North Kingstown Town Council Meeting - May 13, 2026

The North Kingstown Town Council met on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM following an executive session. The meeting included recognition of a heroic rescue, presentations from advisory committees, public comment on Quonset Business Park issues, approval of routine items, and a failed resolution on state housing legislation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 9-11, 15-31, and 33 en bloc: minutes, donations (including $5,625 for youth basketball, POW flag, redbud tree, GoFundMe memorial bench), toy bins, troll trail markers, various grants, bid awards, exhibition licenses, laundry and peddler licenses, a new victualling license, a resolution for school capital improvements, and a first reading of recreation fee changes.
• Items 12-14 (donations and authorization for a memorial bench, plaque, and tree in honor of Officer Brittany Dougal) were removed from consent and approved separately by unanimous vote.
• Item 32 (resolution to make an additional appropriation of $30,000,000 for school facilities, including a new Wickford Middle School) was removed from consent and approved by unanimous vote after discussion about project status.

Public Comments & Testimony

• James Sheehan (40 Bluebird Lane) outlined a three-pronged defense against the proposed sludge plant: court action, gubernatorial intervention, and state legislation. He called for a "NK protection pledge" from candidates for governor.
• Richard Welch (8 Arrow Lane) asked for an update on Post Road construction. Town Manager Ralph Mollis replied that utility work ends in June, followed by a sidewalk project through 2027. Welch also raised a concern about a volunteer who broke her leg at the senior center and was denied reimbursement by the town's insurance trust.
• Sean Taylor (225 Sewens Drive) opposed the pyrolysis plant, citing hazardous emissions. He criticized the QDC for a lack of community consent and urged governance changes.
• Carl Espeland (110 Lincoln Street) argued that emission figures are based on unverified models, not operational data. He requested continuous emissions monitoring and an unredacted Appendix C.
• Angie Sheehan (35 High Bank Avenue) demanded the town mail a formal notification to every household about proposed projects at Quonset (sludge plant, battery storage, asphalt plant), calling current communication inadequate.
• Tom Seguris (15 Boston Neck Road) supported the Ocean State Community Electricity program despite a rate increase, explaining that new ISO New England ancillary costs (DAISY) are temporary and that the standard offer will eventually reflect similar costs.
• Nadine Swanson (540 School Street) submitted petition signatures against the sludge plant, also opposing battery storage and odor issues from the asphalt plant.
• Mary Shaw (159 Candlewood Drive) alleged a conflict of interest regarding the town's hiring of attorney Marissa Desautel, citing a previous interaction where Desautel was involved in a case against her. Council President Mancini stated the council is satisfied there is no conflict.
• Kiri Reveron (provided website WestPassageAction.org) presented research against the pyrolysis and battery storage projects, noting that pyrolysis of biosolids is a nascent technology with only one operating plant in the U.S.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of Heroism: Citations were awarded to Harbormaster James Broccoli and resident Jack Connelly for their roles in rescuing a person from the water near Plum Beach Lighthouse on April 21, 2026.
• Wickford Advisory Committee (WAC) Report: Rob Zimmer and Amy Jenner presented findings from an October 2025 forum on short-term rentals (STRs). Key points: STRs are not a widespread concern in Wickford but issues exist in nearby Hamilton with absentee owners; owner-occupied STRs lose homestead tax exemptions; lead paint abatement requirements differ between long-term and short-term rentals. Councilor Ross suggested sending findings on lead paint to state representatives.
• LEARN365 Youth Commission Presentation: Students Jeremiah Martin (8th grade) and Savannah Martine (6th grade) proposed installing dog waste stations (estimated $8,700) and organizing a clothing drive with Big Brothers Big Sisters. The council approved a motion to authorize expenditure of funds from the LEARN365 grant for both projects.
• Town Manager Report: Ralph Mollis provided updates on school bond projects (new Wickford Middle School moving forward), public safety complex (GMP expected soon, completion in early 2028), Revolution Wind (onshore substation energized, restoration ending this month), Post Road Business Alliance meeting (sidewalk snow removal and sewer discussion), and Quonset issues (testimony on state legislation, monthly meetings with QDC CEO, coordination with Jamestown and Warwick). Councilor Ross expressed interest in a town-wide mailing about Quonset projects; Mollis opposed, citing low engagement and calling mailings ineffective.
• QDC Board Reports: Representatives Randy Wheatman and Dave Mealy reported on the April 28 QDC board meeting. Four approvals: lease amendment with Electric Boat for land swaps and additional acreage for new buildings; lease with RIAC to add 104.1 acres (decommissioned runway); and enrollment of Tiverton wastewater district into the RI Ready program. Mealy noted a need for more board dialogue and that the board has trouble achieving a quorum.
• North Kingstown Notes Report: Communications Director Kate Glass presented a one-year performance review of the newsletter. Key stats: 31,000+ email sends in first year, 41,000 to date; open and click-through rates above industry standard; 60% of subscribers from website pop-up. Council encouraged residents to subscribe.
• Ocean State Community Electricity Update: Philip Carr and Rachel Ferdinand from Good Energy explained that due to new ISO-NE ancillary costs (DAISY), program rates have increased above Rhode Island Energy's standard offer. They advised against a contract extension and will reassess next year. Residents can opt out at any time without penalty. Councilor Hill Ross emphasized the program's environmental benefits; Councilor Page asked for better communication of rate changes.
• New Business – State Housing Legislation: Councilor Hill Ross moved to adopt a resolution (similar to one passed in Portsmouth) opposing state affordable housing laws that override local zoning authority. After debate, Councilors Page, Drew, and McCoy opposed, citing the need for state-level solutions to the housing crisis. The motion failed for lack of a second.

Key Outcomes

• Heroism citations awarded to James Broccoli and Jack Connelly.
• Youth Commission proposals approved (dog waste stations and clothing drive).
• Consent agenda approved with items 12-14 and 32 voted separately.
• Resolution on housing legislation failed (motion not seconded).
• Ocean State Community Electricity program continued; residents informed they may opt out.
• Next steps: The town will continue monthly updates on Quonset issues; the next QDC board meeting is May 19, 2026 at 41 Romano Vineyard Way, open to the public.