Warwick City Council Meeting - April 6, 2026

The City of Warwick held a Finance Committee meeting, followed by an Intergovernmental Committee meeting and a full City Council meeting on April 6, 2026. Key actions included approvals for tax collection services, police radios, janitorial supplies, and printing services, as well as a presentation on pension and OPEB liabilities, passage of a dog park ordinance, and other business.

Consent Calendar

• The Finance Committee approved its minutes from February 9, 2026.
• The Intergovernmental Committee approved its minutes from March 23, 2026.
• The full City Council unanimously approved consent calendar PCR 37‑26 (resolution on bids).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Collection Services: Ward 9 resident Ian Sheridan questioned the effectiveness of Rossi's collection efforts, asking for details on outstanding personal property taxes from 2017‑2019 and suggesting writing off older debts.
• Dog Park Ordinance: Ward 7 resident Miriam Montag and another resident Miles Braun spoke in support of the ordinance, citing concerns about large dogs entering the small‑dog area.
• Pension & OPEB Presentation: Ward 1 Councilwoman Michelle Comar questioned the affordability of the OPEB funding strategy, noting the city's limited tax revenue relative to required contributions.

Discussion Items

• Bid 2025‑011 – Collection Services (Rossi): Tax Collector Kyla Jones requested a two‑year extension of the contract with Rossi for delinquent tax and rescue fee collection, with an additional $150,000 spending authority. Jones reported about $8 million was referred to Rossi in July 2024, with approximately $2 million collected so far. The committee discussed outstanding debt, fees, and the collection strategy. The item advanced as PCR 38‑26.
• Bid 2026‑433 – Motorola Radios: Major Robert Hart requested $142,981.18 to purchase portable and mobile radios from Cybercom of Warwick, an exception to bid. A typographical error in the agenda was corrected through an amendment. Discussion included price trends and warranty issues. The item advanced as PCR 39‑26 with the corrected amount.
• Bid 2027‑004 – Janitorial Supplies: DPW's Christy Moretti requested a one‑year, $60,000 contract with five vendors. Councilman Foley questioned the inclusion of "Have It Made LLC" due to significantly higher prices compared to W.B. Mason. An amendment was made to remove Have It Made LLC, and the item advanced as PCR 40‑26 as amended.
• Bid 2026‑415 – Roller Skate Rentals: DPW proposed a 12% profit‑share agreement with Legacy Hospitality Group for roller skate rentals at City Hall Plaza. Discussion covered operational costs ($121,290 YTD) and revenue ($62,404, plus a $60,000 sponsorship). The item was informational and not voted on in committee.
• Bid 2027‑009 – Printing Services (Water Dept.): Jerry Willette requested $30,000 spending authority for a printing and mailing contract for water quality reports. Council members questioned the large buffer for postage costs. The committee amended the amount to $13,000 and advanced it as PCR 41‑26 as amended.
• Firefighting Vessel Maintenance: Assistant Chief Alman Howe presented a $48,000 spending authority for ongoing vessel maintenance. The item was discussed and approved as part of the consent bid package.
• Pension & OPEB Presentation: Joseph Newton of GRS Consulting presented the city's pension and retiree medical funding status. Key points included a reduction in unfunded liabilities, improved funded ratios, and the city's strategy to stabilize OPEB contributions at a 2.5% annual growth rate. Council members and the public questioned long‑term affordability and the impact of competing budget needs.
• Appointment to Zoning Board: Alfred North was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Zoning Board of Review, succeeding former Councilman DeLouise. The Intergovernmental Committee recommended favorable action, and the full council confirmed.

Key Outcomes

• PCR 38‑26 (Collection Services): Approved (1 recusal – Councilman Ricks).
• PCR 39‑26 (Police Radios): Approved as amended (amount corrected to $142,981.18).
• PCR 40‑26 (Janitorial Supplies): Approved as amended (Have It Made LLC removed).
• PCR 41‑26 (Printing Services): Approved as amended (amount reduced to $13,000).
• Dog Park Ordinance (PCO 2‑26 Sub B): Passed on second reading unanimously, establishing regulations and penalties for city dog park use.
• Small Purchase Ordinance (PCO 4‑26): Passed on second reading, amending Chapter 56.
• Financial Oversight Commission (PCO 3‑26): Held to June 1, 2026.
• Real Estate Non‑Utilization Tax (PCO 8‑26): Held to May 11, 2026.
• New Business: Several resolutions and ordinances were referred to the clerk for drafting, including items on road maintenance, stop signs, and support for bottle deposit legislation.