(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 Regular Meeting

MAY 26, 2020

Regular meeting of the City Council was held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 via Zoom.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by the Council President.

Roll call showed the following members present: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley (appeared at 7:20 p.m.), Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

Also Present: Daniel Parrillo, Director of Administration; John Psilopoulos, Deputy Director of Administration; Robert Strom, Finance Director; John Verdecchia, Assistant City Solicitor; Evan Kirshenbaum, City Council Legal Counsel; David DiMaio, City Council Budget Analyst.

I. PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS

None.

II. PUBLIC HEARINGS

Nick Lima, City Registrar, appeared to speak regarding “Resolution requesting the General Assembly take swift action to change the date of the September 2020 Rhode Island Statewide Primary Election.

III. RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION TO PROTECT FAMILIES AND SMALL BUSINESSES FROM ECONOMIC HARDSHIP DUE TO COVID-19

On motion by Councilmember Paplauskas, seconded by Councilmember Brady, it was voted to adopt the above Resolution.

Under Discussion:

Councilmember Donegan stated that with the pandemic, our officials on the State and local level have done and are doing a great job to prevent a larger human toll and this Resolution is merely asking the State to try and address some of the issues, such as some provisions with mortgage lenders and student loan vendors and evictions.

Council Vice-President Favicchio asked Councilmember Donegan if he’s aware that the Governor has issued Emergency Orders with regards to many of these things. Councilmember Donegan stated that there is a deadline on a lot of those Orders and a lot of them are set to expire next week. Council Vice-President Favicchio stated that they are set to expire unless the State or federal government extends them.

Roll call was taken on motion to adopt the above Resolution and motion passed on a vote of 5-3. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Vargas, Donegan, Paplauskas and Council President Farina -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilmembers Hopkins, Brady and Council Vice-President Favicchio -3. Councilmember McAuley was not present for roll call vote.

IV. REPORT OF COMMITTEES

FINANCE COMMITTEE

(Council Vice-President Michael W. Favicchio, Chair)

4-20-03 ORDINANCE WAIVING ANY AND ALL PENALTIES, INTEREST OR FEES FOR LATE PAYMENTS RELATED TO ANY FOURTH QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2020 TAX PAYMENT MADE TOWARDS PERSONAL OR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, MOTOR VEHICLE OR TANGIBLE TAXES, AS WELL AS SEWER FEES DUE TO A DEMONSTRATED ECONOMIC HARDSHIP CAUSED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

On motion by Councilmember Brady, seconded by Councilmember Vargas, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8. Councilmember McAuley was not present for roll call vote.

RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM CRANSTON TO INTRODUCE AND URGE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING A $147 MILLION DOLLAR REPAIR, RENOVATION AND NEW CONSTRUCTION BOND FOR CITY SCHOOLS

On motion by Councilmember Hopkins, seconded by Councilmember Vargas, it was voted to adopt the above Resolution.

Under Discussion:

Councilmember Paplauskas asked if reimbursement has changed. Superintendent Janine Nota-Masse stated that what she has heard is our reimbursement is .54 cents on the dollar and she has not heard anything to the contrary.

Councilmember Hopkins stated that we need to urge the General Assembly to authorize this. We need to get our schools fixed.

Council President Farina thanked the Superintendent, her staff and the School Committee Members for all the work they did and he also agrees that we need to fix our schools.

Roll call was taken on motion to adopt the above Resolution and motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REAL ESTATE TAX ABATEMENTS

On motion by Councilmember Brady, seconded by Councilmember Hopkins, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REAL ESTATE SUPPLEMENTAL TAX ABATEMENTS

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MOTOR VEHICLE TAX ABATEMENTS

On motion by Councilmember McAuley, seconded by Councilmember Brady, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

TAX INTEREST WAIVER APPROVALS

On motion by Councilmember McAuley, seconded by Councilmember Paplauskas, it was voted to approve the list of Tax Interest Waiver Approvals. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

TAX INTEREST WAIVER DENIALS

On motion by Councilmember McAuley, seconded by Councilmember Hopkins, it was voted to approve the list of Tax Interest Waiver Denials. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

(Councilmember Kenneth J. Hopkins, Chair)

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ABANDONMENT OF GOLINI STREET

On motion by Council Vice-President Favicchio, seconded by Councilmember McAuley, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE

(Councilmember Michael W. Favicchio, Chair

2-20-01 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17.36 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ZONING” (Industrial Uses – Noise District Measurements)

On motion by Councilmember McAuley, seconded by Councilmember Hopkins, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

2-20-02 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17.36 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ZONING” (Industrial Uses – Monitoring)

On motion by Councilmember Hopkins, seconded by Councilmember McAuley, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

4-20-01 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 10.32 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC” (Scaralia & Fox Ridge Drive – 4 Way Stop Removal)

4-20-05 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 10.32.040 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – NO PARKING ON CERTAIN STREETS – GENERALLY” (Barrett St.)

Councilmember McAuley asked to be added as co-sponsor.

RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TAKE SWIFT ACTION TO CHANGE THE DATE OF THE SEPTEMBER 2020 RHODE ISLAND STATEWIDE PRIMARY ELECTION

Councilmember Vargas asked to be added as co-sponsor.

On motion by Councilmember Brady, seconded by Councilmember Vargas, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

V. PUBLIC HEARINGS

School Committee Member Daniel Wall appeared to speak and thanked Council President Farina and members of the City Council in supporting the Resolution regarding the bond for the schools.

VI. ELECTION OF CITY OFFICIALS

APPOINTMENT OF LEANNE ZARRELLA AS CITY CLERK FILLING THE UN-EXPIRED TERM OF MARIA WALL FOR TERM ENDING JANUARY 3, 2022.

On motion by Council Vice-President Favicchio, seconded by Councilmember McAuley, it was voted to appoint Leanne Zarrella as City Clerk to fill the un-expired term of Maria Wall for term ending January 3, 2022.

Under Discussion:

Council President Farina congratulated Ms. Zarrella and wished her well.

Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

VII. REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS

None.

VIII. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

REPORT ON HIRING OF SPECIAL COUNSEL, CONSULTANTS, ETC., PURSUANT TO CHARTER SECTION 15.05.

No Discussion.

IX. COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS

Council President Farina stated that Councilmember McAuley has decided not to seek re-election in November and thanked him for his years of service and wished him well.

X. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS

COUNCILMEMBER VARGAS:

Plastic Bags Reduction Ordinance

Councilmember Vargas stated that she does not see a new Ordinance being introduced this evening regarding the plastic bag reduction. Council President Farina stated that Councilmember Hopkins forwarded the Ordinance to the Clerk today and it was too late to be introduced this evening. Councilmember Hopkins stated that he tried to introduce this Ordinance at the May 18^th Special Council meeting and Solicitor Verdecchia had a difference of opinion on it.

Attorney Kirshenbaum stated that it would be a violation of Open Meetings Act to discuss an Ordinance that is not listed on the docket.

Councilmember Hopkins questioned why the Ordinance was not introduced this evening. Council President Farina asked Solicitor’s opinion. Solicitor Verdecchia stated that he agrees with Attorney Kirshenbaum that we should not be discussing this because it is not properly before the body. He cannot speak as to why it is not on the docket for new business.

Council President Farina suggested holding a special meeting sometime next week to introduce this Ordinance and discuss it.

Councilmember Vargas stated that she will table discussion for this issue until the proposed Ordinance Councilmember Hopkins is introducing next month and discussed then.

Councilmember Paplauskas stated that there are Resolutions from the Charter Review Commission that also need to be passed and there is a timeframe to get them on the ballot for November. Council President Farina stated that those Resolutions were not drafted in time for this evening’s meeting. Once they are drafted and City Registrar Lima reviews them, then we can have a meeting or schedule a special meeting for them.

COUNCILMEMBER STYCOS:

Open Space

Councilmember Stycos stated that he approached Director Parrillo of the possibility of Open Space acquisition at Laten Knight Rd. and Beechwood Dr. He asked Director Parrillo to speak regarding this.

Director Parrillo stated that that was passed on to Planning Director Pezzullo to move forward and we are waiting for appraisal of the property to come in.

COUNCIL VICE-PRESIDENT FAVICCHIO:

Budget

Council Vice-President Favicchio stated that the Budget meetings are completed and the adoption is scheduled for tomorrow, May 27^th at 6 pm and we are hopeful that we will have more information from the State for tomorrow’s meeting.

XI. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XII. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS

*(for informational purposes. All new business is referred to Committee for public hearing)

5-20-01 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 2.40.040 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL” (Salary of Council Members Repeal). Sponsored by Councilmember McAuley.
Referred to Finance Committee June 1, 2020.

5-20-02 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 2.40.030 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL” (Salary of the Mayor Repeal). Sponsored by Councilmember McAuley.
Referred to Finance Committee June 1, 2020.

5-20-03 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 3 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “REVENUE AND FINANCE” (Bid Discounts for Local Businesses, Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises). Sponsored by Councilmember Donegan.
Referred to Finance Committee June 1, 2020.

5-20-04 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ZONING” (Special Use Permit). Sponsored by Mayor Fung.
Referred to Ordinance Committee July 16, 2020.

On motion by Councilmember Brady, seconded by Councilmember McAuley, it was voted to refer the above new business to the respective Committees. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

XIII. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS ON CLERK’S DESK

· EXTENSION FOR PRIVATE DETECTIVE LICENSE EXPIRATION (due to BCI checks not being currently done).

On motion by Councilmember Paplauskas, seconded by Council President Farina, it was voted to refer this item to the next Safety Services and Licenses Committee in case there is a vote needed. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.

/s/ Rosalba Zanni

Acting City Clerk

(See Stenographic Notes of Ron Ronzio, Stenotypist)