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Smithfield council approves new tavern liquor license, solar solicitation and several contracts
Summary
The council approved a new liquor license for Black Dog Tavern, a solicitation license for a local solar company, a mobile food truck license, several one‑day permits, and multiple public‑works and school procurement items including a $169,700 crack‑sealing contract and a $145,000 elevator repair award for Gallagher Middle School.
Smithfield — At its May 19 meeting the Smithfield Town Council approved a slate of licenses, permits and procurement awards, including a new liquor license for Black Dog Tavern, a solicitation license for a local solar vendor, and multiple contracts for public works and school projects.
The council granted a victualer and liquor license to Black Dog Tavern (566 Putnam Pike). Attorney Frank Shaw and proprietor Jose Jacome Morales told the council the restaurant will operate primarily as a dinner venue (typical hours 4 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday until 11 p.m.). The council opened and closed the public hearing with no opposition and approved the license by voice vote.
The council also approved a solicitation license for Do It Right Solar, with conditions requiring notification to the Smithfield Police Department when soliciting and restricting solicitation hours seasonally. The license was approved after the owner described residential solar options and financing approaches.
Other licenses approved included a mobile food truck permit for Michael Strout (Team Gotta BBQ), and one‑day beer-and-wine permits for the Smithfield Senior Center (wine-and-cheese event on June 5 and a summer celebration on June 25).
On procurement and capital items, Gene Allen, Director of Public Works, presented a three‑year crack‑sealing contract (total contract $169,700; estimated program funding ~$100,000 per fiscal year). The council approved the award and the unit pricing as presented.
The council approved a street‑paving bid award and a $145,000 emergency stage‑two elevator repair package for Gallagher Middle School (reskin doors, refurbish cab, and related electronics). School officials said the work must be completed by June 30, 2027 to secure partial reimbursement under the applicable aid program.
A bid award for a grant‑funded Ford F‑350 pickup (food-service/trailer work) was approved; the school department said the related grant totals $125,000 and the truck must be procured to meet June 30 grant deadlines.
The council reviewed bids for snow‑plowing services at six school sites and heard from a former contractor who said current bids were substantially higher than his prior rates; the council agreed to further review bids and coordinate with the school department and public works.
Votes and next steps: The licenses and contracts above were approved by voice votes during the meeting; several school service items were tabled or set for further review and coordination with the School Committee and town staff.
