OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Warwick City Council Finance Committee and Full Council Meeting - August 18, 2025

City Council Meetings — Monday, August 18, 2025
BodyWarwick, Rhode Island
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateMonday, August 18, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 5:02:26

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Good evening, everyone.

0:02

Let the record indicate it is now 5.06 p.m.

0:05

The Warwick City Council Finance Committee is called to order.

0:14

First item is the acceptance of the minutes and a committee meeting held on July 7th.

0:20

Move favorable action.

0:22

I have a motion.

0:23

I have a second.

0:24

All in favor?

0:26

Aye.

0:27

Thank you.

0:31

I am going to go to abatements first.

0:39

And I would like to hear from the director on that.

0:52

And before we um clear this item, we just want everyone in the audience that is here for PCR 8625 resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a tax stabilization agreement with Renaissance Development Corporation for residential purposes, including affordable housing at 1880 post-road assessors plot three two two lot 336 will be held to the full council meeting as a public hearing.

1:22

So I just want everyone here to know that.

1:27

Good evening.

1:28

Neil Dupuy, director of assessing.

1:31

This month we have abatements for you in the amount of 33,001 and 78 cents.

1:57

Sorry about that.

1:58

Always difficult here in this chamber.

2:01

Any questions from members of the committee?

2:06

Councilman Muddon.

2:08

Hi, Director.

2:10

Mostly clarification questions for for you.

2:14

When it comes to trust in estates, could you clarify for me?

2:22

I for some reason I was under the impression that trusted state and estates, because of the categorization, do not qualify for abatements.

2:31

How how do we manage that with the way things transfer through those two?

2:37

So there's a state law that requires us to keep the exemption, even when they place the property in a trust.

2:42

It is very difficult then for us to confirm who actually lives there.

2:47

Um, but unless we know for sure that um they've moved out, um, we do have to maintain the exemption.

2:54

We will typically, if somebody's in a nursing home, um, even if it's likely that they're not coming back, um, we'll we'll keep that exemption in place because that's their one hope is that they're coming home.

3:05

We know the reality in some cases, but um we are starting something new this year where we're gonna ask the people that are holding the property in trust to recertify who actually lives there.

3:16

Uh there's no legal requirement that they comply, but we're gonna ask that they do, and we have the power of the pen.

3:22

If we choose to, we could take it away and then make them come back in and apply.

3:26

Okay.

3:26

No, that that helped.

3:28

That's helpful.

3:29

Uh there is one item uh on the bottom that on item 173083, a tax freeze.

3:39

Can you uh explain that waiting for my eyes to adjust here, but um last item on the first page.

3:50

Um well, my first page for 1246 38, I believe.

3:57

Yes.

3:58

Um, so a tax freeze applies for two situations.

4:03

Either they are 100% disabled, head of household with uh a dependent, um, or they could be over 70 and qualify for the tax freeze program.

4:15

In this case, that property was on uh with the tax freeze, uh, and because of a deed issue that was recorded, it fell off, and and we put it back on after they came in when the bills went out.

4:27

Okay.

4:29

And one last question.

4:31

Um I noticed through here uh reason code 71A clerical error.

4:38

Would you give me some examples of what clerical errors are?

4:41

So those are errors that I've identified as things that my staff, if we're paying attention, if we have enough um edits that we run, we should be able to catch that going forward.

4:52

One of the problems that we've had is the MUNIS program itself.

4:56

Any change to the address or the name uh will cause a new account number to be generated.

5:02

So annually we have probably two or three hundred properties that fall in that category.

5:07

Out of 10,000 exemptions, uh, we have to then um they're like often exemptions at that point, they don't fall on any property.

5:15

So the staff goes through and they put them on a property that um they belong to, or they decide that there are no properties that that person owns, and they take it away.

5:26

Sometimes those trusts do come into play and they make the wrong decision.

5:30

Um, but it seems like every year, just before we bill, we have an upgrade to MUNIS.

5:36

We're trying to get away from that.

5:37

And if we can avoid that, we can do more logical edits and hopefully catch all those kind of future.

5:42

Thank you.

5:42

That's all the questions I have.

5:46

Any other members of the director, uh, there is one item here.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing██████████████14%
Land Use Planning█████████████13%
Procedural████████████12%
Public Works Contracts████████████12%
Public Safety██████6%
Public Engagement██████6%
Fire Safety█████5%
Legal Affairs█████5%
Technology and Innovation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Warwick City Council Finance Committee and Full Council Meeting - August 18, 2025

The Warwick City Council convened for a Finance Committee meeting at 5:06 p.m., followed by a full council meeting at 6:30 p.m., including public comment, a public hearing, and executive session. The meeting concluded at 10:27 p.m. after ordinance and intergovernmental committees. Key actions included approval of a tax stabilization agreement for a 179-unit apartment complex with affordable housing, approval of multiple bid awards, and public testimony on various city issues.

Consent Calendar

  • Abatements: Approved unanimously. Total abatements of $33,001.78 were presented by Director of Assessing Neil Dupuy. Discussion included clarification on trust/estate exemptions, tax freeze program, and clerical errors in the MUNIS system.
  • Bid Awards (all approved unanimously and placed on consent calendar):
    • Fire apparatus (pumper): Awarded to Greenwood Emergency Vehicles (North Battleboro, MA) for $897,000 for a 2028 E1 Typhoon pumper. This is $10,000 under capital budget and $136,000 less than the next bidder. Payment not due until delivery (36-month timeline).
    • Ambulance: Awarded to Northeast Rescue Vehicles (Syracuse, NY) for $386,545 for a 2025 Medics Type I ambulance. Approximately $70,000 under capital budget, with 279-day delivery.
    • Kilbert Street Drainage Project: Awarded to De Amber Construction for $198,000 to install drainage pipe and catch basin to alleviate flooding.
    • Police vehicles: Exception to bid approved for three vehicles (two Ford Police Interceptors and one Dodge Durango) at $186,120, using lease-purchase. Discounts total $9,500.
    • Cellular phone service: Contract increased by $120,000 (total $230,000) and extended to December 31, 2026, with Verizon Wireless.
    • Paramedic training program: Exception to bid approved for $102,740 to send 22 firefighters to paramedic training via Educational Resource Group (East Providence). Funded by FEMA AFG grant (reimbursable).
    • Public safety equipment contract: Altered to add Green Mountain Communications and increase spending authority by $85,000 (total $279,905.20) for dispatch center relocation.
    • Carts, lids, and wheels: One-time purchase of $64,940.45 for household rubbish and recycling carts.
    • E-permitting (OpenGov): Annual service contract for $53,539.20 (25% increase) with partial state reimbursement expected.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Danelle Debye, Paul Schaffner, and Richard Schaffner (residents and former residents of 99 Midgley Avenue) urged the council to preserve Midgley Avenue as a public right-of-way and fire lane, citing emergency access issues and historical use. They expressed concern that the path was blocked by marina equipment.
  • Richard Langseth (Buttonwoods Beach area resident) argued that the Buttonwood Beach Association should pay for its street lights, as the city has been paying over $30,000 per year, and criticized the association's 'no trespassing' signs. He also raised concerns about water line improvement costs.
  • Rob Cody and Cindy Wilson (residents) presented data on fire department sick leave, alleging excessive sick days (some individuals taking 50-96 days over three years) and suggesting abuse. They called for reform to reduce overtime costs.
  • Heather Buckley (Greenbush Road resident) complained about excessive noise from construction (hydraulic breaker) exceeding the city's 60-decibel limit, stating the police lacked immediate enforcement authority and that the builder laughed off complaints. She asked for ordinance enforcement reform.

Discussion Items

  • Tax Stabilization Agreement (PCR 86-25) – Public Hearing

    • Attorney Joe Shekarchi (representing Renaissance Development Corporation) presented a proposal for a five-year tax stabilization agreement for 179 apartments at 1880 Post Road (former Valley Steakhouse site, vacant for ~35 years). The project includes 38 affordable units (20% of total) with a 15-year affordability restriction. The developer agreed to a 20% annual escalation in tax payments and that the agreement starts when the first certificate of occupancy is issued, not at signing.
    • Mayor Frank Picozzi supported the project, noting alternatives (airport corporation purchase or continued blight) are worse. The airport had offered $5.25 million to buy the land; the developer rejected it.
    • Council discussion: Councilman Ricks requested documentation on how the agreement’s fixed payments ($68,022/year) were determined and questioned necessity. Councilman Latticer expressed concern about condominium conversion potential and semi-annual tax payments. The developer agreed to change to quarterly payments and add a five-year prohibition on condominium conversion. Councilman Nappa voiced strong support, citing the need for housing and prevention of airport expansion.
    • Public comment: Michelle Colmar asked about zoning, air quality, and timing of tax relief given upcoming school bond tax increases. She suggested a deed restriction for transparency.
    • Vote: The resolution was approved unanimously (9-0) with modifications (quarterly payments and five-year condo conversion ban).

  • Finance Committee – Pulled Items (after full council recess)

    • Item 12 (fire pump testing/preventive maintenance): Discussed, with Assistant Chief Alan Gouvea reporting a 26% decrease in pump repair costs since 2023 due to the program.
    • Item 19 (maintenance time clock system): Councilman Muto questioned why the city uses multiple time-keeping systems; IT Director Phil Carlucci explained the system replaces old punch cards and that a unified cloud solution (Tyler/MUNIS) would be costly.
    • Item 29 (office tracker calendaring system): Used primarily by police and parks; councilman Muto asked if Office 365 would replace it; Carlucci suggested it would be a cost savings not to need it.
    • Item 28 (pedestrian flashers at Aldrich Mansion): Councilman Foley requested using his ward funds for installation.
    • These items were tabled for future action.

  • Ordinance Committee – Tax Title Transfer (PCO 13-25)

    • The administration proposed rewriting Chapter 2-14 to align with state law and recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, allowing the mayor to assign tax titles without council approval. The proposal removed notice to abutters, ward councilor, land trust, and council oversight.
    • Council concerns: Councilman Latticer, Muto, and others objected to the shift of power and removal of transparency. Public comment: George Schuster, Michelle Colmar, and Jane Austin (Land Trust chair) argued the process lacked transparency and urged a strategic inventory of 1,100 tax-title properties before any changes. They favored retaining current notice and approval requirements.
    • Outcome: Held to October 20, 2025, at the administration's request, with directions to share the property list with council and land trust.

  • Appointments

    • Valerie Casey: Unanimously approved to the Historical Cemeteries Commission.
    • Elizabeth Colt and Daniel Fagan: Unanimously reappointed to the Land Trust Commission.

  • Executive Session

    • Council unanimously voted to authorize participation in the Purdue Pharma/Sackler opioid settlement (~$8 billion) and other opioid settlements (~$1.2 billion), and to allow the solicitor to execute necessary documents. Minutes were sealed.

Key Outcomes

  • Tax Stabilization Agreement: Approved 9-0 for Renaissance Development at 1880 Post Road (179 apartments, 20% affordable). Agreement includes quarterly tax payments and five-year prohibition on condominium conversion. Mayor authorized to finalize.
  • Consent Calendar: All items (abatements, six bid awards) approved as a block, except one item (PCR 90-25) which was amended and then approved.
  • Bid Amendment: PCR 90-25 (Zamboni maintenance contract) amended to increase from $18,000 to $24,000 and add budget code 4431; approved unanimously.
  • Ordinance Hold: PCO 13-25 (tax title procedures) held to October 20, 2025, for revisions.
  • Public Hearing Hold: PCO 6-25 (through trucking on Orchard Avenue) held to October 20, 2025.
  • Resolution Held: PCR 67-25 (canvassing authority) held to second meeting of January 2026.
  • Appointments: All three appointments approved unanimously.
  • Executive Session: Counsel authorized to engage in opioid settlement participation.
  • General Communications: Moment of silence observed for employee Joe Blake.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. Let the record indicate it is now 5.06 p.m. The Warwick City Council Finance Committee is called to order. First item is the acceptance of the minutes and a committee meeting held on July 7th. Move favorable action. I have a motion. I have a second. All in favor? Aye. Thank you. I am going to go to abatements first. And I would like to hear from the director on that. And before we um clear this item, we just want everyone in the audience that is here for PCR 8625 resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a tax stabilization agreement with Renaissance Development Corporation for residential purposes, including affordable housing at 1880 post-road assessors plot three two two lot 336 will be held to the full council meeting as a public hearing. So I just want everyone here to know that. Good evening. Neil Dupuy, director of assessing. This month we have abatements for you in the amount of 33,001 and 78 cents. Sorry about that. Always difficult here in this chamber. Any questions from members of the committee? Councilman Muddon. Hi, Director. Mostly clarification questions for for you. When it comes to trust in estates, could you clarify for me? I for some reason I was under the impression that trusted state and estates, because of the categorization, do not qualify for abatements. How how do we manage that with the way things transfer through those two? So there's a state law that requires us to keep the exemption, even when they place the property in a trust. It is very difficult then for us to confirm who actually lives there. Um, but unless we know for sure that um they've moved out, um, we do have to maintain the exemption. We will typically, if somebody's in a nursing home, um, even if it's likely that they're not coming back, um, we'll we'll keep that exemption in place because that's their one hope is that they're coming home. We know the reality in some cases, but um we are starting something new this year where we're gonna ask the people that are holding the property in trust to recertify who actually lives there. Uh there's no legal requirement that they comply, but we're gonna ask that they do, and we have the power of the pen. If we choose to, we could take it away and then make them come back in and apply. Okay. No, that that helped. That's helpful. Uh there is one item uh on the bottom that on item 173083, a tax freeze. Can you uh explain that waiting for my eyes to adjust here, but um last item on the first page. Um well, my first page for 1246 38, I believe. Yes. Um, so a tax freeze applies for two situations. Either they are 100% disabled, head of household with uh a dependent, um, or they could be over 70 and qualify for the tax freeze program. In this case, that property was on uh with the tax freeze, uh, and because of a deed issue that was recorded, it fell off, and and we put it back on after they came in when the bills went out. Okay. And one last question. Um I noticed through here uh reason code 71A clerical error. Would you give me some examples of what clerical errors are? So those are errors that I've identified as things that my staff, if we're paying attention, if we have enough um edits that we run, we should be able to catch that going forward. One of the problems that we've had is the MUNIS program itself. Any change to the address or the name uh will cause a new account number to be generated.

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