[{"_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",6538622,"mediaKeyId","3804668-66740ddfc320899410bff300eb2156e8","parentId",3804668,"title","South Kingstown and school committee approve Stage 3 design package for new high school; $150 million project remains on track","audioSeconds",3666,"startMs",2914000,"endMs",6580000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3804668-66740ddfc320899410bff300eb2156e8&start=2914&end=6580","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3804668-66740ddfc320899410bff300eb2156e8/thumbnail_2914000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6538622/Rhode-Island/South-Kingstown-and-school-committee-approve-Stage-3-design-package-for-new-high-school-150-million-project-remains-on-track","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6538622-3782a80735c82428d45907e2ae3be047/orig.mp4?Expires=1771035814&Signature=D27SzEenuc1vCMjb4j~czyn4k7DCWLB5KQGtOM7Rhx825gcVFIJukJYpD9KVTl0Vafjb4sop~4DkQ7uLwKunAUV84vYq9hCw-RcIjBgXZURG1-H4HEevPYyv1Ob5pjvflRHtPGWf2FJAwB5u7H6fyFxawc7PqxBUgnVTM6xC1l8n1QG2YYcy2mhJcTYloyDNOPP4Mg-l68Y5k0UmZ1Pci4mvZdOgqNhT7SMoz5s4NP4L6SyoM7fpzKK1xqjZiwyqa16WvkhdRKFA9rZvUzPU0nZPRTCCcFGAuHoWR3unfIA29eDaF3mo0VNaELB-~-wqpsHJJpmwtaTDwaaHKlFh~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","South Kingstown","date","2025-06-10T03:23:19Z","article","The Town Council and School Committee, meeting jointly Monday evening, voted to support submission of the Stage 3 design-development package for the South Kingstown High School replacement project to the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE).

Project executives and the design team told the councils the overall project budget remains $150 million and that the construction budget for the new high school is approximately $116 million. At design development, the project’s construction estimate totals about $121 million, leaving a design‑development variance from the construction budget of roughly $5.0 million; after reconciliation of add‑backs and offsets that “true variance” was described as about $3.3 million.

Chris Spiegel, project executive with Left Field, and Kate Turner, the project manager, led a technical presentation with architects and engineers that covered cost estimate detail, schedule, site plan, stormwater and value-management options. Their team said the design-development estimate includes trade costs, a contractor contingency (3%), and estimate protections to cover remaining design gaps and escalation; those elements together yielded the $121 million figure presented to design stakeholders.

Key budget figures presented to the council and school committee:
- Total project budget: $150,000,000 (voter-authorized top line).
- Construction budget (hard-cost target): approximately $116,000,000.
- Design‑development estimate (Gilbane/estimator): about $121,000,000.
- FF&E and technology allocation: $3,500,000.
- Professional services and project expenses: about $12,800,000.
- Owner’s contingency (outside hard-cost budget): $6,800,000 (approximately 5% of hard costs).

Turner and the contractor explained the $5.0 million arithmetic difference is the initial variance on paper; through identified adjustments (soil reuse, structural-connection refinements, permit fee negotiations with the Union Fire District, some scope adjustments and add alternates) that amount was reduced toward a $3.3 million “true variance.” The team said it has identified roughly $1.1 million of additional design-efficiency opportunities and expects buy‑out savings on trade packages as bids are issued in July. They said they do not anticipate borrowing beyond the $150 million voter authorization.

Schedule and approvals: the design team said it planned to submit the Stage 3 package to RIDE immediately after the meeting and sought council approval of early site-enabling/temporary‑power contracts in mid-July to allow a summer construction start and a compressed schedule for power relocation. The team highlighted a critical mid-July set of early bid packages (steel, concrete, switchgear) and an early‑work GMP negotiation window in late July to early August.

Site and neighborhood issues: the team described a site layout that places the new building on the existing practice field, with the current school demolished after occupancy to create community fields. They told councilors the project includes buffering and fencing around parking areas and that fencing details (transparent vs. solid) will be revisited with abutters. Engineers described an off‑site stormwater add‑alternate (improvements in the School Street watershed) estimated at roughly $221,000 and a pedestrian walkway alternate at about $100,000; those were presented as bid alternates that the town could elect to buy at the end of the project if budget and bid savings allow.

Value management and cost reductions under study include strategic glazing reductions (targeting a 10% curtain-wall/storefront reduction estimated to save roughly $240,000), selective use of bird‑friendly frit on glass (the full frit package was estimated near $600,000), site-detail changes (Cape‑Cod berm vs. precast curb), and a theater‑equipment refinement that would reuse recently purchased school gear rather than over‑design a new package.

Several councilors and school committee members pressed the team on specific line items and on schedule risk related to Rhode Island Energy’s timeline for temporary service; the project team said Rhode Island Energy had been engaged and that the power‑relocation window is the schedule’s most critical external dependency.

After the presentation, the School Committee moved and approved the resolution recommending submission of the Stage 3 design-development package to RIDE; the Town Council then adopted a companion resolution supporting the submission. Both votes were recorded as affirmative (voice votes recorded as passing).

The design team said it will return with final bid results for early packages in late July/early August, present GMPs, and continue pursuing value‑management opportunities to close the remaining variance without compromising essential program elements such as the CTE and music areas.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 9, 2025 Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Town Council and School Committee voted jointly to support submission of the Stage 3 design-development package for the South Kingstown High School replacement project to the Rhode Island Department of Education, keeping the $150 million project on the town’s schedule and asking project teams to pursue additional value management to close a 2–3% design‑development variance.","taxTitle","South Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island","taxId",79771,"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},6538627,"South Kingstown council backs state bill to let restaurants operate temporary outdoor dining after catastrophes",684,1962000,2646000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3804668-66740ddfc320899410bff300eb2156e8&start=1962&end=2646","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3804668-66740ddfc320899410bff300eb2156e8/thumbnail_1962000.jpg","/articles/6538627/Rhode-Island/South-Kingstown-council-backs-state-bill-to-let-restaurants-operate-temporary-outdoor-dining-after-catastrophes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6538627-d36f00ccd909c7d65efb7eb1f88bf5ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771035814&Signature=C~y5d1r~xQSFSR2QGCEaIYDYiKld16P-YAmrkjvaNdS61-4njkir-1wuLc3SyPJO9b3fIPQgc~h1mEldfVLMwhLXrgoN31YCNC~B94FhCjqTxfrfsr0cyqZnct-hDY4h1-PtMoXE6t-jhG176lGxiI~OP9DtIetLa9JrKo5u~dtDJ~uy0lTu8bUjfAnLicA~XerRuIuazSlIWT5nJ64oNSunie4Gr7BWXGXP3TksyREIcQw746bIyze0J3G1Z13bfGISyiWo-bLa2ZGClMJLkkg~CePiwfrWmoE2giV8ahkW1xbwZh9Ng7KzSx1qMs0rdBWOPaPKsX8jL1vv1nHKaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The South Kingstown Town Council voted Monday to send a resolution to the state legislature in support of companion bills — House Bill H6392 and Senate Bill S1139 — that would let food-service establishments operate temporary outdoor dining after a casualty such as a fire or flood.

The measure, advanced at the request of Matunuck Oyster Bar owner Perry Raso and his attorney, Stephen LePaiton, directs the town clerk to communicate formal council support to lawmakers. The council’s resolution passed without recorded opposition.

Supporters told the council the bills are modeled on temporary outdoor-dining rules adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic and are designed to let businesses resume operations quickly after catastrophic damage. “The bill … allows for any food service establishment to open a temporary dining service following a casualty such as a flood or a fire,” attorney Stephen LePaiton told the council, adding that the bills include municipal safeguards, require town approval to operate and would sunset in 2027.

Owner Perry Raso described the immediate impact of the fire at his restaurant and his plan to use space he owns across the street — a tented area with mobile kitchen units — to keep staff working through the busy summer months. “It is…encouragement and the drive to rebuild,” Raso said, thanking firefighters and the community for support.

Council members who spoke in support emphasized the bills’ temporary nature and the municipality’s ability to regulate operations under the draft law. A number of councilors offered to testify in favor of the bills at upcoming committee hearings; the record provided to the council noted the House committee hearing was scheduled for 3 p.m. the next day and the Senate committee for 3:30 p.m.

The council’s resolution notes the draft law would amend Rhode Island General Laws 45-24-37 to permit short-term, temporary outdoor operations for restaurants that sustain catastrophic damage, subject to municipal approval and other state health and life-safety requirements. The resolution instructs the clerk to send that message to the General Assembly immediately.

The vote was taken on the motion directing the clerk to transmit the council’s support; the chair called for a voice vote and recorded it as passing.

The council’s action is procedural: it does not itself change local zoning or permitting. Attorney LePaiton and others stressed that the draft law would require municipal approval as part of its access and that any temporary operation would remain subject to state health and safety rules.

If the legislature enacts the bills and the governor signs them, the change would allow qualifying businesses in South Kingstown and across Rhode Island to seek immediate temporary outdoor dining privileges after a fire, flood or similar casualty, subject to local oversight and an automatic sunset date in 2027.","The South Kingstown Town Council on Monday voted to send a resolution to the Rhode Island Legislature supporting House Bill H6392 and Senate Bill S1139, which would allow food service businesses damaged by fire, flood or similar events to operate temporary outdoor dining on adjacent land while they repair or rebuild.",{"_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},6538612,"Votes at a glance: South Kingstown town council — June 9, 2025",385,7145000,7530000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3804668-66740ddfc320899410bff300eb2156e8&start=7145&end=7530","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3804668-66740ddfc320899410bff300eb2156e8/thumbnail_7145000.jpg","/articles/6538612/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-South-Kingstown-town-council-June-9-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6538612-0ced17df03ee545dea7627a2f4338020/orig.mp4?Expires=1771035815&Signature=jNjaEjPJ7cvzJCgowQi7JfKSk0vtblTu~Uz2kK~-diPNM29nw2SuJrRcTj4tFKEg6ZFK3ynuv2H2x2ROnn8Xu7yecINjYAqKdkVcZlb4Pygkvz79OVLHtWLtqBQYZysrlcNg1IU3PGFdoqwudFKPqB0vRrGp70bXf05nyUwQTFH5Ucg9uM2rFxwUtqLASGbzB5EyqUKOGBP5jQzm7HsUVQK6RrBR~VWi4pxgrDWsRZXhuviOFXVLOPrztG7s1ve6QjoELLZGc7qNl~sJwufX7EDhfIzA8TxovRNwBHeUZx0DiyfCQl9LD7u6RHzkLpl8EAiJ5iuJhmCxHplQm4jcQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The following is a concise list of formal actions taken at the South Kingstown Town Council meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025. Items are reported as recorded in the meeting minutes.

- Resolution supporting House Bill H6392 and Senate Bill S1139 (temporary outdoor dining after casualty): Adopted (voice vote recorded as passing).
- Resolution supporting submission of Stage 3 design-development package to RIDE for South Kingstown High School (joint action with School Committee): Adopted (school committee and council votes recorded as passing).
- Tax levy and rate: Town Council set the fiscal 2025–26 property tax rate at $8.94 per $1,000 (motion passed 4–1); levy amended to reflect new rate.
- Approval of minutes (items 5a and 5b): Adopted (voice vote recorded as passing).
- Consent agenda (items 6a and 6b): Approved (voice vote recorded as passing).
- Licenses and permits:
- Wakefield Village Association — River Fire event permits for 06/19/2025 and 07/17/2025: Approved (subject to standard hold‑harmless and insurance requirements).
- Holiday sales license to Mattress Warehouse, South County Commons: Approved.
- Procurement and contract actions (consent/agenda):
- Award of miscellaneous road/building materials contracts (multiple low bidders as listed in the memo): Approved.
- Purchase of two scum pumps for wastewater (Aqua Solutions): Approved (total $49,520; portion funded from enterprise funds/unassigned net assets per memo).
- Purchase of three grinder/muffin pumps (JWC Environmental): Approved (total $62,132.21; funding per CIP and enterprise funds).
- Amendment for land-lease generator location (Verizon): Approved (standard terms; town to receive lease revenue share as applicable).
- Abatement of uncollectible taxes from 2014 (write-offs totaling $33,311.51 across personal property, motor vehicle and real estate): Approved.
- Amendment to Gilbane contract for additional environmental testing related to the high school site (boring/test well follow-up): Approved.

Notes: Votes were taken by voice except where roll-call was provided; select items were handled by unanimous voice vote and several required administrative follow-up (insurance certificates, hold-harmless agreements, and contract documents).","Quick reference of formal outcomes recorded at the South Kingstown Town Council meeting on June 9, 2025.",{"_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},6538617,"South Kingstown sets property tax rate at $8.94 after assessed values climb; council splits on returning more to taxpayers",2589,4155000,6744000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3804668-66740ddfc320899410bff300eb2156e8&start=4155&end=6744","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3804668-66740ddfc320899410bff300eb2156e8/thumbnail_4155000.jpg","/articles/6538617/Rhode-Island/South-Kingstown-sets-property-tax-rate-at-894-after-assessed-values-climb-council-splits-on-returning-more-to-taxpayers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6538617-b92c8269582ba046433490d2ba98b3c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771035815&Signature=f-Ok5pHWmvUxzMHYrJI6V~72qfe7N2b0We0dNb1ZLoQUnGG6xt7POayy2piFGjvdHTVHBkJ2-moAJQA51Ce9ZEoc4c9KoD8KOv1SqP1c3ybnBTE3m8xFF28uBKdv-1ei7Oeff1JgkHx6ykYYCAi6GYBnjssEQzDjyk0S4WYz8EPWOLaw91ia3F9H6aRZ~kX1y5TOk0kblPjzn8Pk8sZW44nu9v1Ps4LAe6KsuT2eThY9i7wo0nXDxTE2Bz0VDKHCWN-AauCp76FQv2hDUfiDaj9ekwlx83iaUrkeFrGpjtnA3k3Uy8NJyDPw7jIkRxOOImu6hUwV4VsfHbNFvAs53w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The South Kingstown Town Council voted Monday to set the municipal tax rate for fiscal year 2025–26 at $8.94 per $1,000 of assessed value, down from the $8.98 figure used in the budget adoption but above the lowest options discussed during the meeting.

Town staff told the council recent assessed-value updates following the town’s revaluation process increased the tax base sufficiently that the council could lower the rate while still meeting the revenue requirement built into the adopted budget. Finance staff described the arithmetic: the certified assessed value and the levy needed to balance the budget translate to a required collection amount; increasing the assessed value lets the council lower the rate while collecting the same revenue.

Council discussion focused on whether to return a larger share of the higher-than-expected assessed base to taxpayers or to hold a portion to cushion next year’s budget, which council members said may face stress from outstanding collective bargaining contracts and other anticipated expenditures. One councilor argued for greater tax relief now as a priority for residents; others urged prudence, noting that the town has obligations rolling into the next fiscal year and that preserving fund balance may reduce future tax volatility or borrowing costs.

The motion to set the rate at $8.94 carried 4–1. Councilors subsequently instructed staff administratively to reflect the rate change in the formal tax levy resolution and to certify numbers needed to issue tax bills. Staff noted the rate change reduces the tax burden relative to the originally adopted budget; for context, a $500,000 home would see a modest reduction measured in dollars (tens of dollars annually) compared with the previously advertised figure.

Town staff also reminded councilors that the town’s fund balance remains at historically strong levels and that year‑end transfers and outstanding contract settlements may alter the available undesignated balance. The council asked that staff continue to bring forward options to target tax relief to residents most in need — including plans for a homestead exemption or other targeted senior relief — as budget discussions continue.","The Town Council voted 4–1 to set the 2025 tax rate at $8.94 per $1,000 of assessed value, a reduction from the $8.98 rate used to adopt the budget. Council discussion balanced near‑term tax relief and preserving reserves to cover projected personnel and contract needs in the coming fiscal year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

South Kingstown and school committee approve Stage 3 design package for new high school; $150 million project remains on track

South Kingstown council backs state bill to let restaurants operate temporary outdoor dining after catastrophes

Votes at a glance: South Kingstown town council — June 9, 2025

South Kingstown sets property tax rate at $8.94 after assessed values climb; council splits on returning more to taxpayers