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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

North Kingstown Town Council Meeting - March 27, 2023

Town Council — Monday, March 27, 2023

BodyNorth Kingstown, Rhode Island

SessionTown Council

DateMonday, March 27, 2023

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:03:14

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:09

Exactly right.

0:51

Let your call this meeting to order.

0:54

From Monday, town council meeting from Monday, March 27, 2023, pursuant to an island general laws 42-46-6C.

1:03

Notice of this meeting has been posted on the Secretary of State's website.

1:18

Subsection two litigation on continuum contract.

1:25

All those in favor say aye.

1:27

Aye.

1:27

Any opposed?

1:28

The ayes have it.

1:29

Thank you, everybody.

1:31

731 Antiquatucket Road, North Kingstown.

1:35

So today I'd like to s stress my opposal to the proposed uh rec center plan without further reconciliation due to priorities that the town has needed for the public safety building and for a new middle school that's now what ninety years old on that aspect.

1:53

The state's population and North Kingstown's population for the last 20 years has barely changed.

1:58

You're maybe a a thousand over the last 20 years of population growth.

2:05

On that the project costing 40 million dollars of unnecessary cash uh on this you're at a point where are you going to get the the aspect the people the continual revenue on this?

2:20

New construction is gonna cost probably around thirty million if you're looking at a hundred thousand square foot building on that aspect, operational costs between what you're trying to cover on what your revenue and anything that you have to pay for, are you gonna be able to guarantee that we're gonna meet at a hundred percent income to outcome ratio on that?

2:42

Because if you don't and you have to start covering from the town general fund, uh one thousand hundred or one hundred thousand square foot building will probably cost you around two million dollars to operate per year.

2:52

Which if your gap 25%, that's $250,000 at least coming out of the the fund sorry, $500,000 coming out of the fund.

3:01

Um you have options uh that you already have an in-place building.

3:07

I know that a couple of years ago I was trying to research whether the Lowe's building was still actually being used as a pinnacle.

3:13

I know they got bought out, but that building it would suffice if that building became available to fit in and you would not have to rebuild anything.

3:23

You cut down the cost, you would just have to bring up the code and use that to put in any sporting events that we'd put into there.

3:30

But you also have commercial outlets because you already have Y World of Sports right there.

3:35

Uh on there as well.

3:39

The money could be better spent to help refund the US one revitalization.

3:43

Think about all the empty parking lots by doubles foot, the dilapidated shopping plazas, by stop and shop, unused parking spaces, up and down between uh story lane and also camp road.

3:57

Uh you have a roadrunners gas station that has a sign that's been broken for months.

4:02

Who knows how long that's gonna take anyone to push them to actually fix that?

4:06

Electrically unsafe.

4:07

But if you'd use a Lowe's building, at least you would have something in place already ready to accessible because it's freeway access, you have businesses right there, and at least it would cut down on the costs.

4:19

I I would uh push towards that.

4:22

Again, stressing that you have better money to be spent on the schools, you're looking at 80 million and plus your money for the public safety.

4:29

So I support the public safety.

4:31

Thank you.

4:32

Um do you uh excuse me.

4:35

You said you support public safety, do you also support a new medical s middle school?

4:40

Support the middle school and I support the public.

4:42

Okay, thank you.

4:45

Next I have Ed Cooney Jr.

4:56

Good evening, uh Ed Cooney, 22 hours in court.

5:00

Um I'm here uh to support the uh public safety complex.

5:04

Um my heart tells me I'd love for a new recenter.

5:10

Um because personally my family, a young family, we would use it frequently.

5:15

I would be there pretty much probably every weekend with some sort of activity.

5:19

However, um, in terms of the development of the town and the current public safety headquarters, um, as I've documented in my presentations with you.

5:30

Unfortunately, that building was not maintained properly over an extended period of time.

5:36

This town, unfortunately, as I've mentioned multiple times, historically has not maintained its facilities in the in the way it should.

5:44

Um we're making strides to do so better.

5:50

Um, but I think at this point in time to get a proper functioning public safety building for this community would be invaluable.

6:01

Um we've asked our members of our fire and police department to work in some pretty tough conditions for an extended period of time.

6:11

Um I've documented those with photos in the presentation for asset management commission.

6:17

And it's time to do something about that.

6:20

I I do not know what iteration the project is going to be.

6:25

I know that there was talk of when they was presented to us of reducing the original proposal.

6:32

Um I'd like to see those numbers again at some point in time if that's going to be up for discussion.

6:39

Um I can't say specifically the project I'm looking uh I'd support, but the concept I support.

6:47

Um similar for the middle school.

6:49

Um I think at this point in time, if we were to pass on the additional 17 and a half percent reimbursement rate, um it may be very difficult for us to to concept it conceptually absorb a uh potential middle school building in the future, going from 52 percent reimbursement rate to potentially 37 percent, which is our standard baseline.

7:12

Um that's a lot of money we're leaving on the table as a as a community.

7:16

I think if we sell the project as um receiving 52 and a half percent reimbursement, um we would be much better positioned to actually get the voters to pass that.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Safety█████████████████████████████29%

Parks and Recreation████████████████████20%

Public Works███████████11%

Public Engagement████████8%

Budget Equity Analysis██████6%

Public Comment█████5%

Energy Conservation███3%

Procedural███3%

Fire Department Operations███3%

Summary of Proceedings

North Kingstown Town Council Meeting - March 27, 2023

The North Kingstown Town Council met on Monday, March 27, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers after an executive session. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including a consent agenda, public comments, reports from the town manager and finance director, and extensive discussions on potential bond questions for an indoor recreation facility and a public safety complex. The council also approved a legal services agreement regarding PFAS contaminants and addressed several routine items.

Consent Calendar

The council approved items 6 through 8, 10, 12 through 18, and 23 through 26 by a single motion. These included minutes, tax abatements, donations, license renewals, and first readings of zoning amendments related to recreational marijuana and tobacco/cannabis restrictions.
Items 9 (Beach Library), 11 (Fire Department rescue vehicle), and 19-22 (Reynolds Farm bond reductions) were pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion. After discussion, items 9, 11, and 19-22 were all approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

A speaker (identified as opposing the rec center without further reconciliation) expressed opposition to the proposed indoor recreation center, arguing that the town’s priorities should be a new public safety building and a new middle school. They cited minimal population growth and estimated operational costs of $2 million per year for a 100,000 sq ft building, with a potential $500,000 gap from the general fund. The speaker suggested using the former Lowe's building as a lower-cost alternative and advocated for funds to be used for US-1 revitalization.
Ed Cooney Jr. (22 hours in court) expressed support for the public safety complex, noting that the current building has been poorly maintained. He also supported a new middle school, emphasizing the importance of the 52.5% state reimbursement rate for schools.
Bill Panoyer (180 Lewis Farm Road, East Greenwich) provided an update on Memorial Day parade planning and invited volunteers.
Mary Warback (25 North Road, Saunderstown) advocated for net-zero energy buildings for schools, citing legislation and the example of Discovery Elementary School in Arlington, VA, which saved $17,000/year in utility costs.
Nancy White Sherman (64 Pleasant Street) strongly supported including a pool in the recreation center, citing health benefits, revenue potential from swim lessons and rentals, and demand at other pools. She noted that North Kingstown's swim team has limited practice time due to pool availability.
Ed Andrews (50 North Road, Saunderstown) expressed support for the recreation center as a quality-of-life issue and legacy project for the council.
Bob Vanderslice (151 Prospect Avenue) expressed optimism about the council’s ability to maintain new buildings, supported net-zero design, and encouraged the council to be leaders.
Kathleen Gurino (139 Summit View Lane) thanked the council, asked about the proposed location of the rec center, and supported all three projects (rec center, public safety, middle school) but questioned the rec center’s location in Quonset.

Discussion Items

Town Manager Report: Ralph Mollis reported on the Wickford Village Parking Study (kickoff meeting March 14, data collection April-July, public hearing in July, final report by end of year). The Wickford School House condominium project (39 units reduced to 37 due to historic tax credits) is targeting a spring 2024 construction start. Road paving begins April 3. The town is pursuing a Community Electricity Aggregation program and locked in a 32-month energy contract saving ~$528,000. The water department applied for over $16 million in state funding for well and PFAS treatment projects. The town is preserving two additional parcels (Crookshank and Grossman properties). A report on land conservation accomplishments will be presented in April or May. The annual Easter egg hunt is scheduled for April 1 at Wilson Park.
Finance Director Report: Jim Lathrop reported a projected surplus of $1.2 million (including $250,000 fund balance). He noted $82,000 in outstanding utility credits need to be applied. The town will go live with a MUNIS upgrade in April. A tax sale is planned for June, with about $500,000 in overdue taxes. A 10-year write-off list will be provided to the council before June.
Fire Department Rescue Vehicle (Item 11): The council discussed the single bid of $469,084 from New England Fire Equipment & Apparatus for a Type 1 rescue vehicle. Chief Scott Cattell explained that the price includes a $65,000 power load stretcher system, and that due to supply chain issues, only one bid was received. The delivery timeline is 24 months. Councilman Larry Mandel expressed concern about a single bid, but after discussion, the council approved the purchase unanimously.
Indoor Recreation Facility Bond Discussion (Item 29): Recreation Director Chelsea presented a detailed overview of the proposed facility, including a 55,000 sq ft building with multi-purpose courts, batting cages, a track, fitness space, and classrooms. Over 20 potential sites were considered; three finalist sites were identified (Quonset, a private lot on Post Road, and Davisville Academy). The cost estimate is not yet finalized, but $4 million in ARPA funds are set aside, and federal earmarks are being pursued. The town manager noted that the council would not approve the rec center itself but would put a bond question on the ballot. The manager explained that a pool is not included due to high construction ($2.5-3 million additional) and ongoing operational costs (~$1 million/year) plus a national lifeguard shortage. Council members expressed support for the concept but raised concerns about the aggregate bond amount, operational costs, and prioritization relative to the public safety complex and middle school. The council directed the administration to return in April with a financial analysis, including a potential separate pool question and its impacts.
Public Safety Complex Bond Discussion (Item 30): Chief Scott Cattell and Captain John Urban presented the need for a new public safety complex. The current building (constructed in 1957 with additions in 1976 and 2009) is severely outdated, with roof leaks, lack of proper security, no separate female bunk space, and inadequate space for modern operations. The proposed 51,290 sq ft facility would house police, fire, emergency communications, and an emergency operations center. The committee recommended staying on or near the current site to maintain response times. The cost is not yet final, but inflation is adding ~5% per year. Council members unanimously expressed strong support, calling it a "need" rather than a "want." The manager requested direction to return in April with a financial analysis and a proposed ballot question, as well as a decision on whether to hire an architect before the bond vote. The council gave unanimous consensus to proceed.
PFAS Legal Services Agreement (Item 31): The council authorized the town manager to sign a contingency fee agreement with a consortium of law firms (including Hamel Waxler, Levin Papantonio, and others) to investigate and pursue claims against manufacturers of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) for contamination of the town's water supply. The firms secured a $670 million settlement with DuPont in 2017 and are currently representing over 100 municipalities. The agreement is on a contingency basis with no upfront cost to the town. The council approved the motion unanimously.
Correspondence (Item 32): Councilman Matthew McCoy read several emails received, including a request for a resolution honoring a Civil War soldier, letters of congratulations for Eagle Scouts, support for the rec center (with and without a pool), and concerns about the proposed toy library at the beach.

Key Outcomes

Consent Agenda: Approved items 6-8, 10, 12-18, and 23-26 unanimously.
Item 9 (Beach Library): Approved unanimously after discussion; the MOU allows for mid-season evaluation.
Item 11 (Fire Rescue Vehicle): Approved unanimously after discussion about the single bid.
Items 19-22 (Reynolds Farm Bond Reductions): Approved unanimously after explanation from Planning Department.
Indoor Recreation Facility: Council directed administration to return in April with financial analysis, bond structure, and a proposed ballot question, including exploration of a separate pool question. Consensus to proceed with planning.
Public Safety Complex: Council directed administration to return in April with financial analysis, bond structure, and a proposed ballot question. Consensus to proceed with planning.
PFAS Legal Services Agreement: Approved unanimously.
Correspondence: Received and filed.
Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned after a long session (no specific time given, but noted as late).

Meeting Transcript

Exactly right. Let your call this meeting to order. From Monday, town council meeting from Monday, March 27, 2023, pursuant to an island general laws 42-46-6C. Notice of this meeting has been posted on the Secretary of State's website. Subsection two litigation on continuum contract. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you, everybody. 731 Antiquatucket Road, North Kingstown. So today I'd like to s stress my opposal to the proposed uh rec center plan without further reconciliation due to priorities that the town has needed for the public safety building and for a new middle school that's now what ninety years old on that aspect. The state's population and North Kingstown's population for the last 20 years has barely changed. You're maybe a a thousand over the last 20 years of population growth. On that the project costing 40 million dollars of unnecessary cash uh on this you're at a point where are you going to get the the aspect the people the continual revenue on this? New construction is gonna cost probably around thirty million if you're looking at a hundred thousand square foot building on that aspect, operational costs between what you're trying to cover on what your revenue and anything that you have to pay for, are you gonna be able to guarantee that we're gonna meet at a hundred percent income to outcome ratio on that? Because if you don't and you have to start covering from the town general fund, uh one thousand hundred or one hundred thousand square foot building will probably cost you around two million dollars to operate per year. Which if your gap 25%, that's $250,000 at least coming out of the the fund sorry, $500,000 coming out of the fund. Um you have options uh that you already have an in-place building. I know that a couple of years ago I was trying to research whether the Lowe's building was still actually being used as a pinnacle. I know they got bought out, but that building it would suffice if that building became available to fit in and you would not have to rebuild anything. You cut down the cost, you would just have to bring up the code and use that to put in any sporting events that we'd put into there. But you also have commercial outlets because you already have Y World of Sports right there. Uh on there as well. The money could be better spent to help refund the US one revitalization. Think about all the empty parking lots by doubles foot, the dilapidated shopping plazas, by stop and shop, unused parking spaces, up and down between uh story lane and also camp road. Uh you have a roadrunners gas station that has a sign that's been broken for months. Who knows how long that's gonna take anyone to push them to actually fix that? Electrically unsafe. But if you'd use a Lowe's building, at least you would have something in place already ready to accessible because it's freeway access, you have businesses right there, and at least it would cut down on the costs. I I would uh push towards that. Again, stressing that you have better money to be spent on the schools, you're looking at 80 million and plus your money for the public safety. So I support the public safety. Thank you. Um do you uh excuse me. You said you support public safety, do you also support a new medical s middle school? Support the middle school and I support the public. Okay, thank you. Next I have Ed Cooney Jr. Good evening, uh Ed Cooney, 22 hours in court. Um I'm here uh to support the uh public safety complex. Um my heart tells me I'd love for a new recenter. Um because personally my family, a young family, we would use it frequently. I would be there pretty much probably every weekend with some sort of activity. However, um, in terms of the development of the town and the current public safety headquarters, um, as I've documented in my presentations with you. Unfortunately, that building was not maintained properly over an extended period of time. This town, unfortunately, as I've mentioned multiple times, historically has not maintained its facilities in the in the way it should. Um we're making strides to do so better. Um, but I think at this point in time to get a proper functioning public safety building for this community would be invaluable. Um we've asked our members of our fire and police department to work in some pretty tough conditions for an extended period of time.

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