TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA

 

TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN

 

RHODE ISLAND

 

 

MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2025

 

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

Jay G. Wegimont

 

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 6/18/2025

 

1.            WORK SESSION – 7:00 PM

 

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.            APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

            A.        Work Session – April 24, and May 12, 2025

             

B.        Regular Session – May 12, 2025

 

C.        Closed Executive Session – May 12, 2025

 

5.            CONSENT AGENDA

 

(CA)    A.        A resolution to authorize the Town Assessor to abate taxes in an amount not to exceed $4,005, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 648.

 

(CA)    B.        A resolution granting Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to Nitaya Eakapon, LLC d/b/a Luk Thai Cuisine, 249 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Wongphrajan Phothisen, Owner. Renewal; License No. 61915.

 

(CA)    C.        A resolution that a Civil Action File Number WC-2025-0317 filed in Superior Court by Norma Roelke relative to maintenance of private roads be referred to the Town Solicitor and the Town’s insurance carrier.

 

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.

 

6.            LICENSES

 

A.           A resolution granting a Miscellaneous Permit to conduct RiverFire on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM to the Wakefield Village Association, PO Box 174, Wakefield, RI 02880 subject to the execution of a hold harmless agreement indemnifying the Town and receipt 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 Rebekah Cook, WVA President. New; License No. 89169.

 

B.           A resolution granting a Miscellaneous Permit to conduct the RiverFire on Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM to the Wakefield Village Association, PO Box 174, Wakefield, RI 02880 subject to the execution of a hold harmless agreement indemnifying the Town and receipt 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 Rebekah Cook, WVA President. New; License No. 89170.

 

7.            TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

A.           Update on SBC and School Facilities Project

 

8.            PUBLIC HEARING

 

A.           A Public Hearing relative to adoption of the FY2025-2026 Position Allocation to Pay Schedule, as shown on Exhibit 1 attached hereto. (Presentation)

 

9.            NEW BUSINESS

 

A.           A resolution formally adopting the FY 2025-2026 Non-Union Employee Benefits Summary as outlined in the Town Council’s FY 2025-2026 Budget adopted April 28, 2025, and as amended herein, as further described in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager/DOAS to the Town Manager dated June 15, 2025 and entitled “FY 2025-2026 Non-Union Municipal Personnel Salary and Benefits Adoption.” (memo/presentation)

 

B.           A resolution authorizing fund transfers, as follows; and as further described in a memorandum from the Finance Director to the Town Manager dated June 16, 2025 and entitled “Year End Reserve Fund Transfers.”

 

BE IT RESOLVED that projected program surpluses identified in this memo for fiscal year 2024-2025.  Fiscal year appropriations for General Fund (101) and budgeted transfers shall be transferred to various Reserve Funds, in an amount to not to exceed $1,008,185.  Additionally, Town Council approval is sought on a budgeted transfer between the Grant Match Fund (Fund 403) and the Planning Department’s Capital Reserve Fund (Fund 336) for an amount not to exceed $75,000.

 

FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Town Finance Director, with the advice and consent of the Town Council, is hereby permitted to invest the funds at any time in said savings accounts, or certificates of deposit of commercial or savings banks, or trust companies, or in obligations of the United States or its agencies, or in any other short-term investment as would be made by prudent persons of discretion and intelligence.

 

FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Town Council is hereby authorized to use the total funds, or such part thereof of said Reserve Funds, for capital expenditures as may be voted by the Town Council.

 

 

C.           A resolution authorizing an award of bid to Atlantic Elevator South, 1900 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771 for elevator inspections, maintenance and repairs for all municipal elevators for a period of three (3) years commencing on July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028 in an amount not to exceed $8,728 for each of the three years of service; and to further extend upon recommendation from the Director of Facilities for an additional two (2) years in an amount not to exceed $9,251 per year July 1, 2028 through June 30, 2030, and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Director of Facilities to the Town Manager dated June 3, 2025 and entitled, “Award of Bid – Elevator Inspections, Maintenance and Repairs.”

 

D.           A resolution authorizing a one year extension to the mechanical service contracts beginning on July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry and painting  services to the following, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the bid specifications at the prices below, and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Facilities to the Town Manager dated June 3, 2025 and entitled, “Bid Extension – Mechanical Service Contracts – HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry and Painting.”

 

 

 

 

E.            A resolution authorizing an award of bid to Adkins Printing Company, Inc., 40 South Street, P.O. Box 2440, New Britain, CT 06050 for archival microfilming of land evidence records and maps, probate records, and Town Council minutes at the unit prices bid and in accordance with bid specifications for a period of five (5) years commencing on July 1, 2025 through June 20, 2030, and as further described in a memorandum from the Town Clerk to the Town Manager dated June 12, 2025 and entitled “Award of Bid – Archival Microfilming.”

 

F.            A resolution authorizing an award of contract to Atlantic Coast Polymer, Inc., 224 Commercial Blvd. Suite 204, Lauderdale By The Sea, FL 33308 for APC345 polymer at the unit price of $2.50 per lb.(ACP345) and $2.40 per lb. (ACP660U) and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager, dated June 17, 2025 and entitled “Wastewater Division Proprietary Chemical – FY 2025-26 Polymer.”

 

G.           A resolution authorizing an award of bid to McGovern Municipal HQ, Inc. 401 Elm Street, Marlborough, MA 01752, for a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT SUV in an amount not to exceed $30,849.00, and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Public Services to the Town Manager dated June 18, 2025, and entitled ‘Award Recommendation – DPS Replacement Vehicle’.”

 

H.           A resolution authorizing an award of bid to M&B Cleaning Services, 11 Cooper St, Pawtucket RI 02860 for the purchase of park restroom cleaning services; in an amount not to exceed $33,250 for Fiscal year 2025-2026; in accordance with all specifications and unit pricing, for a three-year period subject to funding availability in FY27 and FY28; and as further described in a memorandum from the Leisure Services Director to the Town Manager dated June 16, 2025 and entitled “Recommendation for Award of Bid, Park Restroom Janitorial Services.”

 

I.              A resolution authorizing a contract extension, originally granted on June 27, 2022, to Southern RI Newspapers d/b/a The Narragansett Times, 187 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 for municipal advertising services commencing July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, at the unit prices bid and in accordance with all bidding specifications; and as further described in a memorandum from the Town Clerk to the Town Manager dated June 17, 2025 and entitled: “Contract Extension – Municipal Advertising Services.”

 

J.            A resolution authorizing an award to Flock Group Inc., 1170 Howell Mill Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30318, for the purchase of license plate recognition (LPR) and solar video surveillance technology, implementation services, and software subscription to the Flock Safety Platform, at a total implementation cost not to exceed $30,300 in Year 1, with the option to renew the software subscription in subsequent years at an annual cost of $24,750 provided sufficient funding remains available; and as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of Police to the Town Manager dated June 17, 2025 and entitled “Award Recommendation – Flock Safety LPR and Video Surveillance Platform”.

 

K.           A resolution authorizing 629 Succotash, LLC, d/b/a Matunuck Oyster Bar, to establish temporary outdoor dining and liquor service at 650 Succotash Road (AP 87-2, Lot 4), as presented, in accordance with RIGL 45-24.7-5, Temporary Outdoor Dining Services, subject to compliance with applicable state health and life safety regulations and local review and approval by Town Officials.”

 

10.           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.

 

11.          TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT – Continued

 

B.           Hydrilla treatment update for Worden Pond

C.           Update on paving and sealing of Town roads

D.           SK Police Department accreditation

 

12.          COMMUNICATIONS – None

 

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.”

 

 

Exhibit 1

 

Non-Union Employee Position Allocation to Pay Schedule FY 2025-2026

 

Non-Union Employee Pay Plan FY 2025-2026¹

 

 

 

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)

Vacancy: terms to expire August 2025 (Bethany Sorrentino resigned)

 

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

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

 

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).

 

Canvassing Authority (3 members, 2 alternates; 6 year term)

Reappointments for terms to expire March 2025: John Rose wishes to be reappointed. Awaiting responses from Helen Rose DiSanto and Roland Benjamin. Margaret Healy does not wish to be reappointed.

 

Conservation Commission (7 members; 3 year term)

Vacancies: one term to expire September 2027 (Margaret Clune did not wish to be reappointed).

 

Economic Development Committee (11 members, 3 year term)

Vacancy: 1 term to expire March 2028 (Brian Smith and Henry Thayer did not wish to be reappointed).

 

Historic District Commission (7 members; 3 year term)

Vacancies (2): one term to expire in December 2026 and one term to expire December 2027 (Andrew Martinez resigned, and Linda Stedman and David Nedwidek did not wish to be reappointed).

Applicant: John Desmond (applied 3/25/2025)

 

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

Reappointments for two terms to expire July 2025: Lindsay Madom wishes to be reappointed. It is reported that Ms. Madom has attended 18 of 30 meetings held during their current term (attendance as of 4/28/2025). Mario Briccetti does not wish to be reappointed.

Applicant: David R. Stone (applied 7/16/2024); Kim Salisbury-Keith (applied 5/28/2025).

 

Planning Board (7 members; 3 year term)

Reappointment for a term to expire May 2025. Elizabeth Karp wishes to be reappointed. It is reported that Ms. Karp has attended 50 of 61 meetings held during their current term (attendance as of 2/5/2025).

Applicants: William Green (reapplied 3/25/2025; previously interviewed 3/11/2024)

 

Route 1 Stewardship Plan Development Committee (8 members)

Vacancy: Economic Development Committee Ex-Officio Member (Larry Fish resigned)

Applicants: Jenn Judge (applied 9/30/2024); William Green (applied 10/1/2024); Maureen White (applied 10/8/2024).

 

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)

Reappointments for terms to expire January 2025: Stephen Stewart and Richard Pike wish to be reappointed. Awaiting responses from Thomas Browning and Judith Ann Munson.

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)

 

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

Reappointments for terms to expire June 2025. William Rosen wishes to be reappointed. Awaiting response from Benedict Ingegneri.

 

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

Vacancies: Alternate # 2 term to expire March 2026 and Alternate #3 term to expire in March 2027 (Brian Dupont deceased; William MacDonald promoted to Alt. #1)

Applicant: Gerry Schaffert (applied 3/18/2025; interviewed 5/27/2025); Armand Monaco (applied 6/11/2025).