North Smithfield Town Council - May 18, 2026
Regular Meeting — May 18, 2026
Meeting overview
Agenda at a glance
| Agenda item | Summary | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Consent Agenda | Minutes from April 20, 27, and May 4. Monthly reports for April 2026. Minor corrections. | Approved as amended |
| Phoenix Rising — License | New dog boarding license for equestrian center at 260 Pound Hill Rd. REA zoning permits kennels on 5+ acres. | Approved 5–0 |
| Payment of Bills | $3,159,551.10 plus $770 PAR Corp invoice to close out prior grant and maintain eligibility. | Approved 5–0 |
| Police Station — Change Orders | Total project cost now $11,046,073. ECC (OPM) change order $197,821.75; SignalWorks (architect) $56,170. GMP unchanged. Construction start ~June 8. | Both approved 5–0 |
| OER Grant Payment | $129,000 front-loaded to meet May 30 state ARPA deadline. Reimbursed through grant. | Approved 5–0 |
| Appointments | David LaRoche to Historic District Commission. Planning Board continued to June 1. | LaRoche approved; PB continued |
| RI Energy — New Pole | Old Great Road at Connector intersection. | Approved 5–0 |
| Verizon Fiber Upgrades | Underground work on four streets. Detail paid by contractor. | Approved 5–0 |
| Executive Session | DVV/Lowe’s tax case and HT Auto LLC junkyard license. One vote taken; minutes sealed. Attorney authorized at $150/hr. | Attorney authorized 5–0 |
Key issues and discussion
Police Station — Change Orders and Project Status
Total project cost is now $11,046,073, up from $10,791,356 in April. The increase is from two soft-cost change orders: ECC (OPM) at $197,821.75 and SignalWorks (architect) at $56,170. The GMP (hard construction cost) remains unchanged at $9,039,526.81.
The OPM change order covers extended services through June 30, 2027 (the original contract assumed completion by October 2026) and an additional clerk of the works. The architect’s change order reflects expanded scope — originally a ~$6M project, now ~$11M with all add-alternates. Both are standard for a project that has grown.
Net project cost after available capital sources: approximately $9.5M without the federal earmark, or ~$8.8M if the earmark comes through (~November 2026 decision). A $150,000 backup generator was added as a line item, to be funded by the federal grant if received.
A $129,000 OER grant payment was front-loaded to meet a May 30 state ARPA deadline. Without proof of payment, the grant would be lost. Construction start is targeted for the week of June 8; the asbestos remediation plan has been approved. The TA flagged the need for a future discussion about emergency field approval authority for small items.
Phoenix Rising Equestrian Center — Dog Boarding License
Jason Rotulo (260 Pound Hill Rd) appeared for Phoenix Rising Equestrian Center LLC, an existing horse boarding operation expanding to include dog boarding. REA zoning permits kennels on parcels over 5 acres (the property qualifies). Plans call for up to 20 dogs typically, with approximately 75% commercial boarding and 25% capacity reserved for rescue overflow partnerships. The town license is a prerequisite for the DEM kennel permit. Zoning approval was already obtained; animal control confirmed everything in order. Approved 5–0.
Leo’s Auto / HT Auto LLC — Executive Session
Attorney Christopher Zangari, representing HT Auto LLC, appeared during open forum to put on the record that any discussion of junkyard license compliance or zoning issues in executive session would be improper. He acknowledged discussion of potential future litigation would be proper. The council proceeded into executive session on the junkyard license and a separate tax case (DVV/Lowe’s). One vote was taken regarding HT Auto LLC; minutes were sealed.
Public comments
| Speaker | Summary |
|---|---|
| Christopher Zangari, Esq. Attorney for HT Auto LLC, (Opening Forum) |
Put on the record that discussion of junkyard license compliance or zoning in executive session would be improper under the Open Meetings Act. Acknowledged future litigation discussion would be proper. Asked that compliance-related discussion occur in open session. |
| Kevin Carriere 118 Elizabeth Ave., (Opening Forum) |
Asked about enforcement incentives for businesses violating town ordinances and accountability for companies that damage public property without permits. The solicitor clarified that open forum is for comments, not a question-and-answer session with individual council members. |