OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

North Kingstown Town Council Meeting - May 13, 2026

Town Council — Wednesday, May 13, 2026
BodyNorth Kingstown, Rhode Island
SessionTown Council
DateWednesday, May 13, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:53:31

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Thank you to checking soon.

1:51

Good evening.

1:53

Welcome to the North Kingstown Town Council meeting for Wednesday, May thirteenth, twenty twenty six in the People's House of North Kingstown.

2:02

To call this meeting to order, pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws forty two forty-six C.

2:07

Notice of this meeting has been posted to the Secretary of State's web site.

2:13

The first item on the agenda is executive session and pursuant to an Island General Laws forty two forty six four and five, subsection two litigation, discuss possible action strategy, potential litigation with a law firm of Darusalt and Browning.

2:34

Okay.

2:34

I take a motion to go into executive session.

2:37

I moved.

2:39

Second.

2:39

All in favor say aye.

2:42

The ayes have it.

2:43

Thank you.

3:13

Sorry.

3:53

Moved.

3:54

Second.

3:55

All in favor say aye.

3:56

Aye.

3:57

Any opposed?

3:58

The ayes have it.

4:00

I would ask that uh we all stand and salute the flag.

4:04

Thank you.

4:07

Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

4:11

Into the Republic for which it stands.

4:48

Do we have Officer Broccoli here?

4:54

James Rutgers.

5:04

Uh why don't you guys come up?

5:09

So come right over here.

5:13

Uh on Tuesday morning, April 21st, about 1038 p.m., North Kingstown Police Department received a core call that a young female uh was about to jump off the side of the Jamestown Bridge.

5:29

Hearing the call being dispatched, uh two officers Jean Broccoli and the North Kingstown Police Department, the North Kingstown Police Department Harbormaster immediately responded to the area of the bridge.

5:43

Officers arrived on the scene, were able to obtain a visual of this person in the water, swept by the tide toward the Plum Beach Lighthouse.

5:53

Harbin Master Broccoli arrived within minutes and located this person on the south side of the lighthouse.

6:01

This person managed to climb onto a rock, shivering from the frigid water temperatures.

6:07

Have to get in close enough to provide her a towel and determine the extent of her condition.

6:13

Broccoli uh took note of a nearby commercial uh fishing vessel named the Matrix.

6:19

The matrix was being captained by Trip Waldron, and the Harpermaster called out to the Matrix for assistance of a crew member.

6:28

Without hesitation, crewman Jack Conley, North Kingstown resident, jumped into the uh onto the Harpermaster's boat and assisted with physically retrieving uh the stranded female from the rocks on the lighthouse.

6:43

Um Harbor Master then transferred um this person to the uh fire department's water response festival, Marine Five for medical evaluation, and and uh transport to area hospital for needed treatment.

6:59

Harbormaster continued uh should be recognized for his quick response and quick action and the uh they're directed to the saving of this person's life.

7:10

Citizen Jack Conley should also be recognized for his invaluable assistance, his really courageous and invaluable assistance that provided the Harpermaster, and he did without hesitation.

7:20

That also contributed to this successful rescue.

7:23

So, on behalf of the citizens of North Kingstown, Jack, I want to give you this citation.

7:29

Um, the right one.

7:33

And congratulations.

7:35

Thanks so much.

7:44

Here's we have to give a speech.

7:45

No, no.

7:48

Uh we shouldn't do this.

7:51

You don't have to say anything.

7:52

I just wanted to offer two.

7:53

I was just fortunate uh be on Tripp's boat and be in the right spot to help the girl and have the her master with us to help too.

8:02

And yeah.

8:03

It's really good job.

8:06

Good job.

8:10

So I got a phone call uh from a citizen, and they said we have to recognize uh your courageous efforts.

8:18

And that is why uh I think it was one of your crew members, and I apologize, I don't know his name.

8:22

I I forget his name from the top of my head, and that's why you're here today, because one of your crew members thought so highly of your actions that uh they wanted to make sure you are recognized.

8:32

So congratulations once again.

8:34

Mr.

8:35

Harbamaster, same thing.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement████████████████████20%
Energy Conservation███████████████15%
Environmental Protection██████████████14%
Affordable Housing██████████10%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%
Public Safety██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Community Engagement█████5%
Zoning Ordinance█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

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.

Meeting Transcript

Thank you to checking soon. Good evening. Welcome to the North Kingstown Town Council meeting for Wednesday, May thirteenth, twenty twenty six in the People's House of North Kingstown. To call this meeting to order, pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws forty two forty-six C. Notice of this meeting has been posted to the Secretary of State's web site. The first item on the agenda is executive session and pursuant to an Island General Laws forty two forty six four and five, subsection two litigation, discuss possible action strategy, potential litigation with a law firm of Darusalt and Browning. Okay. I take a motion to go into executive session. I moved. Second. All in favor say aye. The ayes have it. Thank you. Sorry. Moved. Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it. I would ask that uh we all stand and salute the flag. Thank you. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Into the Republic for which it stands. Do we have Officer Broccoli here? James Rutgers. Uh why don't you guys come up? So come right over here. Uh on Tuesday morning, April 21st, about 1038 p.m., North Kingstown Police Department received a core call that a young female uh was about to jump off the side of the Jamestown Bridge. Hearing the call being dispatched, uh two officers Jean Broccoli and the North Kingstown Police Department, the North Kingstown Police Department Harbormaster immediately responded to the area of the bridge. Officers arrived on the scene, were able to obtain a visual of this person in the water, swept by the tide toward the Plum Beach Lighthouse. Harbin Master Broccoli arrived within minutes and located this person on the south side of the lighthouse. This person managed to climb onto a rock, shivering from the frigid water temperatures. Have to get in close enough to provide her a towel and determine the extent of her condition. Broccoli uh took note of a nearby commercial uh fishing vessel named the Matrix. The matrix was being captained by Trip Waldron, and the Harpermaster called out to the Matrix for assistance of a crew member. Without hesitation, crewman Jack Conley, North Kingstown resident, jumped into the uh onto the Harpermaster's boat and assisted with physically retrieving uh the stranded female from the rocks on the lighthouse. Um Harbor Master then transferred um this person to the uh fire department's water response festival, Marine Five for medical evaluation, and and uh transport to area hospital for needed treatment. Harbormaster continued uh should be recognized for his quick response and quick action and the uh they're directed to the saving of this person's life. Citizen Jack Conley should also be recognized for his invaluable assistance, his really courageous and invaluable assistance that provided the Harpermaster, and he did without hesitation. That also contributed to this successful rescue. So, on behalf of the citizens of North Kingstown, Jack, I want to give you this citation. Um, the right one. And congratulations. Thanks so much. Here's we have to give a speech. No, no. Uh we shouldn't do this. You don't have to say anything. I just wanted to offer two.

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