Public Meetings - North Kingstown, Rhode Island

The North Kingstown Town Council met on Monday, December 5, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The swearing-in of newly elected council members and school committee members, the election of council leadership, and multiple appointments to town positions were completed without public comment or opposition. Incoming Council President Gregory Mancini outlined a broad, ambitious agenda for 2023. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the regular meeting from November 28, 2022. - Approved the 2023 Town Council meeting schedule. - Adopted the budget policies and procedures for Fiscal Year 2023/2024, which were unchanged from the version revised in 2020. - Accepted the resignation of Matthew McCoy as the Veterans Affairs Representative. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up or spoke during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Outgoing Council Presentation: Outgoing Council members Mary Brimer and Kerry McKay were recognized and thanked for their service. - Oath of Office: Congressman-elect Seth Magaziner administered the oath of office to the newly elected Town Council members (Gregory Mancini, Katherine Anderson, Mary Brimer, Kerry McKay, Dr. Kimberly Page) and to the School Committee members elect (Aaron Earl West, Tom Riety). Magaziner thanked the families of all elected officials for their sacrifice. - Election of Town Council President: Councilmember Katherine Anderson nominated Gregory Mancini, who was elected by acclamation. - Election of Town Council President Pro-Tem: Councilmember Mary Brimer nominated Dr. Kimberly Page, who was elected by acclamation. - President Mancini’s Remarks: Mancini thanked his family, town employees, department heads, and the outgoing council members. He noted that for the first time since 1984, all five council members are from the same party (Democrats)—a historic first in that all five are not from the Republican Party. His agenda for 2023 included: developing a responsible budget, maintaining town buildings and schools, renovating Yorktown Park, improving the town website, renovating the municipal office building, addressing deficiencies in the public safety complex, improving communication with advisory committees, addressing Post Road challenges, researching open space acquisition, tackling housing shortages and climate change, collaborating with Quonset to expand the commercial tax base, completing the Post Road/West Main sidewalk project, addressing Route 4 traffic signal challenges, completing the roundabout, and exploring a bike lane from Wickford Junction Park and Garage. He also pledged to support private developments such as the apartment complex near the train station and the Wickford Elementary School condominium project where possible. - Appointment of Municipal Court Clerk/Magistrate: Jeanette Alard was nominated and appointed unanimously to a term ending December 2, 2024. - Appointment of Municipal Court Judge: David Reilly was nominated and appointed unanimously to a term ending December 2, 2024. - Appointment of Town Sergeant: Joel Rocha was nominated and appointed unanimously. - Appointment of Town Solicitor and Assistant Solicitor: Matt Callaghan and James Callaghan were reappointed. - Appointment of Town Solicitor for Labor Relations: Robert Brooks of Adler Pollock & Sheehan was appointed. - Appointment of Bond Counsel: Taft Stettinius & Hollister (referred to as "Taft McSally" in the transcript) was appointed. Key Outcomes - All appointments, elections, and approvals were approved unanimously by voice vote with no opposition. - The new council will begin work under President Gregory Mancini and President Pro-Tem Dr. Kimberly Page. - The next steps include implementation of the 2023 agenda items as outlined by President Mancini. - A reception for the council and attendees was held after the meeting at the Carriage Inn.

The North Kingstown Town Council met at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2022, in the Town Hall Council Chambers, 80 Boston Neck Road. The meeting included public comment, a water department leak-detection update, consent agenda action (with two items pulled for discussion), town manager and finance director reports, a resolution on community electricity aggregation, and correspondence. Public Comments & Testimony - Brett Mallory, a North Kingstown High School PTSO member, asked the council to help reactivate the town's Veterans Scholarship Committee, which he said had not been stood up since COVID and had only one remaining member. He proposed combining it with the high school BRIC program to recognize students for academics and community service and noted he had applied for a committee seat in July without a response. - Richard Welch, a former council member, criticized the pace of water infrastructure work. He said a water director had asked years ago for $20 million over 10 years, that little had been done since, and that the town should aggressively pursue federal infrastructure funding. He also raised concerns about closed wells, reduced capacity, and a possible spring water moratorium. Later in the meeting, he asked to pull Item 15 from the consent agenda for explanation. Consent Calendar - The council approved Items 6 through 14, 16, and 18 through 20 by one motion after Items 15 and 17 were removed for discussion. The approved routine items included: approval of the November 14, 2022 minutes; Tax Abatement List 864 ($3,355.91); Sewer Assessment Abatement 004 ($12,418.17); donations totaling $4,970.00; a $1,500 donation for overseeding McGinn Football Field; a donated red maple tree for the Town Beach campus; Larry Mandel's resignations from the Audit Committee, Economic Development Advisory Board, and Personnel Board; the Knox E-Systems electronic lock box bid award ($327,892.00); a detective license renewal for Michael J. Clemente; victualling, dance, and amusement license renewals; and the New Year's Eve policy for alcoholic beverage licenseholders. Special Business: Water Leak Detection Update - Water Department Director Tim Cranston reported on the satellite leak detection program conducted with the company Astera. Three satellite flyovers were completed: two in the summer and one in the fall. The third scan was added because summer lawn watering caused false readings. Field crews ground-truthed points of interest, and their final day in the field was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. About a dozen confirmed leaks have been identified for repair, with a final Astera report expected within a few weeks. The resulting database will help guide future water main replacement decisions. - In response to council questions and Mr. Welch's earlier comments, Cranston said the town has already secured more than $8 million in federal funding, has set aside money for replacing Well No. 6 and identifying lead-alloy services, and has spent over $1.5 million on infrastructure improvements including pumps, SCADA, and tank security. He said the town was never in jeopardy of losing supply, that the state caps withdrawals at about 8 million gallons per day due to environmental concerns, and that North Kingstown's water rates remain among the lowest in Rhode Island. Town Manager's Report - The town manager announced upcoming events and operational updates: the 37th annual Chamber of Commerce tree lighting on Thursday evening in Wickford; the Wickford Village holiday festival; the police department's package delivery program; a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony on December 7; and continuing gas line replacement work on Tower Hill Road and Ten Rod Road causing traffic impacts. - He said that because voters approved retail marijuana establishments in North Kingstown, staff will prepare a report to the council and draft an ordinance covering location, restrictions, licensing, and related requirements. That draft would be reviewed by the Planning Commission and come back for a public hearing, with a goal of having something ready in early 2023. - The FY2024 budget process has begun; January presentations are planned for municipal office building renovations and a proposed new recreation center. The town is also offering a third year of Post Road holiday decorating grants of up to $1,000 per business. - Police department 'No Shave November' fundraising donated $10,000 to the Tomorrow Fund, $3,000 to the Mass General Hospital Home Base Program, and $2,000 to the North Kingstown Food Pantry. - Crown Castle will add a dish to the tower at 174 School Street, bringing the town an additional $1,000 per month plus a one-time $3,000 payment negotiated by town staff. - During questions, the town manager discussed the Oak Hill property sale status: three consecutive clean quarterly environmental tests are needed; the most recent quarter had a minor issue, so testing will continue with a goal of marketing the property in 2023. He also discussed the Hamilton Allenton landfill, which is still being closed and has federal restrictions on solar development, and said the town continues to pursue solar options while using remote net metering for energy needs. The manager also confirmed a Wickford tide gauge and educational signage project is underway with EPA and Army Corps of Engineers involvement. Finance Director's Report - Finance Director Jim Lathrop presented the year-to-date budget report. The town is projecting a small surplus of $44,200. State aid is projected up by about $2.7 million, partly due to state motor vehicle tax replacement payments, while interest income has improved to between 3.8 and 3.98 percent on idle funds, up sharply from a year ago. He said spending is helped by unfilled vacancies and that fiscal year 2022 financial statements are being drafted and will show a healthy surplus. Discussion Items - Removed consent item - Fire Department radio subscriber equipment: Fire Chief Scott Cattell explained that the $799,881.96 award to Motorola Solutions, funded through a federal AFG grant, would replace aging mobile, portable, and repeater radios used in fire apparatus and staff vehicles. He described the equipment as reaching end-of-life and said portable radios cost $7,000 to $8,000 each. The chief said the department tested other vendors but found reliability or interoperability issues, and that remaining on the state's Motorola-based RISCON system preserves regional interoperability. The grant share was discussed, with the chief initially referring to a 5 percent town match and then a 10 percent local share. A council member asked for more research before the next replacement cycle because the next purchase could cost over $1 million. The council approved the award. - Removed consent item - Water Department pickup trucks: Tim Cranston confirmed that two F-250 pickup trucks with plow packages from Tasca Ford, $125,470.90 under state MPA Contract 559, were needed because regular bidding could not guarantee availability due to supply chain constraints. A council member related a personal example of a long-delayed food pantry truck order. The council approved the purchase. - Resolution authorizing Community Electricity Aggregation (CEA) plan: Town staff and Jamie Rhodes of Good Energy, a potential aggregation consultant, presented the resolution. They explained that CEA is an opt-out program under Rhode Island law in which residential electricity supply would be bid on behalf of the town, but residents could leave or choose alternative products. Approval of the resolution would only authorize further research, consultant selection, plan drafting, public hearings, and eventual PUC review, not a final contract. Good Energy charges the town nothing upfront and would be compensated by the selected supplier after a successful launch. - Rhodes said Rhode Island Energy would remain the utility for delivery, billing, storm response, and customer service; only the supply portion of the bill would change. A council member asked that resident George Brennan's earlier concerns about leaving regulated utility customer service be considered; Rhodes said service and billing remain with Rhode Island Energy. He also noted that no Social Security numbers would be transferred and that a Rhode Island-based call center would be available. He cited Massachusetts savings historically around 5 to 10 percent and recently closer to 30 percent, but said savings cannot be guaranteed. The current Rhode Island community program has a five-year supply contract and a default option with 10 percent more renewable energy than required, with 50 and 100 percent renewable options available. - Several council members asked questions about whether this adds another layer of government, whether seniors would be able to navigate the opt-out process, what customer service and privacy protections exist, and whether a future energy technology could be locked out. One council member opposed the resolution, objecting to the automatic opt-in structure and the addition of a government-run aggregation layer. Other council members said the resolution only continues research and gives the town more options, and they supported doing due diligence. Correspondence - The council acknowledged messages from residents: Donna Hutchinson urged restraint in spending and future tax reductions; Tom Segoros asked about diving and jumping prohibited signage at Hussey Bridge; and Lynn Krim invited the council to the Shady Lee Open House on December 3 and 4. Key Outcomes - The council approved the remaining consent agenda items in one motion after removing Items 15 and 17 for separate discussion. - The council approved the $799,881.96 Motorola radio equipment award for the Fire Department. - The council approved the $125,470.90 purchase of two F-250 pickup trucks with plows for the Water Department. - The council approved the resolution authorizing development of a Community Electricity Aggregation plan on a roll-call vote after discussion. The next steps are selection of a consultant, drafting an aggregation plan, public hearings, council and PUC review, and a future supplier contract decision. - The town manager and staff will prepare the next steps on the retail marijuana ordinance, continue FY2024 budget work, market the Oak Hill property, and advance the Wickford tide gauge project.

The North Kingstown Planning Commission met on November 15, 2022, to consider two major agenda items: a preliminary plan application for a two-lot conservation development at 155 Essex Road (Item 3B), and a development plan review for a 96 sq. ft. donation center shed at the Masonic Lodge property on Ten Rod Road (Item 3A). Both items were approved unanimously, along with the minutes from the November 1 meeting. Discussion Items Item 3B: Preliminary Plan – Steven Allen, 155 Essex Road (AP 158 Lot 14) - Applicant Steven Allen proposes a two-lot conservation development in the Neighborhood Residential (NR) zone and Groundwater Recharge Area. The existing dwelling will remain; a second dwelling will be created by converting an existing barn. - Staff (Becky) presented that the property's groundwater designation (new mapping) subjects the entire site to bedroom-based density: up to 9 bedrooms total (4 existing, 5 remaining). The applicant calculated land unsuitable to support that number. - Discussion centered on allocating bedrooms between lots for enforcement. The commission recommended and the applicant agreed to allocate 5 bedrooms to the new lot (barn) and 4 to the existing house, though this is not mandated by ordinance. - Access and utilities: A moratorium on cutting into the recently paved Essex Road prevents a new water line connection. The applicant will work with the Water Department on a shared water service from the existing line, with independent shutoff for each lot. The driveway will be shared, using the existing curb cut to avoid a sharp turn that concerned the fire marshal. - Open space: The applicant will merge two open space lots (Lot C and Lot X) into one parcel of over 400,000 sq. ft., exceeding the 50% open space requirement. - Conditions include: consolidation of open space, bedroom allocation, new on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) replacing the existing cesspool, shared driveway with easements, and final plan submission with updated drawings. Item 3A: Development Plan Review – Jennifer Chase, Masonic Lodge Property at 1515 Ten Rod Road - A request to erect a 96 sq. ft. wooden donation center shed for clothing donations. - Chair Grundy recused himself as a Masonic Lodge member but stated no conflict of interest and participated. - The shed is similar to one previously approved at the Carriage Inn and has been operating for five weeks, collecting about 50 bags of clothing per week (571 pounds), which clothed 105 people per week worldwide. - Staff and commissioners noted the wooden shed design discourages illegal dumping compared to metal bins; volunteers from the Lodge will monitor the site weekly. - The commission found the proposal consistent with all applicable findings: no adverse impact on the neighborhood or groundwater, no traffic concerns, and compatibility with the scenic overlay district. Key Outcomes - Item 3B (155 Essex Road Preliminary Plan): Approved unanimously (5-0) with conditions, including bedroom allocation, shared driveway and water service, consolidation of open space, and OWTS upgrades. - Item 3A (Masonic Lodge Donation Shed): Approved unanimously (5-0). Decision to be recorded; applicant will receive notice within 20 days. - Minutes of November 1, 2022: Approved as amended after one wording correction on page 5.

The North Kingstown Town Council met on Monday, November 14, 2022, at 6:45 PM (executive session) and 7:00 PM (regular meeting) in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included public hearings, a consent agenda, and new business items such as a water service connection approval and a PILOT agreement amendment. Several council members and the town manager provided updates on community events, police efforts, infrastructure projects, and upcoming initiatives. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the Regular Meetings of September 26, 2022 and October 17, 2022. - Tax Abatement List 863: $6,381.63. - Receipt of Donations: $1,300.00 (general), $50.00 for North Kingstown Animal Shelter, and $1,200.00 for McGinn Football Field overseed. - Acceptance of 2022 Homeland Security Grant Program – Annual DECON Grant: $20,000.00. - Authorization to sell a 2011 Chevrolet G4500 PL Custom Ambulance to the Exeter Fire District. - Approval of Salary and Wage Schedules for Nonunion and Seasonal Employees, and Miscellaneous Fee Schedules. - Award of Bid – Information Systems Department – Municipal Office Meeting Room Audio/Visual Wireless Upgrade to Shanix Technology: $36,154.75. - Approval of Change Order – Water Department – Consulting Services for Well 10 Replacement and Redevelopment Project – Comprehensive Environmental Incorporated: $21,000.00. - Approval of Change Order – Water Department – Consulting Services for investigation of new source location to replace Well 6 – Wright-Pierce: $93,000.00. - Approval of Waterline Replacement Agreement with Quonset Development Corporation: $295,162.00 (funded from Water Department Designated Fund Balance/Infrastructure Replacement Account). - Ratification of Town Clerk's approval of a Bingo License (new) – Robyn Albuquerque, dba North Kingstown Educational Foundation, for an event held October 26, 2022. - Detective License Renewals 2022-2023. - Exhibition License (21-30 vendors) – Joseph Yoffa, to hold open studio at Shady Lea Mill on December 3–4, 2022. - Holiday Sales License (new) – North Koffee Inc. - Victualling, Dance, and Amusement License Renewals. Public Comments & Testimony - Nathaniel Johnson (20 Shady Lea Road property owner) expressed concerns about the relocation of Gooseneck Vineyards (Wickford Wine Company) to 1340 Tower Hill Road. He stated that the events and operations could affect his property value through light pollution, noise, and parking overflow, and noted that he had reached out to the owner without response. Council members advised him to communicate directly with the owner and noted that further approvals (e.g., business hours, live music) would come before the Planning Commission, providing additional opportunity for input. Discussion Items 1. Public Hearing – Class C Alcohol Beverage, Victualling, and Entertainment License Relocation (Gooseneck Vineyards) – The council unanimously approved moving the license from 4 Brown Street to 1340 Tower Hill Road. Paul Feedy, co-founder, confirmed the purchase of the old Rodman Farm and answered questions. Council members congratulated him. 2. Public Hearing – Alcohol Beverage, Victualling, Dance, Entertainment, Billiard, Amusement, and Jukebox License Renewals 2022-2023 – The council approved all renewals, subject to tax and good standing. 3. Second Reading – Amendment to Chapter 2 (Administration), Division 13 (Audit Committee), Section 2-401(b) – The council approved an amendment to allow committee members with an accounting background (not necessarily CPAs) to be eligible to chair the committee. Richard August, Audit Committee chair, explained that the change addresses difficulty in attracting practicing CPAs and provides a path for other qualified individuals. Councilman Kerry McKay endorsed the change as not lowering standards. 4. Consent Agenda Item 18 Discussion – Water Department Change Order – Item 18 was removed for discussion. Water Department Manager Tim answered questions about well status: Well 10 is shut down for rebuilding (awaiting Department of Health approval); Well 6 is shut down due to PFAS contamination; Wells 3, 7, and 8 are on emergency backup due to manganese issues (discolored water) but not used regularly. The town has sufficient water from other wells. Tim noted that the change order addresses consulting for Well 10 replacement. The council later approved Item 18. 5. New Business – Request for Water Service Connection – Quonset Apartments (660 Devils Foot Road) – The council approved a water service connection for a development that will demolish an existing building and add approximately 30 one-bedroom units. Tim stated the net water usage increase would be marginal due to efficient fixtures and demolition of an older building. 6. New Business – Authorization to Enter into Second Amendment to PILOT Agreement (Flex Industries) – Town Manager Ralph explained the second amendment uses the same parameters as the original PILOT and is expected to bring in about $1.6 million in additional tax revenue over 12 years. The council unanimously approved. 7. Town Manager's Report – Key updates included: satellite leak detection survey delayed due to COVID; Wickford Streetscape project aiming for 2023 groundbreaking; uptick in vandalism at Wilson Park; RFQ for golf course restaurant concessionaire; Good Energy program briefing scheduled for November 28; town website refresh launching January 23, 2023; Allen Harbor dredging expected fall 2023 with funding challenges; loss of $88,000/year in tax revenue from two solar farm lots due to state legislation; commendation for election staff handling over 33,000 early voters; successful search for a missing child; Tower Hill Road gas main replacement causing delays; priority traffic signals at West Allington/Route 4 and Oak Hill/Route 4; progress on West Main Street/Post Road sidewalk and Hamilton Elementary School traffic signal; Essex Road project nearing completion; library improvements funded by North Kingstown Free Library Corporation. Key Outcomes - Approved (unanimous): Gooseneck Vineyards license relocation (Item 5). - Approved (unanimous): All alcohol and entertainment license renewals (Item 6). - Approved (unanimous): Audit Committee amendment (Item 7). - Approved (unanimous): Consent agenda items 9–17 and 19–25; Item 18 removed and approved separately after discussion. - Approved (unanimous): Water service connection for Quonset Apartments (Item 27). - Approved (unanimous): Second amendment to PILOT agreement with Flex Industries (Item 28). - Noted: Public comment on Gooseneck Vineyards will be addressed in future Planning Commission proceedings. - Next Steps: Town Manager to provide updates on Wickford Streetscape, Good Energy, website, dredging, and budget implications of solar farm tax loss.

Meeting Overview The North Kingstown Planning Commission met on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. The agenda lists a start time of 7:00 PM, though the provided metadata indicates 12:15 PM UTC; this time discrepancy is noted but cannot be resolved from available sources. No meeting minutes or transcript were provided, so this summary is based solely on the published agenda. Call to Order - The meeting was called to order. - Notice was posted on the Secretary of State's website as required by RIGL 42-46-6(c). General Business 3.a Election The agenda includes an election item, but no details on positions or results are available. 3.b Discussion: Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations Updates/Amendments The commission was scheduled to discuss potential updates and amendments to the North Kingstown Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Regulations. Focus areas included: - Explanation of the ordinance and regulation amendment process. - Continuation of establishing focus groups. - Dimensional regulations. - Consistency issues in processes and procedures. - Accessory structures. Reference documents listed: "Dimensional Regulations with highlights.pdf", "State of RI - Development Plan Review.pdf", and "Wickford Village Setbacks.pdf". 3.c SNEP Stormwater Training - Planning Commission Volunteer The agenda includes an item regarding SNEP Stormwater Training and a volunteer opportunity for the commission. Minutes - Approval of the minutes from the October 4, 2022 meeting was listed, but no decision or vote is recorded. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned. No further actions or outcomes are documented. Key Outcomes Due to the absence of minutes and transcript, no specific decisions, votes, or directives can be reported. The meeting proceeded as outlined in the agenda.

The regular meeting of the North Kingstown Town Council was called to order at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 17, 2022, following an executive session. The agenda covered license renewals, public comments, a major Payment-in-Lieu-of-Tax (PILOT) agreement with Revolution Wind, consent agenda items, reports from the Town Manager and Finance Director, discussion of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the School Department, Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) applications, and appointments to various boards and committees. Public Hearing - Alcoholic Beverage, Victualling, Dance, Entertainment, Billiard, Amusement, and Jukebox License Renewals 2022-2023: The public hearing was opened and closed with no public testimony on the item. Mary Salisbury attempted to speak about a noise ordinance but was directed to public comment. The renewals were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary Salisbury (124 Hideaway Lane) expressed support for a proposed noise ordinance regulating motorized vehicles, modeled after East Greenwich's ordinance. She described her neighborhood as having become "unsettled" due to noise from ATVs and motorcycles, and urged proactive measures to support law enforcement. - Bridget Higginsbottom (174 Hideaway Lane) supported a noise ordinance, noting that current laws lack specifics for unregistered ATVs and purposely loud exhaust systems. She emphasized safety concerns beyond noise. - Tim Cranston (resident of Hideaway Lane) read a letter detailing ongoing issues with unregistered ATVs and loud vehicles, including a recent incident where a firework was thrown at a 9-year-old girl. He stated that police currently lack legal tools to address these problems and urged adoption of an ordinance with substantial fines. - James Gallo (200 Minor Road) made political comments about Council President Mancini and two female council members. - Rodriz Khan (127 Hideaway Lane) expressed feeling more threatened in North Kingstown than when he lived in Brooklyn, NY, due to the ongoing disturbances. - Kurt Fisher (104 Phillips Street, Wickford) agreed with the need for a noise ordinance, stating that excessive noise is a town-wide problem. - Council Response: Councilor McKay noted the town already has a decibel ordinance used for beach concerts and questioned why it is not applied. Town Manager Ralph Mollis indicated that Police Chief Flanagan is working on drafting a targeted ordinance, and the council agreed to pursue further action. Discussion Items - Item 27: Authorization for Town Manager to Enter into a Payment-in-Lieu-of-Tax (PILOT) Agreement with Revolution Wind: Town Manager Ralph Mollis presented the agreement. Revolution Wind is constructing an offshore wind farm 17 miles south of Rhode Island, with cables connecting to a National Grid substation in North Kingstown via private roads within Quonset Business Park. The 25-year PILOT freezes the personal property tax rate at $17.50 per $1,000. Estimated personal property value is $117 million, yielding approximately $26.1–$26.2 million in tax revenue over the term (first year $2 million, last year $615,000). Additionally, a Host Community Agreement provides $2 million over seven years ($500,000 in year one, $250,000 annually for six years) once the project is operational. Representatives from Revolution Wind and Orsted thanked the council for collaboration. The motion to authorize the Town Manager to sign passed unanimously. - Item 24: Discussion/Review – Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and School Department regarding Financial Management: Councilor McKay argued that the current MOU prevents the Town from reviewing the school’s budget, which he called a lack of checks and balances. He noted the school recently authorized $1 million in bonuses and salary adjustments from OPEB funds without full transparency. He proposed requiring the Town Finance Director and Town Manager to have read-only access to school financial records. Town Manager Mollis explained that the MOU was originally created to expedite audits but led to the school cutting off Town access to its ledger. Councilor Brimer and others voiced support for transparency, and a motion was passed (unanimous) directing the Town Manager to negotiate with the school for read access. - Consent Agenda – Items 13 and 14: - Item 13: Approval of Purchase – Kubota Compact Excavator ($75,969): Councilor McKay raised a general concern about equipment sharing across town departments. Town Manager Mollis confirmed the excavator will be shared between the Golf Course and Recreation Departments. Motion to approve passed. - Item 14: Rescission of Bid Award for Wilson Park Walkway Improvements and Re-award to RICON Construction, LLC ($225,000): Councilor McKay noted the original bid from Narragansett Improvement Company was mistakenly low. Public Works Director Adam White explained the contractor tried to honor the price but could not due to estimating software error; the bid bond will cover any loss. Motion to approve passed. Key Outcomes - Approved license renewals (Item 5) and consent agenda items 7–12, 15–19, and 21. - Authorized PILOT and Host Community Agreement with Revolution Wind (Item 27) – unanimous. - Directed Town Manager to negotiate read access to school financial records as part of MOU amendment (Item 24) – unanimous. - Approved CRMC Applications: - No. 2022-06-032 (Safe Harbor Marinas, negative lift at 84 Westcott Road) – motion passed with no substantive objection. - No. 2022-08-059 (Quonset Development Corporation, new pier at 2574 Davisville Road) – motion passed with no substantive objection. - Appointments: - Conservation Commission: Ahren Cohen (reappointment to October 1, 2025) and Tim Warren (new member to October 1, 2025). - Library Board of Trustees: Rini Georgekutty and Danny Humbyrd appointed to October 1, 2025. - Wickford Advisory Committee: Michael Donohue appointed as Wickford Village Resident to October 1, 2025. - Remaining vacancies for Economic Development Advisory Board, Groundwater Committee, Information Technology Advisory Committee, Wickford Advisory Committee (two positions), and Wickford Village Design Guidelines Committee were re-advertised. - Town Manager Report noted: leak detection survey near completion, Beach Street sidewalk project underway, Wilson Park restrooms closed early due to vandalism, Veterans Day events, and golf course record of 5,959 rounds in September. - Finance Report projected a $500,000 surplus (less than 1% of budget), attributed to unfilled positions and additional revenue from motor vehicle tax elimination and higher interest income. - Correspondence was read and filed.

October 4, 2022, 7:00 PM The North Kingstown Planning Commission held a meeting to vote on a master plan decision for a low- and moderate-income housing duplex at 289 Essex Road, and to discuss potential amendments to the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations, with a focus on the new state Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) law. The meeting included minor edits to the draft decision and a lengthy, cautious discussion about the implications of the ADU law. Decision: Master Plan Application – 289 Essex Road - Item 3.a: Decision on a master plan application by David A. Caldwell, Sr. and Virginia Caldwell (North K Properties, LLC) for a major land development comprehensive permit project for low- and moderate-income housing duplex. This item had been continued from multiple previous meetings (April, May, June, August, and September 2022). - The Commission reviewed the draft decision page by page, making several corrections: - Correcting the applicant's name from "David Calwell" to "David Caldwell Jr." (representative) or "David Sr." as needed. - Changing "applicable documents" heading to "submitted documents" or "documents in the file." - Relocating discussion of net-zero energy from the environmental section to the consistency with the Comprehensive Plan section. - Removing the sentence about merging existing frontage into lot 8; instead specifying that the existing frontage on lot 21 must be merged into lot 8. - Correcting a typographical error: changing "Dave and Virginia Coldwell" to "David and Virginia Caldwell." - In condition 5, changing the OWTS permit number reference to a general statement: "Any OWTS approved for this lot shall not be shared with or utilized by any other lot." - Clarifying condition 2 to require merging the existing frontage into lot 8 to maintain lot frontage. - A motion was made to approve the master plan decision as amended, with the understanding that the Vice Chair would sign on behalf of the Chair (who would be out of the country). The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (5-0-1, with Commissioner Meg abstaining as she had not participated in the hearings). Discussion: Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulation Updates (ADU Law) - Item 3.b: The Commission discussed input on potential updates/amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, focusing on the state's new ADU law (passed in 2022). - Staff (Nicole) provided packet materials including the current land use table for accessory dwellings, development standards, and a copy of the new state law. - The discussion highlighted numerous concerns about the poorly drafted state law: - The law removes the word "family" but still implies the ADU is for family members (disabled, 62+, or other family), creating confusion. - It prohibits municipalities from requiring septic system upgrades when bedrooms are added, potentially allowing unlimited bedrooms without infrastructure improvements. - It only requires one additional parking spot, even for two or more bedrooms. - It voids condominium and HOA documents that prohibit ADUs, raising legal and lending issues. - It allows ADUs on lots with pre-existing single-family homes or even duplexes, potentially increasing density without corresponding lot size requirements. - It states that a municipality which permits ADUs cannot impose unreasonable dimensional requirements that preclude their development. - Permitting process: ADUs not part of a larger development shall only be reviewed administratively or through development plan review, not via special use permit (current NK process). - The law creates accounting nightmares for tracking affordability (e.g., half-unit credit for deed-restricted ADUs). - Commissioners expressed significant apprehension: some worried about opening the door to problematic applications (e.g., a 40-house subdivision each adding an ADU, effectively doubling density without review). Others felt ADUs are a valuable housing choice but need to be regulated reasonably. - There was discussion about whether to press forward with amending NK's ordinance or to wait for legislative clarification in the next session. Staff indicated they receive weekly inquiries and need guidance. - The consensus was to continue applying current development standards until legally forced not to, and to compile concerns for state legislators. The Commission did not vote on any ordinance changes; this was a preliminary discussion. - The Chair noted that other communities (e.g., Charlestown, Hopkinton) are attempting to ban ADUs, but that may lead to litigation. Minutes – September 20, 2022 - Item 4.a: The Commission reviewed the draft minutes from September 20, 2022. - A member (Meg) raised two points: 1. Suggest that handouts distributed at meetings (not just documents in the packet) be included as attachments to the minutes or linked to the town website for public access. This was discussed at length; staff noted that minutes are a summary and that materials can be linked via Granicus. A compromise was reached to add a link to the Planning Commission's main meeting materials page in the minutes template. 2. Request that a comment she made (recommending that post-road evaluation include historical reflection on past efforts) be reflected in the minutes. - A motion to approve the minutes with suggested corrections was made, seconded, and passed unanimously (6-0). Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 PM. Key Outcomes - Master Plan Decision Approved: The Commission unanimously approved the master plan decision for 289 Essex Road with minor amendments. The Vice Chair will sign the decision. - ADU Discussion Ongoing: No formal action was taken; staff will continue to work on zoning amendments with a committee of commissioners (volunteers assigned to address private roads, ponds, post-road development, performance standards, lighting, and the land use table). The Commission will monitor legal developments and potentially submit concerns to state legislators. - Minutes Approved: Minutes from September 20, 2022, were approved with agreed-upon modifications, and a link to meeting materials will be added to future minutes.

The North Kingstown Town Council held a regular meeting on Monday, September 26, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the newly restored Town Hall Council Chambers (80 Boston Neck Road). The agenda included executive session (potential litigation), four public hearings on fee schedules and a tax exemption, public comment, a consent agenda, reports from the town manager and water supply director, old business regarding the school committee's response to Judge McGuirl's report, and new business (correspondence). Several items were pulled from the consent agenda for discussion and separate votes. Consent Calendar - Items approved en bloc (11–13, 17–20, 23, 24, 26–28): Tax abatement list 861 ($12,062.29), donations ($1,025.00 + ballistic shield lights), acceptance of CDBG award, SNEP stormwater planning MOA, police mutual aid agreement, fire department large diameter hose bid ($28,888.00), exhibition licenses (Wickford Village Harbor Lights extension, VFW event, holiday sales license changes/renewals), and a new victualling license for Aramark at Electric Boat. - Item 14 – Blue Bus Foundation contribution ($900.00): Approved after discussion. Councillor Brimer requested that funds be returned if the event (Harbor Lights) is canceled due to weather; the request was noted, but the event had already occurred. - Items 15 & 16 – Fire department grants: Approved. Chief Cattell and Captain Lassard described a $102,000 regional training grant (fire instructor and officer certifications) and a $378,914 grant for a new key box system (including a code‑based key fob and residential boxes for elderly/shut‑ins). Both grants have a 10% local match (split with East Greenwich for training). - Item 21 – Wilson Park walkway improvements: Awarded to Narragansett Improvements Company for $151,000 (funded from previously approved ARPA funds). The project replaces an existing walkway with a 6‑foot‑wide asphalt path, replaces timber bollards, and paves handicap spots. Two alternates (extension to bike path and paving splash pad parking lot) were deferred. - Item 22 – Senior center bus and donations: Awarded bid to Don Brown Bus Sales for $108,895 and accepted a $31,895 donation from Tom Miozzi (plus $20,000 from North Kingstown Senior Association). The smaller bus (14–15 passengers) does not require a CDL, improving efficiency. - Item 25 – TANK Book Festival exhibition license (1–10 vendors): Approved after public comment. Mr. Fisher raised concerns about content, but the council stated they would follow the Constitution. Public Comments & Testimony - Kent Dresser (371 Glenhill Drive): Suggested the council review the town charter section on school committee appointments to address vagueness regarding the “next highest vote getter.” Also defended the integrity of the town’s elections and volunteer canvassers. - Diane Izzo (62 Poplar Avenue): Thanked the council for approving the senior bus donation and praised the public works department for the town hall restoration. - Dick Welch (8 Arrow Lane): Wished Town Clerk Janet a happy birthday, thanked Jim Grundy for volunteer service on the school facilities committee and planning commission, and recognized Tom Miozzi’s generosity. Requested more explicit descriptions in executive session agendas. - Curtis Fisher (104 Phillips Street): Expressed frustration about the lack of warning signs and a lower speed limit on Phillips Street near a playground (a state road), warning of a potential child fatality. Also commented on the TANK Book Festival, urging the council to be cautious about the content presented to students. - Tim Conlin (140 Clinton Drive): Discussed the school committee’s response to Judge McGuirl’s report. He stated that the committee’s described policies are not actually in effect (as verified online) and that counseling is not being provided to victims, especially those who have already graduated. He urged the council to take action. Discussion Items - Town Manager’s Report (Ralph Mollis): - Negotiations with Revolution Wind: They will likely avoid Camp Avenue but still seek a personal property tax PILOT and host community agreement. A tentative agreement may be ready for the October 17 meeting. - Opioid litigation funds: Will be brought to council in October/November for discussion on allocation. - Town hall restoration: Dedication held; most municipal offices remain at 100 Fairway Drive except Recreation and some services at 80 Boston Neck. - Golf course restaurant: Current concessionaire is terminating (effective Dec. 31) due to staffing challenges; an RFP/RFQ will be issued for the 2023 season. - Cedar Point Historic District: Approved for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. - Energy costs: Current contract expires December 2022; prices are 64% higher than current, well above the budgeted 25% increase. The town plans to lock in short‑term components and reassess in April 2023. - PFAS Presentation (Tim Cranston, Water Supply Director): - Detailed testing for PFOS/PFOA chemicals (parts per trillion). Well 6 at Stony Lane/Old Baptist Road was taken offline proactively (before required) because test results were borderline. All water leaving the system has been well below state and federal standards. - The town is ahead of state regulations; continued monitoring will be done. Residents with private wells were advised to contact the water department for testing information. - 2022 Sanitary Survey Report (Tim Cranston): - The state Department of Health inspection gave a favorable report; only a minor deficiency (brush trimming around fencing) was noted and has been corrected. Cranston credited the water department staff and council support. - Old Business – School Committee Response to Judge McGuirl’s Report: - The council received and filed the committee’s letter. Councillors expressed concerns that policies cited in the letter may not be official and that counseling for victims (especially those no longer in the district) is insufficient. - A motion passed to send a follow‑up letter requesting explicit clarification on those two points (policies and third‑party counseling for past victims). - Correspondence: The Town Clerk read a lengthy list of letters received, including support letters for school committee candidates, concerns about e‑bikes on the bike path, pedestrian safety, noise ordinance suggestions, and more. Key Outcomes - Votes on public hearings: All four ordinances (Allen Harbor fees, golf course fees, stop signs, tax exemption for Old and Ancient Rowers Society of Rhode Island) were approved unanimously after brief public hearings with no speakers. - Consent agenda items: Approved with the exception of pulled items (10, 14, 15, 16, 21, 25, plus item 22 earlier). Item 10 (minutes) was continued to the next meeting. - Item 14 (Blue Bus Foundation): Approved $900 contribution with condition (funds returned if event canceled) – noted event already held. - Items 15 & 16 (fire grants): Approved unanimously. - Item 21 (Wilson Park walkway): Awarded $151,000 contract. - Item 22 (senior bus and donations): Bid awarded and both donations accepted. - Item 25 (TANK Book Festival): Exhibition license approved. - Motion regarding school committee: Council voted to send a letter requesting clarification on policies and counseling for victims. - Receipt and file: PFAS report (Item 30), sanitary survey report (Item 31), and school committee response (Item 32) were all received and filed. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned after correspondence.

The North Kingstown Planning Commission met Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Offices Court Room, 100 Fairway Drive, North Kingstown, RI. The commission approved a construction cost estimate for Carriage Hill Farm, approved a request to combine master and preliminary review for West Shannock Associates, discussed potential updates to the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Regulations, and acted on the September 6, 2022 minutes. Construction Cost Estimate - The commission reviewed a revised construction cost estimate for Carriage Hill Farm, a 3-lot minor subdivision at Assessor's Plat 4, Lot 2, 2860 Tower Hill Road. - Allie, the town's pending deputy director, outlined revisions: adding 40 linear feet of 12-inch pipe and two 12-inch pipe end sections, and raising the hot mix asphalt unit price from about $100 per ton to $300 per ton because only a small quantity of asphalt is involved. - The commission approved the estimate in the amount of $148,353.74, including contingency, with no opposition. Master/Preliminary Review Combination - Chairman James Grundy recused himself because he owns property adjacent to the West Shannock Associates site, and Vice Chairman Patrick Roach presided. - West Shannock Associates requested combining the master and preliminary stages for a major land development project at Assessor's Plat 79, Lot 50, 280 Dry Bridge Road, zoned Light Industrial and located in the Groundwater Wellhead Protection Area. - Discussion noted that an earlier application existed approximately a decade earlier, but the new request would be reviewed as a new master/preliminary submission, not as approval of the old application. Several commissioners expressed concern about setting a precedent for large or old projects. - The commission approved the combination by voice vote. The approved motion recognized that no element of the prior application carries forward, no grandfather rights attach, and current state regulatory changes and preliminary completeness requirements must still be met. Public Comments & Testimony - A public commenter who said he formerly served on the Town Council said special use permits should receive a final vote by the Town Council rather than appointed boards, criticized the Zoning Board's recent decision on the Easy Stay Motel, and argued the Post Road Corridor zoning should be reverted to older zoning. He also urged the commission to make property addresses more prominent in public notices and cautioned about groundwater/wellhead protection concerns in the Dry Bridge Road area. - A member of the public named Kathy asked that commission handouts, such as the staff's regulation-update list, be made available to observers at meetings or attached to the agenda. She also noted difficulty hearing and hoped the future town hall would have better audio. Discussion: Zoning and Subdivision Regulation Updates - Planning staff distributed a working list of potential ordinance and regulation amendments, including a summary of 2022 state legislative changes. The list was not attached to the agenda because it was completed at the last minute. - Commissioners agreed to work through the list incrementally. Members will email staff with topics they want to research, small groups will work to avoid quorum issues, and proposals will come back for later advertised discussion and public hearing. - Topics raised during discussion included construction bond adequacy for long projects and inflation, comparing estimates to final designs, making findings and documenting consideration of criteria, inconsistencies between ordinance sections, lighting standards versus OSHA requirements, and Post Road corridor issues such as "hockey stick" lots and access. Key Outcomes - Approved the Carriage Hill Farm construction cost estimate of $148,353.74. - Approved the combined master/preliminary review for the West Shannock Associates application at 280 Dry Bridge Road, with Chairman Grundy recused. - Launched a working process for ordinance and regulation review; commissioners are to send topic preferences to staff. - Approved the September 6, 2022 meeting minutes as amended. One commissioner said they would abstain because they were not present at that meeting.