North Kingstown Town Council Regular Meeting - August 5, 2024

The North Kingstown Town Council met on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 7:00 PM (after convening in executive session at 6:30 PM). The council held five public hearings, approved a $60 million public safety bond question for the November 5 ballot, accepted a $189,124.06 LEARN365RI grant, advanced a community electricity aggregation plan, and handled routine business including appointments, contract approvals, and a town manager's report.

Executive Session

• The council entered executive session under RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5, Subsection (2) to discuss collective bargaining with Laborers' International Union Local 1033. The minutes were later sealed by unanimous vote.

Public Hearings (Second Readings)

1. Amendment to Section 2-1 – Competitive Bidding

• Approved unanimously after no public testimony.

2. Amendment to Section 11-37 – No Parking on Roosevelt Avenue

• Approved unanimously after no public comments.

3. Amendment to Uncodified Ordinance – Public Safety Bond (up to $60 million)

• Fire Chief Scott Kettle and Police Chief John Urban detailed the need for new police and fire stations, citing severe space shortages, crumbling infrastructure, and safety deficiencies. They presented a revised plan for two separate facilities: a police station/emergency dispatch center on Gate Road and a fire station on the current site, totaling 48,000 square feet (down from an originally proposed 80,000). Town Manager Ralph Mollis outlined potential tax impacts (estimated 20–25 cent increase in FY2026–2027 under a worst-case scenario) but noted future financing strategies could reduce the burden.
• Public comments: Richard Welch (8 Arrow Lane) expressed general support for the departments but disagreed with the direction. Richard Thompson asked about Asset Management Commission involvement. Councilman Mandel queried expandability of the new buildings; chiefs confirmed both sites allow for future expansion.
• The council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance, placing the question on the November 5, 2024 ballot as a bond referendum.

4. Amendment to Chapter 2, Division 11 – Economic Development Advisory Board

• Reduced membership from 14 to 12 by eliminating two alternate positions. Approved without public testimony.

5. Amendment to Chapter 2, Division 12 – Veterans Day and Memorial Day Parades Committee

• Reduced membership from 10 to 8. Approved after no public comments.

Special Business

Presentation and Acceptance of LEARN365RI Grant

• Kate Glass, Executive Assistant and Director of Communications, reported on the first year of the program: over 5,600 hours of out-of-school learning for elementary and middle school students, plus FAFSA initiatives. The second-year grant from RIDE is $189,124.06, focused on Title I schools. Councillor Mandel praised the program’s shift away from FAFSA due to low state shortfall. The grant was accepted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom Segoris (15 Boston Neck Road) spoke in favor of the Good Energy aggregation plan, urging council to approve with semi-annual reports.
• Richard Welch (8 Arrow Lane) opposed the aggregation plan, stating automatic enrollment takes away consumer choice and advocating an opt-in model.
• Meg Kerr (151 Prospect Avenue) requested permission to post 10”x14” lawn signs on town properties to promote a “Climate Conversations” photo exhibit and lecture series at the library (later approved under New Business).
• Kathleen Garino (name assumed from transcript) expressed strong opposition to the Good Energy plan, citing concerns about profit motive, lack of regulation, and insufficient savings. Recommended sending information packets to all residents or placing the issue on the ballot.
• Mr. Mancini (name assumed from transcript) opposed aggregation, arguing the minimal savings (a few dollars a month) do not justify automatic enrollment.
• Brian Taft (14 Featherbed Lane) raised traffic safety concerns on Hamilton Allenton Road, citing excessive speeding and inadequate signage. Suggested speed feedback signs, speed bumps, a three-way stop at Featherbed Lane, and increased enforcement.

Discussion Items

Good Energy Community Aggregation Plan

• The council discussed the draft plan with Dawn (presumably a Good Energy representative). Tom Segoris and others spoke in support; Kathleen Garino and others opposed. Councillor Anderson clarified opt-out provisions and the rationale for automatic enrollment (to achieve buying power). Councillor Mandel expressed skepticism over minimal savings but reluctantly supported, hoping future competition may improve terms. The council voted (3-0-1) to advance the plan to the Public Utilities Commission for review.

Ballot Questions Order

• Council approved the order for the November 5, 2024 presidential election ballot: (1) Public Safety Complex Bond, (2) School Bond, (3) Sale of Town Properties (including an added lot on Pendar Road). All items will be independent questions.

Appointments

• Richard Sciola was appointed as Technical Representative to the Asset Management Commission (unexpired term of John Lees).
• Derek Grinkin was appointed to the Leisure Services Advisory Committee (unexpired term of Thomas Reilly).
• Motion to fill an alternate Town Council representative on the Asset Management Commission was tabled pending further discussion with the commission.

Collective Bargaining Agreement – Laborers' Local 1033

• Town Manager Ralph Mollis presented a three-year contract with wage increases (50 cents/hour then 3% in Year 1; 75 cents/hour then 3.5% in Year 2; 4% in Year 3), healthcare savings (~$725/year per employee), and language changes. Council approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved all five second-reading ordinances.
• Advanced the Good Energy aggregation plan to the PUC for hearings (approved 3-0-1).
• Placed the $60 million Public Safety Bond question on the November 5, 2024 ballot.
• Accepted the $189,124.06 LEARN365RI grant from RIDE.
• Ratified new collective bargaining agreement with Local 1033 effective July 1, 2024.
• Appointed Richard Sciola to Asset Management Commission and Derek Grinkin to Leisure Services Advisory Committee.
• Approved amendments: Arts Council membership set at 13 (instead of 12); meeting schedule moved September 16 to September 23 and canceled September 30; permitted lawn signs for Climate Conversations.
• Consent Agenda: Items 12–19, 21, 24–26 approved; Items 20,22,23 (alcohol/entertainment licenses) approved with one abstention due to conflict of interest.
• Town Manager Report noted Revolution Wind pile driving completed, municipal parking lot project delayed by unexpected rock, safety committee achieving 11% claims ratio (well below 25% pool average), and commendation for the Wickford Little League team.