(The following is not a verbatim transcript of comments or discussion that occurred during the meeting, but rather a summarization intended for general informational purposes. All motions and votes are the official records).
CRANSTON CITY COUNCIL
Notice of Special Meeting
MAY 4, 2020
A Special meeting of the City Council was held on Monday, May 4, 2020 via web-ex.
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 A.M. by the Council President.
Roll call showed the following members present: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.
Absent: Council President Farina -1.
Also Present: Daniel Parrillo, Director of Administration; John Psilopoulos, Deputy Director of Administration; Robert Strom, Director of Finance; John Verdecchia, Assistant City Solicitor; Evan Kirshenbaum, City Council Legal Counsel; David DiMaio, City Council Budget Analyst.
Council President Farina asked if there is a Solicitor present and asked Director Parrillo who should be covering this meeting. Director Parrillo stated that he believes Solicitor Verdecchia was to cover this meeting and he will contact him.
Council President Farina stated that since Attorney Kirshenbaum is present, he asked that if no Solicitor is present, can we continue with the meeting? Attorney Kirshenbaum stated that Section 8.02 of the City Charter states that Solicitor shall attend all meetings of the City Council or if unable to attend, he shall assign an Assistant Solicitor to do so.
Director Parrillo stated that Solicitor Rawson is logging into the meeting as we speak.
Council President Farina stated that being in remote fashion, he thinks it is important that we follow all Charter provisions. Assistant Solicitor Verdecchia joined the meeting.
Public Comments:
No one appeared to speak from the public.
RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE EMERGENCY COVID-19 SPENDING AUTHORIZED BY THE MAYOR FOR AN EARLIER LEASE AGREEMENT WITH RENAISSANCE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, ANY INTERIOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS AND ANY ASSOCIATED MOVING COSTS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 35 SOCKANOSSET CROSSROAD
Council President Farina stated that this was on the docket for the full Council meeting last month and it failed on 2/3 majority of the vote and since then, Councilmember Stycos has had a chance to tour some of the schools with the School Superintendent and had some of his questions answered.
Director Parrillo confirmed that he, Councilmember Stycos and Building Official Rodio met with Superintendent Nota-Masse and he believes some of Councilmember Stycos’s questions were answered.
Councilmember Stycos stated that he did tour the school and Norwood Ave. School is not really conducive to public access. His questions were answered. His main interest was in Barrows and he realizes that this school would not be conducive because as other schools are being reconstructed, Barrows would be used to house those children. The only suggestion he has is the lease for the Sockanosset property be shortened because of the perilous financial situation the City and the State will be in due to this pandemic.
Council President Farina questioned whether this Resolution can be voted on this evening. He would prefer that the prevailing party make a motion to reconsider and then vote on the Resolution.
Attorney Kirshenbaum stated that this was voted on and failed, but it should be re-introduced as in a normal course and then heard and voted on since there was no notice to the public. The motion should be to reconsider and taken off the table.
Councilmember Stycos questioned where the lease stands now.
Attorney Kirshenbaum and Assistant Solicitor Verdecchia both stated this matter is not properly before the City Council and has to be submitted at a later date.
The meeting adjourned at 5:20 P.M.
/s/ Rosalba Zanni
Acting City Clerk