The text
Footnotes:
--- (1) --- Charter reference— Council-manager form of government, art. 1, ch. 2; code of ethics, art. 16.
Cross reference— Any administrative ordinance saved from repeal, § 1-10(17); courts, ch. 18; law enforcement, ch. 38; library, ch. 42; personnel, ch. 54; personnel administration, § 54-71 et seq.; administrative leave for personnel, § 54-114; retirement and pensions, ch. 58; taxation and finance, ch. 70; administration of finance for beach fund, § 70-158; administration of finance for code enforcement revolving fund, § 70-200; utilities, ch. 78; administration of sewers, § 78-266 et seq.; administration and enforcement of zoning regulations, app. A, § 23; administration of the subdivision regulations and amendments, app. B, § XI.
State Law reference— Towns and cities, G.L. 1956, title 45; arbitration of municipal employees' disputes generally, G.L. 1956, § 28-9.4-1 et seq.; retirement of municipal employees, G.L. 1956, § 45-21-1 et seq.; workers' compensation, G.L. 1956, § 28-29-1 et seq.; employment security, G.L. 1956, § 28-42-1 et seq.
ARTICLE I. - IN GENERAL#
Secs. 2-2—2-20. - Reserved.#
ARTICLE II. - TOWN COUNCIL#
Footnotes:
--- (2) --- Charter reference— Town council, art. 2; dual office holding, § 14-1-6; personal financial interest, § 14-1-7.
State Law reference— Towns and cities, G.L. 1956, § 45-1-1 et seq.; town councils, G.L. 1956, § 45-5-1 et seq.; ordinances, G.L. 1956, § 45-6-1 et seq.; powers of town council regarding water in the town, G.L. 1956, § 46-4-6.8.
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY#
Sec. 2-21. - Salary; insurance.#
The president of the town council shall be entitled to an annual salary of $4,700.00. All other members of the town council shall be entitled to an annual salary of $3,500.00. Members of the town council shall be entitled to membership in a town group health coverage plan, including Delta Dental, and to a town group term life insurance policy in the amount of $10,000.00. The cost shall be borne by the individual members.
(Code 1986, § 2-16; Ch. 884, § 1, 6-4-2007; Ch. 1130, § 1, 9-16-2024)
Charter reference— Compensation, § 2-1-4.
Sec. 2-22. - Petitions.#
All petitions presented to the town council shall be in writing, unless otherwise specially allowed by the town council.
(Code 1986, § 2-34)
Charter reference— Initiative and referendum petitions, § 1-4-1 et seq.
Secs. 2-23—2-35. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 2. - MEETINGS#
Footnotes:
--- (3) --- Charter reference— Council president to preside at meetings, § 2-1-3; council meetings, § 2-1-6.
State Law reference— Open meetings law, G.L. 1956, § 42-46-1 et seq.; quorum, G.L. 1956, § 45-5-3.
Sec. 2-36. - Regular meetings.#
(a)
The town council shall hold its regular monthly meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 25 Fifth Avenue, without any special notice to any member of the town council.
(b)
The council intends to limit its official sessions and meetings to Monday evenings except in the case of an emergency or a holiday.
(Code 1986, § 2-31; Ch. 1102, § 1, 1-3-2023)
Charter reference— Regular meetings, § 2-1-6.
Sec. 2-37. - Special meetings.#
Special meetings of the town council shall be called in the manner provided in this section. Such meetings shall be called whenever the president of the town council, or in his absence from the town, the next ranking member of the town council, shall petition the town clerk to call a special meeting of the town council, and shall specify the business to be considered at the special meeting. The town clerk shall issue a warrant to the town sergeant, or in the absence of the town sergeant, to any constable, directing the town sergeant or constable to personally notify each member of the town council of the special meeting. The warrant shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business it is proposed to transact, and the warrant shall be served at least one hour before the time of the special meeting. No business other than that specified in the warrant calling the special meeting shall be acted upon at the special meeting.
(Code 1986, § 2-32)
Charter reference— Special meetings, § 2-1-6.
State Law reference— Notice of emergency meeting, G.L. 1956, § 42-46-6.
Sec. 2-38. - Work sessions.#
Work sessions will be held the second and fourth Mondays as required. Exceptions may be made in scheduling with a simple majority vote by the town council.
(Code 1986, § 2-33; Ch. 1106, § 1, 3-6-2023)
Charter reference— Work sessions, § 2-1-6.
Secs. 2-39—2-50. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 3. - ORDINANCES#
Footnotes:
--- (4) --- Charter reference— Ordinances, § 2-1-9; revision of ordinances, § 14-1-2; ordinances to implement Charter, § 15-1-3.
State Law reference— Ordinances, G.L. 1956, § 45-6-1 et seq.
Sec. 2-51. - Enactment style of ordinances.#
The enacting style of all ordinances shall be, "IT IS ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF NARRAGANSETT AS FOLLOWS."
(Code 1986, § 2-1)
State Law reference— Publication requirements shall be determined by the town council, G.L. 1956, § 45-6-7.
Sec. 2-52. - Publication of ordinances required.#
The town clerk shall cause all ordinances to be published in pamphlet form for the use of town officers, as soon as practicable after their enactment. The town clerk shall also cause to be published in some newspaper published in either the Town of Narragansett or the Town of South Kingstown (or in the county if there be no newspaper published in Narragansett or South Kingstown), all ordinances hereafter enacted affecting the public generally and involving a fine or other penalty for the breach of such ordinances; provided, however, that for ordinances which exceed two typewritten pages in length the town clerk is hereby authorized to publish either a summary of the ordinance or notice that the ordinance has been adopted. If the town clerk elects to publish a summary of the ordinance or notice of adoption, then the publication shall state where copies of the entire text of the ordinance may be obtained. The publication of ordinances shall be made one time within 20 days after the enactment of the ordinance.
(Code 1986, § 2-2)
State Law reference— Publication requirements established by council, etc., G.L. 1956, § 45-6-7.
Secs. 2-53—2-70. - Reserved.#
ARTICLE III. - BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES#
Footnotes:
--- (5) --- Charter reference— Board of canvassers, § 4-1-2; board of assessment review, § 6-4-2 et seq.; planning board, art. 10, ch. 1; meetings of boards, commissions and committees, § 14-1-10.
Cross reference— Local building code appeals board, § 10-2; juvenile hearing board, § 18-76 et seq.; minimum housing board of review, § 34-61 et seq.; public library board of trustees, § 42-21 et seq.; personnel appeals board, § 54-21 et seq.; pension board for town employees, § 58-22; harbor management commission, § 82-121 et seq.; historic district commission, app. A, § 5.4; planning board, app. A, § 26; zoning board of review, app. A, § 27.
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY#
Sec. 2-71. - Temporary appointments.#
Whenever any member of any board, commission or committee appointed by the town council is called into active service in the Armed Forces of the United States for a period in excess of 30 days, such person's position on the board, commission or committee shall be deemed to be temporarily vacant, and the town council shall have the right to appoint a temporary replacement for the member. The temporary appointment shall only be effective until such time as either the regular member returns from active service in the Armed Forces of the United States or the regular members term of office expires, whichever shall first occur.
(Code 1986, § 2-46)
Secs. 2-72—2-85. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 2. - CONSERVATION COMMISSION#
Footnotes:
--- (6) --- Charter reference— Meetings of boards, commissions and committees, § 14-1-10; conservation commission, § 14-1-12.
State Law reference— Conservation commission, G.L. 1956, § 45-35-1.
Sec. 2-86. - Established; membership; appointment; terms.#
There is established a conservation commission for the town consisting of seven members appointed by the town council each for three-year terms, except the initial appointments of some members may be for less than three years so as to result in the staggering of subsequent vacancies.
(Code 1986, § 2-53)
State Law reference— Appointment of conservation commission, G.L. 1956, § 45-35-2.
Sec. 2-87. - Advising the town council.#
The conservation commission shall advise the town council concerning the utilization of natural resources of the town in accordance with the purposes and objectives of G.L. 1956, 45-35-1 et seq.
(Code 1986, § 2-54)
State Law reference— Power to appoint, G.L. 1956, § 45-35-1; purpose, G.L. 1956, § 45-35-1 et seq.
Secs. 2-88—2-100. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 3. - LAND CONSERVANCY TRUST#
Footnotes:
--- (7) --- State Law reference— Conservation of open space, G.L. 1956, § 45-36-1 et seq.
Sec. 2-101. - Established; purpose.#
There is hereby established a Narragansett Land Conservancy Trust (hereafter called "trust" in this division). The trust is organized for the purpose of: (1)
Acquiring land, development rights and easements within the town, affording priority to environmentally sensitive lands;
(2)
Preserving open spaces, farmlands, scenic vistas, wetlands, estuaries, adjoining uplands and critical habitats;
(3)
Preserving land providing access to coastal waters; and
(4)
Preserving land for future public recreational and educational use.
(Code 1986, § 2-82)
Sec. 2-102. - Membership; terms; election of officers.#
The trust shall be administered by nine trustees, two of whom shall be members of the town council. Five public members shall be appointed by the town council for terms of three years. The current chairperson, or member designee, of the conservation commission and planning board shall also be trustees. The members of the trust shall elect each January, a chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretary from among its members.
(Code 1986, § 2-83; ch. 791, § 1, 3-20-2000)
Sec. 2-103. - Authority to adopt regulations; annual report; meetings to be open to the public.#
The trustees may adopt reasonable rules and regulations governing the conduct of trust affairs, including the acquisition and management of its holdings, not inconsistent with the provisions of this division. Decisions of the trustees shall be by majority vote of those present and voting, and no business shall be transacted without five members present. The trustees shall keep an accurate record of their meetings and actions and shall file an annual report. All meetings of the trust, except those held in closed session in accordance with the open meetings law, shall be open to the public.
(Code 1986, § 2-84)
Sec. 2-104. - Acquisition of property.#
The trust shall have the authority to acquire any real property from consenting landowners in the town, or any interest therein, which it deems important to achieving its stated purposes.
(Code 1986, § 2-85)
Sec. 2-105. - Powers.#
The trust shall have the power to: (1)
Purchase, receive by gift, or otherwise acquire real property and development rights or any interest in real property consistent with the purposes of the trust. However, purchase of real property shall require prior consent of the council.
(2)
Accept gifts, grants or services from any source, public or private, and comply, subject to the provisions of this division, with any terms and conditions thereof.
(3)
Accept from the state and/or federal agencies, grants for use in carrying out the purposes of the trust and enter into any agreements with such agencies respecting any such grants.
(4)
Employ such personnel as needed to provide necessary services.
(5)
Administer and manage land and interests in land held by it in a manner which allows public use and/or enjoyment consistent with the natural, historic and scenic resources of such land.
(6)
Otherwise do all things necessary for the performance of its duties, the fulfillment of its obligations and the conduct of its business.
(Code 1986, § 2-86)
Sec. 2-106. - Budget.#
The town council shall annually budget a minimum of $50,000.00 to be deposited into a fund to be set up as a revolving account by the town treasurer, with interest to accumulate thereon. The trust's fiscal year shall be consistent with the town's fiscal year. An annual report shall be prepared on or about September of each year.
(Code 1986, § 2-87)
Sec. 2-107. - Additional contributions.#
Additional monies or other liquid assets received as voluntary contributions, or grants and the interest accumulated thereon, shall be deposited into such account, which shall be audited each year.
(Code 1986, § 2-88)
Secs. 2-108—2-120. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 4. - PLANNING BOARD#
Footnotes:
--- (8) --- Charter reference— Planning board, §§ 10-1-2—10-1-4.
Cross reference— Zoning, app. A; planning board for zoning, app. A, § 26; subdivision and land development regulations, app. B.
State Law reference— Planning board, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-1 et seq.
Sec. 2-121. - Established.#
A planning board for the town is created pursuant to Charter, § 10-1-2.
(Code 1986, § 14-16)
Charter reference— Creation of planning board, § 10-1-2.
Sec. 2-122. - Membership; terms; vacancies.#
The membership and terms of the planning board shall be as provided in the Charter, §§ 10-1-2 and 10-1-3. No more than one term shall expire each year. Any planning board member may be removed by the town council for due cause following a public hearing.
(Code 1986, § 14-17)
Charter reference— Membership, § 10-1-2; terms, filling of vacancies, § 10-1-3.
Sec. 2-123. - Compensation.#
Members of the planning board shall serve without compensation. The board members may be reimbursed within the limitations of funds appropriated for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
(Code 1986, § 14-18)
State Law reference— Compensation, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-4.
Sec. 2-124. - Organization; bylaws.#
The planning board shall organize annually in January by electing a chair, vice-chair and a secretary. The planning board may adopt bylaws for the performance of the duties prescribed in this division.
(Code 1986, § 14-19)
State Law reference— Officers and organizations, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-5.
Sec. 2-125. - Technical assistance; cooperative agreements.#
Within the limits of the funds appropriated for its use, the planning board may engage technical or clerical assistance to aid in the discharge of its duties. The planning board may, subject to confirmation of the town council and within the limits of the funds appropriated to it, enter into cooperative agreements with private, state, regional or federal agencies for technical assistance and studies deemed to be in the best interest of the community.
(Code 1986, § 14-20)
State Law reference— Technical assistance and cooperative agreements, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-5.
Sec. 2-126. - Authority.#
The planning board shall have the authority to call upon other departments, boards and committees of the town and upon regional, state and federal agencies for assistance in the performance of its designated functions and shall cooperate with such city or town, regional, state and federal agencies on matters of community, regional and state planning.
(Code 1986, § 14-21(e))
Sec. 2-127. - Powers and duties.#
(a)
Comprehensive plan.
(1)
The planning board shall prepare and adopt a comprehensive plan for the future development of the town. Such plan shall, among other things, show the proposed arrangement of land uses, transportation facilities, public facilities, utility systems, deteriorating neighborhoods planned for rehabilitation, redevelopment or renewal and natural resources and historic sites to be preserved. The planning board may hold public hearings on the comprehensive plan or elements thereof.
(2)
The planning board shall adopt the comprehensive plan or elements of such plan as a guide to the planning board actions related to the features contained in the plan. The town council may, by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of its membership and following a public hearing, adopt a comprehensive plan or any portion of such plan previously adopted by a planning board and recommended to the town council by the planning board. Adoption of such a comprehensive plan or portion of the plan by the town council shall bind the council to this plan or portion of the plan in any future action related to features in the plan.
(3)
The comprehensive plan or portion of such plan may be modified or amended by the town council following a public hearing. At least 30 days prior to the date of public hearing such modification or amendment shall be referred to the planning board for an advisory opinion. Failure of the planning board to forward a recommendation to the town council within this 30-day period shall be deemed an approval of the modification or amendment by the planning board. The affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the town council shall be necessary to enact any modification or amendment to the comprehensive plan or element thereof where the planning board has rendered an adverse decision.
(4)
The comprehensive plan shall be reviewed by the planning board every five years, and revisions and amendments shall be made where necessary.
(b)
Resources studies. The planning board shall make studies of the resources and needs of the town with reference to its physical, economic and social growth and development as affecting the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the people. These studies, plans and reports may concern the following:
(1)
Land use and land use regulation;
(2)
Transportation facilities;
(3)
Public utilities;
(4)
Public facilities and site locations including recreation areas, schools, fire, police and other principal structures and developments;
(5)
Blighted areas including plans for redevelopment, renewal, rehabilitation or conservation;
(6)
Problems of housing and the development of housing problems;
(7)
Natural resource conservation;
(8)
Environmental protection;
(9)
Protection from disaster;
(10)
Economic and sociological characteristics of the population;
(11)
Preservation of historic sites and buildings;
(12)
Economic development.
(c)
Capital budget; capital improvements. The planning board shall prepare an annual capital budget and a comprehensive six-year capital improvements program.
(d)
Zoning matters. All petitions for change, variation or exception to the zoning ordinance shall be referred to the planning board for study and recommendation. The planning board shall submit an advisory opinion and recommendation on all zoning matters referred to it and any other matter referred to it by the town council.
(e)
Other duties. In addition to the powers and duties stated in this section, the planning board shall also have such powers and duties as are granted or assigned to it by the Charter, including those referred to in Charter section 10-1-4.
(Code 1986, § 14-21(a)—(d), (f))
Charter reference— Preparation and extension of comprehensive plan, § 10-1-4a; regulation and approval or disapproval of platting and subdivision of land, § 10-1-4b; duties may be assigned by ordinance, § 10-1-4.
State Law reference— Comprehensive plan, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-7.
Sec. 2-128. - Reports.#
(a)
The planning board shall submit an annual report to the appointing authority summarizing the work of the preceding year and recommending programs, plans and actions for future development.
(b)
A copy of the annual report shall be forwarded to the state department of community affairs. All studies, plans and reports of the planning board shall be submitted to the town council and to any other designated agency or official and thereafter, upon approval of the town council, may be published for general circulation.
(Code 1986, § 14-22)
State Law reference— Reports, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-8.
Secs. 2-129—2-140. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 5. - RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD#
Footnotes:
--- (9) --- Charter reference— Recreation advisory board, § 14-1-13; parks and recreation, § 11-1-1.
Cross reference— Parks and recreation, ch. 50.
Sec. 2-141. - Created.#
There shall be a recreation advisory board appointed by the town council in accordance with Charter section 14-1-13. Such board shall advise the town council on recreation matters. The board shall conduct its activities in accordance with Charter section 14-1-10.
(Code 1986, § 2-91)
Charter reference— Open meetings procedure, § 14-1-10.
Sec. 2-142. - Membership; terms; ex officio members.#
(a)
There shall be seven members appointed for three-year terms. The initial appointments will be three members for two years and four members for three years. Any vacancy shall be filled by town council appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(b)
In addition to subsection (a) of this section, the following shall be ex officio members of the board:
(1)
The director of parks and recreation;
(2)
One councilmember as designated by the town council;
(3)
One school official as designated by the school committee.
(Code 1986, § 2-92)
Sec. 2-143. - Duties.#
The recreation advisory board shall have the following duties: (1)
The board shall develop a recreational activities plan. This plan shall include all recommended recreational activities by category whether administered by town departments or volunteer groups. It also shall include proposed uses for all town-maintained recreational facilities.
(2)
The board shall review the recreation program required under Charter section 11-1-1 and submit a report to the town council on the review.
(3)
The board shall review the annual recreation activities calendar as presented by the director of parks and recreation and recommend changes, additions or deletions as appropriate.
(4)
The board shall hold public hearings on matters related to recreation as necessary and submit findings and recommendations in writing to the town council.
(5)
The board shall cooperate with the planning board, conservation commission, town officers and school officials, and any other body designated by the town council, in planning of future recreational facilities and programs.
(6)
The board shall recommend amendments to this section and to plans and procedures related to the recreational program of the town.
(Code 1986, § 2-93)
Charter reference— Recreation program, § 11-1-1.
Secs. 2-144—2-160. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 6. - SCHOOL COMMITTEE#
Footnotes:
--- (10) --- Charter reference— School committee, art. 9, ch. 1.
Sec. 2-161. - Salary; insurance.#
Members of the school committee shall be entitled to an annual salary of $1,200.00. Members of the school committee shall also be entitled to membership in a town group health coverage plan, including Delta Dental, and to a town group term life insurance policy in the amount of $10,000.00. The cost shall be borne by the individual members.
(Code 1986, § 2-106; Ch. 884, § 2, 6-4-2007)
Charter reference— Compensation determined by town council, § 9-1-3.
Secs. 2-162—2-175. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 7. - BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE#
Sec. 2-176. - Created; copies of minutes to be sent to town council.#
(a)
There is hereby created the Narragansett Beautification Committee.
(b)
The beautification committee shall be responsible to and report directly to the town council. Copies of the minutes shall be sent to the members of the town council.
(Code 1986, § 2-108)
Sec. 2-177. - Membership; terms.#
(a)
The beautification committee shall consist of nine members: the town manager or his designee, the director of public works, and seven other members with knowledge and interest in the creation, conservation and preservation of scenic beauty in the town, who shall be appointed by the town council.
(b)
The terms of the seven initial appointed members shall be as follows: two members shall be appointed for three years and two members shall be appointed for two years and three members shall be appointed for one year. Thereafter, the term of the seven appointed members shall be three years.
(Code 1986, § 2-109)
Sec. 2-178. - Powers and duties.#
The powers and duties of the beautification committee shall be as follows: (1)
The committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the town council and all municipal departments, boards and agencies of the town in relation to the preservation, maintenance and creation of scenic beauty, cleanliness and public amenities in the town.
(2)
The committee shall itemize and prioritize areas in town which are blighted, in disrepair, or visually or aesthetically underutilized, and make recommendation to the town council, boards and all municipal departments for the elimination of blight and enhancement of the town's aesthetic resources and amenities.
(3)
The committee shall investigate ways in which public and private agencies and groups can cooperate in projects, developments and educational efforts to increase public awareness and to physically beautify public areas and areas open to public view in the town.
(4)
The committee shall draw up and submit to the town council a budget for the operation of the committee.
(5)
The committee shall perform such other duties and functions in the pursuit of civic beautification as is deemed necessary by the town council.
(Code 1986, § 2-110)
DIVISION 8. - AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST COLLABORATIVE#
Footnotes:
--- (11) --- Editor's note— Ch. No. 1127, § 1, adopted July 15, 2024, amended Division 8 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Division 8, §§ 2-179—2-185, pertained to the same subject matter, and derived from Ch. 872, § 1, February 27, 2006; Ch. 872, § 1, 2-27-2006; Ch. 1098, § 1, September 6, 2022.
Sec. 2-179. - Purpose.#
There is hereby established an affordable housing trust (hereafter called "trust" in this division). The trust is organized for the purpose of: (1)
Acquiring land and buildings for the purpose of providing affordable housing opportunities.
(2)
Meeting the ten percent affordable housing goal mandated by the Low and Moderate Income Housing Act (RIGL 45-53-1 et seq.).
(3)
Recommending, implementing and managing strategies, programs, policies and initiatives for increasing affordable housing and promote/advocate for their implementation.
(4)
Recommending, implementing and managing strategies, programs, policies, and initiatives for maintaining current affordable housing and promote their implementation.
(5)
Leveraging additional outside resources for the creation and rehabilitation of affordable housing.
(6)
Assist the town council in overseeing the affordable housing measures identified in the affordable housing plan, a component of the Narragansett Comprehensive Plan.
(7)
Assisting with updates to the affordable housing plan.
(Ch. 1127, § 1, 7-15-2024)
Sec. 2-180. - Establishment.#
(a)
The affordable housing trust is hereby established as a separate segregated account under the name of the "Narragansett Affordable Housing Trust" held by the town for the purposes set forth in this division.
(b)
Into this account shall be deposited revenue collected under section 2-185, regardless of the sources of revenue.
It is the intention of the town council that the trust be a dedicated fund for the implementation of the purposes of this division. Therefore, any assets remaining in the trust at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried into the next fiscal year, including all interest and income earned, as well as any repayments or forfeitures of loans and/or grants. The trust shall be set up as a revolving account by the town finance director, with earnings to accumulate thereon. The trust's fiscal year shall be consistent with the town's fiscal year.
(c)
Trust money shall be used to implement the housing plan created, and as may be amended from time to time.
(d)
The disbursement or acceptance of funding may be conditioned upon compliance with any applicable long-term affordability restrictions and monitoring in accordance with the guidelines provided by Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation, the Narragansett Low and Moderate Income Housing Plan and other applicable local, state and federal restrictions or guidelines.
(e)
The trust shall be administered by the town finance department. Once the fund has more than $50,000.00 of assets. the finance department shall provide quarterly reports to the trustees related to trust beginning balance, income from fees collected, interest, loan repayments, along with other sources of income, in addition to expenses related to projects, programs and operations and ending trust balance for the quarter.
(f)
Town officials and staff as designated by the town manager shall provide administrative support to the trust board of trustees as necessary.
(Ch. 1127, § 1, 7-15-2024)
Sec. 2-181. - Membership; terms, election of officers.#
(a)
The trust shall be administered by six members of the public and one town council representative as trustees.
(b)
The town manager, and the director of community development, and the director of the Narragansett Housing Authority shall serve as non-voting ex-officio members.
(c)
The trustees shall be appointed by the town council for a three year term. Terms will be staggered so that they do not begin the same year. Each January, a chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretary from among its members shall be elected.
(Ch. 1127, § 1, 7-15-2024; Ch. 1134, § 1, 1-6-2025)
Sec. 2-182. - Authority to adopt regulations; annual report, meetings to be open to the public.#
The trustees may adopt with town council approval reasonable rules and regulations governing the conduct of trust affairs, including the acquisition and management of its holdings, and expenditure or allocation of funds not inconsistent with the provisions of this division. For the purposes of conducting any official business, a minimum of four voting trustees shall constitute a quorum. The trustees shall keep an accurate record of their meetings and actions and shall file an annual report. All meetings of the trust, except those held in closed session in accordance with the open meeting law, shall be open to the public.
(Ch. 1127, § 1, 7-15-2024)
Sec. 2-183. - Powers.#
Subject to review and prior written approval by the town council, the trust may: (1)
Purchase, receive by gift, or otherwise acquire real property or any interest in real property consistent with the purposes of the trust.
(2)
Accept gifts, grants or services from any source, public or private, and comply, subject to the provisions of this division, with any terms and conditions thereof.
(3)
Accept from the state and/or federal agencies, grants for use in carrying out the purposes of the trust and enter into any agreements with such agencies respecting any such grants.
(4)
Contract with or obtain the services of such personnel as needed to implement programs and provide necessary services.
(5)
Administer, lease as lessor or lessee, and manage land and interests in land leased or owned by it in a manner which allows for affordable housing.
(6)
Otherwise do all things necessary for the performance of its duties, the fulfillment of its obligations and the conduct of its business.
(7)
Set standards, policies, and goals for the trust, consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in this division, including without limitation criteria for eligible projects, number and type of units funded, and scoring of applications for funding.
(8)
Establish bylaws or policies for the conduct of business in accordance with this division.
(9)
Annually review trust awards and disbursements to ensure that trust resources are expended in a manner that conforms with this division and with board of trustees' directives and shall revise trust policies as needed to ensure this conformity.
(10)
An annual report issued by the trust shall report on the activities and accomplishments of the trust in the previous calendar year. This report shall:
a.
Provide total numbers of housing units produced, homes preserved, and households prevented from becoming homeless with trust support.
b.
List of projects funded or assisted through the trust.
c.
Report on funds expended and dollars leveraged by the trust.
d.
Report in aggregate form the number of households benefiting from the trust by income level, family size, and other criteria as selected by the trust board of trustees.
e.
Report on modifications which will be made to the policies of the board of trustees designed to reflect the changing needs of the town.
(11)
Establish goals and objectives for the upcoming year.
(12)
For financial reporting purposes, be a governmental fund of the town and, as such, shall be included in the town's comprehensive annual financial report and will be audited in accordance with governmental auditing standards.
(13)
Follow all town policies, including, but not limited to, the town's purchasing policy, and as such is subject to all state purchasing guidelines. All monies received by the board of trustees shall be paid to the finance director of the town, who shall hold the same in a special fund and shall pay and distribute the same only on the written order of the town council, based on the recommendations made by the trust board of trustees.
(Ch. 1127, § 1, 7-15-2024)
Sec. 2-184. - Budget.#
The town council may annually budget monies to be deposited into the trust.
(Ch. 1127, § 1, 7-15-2024)
Sec. 2-185. - Sources of revenue.#
The trust may be composed of several fund sources. The fund sources have been combined to create a pool of money to fund a variety of housing projects and programs, which directly or indirectly assist homeowners or tenants in the creation or rehabilitation of affordable housing or allow community-based organizations and housing-based organizations to help provide housing options for households earning up to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development moderate-income limit of 100 percent Area Median Income (AMI). (1)
Capitalization. The affordable housing trust may be funded through revenues derived from gifts or grants to the town and the trust, and from appropriations from the town's general fund, affordable housing bonds or other public sources, as the town council may from time to time establish or approve. It shall include additional monies or other liquid assets received as voluntary contributions, or grants and the interest or other income accumulated thereon. Distribution and program investment of capital funds shall require the approval of the town council. However, investment of the trust's liquid capital funds pending disbursement or program investment shall be subject to the town's investment policy. Program investment in the investment of funds in loans or land or other investments for the purposes of this division.
(2)
Dedicated sources of revenue. Dedicated sources of revenue may be obtained through the state and federal government grants and subsidy programs as well as private and public sources. Dedicated sources may also include payments in lieu of construction of affordable housing required under town council approved zoning and planning provisions, or other fees and fines approved by the town council, including a portion of housing related fees and fines as allowed by law, and the repayment of loans funded by the trust.
(3)
Any funds collected by the trust, including other sources that may be identified, interest and income earned, repayments, or forfeitures under any loan or grant agreements shall be deposited into the trust fund. In order to increase available resources for affordable housing production and preservation, the trust shall not supplant current funding levels for affordable housing available from other sources.
(Ch. 1127, § 1, 7-15-2024)
Secs. 2-186—2-200. - Reserved.#
ARTICLE IV. - OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES#
Footnotes:
--- (12) --- Charter reference— Town manager, § 3-1-1—3-6; town clerk, §§ 5-1-1, 5-1-2; finance director, § 6-1-1; tax collector, § 6-3-1; tax assessor, § 6-4-1; purchasing agent, § 6-5-1; town engineer, § 7-1-2; chief of police, § 8-2-2; police officers, § 8-2-3; police surgeon, § 8-2-4; fire chief, § 8-3-2; firefighters, § 8-3-3; building inspector, § 8-4-1; director of civil preparedness, § 8-5-1; animal control officer, § 8-6-1; director of parks and recreation, § 11-1-1; town solicitor, §§ 12-1-1—12-1-5; probate judge, §§ 13-1-1, 13-1-2, 13-1-4, 13-1-5; town sergeant, § 14-1-1; bonding, § 14-1-5; dual office holding, § 14-1-6; personal financial interest, § 14-1-7; residence, § 14-1-8.
Cross reference— Any personnel regulations or any ordinance establishing salaries of town officers and employees or civil service rules saved from repeal, § 1-10(3); electrical inspector, § 10-3; judge of municipal court, § 18-22; municipal court clerk, § 18-24; acting judge/acting clerk, § 18-33; fire chief, § 26-56 et seq.; firefighters, § 26-76 et seq.; director of minimum housing standards division, § 34-42; personnel of minimum housing standards division, § 34-44; hearing officer of minimum housing standards division, § 34-45; police department, § 42-21 et seq.; town employees, § 58-21 et seq.; harbormaster, § 82-141 et seq.; assistant harbormasters, § 82-142.
State Law reference— Appointment, G.L. 1956, § 45-5-19; conflict of interest, G.L. 1956, § 36-14-1 et seq.
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY#
Secs. 2-201—2-215. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 2. - TOWN MANAGER#
Footnotes:
--- (13) --- Charter reference— Town council to appoint town manager, §§ 1-2-2, 2-1-7(d), 2-1-10, 3-1-1; temporary appointments, § 2-1-11; town manager, art. 3.
Sec. 2-216. - Powers.#
The town manager is empowered to reduce in rank any employee provided other provisions of the Charter and the other ordinances of this Code are complied with.
(Code 1986, § 2-122)
Charter reference— Powers, § 3-1-2.
Sec. 2-217. - Microfilming, destruction of records.#
(a)
The town manager is hereby authorized and empowered to microfilm all essential records of the police department and the fire department and to destroy all nonessential records of the departments; and after microfilming the essential records of the departments, to destroy the original records of the same.
(b)
The town manager is hereby authorized and empowered to determine in his discretion which of the records are essential and which of the records are nonessential.
(Ch. 243, §§ 1, 2, 9-19-1973; Code 1986, § 2-3)
Charter reference— Public safety, art. 8, ch. 1; police department, art. 8, ch. 2; fire department, art. 8, ch. 3.
Secs. 2-218—2-230. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 3. - TOWN SERGEANT#
Footnotes:
--- (14) --- Charter reference— Town sergeant, § 14-1-1.
State Law reference— Town sergeant, G.L. 1956, § 45-16-1 et seq.
Sec. 2-231. - Duties.#
In addition to the duties prescribed by law for the town sergeant, the town sergeant shall be available on call for and by any administrative or executive officer of the town in the making of investigations and performing such other duties in aid of any administrative or executive officer of the town in the performance of their respective duties. The town sergeant shall attend all council meetings, both general and special.
(Code 1986, § 2-121)
Secs. 2-232—2-250. - Reserved.#
ARTICLE V. - TOWN PROPERTY#
Sec. 2-251. - Naming of town property.#
Based upon the authority granted to the town council pursuant to G.L. § 45-2-16, the town council hereby adopts the following procedure for the naming of all town sponsored projects, including, but not limited to, buildings, bridges, edifices, facilities, grounds, fields, parks or playgrounds (hereinafter collectively referred to as "town property"). (1)
Subject to approval by the town council, town property may be named in honor of individuals, historical events, places, geographical points, or donors or other instances that are suitable for the naming of public properties.
(2)
Unless otherwise agreed to by the town council, in order for a town property to be named in honor of an individual, the individual must be deceased for a period of at least three years.
(3)
In order to be eligible for naming consideration, the person or group making the request must commit to providing a major gift to the town, equaling at least 50 percent of the estimated value of the designated building project, facility improvement, property enhancement or town or school program that is the subject matter of the naming request.
(4)
The town council shall seek the advice and recommendations of the school committee for the naming of any school-related facilities or properties.
(5)
Nominations for naming may be submitted by individuals, school or community based groups, and must be supported by a petition that documents the justification and suitability of the request and identify the particular facility, property, or specific location that is proposed to be so named.
(6)
The town council shall hold a public hearing on all such requests and, to the extent practical, shall issue a decision within 90 days of receipt of a completed petition.
(Ch. 968, § 1, 9-4-2012)