[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6568390,"mediaKeyId","3195369-028e666c9be4506d3154863fc466302c","parentId",3195369,"title","Council discusses Charter Review Committee timeline and amends rules of order procedures","audioSeconds",1034,"startMs",3994000,"endMs",5028000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195369-028e666c9be4506d3154863fc466302c&start=3994&end=5028","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195369-028e666c9be4506d3154863fc466302c/thumbnail_3994000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6568390/North-Smithfield/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Council-discusses-Charter-Review-Committee-timeline-and-amends-rules-of-order-procedures","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568390-e1d8a90dd4da261c897f82a058af3ac1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148440&Signature=PZU80YuBRD7OxPs9g~2LLtpz2DdtWz~xFjbxSvxWNYE66~33mCeXICDDSgRik5nve5WNlBrzHzryF0no9zmca-RXyQnC7JQTtVS0MY57h3oR4iAghMy4maoGeBILWEpNM~pQuCBhMF6oGcWKBUd5YhxEP3e38FxPBFG1IsZz0L26z51~aqEEOaeoMPXh2ZWecBr0~6l8e6pTf9rbHIX6EqR~NHYKcAApyySg1G3jbyvFN4xUFDuyQRZ6E91PAG1X~EvsgAiKRKS5om3nYsKXzjWgUj3OqYQGqZRjxGqYaikv5U2NY4tURuDTuPNeIOBJrqG5QYJFqtBIoRm0sXF2Mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of North Smithfield RI","date","2025-05-06T01:36:05.443Z","article","The North Smithfield Town Council on May 5 discussed the charter review committee
nd approved multiple revisions to its rules of order intended to clarify agenda procedures and notice requirements.

The council scheduled the Charter Review Committee\u000first meeting for May 29 at 6 p.m. and debated the committee's completion date. The proposed timeline the liaison presented called for work to be completed in time to prepare ballot questions for the November 2026 election; some councilors asked for the committee to continue through December 2026 so members could review election results and finalize any remaining tasks.

Councilors also considered administrative and staffing support for the committee and discussed budgeting for clerk or e-code assistance. The administration said it would meet with the committee and recommended staff support be formalized so the committee could obtain document codification help if needed.

Separately, the council approved changes to the town council rules of order: it removed an asterisked cross-reference that had become obsolete; added language requiring that any council member who adds an agenda item provide a description and backup to the town clerk and council president; and added a requirement that a councilor notify the clerk and the council president at least six hours before a meeting if they expect to be absent, by telephone, text or email. Councilors also voted to include a standard note on agendas that the order of items is subject to change.

Why it matters: The CRC schedule determines whether proposed charter amendments can be placed on the November 2026 ballot; the rules changes improve transparency and formalize notice and backup procedures for agenda items.

Meeting context: The council tabled some timing decisions to allow the CRC to meet and provide input; revisions to rules were adopted by motion and roll call.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","NORTH SMITHFIELD TOWN COUNCIL MEETING 5/5/25","oneSentenceSummary","The council scheduled the Charter Review Committee\u000first meeting, debated target dates for deliverables tied to the 2026 ballot, and approved several technical changes to the town council rules of order, including requiring backup be provided to the town clerk and council president.","taxTitle","North Smithfield, Providence County, Rhode Island","taxId",79584,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568395,"Resident urges performance audit of tax and finance departments; town says funds would be needed",115,530000,645000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195369-028e666c9be4506d3154863fc466302c&start=530&end=645","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195369-028e666c9be4506d3154863fc466302c/thumbnail_530000.jpg","/articles/6568395/North-Smithfield/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Resident-urges-performance-audit-of-tax-and-finance-departments-town-says-funds-would-be-needed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568395-41faea46346e7b64c39e6751070a6033/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148440&Signature=W-6r7q0iQc06rp9Z2hrnPTiixDSLnE3AeELOwdjT~UtKtTtEdJMOPtKVu7ixZyYcbmNUdwdVdUFxEWC8YVnIJmEOKidEEapf2A9KOj4JI6~F-P5vlwDjOhpSZgogmXg9jc1VYpAATd7AIknp92sZ--nnYyltvlItatkNlHUQwq7iWZemM8piLMrkKkmzO-p2sW03qtvcqlv-MqDofZGOPCE0tFqtKt~HuueKxFIroP7bxiULOcKk~9jyNPcnyftaWTdDImJ4IiMKwqzcYIMbH9dxX1nJSooPkTxIvZl0j8ga-Er7vsQv0zvtuSpghybDkSpmU1AUF4AFnvFzxlisGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A North Smithfield resident told the Council during public comment that the town should hire an accounting firm to perform a performance audit of the tax department and finance office.

\"The only way you're going to be able to tell... is a performance audit,\" Mike Clifford said, recounting an auditor's presentation at a prior meeting and pressing that a performance audit would identify process and control weaknesses even if it is not a financial statement audit. \"I've been begging this council... to have a performance audit done for years,\" he said, noting recurring issues with abatements and fund balance details.

A councilor asked the town administrator whether the council could explore a performance audit; the Town Administrator said staff would have no objection but emphasized that the council would need to appropriate the money to pay for the audit.

Why it matters: A performance audit would examine processes, controls and efficiency in finance functions and could lead to changes in procedures or internal controls; the council must decide whether to fund such an audit.

Meeting context: The remarks were made during the open public comment portion; the council did not take immediate action but agreed to put the matter on a future agenda if the council chooses to appropriate funds.","A longtime resident called on the council to commission a performance audit of the tax department and finance office, saying recurring problems require an independent review; the town administrator said staff would support an audit if the council appropriates funds.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568400,"Councilor proposes code of conduct; debate centers on professionalism and free-speech concerns",191,1503000,1694000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195369-028e666c9be4506d3154863fc466302c&start=1503&end=1694","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195369-028e666c9be4506d3154863fc466302c/thumbnail_1503000.jpg","/articles/6568400/North-Smithfield/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Councilor-proposes-code-of-conduct-debate-centers-on-professionalism-and-free-speech-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568400-3962d7d49c5316721d47010131216b46/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148440&Signature=NVgxGMq4A-jnmO5oOFFVAwidIIJD8R08r2bddUHNGnqxOZ2FxRKXAYiQRUalFGPeglvkC2drK5M0MyUchEpkxn3VQUtCgI5EE4o4kBg22wvTkLb9qRlaU8IZjpdtRlygv6dpTxN4MTl6iRhz72xaNicyU7ZDjm004grn91-oL8ImlkZOSfFGSHArNpAUW0qWP3yX3yJr~iM0tG6ubeolcWsxho3lHoXQbeQyykIW4J-HxvTWl38t3r-LeWezAifViToKW-eA68w80NsK9sweqUdW4El2Rr01j0xkP270nSXBIr74LQEh7mdu-gA2TVKPnitkxXME2ztRDPEjKujhMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilor Cristofaro on May 5 introduced a draft code of conduct for the town's elected and appointed officials and asked the council to review it at a future meeting.

\"I worked with our town solicitor, to essentially come up with a draft of a code of conduct,\" Cristofaro said, noting she also sought examples from the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns. She said the intent was to reestablish professionalism and to provide standards for officials who represent the town in public and on social media.

Another councilor questioned the motive and legal implications. \"I don't think that's a very good reason to propose a resolution... we're not here to settle scores,\" one speaker said, arguing that a code that carries sanctions could raise First Amendment concerns.

Cristofaro responded that the draft was intended to set professional expectations and that a censure — if included — would not be censorship. She asked colleagues to wait to judge the draft until it is shared in full. Several councilors said a version for review will be presented at the next meeting and that the administration and solicitor had been involved in drafting.

Why it matters: The proposed code would govern conduct of officials and appointed members; how it balances professional standards and free-speech protections will determine whether it becomes policy.

Meeting context: The item was introduced as an update and discussion; councilors asked for a draft for the next meeting for further review.","Councilor Cristofaro presented a draft code of conduct for elected and appointed officials; other councilors discussed whether the proposal could conflict with First Amendment rights and whether the draft should be circulated for review.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568404,"Resident describes severe nuisance at former Leo—s Auto Parts; zoning officer says owner cited",210,721000,931000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195369-028e666c9be4506d3154863fc466302c&start=721&end=931","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195369-028e666c9be4506d3154863fc466302c/thumbnail_721000.jpg","/articles/6568404/North-Smithfield/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Resident-describes-severe-nuisance-at-former-Leos-Auto-Parts-zoning-officer-says-owner-cited","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568404-a5eba5c36c7dedfbdaa7f0f850cf82ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148440&Signature=hNnLVvEiTJcQ6AsMfivGGqURio1EsXmA3ii1bHcjMMJ8CRVFU5BrCF1s-XLn6mmn2~M~GlUBkx7ChYYGbTFZUY8hfzsVRnCpRw1nul~eboFJ2S2-1zpZGZhhVE9UkVHgLzk8lqDrByoJ9IxW2hRLoAH99yAZvsjTIFaSfE0CAS3oQYJphc69SSgJOEat4u7nPjGPJVeTWrCBqdIoCbduW0bhixL0UUdH20XnC6YyTPGj5aBFhZmTfoz7BUykCz1b18QZBDdDgMgfijOb0jM4sMpUBFlyqTVAztIYsSlvlbPPNnbzP7TrC4WIc-EgLvERzsipQ3eAMM4rAowNv3LtDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A North Smithfield resident told the Town Council on May 5 that a property once known as Leo's Auto Parts has become a severe nuisance, and asked the council to intervene.

\"It's a complete mess back there,\" Carrie Roy said, listing mattresses, sofas, piled tires and unattended vehicles, and saying people had defecated on her property and that vehicles and material were encroaching on her family's land. Roy said the site's hours frequently exceed permitted times and that she had documented conditions with photos and video she provided to town staff.

Town officials responded that the property owner had been cited under the zoning ordinance last week. The town's zoning officer, Leo Cody, was named as a contact for updates. \"They have 10 days to rectify or else they are subject to fines,\" a town staff member told Roy, and later the administrator confirmed the citation included multiple violations: expansion of a nonconforming use, failure to fence the property, and storage of prohibited items.

Roy said she had also contacted state agencies including the Department of Environmental Management and the state building inspector but had received limited response; the town recommended that zoning complaints be routed through the zoning officer and said the police had been notified about after-hours concerns.

Why it matters: The complaint raises public-safety and property-rights concerns and prompted a specific town enforcement action; the town provided a citation and a deadline for correction.

Meeting context: Roy spoke during the open public comment period; town staff reported that citations had already been issued and offered contact information for follow-up.","A resident told the North Smithfield Town Council about debris, extended hours and alleged encroachment at a junkyard once run by her grandfather; the town said zoning citations were issued last week and the owner has 10 days to comply.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568409,"North Smithfield council approves multiple contracts, adopts 2025 hazard mitigation plan",1633,3054000,4687000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195369-028e666c9be4506d3154863fc466302c&start=3054&end=4687","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195369-028e666c9be4506d3154863fc466302c/thumbnail_3054000.jpg","/articles/6568409/North-Smithfield/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/North-Smithfield-council-approves-multiple-contracts-adopts-2025-hazard-mitigation-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568409-d121bf9aba73f8c9e49ea37cd63a0f09/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148440&Signature=f0r9k-T0DZldUosqrpvPORPW3dgZB2svYyiEtzGggPL7dyoD8f6ipXhA1hUFXXmBpn-sqflnmlKy4161SbfYTzVjQR3MUpyTRYVP53dREZuE4Fp6t4tzSFTSZeG1Et5XquExsTPNserEpDR67LqZgwWnEM2rkLjH2vB9u2mJCNwQRunf-fsgv3kwMFyW3GVseYneU4nD9qJqab4K~CrflszaEqMOHmdENbXI~TIQy09pDcPPKipxTmA9FSwtAsUEVhzOSKU2LHMZO3t6WyNLUc4qApesW5lgMSATLG8JC3zQhpL66xrxuJOsZ3yEJqVdwJ-Jfp1c5aLAPj7k-YukdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Smithfield Town Council on May 5 approved a series of contracts and budget actions, and adopted the town'025 North Smithfield Hazard Mitigation and Flood Management Plan, all by roll call vote.

The council approved payment of routine bills and several vendor contracts, including an $8,908.75 invoice to Signal Works and a $16,500 fireworks contract with Central Maine Pyrotechnics for the July 12 display. The council also approved a municipal agreement with Rhode Island Resource Recovery for solid-waste disposal, and accepted a bid of $41,523.56 from Apex Technology Group to replace server infrastructure for Fire and Rescue; the server purchase is 100% reimbursable through a state grant, the chief said.

The council voted to adopt the 2025 Hazard Mitigation and Flood Management Plan, a FEMA- and state-reviewed update that the town says is required to be eligible for post-disaster federal aid. The plan was developed with consultant VHB and a town committee of planning, public works, police, fire and emergency management staff; the town said it received a 2023 grant of $45,100 with a $4,500 local match and has spent about $26,600 to date on the consultant.

Councilors also approved a short internal budget transfer of $8,000 from a fuel line to vehicle maintenance for the North Smithfield Fire and Rescue, and accepted tax abatements totaling $2,041.24.

All motions taken during the meeting were passed by roll call with affirmative votes recorded by council members present.

Votes at a glance
- Invoice to Signal Works: Approve payment of invoice no. 2415-109 dated 04/16/2025 in the amount of $8,908.75 — Approved by roll call.
- Payment of bills: Approve payment of bills for 05/05/2025 in the amount of $570,931.80 — Approved by roll call.
- Adoption of 2025 Hazard Mitigation and Flood Management Plan: Adopt plan and submit resolution to FEMA — Approved by roll call.
- FY26-27 municipal agreement with Rhode Island Resource Recovery: Approve and authorize Town Administrator to sign — Approved by roll call.
- Fireworks contract (Central Maine Pyrotechnics): Approve contract for 07/12/2025 in the amount of $16,500 and authorize signature — Approved by roll call.
- Fire & Rescue server replacement (Apex Technology Group): Approve contract of $41,523.56 (100% reimbursable) and authorize Town Administrator to sign — Approved by roll call.
- Internal transfer (Fire & Rescue): Transfer $8,000 from fuel to vehicle maintenance — Approved by roll call.
- Abatements: Accept abatements totaling $2,041.24 — Approved by roll call.

Why it matters: The hazard mitigation plan adoption preserves the town\u000eligibility for FEMA and state post-disaster funding; the vendor approvals and budget transfers fund operations and scheduled community events.

Meeting context: Most votes were unanimous on roll call; presenters noted grant reimbursements or that particular purchases were constrained by state purchasing rules (for example, the fireworks contract was a piggyback on Warwick).","At its May 5 meeting the North Smithfield Town Council approved a series of vendor contracts and budget items, adopted an updated hazard mitigation and flood management plan, and approved several smaller fiscal motions; each vote was taken by roll call and approved unanimously.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council discusses Charter Review Committee timeline and amends rules of order procedures

Resident urges performance audit of tax and finance departments; town says funds would be needed

Councilor proposes code of conduct; debate centers on professionalism and free-speech concerns

Resident describes severe nuisance at former Leo—s Auto Parts; zoning officer says owner cited

North Smithfield council approves multiple contracts, adopts 2025 hazard mitigation plan