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Town Council confirms Matthew Souza as North Kingstown building official
Summary
The Town Council gave advice and consent to appoint Matthew (Matt) Souza as the town's building official after Town Manager remarks recognizing outgoing Building Official Don Peck; Souza will assume the role after council confirmation and Peck will step into the assistant role.
The Town Council voted to confirm Matthew Souza as North Kingstown’s building official after the town manager recommended the appointment and recognized outgoing Building Official Don Peck.
Town Manager Ralph presented Souza’s background and praised Don Peck, who asked to step down and take the assistant role to preserve continuity in the department. Ralph said Don “put the town and the department first” by accepting a financially smaller role to allow Souza to take the lead.
Ralph described Souza’s career path: a North Kingstown High School graduate with technical training, seven years in construction trades, and several years in the town’s building and code enforcement office; Souza also holds a Certified Building Official designation and serves in leadership positions in the Rhode Island Building Officials Association.
Souza addressed the council and thanked Don Peck and the manager: “If it weren't for Don... I wouldn't be having this opportunity right now,” he said. Councilors moved and seconded a confirmation motion and approved Souza by voice vote — “All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it.”
The appointment was taken under the advice‑and‑consent provision of Section 5.10 of the North Kingstown Town Charter. Councilors praised both Peck and Souza and noted the appointment preserves continuity in a hard‑to‑fill, certified municipal position.
