North Smithfield Town Council Meeting – February 17, 2026
The North Smithfield Town Council met on February 17 for its regular meeting and addressed several key issues, including public safety and town infrastructure, as well as zoning updates and business licensing. Below is a straightforward summary of the major decisions and updates.
1. Public Safety: Strengthening Fire & Rescue
The Council approved an addendum to the Fire and Rescue contract (2025–2028). This agreement provides funding for additional staffing to man an extra rescue vehicle. The goal is to reduce the town’s reliance on "mutual aid" from neighboring communities and ensure faster response times for residents. Councilman David Punchak questioned if, in the event of resignations, unused funding would return to the town and was advised that the surplus is typically redirected to overtime pay for remaining officers.
2. Zoning Ordinance: A Major Overhaul Underway
The Town Planner presented a comprehensive update to the Town Zoning Ordinance, the first major revision in over 20 years. These changes are required to bring North Smithfield into compliance with new Rhode Island state laws. Key points include:
Adaptive Reuse: Making it easier to convert old commercial buildings into housing.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Standardizing rules for "in-law" suites.
Streamlining: Simplifying the permit process for small property modifications.
3. Business Update: Leo’s Auto (HT Auto)
The Council held a lengthy discussion regarding the junkyard license for Leo’s Auto on Iron Mine Hill Road. The owner has made progress in removing vehicles and installing fencing, but the Council is seeking a clear site map to verify environmental protections and visual screening before final approval. The council is considering hiring GZA as a contractor to determine environmental regulations and how they impact the business. Both Councilwoman Rebecca DeCristofaro and Councilman David Punchak expressed concerns about the cost, and the limited support coming from state regulatory agencies and the assistant solicitor.
4. Utility Improvements on Mattity Road
The Council granted an easement to Rhode Island Energy and Verizon for property at Plat 10, Lot 218. This allows for the installation of utility poles to support a solar project while ensuring that the town’s future plans for walking trails in that area remain protected.
Tabled Items: What’s Coming Next?
Several items were postponed to ensure the Council has all necessary information before voting. These will be revisited at upcoming meetings:
Leo’s Auto Junkyard License: Tabled to the March 2, 2026 meeting. The Council is awaiting a specific site plan regarding fencing and environmental compliance.
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Changes: The public hearing for these updates has been continued to March 16, 2026, to allow for final minor adjustments to the text.
GZA Environmental Contract: Discussion regarding environmental services for the HT Auto site was also moved to the March 2, 2026 agenda to coincide with the license discussion.
Next Meeting: The Town Council is scheduled to meet again on March 2, 2026. Residents are encouraged to attend at Town Hall or watch via the town’s YouTube channel.
Watch the full video of this meeting: North Smithfield Town Council 2/17/26
How can you get involved?
Attend the next Town Council Meeting: Town Council has 2 open forums for each meeting, and any resident can address the council for up to 3 minutes. Speak up about the importance of environmental regulations in your community.
Contact your state representatives: The Department of Energy Management is a state agency. Contact your state senators and assembly members and ask for more accountability for local environmental regulations.