North Kingstown Town Council Meeting - August 18, 2025

The North Kingstown Town Council met on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers, following an executive session. The meeting included adoption of the updated Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, approval of multiple consent agenda items after removing several for discussion, and decisions on donations, resignations, and contracts. Public comments addressed immigration protections and climate action.

Consent Calendar

• Items 8-12, 17-23, 25-28, and 30 were approved en bloc without discussion. These included: approval of minutes; tax abatement list #881 ($142,347.55); waiver of sewer assessment late fees for Taylor Rental ($6,241.13); receipt of donations ($6,000); acceptance of donation for the Troll Project ($5,439.13); authorization for the Municipal Road and Bridge Program agreement; sole source purchases for fire department air cylinders ($20,949.60) and radio systems ($118,039.71); golf course equipment (reel grinder $65,049.35, bed knife grinder $36,319.78, rough mower $46,785.14); award of bid for water department AC installation at wells #4 and #9 ($45,500); contract for dam evaluation ($18,125); transfer of $25,000 to the Family Day Fund; ratification of an entertainment license; holiday sales license renewals; and first reading of building permit fee amendment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Katie Anderson (66 Peaceful Lane) expressed gratitude for the town's welcoming stance and urged the council to publicly reassure residents that it is safe to report crimes and seek services regardless of immigration status, citing national political rhetoric.
• Jennifer Lima (President of TANK – Towards an Anti-Racist North Kingstown) urged the council to make existing policies visible by posting them on the town website, police department page, and school district homepage, and to issue a joint statement affirming safety for all. She provided an example statement.
• Tom Segoris (15 Boston Neck Road) criticized the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan for not addressing the town's role in decarbonization or linking to the state's Act on Climate goals. He noted a missing paragraph under “public transit funding” and a typo (“polices” instead of “policies”).
• Richard Welch (8 R) remembered former Harbormaster Ed Yues, who recently passed, offering condolences.

Discussion Items

• Adoption of Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan 2024 Update (Item 7): Town planner Nicole presented the five-year update, required every five years. The plan had been reviewed by REMA and FEMA, approved pending adoption. It includes risk assessment, mitigation actions, and supports grant eligibility. Council discussed public outreach, individual risk communication, and climate adaptation. A motion to adopt passed unanimously.
• Mr. Potato Head Statue Donation (Item 13): Council debated accepting a fiberglass Surfer Spud statue from Quidnessett Elementary School for placement at the town beach. Concerns included sturdiness, maintenance, and liability. A motion to accept the donation with gratitude passed with one nay.
• Resignations of Dianne Izzo (Items 14-16): Council accepted resignations from the Asset Management Commission, Library Board of Trustees, and Sewer Appeals Board, thanking her for service.
• Transfer to Various Funds (Item 24): Finance director explained the annual transfer of unspent budgeted capital funds to capital reserve accounts. Approved.
• Bond Reduction for Wickford Harbor Estates (Item 29): Council approved a 90% bond reduction with a one-year warranty period before final release.
• Town Manager's Report: Ralph reported on school bond projects, public safety complex design, Wickford parking lot progress, Revolution Wind wind-down, Wickford Elementary residential project (CRMC challenges), RIDOT meeting (safe streets, bike lanes, Phillips Street paving, Route 4 signals), Devil's Foot Road bridge closure, Road Restore program funding ($187,273), climate conversations, library strategic plan, Memorial Park transformation, troll trail completion, Family Day (Sept 6), grant updates (town meeting house not advanced, broadband/camera project included), electronic permitting requirement, building official selected for leadership academy, golf course accolades, water leaks, drought restrictions (current adequate), and hurricane preparedness kit.
• Update on School Bond Projects: Council President Mancini read a report from Dr. Page. Building Advisory Committee met Aug 6; Peregrine Group coordinating with RIDE; stage two submission on track for Sept 15; Perkins Eastman presented design for new Wickford Middle School on current fields, preserving softball field; DBVW suggested capital improvements including roofs; elementary school equity concerns discussed; facilities director Chris Murphy left, interim hired.
• CRMC Applications (Items 33-34): Council approved no substantive objection for oyster aquaculture reconfiguration and Quonset dredging.
• Rename Davisville Academy (Item 35): Received and filed; public hearing to be scheduled.
• Resolution for Professional Design Services (Item 36): Approved awards to Perkins Eastman and Vortex for Wickford Middle School, funded from $20 million appropriation.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted the Town of North Kingstown Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan 2024 Update (unanimous).
• Accepted donation of Mr. Potato Head statue (passed with one nay).
• Accepted resignations of Dianne Izzo from three boards.
• Approved transfer of funds to capital reserve accounts.
• Approved bond reduction for Wickford Harbor Estates with one-year warranty.
• Approved no substantive objection for two CRMC applications.
• Received and filed request to rename Davisville Academy.
• Approved resolution awarding professional design contracts for Wickford Middle School.
• Approved consent agenda items as listed.
• Town Manager to provide further updates on school bond stage two submission and other projects.