Smithfield public meetings in 2020
44 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council is holding a special virtual meeting with one substantive item: considering, discussing, and acting upon a licensing agreement with the RI Department of Health to use property at 47 Farnum Pike as a COVID testing and potential vaccination site. The rest of the agenda is procedural (call to order and adjournment).
- Licensing agreement with RI Department of Health for COVID testing and potential vaccination site
- Property located at 47 Farnum Pike
Planning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Planning Board held a virtual meeting on December 17, 2020, approving several major land development projects. The board approved a minor subdivision at 453 Farnum Pike, a master plan for Rubius Therapeutics at 30 Hanton City Road, a revised solar project at Log Road, and a combined master/preliminary plan for C.N. Wood Co. at 1 Reservoir Road. All votes were unanimous, and the board delegated written decisions to the Town Planner.
- Approved minor subdivision and barn conversion at 453 Farnum Pike (AP 49/Lot 180) with positive recommendation for zoning relief
- Approved Rubius Therapeutics master plan for 174,000 sq ft building at 30 Hanton City Road (AP 49/Lot 78)
- Approved Log Road Solar revised master plan for 8 MW solar array on 145 acres at 512 Log Road and 175 Tarkiln Road
- Approved C.N. Wood Co. combined master/preliminary plan at 1 Reservoir Road (AP 48/Lot 34) with stormwater improvements
- All approvals conditioned on zoning board relief and other permits
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council will meet virtually to consider several appointments, public hearings, and new business items. Key actions include adopting an emergency ordinance related to COVID-19, awarding bids for first responder gear and sewer work, and approving a change order for the School Department's capital project. The agenda also includes routine license renewals and tax abatements.
- Adoption of Emergency Ordinance 2020-10 declaring a COVID-19 emergency
- Bid award for first responder ballistic protective gear
- Bid award for sewer connection and grinder pump at Log Road Fire Station
- Change order #4 to Ahlborg Construction for School Department capital project, up to $2,384,371
- Tax abatements totaling $7,678.81
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council is holding a virtual work session to discuss setting its goals, objectives, and initiatives, and to discuss updating its Rules of Procedure. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to discussion items and adjournment.
- Discussion on setting Town Council goals, objectives and initiatives
- Discussion on updating the Town Council Rules of Procedure
Zoning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met virtually and voted on three zoning requests. All three requests were denied unanimously (5-0), including variances for a home addition, a special use permit for a tattoo parlor, and a special use permit for a restaurant with a drive-thru. The board also approved the minutes from the previous meeting and the 2021 meeting schedule.
- Denied variances for an addition at 25 Greenlake Drive (Plat 5, Lot 72)
- Denied special use permit for a tattoo parlor at 16 Cedar Swamp Road (Plat 43, Lot 105)
- Denied special use permit for a restaurant with drive-thru at 665 Douglas Pike (Plat 45, Lot 181)
- Approved November 4, 2020 meeting minutes as amended
- Approved 2021 meeting schedule
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council will elect a president and vice president, approve minutes, and make appointments. The council will hold public hearings on a tax agreement with Bay Crane, Inc., and on renewing numerous liquor and victualling licenses. It will also consider several purchases, including a police pickup truck and a fire truck, and discuss resolutions related to COVID-19 state assistance.
- Public hearing on tax agreement with Bay Crane, Inc.
- Renewal of intoxicating beverage licenses for 2020-2021
- Purchase of 2021 Ford F-150 police pickup for $30,058.30
- Purchase of 2001 E-One 95' Tower Ladder fire truck for $120,000 plus up to $20,000
- Resolution urging Governor to release $150 million in CARES Act funds to small businesses
Town Council Mtg.
This is a procedural meeting with no substantive decisions or discussions on the agenda. The Town Council will consider approving the minutes from its October 22, 2020 executive session and open session special meeting, then adjourn.
- Approval of October 22, 2020 executive session minutes
- Approval of October 22, 2020 open session special meeting minutes
Planning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Planning Board held a public hearing and approved the master plan for Georgiaville Place, a comprehensive permit application to raze a single-family home at 95 Farnum Pike and build 9 multi-family units, including 5 low-to-moderate-income units. The board also approved a master plan extension for the Village at Stillwater, continued a preliminary plan review for 453 Farnum Pike, and approved final plans for Cedar Forest and bond release recommendations for Tameo Lane and Carltons Trail.
- Approved Georgiaville Place master plan with waivers, conditions for privacy landscaping and building design (95 Farnum Pike, 9 units, 5 LMI)
- Granted one-year extension of Village at Stillwater master plan approval (80 acres, PCD/EGO zone)
- Continued preliminary plan review for 453 Farnum Pike (historic barn conversion to 3 units) to Dec 17, 2020
- Approved Cedar Forest final plan (22.85 acres, R-80) with conditions including 9.4 acres open space
- Recommended bond release and acceptance of Tameo Lane improvements with $6,300 maintenance bond
Zoning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met virtually and approved minutes from two prior meetings. The board voted 2-3 to deny a variance request by Carlo and Barbara Conti to subdivide their property at 47 Swan Road in an R-80 district, failing to meet the required dimensional regulations.
- Approved September 2, 2020 minutes as amended (5-0)
- Approved October 14, 2020 minutes as amended (5-0)
- Denied variance for subdivision at 47 Swan Road (Plat 46, Lot 5) in R-80 district (2-3)
Planning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Planning Board held a virtual special meeting to discuss amendments to the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Community Plan. The board reviewed proposed strategies for low and moderate-income housing, including changes to density bonuses and planned development zones. Additionally, the board received a legal status update on the Sand Trace declaratory judgment action.
- Proposed update to Article 12 of the Zoning Ordinance to establish performance standards for low and moderate-income housing siting.
- Proposal to increase allowed dwelling units per building in Planned Development zones from 4 to 16 units.
- Proposal to eliminate the requirement that each dwelling unit have at least two sides with full exposure.
- Discussion of zone changes for multi-family housing at 2 Esmond Street, 379 and 385 Douglas Pike, and Fourth Street.
- Solicitor reported that the Sand Trace Phase 1, 2, and 3 declaratory judgment actions were dismissed and are pending appeal.
Planning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Planning Board held a virtual meeting on October 15, 2020. The board approved a preliminary plan for a minor subdivision at 2 Danecroft Ave, recommended road abandonment of Briarcliff Avenue, and accepted a $235,000 bond for off-site LMI units. The board also reviewed a pre-application for a potential Rubius Therapeutics manufacturing facility and recommended zoning map amendments to the Town Council.
- Approved preliminary plan for Bombardier minor subdivision at 2 Danecroft Ave, recommending road abandonment of Briarcliff Avenue
- Reviewed Rubius Therapeutics pre-application for a future manufacturing facility at 30 Hanton City Road
- Accepted $235,000 bond for construction of 3 off-site LMI units at 5-7 Hill Street
- Recommended zoning map amendments to Town Council based on Comprehensive Plan inconsistencies
- Tabled approval of August and September meeting minutes
Planning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Planning Board approved the Final Plan for Old County Village, a 79-unit comprehensive permit development at 190-192 Old County Road, with conditions including a 6-foot fence, offsite traffic improvements at 80% buildout, and a bond requirement. The board also approved a minor subdivision preliminary plan at 47 Swan Road, recommending a dimensional variance to the Zoning Board. Two other applications, 453 Farnum Pike and Rubius Therapeutics, were continued to the October 15, 2020 meeting at the applicants' request.
- Approved Final Plan for Old County Village, 79 units (22 duplexes, 35 single units) at 190-192 Old County Road, with 20 LMI units
- Approved Preliminary Plan for Conti minor subdivision at 47 Swan Road (AP 46/Lot 5), recommending dimensional variance for lot size
- Continued 453 Farnum Pike preliminary plan (historic barn conversion to 3 units) to October 15, 2020
- Continued Rubius Therapeutics pre-application at 30 Hanton City Road to October 15, 2020
- Approved minutes from July 16 and August 6, 2020 meetings
Zoning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met virtually and approved minutes from August 12, 2020. The board also voted unanimously to approve a variance request from Randy and Betty Gentz for a property at 1 Bayou Drive to build an addition, deviating from dimensional and buffer regulations.
- Approved August 12, 2020 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Approved variance request for 1 Bayou Drive addition (5-0)
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council will hold a virtual meeting on September 1, 2020, starting with an executive session on potential real estate acquisition. The regular agenda includes a public hearing on a liquor license transfer, numerous appointments and reappointments to town boards, and several new business items, including a $1.3 million bridge contract and multiple vehicle purchases. The council will also consider an emergency ordinance related to COVID-19.
- Authorize contract for Esmond Mill Drive Bridge replacement, not to exceed $1,318,415
- Public hearing on transfer of Class B-Victualler Beverage License from Coach's Pub to Lil Duke Pub and Grub at 329 Waterman Avenue
- Purchase three 2020 Ford SUV Police Interceptors, not to exceed $158,690.10
- Authorize amendment #8 to Veolia Water contract for aerated grit removal system, not to exceed $230,861
- Adopt Emergency Ordinance 2020-7 declaring COVID-19 emergency
Town Council Exec. Sess.
The Smithfield Town Council will hold a closed executive session to interview eight specific individuals for possible appointments to a town board or commission. This is the only item on the agenda, and no public action or vote is scheduled.
- Interviews scheduled for Michelle Bettencourt, Minoska Pena, Kate Zimmerman, Ashleigh Gilchrist, Stephanie McCulloch, Joseph Tudino, Louis Catarina, and Russell Potter
- Session is closed to the public under Rhode Island General Laws regarding personnel matters
Planning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Planning Board held a virtual meeting on August 20, 2020, reviewing and voting on several development applications. The board approved preliminary plans for a commercial development at 61 Harris Road, a Chase Bank at 438 Putnam Pike, and a minor subdivision at 71 Elmgrove Ave. A minor subdivision at 2 Danecroft Ave was continued to the next meeting due to legal concerns about a private driveway on town property.
- Approved preliminary plan for commercial development at 61 Harris Road (ARR Retail Development LLC) with entrance only from Harris Road
- Approved preliminary plan for Chase Bank at 438 Putnam Pike (JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.)
- Approved minor subdivision at 71 Elmgrove Ave (Marszalek) with an additional 10,000 square feet for a new lot
- Continued minor subdivision at 2 Danecroft Ave (Bombardier) to September 17, 2020, due to legal concerns about a private driveway
- Tabled approval of July 16, 2020 meeting minutes for revisions
Zoning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met virtually and voted unanimously (5-0) on four land-use requests. They approved an extension for a previously granted resolution at 150 George Washington Highway, a variance for a garage at 5 Menard Lane, a special use permit for retail sales in a barn at 733 Putnam Pike, and a special use permit for a commercial greenhouse at 20 John Mowry Road. All approvals were made with conditions as noted in the resolutions.
- Approved extension of prior resolution for Blue Water Realty LLC & Tristan Development LLC at 150 George Washington Highway (Plat 46/Lot 63).
- Approved variance for Nathan Carr to build a garage at 5 Menard Lane (Plat 49/Lot 241), waiving buffer requirements.
- Approved special use permit for Joseph T. and Gina Marie Polseno to conduct retail sales in an existing barn at 733 Putnam Pike (Plat 1B/Lot 3).
- Approved special use permit for Seven Cedars Farm LLC to construct a commercial greenhouse at 20 John Mowry Road (Plat 46/Lot 349).
- Meeting minutes from July 1, 2020 were approved unanimously.
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council is meeting virtually to consider several new liquor and victualler licenses, schedule public hearings on the 'Tea Lots' property, and act on a USDA grant. The agenda also includes an executive session on litigation with Narragansett Electric and real estate matters. Most other items are routine approvals of minutes and license renewals.
- Public hearings for new beverage licenses: Lola's Lounge (55 Douglas Pike), Northern RI Liquor Warehouse (970 Douglas Pike), Ichiraku Ramen and Fusion (970 Douglas Pike)
- Petition to abandon a portion of Vera Drive
- Scheduling Sept. 15 hearings on Comprehensive Plan and Zoning amendments for 'Tea Lots' (Plat 42, Lot 139; Plat 40, Lots 1-440) at 128 Douglas Pike and Ridge Road
- Accepting USDA Farm to School Implementation Grant of $86,793
- Authorizing painting of East Smithfield Neighborhood Center front facade up to $4,878
Special Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council is holding a virtual special meeting to consider and vote on four construction change directives related to school projects. These directives cover sewer line replacement, curbing revisions, concrete slab repairs, and hazardous materials remediation, with costs ranging from $24,054 to $50,000. The meeting is open to the public.
- Construction Change Directive for sewer line replacement at Old County Road School, not to exceed $25,759
- Construction Change Directive for curbing revisions for the School Construction project, not to exceed $50,000
- Construction Change Directive for concrete slab structural repairs and topping at McCabe Elementary School, not to exceed $24,054
- Construction Change Directive for hazardous materials remediation at McCabe Elementary School, not to exceed $30,000
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council voted unanimously to approve the wording of proposed charter amendment ballot questions for the November 3, 2020 General Election. The council discussed whether there were 19, 20, or 21 questions, with the town clerk and manager directed to research the final count. The meeting also included public comments from Charter Review Commission members and adjourned after the vote.
- Approved resolution for charter amendment ballot questions for Nov. 3, 2020 election
- Discussed discrepancy in number of ballot questions (19 vs 21)
- Public comments from Charter Review Commission members
Town Council Work Sess.
The Smithfield Town Council is holding a work session with the Charter Review Commission to discuss proposed charter amendments. The agenda contains only this discussion item plus meeting opening and adjournment, with no specific amendment details listed.
- Discussion between Town Council and Charter Review Commission on proposed charter amendments
Budget Hearing
The Smithfield Town Council is holding a work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget. This is a discussion item only, with no formal votes or decisions listed on the agenda. The meeting will be held remotely via GoToMeeting.
- Discussion of Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget
Budget Work Sess.
The Smithfield Town Council held a budget work session to discuss departmental budget requests for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. The proposed budget includes no tax rate increase, maintains level funding for schools, and increases the veteran's tax exemption. The council reviewed revenue and expenditure details, including debt service increases and the impact of COVID-19 on revenues.
- No tax rate increase for FY2021
- Debt service increased by $653,880 for Elementary School Reconfiguration Project and capital improvements
- Veteran's tax exemption increases from $8,000 to $10,000
- Board of Canvassers budget increased by $32,000 for elections
- Post-Employment Benefits Trust contribution maintained at $250,000
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council is meeting virtually to consider several items, including adopting an emergency ordinance related to COVID-19, authorizing a contract with GZA GeoEnvironmental for FEMA reimbursement management, and approving licenses for local businesses. The agenda also includes appointments to the Fire Department Building Committee and a bid award for school transportation services.
- Adoption of Emergency Ordinance 2020-6 declaring a COVID-19 emergency
- Contract with GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. up to $10,000 for FEMA reimbursement management
- New Sidewalk Sales License for Blackbird Farm at 122 Limerock Road
- New Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses for Juice Bar & Co. at 266 Putnam Pike
- Bid award for student transportation services for the School Department
Zoning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met virtually and unanimously approved four requests: a special use permit and variances for a bank with drive-thru at 438 Putnam Pike, a variance to build a single-family home in an Industrial district at 167 George Washington Highway, variances for an addition at 34 Cedar Swamp Road, and variances with conditions for signage at 473 Putnam Pike. All votes were 5-0.
- Approved special use permit and variances for Core States Group/J.P.M. Chase Bank to construct a bank at 438 Putnam Pike (Plat 37/Lot 19A)
- Approved variance for Joelle and Kevin Fournier to build a single-family home at 167 George Washington Highway (Plat 46/Lot 91)
- Approved variances for Nancy Santopadre to construct an addition at 34 Cedar Swamp Road (Plat 43/Lot 15A)
- Approved variances with conditions for CGRI Greenville LLC to install signage at 473 Putnam Pike (Plat 43/Lot 85)
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council is holding a joint meeting with the Charter Review Commission to discuss and act on scheduling a public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget (tentatively July 21, 2020) and a public hearing on proposed charter amendments (tentatively July 22, 2020). The council will also discuss the proposed charter amendments with the commission. No final decisions on the budget or charter changes are being made at this meeting.
- Schedule public hearing and budget adoption for FY2021 Budget on July 21, 2020
- Schedule public hearing on proposed charter amendments for July 22, 2020
- Discussion between Town Council and Charter Review Commission on proposed charter amendments
Planning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Planning Board held a virtual meeting on June 18, 2020, reviewing three major land development projects. The board continued the Earl Grey Estates master plan review to a future date after a public hearing, granted master plan approval for a commercial building at 61 Harris Road, and approved a plan amendment for a Chase Bank at 438 Putnam Pike. The meeting was procedural, with no final decisions made on the Earl Grey Estates project.
- Earl Grey Estates: 140 condominiums (23 affordable) and 35,000 sq ft commercial building on 43.4 acres at Douglas Pike & Ridge Road
- Earl Grey Estates: Continued to July 16, 2020 meeting; site visit scheduled for July 11, 2020
- 61 Harris Road: 5,000 sq ft retail building approved with conditions (driveway alignment, screening, fencing)
- Chase Bank at 438 Putnam Pike: Master plan amendment approved for access alignment
- All votes were unanimous
Zoning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met virtually and approved several zoning requests, including a drive-thru restaurant at 945 Douglas Pike, a dance studio at 655 Douglas Pike, a solar project extension at 512 Log Road, and a variance for an addition at 27 Beverly Circle. Two applications were continued to the July 1, 2020 meeting: a bank at 438 Putnam Pike and a single-family home at 167 George Washington Highway.
- Approved special use permits and variances for a drive-thru restaurant at 945 Douglas Pike (Colbea Enterprises, LLC)
- Approved special use permit for a dance studio at 655 Douglas Pike (Pietzak Realty, LLC / ARR Retail Development, LLC)
- Approved one-year extension for solar project at 512 Log Road (ISM Solar Development, LLC)
- Approved buffer variance for an addition at 27 Beverly Circle (George and Debra Hetu)
- Continued bank application at 438 Putnam Pike (Core States Group / J.P.M. Chase Bank) to July 1, 2020
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council will hold a virtual meeting to consider approving design scope additions and an independent material testing company for the Elementary Schools Reconfiguration Project, as recommended by the School Building Committee. The council will also vote on temporary expansions of liquor licenses for three local restaurants. No other substantive items are on the agenda.
- Authorize design scope additions for Elementary Schools Reconfiguration Project
- Authorize independent material testing company for Elementary Schools Reconfiguration Project
- Approve temporary expansion of Class B-Victualling and Class B-V Limited licenses for Guiseppe's (19 Smith Avenue), Kountry Kitchen (10 Smith Avenue), and Parente's Restaurant (1114 Douglas Pike)
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council is meeting virtually to consider routine approvals and several infrastructure contracts. They will hold a public hearing on adopting a Youth Council ordinance, renew licenses, and authorize funds for bridge and sewer projects. The meeting includes no presentations or old business.
- Public hearing to adopt Chapter 103, 'Smithfield Youth Council' ordinance
- Authorize RFP for Esmond Mill Drive Bridge Replacement
- Contract amendment #2 with Green International Affiliates, up to $81,914.17 for bridge project
- Contract amendment #7 with Veolia Water, up to $34,813 for sewer force main design
- Task Order 2019-14 with CDM-Smith, up to $15,000 for RIPDES permit review
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council will hold a virtual meeting to consider routine items, including the annual renewal of holiday sales, massage therapy, and massage establishment licenses. The council will also discuss requests for proposals for school boiler cleaning, tennis court repairs, snow removal, and a bid award for group life insurance. No public hearings or old business are scheduled.
- Renewal of 8 Holiday Sales Licenses, including Cox, Home Depot, Kohl's, AT&T, Oasis Spa, Staples, Kay Jewelers, and The Barre and Yoga Experience
- Renewal of 4 Massage Therapy Licenses and 2 Massage Establishment Licenses
- Request for proposals for School Department boiler cleaning
- Request for proposals for High School Tennis Court repairs
- Request for proposals for School Department snow removal and bid award for group life insurance
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council will hold a virtual meeting on April 7, 2020, with a public hearing continued on multiple zoning ordinance amendments, including definitions, nonconforming lots, use tables, inclusionary zoning, and mixed-use requirements. The council will also consider a $32,450,000 bid award for School Department Capital Improvement Projects, a $32,500 design services bid for the Public Works Building Renovations Project, and a $14,915 contract for water storage tank evaluation.
- Continue public hearing on zoning ordinance amendments (Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) covering definitions, nonconforming lots, uses, dimensional regs, inclusionary zoning, mixed-use, and unsuitable land
- Bid award for general contractor: $32,450,000 for School Department Capital Improvement Projects
- Bid award for design services: $32,500 for Department of Public Works Building Renovations Project
- Authorize contract with Pare Engineering: $14,915 for Burlingame Water Storage Tank evaluation
- Approve annual renewal of 14 Holiday Sales Licenses (e.g., Target, Walgreens, Cumberland Farms, Verizon)
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council will meet via teleconference to consider an emergency ordinance declaring a COVID-19 emergency, authorize a request for proposals for Town Hall exterior repairs, and vote on several licenses and appointments. The agenda also includes a public hearing on adopting a Youth Council ordinance and resolutions supporting the 2020 Census and a site readiness bond.
- Emergency ordinance declaring a COVID-19 emergency (New Business A)
- Authorize RFP for exterior repair and painting of Town Hall (New Business B)
- Public hearing to adopt Chapter 103 'Smithfield Youth Council' ordinance (VII.A)
- Renew 17 Holiday Sales Licenses, including Loft #734, Barnes & Noble #2082, Dollar Tree #4432, Stop & Shop #705 (VIII.A)
- Approve 6 One-Day Special Event Licenses for Seven Cedars Farm, 20 John Mowry Road (VIII.B-F)
CANCELLED Mar. 17, 2020 - Town Council Mtg.
This Town Council meeting was cancelled, so no official decisions or discussions took place. The agenda had included items such as appointments, a public hearing on a youth council ordinance, license renewals, and several resolutions, but none were acted upon.
- Cancelled meeting originally scheduled for March 17, 2020
- Proposed appointment to Water Supply Board Advisory Commission
- Public hearing on Chapter 103 'Smithfield Youth Council' ordinance
- Renewal of 17 Holiday Sales Licenses and 1 Bingo License
- Resolution supporting 2020 Census participation
Planning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Planning Board approved the master plan for Phase III of The Sand Trace, a 40-unit moderate-income housing development on 54.95 acres at 8 Mann School Road. The board also approved the final plan for a commercial development at 655 and 665 Douglas Pike and the master plan for a Chase Bank branch at 438 Putnam Pike. These approvals are subject to conditions such as receiving RIDOT permits and adding traffic improvements.
- Approved master plan for The Sand Trace Phase III (40 units) at 8 Mann School Road, conditioned on Phase II approvals.
- Approved final plan for ARR Retail Development at 655 and 665 Douglas Pike, conditioned on RIDOT and wetlands permits.
- Approved master plan for Chase Bank at 438 Putnam Pike, conditioned on Zoning Board of Review approval and curb width reduction.
- Public hearing held for The Sand Trace Phase III with opposition regarding phased development and well impacts.
- Approved February 13, 2020 meeting minutes.
Town Council/School Cte. Jt. Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council and School Committee held a joint work session to discuss the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Emergency Management Director Todd Manni presented on transmission, symptoms, and local preparedness strategies. The group discussed potential school closures, online learning, and community outreach, including a flu clinic and poster distribution. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational.
- COVID-19 briefing by Emergency Management Director Todd Manni
- Discussion of online learning for schools, not yet approved
- Additional flu clinic on March 28, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Plans for informational posters and firefighter distribution
- Pod training for administering injections
Town Council/School Cte. Jt. Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council will hold a public hearing on multiple zoning ordinance amendments, then consider several contracts and purchases, including a $203,440 water tank inspection contract, a $12,840 ice rink repair, and two new town vehicles. The council will also vote on numerous license renewals and appointments, and enter executive session to discuss land acquisition and property disposition.
- Public hearing on zoning ordinance amendments (Articles 2-6)
- $203,440 contract with Thielsch Engineering for water tank inspection
- $12,840 sole source repair for Smithfield Ice Rink
- Purchase of Chevrolet K2500 pickup ($34,229.11) and Equinox SUV ($24,909.60)
- Renewal of 30 holiday sales licenses and other licenses
Zoning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met on February 26, 2020, and approved two variance requests and continued one application. The board approved variances for a subdivision at 13 Pleasant View Avenue and a monument sign at 690 Douglas Pike. A request for a drive-thru restaurant and signage at 945 Douglas Pike was continued to the March 25, 2020 meeting.
- Approved variances for subdivision at 13 Pleasant View Avenue (Plat 07/4B, R-20 district)
- Approved variances for monument sign at 690 Douglas Pike (Plat 46/082B, R-20 district)
- Continued special use permit for drive-thru and signage at 945 Douglas Pike (Plat 46/075-3, Highway Commercial district)
- Approved minutes of January 29, 2020 meeting
Planning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Planning Board approved the Final Plan for the Smithfield Village major land development project at 355 Putnam Pike, with conditions including a monitoring agreement for affordable units and a $17,500 contribution at 60% buildout. The board also continued the Chase Bank master plan review to the next meeting, discussed a minor subdivision for 13 Pleasant View Ave, and reviewed a pre-application for the Earl Grey Estates project.
- Approved Final Plan for Smithfield Village (27 acres, 355 Putnam Pike) with conditions including affordable unit monitoring and $17,500 contribution
- Continued Chase Bank master plan review (438 Putnam Pike) for a 3,500 sq ft branch with drive-thru and ATM
- Approved minor subdivision for 13 Pleasant View Ave (0.92 acres, 2 lots) with recommendation for zoning relief
- Reviewed pre-application for Earl Grey Estates (42 acres, Douglas Pike & Ridge Road) for 139 units including 20 affordable
- Discussed Housing Strategies update with Horsley Witten Group
Town Council/School Cte. Jt. Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council and School Committee are holding a joint work session to discuss town and school projects and initiatives, as well as preliminary budgets for both. They will also consider scheduling quarterly joint work sessions. The meeting is a discussion-focused session with no specific action items listed beyond the scheduling consideration.
- Discussion on Town projects and initiatives
- Discussion on School projects and initiatives
- Discussion on Town and School preliminary budgets
- Consider, discuss, and act upon scheduling quarterly joint work sessions
Town Council/School Cte. Joint Work Shop
The Smithfield Town Council and School Committee held a joint work session to discuss replacing the running track at the Boyle Athletic Complex. They reviewed inspection reports and cost quotes from three companies, discussed the RIDE school construction approval process for potential 35% state reimbursement, and proposed a School Building Committee. No binding votes were taken; the meeting was a discussion only.
- Discussed replacing Smithfield High running track; quotes from Traverse Landscape Architects, Tracklite Systems, and R.A.D. Sports
- Potential 35% RIDE reimbursement for track project; letter of intent submitted
- Proposed School Building Committee membership list; one member to be appointed Feb 4, 2020
- Track may be unusable for spring season; exploring use of Bryant University track
- Council member stated bond issue for athletic complex is not an option
Zoning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met on January 29, 2020, and voted on three cases. They approved a one-year extension for a previously granted resolution for Ed & Matt Equipment Services Inc. at 25 Commerce Street. They denied a motion to accept the withdrawal of a use variance application from C.J. Tree, Inc. for 278 Douglas Pike, meaning the application was not withdrawn. They also approved dimensional variances for Baca Realty, LLC to subdivide two lots into three at 264 Douglas Pike.
- Approved one-year extension of a prior resolution for Ed & Matt Equipment Services Inc., 25 Commerce Street (Plat 37/Lot 32)
- Denied motion to accept withdrawal of C.J. Tree, Inc. use variance application for 278 Douglas Pike (Plat 42/Lot 60)
- Approved dimensional variances for Baca Realty, LLC to subdivide two lots into three at 264 Douglas Pike (Plat 42/Lot 58)
- Approved meeting minutes from August 28, 2019
Planning Board Mtg.
The Smithfield Planning Board approved the master plan for Sand Trace Phase II, a 54.95-acre major land development at 8 Mann School Road and Log Road, with conditions including wider roads and an environmental impact statement. The board also approved a bond reduction for the Deer Run Estates subdivision, allowing the developer to reduce the bond by $115,684. The meeting included approval of prior minutes and a continuation of December 12 minutes due to lack of quorum.
- Approved Sand Trace Phase II master plan with road width changed to 26 feet and 12-foot travel lanes, plus environmental impact statement at preliminary stage
- Approved bond reduction of $115,684 for Deer Run Estates (AP 45/Lot 61, West Farm Road), retaining $233,285 for remaining work
- Approved minutes from December 5, 2019 meeting
- Continued December 12, 2019 minutes to next meeting due to lack of quorum
Town Council Mtg.
The Smithfield Town Council will hold public hearings on amendments to the medical marijuana zoning rules and a $3 million water improvement bond, and will consider renewing several liquor and entertainment licenses. The council will also discuss a letter of intent for school athletic complex renovations, a pension investment advisor bid, an audit contract, and a building official agreement.
- Public hearing on amendments to Zoning Ordinance Article 4.3 and 4.4 regarding Medical Marijuana
- Public hearing on adoption of Chapter 345, Section 2 authorizing up to $3 million in water improvement bonds
- Renewal of liquor licenses for Emma's, Mai Thai Cuisine, and Thirsty Beaver Pub & Grub
- Renewal of entertainment and special dance licenses for Emma's and Thirsty Beaver
- Contract renewal for audit services with Robert J. Civetti, CPA, LLC for $62,800