North Kingstown Town Council Meeting - May 8, 2023

The North Kingstown Town Council met on May 8, 2023, at 6:45 PM for an executive session, followed by the regular meeting at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was the consideration of three potential bond questions totaling $247.46 million: $167.46 million for a new middle school and school renovations, $55 million for a public safety complex, and $25 million for an indoor recreation center/emergency shelter. After extensive presentations, public comment, and debate, the council voted to submit two separate bond acts to the General Assembly: one combining school and public safety projects ($222.46 million) and one for the recreation center ($25 million).

Consent Calendar

• The council approved Items 7, 8, 10–12, and 14–21 as a block. Items 9 and 13 were removed for separate discussion.
• Item 9 (Dunkin Donuts banner at McGinn Skate Park): Approved unanimously after a brief discussion of precedent. The donation of $400 will be used by the Recreation Department.
• Item 13 (Solid Waste Contract with RIRRC): Approved unanimously; the town manager confirmed a fee increase at the transfer station will be proposed later.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Machado (103 West Main Street): Requested a volunteer waiver to allow citizens to maintain trails at Ryan Park, citing safety risks from disrepair. Town Manager Ralph Mollis committed to exploring a waiver and contacting DEM about wetland definitions.
• Annika Erickson (96 Mesa Drive): Senior and swim team captain, spoke in favor of adding a pool to the proposed recreation center, noting the long travel distances for swim team practice and the importance of water safety.
• Francis Slade (30 Linwood Drive): Provided correspondence from the Army Corps of Engineers regarding past contamination at the Quidnessett Elementary site, expressing concerns about traffic, lighting, and water table impacts on the neighborhood if a new middle school is built there.
• Kathleen Gorino (139 Summit View Lane): Expressed full support for all three bond projects, though she abstained on the pool after hearing cost concerns.
• Pam Panero (710 Slocum Road): Supported a new middle school but had reservations about adding fifth grade and transportation from outlying areas. Urged three separate ballot questions.
• Other speakers: Keith McConnell, Nancy Sherman, Meg Kerr (Democratic Town Committee), and Diane Hill spoke in favor of the projects, with emphasis on net-zero construction and timely action.

Discussion Items

• Bond Question Presentations:
  • Recreation Center: Recreation Director Chelsea presented a need report showing projected program increases (seniors 60%, adults 60%, high school 40%, middle school 100%, elementary 40%, preschool 100%). She detailed pool costs: $9 million construction, $350,000–$400,000 annual payroll, plus $70,000 biannual safety and filtration costs, and estimated $1.5 million annual operating cost. The town manager advised against a pool due to maintenance and lifeguard shortages.
  • Public Safety Complex: Fire Chief Scott Cattel and architect Michael Viveros described the 1957 building as outdated, cramped, and unhealthy. The $55 million estimate includes demolition, construction, and soft costs; no site acquisition is needed. The manager expressed disappointment at the price tag but emphasized the need.
  • School Bond: School Committee Chair Aaron Earle and architect Joseph Costa (Perkins Eastman) presented a plan for a single 5–8 middle school at Quidnessett Elementary, serving 1,200 students. Hard costs estimated at $79 million (180,000 sq ft at $440/sq ft), plus site work, demolition, contingencies, and escalation, totaling $142 million construction cost, with soft costs pushing the total to $167 million. RI Department of Education’s Mario Carrano noted base reimbursement of 35% plus up to 17.5% bonus for consolidation and energy efficiency, expiring December 2023. The school committee requested flexible language to allow unused bond funds for other school projects.
• Financial Impact: PFM’s Steve Massoni presented debt service projections. Under 35% reimbursement, the combined projects would increase the tax rate by $2.06 per $1,000 (or $927/year on a $450,000 home). Under 52.5% reimbursement, the impact drops to $1.80 per $1,000 ($810/year). The town’s AA+ bond rating is expected to be maintained.
• Council Deliberation: The council debated whether to submit one, two, or three bond questions. Councilman Mancini recused himself due to a conflict of interest (construction trade union representation). After a motion to list all three separately failed (2-2-1), a motion to pair the school and public safety projects together (Option 3) and the recreation center separately passed 4-0. The language for the school bond was amended to “school purposes, including but not limited to the construction of a new middle school” to allow flexibility for other school capital needs.

Key Outcomes

• Vote: The council approved a resolution to request the General Assembly to enact two bond acts: one for $222.46 million (school purposes including a new middle school, and public safety complex) and one for $25 million (indoor recreation center/emergency shelter). Each will be subject to voter approval at separate referenda.
• Consent Agenda: Approved as amended.
• Other Actions:
  • Approved two appointments to the Arts Council (William and Samoa Matson).
  • Approved a letter of support for the ChargeNK program and for HistWick’s Rhody Community Impact Award nomination.
  • Approved a resolution welcoming the Golden Rule Peace Ship.
  • Authorized removal of liability insurance requirement for the Beach Library project (covered by the town’s trust).
  • The town manager reported on the ransomware attack (no financial/personal data compromised), senior center bus delivery, park vandalism, and the upcoming departure of Finance Director Jim Lathrop.