[{"_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",6517782,"mediaKeyId","5402523-447fd4e69c48e74b19eb26478d56281e","parentId",5402523,"title","Votes at a glance: Smithfield council approves licenses, contracts, equipment and appointments","audioSeconds",2825,"startMs",2686000,"endMs",5511000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402523-447fd4e69c48e74b19eb26478d56281e&start=2686&end=5511","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402523-447fd4e69c48e74b19eb26478d56281e/thumbnail_2686000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6517782/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Smithfield-council-approves-licenses-contracts-equipment-and-appointments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517782-af1295f78a11b4191c243ad5525f64f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1774906690&Signature=AEVm7LpubxSy1USt4mLlVVXc5jAhkRl14WizNXwcqBZj-p~-YiRpHEWlKRoXkA9D1ylJtHrfBJ-b0BnzPrTglF2svnU2z~aGMJTQn8nTR0ncmyVsh3UfYHRWdWcNiYd37bgKpvvHps5EagLzWEuxm8HoXRVk2wvs~wleujJOgG5jaaa8Lphxt8fnOMfTQB6jO6KIAeic-Oo-g6g8BDdda1PH-RN8fk7WOTs7w-V3lIn6Vku12RvBzi6CETolvGTKrbqLCfpv16B8B7GzkGUH9WtBZ0-HO33s~JwtKHeWHaED2Qwb~YT~6HVFi36h-RPA8udd21ZV0cQm7MzteQkoig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Smithfield","date","2025-07-16T12:47:28Z","article","The Smithfield Town Council handled a broad set of routine and administrative matters on July 15, approving reappointments, event and liquor licenses (several conditioned on submission of insurance or other paperwork), awarding contracts, and approving equipment purchases and grant‑funded items.

Key outcomes at a glance:

- Appointments and reappointments: The council approved a slate of reappointments across advisory boards, including the Budget & Financial Review board, Conservation Commission and Water Supply Advisory Board (motions passed by voice vote).

- Licenses and events: The council approved multiple one‑day special events and entertainment licenses, including seasonal haunted hayrides at 7 Cedars Farm subject to proof of insurance and required tip cards; a one‑day beer & wine license for Revive the Roots (July 19); a one‑day license for community Night Out (Aug. 19); and a one‑day bridal/charity license for St. Philip’s Sunset Summer Social (July 25). Many approvals were conditioned on submission of required insurance or tip‑card paperwork.

- New business license conditional approval: The council conditionally approved a new retail/restaurant license application for Vet Crave LLC pending final Department of Health and building/zoning approvals. Applicant David Tran described plans for a small Vietnamese restaurant with seating for about 25–30 and menu items including pho, egg rolls and boba.

- Hotel and pool table licenses: The council approved a new package/liquor license for the Holiday Inn Express (final approval pending the Rhode Island Department of Health final sign‑off) and renewed a pool table license for Bryant University Fisher Student Center.

- IT and software procurement: The council authorized award of the Microsoft Office 365 integration/implementation contract to Uplink IT following a competitive selection process; the IT director reported 13 proposals were received and the selection committee recommended Uplink IT.

- Police MOA: The council authorized a memorandum of agreement modifying the collective bargaining agreement with Smithfield Lodge No. 17 FOP for a period covering 7/1/2023–6/30/2026; the change covered implementation of body‑worn cameras and related provisions.

- Grant writer contract extension: The council approved a contract extension for grant writer Lisa Marie Andoja, continuing the town’s grant‑writing services; Andoja briefed members on recent grant totals and pending submissions.

- Parks equipment and purchases: The council authorized the purchase of a broadcast top dresser (MH 400 SH) and approved a purchase of a new Yanmar tractor (replacing a 1994 John Deere) to support in‑house parks maintenance; both items will be funded from the capital budget.

- Needs assessment and impact fee study: The council authorized a consultant contract (cost not to exceed $53,600) to update the town’s needs assessment and development impact fee schedule.

- Fire training prop: The council approved the purchase of a live‑fire training module from United Rentals for $53,285, to be funded through FEMA AFG/GRAMA grants and a mutual‑aid co‑share.

Many of these items passed on unanimous voice votes. Several approvals carried conditions (proof of insurance, tip cards, final Department of Health or building office signoff).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","07/15/2025 Smithfield Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Smithfield Town Council approved appointments, licenses, IT and parks purchases, a police MOA and several grant‑funded items at its July 15 meeting, often on unanimous voice votes and in some cases subject to required paperwork.","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},6517787,"Council schedules public hearing on Putnam Pike plan change after members raise inclusionary‑housing concerns",123,1539000,1662000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402523-447fd4e69c48e74b19eb26478d56281e&start=1539&end=1662","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402523-447fd4e69c48e74b19eb26478d56281e/thumbnail_1539000.jpg","/articles/6517787/Rhode-Island/Council-schedules-public-hearing-on-Putnam-Pike-plan-change-after-members-raise-inclusionaryhousing-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517787-9a84d8adbbf1cb023eed56acfc516d0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1774906690&Signature=CvOe65DOxD-cDB9QaYbUn1kAPO0bdXeuDtVM32-sR-EHMHnhpIpz~bIX4WTnDglpoBD5pJyjuIASAjb-BpCEPfHktL12XFOUvnMOj6o0zHXsCdDoWzMIUWcpXru5mvN1wCSAAkXON1DOvXihopZeZyHSIaF0Zwp-hUJRIiWD-CnBiLEynnNfN4Ln1J0d-tIJ2X7JGsdbJiWSwK25m6EypaEtVzeI7ylzlEGdeg-58oR~qhjtaWzJIuxT7sR8XX4pYbBs7BnRg8vq5Cpj2YKHI4olsq9Lb6nKcOtw7qOgJfYRyGKDPJRppmvq8CV0r-tRRI6xANq5uYM6XlvIadz~3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Smithfield Town Council voted July 15 to schedule a public hearing on Aug. 5 to consider changes to the Putnam Pike Esmercy (Putnam Pike Esmercy Plan Development) District ordinance.

During discussion councilors and the planning‑board solicitor raised several concerns about the proposal: the LMI (low‑ and moderate‑income) component in the draft appears to set an LMI percentage at about 10%, which several councilors said conflicts with Smithfield’s existing inclusionary zoning (33%) and the comprehensive‑permitting standard (25%). One councilor also said the prospective buyer had not provided detailed engineering plans, traffic studies or wetlands analyses and that the number of residential units allowed will depend on wetlands delineation.

A councilor noted a planning‑board attorney (identified in the transcript as Attorney Rocha) had told the planning board that the developer might be able to pursue the project without a zoning amendment, and some councilors questioned whether scheduling a zoning change public hearing without a concrete plan from the prospective buyer risked unnecessary town expense for advertising.

The council approved the motion to schedule a public hearing; the item will return to council after public comment and the planning board’s formal recommendation.

","The Town Council set an August 5 public hearing to consider an amendment to the Putnam Pike development district; councilors raised concerns that the proposal’s low‑ and moderate‑income (LMI) component (10%) conflicts with the town’s inclusionary zoning and comprehensive permitting standards.",{"_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},6517791,"Council opens public hearing and approves first step to expand municipal court jurisdiction",212,1304000,1516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402523-447fd4e69c48e74b19eb26478d56281e&start=1304&end=1516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402523-447fd4e69c48e74b19eb26478d56281e/thumbnail_1304000.jpg","/articles/6517791/Rhode-Island/Council-opens-public-hearing-and-approves-first-step-to-expand-municipal-court-jurisdiction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517791-b6ecc87ddb00d7fb60e8b9675eb9394b/orig.mp4?Expires=1774906690&Signature=ear04SQcz6oRiMTLK7exhf47g-FIXNz-NliftFqvnIVpVAZ1DAe4Uy7EcG9mdnUjhzQo1JJzoobegfaRLn9WdfUXcBqtT1db8pmZmSX5kuSLUWyghfZmvq0tax~2f4wwNkV~gssuH-RbvbEctRhCBCjeYTEkeHFXfBCBhucwehR4npj5~XQgNT2Id-pwZ3TpX-fFs7v7XsOYuqM6JBcFVw1U0Z3DydAma3p4afRRRviixZ86AhdSIhJqcctBziAQUwYx5upcJRs9yRmTT2mOmiNYx-sPpJUBZ2LklEBH5cZRUjaXOR-OoKl3~qFTHKVUpKkxWfibww8dN4lvJJGboA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Smithfield Town Council on July 15 opened a public hearing and voted to advance language to amend chapter 60 of the town code (Municipal Court) to allow the town to pursue expanded municipal court jurisdiction, including traffic matters.

Councilwoman and vice president Angelica Lisonbee sponsored the amendment and asked the council to authorize the first formal step — aligning the local ordinance with the state enabling language so the town can explore creation or expansion of a municipal court. Lisonbee and other council members said the vote was intended as a procedural step that would enable the town to gather data and speak with clerks, tribunals and other municipalities that operate municipal courts.

Council members said any actual creation of a municipal court would require a subsequent ordinance and additional study. Council members asked that the proposal be referred to the Budget & Financial Review board for an updated report; a member noted the last formal study dated to November 2015 and recommended a fresh analysis of costs, software needs, staffing and security.

One councilor summarized the next steps: enact an ordinance if, after study, the town decides to proceed; but first seek an updated analysis from the Budget & Financial Review board and solicit input from the police department and clerk’s office on operational impacts.

After public comment and brief discussion, the council voted to approve the motion and move the matter on for further study.","Smithfield Town Council opened a public hearing and approved a motion to move forward with an amendment to local ordinance chapter 60 to allow creation/expansion of municipal court jurisdiction, sending the proposal to the Budget & Financial Review board for more study.",{"_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},6517794,"Smithfield Council OKs RFP for school message board, approves emergency work on special‑needs classroom",455,2466000,2921000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402523-447fd4e69c48e74b19eb26478d56281e&start=2466&end=2921","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402523-447fd4e69c48e74b19eb26478d56281e/thumbnail_2466000.jpg","/articles/6517794/Rhode-Island/Smithfield-Council-OKs-RFP-for-school-message-board-approves-emergency-work-on-specialneeds-classroom","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517794-7b6acb756dcea8e0e9b84166c88f0fd4/orig.mp4?Expires=1774906690&Signature=A~4rchrfr~ZUttpyNtSbtPIo7WhotteAN93sERI2n8io80ogRKb3Sv7nesyj6qDVTxhrx86kJ6cpZjuxiWum5YBhAqKsm0VSWsxxw1bgiPDFOVINidPr411T9gV5og9JeP7hB17RuSo6kroguF42By0--K~oBnfP2vXxKfBQdeCVOWtcr-UuWPkE3IA2QDiIXgBog7FqWzKjMPVErIbISaG~UUauDmCx3zzvVmCGVmZyqa4W0ARjvizNeZg8fZz0Np1S6J5pTd5fuJpNjESFlrGQZvD4ZOD1KFMUAIZoHOticetbBxax-ZNidXcPFYgVdahl4aknWQgyYTNnPvwD6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Smithfield Town Council on July 15 authorized a request for proposals for an electronic messaging board at Smithfield High School and approved two emergency school building projects: reconstruction of the wall between an ISE (intensive special education) classroom and the greenhouse and replacement of the classroom floor.

The items were advanced under the state School Building Authority emergency‑project process; councilors voted to fund the wall work in a revised “alternate 1” not to exceed $40,000 and approved alternate 2 — replacement of the ISE room floor — not to exceed $28,000. The council also voted to advertise an RFP for the messaging board at Boyle Field.

The projects were presented by Colliers Project Leaders and the school department. Patrick Robler of Colliers told the council the revised scope reduces the town’s request to $40,000 because the ramp and certain demolition originally contemplated were moved out of the immediate scope. Robler said the combined contractor and design estimates come to $39,910 (Red Oak estimate $36,000; SLAM design/administration $3,910), which is below the $40,000 not‑to‑exceed figure.

Robler: “With the budgetary price from Red Oak at $36,000 and the proposal price from SLAM at $3,910 we come in at $39,910.”

Council discussion focused on timing, transparency and process. Several councilors pressed that the school building committee and the school committee had not formally voted on the revised scope before it came to the council, and asked whether the council’s vote tonight would preempt the committees’ action. The council was told the building committee had reviewed the matter in recent meetings and that the school committee planned to consider the package at its next meeting. One councilor said the memo provided to the council misstated that the school committee had already “evaluated and recommended” the proposal; other members called that an unacceptable error.

Resident Tom Hodgkins pressed for more documentation on cost breakdowns and the chronology of when scope changes were identified. Rich Anatolian, who said he represented a graduating class that pledged funds toward a scoreboard, told the council those funds and the school committee’s fund balance could be used toward the messaging board and that the town would evaluate other funding sources depending on bids.

Robler and school staff told the council the emergency work is being advanced now because the ISE classroom renovation is already underway and state emergency funding procedures impose tight timelines and a potential 35% reimbursement; delaying work could put those reimbursements at risk. Council members who expressed concern nonetheless approved the motions after an amendment to set the alternate 1 figure at $40,000 and after a stated condition that final administration continues to follow school‑committee review.

The council also authorized the school department to reissue an RFP for an electronic message board at Boyle Field. School staff said the project previously came in over budget and the committee will rebid to seek a lower cost; estimates mentioned in the discussion varied, with one participant saying bids could be between $20,000 and $50,000 but that the RFP is needed to find a market price.

What happens next: the school committee is scheduled to review the package at its next meeting; contractors will be asked to bid under the revised scopes, and the town will proceed with purchase orders or change orders consistent with the council’s approvals and school‑committee review.

","The Town Council authorized an RFP for an electronic messaging board at Smithfield High School and approved emergency repairs to convert an interior wall into an exterior wall at an ISE classroom, and a separate floor replacement, after debate over scope, cost and school‑committee review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Smithfield council approves licenses, contracts, equipment and appointments

Council schedules public hearing on Putnam Pike plan change after members raise inclusionary‑housing concerns

Council opens public hearing and approves first step to expand municipal court jurisdiction

Smithfield Council OKs RFP for school message board, approves emergency work on special‑needs classroom