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