North Kingstown Town Council Meeting - November 14, 2022

The North Kingstown Town Council met on Monday, November 14, 2022, at 6:45 PM (executive session) and 7:00 PM (regular meeting) in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included public hearings, a consent agenda, and new business items such as a water service connection approval and a PILOT agreement amendment. Several council members and the town manager provided updates on community events, police efforts, infrastructure projects, and upcoming initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the Regular Meetings of September 26, 2022 and October 17, 2022.
• Tax Abatement List #863: $6,381.63.
• Receipt of Donations: $1,300.00 (general), $50.00 for North Kingstown Animal Shelter, and $1,200.00 for McGinn Football Field overseed.
• Acceptance of 2022 Homeland Security Grant Program – Annual DECON Grant: $20,000.00.
• Authorization to sell a 2011 Chevrolet G4500 PL Custom Ambulance to the Exeter Fire District.
• Approval of Salary and Wage Schedules for Nonunion and Seasonal Employees, and Miscellaneous Fee Schedules.
• Award of Bid – Information Systems Department – Municipal Office Meeting Room Audio/Visual Wireless Upgrade to Shanix Technology: $36,154.75.
• Approval of Change Order – Water Department – Consulting Services for Well #10 Replacement and Redevelopment Project – Comprehensive Environmental Incorporated: $21,000.00.
• Approval of Change Order – Water Department – Consulting Services for investigation of new source location to replace Well #6 – Wright-Pierce: $93,000.00.
• Approval of Waterline Replacement Agreement with Quonset Development Corporation: $295,162.00 (funded from Water Department Designated Fund Balance/Infrastructure Replacement Account).
• Ratification of Town Clerk's approval of a Bingo License (new) – Robyn Albuquerque, dba North Kingstown Educational Foundation, for an event held October 26, 2022.
• Detective License Renewals 2022-2023.
• Exhibition License (21-30 vendors) – Joseph Yoffa, to hold open studio at Shady Lea Mill on December 3–4, 2022.
• Holiday Sales License (new) – North Koffee Inc.
• Victualling, Dance, and Amusement License Renewals.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nathaniel Johnson (20 Shady Lea Road property owner) expressed concerns about the relocation of Gooseneck Vineyards (Wickford Wine Company) to 1340 Tower Hill Road. He stated that the events and operations could affect his property value through light pollution, noise, and parking overflow, and noted that he had reached out to the owner without response. Council members advised him to communicate directly with the owner and noted that further approvals (e.g., business hours, live music) would come before the Planning Commission, providing additional opportunity for input.

Discussion Items

1. Public Hearing – Class C Alcohol Beverage, Victualling, and Entertainment License Relocation (Gooseneck Vineyards) – The council unanimously approved moving the license from 4 Brown Street to 1340 Tower Hill Road. Paul Feedy, co-founder, confirmed the purchase of the old Rodman Farm and answered questions. Council members congratulated him.
2. Public Hearing – Alcohol Beverage, Victualling, Dance, Entertainment, Billiard, Amusement, and Jukebox License Renewals 2022-2023 – The council approved all renewals, subject to tax and good standing.
3. Second Reading – Amendment to Chapter 2 (Administration), Division 13 (Audit Committee), Section 2-401(b) – The council approved an amendment to allow committee members with an accounting background (not necessarily CPAs) to be eligible to chair the committee. Richard August, Audit Committee chair, explained that the change addresses difficulty in attracting practicing CPAs and provides a path for other qualified individuals. Councilman Kerry McKay endorsed the change as not lowering standards.
4. Consent Agenda Item 18 Discussion – Water Department Change Order – Item 18 was removed for discussion. Water Department Manager Tim answered questions about well status: Well #10 is shut down for rebuilding (awaiting Department of Health approval); Well #6 is shut down due to PFAS contamination; Wells 3, 7, and 8 are on emergency backup due to manganese issues (discolored water) but not used regularly. The town has sufficient water from other wells. Tim noted that the change order addresses consulting for Well #10 replacement. The council later approved Item 18.
5. New Business – Request for Water Service Connection – Quonset Apartments (660 Devils Foot Road) – The council approved a water service connection for a development that will demolish an existing building and add approximately 30 one-bedroom units. Tim stated the net water usage increase would be marginal due to efficient fixtures and demolition of an older building.
6. New Business – Authorization to Enter into Second Amendment to PILOT Agreement (Flex Industries) – Town Manager Ralph explained the second amendment uses the same parameters as the original PILOT and is expected to bring in about $1.6 million in additional tax revenue over 12 years. The council unanimously approved.
7. Town Manager's Report – Key updates included: satellite leak detection survey delayed due to COVID; Wickford Streetscape project aiming for 2023 groundbreaking; uptick in vandalism at Wilson Park; RFQ for golf course restaurant concessionaire; Good Energy program briefing scheduled for November 28; town website refresh launching January 23, 2023; Allen Harbor dredging expected fall 2023 with funding challenges; loss of $88,000/year in tax revenue from two solar farm lots due to state legislation; commendation for election staff handling over 33,000 early voters; successful search for a missing child; Tower Hill Road gas main replacement causing delays; priority traffic signals at West Allington/Route 4 and Oak Hill/Route 4; progress on West Main Street/Post Road sidewalk and Hamilton Elementary School traffic signal; Essex Road project nearing completion; library improvements funded by North Kingstown Free Library Corporation.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (unanimous): Gooseneck Vineyards license relocation (Item 5).
• Approved (unanimous): All alcohol and entertainment license renewals (Item 6).
• Approved (unanimous): Audit Committee amendment (Item 7).
• Approved (unanimous): Consent agenda items 9–17 and 19–25; Item 18 removed and approved separately after discussion.
• Approved (unanimous): Water service connection for Quonset Apartments (Item 27).
• Approved (unanimous): Second amendment to PILOT agreement with Flex Industries (Item 28).
• Noted: Public comment on Gooseneck Vineyards will be addressed in future Planning Commission proceedings.
• Next Steps: Town Manager to provide updates on Wickford Streetscape, Good Energy, website, dredging, and budget implications of solar farm tax loss.