Warwick City Council Committees and Full Council Meeting - October 20, 2025

The Warwick City Council held a series of committee meetings and a full council session on Monday, October 20, 2025, beginning at 5:00 PM. The Work Finance Committee, Ordinance Committee, Intergovernmental Committee, Public Properties Committee, and the full Council addressed a range of agenda items including bids, contracts, appointments, and several resolutions. Key discussions centered on the ice skate rental contract for the new Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza rink, purchases of police vehicles and a DPW tractor trailer, and the approval of a fire department term life insurance contract extension. Public comment included concerns about trash at Forest Pond condominiums and criticism of fire department overtime management.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of previous committee meetings were approved unanimously.
• Bid Package (Finance Committee): Routine items under $50,000 were approved as part of the consent calendar, with several items pulled for separate vote (see below). The consent calendar as a whole passed on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lisa Cotlin and Laurie Mance (Forest Pond residents): Described ongoing problems with trash and debris at Forest Pond condominiums, including inadequate dumpster covers, overflow of furniture and appliances, and landscapers blowing debris into a nearby pond. They requested council assistance in getting the property manager to address the issues.
• Michelle Comar: Praised the inclusion of the auditor presentation and urged that future presentations be held in public hearings to allow for questions. Also raised a traffic signal issue at the intersection of Warwick Avenue and Airport Road, noting a missing yellow arrow that could result in red-light camera tickets.
• Rob Cody (Ward 7): Presented statistics alleging mismanagement of the Warwick Fire Department under Chief Peter McMichael, including a rise in overtime from $1.7 million in 2018 to $6 million in 2022 (currently $4.6 million) and increases in sick time and change-of-shift usage. He claimed that firefighters are paying each other under the table to cover shifts and urged the council to scrutinize the upcoming firefighter contract.

Discussion Items

• Ice Skate Rental Contract (Bid 2026-216 / PCR 125-25): The Department of Public Works recommended awarding a contract to Ava Corp Inc., doing business as Sandy Lane Sports, for skate rental services at the new Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza ice rink. The contract would give the city a 10% profit share on skate rentals (at $10 per rental) over two winter seasons, with the vendor operating at no rental cost to the city. Council members raised concerns: only one bid was received; the 10% share was considered low; questions about liability, insurance, and the vendor’s ability to sell other merchandise; and whether the city could operate the rental in-house. Councilman Rick proposed a one-year term instead of two, but no amendment was made. After debate, the full council approved the contract on a 7-2 vote (Councilmen Lattice and Ricks opposed).
• Snow Plow Repair Parts (Bid 2026-204 / PCR 123-25): The committee recommended award to Cap City of Rhode Island (18% discount on Fisher parts) and Lawson Products (for fasteners). Councilman Lattice objected to the lack of list prices, arguing discounts without a base price are meaningless. He also noted the item was submitted late. The council approved the bid 7-2, with Lattice and Ricks voting no.
• Sand and Salt Spreader Parts (Bid 2026-203) and Sweeper Brooms (Bid 2026-202): Both items were reported as late submissions. No questions from members or public; they were approved as part of the consent calendar.
• Material Testing Services for Police Headquarters (Bid 2025-506): Major Robert Hart requested a $7,500 increase for additional soil and concrete testing that exceeded original estimates. Approved unanimously.
• Amendment to PCR 124-25 (Fire Department Item): A typographical correction reduced the amount from $2,995.50 to $2,992.50. Approved unanimously.
• Purchase of Eight Police Vehicles (Bid 2026-212 / PCR 98-25): The police department sought to buy eight Ford Police Utility vehicles at a total of $524,892.56 using lease-purchase funds. Debate centered on whether the purchase aligns with a 6-year rotation cycle and whether the capital budget is a “wish list.” Councilman Lattice and Ricks proposed a compromise of fewer vehicles but no amendment was offered. The council approved the purchase 7-2.
• Purchase of Five Chevrolet Blazers (Bid 2026-213 / PCR 100-25): Request for five mid-sized SUVs for undercover and admin roles at $206,209.75. Councilman Lattice and Ricks voted no, citing similar concerns; the item passed 6-3.
• Purchase of Tractor Trailer Cab (Bid 2026-183 / PCR 101-25): DPW requested $177,390 for a new Pinnacle Day Cab Mack to replace a 1994 vehicle with over a million miles. Councilman Lattice and Muto inspected the old truck and questioned maintenance records and whether a used truck could suffice. The administration argued that buying used has failed in the past and that lease-purchase funds require new vehicles. Approved 6-3.
• Zamboni for Thayer and Warburton Arenas (Bid 2026-182 / PCR 103-25): Purchase of a Model 546 Zamboni for $122,589.28. Approved unanimously.
• Fire Department Term Life Insurance Contract (PCR 99-25): The administration requested a three-year contract extension with a premium freeze, as amended to $308,100 gross (net cost to city estimated at $149,100 over three years). Councilman Lattice opposed due to lack of transparency and a change in accounting practice from net to gross. The item passed 8-1.
• Audit Presentation by CliftonLarsonAllen: Jennifer Cook presented the FY2024 audit, noting an unmodified opinion, one material weakness related to school department reconciliation, and two significant deficiencies in federal award reporting. She highlighted upcoming GASB standards that will affect future financial statements.
• Land Trust Commission Appointment: Edward Rajiri Jr. was appointed to fill a Ward 1 seat. He has served as an at-large member for six months and brings project management experience. Approved unanimously.
• T-Mobile Tower Lease Extension (PCR 120-25): Extension of the lease at Fire Station #5 for 20 years with monthly rent of $5,064 and 3% annual escalator. The lease was renewed three years early at T-Mobile’s request. Approved unanimously.
• Outdoor Recreation Grant Application (PCR 121-25): The city will apply for DEM grants for playground upgrades at five sites, with a 25% city match (amended from 20%). The grant is competitive; past success includes Apponaug and Oakland Beach. Approved unanimously after amendment.
• Ordinance on Through Trucking (PCO 6-25): Held to December 15, 2025.
• Ordinance Amending Tax Title Transfer Procedures (PCO 13-25): Held to November 17, 2025.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment for 1112 West Shore Road (PCO 16-25): Second passage for a zoning change by Three Kids LLC. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Ice Skate Rental Contract (PCR 125-25): Two-year contract with Sandy Lane Sports, 10% profit share, vendor uses city space rent-free. Passed 7-2.
• Approved Snow Plow Parts (PCR 123-25): Awarded to two vendors, with discounts only. Passed 7-2.
• Approved Purchase of 8 Police Vehicles (PCR 98-25): $524,892.56 via lease purchase. Passed 7-2.
• Approved Purchase of 5 Chevy Blazers (PCR 100-25): $206,209.75. Passed 6-3.
• Approved Purchase of Tractor Trailer (PCR 101-25): $177,390 for one new truck. Passed 6-3.
• Approved Zamboni (PCR 103-25): $122,589.28. Unanimous.
• Approved Life Insurance Contract Extension (PCR 99-25): Three-year freeze at $308,100 gross. Passed 8-1.
• Approved T-Mobile Lease Extension (PCR 120-25): 20-year extension at $5,064/month. Unanimous.
• Approved DEM Grant Application (PCR 121-25): 25% match required; amendment adopted. Unanimous.
• Appointed Edward Rajiri Jr. to Land Trust Commission: Unanimous.
• Directives: The administration was asked to provide reports on snow plow parts list prices and to improve transparency in bid documentation. Public comments on the Forest Pond trash issue will be forwarded to code enforcement. The fire department contract (IAFF Local 2748) was introduced for ratification at a future meeting.