Public Meetings - North Kingstown, Rhode Island

The North Kingstown Town Council met on Monday, April 25, 2022, at the Beechwood Senior Center. The meeting began with an executive session at 6:45 PM to discuss a Business/Industry PILOT Agreement, followed by the regular session at 7:00 PM. Key actions included approval of several license renewals, adoption of amendments to mobile food establishment and tax classification ordinances, appointment to the Quonset Development Corporation Board, and adoption of the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 budget. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from four prior meetings (March 14, 18, 21, 28, 2022) - Accepted donations: $325 (general), $995 for Animal Shelter, and a storage shed for Recreation Department - Accepted resignations: Kevin Doherty and Martin Mendelson from Groundwater Committee; Councilor Katie Anderson from Quonset Development Corporation Board of Directors - Awarded bid for DPW utility body truck ($28,200) to Hartford Truck Equipment - Awarded contract for town facilities maintenance (fire alarms, sprinklers, etc.) to Precision Alarm Corp. (various prices) - Approved new entertainment license for NK School Department (May 24 outdoor concert) - Approved Farmers Market permit for Casey Farm - Approved two new Holiday Sales Licenses (The Narragansett, T's Vault Smoothie & Juice Bar) - Approved Junkyard and Secondhand license renewals - New Victualling License for T's Vault Smoothie & Juice Bar - Exhibition License (no vendors) for Wickford Village Association Harbor Lights events (5 dates) Public Comments & Testimony - Tom Segoris (15 Boston Neck Road) urged the council to consider inflation when setting budget limits, noting state limits are not indexed to inflation. - Ricky Thompson (194 Plain Road) proposed applying the FY22 surplus ($2 million) and $300,000 from the undesignated fund balance to the FY23 budget to avoid a property tax increase while maintaining a healthy fund balance. - Susanna Tingley (750 Hatchery Road) asked the council to reject the proposed school budget, citing concerns over social activism, inappropriate books, co-ed bathrooms, and policies that undermine parent-child relationships. - Kathleen Garino (139 Summit View Lane) urged the council to fully fund the school department budget, highlighting the mental health crisis among children. She also requested that QDC board members report back to the council monthly for transparency. - Frank Telton (12 Summer Court) spoke in support of a license for a juice bar at Quonset Plaza (item 24 on consent agenda). - Richard Wouch (Arrowane) opposed the school budget increase, citing combined surplus of nearly $28 million between town ($15M undesignated) and schools ($13M). He questioned public transparency on how surpluses are spent and asked about a vote on the proposed Rec building. Discussion Items Public Hearing 5: Class B-Full Alcoholic Beverage, Victualling, and Entertainment Licenses (Renewal) - S.A.T. Enterprises Inc., dba Wickford Tavern (Duffy's Tavern) - No public opposition; one speaker (Richard Wouch) expressed support. Council approved unanimously. Public Hearing 6: Second Reading - Amendment to Chapter 9, Article XVII (Mobile Food Establishments) - The original proposal increased permits to 35; Council President Mancini moved to amend to 40 licenses due to high demand. The town solicitor confirmed no need for re-advertising. After closing the hearing, the council approved the amendment as amended (to 40 licenses). Public Hearing 7: Second Reading - Amendment to Chapter 19, Article I, Section 19-6 (Compliance with State Law) - Councilwoman Page read the amendment: it empowers the council to create a tiered tax classification plan under RIGL 44-5-11.8, to be adopted or amended annually as part of the budget. Approved unanimously. Appointment to Quonset Development Corporation Board of Directors - Councilor Katie Anderson resigned; the council debated whether to appoint a council member or a citizen. Councilor McKay advocated for a council seat, citing the importance of direct communication with the town manager. Councilor Brimer initially moved to appoint herself for the remainder of the term (7 months). After discussion, a competing motion was made to appoint Matthew McCoy (a Democrat) to fill the unexpired term of Councilor Anderson. The roll call vote was 3-2 in favor of McCoy: Anderson (yes), Brimer (no), McKay (no), Page (yes), Mancini (yes). Councilors McKay and Brimer voted no, with McKay calling it "one of the worst political votes" and stressing the loss of council engagement. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Budget - The council adopted each fund separately with unanimous votes (roll call not requested except for school fund). Key votes: - General Fund: $37,896,196 - Debt Service Fund: $5,233,655 - Allen Harbor: $418,664 - Golf Course: $1,811,869 - Water Fund: $4,214,516 - Municipal Court Fund: $206,021 - Sewer Fund: $2,606,290 - Transfer Fund: $1,323,381 - Library Fund: $1,601,414 - School Fund (town portion): $68,542,231 (57,273,515 from town; 11,269,716 state aid) — a 2.5% increase in town funding; state aid increase was virtually zero (0.15%) - School Capital Fund: $500,000 (town manager's proposed contribution) - Total community budget: $124,354,637 - Also approved $250,000 from undesignated fund balance to supplement the FY23 general fund budget (third year of plan) - Final school enterprise funds and restricted funds budgets were adopted. - Discussion included town manager's report on utility work, road projects, recreation department awards, and an update on Eversource offshore wind farm tax agreement. - Council President Mancini noted the budget strikes a balance given inflation and revaluation. Key Outcomes - Public Hearing 5: Approved renewal of licenses for Wickford Tavern (Duffy's Tavern) unanimously. - Public Hearing 6: Approved amendment to Chapter 9 increasing mobile food establishment permits to 40 (amended from 35). - Public Hearing 7: Approved amendment to Chapter 19 enabling a tiered tax classification plan. - QDC Board Appointment: Matthew McCoy appointed to fill the unexpired term of Councilor Anderson (vote 3-2). - FY2022/2023 Budget: Adopted all funds as presented, including a $250,000 draw from undesignated fund balance, with no property tax increase stated for town side (school portion has a 2.5% increase in town funding). - Consent Agenda: Approved all items 9-25 without separate discussion. - Correspondence: Read by Councilor Brimer, including concerns about the Wickford L appeal litigation; town manager expressed concern that delays could jeopardize the project, and solicitor noted a decision from the court likely in fall 2022.

The North Kingstown Town Council held a public hearing on the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2022-2023. The hearing was divided into two parts: the town municipal budget (starting at 6:30 PM) and the school budget (starting at 7:00 PM). Town Manager Ralph Mollis presented the municipal budget, and School Committee Chairman Gregory Blasbalg and Interim Superintendent Michael Waterman presented the school budget. The council heard public testimony on both portions. No votes were taken; the council will deliberate and vote on the final budget at the next meeting on April 25, 2022. Public Comments & Testimony Town Budget Portion - Richard Welch (8 R. O. Lane) asked about the homestead exemption (5% of valuation), questioned the slow sale of surplus town properties, urged the use of federal infrastructure money for Post Road sewers, and inquired about the town's solar projects. He expressed support for expediting these initiatives. - Ricky Thompson (194 Plain Road) thanked the town manager and posed five questions: why the Ocean State Job Lot PILOT decreased, why a 10% increase in water meter sales, what the total water department surplus is, why a 17% increase in sewer allocation costs, and whether the 2022 budget surplus could be returned to taxpayers via a tax rate reduction. Town Manager Mollis answered three of the five and promised to follow up on the water questions. Thompson expressed concern about surplus exceeding the 15% fund cap and advocated for returning surplus to taxpayers. School Budget Portion - Richard August (Apple Tree Court) urged the school committee to consider the burden on taxpayers, noting that the total real estate taxes from 19 houses ($96,099) do not cover the salary and benefits of a single top-step teacher. He called for restraint in contract negotiations. - John Kingston (116 High Bank Avenue) called for a forensic audit of the school system, citing the fallout from the Aaron Thomas investigation, recent resignations, and concerns about school committee spending on DEI programs, equity audits, and materials he deemed inappropriate. - Richard Welch (second appearance) supported the call for a forensic audit, questioned the cost of the Phase 2 legal report (after $15,400 for Phase 1), and urged the council to apply the school department's surplus to reduce their budget request rather than adding it to reserves. - Brian O'Dell (152 Salisbury Avenue) criticized the school department for having a $5.87 million operating surplus and $6.2 million in ESSER funds while teachers begged for supplies. He noted the town finance director was locked out of the school's software, questioned the $450,000 mental health contract for only 30 students, and opposed the $73,000 equity audit. He asked the council to scrutinize the school budget. - Tiffany McLeod (170 Brookhaven Road) expressed frustration with the school committee, citing requests for basic supplies, potholes in the pickup lane, and the hiring of a police detail for an LGBTQ book fair despite a committee member advocating to defund the police. She criticized the $50,000 raise for Mary King, who she said joked about not knowing safety policies amid a sexual abuse scandal. - Megan Riley (15 Eden Court) described her own experience of being escorted out of a policy subcommittee meeting after asking to meet with employees who had disparaged her. She alleged a pattern of retaliation by the school district, referencing the Aaron Thomas whistleblowers and a judge's finding of retaliation against a parent for advocating for a special needs child. - Kathleen Garino (139 Summit View Lane) fully supported the school budget and expressed confidence in the legal process addressing the Aaron Thomas case. She called for an end to divisiveness and hatred, and thanked the school staff. - Suzanne Tingley (750 Hatchery Road) urged rejection of the proposed school budget, noting it was not supported by the former superintendent or the school committee chairman. She raised concerns about last-minute additions, future structural deficits, expiring ESSER funds, and the push for curricula she described as politicized and sexualized, including specific books and an equity audit. - Kim Lanaway (47 Sylvan Court) said she and many residents are financially strained by inflation and high taxes. She argued the school department should use its surplus to avoid any tax increase, and that the focus should be on core academic recovery rather than extras. - Jim McGuinn (412 Chimney Rock) described difficulty obtaining school budget data from the school department, receiving a 500-page ream of paper instead of an Excel file, and later a password-protected file. He criticized the $600/day stipend for Mary King and questioned why the town finance director is locked out of the school's general ledger, calling the wall of secrecy a breeding ground for abuse. - Ricky Thompson (second round) urged the town and school to adopt lean initiatives to achieve savings, noting that prior suggestions for joint efforts had not been pursued. Discussion Items - Town Manager's Presentation: Ralph Mollis summarized the proposed FY2022-2023 budget of $113,787,282, a 2.36% increase. Breakdown: 60.7% schools, 18.5% police/fire/dispatch, 14.8% other services, 4.6% debt service, 1.4% library. Highlights included $750,000 for road repaving, a teen summer camp, HR division, EV charging stations, website refresh, and full funding of the fire department's four-platoon system. He proposed a 5% homestead exemption, projecting a tax rate of $14.12 per thousand, a 19% decrease. He noted the fund balance reached $18 million, with an unrestricted balance of $12.8 million, and the town received a AA+ rating from S&P Global. - School Committee Presentation: Chairman Gregory Blasbalg and Interim Superintendent Michael Waterman presented a budget request reflecting a 3.86% increase in town allocation. They cited learning loss, mental health needs, inflation, and aging buildings. The school department noted a $492,173 difference between their request and the town manager's proposed allocation of $68,542,225 plus $500,000 for capital. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken. The public hearing was closed. - The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 25, 2022, where the town council will deliberate and vote on the final budget. - The council will consider public testimony and the school committee's budget request before adopting the final budget.

The North Kingstown Planning Commission convened on April 5, 2022 at 7:30 PM to discuss multiple subdivision and development proposals. Due to a corrupted or unintelligible audio transcription, no details on public testimony, discussion, or votes are available beyond the agenda items. General Business - Public Informational Meeting: Sanctuary Estates – A master plan application by Saunderstown Properties, LLC for a 16-lot major subdivision at 309 North Quidnessett Road (Plat 160, Lots 91 & 92). The agenda included a staff report, fiscal impact analysis, and various Technical Review Committee (TRC) comments from engineering, fire, water, building, police, school, and tax departments. - Preliminary Plan – RHC Properties LLC – A 2-lot minor subdivision on Lot 91 at the same address. - Preliminary Plan – Saunderstown Properties LLC – A 2-lot minor subdivision on Lot 92 at the same address. - Master Plan – Caldwell Affordable Housing – A comprehensive permit project for low- and moderate-income housing (duplex) at 289 Essex Road (Plat 158, Lot 21). A continuance was requested by the applicant per the agenda. Key Outcomes No outcomes or votes can be determined from the available transcript. The meeting adjourned per the agenda.

The North Kingstown Planning Commission held a meeting on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at 7:30 PM in the Municipal Offices Court Room. The agenda included several items related to subdivision approvals, development plan reviews, and bond reductions. Due to the unavailability of a reliable transcript or minutes, this summary is based solely on the agenda and cannot reflect actual discussion outcomes, votes, or public testimony. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was listed on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony are recorded in the agenda or available transcript. Discussion Items - 3.a Surety Reduction: Dusty Hollow – Discussion and possible action on a bond reduction for the Dusty Hollow subdivision, with supporting memoranda attached. - 3.b Construction Cost Estimate: Tide Mill North – Review of cost estimate documentation. - 3.c Preliminary Plan Public Hearing: Carriage Hill Farm – Application of Alpha Holdings LLC for a 3-lot minor subdivision at 2860 Tower Hill Road in the Rural Residential (RR) zone. A public hearing was scheduled. - 3.d Development Plan Review: Langford Estates Phase II – Application of Valley Affordable Housing Corp to construct a 40-unit senior affordable housing building (42,000 sq. ft.) with parking and utilities off Driftwood Lane, in the Post Road district. Staff reports and supporting documents were listed. - 3.e Discussion: Potential Major Modification to Harbor View Final Approved Plan – Discussion regarding a proposed modification to the previously approved plan for property off Bowline Drive, including an engineering memo and attachments. - 3.f Development Plan Review: Easy Stay LLC (continued from February 1) – Application for a Quonset hut addition at 7255 Post Road, with DOT rent invoices included. - 3.g Recommendation to Zoning Board of Review: Easy Stay LLC (continued from February 1) – Request for a dimensional variance from minimum lot area requirements for a hotel/motel in the Post Road zone. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions are recorded in the available materials. The agenda indicates these were discussion items, with a public hearing scheduled for item 3.c and continuations noted for 3.f and 3.g. Adjournment was scheduled after approval of minutes from March 15, 2022. Note: The raw transcript provided contained only garbled text and could not be used to extract discussion details, speaker positions, or vote tallies. The summary reflects only the agenda content.

The Planning Commission met on March 15, 2022, at 7:30 PM in the Municipal Offices Court Room. The primary agenda item was a preliminary plan public hearing for a proposed 3-lot minor subdivision (Carriage Hill Farm) at 2860 Tower Hill Road. The available transcript is largely garbled and incoherent, limiting the ability to extract detailed discussion or decisions. Discussion Items - Preliminary Plan Public Hearing – Carriage Hill Farm (Alpha Holdings LLC): The application proposes a 3-lot minor subdivision in the Rural Residential (RR) zone. The agenda included numerous supporting documents (staff reports, waiver request, CRMC permit, RIDOT approval, etc.). Based on the fragmented transcript, the commission appeared to discuss technical aspects such as circulation, fire department requirements, parking, and stormwater systems. However, no coherent positions or specific proposals were identifiable. Key Outcomes - No clear vote or decision is recorded in the available transcript. The meeting may have continued the hearing or deferred action, but the transcript does not provide a definitive outcome. - The transcript suggests that additional details or final application documents may be required, but this cannot be confirmed. Note: This summary is based on a severely garbled transcript. For accurate details, please refer to the official meeting minutes or recording.

The North Kingstown Planning Commission met on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in the Municipal Offices Court Room at 100 Fairway Drive, North Kingstown, RI. The agenda listed a 7:30 PM start; the meeting occurrence metadata records the meeting timestamp as 12:45 UTC. The agenda included two Citizens Bank signage matters (a design-standard waiver and a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Review), a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2020 review, and approval of the December 21, 2021 minutes. The available transcript is heavily garbled, so the following summary reflects the agenda and general discussion themes rather than verbatim statements or formal votes. Citizens Bank Sign Waiver and Zoning Recommendation The Planning Commission considered a request from Citizens Bank, NA, for property at 100 Frenchtown Road, North Kingstown, AP 177 Lot 031, zoned Post Road District (PR) and located in the Groundwater Protection Area Zone 1. The applicant sought a waiver from the signage design standards in Article 14.3.13(6) Signage to erect a single-pole style freestanding sign. The Commission also had before it a related application for a dimensional variance from Article X, Section 21-249 (Requirements by Zone and Type of Sign) to recommend to the Zoning Board of Review. Discussion captured in the transcript focused on the sign's size, colors, design, and its relationship to the Commission's standard sign design. No clear motion or vote is discernible from the available audio-to-text record. CDBG Program Year 2020 Review The agenda included a Planning Commission review of the CDBG Program Year 2020 report, but the garbled transcript contains no substantive discussion of this item. Minutes and Adjournment The Commission had the December 21, 2021 draft minutes on its agenda for approval. The meeting ended with adjournment; no other actions are identifiable from the transcript. Key Outcomes No explicit vote or formal decision can be confirmed from the transcript. The signage waiver and dimensional variance recommendation to the Zoning Board of Review were the central items under consideration. The December 21, 2021 draft minutes were listed for approval on the agenda.

The North Kingstown Planning Commission met on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, to consider several items including a pre‑application minor subdivision, master plan reviews and zoning board recommendations for the Schoolhouse and Olde Theater condominium projects, and zoning text amendments for the Wickford Junction District. The commission voted on multiple variances and forwarded positive recommendations to the Town Council and Zoning Board of Review. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were identified. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded in the transcript. Discussion Items - Pre‑application (3a): The commission reviewed a minor subdivision application by the Town of North Kingstown for three lots at 99 Phillips Street and 100 Boone Street. Discussion focused on lot configuration, library access, and property line cleanup. No decision was reached; the item was continued from the December 7, 2021 meeting. - Schoolhouse Condominiums (3b) & Olde Theater Condominiums (3d): The architect explained that the Schoolhouse project increases cubic footage by only 2,067 cubic feet (a 4.4% increase) but gross square footage increases by 26,381 square feet (79%) because the design works within the existing footprint and uses the roof volume to add units. The commission supported preserving the historic character and accepted the design approach. For both projects, the commission discussed the need to disclose future development potential on the site in condominium offering statements to protect buyers. - Zoning Text Amendments for Wickford Junction (3f & 3g): Staff proposed amending Section 21-96(c)(1) and Table 2B to increase the maximum building height from 38 to 50 feet and stories from three to four, with a footnote allowing greater height with affordable housing or TOD bonuses. Commissioners debated whether to set the height at 50 feet to allow for rooftop mechanical equipment and solar panels without requiring a variance. A consensus was reached to recommend approval to the Town Council. - Groundwater Recharge Overlay (3h): Brief discussion occurred but no decision was noted. Key Outcomes - Zoning Amendments (3f & 3g): The commission voted to send a positive recommendation to the Town Council for amending the Wickford Junction District height and story regulations (50 feet, 4 stories) and related Table 2B changes. - Schoolhouse Condominiums – Recommendations to ZBR (3c): The commission voted on six individual variance requests and forwarded a positive recommendation. The votes were as follows: 1. Special use permit for increased gross floor area beyond 4,000 sq. ft. (5-1 in favor) 2. Dimensional variance for existing building footprint of 11,063 sq. ft. (5-1) 3. Dimensional variance for 13.39 ft height increase (6-0) 4. Dimensional variance for two additional stories (5-1) 5. Dimensional variance for 22.32 ft height on 1940 addition (5-1) 6. Variance from off‑street parking requirements (5-1) - Olde Theater Condominiums – Recommendations to ZBR (3e): The commission voted on seven individual variance requests and forwarded a positive recommendation. The votes were: 1. Special use permit for increased square footage (5-1) 2. Dimensional variance for footprint (6-0) 3. Dimensional variance for building height increase of approximately 3 ft (6-0) 4. Dimensional variance for rear setback to residential district (29.9 ft variance) (6-0) 5. Variance related to existing nonconforming conditions (6-0) 6. Dimensional variance for parking calculations (6-0) 7. Dimensional variance for front setback (16 ft instead of required setback) (6-0) - Minutes (4a): The minutes of November 30, 2021 were approved. - The meeting adjourned following the votes.

This meeting of the North Kingstown Planning Commission focused on two related proposals for the Wickford Junction district: a zoning text amendment and a major land development master plan for a 152-unit apartment complex (Wickford Junction Apartments) at 1130 Ten Rod Road. The commission heard presentations from the applicant’s team and discussed traffic, wastewater treatment, and design issues. No public testimony was recorded. The commission did not take a final vote on either item but directed staff to continue working with the applicant on outstanding concerns. Discussion Items - Zoning Text Amendment (Application of WJ Apts, LLC): The proposal sought to amend Section 21-96(c)(1) of the North Kingstown Zoning Ordinance to adjust specific requirements for residential use in the Wickford Junction district. Staff and commissioners discussed the amendment’s purpose and relationship to the master plan. - Master Plan – Wickford Junction Apartments: The application proposed a 152-unit major land development in the Wickford Junction (WJ) zone and Groundwater Two (GW2) overlay zone. Presentation covered: - Traffic Impact: Estimated 55 total trips per day, with 14 trips in the peak hour. A traffic impact analysis was reviewed, and recommendations for improvements at the site access and adjacent intersection were noted. - Wastewater Treatment: The project would connect to an existing on-site wastewater treatment system originally designed for a different use. Concerns were raised by commissioners about the system’s age, capacity (described as 3,460 gallons per day), and reliability. The applicant’s engineer outlined plans to upgrade the system’s controls and components, and argued that a functional solution is achievable through town collaboration. - Commissioner Concerns: Several commissioners expressed skepticism about the wastewater system’s ability to handle the new development, citing past performance failures and environmental risks to a nearby reservoir (noted as approximately 114 feet from the site). They stressed that the system must meet code limitations and that ongoing monitoring would be essential. Discussion also touched on building height (three to four stories) and sidewalk connectivity. - Design Flexibility: The applicant requested flexibility to allow for up to two additional stories or design modifications, which the commission indicated would require further review. Key Outcomes - No motions were made or votes taken on either the zoning amendment or the master plan. - The Planning Commission directed staff to continue discussions with the applicant regarding: - Verification that the wastewater treatment system can reliably meet discharge limits. - Traffic impact mitigation measures, including potential intersection improvements. - Design details such as building height and sidewalk connections. - The item is expected to return to the commission for further consideration after additional analysis and revisions.

The North Kingstown Planning Commission met on December 7, 2021, at 7:30 PM in the Municipal Offices Court Room. The meeting covered several land development and subdivision applications, including a comprehensive permit for affordable housing, two condominium projects, and a minor subdivision. Due to the poor quality of the available transcript, specific discussion details, public comments, and votes could not be reliably extracted. Discussion Items - 3.a Pinewood Village Comprehensive Permit: Continued from meetings on September 7, November 16, and November 30, 2021, the application of Pinewood Village, LLC for an 88-unit low- and moderate-income housing project at 50 South County Trail (Plat 102, Lots 6, 8, 25) in the CVD and GW2 overlay zones. The commission held an informational hearing and decision. - 3.b Schoolhouse Condominiums at Academy Cove: Application of Wickford Schoolhouse LLC for a 39-unit land development at 99 Phillips Street (AP 116, Lot 109) in the Wickford Village Center zone. An informational hearing was held. - 3.c Recommendation to Zoning Board of Review: Placeholder for the Schoolhouse Condominiums project regarding height determination and other zoning matters. - 3.d Olde Theater Condominiums: Application of Wickford Schoolhouse LLC for an 18-unit land development at 84 & 90 Phillips Street (AP 92, Lots 40 & 41) in the Wickford Village Center zone. An informational hearing was held. - 3.e Recommendation to Zoning Board of Review: Placeholder for the Olde Theater Condominiums project regarding height determination and other zoning matters. - 3.f Pre-application: Application of the Town of North Kingstown for a 3-lot minor subdivision at 99 Phillips Street and 100 Boone Street (AP 116, Lots 23 and 109) in the Wickford Village Center and Public zones. - 3.g Request to Waive Site Visit Requirement: For the above minor subdivision application, per Section 5.3.4d of the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations. Minutes - The commission considered the approval of the November 16, 2021 meeting minutes, but no action is recorded in the available transcript. Adjournment The meeting adjourned after the above items were addressed. No specific time of adjournment is available.