The Boring PartsFederalLocal · USLocal · Canada
Smithfield, RI

Smithfield public meetings in 2022

49 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 20, 2022

Special Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Council to vote on liquor licenses, new eateries, Cox contract

The Smithfield Town Council is meeting to consider and act on several liquor license renewals, transfers, and new licenses for restaurants, as well as new victualling and entertainment licenses. They will also vote on authorizing a 36-month contract with Cox Communications for internet and voice services at town departments. The agenda includes a public hearing on a proposed ordinance amendment regarding the number of alcoholic beverage licenses.

alcohol-licensesbusiness-licensespublic-hearingcontractsordinance
Thu Dec 8, 2022

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board approves 90-unit Greenville Farms master plan with conditions

The Smithfield Planning Board held a public hearing and voted to approve the master plan for the Residences at Greenville Farms, a 90-unit duplex development on West Greenville Road, with conditions including a full traffic study, environmental and fiscal impact studies, and 2-bedroom units only. The board also approved zoning ordinance amendments for solar energy systems, granted an extension for Rubius Therapeutics, and reviewed a pre-application for a 4-lot subdivision by Helping Hands.

zoningsolarhousingcomprehensive-permitpublic-hearingsubdivisionplanning-board
Wed Dec 7, 2022

Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Zoning Board approves Bryant University expansion and new local businesses

The Zoning Board of Review approved several special use permits and variances for development in Smithfield. Key decisions included approving building height and parking variances for Bryant University and permitting a new cigar lounge and dog boarding facility.

zoningbryant-universitybusiness-developmentsolar-energysmithfield
Tue Dec 6, 2022

Special Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Town Council to swear in new members, elect officers, renew liquor licenses

The Smithfield Town Council will convene a special meeting to swear in newly elected members, elect a council president and vice president, and conduct public hearings on the renewal of numerous liquor and victualling licenses. The council will also consider several contracts and purchases, including a new amphitheater for Deerfield Park and tax software, as well as tax abatements.

licensesalcoholcontractstax-abatementspublic-hearingappointments
Thu Nov 17, 2022

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board approves Sand Trace final plan, advances zoning amendments

The Smithfield Planning Board met on December 8, 2022, to review proposed zoning ordinance amendments and act on development applications. The board approved the Sand Trace comprehensive permit final plan for a 54.73-acre site at 8 Mann School Road, and continued discussion on solar energy system size limits. A pre-application for the Helping Hands subdivision was not heard because the applicant was absent.

zoningplanning-boarddevelopmentsolarcomprehensive-permit
Mon Nov 7, 2022

Special Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Town Council to vote on one-day liquor license for church wine tasting

This is a special Town Council meeting with a single substantive item: deciding whether to approve a one-day Class F1 Full Privilege License for St. Philip Church to hold a wine tasting. All other agenda sections are procedural or empty, including no presentations, minutes, public hearings, or new business.

licensesalcoholspecial-event
Thu Oct 20, 2022

Planning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Planning Board approves Bryant University master plan, recommends zoning relief

The Smithfield Planning Board reviewed and approved Bryant University's campus-wide master plan, which includes a new Convocation Center, residence hall, and field improvements. The board also voted to recommend zoning relief to the Zoning Board for building heights, setbacks, and parking spaces. Public concerns about noise, parking, and tree clearing were discussed during the hearing.

zoningplanning-boarduniversitymaster-planparkingnoisepublic-hearing
Tue Oct 18, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to consider fuel contract and bingo license renewal

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a regular meeting on October 18, 2022, preceded by an executive session to discuss a potential real estate acquisition. During the open session, the council will consider approving a fuel purchase contract with Peterson Oil Services and renewing a bingo license for Old County Road School. No public hearings, presentations, or old business items are scheduled.

fuel-contractlicensesreal-estatetown-council
Wed Oct 5, 2022

Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Zoning Board approves special use permit for cafe at 19 Smith Avenue

The Zoning Board of Review met to elect new officers and review several property cases. The board approved a special use permit and parking variance for Josephine’s Coffee Bar, Inc. and granted an extension for a resolution at 150 George Washington Highway.

zoningbusinessrestaurantsmithfieldland-use
Tue Oct 4, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Council to vote on $5.97M school energy upgrade contract

The Smithfield Town Council will hold public hearings on zoning and sewer ordinance amendments, including a new Contaminated Groundwater Overlay District and a Community Septic System Loan Program. The council will also consider several contracts, most notably a $5,974,785 Honeywell HVAC and energy efficiency upgrade for two schools, plus appointments and a small tax abatement.

zoningsewersschoolscontractsenergyappointments
Tue Sep 20, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Council to hold public hearings on fire code changes and septic loan program

The Smithfield Town Council will convene in executive session to interview candidates for board appointments, then hold a regular meeting with public hearings on amendments to the Fire Prevention chapter of the town code, including new two-way radio communication requirements. The council will also schedule hearings for October 4 on a community septic system loan program and an Efficient Buildings chapter, and consider a new mobile food truck license, a road race permit, tax software RFP, and tax abatements.

fire-preventionseptic-loan-programefficient-buildingslicensestax-abatementsroad-raceappointments
Thu Sep 15, 2022

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board approves Bryant University warehouse preliminary plan

The Smithfield Planning Board held a public hearing and voted to approve the preliminary plan for a Bryant University warehouse on John Mowry Road, with conditions. The board also reviewed a pre-application for a 96-unit affordable housing development on West Greenville Road and appointed a member to the Soil Erosion Committee.

planning-boardzoninghousingdevelopmentpublic-hearingwarehouseaffordable-housing
Thu Sep 8, 2022

Planning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Planning Board approves 14-lot Whipple Woods subdivision with conditions

The Smithfield Planning Board held a special meeting to review the Whipple Woods major subdivision master plan for 170 Whipple Road. After a public hearing and discussion, the board voted to approve the 14-lot plan with conditions, including preserving the eastern portion as open space and relocating Lot 14 to the cul-de-sac. The board also discussed recent state law changes affecting planning board training, affordable housing, and quorum requirements.

planning-boardsubdivisionzoningopen-spaceaffordable-housingcomprehensive-plan
Tue Sep 6, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Council to weigh fire station RFP, road repair contract, and zoning overlay

The Smithfield Town Council will consider several contracts and appointments, including a $697,700 architectural services contract for school facilities, a $56,100 road repair contract for Deer Run Estates/West Farm Road, and a $36,350 wastewater resiliency plan amendment. They will also discuss a zoning amendment for a Contaminated Groundwater Overlay District and multiple license applications, including for Wing Power and Island Fin Poke. The meeting includes an executive session for personnel interviews and a public hearing on the zoning amendment.

zoningcontractslicensesfire-stationroadsschoolsappointments
Mon Aug 22, 2022

Town Council Site Visits

Town Council tours summer construction at two Smithfield schools

The Smithfield Town Council is holding site visits to tour recent summer construction projects at two schools. The council will first visit Old County Road Elementary School at 5:30 p.m., then Smithfield High School at 6:00 p.m. This is an informational tour, not a decision-making meeting.

schoolsconstructionsite-visittown-council
Thu Aug 18, 2022

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board continues Whipple Woods subdivision, approves Stillwater Plat

The Smithfield Planning Board reviewed and continued the Whipple Woods major subdivision application to a special meeting on September 8, 2022, to allow for further discussion and authentication of an abutter's report. The board also approved the Stillwater Plat preliminary plan, denying a requested impact fee waiver, and recommended the Town Council adopt a new Contaminated Groundwater Overlay District ordinance. Officers for the board were elected, with Ken Orabona elected Vice Chairman.

zoningsubdivisionplanning-boardpublic-hearingordinancecontracts
Wed Aug 10, 2022

Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Zoning Board approves two variances and a special use permit

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met and voted unanimously to approve all items on the agenda. They approved the minutes from the July 6, 2022 meeting, granted dimensional variances for a lot subdivision at 2 Danecroft Avenue, and approved a special use permit with conditions for an addition at 37 Pleasant View Avenue.

zoningvariancesspecial-use-permitsubdivisionsmithfield
Tue Aug 9, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Town Council to vote on police equipment, vehicles, and capital plan

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting the Capital Improvements Program Plan for Fiscal Years 2023-2042, and will vote on several new business items including police equipment and vehicle purchases, a fire department vehicle, and other contracts. The agenda also includes appointments to town boards and commissions, a special event license for St. Philip Church, and a tax abatement.

capital-improvementspolicefire-departmentappointmentslicensesbudget
Thu Jul 21, 2022

Planning Board Site Visit

Smithfield Planning Board approves three subdivisions, extends Earl Grey Estates

The Smithfield Planning Board held a meeting on July 21, 2022, where it approved the preliminary plan for the Whispering Pines subdivision (13 Chiswick Road), approved the master plan for the Williams Road subdivision (82 Williams Road), and granted a one-year extension for the Earl Grey Estates master plan. The board also continued the Whipple Woods master plan review to the August 18, 2022 meeting. The meeting included public hearings and discussions on these projects.

planning-boardsubdivisionmaster-planpublic-hearingzoning
Tue Jul 12, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Council to consider $342K ambulance purchase, dog park rules

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the town's dog park ordinance and consider several licenses, including a new farmer's market and two new food-service licenses. Under new business, the council will vote on a $342,123 ambulance purchase, a $35,000 school project change order, and other expenditures and agreements.

public-hearinglicensespolicefirebudgetschoolszoning
Sat Jul 9, 2022

Planning Board Site Visit

Planning Board site visit for Whipple Woods subdivision

The Smithfield Planning Board will conduct a site visit for the proposed Whipple Woods major subdivision at 170 Whipple Road. The board will walk the property to view the development area and may ask questions, but will not deliberate or vote. This is a master plan review for a 40.91-acre parcel zoned R-80 (Conservation) with 9 proposed lots.

planning-boardsubdivisionsite-visitzoningwhipple-woods
Wed Jul 6, 2022

Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Zoning Board approves four variances, continues one case

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met on July 6, 2022, and voted unanimously (5-0) to approve four variance requests and continue one application to the August 10, 2022 meeting. The board also approved the minutes from the June 1, 2022 meeting.

zoningvariancesspecial-use-permitcarportaccessory-dwelling-unitsingle-family-dwelling
Tue Jun 21, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to hold public hearing on FY2023 budget and consider cannabis ballot question

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget and consider a resolution to place a cannabis-related licensing question on the November 8, 2022 ballot. The agenda also includes several contract approvals, including a $331,865 purchase of a Mobile Command Center for the police department, and a request for proposals for a new fire station. The meeting begins with an executive session to discuss personnel appointments and a firefighters' collective bargaining agreement.

budgetcannabispolicefire-stationcontractspublic-hearinglicenses
Thu Jun 16, 2022

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board continues Whipple Woods 9-lot subdivision review to July 21

The Smithfield Planning Board reviewed a proposal for a 9-lot conservation subdivision on 40.91 acres at 170 Whipple Road. Following public comments regarding wetlands, drainage, and neighborhood character, the Board voted unanimously to continue the application to the July 21, 2022 meeting. The Board ordered a site visit and requested technical input from the Town Engineer and Public Works Director on drainage issues before making a final decision.

zoningsubdivisionwetlandsdrainageplanning
Wed Jun 8, 2022

Town Council Budget Work Sess.

Town Council to discuss FY 2022-2023 budget at work session

The Smithfield Town Council and Budget and Financial Review Board are holding a joint work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget. The agenda contains only this single discussion item, with no specific budget figures or proposals listed. The meeting is scheduled for June 8, 2022, at Smithfield Town Hall.

budgettown-councilfiscal-year-2022-2023
Wed Jun 1, 2022

Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Zoning Board approves carport permit for Old County Road

The Zoning Board of Review approved a special use permit and variances for a carport at 317 Old County Road. The board also voted to continue a lot subdivision application for 2 Danecroft Avenue to a later date.

zoningland usepermitssmithfield
Thu May 19, 2022

Planning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Planning Board approves two major subdivision master plans

The Planning Board approved master plan reviews for Stillwater Plat at 160 Stillwater Road and Calcagni Estates at 115 Burlingame Road. The board also voted to release a $79,720 performance bond for the Burlingame Estates subdivision.

zoningsubdivisiondevelopmentinfrastructurepublic-works
Tue May 17, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Council to receive FY2023 budget recommendation, schedule public hearing

The Smithfield Town Council is holding a virtual work session to receive the Budget and Financial Review Board's recommended Fiscal Year 2023 budget and schedule a public hearing on it for June 21, 2022. The council will also conduct a public hearing on possible suspension or revocation of three mobile food truck licenses for failure to produce renewal paperwork, and consider several other items including appointments, license renewals, and new business contracts.

budgetpublic-hearinglicensesarpaschoolscontracts
Wed May 11, 2022

Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Zoning Board approves 5 of 6 agenda items, including Bryant University storage facility

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met on May 11, 2022, and voted on several zoning requests. The board approved a special use permit and variances for B&F Associates to build a new building at 356 Farnum Pike, a variance for a single-family dwelling at 0 Woodland Avenue, variances for a sunroom and deck at 24 Mac Arthur Drive, and a special use permit for Bryant University to construct a storage facility at 353 Farnum Pike. The board also approved an extension for a previously granted resolution at 21 Randall Street. One case, involving a garage at 5 Lark Road, was not heard because the matter was resolved with the Town and Greenville Water District.

zoningvariancesspecial-use-permitconstructionbryant-universitysmithfield
Tue May 3, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Town Council to weigh bids, contracts, and ARPA funding

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a regular meeting on May 3, 2022, preceded by an executive session to discuss personnel and pending litigation. The open agenda includes public hearings on license suspensions, numerous license renewals, and votes on several contracts and bid awards. The Council will also consider approving the proposed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding program and tax abatements.

Tue Apr 5, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to consider licenses, road work, and $40K generator purchase

The Smithfield Town Council will hold public hearings on revoking or approving several food and alcohol licenses, including a transfer to The Trap North Brew Pub & Grill. They will also consider authorizing requests for proposals for road maintenance services, a $40,000 generator purchase, and other contracts. The meeting includes appointments to town boards and routine license renewals.

licensespublic-hearingsroadscontractsappointmentsbudget
Thu Mar 31, 2022

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board approves Mowry Hill Commons mixed-use project with affordable housing conditions

The Smithfield Planning Board held a public hearing and approved the Mowry Hill Commons preliminary plan, a mixed-use development at 150 George Washington Highway with 6 commercial and 12 residential units, conditioned on the offsite LMI units being built in tandem and on Sewer Authority approval. The board also reviewed a pre-application for a 9-lot subdivision at 170 Whipple Road and approved Bryant University's master plan for a 20,000-square-foot warehouse on John Mowry Road.

planning-boardsubdivisionmixed-use-developmentaffordable-housingwarehousepublic-hearingzoning
Thu Mar 17, 2022

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board approves Stillwater Distribution master plan for 92-acre site

The Smithfield Planning Board approved the master plan for the Stillwater Distribution project, a major land development on George Washington Highway, with conditions including an environmental impact study and mitigation of runoff concerns. The board also reviewed a minor subdivision pre-application for Turtle Point Plat and certified a Community Development Block Grant application for Senior Center improvements. The meeting included a public hearing on the distribution project.

planning-boardmaster-plansubdivisiondistribution-centercdbgpublic-hearingtrafficstormwater
Tue Mar 15, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Town Council to consider business licenses and equipment purchases

The Town Council will review several business license applications, including a liquor license relocation and new restaurant permits. The council will also consider purchasing emergency radio equipment and two municipal vehicles.

business-licensespublic-hearingsmunicipal-purchaseszoningtaxation
Tue Mar 8, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to discuss American Rescue Plan Act funding

The Smithfield Town Council is holding a virtual work session to discuss American Rescue Plan Act funding and next steps. This meeting is for discussion purposes only.

budgetfederal-fundingsmithfield
Tue Mar 8, 2022

Town Council Work Sess.

Smithfield Council discusses $6.5M ARPA spending plan

The Smithfield Town Council held a work session to discuss a proposed $6,545,162.89 allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The proposal, drafted by Town Manager Randy Rossi, covers 14 areas including business grants, road paving, public safety equipment, and recreation. Council members and Budget Board members raised questions about priorities, particularly education and long-term fiscal impact. No final decision was made; the proposal will be discussed further at the Budget and Financial Review Board and a future council meeting.

arpa-fundingbudgetcapital-projectspublic-safetyrecreationroads
Wed Mar 2, 2022

Zoning Board Mtg.

Board approves drive-thru restaurant permit at 101 Pleasant View Avenue

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review held a virtual meeting on March 2, 2022, to review three property applications. The board voted unanimously to approve a special use permit for a restaurant with a drive-thru, as well as two variances for residential and commercial property modifications. All decisions were recorded in the Smithfield Land Evidence Records.

zoningland-userestaurantsvariancesspecial-permits
Tue Mar 1, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Town Council to weigh liquor license suspensions, dog park lease, auditorium upgrade

The Smithfield Town Council is meeting virtually to consider and act on several items, including public hearings on possible suspension or revocation of liquor and victualling licenses for non-compliance, approval of numerous license renewals, a lease agreement with Bryant University for a dog park, and a bid award for high school auditorium equipment replacement. The council will also vote on resolutions regarding state legislative priorities and opposition to a zoning bill.

licensespublic-hearingzoningparksschoolsbudget
Wed Feb 23, 2022

Town Council Work Sess.

Town Council to discuss potential dog park

The Smithfield Town Council is holding a work session to discuss the possibility of a new dog park. The meeting format was subject to change based on state executive orders regarding remote access.

parkstown-councilsmithfield
Thu Feb 17, 2022

Planning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Planning Board reviews Stillwater Distribution master plan

The Board held an informational meeting regarding a proposed 92-acre warehouse development at 295 George Washington Highway. The project includes a 1.12 million square foot building and a 120,000 square foot building. The application was continued to the March 17, 2022, meeting.

zoningdevelopmentwarehouseland-usesmithfield
Tue Feb 15, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Council to weigh capital plan, tax breaks, liquor license actions

The Smithfield Town Council will hold public hearings on a new capital program and reserve fund ordinance, a tax stabilization measure for commercial property, and the 2023-2027 Capital Improvements Program Plan. It will also consider liquor license suspensions for non-compliance, approve change orders totaling over $418,000 for school construction, and make several board appointments.

capital-improvementstax-stabilizationliquor-licensesschool-constructionappointmentspublic-hearings
Wed Feb 2, 2022

Town Council Exec. Sess.

Town Council to consider board and commission appointments

The Smithfield Town Council met in executive session to discuss personnel matters. The council considered interviewing several individuals for possible appointment or reappointment to a town board or commission.

personnelappointmentsgovernment-administration
Tue Feb 1, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Town Council to discuss radio purchases and local business licenses

The Town Council will consider several public hearings regarding wastewater plans, outdoor lighting ordinances, and liquor license sanctions. The council also plans to review a $36,499.51 purchase of mobile radios for the Fire Department.

public-hearingfire-departmentbusiness-licensingordinancesbudgetinfrastructure
Thu Jan 20, 2022

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board grants one-year extension for Smithfield Village final plan

The Smithfield Planning Board approved a one-year extension for the Smithfield Village major land development project, originally approved in February 2020, due to changed market conditions. The board also reviewed a pre-application for a warehouse distribution facility on George Washington Highway, discussed traffic and access plans, and addressed bond funds for the Deer Run Estates project.

planning-boardland-developmentextensionwarehousetrafficbonds
Tue Jan 18, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to consider $2.16M fire truck purchase and license actions

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a virtual meeting on January 18, 2022, starting with an executive session for the Town Manager's annual review, then reconvening publicly at 7:00 p.m. The council will consider appointments, schedule public hearings on ordinance amendments, conduct hearings on liquor licenses, and vote on new business items including a major fire apparatus purchase and an audit report acceptance.

fire-departmentlicensespublic-hearingtax-abatementordinanceauditappointments
Wed Jan 12, 2022

Town Council Mtg.

Council to consider liquor license renewals, property sale, and contracts

The Smithfield Town Council will convene virtually to handle routine business including approving minutes, making board appointments, and holding public hearings on the wastewater management plan and an outdoor lighting ordinance. The council will also consider renewing several liquor licenses, scheduling show cause hearings for non-compliant licensees, and approving various contracts and expenditures, including a $223,000 renovation project and a property sale.

liquor-licensespublic-hearingproperty-salecontractsbudgetordinanceappointments
Wed Jan 12, 2022

Town Council Work Sess.

Town Council to discuss draft FY2021 audit report

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a virtual work session to review the draft Audit Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. The presentation and discussion will be conducted with Hague, Sahady & Co., P.C.

auditfinancetown-council
Wed Jan 5, 2022

CANCELLED Jan. 5, 2022 - Town Council-School Cte. Work Sess.

Smithfield Town Council and School Committee work session cancelled

The scheduled work session between the Smithfield Town Council and School Committee on January 5, 2022, was cancelled. The agenda had listed a discussion of preliminary estimates for state aid and school department needs for Fiscal Year 2023, but no decisions were made.

educationbudgetcouncilcancelled
Tue Jan 4, 2022

CANCELLED Jan. 4, 2022 - Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Town Council meeting cancelled; agenda items include liquor licenses, contracts

This Town Council meeting was cancelled. The agenda included executive session items on the Town Manager's annual review and opioid litigation, public hearings on an onsite wastewater management plan and an outdoor lighting ordinance, liquor license renewals and possible sanctions, and several contract and property sale authorizations.

cancelled-meetingliquor-licensespublic-hearingcontractsproperty-saleordinancebudget