Warwick Council approves $4.2M landfill agreement and tech upgrades for fire department

In the heart of Warwick City Hall, council members gathered to address pressing municipal issues, from waste management to public safety communications. The meeting, held on April 8, 2025, showcased a blend of fiscal responsibility and community engagement, as officials navigated through a series of bids and agreements aimed at enhancing city services.

One of the key discussions revolved around the landfill agreement, with Public Works Director Christie Moretti proposing a $4.2 million contract for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The council scrutinized last year's expenditures, revealing a staggering $1 million spent on managing contaminated recycling loads. Moretti emphasized the importance of community education on recycling practices to mitigate costs associated with rejected loads, urging council members to communicate guidelines to their constituents.

The fire department also made headlines, requesting an additional $604,392 to upgrade public safety communications equipment, funded largely by a federal grant. Assistant Chief Umben Howard assured the council that the transition to a new dispatch center would be seamless, with no interruption in service. This upgrade is crucial, as the current facility is deemed uninhabitable, highlighting the urgency of modernizing the city’s emergency response capabilities.

In another significant move, the council approved a $230,000 bid for the printing and mailing of water, sewer, and tax bills to D3 Inc., the only bidder with a long-standing relationship with the city. Tax Collector Kyla Jones expressed confidence in the vendor's familiarity with Warwick's needs, ensuring continuity in service.

The meeting also addressed recreational facilities, with a proposal to resurface tennis courts at Warwick's Bridal School for $168,428. This project is part of a larger $500,000 initiative to enhance local sports infrastructure, reflecting the city’s commitment to community wellness and recreation.

As the meeting progressed, the council tackled the sensitive topic of employee contributions to the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) trust. A memorandum of agreement was introduced to clarify contract language, ensuring that contributions are based solely on base salary, excluding longevity. This adjustment is expected to save the city approximately $4,000 in the upcoming fiscal year, a move that sparked discussions about fairness and compensation across municipal contracts.

With a series of motions passed and questions answered, the council concluded the meeting, leaving residents with a clearer understanding of the city’s financial strategies and community initiatives. As Warwick continues to evolve, the commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility remains at the forefront of its governance.