Council hears update on emergency management study, community paramedic program and local outreach

Town staff told the South Kingstown Town Council that the town has a signed contract with Beta Group to conduct an emergency management study, that kickoff for the study is scheduled for July 19 with department heads, and that Beta reduced its fee from $50,000 to $45,000 with $5,000 of in‑kind work so staff expects no additional cash outlay for that project.

Staff also described a community paramedic program initiated under Craig Stanley to provide in‑home checks and basic paramedic services aimed at keeping residents out of emergency rooms when appropriate. A council member asked that Craig provide a short, 5–10 minute public briefing at a future meeting so residents know what services are available and how to access them. ‘‘The goal is to keep people out of the hospitals, out of the emergency rooms,’’ the town staff speaker said.

A council member announced a community composting program on July 29 from 5–6 p.m.; registration will open and the first 100 people to register will receive a compost bin. In public comment, Bill McCusker (Friends of the Sawick) updated the council on hydrilla treatments at Indian Lake, noting treatments will continue and that hydrilla has been found downstream in Fresh Meadow Brook; he notified the state aquatic invasive species biologist had been alerted.

Council discussed that the town will continue public outreach (website and social media) on programs and tax bill notices. Several routine administrative votes followed the presentations, including acceptance of a resignation and multiple appointments.