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TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA
TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN
RHODE ISLAND
MONDAY, MAY 12, 2025
CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION – 6:00 PM
WORK SESSION – 7:00 PM
REGULAR SESSION – 7:30 PM
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
180 HIGH STREET
WAKEFIELD, RI
TOWN COUNCIL
Rory H. McEntee, President
Michael K. Marran, Vice President
Patricia A. Alley
Deborah D. Bergner
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 5/8/2025
1. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION – 6:00 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 and RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss and/or act upon matters pertaining to collective bargaining re: the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO) Local 489 labor contract, to discuss matters pertaining to potential litigation, and to discuss litigation regarding: James Jordan, et al., v. SK Tax Assessor, WC-2023-0314 (Mary Carpenters trailers tax appeal).
2. A. INTERVIEWS – 7:00 PM
1. Nancy DeCamp for appointment to the Housing Authority.
2. David Stone for appointment to the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
3. Todd Dresser for appointment to the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
B. WORK SESSION – immediately following
Discussion regarding Town Council Goals and Objectives for the 2024-2026 Term, continued from March 10, March 24, April 14, and April 28, 2025.
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 – March 13 and March 24, 2025
B. Regular Session – March 24, 2025
C. Closed Executive Session – March 24, 2025
6. CONSENT AGENDA
(CA) A. A resolution authorizing an award of bid to South County Umpires Association, 134 Sir Michael Circle, West Kingston, RI 02892, to provide Youth Recreational Basketball referee services, in accordance with all bidding specifications, based on the price per game as submitted and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services to the Town Manager dated April 29, 2025 and entitled, “Bid Recommendation – Youth Recreational Basketball Referee Services SK0149RD.”
(CA) B. A resolution accepting Michaela Court into the Town’s system of roads, and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 5, 2025 and entitled “Michaela Court Road Acceptance.”
(CA) C. A resolution granting the Petition #13794867 of Rhode Island Energy and Verizon New England to install a Joint Pole 4 on the west side of Holley Street, 110 feet north of existing Utility Pole 3 and a Joint Pole 5 on private property (AP 57-1, Lot 110) on the west side of Holly Street, 110 feet north of proposed Utility Pole 4 and to use the public ways named for the purposes stated in said petition, that the work be done to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Services and notification to Town for municipal utility mark-out prior to pole setting, and that this approval is conditioned upon the removal of all existing double poles along the entire length of Holley Street prior to new pole(s) placement; and any new double poles created as part of this request be removed within sixty (60) calendar days of new pole(s) placement. Said petition is further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated April 30, 2025, and entitled “Rhode Island Energy Pole Setting Request – Poles 4 and 5 Holley Street.”
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 Temporary Mass Gathering Permit to conduct the annual South County Pride Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10 am to 7 pm at the Contemporary Theater, 327 Main Street to South County Pride Foundation, 14 Andre Avenue, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to the execution of a hold harmless agreement indemnifying the Town. Application by Sarah LeClair, Member; Renewal; License No.TMG-25-2.
B. A resolution granting Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to TRJ Restaurants LLC d/b/a The Joyce, 195 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Timothy Joyce, Managing Partner. New; License No. 88314.
8. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
A. Update on SBC and School Facilities Project
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS – 30 Minutes
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.
10. PUBLIC HEARING
A. A Public Hearing, relative to an application for a new license to keep and sell alcoholic beverages in South Kingstown in accordance with the General Laws of 1956, as amended, as follows:
CLASS B VICTUALLER LIQUOR LICENSE
Application for a Class B Victualler Liquor License by TRJ Restaurants, LLC, 195 Main Street, Wakefield, RI by Timothy Joyce, Managing Partner for the first and second floor dining areas, and limited to 20 outdoor seats on Main Street in accordance with a Special Use Permit and Variance granted by the Zoning Board of Review on May 21, 2014, subject to the filing of an off-site parking agreement in the land evidence records, and as further described in a site plan on file in the Town Clerk’s Office.
Said license is contingent upon the issuance of a Certificate of Good Standing from the RI Division of Taxation, a Certificate of Insurance evidencing required liability coverage, compliance with all Town ordinances and regulations, the payment of any municipal taxes and user fees in arrears to the Town, and the correction of any fire code violations.
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. A resolution affirming or amending the Town’s Liquor License Rules and Regulations, Section I. The current number of licenses for each class shall be authorized as indicated below, unless changed by a majority vote of the Town Council:
Class Number
A – Retail 4 maximum
B – Victualler 32
B – Tavern 1
B – Limited 6
B – Hotel 1
B – M 0
C 0
D – Club Full Privilege 1
D – Limited 0
F Five per year per organization
F – 1 Five per year per organization
J – Limited 1
T – Legitimate Theater 2
B. A resolution adopting a proclamation recognizing May 26, 2025 as Vietnam Veterans and MIA Recognition Day, as follows:
HONORING SOUTH KINGSTOWN’S VIETNAM VETERANS AND MISSING IN ACTION
WHEREAS, the brave men and women who served in the Vietnam War displayed unwavering courage, selfless dedication, and profound patriotism in defense of freedom and democracy; and
WHEREAS, South Kingstown recognizes the tremendous sacrifices made by Vietnam veterans, who endured harsh conditions and challenging battles, while answering the call of duty with honor; and
WHEREAS, many Vietnam veterans returned home to a nation that did not always fully acknowledge their service, and it is our responsibility to express gratitude for their enduring contributions to our communities and our country; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Kingstown solemnly honors the service members who were declared Missing in Action (MIA) during the Vietnam War, whose fate remains unknown, and we vow never to forget their sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, the town of South Kingstown stands united in our commitment to ensure Vietnam veterans and MIA service members receive the respect, support, and recognition they rightfully deserve; and
WHEREAS, On this day, our War Era Veteran Monument lists:
396 Sons and Daughters who served during the Vietnam War
8 Sons of South Kingstown Killed in Action
1 Son of South Kingstown Missing in Action (KIA)
NOW THEREFORE WE THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN do hereby proclaim May 26, 2025 as VIETNAM VETERANS AND MIA RECOGNITION DAY in South Kingstown, and we encourage all citizens to honor and remember the veterans and service members who valiantly served our country during the Vietnam War.
C. A resolution authorizing use of the Town Seal on the Challenge Coin for Vietnam Veterans as requested by Tiger Patrick, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 916 Auxiliary.
D. A resolution authorizing Gilbane Building Company to negotiate and execute a Project Labor Agreement for the South Kingstown High School Building Project as recommended in the Project Labor Agreement Feasibility Study report prepared by Conley Law and Associates dated January 2025, as further described in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager/DOAS to the Town Manager dated May 5, 2025, entitled “South Kingstown High School Building Project – Project Labor Agreement Authorization.”
E. Discussion and potential action, continued from April 28, 2025 relative to implementing traffic calming measures within the Town, as requested by Council Member Wegimont.
F. A resolution authorizing an award of bid to K&M Communications Corporation d/b/a The Navicon Group, 750 Washington St, South Easton, MA 02375 for a video surveillance system at various Town buildings in the amount of $134,098.97 including a $13,000 contingency, with an annual renewal of $7,603.62 for years 2 through 5, as described in a memorandum from the Director of Technology to the Town Manager dated April 29, 2025 and titled, “Award of Bid for Video Surveillance System.”
G. A resolution authorizing the Town Assessor to abate taxes in the amount of $11,227.91, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 647.
H. A resolution authorizing an amendment to an award of contract, originally granted on November 25, 2024, to ARC Document Solutions, 335 Webster Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920, for expansion for digitization of records from an amount not to exceed $60,000 to an amount not to exceed $82,500 in accordance with GSA #GS-03F-142DA, and as further described in a memorandum from the Town Assessor to the Town Manager dated April 28, 2025, and entitled “Award of Contract – Continuation of Digitization of Records.”
I. A resolution authorizing an award of contract, to Quality Data Service, Inc., 121 Mattatuck Heights Road, Waterbury, CT 06705, for printing and mailing services for water, sewer, and property tax bills, in an amount not to exceed $48,000, in accordance with BID #SK0019AO, and as further described in a memorandum from the Town Assessor to the Town Manager dated May 2, 2025, and entitled “Award of Contract – Tax Bill Printing.”
J. A resolution authorizing an extension to an award of bid, originally granted on June 26, 2023, to Barney’s Uniforms, 922 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI 02920, for the purchase of Blauer uniform garments at the unit prices as originally bid, for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, and as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of Police to the Town Manager dated April 29, 2025 and entitled, “Bid Award Extension – Blauer Uniform Garments – SK0060PD.”
K. A resolution authorizing an extension to an award of bid, originally granted on June 26, 2023, to Barney’s Uniforms, 922 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI 02920, for the purchase of Class A uniform garments at the unit pricing as originally bid, for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, and as further described in a memorandum from the Chief of Police to the Town Manager dated April 29, 2025 and entitled, “Bid Award Extension – Class A Uniform Garments – SK0061PD.”
L. A resolution authorizing an award of bid to SP Design & MFG Inc, 1215 SE 10th Street, Cape Coral, FL 33990, to supply Recreation T-shirts over a 3-year period between FY2026 and FY2028, in an amount not to exceed $10,959 and as further described in a memorandum from the Leisure Services Director to the Town Manager dated April 29, 2025, titled “Bid Recommendation – Recreation T-Shirts – SK0148RD.”
M. A resolution authorizing an award of bid to Student Transportation of America d/b/a Ocean State Transit, 45 Fairgrounds Road, West Kingston, RI 02892, for a three-year contract from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028 for Bus Transportation Services, in accordance with all bidding specifications, at unit prices as bid, not to exceed a total amount of $5,590 for FY2025-2026, $6,000 for FY2026-2027, and $7,000 for FY2027-2028 subject to annual appropriation of funding, and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services to the Town Manager dated May 2, 2025, and entitled “Recommendation for Bid Award – Bus Transportation SK0150RD.”
N. A resolution authorizing an award to Navistar, Inc., d/b/a Allegiance Truck, 17 O’Keefe Lane, Warwick, RI 02888, for the purchase of a 2024 International CV515 4x4 hook lift truck with roll-off body, flatbed body, plow and pre-wet sander in an amount not to exceed $192,078.40 including a contingency, as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated April 30, 2025, entitled “Award of Contract, 2024 International CV515 4x4 Hook Lift Truck with Roll-Off body, Flat Bed Body, Plow and Pre-wet Sander.”
O. A resolution authorizing an amendment to an award of bid, originally granted on June 12, 2017, and amended on September 29, 2020, June 28, 2021, July 11, 2022, June 27, 2023, May 13, 2024 to UniFirst Corporation of 33 Lambert Lind Highway, Warwick, RI 02888 for Uniform Leasing Services at the unit prices bid for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 1, 2025 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Uniform Leasing Services Contract Extension.”
P. A resolution supporting House Bill 5393 and Senate Bill S-57 relating to sidewalk maintenance along state owned roadways as detailed in a memorandum from the Director of Public Services to the Town Manager dated May 6, 2025, entitled “Request to Adopt a Resolution Supporting House Bill 5393 and Senate Bill S-57 Relating to Sidewalk Maintenance Along State Owned Roadways.”
Q. A resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a contract with Rhode Island Energy for an LED lighting retrofit at the Public Safety Complex, using the Rhode Island Energy repayment option, in the total amount not to exceed $26,985.50 as further described in a memorandum dated May 2, 2025, from the Director of Facilities to the Town Manager entitled “National Grid Lighting Retrofit Program.”
R. A resolution authorizing an amendment to an award of bid to A&M Sheetmetal and Roofing Inc., 9 Industrial Way, Riverside, RI 02915, for the asphalt shingle roof replacement at the Factory Pond Pump Station, in an amount not to exceed $15,500 including a contingency, and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Director of Facilities to the Town Manager dated May 2, 2025, and entitled “Bid Amendment – Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement.”
S. A resolution authorizing an award of contract to NeoGov, 2120 Park Place, Suite 100, El Segundo, CA 90245 for their Insight, Onboard, and related software module subscriptions, with setup and implementation, for a term of thirty-seven (37) months, in an amount not to exceed $59,686.20 through the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Technology Procurement Program bid number 26-05-0214, as further detailed in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager/DOAS to the Town Manager dated May 5, 2025, entitled “Recommendation for Purchase Award – NeoGov Insight and Onboard Recruitment and Onboard Software.”
T. Discussion and potential action relative to an amended pro forma budget request from Ken Burke, SK USA 250th Anniversary Committee from $180,000 to $30,000.
U. A resolution authorizing an award of contract to WH PEPPES PO Box 437, Lincoln, RI 02865, for the fabrication and installation of an ADA compliant handrail at the Marina Park Boat Ramp walkway, in an amount not to exceed $78,315 including contingency, as further described in a memorandum from the Harbormaster/NRO to the Town Manager dated May 6, 2025, and entitled “Marina Park Boat Ramp ADA Walkway Railing Fabrication/Installation.”
V. A resolution authorizing the transfer of property at 23 Rodman Road from the South County Habitat for Humanity to the Jonnycake Center for Hope for the purposes of providing affordable rental housing with the understanding that the Jonnycake Center for Hope will place a 30-year deed restriction on the property and restrict the rent to 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) in addition, and per this vote the original restriction associated with the leasing of the property to a disabled individual placed by the state shall be replaced with the 30-year deed restriction (50% AMI), as further described in a memorandum from the Planning Director to the Town Manager dated May 5, 2025, entitled “Land Transfer between South County Habitat for Humanity and the Jonnycake Center – 23 Rodman Street,” as requested by Council Vice President Marran.
W. Discussion and potential action relative to developing workforce housing through non-profit organizations at South Road School, Wakefield Elementary School, and Oliver Watson House, as requested by Council Member Alley.
X. A resolution supporting House Bill 6207 relating to the Rhode Island Bottle and Extended Producer Responsibility Bill, as requested by Council President McEntee.
12. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
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.
13. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT - Continued
B. Quarterly Financial Report, continued from April 28, 2025
C. Town Website, continued from April 28, 2025
D. Discussion of the Wakefield Elementary School Garden, as requested by Council Member Alley, continued from April 28, 2025
14. COMMUNICATIONS
A. An email dated April 28, 2025 from Nichole Romane, Town Clerk on behalf of the RI Board of Elections requesting a letter of support to the General Assembly to reinstate funding for the replacement of poll pads is received, placed on file and the Town Council further directs .
B. An email dated April 30, 2025 from David B. Hill tendering his resignation from the Historic District Commission, effective June 1, 2025 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.
15. 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)
Applicant: Brian Smith (applied 1/10/2025; interviewed 1/27/2025).
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).
Applicant: David R. Stone (applied 7/16/2024); Todd Dresser (applied 4/8/2025).
Building Code/Minimum Housing Code Boards of Appeals (5 members; 5 year term)
Reappointment for a term to expire June 2025. Awaiting response from Michael Joyce. It is reported that Mr. Joyce has attended 7 of 12 meetings held during their current term (attendance as of 2/3/2025).
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)
Reappointment for a term to expire March 2025: Kenneth Tetzner wishes to be reappointed. It is reported that Mr. Tetzner has attended 9 of 27 meetings held during their current term (attendance as of 11/5/2024).
Vacancies: 2 terms to expire March 2028 (Brian Smith and Henry Thayer did not wish to be reappointed).
Historic District Commission (7 members; 3 year term)
Vacancies (3): one term to expire in December 2026 and two terms 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).
Housing Authority (5 members; 5 year term)
Vacancy: Affordable Housing Resident term expires October 2029 (Susana Vazquez McCoy was no longer eligible)
Applicant: Nancy DeCamp (applied 4/29/2025)
Library Board of Trustees (7 members; 3 year term)
Applicant: Applicant: David R. Stone (applied 7/16/2024)
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).