North Kingstown Town Council Meeting - June 9, 2025

The North Kingstown Town Council met on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included public hearings, special presentations, a consent agenda, reports from the Town Manager and Finance Director, and new business. Key actions included approvals of alcohol licenses, acceptance of a historic art donation, adoption of a resolution recognizing Pride Month, and advancement of school construction projects.

Public Hearings

• Item 4 – Class B-Limited Alcoholic Beverage License and Victualling License (expansion of premises) for Kurmanji LLC, dba Rhody Slice, 7415 Post Road: The council opened the public hearing; no public comment was registered. The hearing was closed and the request was approved unanimously.
• Item 5 – Class B-Full Alcoholic Beverage License for HuyNga, Inc., dba Saigon Hot Pot, 6900 Post Road: The council opened the public hearing. A resident (Mr. Welch) inquired about the previous license, which had been turned in; the new application was for a full license. No other public comment. The hearing was closed and the application was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jennifer Lima (Hickory Drive East, President of Tank towards an anti-racist North Kingstown): Thanked the council for marching in the Pride Parade and for passing the Pride Month resolution. Urged the council to move beyond words to concrete actions such as anti-discrimination policies, LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for municipal employees, inclusive restroom access, inclusive HR policies, and active sponsorship of Pride events. She emphasized the difference between being tolerated and being welcomed.
• Richard Welch (8 Hour Lane): Raised concerns about not putting bond counsel services out to bid, especially given the large upcoming bond issues. He requested information on the budgeted amount for bond counsel. The Town Manager responded that the current bond counsel (David) has served for decades, is highly knowledgeable, and that municipalities often do not bid legal services. Mr. Welch also asked to be placed on the next agenda to discuss the “road diet,” but the Council President stated that the issue has been debated multiple times and would not be placed on the agenda unless three council members support it. Finally, Mr. Welch observed police cars being serviced by private vendors; the Town Manager explained that two mechanics are injured, so some work is outsourced for public safety reasons.
• Philip Bergeron (15 Cecil Avenue): Spoke against the roundabout, suggesting making Brown Street one-way instead. He cited traffic safety issues, historical traffic patterns, and urged speed reductions and enforcement. He was asked to conclude after three minutes.
• Meg Kerr (151 Prospect Avenue): Commented during the climate presentation discussion, supporting the creation of a town committee or officer focused on climate resilience, citing examples from other Rhode Island communities.
• Mary Rombach (25 North Road, Saunderstown): Supported the climate conversations and advocated for a separate town resiliency body and officer, referencing Barrington’s “Ready and Resilient Barrington” plan.
• Umaliko (62 Edgewood Drive): Supported the climate group and urged the town to plan for long-term sea-level rise, noting that coastal neighborhoods may become islands in 100 years.
• Nancy Sherman (64 Pleasant Street): Shared that upgrading her roof saved $757 on homeowners insurance, emphasizing that education on climate resilience can save money.

Special Business

• Item 7 – Presentation by HistWick and Donation of Original Art depicting the Town’s Rail History: Randy Wheatman (President of Historic Wickford) presented the donation of an original artwork by local artist Guy Cassidy (221 Juniper Drive). The painting depicts the historic Wickford Depot and the Newport & Wickford Railroad and Steamboat Company, as well as the Sea View Trolley. The artwork will be digitally scanned for a Wickford Walk sign in Veterans Memorial Park, and the original will hang in Town Hall. The council accepted the donation unanimously.
• Item 8 – Wickford Advisory Committee Report: November 2024 Resident Forum: George Brennan and Pierce Nixon presented the report. The committee held a forum with 42 residents, focusing on four priority areas: traffic and pedestrian safety, harbor planning, vacant buildings, and climate resilience. Recommendations included extending sidewalks on West Main Street, reviewing speed data, updating harbor plans, addressing vacant storefronts, and integrating climate resilience into historic district guidelines. The Town Manager noted that the state grant for climate adaptation in Wickford is still pending, with a possible visit from the governor in July.
• Item 9 – Presentation – North Kingstown Climate Conversations Group – Local Climate Events in Southern Rhode Island: Sally Kingsbury (44 Edgar Knock) presented a photo exhibit on coastal flooding, fire, and climate resilience. The group held workshops and exhibits at libraries and schools. They expressed interest in partnering with the town on climate mitigation and education. The council president affirmed that climate change is a top priority and welcomed collaboration.

Consent Agenda (Items 10–38)

Items 15, 32, and 34 were removed for separate discussion. All other items (10–14, 16–31, 33, 35–38) were approved unanimously by one motion.

• Item 15 – Emergency Contract for HVAC Evaluation at Beechwood Senior Center ($14,800): Richard Welch questioned the scope. The Town Manager explained that the Senior Center has persistent humidity issues, and after multiple companies gave different solutions, R.K. Baker & Associates will conduct a comprehensive study. The council approved the contract.
• Item 32 – Vote of Appropriation – All Funds: Councillor Hill Ross initially indicated she voted no previously, but the Town Manager clarified that this is an administrative step following the budget adoption. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
• Item 34 – Vote of Appropriation – School Funds: Approved unanimously (5-0).

Reports

• Town Manager Ralph Mollis: Provided updates on the school bond projects (RIDE expects stage two submission by mid-September, aiming for nearly 100% reimbursement; bond anticipation notes to be issued in June), the public safety complex (geothermal/net zero options not prudent; design continuing; land purchase from Quonset pending), Revolution Wind (energization by January 2026, energy by November 2026; large equipment delivery on Camp Avenue between 3-6 AM one day), RIDOT projects (Devil’s Foot Road bridge closed until late fall; Frenchtown Road and South County Trail bridges; missing moves ramps; rotary at West Davisville Road and Compass Circle), municipal office building redesign (ready to go out to bid), Yorktown Park renovation (nearing completion, ribbon cutting in mid-June), RIPTA route QX realignment to serve Quonset starting June 23, Ryan Park Trails grant completion, beach parking passes, summer concert series, annual fireworks on July 3, and employee awards (Adam Littlefield and Joe Paquette placed first in snow plow rodeo; Natalia Armstrong and Tim McDavitt earned safety certificates; Kate Glass graduated from Municipal Leadership Academy; Ryan Boucher won water meter competition and goes to nationals).
• Planning Director Nicole LaFontaine – Community Rating System (CRS) Update: Announced that North Kingstown improved from a CRS Class 9 to Class 7, which provides a 15% discount on flood insurance premiums for policyholders in the Special Flood Hazard Area. The town has 1,138 buildings in high-risk zones and about 500 policies. Points were earned through open space protection, stormwater management, regulations, outreach, and data management. The town is working toward a Class 6 rating with the completion of the hazard mitigation plan.
• Finance Director Deb Bridgeham – Year-to-Date Budget Report: Reported revenues are $2.925 million over the revised budget through April, driven by higher interest income, police detail revenue, and additional state aid. Expenses are projected $1.7 million over budget due to salary and overtime costs, offset by savings from open positions. She projects a surplus of $1.1 million after recommending one-time capital purchases for the highway department. The council praised the town’s conservative financial management, noting the surplus is less than 1% of the total budget.

New Business

• Item 41 – Resolution making awards from prior appropriation of $20,000,000 for school capital improvements: Superintendent Dr. Duva explained that the school committee approved awarding the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) contract to Peregrine Group ($2,422,610) and the architectural and engineering services contract to DBVW ($4,375,000). These amounts are not to exceed and will be drawn down as needed. The council approved the resolution, but the Town Manager clarified that only $10 million in bonds will be issued initially ($5 million for schools, $5 million for the public safety complex).
• Item 42 – Board of Canvassers appointment: The council approved the appointment of Palmer Beebe as a regular member to fill the unexpired term of J. Kent Dresser, effective to March 1, 2030. The vote was 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Rhody Slice expansion of premises (alcohol and victualling licenses).
• Approved: Saigon Hot Pot Class B-Full alcoholic beverage license.
• Accepted: Donation of original art by Historic Wickford (Guy Cassidy’s painting of the Wickford Depot).
• Approved: Emergency contract for HVAC study at Beechwood Senior Center ($14,800).
• Approved: Consent agenda items (except those removed) and separate votes on items 15, 32, 34.
• Approved: Resolution for school construction awards (DBVW and Peregrine Group) up to $4,375,000 and $2,422,610 respectively, funded from the $20 million prior appropriation.
• Approved: Appointment of Palmer Beebe to the Board of Canvassers.
• Adopted: Resolution recognizing June as North Kingstown Pride Month (included in consent agenda).
• Noted: The town’s CRS flood insurance rating improved to Class 7, effective for policyholders.
• Noted: The Finance Director will bring capital purchase requests for the highway department to the next meeting.
• Next steps: The Town Manager will continue to report on bond issuances, school construction timelines, and public safety complex progress. The Wickford Advisory Committee will continue to work with the town on the four priority areas.