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TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA
TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN
RHODE ISLAND
TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025
CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION – 6:30 PM
WORK SESSION – 7:00 PM
REGULAR SESSION – 7:30 PM
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
180 HIGH STREET
WAKEFIELD, RI
TOWN COUNCIL
Rory H. McEntee, President
Michael K. Marran, Vice President
Patricia A. Alley
Deborah D. Bergner
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 5/22/2025
1. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION – 6:30 PM
A. A Closed Executive Session pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(5) to discuss matters related to the acquisition or lease of real property for public purposes, and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss matters pertaining to litigation re: Bronson v. Town of South Kingstown, WC-2022-0011 and re: Marler v Town of South Kingstown CA No. 1:22-cv-00441.
2. A. INTERVIEWS – 7:00 PM 
1. Ken Tetzner for reappointment to the Economic Development Committee.
2. Patrick Quinn for appointment to the Sustainability Committee.
3. Gerry Schaffert for appointment to the Zoning Board of Review.
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, April 28, and May 12, 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 – April 14, 2025
B. Regular Session – March 17 and April 14, 2025
C. Closed Executive Session – April 14, 2025
6. CONSENT AGENDA
(CA) A. A resolution granting Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to KCW Bagels III, LLC d/b/a Providence Bagel, 99 Fortin Road, Kingstown Rhode Island, 02881 for license years 2024 and 2025. Application by Chis Wietecha, Managing Partner. Renewal; License No.63335.
(CA) B. A resolution authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise by reference for Order of Notice a Public Hearing relative to adoption of the FY 2025-2026 Position Allocation to Pay Schedule.
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 – None
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 proposed amendments to the Town Code, Chapter 4 Boats and Waterways Ordinance, Section 4-41 Small Vessel Storage Rack, as shown on Exhibit 1 attached hereto.
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. A resolution adopting a citation in recognition of Brandon Pearce for achieving the RI Civics Teacher of the Year Award, as requested by Council Member Wegimont, as follows:
2025 RHODE ISLAND CIVIC EDUCATION TEACHER OF THE YEAR
WHEREAS, Mr. Brandon Pearce, has been a dedicated educator at South Kingstown High School for the last 13 years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pearce has been recognized as the 2025 Rhode Island Civic Education Teacher of the Year by Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pearce’s commitment to civic education has inspired students to engage actively in their communities and understand the importance of civic responsibility; and
WHEREAS, his innovative teaching methods and passion for civic engagement have set a standard of excellence in education within the Town of South Kingstown and across the State of Rhode Island.
NOW THEREFORE, WE THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN hereby honors and congratulates Brandon Pearce for his outstanding achievement and dedication to civic education, and expresses its deepest appreciation for his service to the students, families, and community of South Kingstown.
B. A resolution authorizing an amendment to an award of bid, originally granted on September 9, 2024, to K5 Corporation, 9 Rock View Way, Rockland, MA 02370 at the unit prices bid for FY 2024-25 from an amount not to exceed $29,000 to $71,000 as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated May 14, 2025 and entitled “Bid Award Amendment, Regional Road Striping.”
C. A resolution authorizing an award of bid to Sealcoating Inc. d/b/a Indus, 825 Granite Street, Braintree, MA 02184 at the unit price bid of $14.52 per gallon for crack sealing as further detailed in memorandum dated May 14, 2025, from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager, entitled “Bid Recommendation, FY 25 – FY 26 Pavement Preservation Program.”
D. A resolution authorizing an award of bid to New England Asphalt Services, LLC, 508 Forest Road, Northford, CT 06472, at the unit price bid of $2.69 per square yard for single 3/8” treated stone, $2.60 per square yard for single 3/8” untreated stone, $5.20 per square yard for double (3/8” & 1/4”) untreated stone, $2.90 per square yard for single 1/4” treated stone, and $2.60 per square yard for 1/4" untreated stone seal as further detailed in memorandum dated May 14, 2025, from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager, entitled “Bid Recommendation, FY 25 – FY 26 Pavement Preservation Program.”
E. Discussion and potential action relating to a notification from RI Department of Transportation (RIDOT) for the sale of a surplus property adjacent to 143 Narragansett Avenue (AP 57-3, Lot 24), as further detailed in a memorandum from the Director of Public Services to the Town Manager dated May 13, 2025 entitled “RIDOT Surplus Property AP 57-3, Lot 24 Adjacent to 143 Narragansett Avenue.”
F. A resolution authorizing an award of bid to the firm Clifton Larson Allen, LLP of 1 Capital Way, Cranston, RI 02910, subject to annual review, at the following rates: 2025 FY Audit - $78,000, 2026 FY Audit - $81,000 and 2027 FY Audit - $ 84,000 and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Finance Director to the Town Manager, dated May 12, 2025, and entitled “Professional Audit Services Contract – Recommendation.”
G. A resolution authorizing an award of contract to CDW-G, 75 Remittance Drive, Suite 1515, Chicago, IL 60675-1515 for a Security Information and Event Management (SEIM) system software in the amount of $28,700.99 from a RI Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) State and Local Cybersecurity Grant, in accordance with RI Master Price Agreement #227, and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of IT to the Town Manager dated May 19, 2025 entitled “SEIM Award of Contract Recommendation.”
H. A resolution authorizing rescission of an award of bid originally granted on November 12, 2025, for fitness equipment, from Fittrax Fitness Systems of 67 Victoria Farm Road Freemont, NH 03044, as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services to the Town Manager dated May 19th, 2025, and entitled Recommendation to Rescind Bid Award for Recreation Center Fitness equipment and Authorize Purchase Through New Vendor.”
I. A resolution authorizing an award to G&G Fitness Equipment LLC, 7530 Transit Road, Williamsville, NY 14221 for the purchase of fitness equipment, in an amount not to exceed $12,755.19 per all specifications, in accordance with MHEC cooperative purchasing contract MC17-B16, and as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services to the Town Manager dated May 19, 2025, and entitled Recommendation to Rescind Bid Award and Authorize Purchase through New Vendor – Recreation Center Fitness equipment SK0137RD.”
J. A resolution accepting and adopting the Town of South Kingstown Safe Streets and Roads for All Safety Action Plan prepared by Bowman Consulting Group, as further detailed in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager/ DOAS dated May 20, 2025, entitled “Request to Adopt the South Kingstown Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan.”
K. A resolution authorizing an award of contract to Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd. (Bowman), 24 Albion Road, Suite 310, Lincoln, RI 02865 for the preparation and submission of a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Implementation Grant application in an amount not to exceed $15,000 in accordance with the RI Master Price Agreement (MPA) #584K, as further detailed in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager/ DOAS to the Town Manager dated May 20, 2025 entitled “Recommendation for Award of Contract - Safe Streets For All Implementation Grant Preparation Services.”
L. A resolution affirming the Town Council’s support for the Town of South Kingstown’s application to the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Implementation Grant Program for the reconstruction of Main Street in Wakefield, from Wright Street to Cherry Street. The proposed project includes the replacement, realignment, and enhancement of existing sidewalks and roadway infrastructure, along with the installation of key safety countermeasures identified in the South Kingstown Safety Action Plan. These improvements are intended to address roadway safety, pedestrian accessibility, and traffic calming, as further detailed in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager/ DOAS dated May 20, 2025, entitled “Request for Resolution Supporting an Application to the Safe Streets for All Implementation Grant Program.”
M. A resolution authorizing the reallocation of Human Service and Outside Agency (HSOA) funds adopted as part of the South Kingstown’s FY 2025-2026 budget program to the VFW, Post 916, 155 High Street, Wakefield, RI in an amount not to exceed $2,333.33 to further support the 2025 Memorial Day Parade, Veteran’s Day Parade, and related celebration activities, as further detailed in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager/ DOAS to the Town Manager dated May 20, 2025 entitled “Recommendation to Reallocate FY 2025 HSOA Funds.”
N. A resolution appointing John Gould, School Department Interim Director of Facilities and Maintenance, to the School Building Committee as a voting member, and affirming the composition of the South Kingstown School Building Committee, as further detailed in a memorandum from the Deputy Town Manager/ DOAS to the Town Manager dated May 21, 2025, entitled “Appointment of a School Building Committee Member.”
O. A resolution authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise for Order of Notice a Public Hearing to consider adoption of the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan as further described in a memorandum from the Planning Director to the Town Manager dated May 21, 2025 entitled “Hazard Mitigation Plan.”
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. US Coast Guard proposal to discontinue navigational buoys in or near South Kingstown waters, as requested by Council Vice President Marran.
14. COMMUNICATIONS
A. An email dated May 19, 2025 from Sharon Henderson, SK USA 250th Anniversary Committee requesting permission to seek grant funding for a Boulder Rock Monument listing South Kingstown soldiers that served in the 1st RI Regiment in the Revolutionary War is received, placed on file, and the Town Council further directs .
B. An email dated May 16, 2025 from Meghann Sparks tendering her resignation from the Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee, effective immediately is received, placed on file, and the Town Council further directs .
C. An email dated May 16, 2025 from Bethany Sorrentino tendering her resignation from the Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee, effective immediately 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
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
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TOWN CODE
CHAPTER 4, BOATS AND WATERWAYS
ARTICLE II – HARBORMASTER
***
ADD:
Sec. 4-41. – Small Vessel Storage Rack
(a) Definition. For this section a small vessel is all non-motorized small craft, such as a rowboat, paddlecraft or sailboard.
(b) The Harbormaster, in coordination with the Waterfront Advisory Commission, shall assign all storage locations at the following locations: the Washington Street and Lake Avenue rights of way. Future additions or removals of allowed storage locations will be determined by the Waterfront Advisory Commission and put forth as proposed ordinance changes to be considered by the Town Council.
(c) The Harbormaster, in coordination with the Waterfront Advisory Commission, shall designate storage locations in accordance with the provisions of this section and the requirements of the vessels.
(d) Any vessel may be ordered moved by the Harbormaster, if in his/her judgment such removal may be necessary. In the event the Harbormaster discovers an unpermitted vessel, he/she shall attach thereto a tag ordering the owner thereof to submit to the Harbormaster the information concerning the owner thereof. If no response is received within fourteen (14) days, the Harbormaster may remove said craft.
(e) The Harbormaster shall designate a storage location and maintain a list or key designating the name and address of the owner or agent of the owner of each vessel and the size and type thereof. The Harbormaster shall file and keep this list current in the Town Clerk's Office and the Harbormaster’s Office. He/she shall also maintain a currently correct copy thereof in a place reasonably accessible to mariners and the Waterfront Advisory Commission for their convenience in consulting same during when the Town Clerk's Office would not normally be open. He/she shall, on or before July 1 of each year, make a complete and accurate list with any necessary revisions.
(f) The Harbormaster shall maintain a storage assignment waiting list. All assignments of storage space shall be made by the Harbormaster. When any space becomes available, the person whose name appears next on the proper list shall be offered the available space. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of the foregoing, the Harbormaster shall have the right to relocate vessels which have an assigned storage space.
(g)
(1) New storage applications. Every applicant, for a new storage permit shall submit a storage permit waiting list application form. This form shall contain the name, mailing address, resident status, and relevant telephone numbers of the applicant and the desired location of the proposed storage. The Harbormaster shall notify the applicant whether, given the availability of space, the applicant may apply on the same schedule and on the same application form as renewal applicants or must be placed on a waiting list. To be placed and kept on the waiting list, applicants must, on an annual basis, fill out a brief waiting-list renewal form and pay any waiting list fees requested.
(2) Current town mooring holder waitlist preference. Current holders of town moorings in adjacent mooring fields have priority for storage spaces on the wait list. Their name will be put on top of the waiting list. If more than one mooring holder applies, they will be placed at the top of the list in order of submission.
(3) Storage permits must be renewed annually. The Town Clerk or Harbormaster shall e-mail, or in the event the applicant does not have e-mail then mail, renewal permit applications in April to existing individual permit holders with a return deadline of June 1. The completed application forms shall contain at least the following information: i) the name, summer and winter mailing address, [and] resident status, and relevant telephone numbers of the applicant; ii) the type of vessel ; iii) the length; v) photograph of the vessel; With the approval of the Waterfront Advisory Commission and upon public notice to all applicants the Town Clerk may from time to time amend the storage permit application.
(4) Vessels must display provided storage sticker where it can be viewed while the vessel is stored without the vessel being moved, matching the license holder’s information and vessel description and picture maintained by the Harbormaster.
(5) General. A storage permit may not be held by more than one (1) individual or by more than one (1) association, partnership, or corporation, or any other legal entity at a time. All applications must be accompanied by the appropriate fee and shall be received at the Town Clerk's Office. No storage shall be granted for any vessel that has another storage permit in South Kingstown.
(6) The Harbormaster shall issue licenses properly keyed to the current storage list. A storage license will expire on June 1 in each succeeding year after its issuance. Failure to reapply for a storage license by June 1 shall void all rights to a storage space. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. All applications must be accompanied by the appropriate fee. Fees are nonrefundable. Any annual renewal of a storage permit, if granted, shall be assessed a late fee as determined by Town Council resolution if the re-registration form is not filed with the Town Clerk on or before June 1 and July 1 of the respective year.
(7) The annual license fee for storage spaces regulated by this section shall be established by resolution by the Town Council. The Town Clerk shall collect such fees from each applicant for each license issued under the provisions of this section.
(8) A storage license is not transferable to a new owner, unless associated with an allowed town mooring transfer.
(9) A storage license is relinquished by failure to apply for a storage space annually voids all rights to the storage space.
(10) If a storage space is unoccupied for more than thirty (30) consecutive days during the boating season (from June 1 to October 1) without notifying the Harbormaster, the storage space shall be considered abandoned. A storage space shall not be considered abandoned provided the owner notifies the Harbormaster that he/she will be unable to use the assigned storage space because of illness, extended vacation, or any other reason deemed acceptable to the harbormaster. The maximum period that a person may hold a storage space without use shall be one (1) year provided that the license fee is paid.
(11) The maximum length of the vessel allowed to be stored is 12 feet with a maximum width of six (6) feet or as otherwise approved by the Harbormaster. With special permission from the Harbormaster, paddlecraft up to sixteen (16) feet long and a three (3) foot beam may be stored on the racks.
(12) One dinghy or a maximum of two (2) narrow vessels (i.e. kayak, SUP) are permitted in a storage space, provided the beam of the two vessels combined does not exceed six (6) feet.
(13) No motors or fuel may be stored in the space at any time.
(14) All vessels are to be removed from the racks and Right-of-Way by December 1st and cannot re-occupy storage until March 1st. Any boat found in the right-of-way between December 1st and March 1st will be considered abandoned and may be removed and disposed of by the town.
(15) Ground storage of vessels and gear is prohibited.
(16) Vessels are prohibited from being left unattended in the right-of-way. Vessels left unattended in the ROW will be removed by the harbormaster and owner is subject to penalties and revocation of storage permit.
(17) All vessels must be removed 24 hours prior to forecasted landfall of a tropical storm or hurricane.
(18) Modifications to storage racks are prohibited.
(19) The Town of South Kingstown is not liable for any loss, or damage to, any vessels.
This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage.
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).
Building Code/Minimum Housing Code Boards of Appeals (5 members; 5 year term)
Reappointment for a term to expire June 2025. Michael Joyce wishes to be reappointed. 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 expired 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).
Library Board of Trustees (7 members; 3 year term)
Reappointments for two terms to expire July 2025: awaiting response from Lindsay Madom. Mario Briccetti does not wish to be reappointed.
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)
Sustainability Committee (7 members)
Vacancy: (Patrick Quinn applied 5/2/2025).
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).