TOWN OF NORTH SMITHFIELD
April 6th, 2018 Edition
Message from Town Administrator
Gary Ezovski



As is customary at this time of year, we are in the thick of the budget preparation season here at town hall. Finance Director, Cynthia DeJesus, and I are working with our department leaders and the budget committee to craft a budget that essentially becomes the business plan for the next year and beyond. With the experience gained in the past 16 months as Administrator, I am more confident about our needs. This is also my second year of budget preparation but this time, unlike last year when our finance director left as the process was unfolding, I have the benefit of having Cynthia working shoulder to shoulder with me throughout the process to craft not just a budget, but more detail for the business plan that a good budget represents. 

One of the core values of the plan that I am recommending includes the simple saving tool that my parents used decades ago. Fire trucks, road resurfacing, water system maintenance, economic development initiatives, radio communications and many other critical needs can’t all be accomplished in one year. We are trying to set a path toward the completion of needs like those and others by setting aside funding in a savings plan. For example, it is my observation that our roads will never be in the condition we all want them to be if we don’t include a reasonable amount in every budget year. My calculations suggest that amount needs to be $800,000 per year which should give us ability to properly repave two miles every year. In the past we were budgeting only $235,000 for that purpose. Last year we took the first step toward increasing that by including $300,000 in the budget for the current fiscal year. My recommendation this year is to raise that to $400,000 with intent that we would add another $100,000 each year until we achieve the target of approximately $800,000 or the amount needed to pave 2 miles.

The point is, just like in each of our homes, we can’t do everything at once. Setting priorities and saving to achieve them is key. The purchase of a single fire engine now costs $600,000, which on its own would require almost half of the maximum 4% tax increase that is allowed under state law, and no one wants to reach. Budgeting an appropriate amount each year to “save” for the purchase of equipment like that can prevent spikes in our tax rate and provide assurance to our personnel and the customers they serve that the equipment they mutually need is available and always in condition to perform.

So, the process we are striving to develop is based on identifying core needs and working to fund them over timelines that will improve previously ignored infrastructure and providing the equipment we need for the services our customers want while minimizing shocks to the tax rate. The goal is to avoid band aids by planning and saving. If you have concerns about budget matters, please make them known to me or Cynthia here at town hall or any member of the budget committee now so we can consider every need as we shape the future. The budget committee members are Richard Keene, John Wilbur, Elizabeth Martin, Phil Godfrin and Douglas Osier, Jr.

TOWN OF NORTH SMITHFIELD
RABIES CLINIC/DOG LICENSING

The Town of North Smithfield will host a rabies clinic on Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the North Smithfield Fire & Rescue Service Station #2 (Primrose), 1470 Providence Pike. (Dogs must be restrained, cats must be in cages.) The fee for the rabies shot is $11.00; CASH ONLY. Proof of previous rabies vaccination must be presented or only a one-year vaccination will be given.

Dog licenses will be available at the clinic and may also be obtained at the Town Clerk's office, located in the Municipal Annex, 575 Smithfield Road, Monday through Wednesday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Thursday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. The fee is $6.00. Proof of immunization is required for licensing. All dogs must be licensed by April 30, 2018 to avoid a late registration fee of $5.00.
The North Smithfield Town Council will conduct a public hearing on proposed Town Charter amendments which would be voted on at the November 6, 2018 election. The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 6:45 P.M. at the Halliwell School Auditorium located at 358 Victory Highway, North Smithfield. Anyone interested in being heard is urged to attend.

Individuals requiring assistance should contact the Town Clerk’s office at 767-2200, ext. 326 (72) hours in advance of the meeting date.   Debra A. Todd, Town Clerk
On March 26, 2018, North Smithfield initiated a senior transportation program funded by a grant from The Rhode Island Human Services Department of Elderly Affairs. The program enables seniors to travel once a week from their place of residence, The Meadows, Colonial Village, Deerfield Commons or Gatewood Apartment, to three shopping locations, Slatersville Plaza, Walmart or Super Stop and Shop. Transportation is provided by Valley Transportation Corp. and includes handicap accessibility if needed. The program will run until the grant funds are depleted, approximately 6 weeks. If you have any questions, please call Bobbi Moneghan 767-2200 ext 336.
 
The Department of Public Works will conclude chipping services on April 13, 2018. We will no longer accept calls for chipping services after Friday April 13, 2018. Residents are welcome to drop off yard waste at our Highway Garage on Wednesdays from 3:00 PM- 7:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. We encourage residents to use the curbside yard waste collection which begins Monday April 9, 2018. Yard waste is collected on the same day as your trash and recycling.  Residents can have up to 8 leaf bags or cans, clearly marked, of yard waste out at the curb for weekly collection. The spring collection season runs from Monday April 9 th - Friday June 8, 2018.

For additional information contact 767-2200 x 348
FIRE/MEDIC EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
 
 
    The North Smithfield Fire & Rescue Service, Inc. will be conducting a written competitive examination for the position of entry level Firefighter/EMT on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at North Smithfield High School, 412 Greenville Road, North Smithfield. Application sign-up period ends Friday, April 20, 2018 at 4pm. There is a $60.00 exam fee paid prior to the close of sign up period. Test time is 0900 hours and NO ONE will be allowed in after 0845 hours. Sign-up, make payment, (no personal checks) and information packet can be picked up at Department Fire Control Center, Fire Station #1, 675 St. Paul Street, North Smithfield, RI. Phone number for information, qualifications, and directions, is 401-762-1135.
 
"This institution is an equal opportunity provider"  

North Smithfield Residents Food Pantry
Slatersville Congregational Church
25 Green Street
North Smithfield, RI 02896

The flavor of the month for April is 
RAMEN NOODLES!
Any donations or monetary gifts for the food pantry can be dropped off at the Slatersville Congregational Church between 9:00 am and noon. An additional drop box is available at the Town Hall during regular business hours. 
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
We are pleased to announce 
North Smithfield's
16th Annual Clean & Green Day 
Saturday, April 28, 2018
   Each year we assemble a large group of volunteers from North Smithfield and surrounding towns who have a mutual interest in reducing litter, and thus improving the visual landscape. While litter cleanup is the primary objective of our Clean & Green Day, this event offers additional benefits in promoting anti-litter awareness, recycling and continued education.
 
Save the date and come April 28 th  to participate in one of RI's largest community clean-up efforts. This year we plan to see as many as 500 volunteers.
 
Our "Hands-on cleanup" approach gives volunteers satisfaction in making a difference, as well as a sense of community by joining their neighbors in a much larger town-wide project. The experience often motivates volunteers to learn and do more in the interest of recycling and our environment year-round.  
 
The clean-up provides a great bonding opportunity for families and organizations to help together.  Scout troops and students are able to earn community service hours.
 
Volunteers can leave comments and questions, or pre-register for the event by using the Clean & Green link available
 
Donations can be made to "Town of North Smithfield/Clean & Green Day" P.O. Box 248, Slatersville, RI 02876. 
 
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/North-Smithfield-RI-Clean-Green-334578540277447/
One of the North Smithfield High School Graduation Requirements is the completion of a Senior Project. Senior Project is a self-directed, personalized, project-based learning opportunity that provides seniors with the chance to explore any field or topic in which they are interested. Senior Project culminates in a presentation showcasing the work students have been doing throughout the year. 
 
We would like to cordially invite you to serve as a judge for the  Fifth Annual Senior Project Presentation Day  on  Thursday , May 17 th Judges will be trained in assessing projects upon arrival and a complimentary lunch will be served prior to the viewing and judging of students' presentations. The day will end by 2:30. 
 
Attached you will find an invitation to judge this event. If you are interested in attending, please register by opening the invitation and clicking on the link at the bottom of it. Once you have clicked ‘Submit’ on the form, your registration is complete and you will hear from me about a week before the presentation day with further details. 
 
The invitation and registration may also be accessed by clicking  here.
 
Thank you, in advance, for your support and continued enthusiasm for the Senior Project initiative. Please feel free to email me at  laromin@northsmithfieldschools.com  with any questions or concerns.
 
Lindsay Aromin
Senior Project Coordinator 
North Smithfield High School
412 Greenville Road
North Smithfield, RI 02896
George Nasuti Novans Pride 5K
Monday, May 28th, 2018
TIME TO PREPARE &
SAVE THE DATE
SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2018
RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018

It's time to start decluttering and get ready for our annual North Smithfield Town Wide Yard Sale, benefiting the NS Food Pantry.
 
Residents can participate by holding an individual or multi-family yard sale at their homes. When they register with the Town Clerk, their location will be listed on the Town Web Site and in publicity, so that interested shoppers will have their location.
  
Residents who want to take part must go to the Clerk's office at the Town Annex at 575 Smithfield Road to obtain a yard sale permit for $5.00. Residents are encouraged to make a contribution to the town's Food Pantry at the same time. Yard sale addresses will be listed for permits obtained before Noon on Friday, May 25th, 2018. 
If anyone has feedback on how to improve the upcoming event, please contact Town Hall at 767-2200, ext. 301.
Stay tuned for more information.