North Smithfield Town Council - August 17, 2026
Meeting — August 17, 2026
Meeting overview
Agenda at a glance
| Agenda item | Summary | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Session — Pound Hill Realty MOU | Reopened after a pre-trial hearing; two votes taken. | Sealed session |
| Approval of Memorandum of Understanding — Pound Hill Realty | Approved, 3–1, resolving litigation dating to 1999. | Approved |
| Open Forum (mid-meeting) | Four individuals spoke (see Public Comments). | 4 speakers |
| Board of Licensing — D&D Auto Recycling LLC | License approved for an auto recycling operation, 1859 Pound Hill Road. | Approved |
| Payment of Bills | Approved in two separate votes. | Approved |
| Consent Agenda | Approved as amended. | Approved |
| Salary and Wage Ordinance — Second Reading | Approved as amended. | Approved |
| Police Station Renovation — FF&E Award and Change Orders | Furniture contract awarded; change orders addressed on a net basis. | Approved |
| Grants Update | New Main Street beautification grant received; rural health network grant opportunity introduced. | Update |
| Appointment — Public Safety Commission | Daniel Taylor, term through January 30, 2028. | Approved |
| DPW Request — Pacheco Park Field Lighting Replacement | Approved, $7,750, to re-lamp the Boys Major League field. | Approved |
| Open Forum (closing) | One resident spoke (see Public Comments). | 1 speaker |
Key issues and discussion
Pound Hill Realty Settlement Approved
This item returned to the agenda after a pre-trial hearing at which a newly assigned judge asked both parties to attempt agreement once more. Following executive session, the Council approved a memorandum of understanding and settlement agreement resolving litigation the town has pursued since 1999, by a vote of 3–1. The agreement authorizes the Town Administrator to sign and outside counsel to finalize and record the settlement; the finalized document was expected to be made public within days.
D&D Auto Recycling License
The Council held a public hearing on a new junkyard/auto-recycling license for a property with over 50 years of operating history, now transferring to a new operator. The Building/Zoning Official confirmed no open violations. Council members asked detailed questions about hours of operation, vehicle-crushing practices, and fluid disposal procedures, and the license was approved unanimously.
Police Station Renovation — FF&E Award and Change Orders
The project's buyout process is now roughly 70% complete and tracking on or under budget. The Council approved awarding the furniture, fixtures, and equipment package to a women-owned business for $329,106.62, a savings of roughly $34,800 against the original budget allowance. The Council also addressed two change items from the construction manager — a credit back to the town for an already-paid permit fee, and an addition tied to a demolition scope change — approving the net change contingent on offsetting a separate previously identified savings, aiming for a net reduction to the project's overall budget.
Grants Update
The town received an additional $148,000 through a state Main Street Beautification Program grant for Pacheco Park-area improvements. Several other federal and state grant requests remain pending, with decisions expected within about 60 days. The Town Administrator also introduced a new opportunity: North Smithfield is eligible for a federal Rural Health Network planning grant intended to help coordinate healthcare access for underinsured residents, and plans to bring a fuller proposal to the Council in September.
Public comments
| Speaker | Summary |
|---|---|
| Resident Charter ballot question communication |
Recommended the Council publicly clarify individual councilor positions on the November ballot questions to avoid public confusion about whether placing a question on the ballot implies Council endorsement. |
| Resident Questions regarding a 2025 camera installation approval |
Presented records related to a 2025 decision regarding installation of license plate reader cameras on state roads in town and asked the Town Solicitor to provide a written response on the record regarding the town's approval process. |
| Resident Roadside parking and setback safety |
Raised concerns about vehicles parking within road setback areas near school-route roads, citing sightline and pedestrian safety concerns. |
| Resident Process concerns regarding a pending legal matter |
Raised questions about the timeline of the Pound Hill Realty settlement process. |