North Kingstown Town Council Meeting - February 24, 2025

The North Kingstown Town Council met on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM (after an executive session starting at 6:45 PM) in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered a consent agenda, public comments, a town manager's report, a GIS presentation, reconsideration of the community aggregation program, CRMC applications for two condominium projects, a resolution supporting state legislative priorities, tax appeal settlements, a noise mitigation analysis request, and numerous board and commission appointments.

Consent Calendar

• Items 6, 9, 11, 12, 13 approved unanimously: Approval of minutes (January 27, 2025), annual entertainment license for Wickford Village Association, first bond reduction for Sachem Acres development, first reading of beach parking permit ordinance amendments, and first reading of recreation fee schedule amendments.
• Item 7 (Sewer Assessment Abatement List #007 - $331,805.31): Pulled for discussion. Town Solicitor explained the abatement involved a settlement with the owner of land behind the Easy Stay on Post Road. The original assessment of $209,000 was abated by $122,000 in late fees, settling at $140,220. Approved unanimously after explanation.
• Item 8 (Authorization for Town Manager to negotiate engineering contract for Post Road Water Main Replacement): Pulled by Councilor McCoy. Alan Austin (Water Supply) explained the project aims to replace aging water mains in coordination with the upcoming sidewalk project to avoid future disruptions. Approved unanimously.
• Item 10 (Exhibition License for Wickford Village Association's Harbor Fire events): Pulled by the Clerk to change the June 20 date to June 19 (Thursday). Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kurt Fisher (Phillips Street, Wickford) requested more information on items 7, 17, 18, 20, and 21.
• Diane Izzo (62 Poplar Avenue) commended the sewer assessment abatement committee and expressed strong support for the community aggregation program (Item 16), noting that similar programs in other towns are providing lower rates.
• Jan McElh (speaking personally, not as Conservation Commission member) urged preservation of existing trees at the Wickford Schoolhouse condominium project, citing environmental and historical benefits. Suggested creative landscaping to retain trees.
• Mike Downious (141 West Main Street) endorsed the reappointment of Peter Morgan as Tree Warden, highlighting his work on tree planting programs.
• Tom Brighty (93 Crestfield Lane) opposed the reconsideration of Item 16 (community aggregation), arguing that without new information, reopening the vote is a waste of time and resources. Urged the council to move on.
• David Wren (21 Loop Drive) asked the council to include the Conservation Commission's recommendations (no substantive objection with conditions) in the CRMC filings for the schoolhouse and old theatre condominium projects.
• Ricky Thompson (194 Plain Road) opposed the aggregation program, citing concerns that rates could change at will (unregulated), that savings are minimal ("a tick"), and that the opt-out structure is troubling.
• Dan Manning (84 Abbey Lane) shared personal experience switching electricity suppliers: rates were lower for three months then higher, with no notice. Proposed an in-house watchdog to monitor rates if the aggregation program moves forward.
• Karen Salvatore (621 Gilbert Stuart Road) asked what due diligence was conducted and by whom before selecting the aggregation supplier.
• (Also: A resident submitted additional materials against the Wickford roundabout.)

Discussion Items

• Town Manager's Report (Item 14): Town Manager Ralph provided updates:
  • Budget for FY2026 will be presented March 10, with a public hearing April 21.
  • School capital projects: Stage 2 application revisions to maximize state reimbursement; subcommittee meeting March 12.
  • Public Safety Complex: DBVW architects retained; preliminary timeline: schematic design (9-12 months), bidding early 2026, construction summer 2026; Wickford Fire Station late winter 2026. Financing schedule being developed to minimize taxpayer impact.
  • Revolution Wind offshore wind farm construction continues; large component deliveries coordinated with stakeholders.
  • Awarded another Learn 365 RI grant for math and out-of-school programs.
  • Recreation: hiring lifeguards, gate guards; Easter egg hunt April 12; summer camp registration April 2 (four camps, ages 6-13).
  • RIDOT meeting: positive feedback on town's proactive approach; priorities include sidewalk from Wickford Junction to Home Depot, paving Phillips Street, 10 Rod Road bike lane, Hunt River Bridge improvements, signage improvements, and coordination on water main and sidewalk projects.
  • Wickford Waterfront Project: wall completion expected in 2-4 weeks, then parking lot work; metal pilings and fencing to be removed for spring/summer.
  • Recognitions: Purchasing Agent Tim McDavitt selected for conference panel; Sergeant Daly awarded 100 Club Rhode Island Heroes Medal (rarely given, <20 times in 53 years) for saving a life; Officers Pluda and Farman Fortin received meritorious service commendations.
• GIS Presentation (Item 15): Nicole (Planning) introduced a new online GIS system from CAI Technologies, replacing the outdated AppGo system. Features include more frequent updates, staff-side password-protected layers, integration with assessment and building software, improved aerial imagery, and real-time data. Expected to go live within the week.
• Item 16 - Reconsideration of Community Aggregation Resolution: Councilor Hill Ross stated she wanted to change her vote from yes to no, citing concerns raised by public speakers (potential rate changes, lack of regulation, minimal savings). President Mancini explained the procedural motion; Hill Ross moved to reconsider, but no second was offered, so the motion failed. The original 5-0 approval stands.
• Items 17 & 18 - CRMC Applications for Schoolhouse and Old Theatre Condos: The council approved both applications with no substantive objection, incorporating the Conservation Commission's recommendations (preserving trees, landscaping, etc.). Both developers agreed to the conditions.
• Item 19 - Resolution Supporting RI League of Cities and Towns 2025 Legislative Priorities: Approved unanimously. Councilor noted that a list of specific legislation had been provided.
• Items 20 & 21 - Tax Appeal Settlement Agreements:
  • Stop and Shop (WC-2023-0087, WC-2024-0093): Settlement approved as recommended by solicitor, tax assessor, and town manager, based on prior similar appeals. Council deemed it fair and cost-effective versus litigation.
  • Bayview Real Property, LLC (WC-2023-0088, WC-2024-0092): Settlement at $5.7 million assessed value (property purchased for $4 million in 2021, town assessed at $6.2 million). Solicitor noted this is a new revenue source and a fair resolution. Approved unanimously.
• Item 22 - Route 403 Noise Mitigation Analysis: Council approved sending a memorandum to RIDOT requesting a noise mitigation analysis for Route 403. Councilors Page and McCoy supported it as a necessary first step for residents adjacent to the highway and the approved solar energy project.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Consent Agenda (items 6,9,11,12,13): Unanimous.
• Approved Item 7 (Sewer Abatement): Unanimous.
• Approved Item 8 (Post Road Water Main Engineering): Unanimous.
• Approved Item 10 (Exhibition License with date change): Unanimous.
• Motion to Reconsider Item 16 Failed: No second; original approval stands.
• Approved Items 17 & 18 (CRMC applications): Unanimous, with Conservation Commission recommendations included.
• Approved Item 19 (Legislative Priorities Resolution): Unanimous.
• Approved Items 20 & 21 (Tax Settlements): Unanimous.
• Approved Item 22 (Route 403 Noise Mitigation Request): Unanimous.
• Appointments Approved:
  • Appraiser of Dog Damages: Captain John McCoy (NKPD) to April 1, 2026. Unanimous.
  • Arts Council: James Halley, Lynn Fontaine, Kathleen McCarthy (three of six seats filled; others re-advertised). Unanimous.
  • Audit Committee: Jeffrey Wadovick (accounting background) and Kimberly Haskins (School Committee rep). Unanimous.
  • Conservation Commission: Joseph Fontaine and David Feeney. Unanimous.
  • Harbor Management Commission: Robert Brown (citizen at large) approved; Richard Lemieux (waterfront property owner) and Barbara Ray (public access rep) approved, with charter exception for terms over 12 years.
  • Tree Warden: Peter Morgan reappointed. Unanimous.
  • Veterans Day & Memorial Day Parades Committee: Doug Somers reappointed. Unanimous. The council also thanked outgoing member Bill Pennoyer for his long service.
  • Wickford Advisory Committee: Elise Walsh (owner of Press restaurant) appointed. Unanimous.
• Re-advertised Positions (no applicants): Assessment Board of Review, Asset Management Commission (Town Council rep), Building Code Board of Appeals, Charter Review Commission, Personnel Board, Economic Development Advisory Board (vacancies to be reviewed), Wickford Village Design Guidelines Committee, Zoning Board of Review second alternate.
• Future Agenda Items: Council President requested placing a review of certain commission sizes on the March 10 agenda.

Correspondence

• Emails were noted regarding: bike/pedestrian safety on Route 1A (signage, stencils); sidewalk snow removal ordinance after a local incident; a request for a proclamation on child protection (unclear); support for the community aggregation program; support for including Conservation Commission recommendations in CRMC filings; and inquiries about an ACLU immigrant protection ordinance. Councilor Drew clarified that NKPD does not act as immigration authority and prioritizes community safety, so the current policies align with the ACLU's requests.