North Kingstown Town Council Meeting

Monday, June 12, 2023, at 7:00 PM (following executive session) in Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered a public hearing on transfer station fees, consent agenda items, reports, old and new business, including a contentious discussion on a proposed middle school architect fee and the potential dissolution of the Groundwater Committee.

Consent Calendar

• Items 7, 8, 10, 12–21, and 23 were approved en bloc with no discussion. Item 9 (cyber security control plan, $68,500) was pulled by Councilor Mancini for additional explanation; it was later approved. Item 11 (fireworks permit for Plum Beach Club) was pulled for clarification and approved. Item 22 (first reading of Conservation Commission amendment) was pulled by Councilor Mandel; Council voted to accept it as a first reading, with the public hearing set for July 17.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathleen Garino (Groundwater Committee member) expressed shock and dismay at the proposed dissolution of the Groundwater Committee (item 30), arguing it was done without notice and that North Kingstown’s sole-source aquifer is threatened by PFAS and climate change. She urged the Council not to approve item 30 or item 22.
• Eric Wishart spoke in support of reappointing Tracy McHugh to the Planning Commission, citing her skills and her role in the Rolling Greens vote.
• Ryan O’Dell questioned the school committee’s request for $1.7 million for architect fees, stating the school department has millions in surplus and that the contract may not guarantee cost certainty. He urged the Council to hold the school accountable.
• Richard Welch opposed the school funding and argued the architect should work on contingency; he also supported retaining the Groundwater Committee, noting PFAS contamination and water department transparency issues.
• Marie Jackson raised traffic concerns for the proposed middle school at Quidnessett, including road capacity and the cutting of 20 acres of trees.
• Frances Slade called for an environmental impact study before any further spending, citing soil and groundwater contamination from the former Quonset site.
• Kurt Fisher requested improved playground signage on Phillips Street. He also supported the Groundwater Committee and commended the town manager.
• Florentina Dupree (parent) questioned the middle school plan, citing construction noise, traffic, and lack of answers. She asked for a point of contact for her questions.
• Ricky Thompson opposed both the Groundwater Committee dissolution and the school architect funding, noting the town’s fund balance should not be used as a “piggy bank.”
• Jan McAleer (Conservation Commission member) asked about the motivation for merging the Groundwater Committee and Conservation Commission, and expressed concern that new qualification language might discourage lay members.
• Donna Hutchinson supported the merger, noting that Conservation Commission has more influence, but encouraged better outreach via social media to fill vacancies.

Discussion Items

• Transfer Station Fee Amendment (Public Hearing): No public speakers. Council approved the amendment effective upon passage.
• Item 9 – Cybersecurity Control Plan (Envision Technology): IT Director Mike Follen explained the “zero trust architecture” to prevent lateral movement if a machine is infected. Council approved after questioning.
• Town Manager Report (Ralph Mollis):
  • New senior center bus (donated by Tom Maiozzi) nearing operation.
  • Water department secured $4M state grant for a new well site on Gilbert Stuart Road (PFAS-free, no cost to customers).
  • Former Walgreens leased to Dollar Tree; town will work to make it compatible with Wickford Village.
  • Boards/commissions communication survey showed most boards satisfied; next steps to improve liaison.
  • RIPTA Wickford Junction loop starts June 17.
  • Blood drive June 13.
  • State budget includes $300,000 more in education aid; bond authorization bills sent to governor.
  • No inquiries yet for cannabis establishments.
  • Cyber attack update: $220K spent so far, $25K lost revenue; forensic audit ongoing; 71% of attacks cost over $5M.
• Interim Finance Director Report (Deb Brigham): Projected surplus of $1.2M due to higher interest income (4–4.5%) and tangible property tax. Audit to begin soon; expects on-time report by Dec 31.
• Item 26 – 55 Brown Street Update: Town Manager reported that developer Eve cannot meet July 31 deadline; construction costs rose from $1.3M to $5.9M. Council agreed to invite her to July or August meeting for a presentation.
• Item 27 – School Committee Request for $1.7M Architect Fee: School Committee Chair Aaron Earle and staff presented the request, noting it is part of a required Stage 2 RIDE application due September. They argued it is a community project and funding from school reserves would delay other capital projects (e.g., Hamilton fire system, Stony Lane roof). Town Manager noted drawing down town fund balance would reduce interest income (~$80K/year) and potentially affect bond ratings. Council deferred decision to June 26 meeting, allowing time for public input.
• Items 28-29 – CRMC Applications: Approved without objection (Wickford parking lot seawall and residential boating facility).
• Item 30 – Resolution Discharging Groundwater Committee: Councilor Anderson moved to continue (table) to July 17 meeting to allow for further public discussion; motion passed.
• Appointments: Various boards filled (see Key Outcomes).
• Item 46 – Request for Crosswalk to Veterans Memorial Park: Approved.
• Items 47-51 – Budget and Tax Measures: All approved (Vote Ordering Tax, all funds appropriations, library fund, school funds, development surety).

Key Outcomes

• Transfer Station Fee Amendment: Approved (effective immediately).
• Item 9 – Cybersecurity Contract: Approved ($68,500 from insurance deductible account).
• Item 11 – Fireworks Permit: Approved for Plum Beach Club on June 30, 2023.
• Item 22 – Conservation Commission Amendment: First reading passed; public hearing July 17.
• Item 27 – School Architect Fee: Deferred to June 26 meeting.
• Item 30 – Groundwater Committee Dissolution: Continued to July 17 meeting.
• Appointments Made:
  • Asset Management Commission: John Lees, John Pyne, James Halley (at-large), Susan Gardiner (technical), Lisa Bowe (school committee).
  • Audit Committee: Kerry McKay.
  • Building Code Board of Appeals: Tracey McHugh (member), Jacob Clemen (1st alt), Joseph Gentile (2nd alt).
  • Charter Review Commission: Melissa Devine.
  • Leisure Services Advisory Committee: James Findley and Keith Finck reappointed; decision on Jeffrey Smith and Neil Labove deferred.
  • Library Board of Trustees: Thomas Sgouros (appointed).
  • Personnel Board: To be re-advertised.
  • Planning Commission: Tracey McHugh (reappointed).
  • Probate Judge: Brian Fielding (reappointed).
  • Veterans Memorial Scholarship Fund: Patricia Siegmund.
  • Wickford Advisory Committee: Donald Nixon.
  • Wickford Village Design Guidelines Committee: Donald Nixon (alternate).
  • Zoning Board of Review: Patricia Siegmund (reappointed).
• Item 46 – Crosswalk Request: Approved, town manager to renew request with RIDOT.
• Items 47-51 – Budget/Tax: All approved.

No motions or votes were taken on the school committee funding request or the groundwater committee dissolution, as those were deferred.