North Kingstown Town Council Meeting – February 12, 2024

The North Kingstown Town Council met on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing, special presentations, consent agenda debate, the town manager's report, and multiple new business items. Key topics included the Asset Management Commission's Capital Improvement Plan, a request for tax-exempt status by the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island, and a discussion on a senior property tax work-off program.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Consent Agenda items 9 through 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 en bloc. These routine items included tax abatements, donations, contract awards, license renewals, and personnel resignations. Items 17 and 23 were removed for separate discussion.
• Item 17 (Award of contract for statistical revaluation) was approved after a motion by Councilor Anderson, seconded by Councilor Page, with the condition that Town Assessor Deb Gano meet with a concerned citizen to discuss his suggestions before implementation.
• Item 23 (Resolution supporting proposed legislation regarding houseboats and harbor lines) was approved unanimously after clarification that two different penalty amounts ($750 and $100) apply to separate violations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Harris Chorney, Chair of the Board of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, spoke during public comment. He urged the Town Council not to consider a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in the Israeli-Hamas war, citing a 360% national increase in anti-Semitic incidents since October 7, 2023, and arguing that a ceasefire before the release of hostages and removal of Hamas would be irresponsible. Council President Mancini responded that no such resolution was on the agenda and that the council typically avoids divisive resolutions.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing – Fee Schedule Amendment (Recreation Department Fees): The council held a second reading and public hearing. No public testimony was offered. Councilor Mandel questioned a large increase from $11 to $25 per hour for non-business-hour activities. Town Manager Ralph Mollis explained that the rate had not been updated since a previous wage scale and reflects overtime costs. The ordinance was approved unanimously.
• Asset Management Commission Presentation – CIP FY2025-2029: Commission Chair Ed Cooney presented the five-year Capital Improvement Plan. Key points included:
  • The 2018 bond referendum projects are nearly complete except for the Hamilton Allenton Road landfill closure.
  • The November 2023 bond questions (middle school/public safety complex and recreation center) were rejected by voters (61.9% against the first, 64.6% against the second).
  • The commission’s top non-enterprise priority remains the Public Safety Complex (40 out of 40 points).
  • For enterprise funds, clubhouse work was the highest priority; water main replacement and condition assessment were next.
  • School department priorities: Hamilton Elementary fire alarm, high school roof replacement ($4.5 million over five years), and Hamilton building envelope repairs.
  • The commission recommended creating a grant writer position (FTE) and exploring additional revenue sources such as retail cannabis.
  • A facilities assessment estimated $28.5 million in town needs over 10 years and $97 million for school facilities over five years.
  • Councilors debated the need for a new middle school, the timing of a new public safety building after the rejected bond, and the challenges of funding capital projects. Town Manager Mollis noted that over the last six years the town has spent $18 million on asset protection (not including enterprise funds).
• Eco-Land Art Project Presentation: Susan Fox and Marion O’Larrow reported completion of the labyrinth-like art piece on town land. The official opening and planting ceremony will be Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 2:00 PM. The council thanked them.
• Youth Commission Progress Report: Kayla VanGorden, Learn 365 Grant Coordinator, reported on the first meeting of the Youth Commission for middle school students (eight members from Davisville and Wickford Middle Schools). Topics of interest included recreational sports equity and additional summer program vendors. She also reported a successful Financial Aid Completion Night on February 8, 2024, serving 50 individuals.
• Town Manager’s Report: Manager Mollis covered:
  • Federal grant of $81 million for the I-95 to Route 4 connection.
  • Rescheduling of the Davisville Bridge (Devil’s Foot Road) project due to contract cancellation; no work anticipated in 2024.
  • Revolution Wind onshore construction updates and an open house on February 25, 2024.
  • Proposed RIPTA service changes affecting Route 14, Route 64, and Route QX; public hearings through February 21.
  • Wilson Park and McGinn Park court improvements underway (closures until June 1).
  • Approval of crosswalk across Boston Neck Road.
  • Fiscal year 2023 audit completed and submitted.
  • Budget presentation schedule for March 4, 2024.
  • Cyber attack costs of approximately $1,145,000, with $500,000 covered by insurance; $500,000 of remaining costs are in the current fiscal year.
  • Staffing updates, e-waste collection, blood drive results, and upcoming storm closure.
• Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island – Tax Exempt Status Request: Attorney Diana Ducharm and Dr. Bill Morissette presented for the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island, requesting the council sponsor legislation for property tax exemption. The council voted unanimously to approve the request, noting the organization’s statewide service, transparency, and annual reports.
• Water Main Extension – Post Road Apartments: The council approved the request after confirming that a Pars Engineers report indicated supply surplus; the town manager described a cautionary note as boilerplate language.
• Senior Property Tax Work-Off Program Discussion (Councilor Mandel): Councilor Mandel proposed researching programs that allow senior residents to reduce property taxes by working for the town. The council directed the town manager to research pros and cons and report back. Concerns were raised about termination difficulties and the inability to volunteer in schools due to certification requirements.
• Appointments: The council approved numerous appointments to boards and commissions (Arts Council, Assessment Board of Review, Compensation Commission, Conservation Commission, Harbor Management Commission, Personnel Board, Tree Warden, and Veterans Day & Memorial Day Parades Committee). The Economic Development Advisory Board appointment was tabled for further advertising.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Ordinance Amendment: Second reading of Recreation Department fee schedule (increases) passed unanimously.
• Accepted CIP Presentation: The council accepted the Asset Management Commission’s report; the town manager will use it as a budget tool.
• Contract Award for GIS Services: Approved for CAI Technologies ($80,200/3 years plus up to $5,000/year for data reconciliation).
• Fireworks Display Contract: Approved Ocean State Pyrotechnics for 2024-2026.
• Concession Contracts: Approved Del’s Lemonade and The Snack Shack at Wilson Park.
• Statistical Revaluation Contract: Awarded to Vision Government Solutions ($169,000); council requested the assessor meet with a concerned resident.
• Resolution on Houseboat Legislation: Approved to support state legislation amending Chapter 46-4.
• Tax Exempt for Wildlife Clinic: Council will sponsor legislation for property tax exemption.
• Water Main Extension Approved: For Post Road Apartments.
• Appointments Confirmed: Over a dozen appointments made to various boards and commissions (see agenda items 27-36).
• Senior Tax Work-Off Program: Town manager to research and report back.
• Meeting Adjourned at approximately 9:45 PM.