, when President Franklin Roosevelt announced it would be the last Sunday of September each year, and

 

WHEREAS,    more than 70 years, later President Barack Obama extended the recognition to include the fallen soldier’s entire family.

 

NOW THEREFORE WE THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN proclaim September 29, 2024 as GOLD STAR MOTHER’S AND FAMILY DAY in the Town of South Kingstown and request our residents to let a family member, who has lost someone in combat, know they are not alone and we honor their family member’s ultimate sacrifice for our great Country.

 

6.         NEW BUSINESS continued

 

L.         James Manni, Town Manager reviews $9,071,225 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds received from the State of Rhode Island and the December 31, 2024 deadline to have the ARPA funds committed. Due to contractor shortages, it has been difficult to use up the funds and it is proposed to use up our remaining ARPA funds on capital projects. Approximately $1,542,471 of ARPA funds has been expended, but there is a remaining balance of $7,528,754 unspent that will need to be given back to the state if not allocated.

 

The Town Manager further reviews proposed reallocations of the remaining ARPA funds to Town projects.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the purpose of ARPA funds to counteract COVID, proposed funding areas, the ability to undergo the proposed projects, the ARPA fund commitment and spending deadlines, potential use of ARPA toward the treatment of hydrilla, and implementing renewable energies into the proposed projects in order to receive Inflation Reduction Act tax credits.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt the 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.”

 

Communication Item 9C is brought forward.

 

Kate Brewster, Chief Executive Officer for the Jonnycake Center for Hope reviews their community development work and restrictions on affordable housing.

 

Discussion ensues and no action is taken.

 

6.         NEW BUSINESS continued

 

M.        Council Member Bergner reviews her request to hold a Work Session with South County Health.

 

Council reaches consensus to identify topics and hold a Work Session with South County Health.

 

N.        The Deputy Town Manager reviews 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 and notes that the RI Department of Environmental Management does not require Town Council vote to submit a land swap application.

 

The Assistant Town Solicitor recommends that although not required the Town Council should vote on this matter.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Manager to submit an application to the RI Department of Environmental Management for the Hazard Recreation Field Land Swap associated with the South Kingstown High School Construction Project to meet requirements of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

 

P.         Council Member Sweet reviews his request to discuss the payment for the testing of geothermal energy at the new South Kingstown High School location and inquires whether these costs are reimbursable through the school bond.

 

Chris Speigel, LeftField is present and explains that these costs are reimbursable through the school bond, and that the geothermal testing was seen as a risk for the project and covered under the School Department’s capital budget for planning purposes.

 

Kate Macinanti, School Committee explains that funding for the geothermal testing came from the School Department’s capital budget as a contribution towards the proposed High School project.

 

Discussion ensues, and no action was taken.

 

Q.        Council Member Sweet inquires of the status of the Purchase and Sales Agreement (PSA) extension with South County Health (SCH) for the Department of Public Services building.

 

The Assistant Town Solicitor explains that the PSA was extended to December 5, 2024 and notes that due to the nature of this matter it could be taken under Closed Executive Session.

No action is taken.

 

7.         TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

A.        The Town Manager gives an update on the upcoming School Building Committee meeting and an abutters meeting.

 

B.        The Town Manager reviews that $1.25 million of ARPA funds is being allocated toward the Main Street Façade Improvement Program and applications are under review.

 

C.        The Town Manager reviews the four meetings held relative to the Affordable Housing Initiative for South Road School, Wakefield Elementary School, and The Oliver Watson House.

 

D.        The Town Manager recognizes the South Kingstown Finance Department for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 38^th year in a row.

 

Brian Silvia, Finance Director thanks his staff for their hard work and dedication.

 

8.         PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Norma Roelke is present and comments on the Town’s decision to discontinue maintenance of private roads.

 

Loraine Horton is present and comments on funding for engineering study for needed sidewalk improvements on Kersey Road.

 

Dorald Beasley is present and comments on the placement of public comment on the agenda, funds being used for geothermal testing at the proposed South Kingstown High School, and teacher absenteeism.

 

Kate Macinanti, SBC Chair comments on the placement of public comment on the agenda.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to continue the meeting past 11:00 PM.

 

9.         COMMUNICATIONS

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated September 10, 2024 from Sarah Smith tendering her resignation from the Waterfront Advisory Commission is accepted and the Town Council directs that a letter of thanks be sent.

 

10.       APPOINTMENTS

 

A.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint Rachel Littlefield to the Route 1 Stewardship Plan Development Committee.

 

 

Nichole C. Romane

Town Clerk

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 23^rd day of September, 2024 at 11:07 PM.

 

            PRESENT:     Rory H. McEntee, President

Michael K. Marran, Vice President

Patricia A. Alley

Deborah D. Bergner

Charles Gregory Sweet

 

1.         A.        CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to recess to 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.

 

Regular Session is reconvened at 11:17 PM

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to seal the minutes of the Closed Executive Session held 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.

 

Amy Goins, Assistant Town Solicitor notes that no votes were taken in Closed Executive Session.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adjourn at 11:18 PM.

 

 

Nichole C. Romane

Town Clerk