Town of Smithfield
news & updates
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Building Safety Month is celebrated every year and this year is the 41st. Each year there is a new theme and this year's theme is “Prevent, Prepare, Protect; Building Codes Save.” This theme speaks directly to our collective desire to build partnerships and shared awareness about building safety. The International Code Council is the nonprofit agency that publishes the building codes adopted in Rhode Island and all states beyond. We are led by the Code of Ethics and professional standards that The International Code Council provides and Town leadership supports. In part, that Code of Ethics says we are to “Place the public’s welfare above all other interests and recognize that the chief function of government is to serve the best interest of all the people.”
The Building and Zoning Department partners with many Town Agencies and Departments as fellow public safety officers and first responders in all aspects of buildings and land use. Our work touches contractors, professional designers, home owners, business owners, land developers, youth organizations, building professional organizations, women and minorities in construction, and multi-national structural developers.
Very often, what we and over 64,000 fellow Building Officials do every day may sometimes leave people with questions because our role is silent and not well understood. This makes the work we do even more important because our role is to explain, demonstrate, guide, and enable stakeholders of real estate in realizing and making their dreams on paper become reality. At the same time, a Building Official's calling is to be a help, not a hindrance. This team of dedicated and passionate individuals in the Building and Zoning Department work every day to offer guidance for anyone with questions about all aspects of zoning ordinances, building codes, plumbing regulations, mechanical systems, wiring methods, and state and local laws.
Our work is dedicated to the ethical and judicial application of Life Safety and Construction Codes. Construction Codes allow everyone from the 30 year veteran craftsperson to the novice homeowner, in equal measure, to build to the best of their ability, and still achieve their individual goals. It is with these goals and partnerships in mind, we ask you to join with us and The International Code Council in celebrating in Smithfield, Rhode Island May 2021 as the 41st Building Safety Month.
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Refuse and Recycling Corner
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Tips for increasing trash space
Tip 1 - Brush up on what is accepted in your curbside recycling cart
Check out a short video from RIRRC about recycling. The video is under 5 min. Try to have the whole family watch it, especially the kids, once that landfill reaches capacity in 17 or so years, a huge chunk of the cost to dispose of trash will fall on their generation. There may be some things in the video that you didn't realize are accepted- cereal boxes, pasta boxes, molded plastic packaging (the kind that wraps around batteries and light bulbs), plastic Solo style cups.
TIP 2 - Take advantage of drop-off recycling programs
There are additional drop-off programs for other items that cannot go in your recycling cart. If you make a trip to RIRRC, 65 Shun Pike, Johnston, once every month or so, you should be able to save trash space. They have a Small Vehicle's Area (SVA) for recycling.
Here are some items that you can bring to RI Resource Recovery for free:
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Clean, dry Styrofoam- cups (think Dunkin’ cups), meat packaging Styrofoam, take-out Styrofoam, foam egg cartons, firm pressed Styrofoam packaging. Food packaging Styrofoam must be rinsed. They do not accept packaging peanuts or spongy foam (like pool noodles).
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Clothing- donation bins- most people do not realize that pretty much all clothing and shoes can be donated. You just have to run clothing through the washing machine if it is dirty. The donation bins that are around town and also at the Small Vehicle Area (SVA) at RIRRC. The rule is "clean, dry and odorless". They will accept clothing that is “ripped, stained or torn”. The items that are not suitable for reuse are shredded and turned into wall insulation or carpet padding.
- Cooking oil
- Shredded paper
Below is a link to the RIRRC Small Vehicle Area website with further information on accepted items: RIRRC.org
Here are some recycling options in town:
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ReStore bin for plastic bags and film - these are the bins that are located at stores throughout town; Target (by the service desk), Dave's Marketplace, CVS, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kohl’s. Most people don't realize that any clean, stretch plastic film be placed in the ReStore bins. This includes the film that surrounds a case of bottled water, bread bags, some cereal bags, sandwich bags (pull the zipper off) and non-paper coated bubble wrap. The plastic has to have a little stretch to it, so no wrappers or chip bags. Plastic bags and film must be clean and dry. Plastic film and bags live on to become plastic composite decking material.
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Electronics - the Town now has electronics drop-off, by appointment for qualifying items. We can accept just about anything with a cord or electronic components. Accepted items include; remote controls, calculators, small appliances, computers and peripherals, wires, televisions, etc. Some exceptions include; batteries, wood encased speakers, items containing coolant, bulbs. Please call (401) 233-1034 X105 to make an appointment. The Town will still be offering drop-off events three times per year in which electronics will be collected.
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Rigid plastic - the Town now has rigid plastics drop-off, by appointment, (401) 233-1034 X105. Qualifying rigid plastics must have no non-plastic parts, must be larger than a hard hat and smaller than a 95 gallon sized trash carts. Some accepted items are: milk crates, laundry baskets, storage containers, buckets, Step 2 style toys and storage, upright plastic table chairs, old trash barrels/recycling bins. Some items that are not accepted: PVC pipes, coolers, fencing, kiddie pools and sand boxes.
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Metals - the Town now has scrap metal drop-off, by appointment (401) 233-1034 X105. Some accepted items: old pans, cutlery, metal trays, metal shelving, metal trays and other small metals. Bulk sized metals are accepted through curbside collection.
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Books - books for donation are accepted at the Town libraries or in the book recycling bins located at the Smithfield Ice Rink. Even if you think the book is outdated or no longer relevant, please bring it to a bin, as outdated materials are recycled into new items.
TIP 3 - Donate when possible
Donate as much as possible, especially clothing, toys and household goods. Take a look at the “Donation Database” on the Town website for a list of Donation centers. Please note, there may be changes in accepted donations due to the pandemic. Smithfield Recycling Donation Information
TIP 4 - Set up your home for extra recycling
- Repurpose an old wastebasket or recycling bin to transport your recycling to the curbside cart.
- Place a bag for Styrofoam and another for plastic bags/ plastic film by your recycling carts. Bring these items to Rhode Island Resource Recovery once per month.
- Place a box in the garage or basement is for scrap metals that are no longer needed, once the box is full, call for an appointment to bring it to Smithfield DPW for scrap metal recycling.
- Place a box in the garage or basement for any electronics that break to be dropped, by appointment, at Smithfield DPW.
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YWCA Rhode Island presents an informational webinar “Race & Racism in New England” |
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Invitation to the Smithfield community.
The YWCA Rhode Island presents Reflecting on Race & Racism in New England.
For participants of the April 27th webinar, this reflective session is an opportunity to review some of the major points and concepts of the presentation. Participants will be invited to ask questions, offer insights, and engage with one another and the host in conversation about how Smithfield can engage with its history of racial exclusion and actively work to create a more meaningfully inclusive community where interpersonal and structural racism and oppression are no longer tolerated or ignored, but actively named and undone. This meeting is for anyone who wishes to review the content of the webinar with fellow community members in pursuit of deepening their understanding of the content and applying it to the practice of anti-racism and inclusion in their community.
Join YWCA Rhode Island for a 90-minute reflective virtual meeting to discuss the webinar information and explore ideas about building an actively inclusive community that meaningfully reckons with its history in pursuit of a future that works for all.
Registration links below (both sessions are identical, participants need only register for one):
Tuesday May 4, 2021 1PM – 2:30PM
Register in advance for this meeting:
Tuesday May 4, 2021 6PM – 7:30PM
Register in advance for this meeting:
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About the YWCA
Since 1867 has focused efforts to create a more inclusive and just Rhode Island and has advocated on behalf of the most structurally disenfranchised people in our society including low-wage workers, the unemployed, women and girls, people of color, English language learners, immigrants, survivors of abuse, members of the LQBTQQ community, as well as current military and veterans. Our mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
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Make sure your home is safe from outside fires.
It is that time of year again. We will be spending time outside enjoying the spring and summer weather. However, home fire safety doesn’t stop at the door. There are many fire risks outside the home. You may have these in your backyard. Here are some ways you can keep your home safer from outside fire.
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Grilling - Make safe outdoor cooking a priority.
- Move the grill away from siding, decking, and other things that can catch fire.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill when it’s hot.
- Stay with the grill the entire time you’re cooking.
- Keep your grill clean so leftover grease and fat won’t catch on fire.
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Backyard Fire Pits - Permanent and portable fire pits bring fire danger to your home. You can prevent fire or burn injury with these simple steps:
- Make sure the fire pit is at least three feet away from your house and anything that can burn.
- Closely watch children when the fire pit is in use.
- Use a metal screen over wood-burning fires to keep sparks from floating out.
- Turn off or put out fires before you leave the backyard.
- Store matches and lighters out of children’s sight and reach.
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The Smithfield Police Department has just completed its' High School Citizens' Police Academy (HSCPA). The HSCPA ran from March 23, 2021 up to its last class on April 15, 2021. The HSCPA is comprised of Smithfield High School students that are interested in learning about policing. The HSCPA provides participants with an insight into police operations. The HSCPA offered six classes that ran from 3:00pm-5:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The topics that were covered were: Intro into policing, department overview, patrol operations, traffic enforcement, crime scene investigations, use of force, K9 operations, and less lethal force operations. The graduation for the HSCPA was held on April 27, 2021 where certificates of completion were issued along with refreshments to its participants. |
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Elementary Reconfiguration Project Update |
Crews at McCabe hit several important milestones last month, with interior mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEP) all attaining substantial completion. Exterior masonry, windows, and metal panel insulation have also wrapped up in the last few days. Interior masonry in the gym, painting, floor tile, and lighting fixtures are underway. The General Contractor took advantage of the April break to mobilize for courtyard improvements, existing roof replacement, kitchen demolition, and new electrical service switchover.
The project was happy to welcome back several pairings of Killdeer to the jobsite. Crews have placed cones and temporary protection around several nests and are sequencing work as to not interrupt them.
At LaPerche, work in the new addition is shifting focus to the interior in the month of April with the installation of flooring, casework, lighting, and temperature controls. Rooftop HVAC installation, exterior doors installation, and concrete pad placement are all anticipated to be completed this month. In the existing school, boiler room demolition and removal of the old underground oil storage tank was wrapped up at the end of April.
Work at Old County is concentrated on rough MEP, drywall, and masonry installation. Once complete, crews will begin installation of metal panels, windows, and exterior doors. Crews have moved inside the existing school during April break to work on MEP connections and fire suppression systems. (TOP RIGHT: Old County Road School addition; BOTTOM: LaPerche new classroom.)
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Agendas, minutes, and presentations are posted on the school construction update page. |
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Smithfield COVID-19
Support Fund
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The Town of Smithfield has partnered up with John J. Tassoni, Jr. to create a COVID-19 Support Fund to help Smithfield residents who are in need of assistance. |
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Gift Cards or Donations can be delivered or mailed to:
Smithfield Town Hall
c/o Town Manager, Randy Rossi
64 Farnum Pike
Smithfield, RI 02917
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- Vacancies for Town Boards and Commissions
- The Town is currently seeking volunteers to serve on various boards and commissions. These boards and commissions act as advisory committees to the Town Council. Town residents with an interest in serving on any of these boards or commissions are encouraged to apply.
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Interested parties should submit a letter of interest to the Town Manager’s Office, 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917 along with an application form. A letter of interest may contain your interest or experience in the field of each particular board or commission that you are applying for and, optionally, resume information.
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Check online for board & commission vacancies at Onboard click the “Run Report” button on the left of that page.
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Current Openings Include (Feel free to use the links below to contact the board chairs for additional information):
- Smithfield Water Supply Board Advisory Commission
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Affordable Housing Advisory Board
- Economic Development Commission
- The Smithfield Town Council has an initiative program called “Smithfield Samaritans,” and encourages anyone in the community to self-nominate or submit a name to the Town Manager, of a Smithfield resident or business in town who is doing or has performed an act of kindness or a good deed that is notable or charitable.
- The Town Council will review all nominations that are submitted and will each month select one individual or business to be recognized with a citation and the opportunity to speak at the council meeting explaining their good deeds “on the record.”
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The nomination form is available online here as well as printed copies available in Town Hall.
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It is our hope that the number of subscribers will continue to grow over time in an effort to reach most households and businesses in Town. If you have friends or family that may be interested in receiving our electronic newsletter, please forward them a copy. Subscribing to the electronic newsletter is easy and painless. |
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