[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6561281,"mediaKeyId","3292855-7f84cad306d4117aae6d5367e30ce945","parentId",3292855,"title","Votes at a glance: Smithfield council actions on licenses, IT contracts, public‑works and school projects","audioSeconds",450,"startMs",3369000,"endMs",3819000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3292855-7f84cad306d4117aae6d5367e30ce945&start=3369&end=3819","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3292855-7f84cad306d4117aae6d5367e30ce945/thumbnail_3369000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6561281/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Smithfield-council-actions-on-licenses-IT-contracts-publicworks-and-school-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561281-643cfb666c2409e0e6ab7bb34d1d2c99/orig.mp4?Expires=1770746525&Signature=dlS5fgP9OTBT1XCbR1Ueklm3H7ZG5L8lmYPzRjmylaCUCKinLOT6uo6dRes9cff7fWUxs104U-DUwYvadgjDOj9flj7GCl95cod09GsbfZM3HjtHBarX4lpg~tZqAgP9yVTka1xDt0i-k3iMB8HGKCDeby6ASd5tw6zW3K8LLOO6zeOZC36mvHDzD09UxacBW2qovGMu2CLbv29-mzmCKUrT1JjQZOlXHdm4P12gDSRQ33tAde7~xJ4A~Dq7wmyZzFcNnC4tLs5DgLEluhDKRqgoRN-y6kDyY1MhedCZvwJegks0R6vfQU9GfeNE62V5nwT-abpMstF-Mzr8r8kboA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Smithfield","date","2025-05-14T01:52:30.67Z","article","The Smithfield Town Council took a series of routine and substantive actions on May 13. Below are the principal approvals and outcomes recorded in the meeting minutes, with the funding source or next administrative step noted when stated during discussion.

Key votes and actions (outcomes as recorded at the meeting):

- Microsoft Office 365 migration RFP: Council authorized the release of an RFP for migration to Microsoft 365 for town facilities; the school system was reported already migrated. (Action: approve RFP release; funding: grant covers first-year service.)

- Ocean Network contract (MPA #308): Authorized the town manager to enter into a contract with Ocean Network for installation of private internet lines, access and security services, amount not to exceed $82,458.90, funded by a state local cybersecurity grant (grant pays installation and first-year service; future annual service to be negotiated).

- One-day sales/special-event licenses and routine renewals: Council approved several special-event and annual license renewals (examples in packet: Boulevard Rhode Island Inc. special event May 17–18; Goodwill seasonal sales; annual bingo, mobile food vendor and retail renewals). Several applications for a new Class B victualing/liquor license for 2 Brothers Restaurant (Frank and Johnny’s on the Water) were continued to May 20 pending outstanding tangible tax and retail permit documentation.

- Annual renewals and contract extensions: Council approved one-year contract extensions and renewals for municipal services, including road rehabilitation (T. Miozzi LLC one-year extension) and the town’s contract with Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation for solid waste and recycling disposal for fiscal years 2026–2027 (tipping rate referenced at $63 per ton; recycling tipping fee waived).

- Sewer plant bathroom renovations: Council authorized up to $160,700 to award a contract (Master Price/GMP referenced) for renovations of wastewater treatment plant bathrooms; funding to come from the Sewer Authority capital reserve funds.

- Communications infrastructure: Council approved pole petitions for Eversource/utility poles at two locations and a second amendment to the DPW communications tower site lease (GTP Infrastructure LLC) to extend lease term; reported lease revenue ~ $4,000/month with 4% annual increases.

- EPA small community grant engineering: Council authorized execution of EPA grant agreement and design work for a water-main extension and culvert replacement project; the design contract amount cited at $143,400; town anticipates further grant applications for construction funding.

- School department procurement: Council approved the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado (maintenance/snow equipment replacement) for the school department (amount not to exceed $62,553.96) and awarded a general‑contractor bid for school health and safety/culinary emergency projects to Clean Care of New England for $244,000 to be funded from school capital funds on the town side.

Procedural notes: Several items were continued to the May 20 meeting for missing documentation (restaurant retail license, certificates of good standing, outstanding tangible tax questions) or to allow applicants to appear. The meeting also included public comment expressing concern about procedural transparency and local development impacts.

The council handled numerous routine license renewals and ministerial motions by voice vote; where individual contract totals or funding sources were discussed during the meeting, they are noted above.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05/13/2025 Smithfield Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At its May 13 meeting the Smithfield Town Council approved routine licenses, multiple contracts and capital funding items — see a concise list of actions, outcomes and funding sources.","taxTitle","Smithfield, Providence County, Rhode Island","taxId",79585,"location","Rhode Island","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6561286,"Council approves engineering contract and shifts reserve funds as town confronts recurring subdivision flooding",1327,3727000,5054000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3292855-7f84cad306d4117aae6d5367e30ce945&start=3727&end=5054","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3292855-7f84cad306d4117aae6d5367e30ce945/thumbnail_3727000.jpg","/articles/6561286/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-engineering-contract-and-shifts-reserve-funds-as-town-confronts-recurring-subdivision-flooding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561286-1264fa2146f8043528ca18e6d343b066/orig.mp4?Expires=1770746525&Signature=hrGf7h3i8~YKPptGH8WK5GM52OdqJqlzlyXrGr2lMU4FNUpRjAlDONBjezttkTULJ0MpGjGP5rSK4MdFutxTC7KeiYn3drS4bDnfbUxoKCP3wTKzzzkElArzhnyVvClA7HrgMFuLZwgSu7H6b3JUJ8sOekjapPG~6r~FLZY7myXWnIQzrHkvWbiSiee4oownHtxDRfcY2ThQiD1Kblg0uJRhVFzjQo1HzYTtT3BRbhRlvNY7xaI9B0-srYZDaY~kCewy7LlyL6fGObFXg4Cvl2C-pLLLXJjP9NALwNIkxTJ2N74PL8O9b7v~3F1nVTeXOUIT4Tqe2GbPdPw6ELBZPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Smithfield Town Council authorized two related steps on May 13 to address recurring flooding tied to a stalled subdivision and broader watershed issues: it awarded Beta Group $89,430 to analyze flooding conditions in Deer Run Estates, and it moved capital reserve money previously set for a Spencer Street drainage project to complete a feasibility study for the Highview/Hilldale area.

Town Engineer Josh Jelly told the council the Deer Run RFQ attracted multiple proposals; the selection committee interviewed candidates and recommended Beta Group to perform an as-built review, hydrology analysis and short-term mitigation recommendations for problematic drainage features in Deer Run and nearby streets such as Greenwood Lane, Clark Drive and Whitney Drive. Jelly and public commenters said a developer bankruptcy and construction that built larger homes and cleared more area than planned contributed to the drainage problems.

“The retention basin was supposed to be built in the development,” a council member noted, and engineer comments and a third-party review found flaws in earlier engineering plans. Jelly said the Beta Group contract covers analysis and possible mitigation planning but not construction; the $100,000 funding request included contingencies. The council approved the Beta Group award.

Council members questioned whether peer review of engineering plans was performed when the subdivision was approved and pressed staff to require peer review for current and future developments. Town staff said they are implementing a process that sends stormwater plans for external peer review before approvals to reduce future problems.

Separately, the council approved reallocating capital reserve funds originally designated for the Spencer Street drainage bypass project to finish a feasibility study for the Highview/Hilldale area. Director of Public Works Gene Allen and others said the Highview study is complete and contains costly remediation options. The council debated whether taxpayers should bear remediation costs for privately developed drainage failures; members and residents urged more aggressive bond protections and enforcement to avoid leaving towns responsible for developer shortcomings.

Public comment noted bond amounts previously returned to developers and urged stricter enforcement and follow-up. Councilors said they would pursue grants and other funding where possible but approved the transfers to proceed with the engineering work and to identify feasible remedial projects.

The actions authorize study and analysis; they do not commit the town to construction. Councilors emphasized the studies are a first step to document causes, estimate construction costs and support grant applications.","The council awarded Beta Group an $89,430 contract to analyze flooding in the Deer Run Estates subdivision and voted to reallocate capital reserve funds—originally set for a Spencer Street project—to finish a feasibility study addressing Highview/Hilldale stormwater problems.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6561291,"Town approves $1.07 million emergency vehicle purchase to be funded from EMS billing",993,2379000,3372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3292855-7f84cad306d4117aae6d5367e30ce945&start=2379&end=3372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3292855-7f84cad306d4117aae6d5367e30ce945/thumbnail_2379000.jpg","/articles/6561291/Rhode-Island/Town-approves-107-million-emergency-vehicle-purchase-to-be-funded-from-EMS-billing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561291-978c2f1576187ea211cefbc931b96316/orig.mp4?Expires=1770746525&Signature=AdmL9VFP40lqaUK~dZ4ibrHmpF7VTuTjp6uY3JGcgMsTaf53PssqS7tEWUFnbbkS1z3FvAOfZjuSF18~u1NflXeTSYm4wk69y5Szt69WijWzLs8T~iKJu9U4PQ6NK01o9IBaqaJ~6TN7-bEYL3mSDMQc08Cwv1wFCbdwyTbfv2wg7LD7OOUI0g4JSL3y808l2SLuGVDViYhPP9wtV83ewnWxJkUAWUcuMgxfM4L4vV8SxxRykUQAKG~gb2i7VYaER9sNQCzCP54vd~BWc-u2aKONJY7PRIGJPP4OCD4Cl2C62CjpUtPSRGKv5cUvXaaM6zpW8NKFlG2MUOgEDUEs1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Smithfield Town Council voted to authorize the purchase of a new emergency pumper truck from Greenwood Emergency Vehicles (North Attleboro) at a price of $1,070,002, with funding to come from EMS third‑party billing revenue.

Interim Fire Chief Pearson told the council the vendor agreed that payment would be due when the truck is delivered; Pearson estimated delivery in early 2028. The purchase price in the current contract is considerably higher than earlier purchases: council members cited municipal purchases in other communities and past town buys where identical trucks cost substantially less.

“It's a huge increase,” Councilman Iannotti said, asking for an explanation. Chief Pearson said market consolidation and manufacturer consolidation have increased prices and production lead times; the town bought multiple apparatus together in earlier procurements, which produced better pricing.

Finance questions focused on how the town will pay. Chief Pearson and finance staff said the plan is to set aside EMS-billing revenue over the next three to four years so the town can pay the invoice when the vehicle is delivered rather than incur long-term debt. Council members asked for clearer documentation of the contract extension, payment schedule and the EMS fund balance. A council member asked that any vendor extension be provided in writing and that the town structure its bookkeeping so the set-aside shows on the revenue side of the budget for transparency.

Several council members also asked whether the town could instead buy a used pumper; staff said they did not identify suitable used alternatives and noted used pumpers often carry similar replacement needs in a few years. Staff noted that the vehicle being purchased is intended to go into front-line service while an existing front-line pumper would move to reserve and older vehicles would be sold, partially offsetting costs.

A motion to enter the purchase contract with Greenwood Emergency Vehicles, subject to providing the updated written contract language requested by a council member, carried on a voice vote with no recorded opposition in public minutes. Councilors also asked staff to provide the vendor’s written confirmation of price/term extension and to show the planned set‑aside in budget documents.","The council authorized a $1,070,002 contract for a Greenwood Emergency Vehicles pumper, to be paid from the town’s EMS third-party billing account; council discussed price increases, delivery timing and fund balance use.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6561296,"Smithfield council appoints Robert Seltzer as town manager after divided vote over process",981,313000,1294000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3292855-7f84cad306d4117aae6d5367e30ce945&start=313&end=1294","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3292855-7f84cad306d4117aae6d5367e30ce945/thumbnail_313000.jpg","/articles/6561296/Rhode-Island/Smithfield-council-appoints-Robert-Seltzer-as-town-manager-after-divided-vote-over-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561296-0ffe7433bea5603f8223eb4615d8b744/orig.mp4?Expires=1770746525&Signature=TwlWBNpQ-YYF1KtQOfqy~CddGacBRgBENs5avRMCBDF2f8wdYTWgKMYZQEhP9Rh9PAyarUDVjIvF1Y51e3MM5fLVMa4g45c-dd0mwSR2~DpKbcguwYf4vpP8vimi1f9DDVRoHVG-uRQ4aZKLIW1pp~e-2QbY7T~HfQQpjO4mqIL1~kfbhH8UwcuxThFmXNFcHsvGf1jNBIov1ULIwS0RoARsJDxyMrQE1Vaws4tJWw7SR1ein29sxfgqiDRcFJQ3C9klfjrdZNM4ogph7q5QaQHMqWdnwrcecZ2CJV1UeUKO6g7WTebbdC35HNyq-3bPThZgoENox~uXfLTlpVhbYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Smithfield Town Council voted 3-2 Tuesday to appoint Robert Seltzer as permanent town manager, formalizing what council supporters called the conclusion of a months-long search and what opponents called an opaque process that excluded some members.

Council President Michael Tassoni called the vote after Councilwoman Tholvis moved to appoint Seltzer and Councilman Winfield seconded the motion. The motion specified a salary of $156,000 a year plus Seltzer’s existing benefits package. The roll call recorded Winfield, Vice President Bovis and President Tassoni voting yes; Tafi and Ayanati voted no.

Supporters described a long selection process led by a five-member search committee and closed-session interviews. “This process to appoint a town manager has been going on for almost 10 months,” Councilwoman Tholvis said, reviewing the timeline of committee meetings, candidate questionnaires, background checks and three 30-minute interviews conducted April 28. She called the committee’s work “extensive and comprehensive” and said the interviews were fair and objective.

Opponents said the full council had been sidelined after the interviews and that key procedural steps did not occur in an open, noticed forum. Councilman Iannotti and another member said they were not given adequate opportunity for follow-up interviews or for a public discussion comparing finalists. “The abrupt termination of the selection process deprived the council of the information necessary for us to be confident that we were making the best selection,” Iannotti said, and he announced he would vote no on the appointment because of process concerns.

Seltzer, who had served as interim town manager since October and remains Smithfield’s fire chief, addressed the council after the vote. He thanked the council and community for support and said he would “support all of [the council members]. That’s my job.”

The council record shows the appointment passed; the motion was made by Councilwoman Tholvis and seconded by Councilman Winfield. The agenda packet and comments indicate the full search began with a special meeting in August 2024, a job description approval in August, and closed-session deliberations in late March and April before finalists were interviewed in April.

Council members who voiced concerns asked that future searches be more transparent, to include active recruitment by an outside firm and more opportunity for full-council discussion before placement on an agenda. Several council members said they supported the search committee’s work but were frustrated with how the final steps were handled.

The appointment takes effect immediately; the council did not discuss other administrative steps or a transition timeline during the public meeting.","The Smithfield Town Council voted 3-2 on May 13 to appoint Robert Seltzer as permanent town manager at an annual salary of $156,000 and his existing benefits package after months of a search and debate over the hiring process.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Smithfield council actions on licenses, IT contracts, public‑works and school projects

Council approves engineering contract and shifts reserve funds as town confronts recurring subdivision flooding

Town approves $1.07 million emergency vehicle purchase to be funded from EMS billing

Smithfield council appoints Robert Seltzer as town manager after divided vote over process