(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).

 

 

REGULAR MEETING – CITY COUNCIL

 

 

-FEBRUARY 27, 2023-

 

 

            Regular meeting of the City Council was called held on Monday, February 27, 2023 in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 869 Park Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island.

 

            The meeting was called to order at 7:05 P.M. by the Council President.

                

            Roll call showed the following members present:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7.

 

            Absent:  Councilmen Paplauskas and Reilly -2.

 

            Also Present:  Anthony Moretti, Chief of Staff; John Verdecchia, Assistant City Solicitor; Stephen Angell, City Council Legal Counsel; Daniel Parrillo, Personnel Director.

 

 

            On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to approve the minutes of the December and January meetings and they stand approved as recorded.  Motion passed on a vote of 7-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7.

 

 

I.          PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS

 

None.

 

 

II.        PUBLIC HEARINGS & PUBLIC COMMENT

 

            Resident of 175 Bayview Ave., appeared to speak in favor of “Resolution in recognition of February being Turner Syndrome Awareness Month”.

 

 

III.       RESOLUTIONS

             

RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF FEBRUARY BEING TURNER SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH

 

            Councilmen Campopiano, Donegan, Ferri, Councilwomen Germain, Renzulli and Council President Marino asked to be added as co-sponsors.

 

            On motion by Councilwoman Renzulli, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 7-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7.

 

RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN CRANSTON THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY

 

            Councilmen Donegan, Ferri and Councilwoman Renzulli asked to be added as co-sponsors.

 

            On motion by Councilwoman Renzulli, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 7-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7.

 

 

IV.       REPORT OF COMMITTEES

 

SAFETY SERVICES & LICENSES COMMITTEE

(Councilman Robert J. Ferri, Chair)

 

CLASS BV LIQUOR LICENSE – NEW      OVER THE CAP

The Spot Bar and Grill (Attorney Thomas Hanley)                    20 Rolfe Square.

 

            Council President Marino indicated that the above item was placed on docket in error.  This item was continued at the Safety Services & Licenses Committee meeting.

 

 

FINANCE COMMITTEE

(Councilman John P. Donegan, Chair)

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MOTOR VEHICLE TAX ABATEMENTS

 

            On motion by Councilwoman Germain, seconded by Council Vice-President Vargas, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 7-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7.

 

TAX INTEREST WAIVER APPROVALS FROM THE MONTH OF JANUARY

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to approve the list of Tax Interest Waiver Approvals from the month of January.  Motion passed on a vote of 6-1.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -6.  The following being recorded as voting “nay”:  Councilwoman Renzulli -1.

 

TAX INTEREST WAIVER APPROVALS FROM FEBRUARY 6, 2023 FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to approve the list of Tax Interest Waiver Approvals from February 6, 2023 Finance Committee.  Motion passed on a vote of 6-1.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -6.  The following being recorded as voting “nay”:  Councilwoman Renzulli -1.

 

TAX INTEREST WAIVER DENIAL FROM FEBRUARY 6, 2023 FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

            On motion by Councilwoman Germain, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to approve the list of Tax Interest Waiver Denials from February 6, 2023 Finance Committee.  Motion passed on a vote of 7-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7.

 

 

V.        PUBLIC COMMENT FOR UN-DOCKETED ITEMS

 

             

            Martha DiMaio, 69 Laconia Rd., appeared to speak and stated that she has a Councilman that does not communicate.  She and two other residents have tried for a month, e-mailed, called, text messages, to Councilman Paplauskas, but they came up empty and completely ignored so she is present this evening to represent herself.  Last month there was an in-depth discussion put on the agenda by Council Vice-President Vargas about the vibration from the Edgewood Laundromat and the Solicitor, Attorney Verdecchia, provided an in-depth explanation about public private nuisance and the related case law.  All the members of the Council asked questions and the Solicitor explained the potential actions that could be taken by the City Council, your power to protect the health and welfare of your constituents so she is present this evening for that same discussion, to ask the Solicitor to speak to the public private nuisance to the three things they have going on in Ward 5 and those three things are as bad and worse not to minimize Edgewood Laundromat.  Those three things are disruptions: 1) the mass shooting-like gunfire now documented on the ARPA application as noise pollution and a public health crisis; 2) they also have cracked walls and ceilings and dirt covering nearby homes caused by a private company that has been expanding over the years.  Blasting shakes their homes as a California earthquake; 3) could be considered minor – the new sound system at the school.  In her home, .4 miles from the school, she measured the sound system at 70-75 decibels.  Some days, they get to experience all three.  She asked the City Council to ask the Solicitor, on behalf of the people in Ward 5, as you did for people in Ward 1, to present the case law, the public private nuisance law as it relates to gunfire, as it relates to cracking walls from a gravel pit that has expanded quadruple in the past years and the case law as it relates to the public sound systems.  Let’s have that same discussion so the people of Ward 5 receive the same representation of the people of Ward 1.

 

 

VI.       ELECTION AND/OR APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS

 

 

SWEARING IN OF TRACY NELSON AS CITY CLERK

 

          Council President Marino issued Oath of Office to Ms. Nelson.

 

LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

• APPOINTMENT OF JENNIFER COWART TO FILL THE UN-EXPIRED TERM OF TAINO PALERMO FOR TERM TO EXPIRE ON JULY 30, 2024

 

On motion by Councilwoman Renzulli, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted

to appoint Jennifer Cowart as a member of the Library Board of Trustees to fill the un-expired term of Taino Palermo for term ending July 30, 2024.  Motion passed on a vote of 7-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7.

 

 

VII.     REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS

 

PRESENTATION BY CRANSTON HOUSING COMMISSION

 

            Annette Bourne, Chair of the Cranston Housing Commission, appeared to speak and stated that also present are Amy Rainone, Secretary of the Cranston Housing Commission and Robert Santurri, Vice-Chair of the Cranston Housing Commission and Ernest Tommasiello, Director of Community Development.  Ms. Bourne gave a presentation on behalf of the Commission.

 

            Councilman Donegan thanked Ms. Bourne and the rest of the members of the Commission for their time that they volunteer.

 

            Councilman Ferri thanked the members for participating on the Commission and he stated that he would like to continue conversation of what direction we need to go in and how we can get there.

 

            Councilwoman Germain thanked the members of the Commission for their time and passion.

 

            Councilwoman Renzulli thanked Ms. Bourne for the presentation and stated that she looks forward to continue conversations with Zoning and the Commissioners.

 

            Council Vice-President Vargas thanked Ms. Bourne and the Commissioners for their work.  She asked Ms. Bourne what her biggest takeaway is not just as Commissioners but as residents of the City of Cranston.  Ms. Bourne stated to make as much of our commercial corridors as we possibly can and to envision them in future role.

 

            Amy Rainone appeared to speak and stated that Cranston is a very suburban community and we have really good infrastructure and transit access which are a lot of things that are important for housing and particularly affordable housing and yet only 5% of housing in Cranston is affordable and very little has been developed for quite some time in the City.

 

            Robert Santurri appeared to speak and stated that the biggest takeaway that he has in terms of housing in Cranston is opportunity, with transit, housing stock and infrastructure.  The biggest thing is the next ten years and what it can mean in terms of housing supply.  We have to be proactive and we have to take a stance that this is an issue that has to be addressed.

 

            Ms. Bourne stated that Cranston is one of six entitlement cities in the State and those six cities receive direct funding from H.U.D. for the Community Development Block Grant.  A substantial bulk of that money go to rehabilitation of stock.

 

            Council President Marino thanked Ms. Bourne for all of her advocacy and work on the Housing commission as the Chair and as a member and all the Commission members who are present this evening and those not present this evening.  She also stated to Ms. Bourne that she’s sure she understands the commitment when it comes to volunteering her time and what a sacrifice that is and she can’t understate how much she appreciates it and is sure other do too in addition to her brining a wealth of both individual and aggregate knowledge to this area.  The experience that she has is something that is invaluable and we greatly appreciate it.  She also stated to Ms. Bourne that she thinks that she understands the commitment for many of us, if not all of us, to this issue in wanting to facilitate improvement in any way that we can.  The good news is that on National and State level, there is momentum that is we have not seen in a long time to address the need and if we can facilitate that in any way, we will.  For herself, in speaking to developers who are looking to come to Cranston, they know that we are looking at a percentage of those housing units to be affordable.  We are strongly encouraging that and doing everything we can to facilitate that.  In the road ahead, with respect to the Comprehensive Plan, we all are anxious to see that change and the role of the Commission will be vital in a collaborative way to the improvement needed to the Comprehensive Plan to address this area and we look forward to her volunteerism and the hard work ahead.

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Donegan, it was voted to accept the Cranston Housing Commission’s report.  Motion passed on a vote of 7-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7.

 

 

VIII.    EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

 

 LEGAL EXPENSE ANALYSIS FROM JULY 1, 2022 – FEBRUARY 27, 2023

 

            Councilman Donegan indicated that previous reports contained some sort of title of the case.  He asked if that is something that is not going to be included in future reports.  Solicitor stated that he will speak to Solicitor Millea regarding that.  He knows in the past, the reports contained names and title of cases, which is public information, but he will pass along this request.

 

Council President Marino stated that the form of the report is different then it previously has been in terms of case missing.  She also stated that she does know that there are attorneys and firms that the City utilizes that are not listed on this report and there has been discussion with the Administration regarding that, but does not see that changed.  She will reach out to the Administration and speak to the Chair of Finance Committee and thinks that it is important that we have a discussion at the Finance Committee meeting as to the legal fees and firms we are utilizing.

 

            On motion by Councilwoman Germain, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to accept the above legal expense analysis.  Motion passed on a vote of 4-3.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilman Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -4.  The following being recorded as voting “nay”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain and Councilman Donegan -3.

 

 

IX.       COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS

 

            Council President Marino stated that there is a parking ban in effect for this evening and it is posted on the City’s website.  She also stated that as far as the Audit, the Council has been informed that extension was granted and should be receiving it soon.

 

            Council President Marino thanked Ms. Bourne for all of her advocacy and work on the Housing Commission as the Chair and as a member and all the Commission Members who are present this evening and those not present.  She understands the commitment when it comes to volunteering your time and what a sacrifice that is and she can’t understand how much she appreciates it and she is sure others do too in addition her bringing a wealth of both individual and aggregate knowledge to this area.  The experience that she has is something that is invaluable and we greatly appreciate it.  She stated to Ms. Bourne that she thinks that she understands the commitment for many of us if not all of us to this issue in wanting to facilitate improvement in any way that we can.  The good news is that on National and State level, there is the momentum that we have not seen in a long time to address the need and if we can facilitate that in any way, we will.  For herself, in speaking to developers who are looking to come to Cranston, they know that we are looking at a percentage of those housing units to be affordable.  We are strongly encouraging that and doing everything we can to facilitate that.  In the road ahead, with respect to the Comprehensive Plan, we all are anxious to see that change and the role of the Commission will be vital in a collaborative way to the improvement needed to the Comprehensive Plan to address this area and we look forward to her volunteerism and the hard work ahead.

 

 

X.        COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS

 

            None.

 

 

XI.       COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS CARRIED OVER

 

            None.

 

 

XII.     INTRODUCTION OF NEW MATTERS BEFORE THE COUNCIL*

 

   

2-23-01            ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ZONING’ (CHANGE OF ZONE - 0 PLAINFIELD PIKE, AP 36, LOTS 8 AND 37).  Sponsored by Councilman Campopiano.  Referred to Ordinance Committee April 13, 2023.

 

2-23-02            ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ZONING’ (CHANGE OF ZONE - 35 CARLSBAD ST. PLAT 7 LOT 3141 AND 0 CARLSBAD ST. PLAT 7 LOT 3744).  Sponsored by Councilman Donegan.  Referred to Ordinance Committee April 13, 2023.

 

2-23-03            ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 15 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION’ (POLE RELOCATION).  Sponsored by Councilman Donegan.  Referred to Public Works Committee March 16, 2023.

 

2-23-04            ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 15 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION’ (LEAD SAFE HOMES.  Sponsored by Councilman Donegan.  Co-sponsored by Councilwoman Germain.  Referred to Ordinance Committee March 16, 2023.

 

2-23-05            ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 9, CHAPTER 9.08.061 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE – REMOVAL AND PRUNING OF TREES’. Sponsored by Councilman Donegan, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino  Referred to Ordinance Committee March 16, 2023.

 

2-23-06            ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 9, CHAPTER 9.08.062 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE – NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR REMOVAL AND PRUNING OF TREES’.  Sponsored by Councilman Donegan, Council Vice- President Vargas and Council President Marino  Referred to Ordinance Committee March 16, 2023.

 

2-23-07            ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 17 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘REVENUE AND FINANCE, CHAPTER 3.101 – FIFTEEN (15) YEARS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 661 PARK AVENUE AND 271 DORIC AVENUE (Tax Stabilization Agreement).  Sponsored by Councilman Ferri. Co-sponsored by Councilwoman Renzulli.  Referred to Finance Committee March 6, 2023.

 

RESOLUTION ADOPTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL RULES FOR THE 2023-2024 TERM.

Sponsored by Council President Marino.  Referred to Rules Committee March 13, 2023.  [Tentative Changes]

 

TAX INCENTIVE APPLICATION FOR MINIATURE CASTING CORP./STANCO, LLC, 21

SLATER RD.  Referred to Finance Committee March 6, 2023.  

 

REQUEST FROM RHODE ISLAND ENERGY FOR POLE LOCATION AT HUMBERT AVE.

Referred to Public Works Committee March 16, 2023.

 

REQUEST FROM RHODE ISLAND ENERGY FOR POLE LOCATION AT PARK AVE.

NORTH OF THE ROAD (P9088-84).  Referred to Public Works Committee March 16, 2023.

 

REQUEST FROM RHODE ISLAND ENERGY FOR POLE LOCATION AT PARK AVE.

SOUTH SIDE OF THE ROAD (P9107-50).  Referred to Public Works Committee March 16,

2023.  

 

REQUEST FROM RHODE ISLAND ENERGY FOR POLE LOCATION AT ORLANDO AVE.

Referred to Public Works Committee March 16, 2023.

 

REQUEST FROM RHODE ISLAND ENERGY FOR POLE LOCATION AT PARK AVE.

NORTH SIDE OF ROAD (P9124-25)  Referred to Public Works Committee March 16, 2023.  

 

 

CLAIMS REFERRED TO CLAIMS COMMITTEE – MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2023.

• Property Damage Claim:
• Peter Murphy from alleged incident on November 18, 2022.
• Michael Foraj-Musleh from alleged incident on January 12, 2023.

                                                                                                                                                           

• Personal Injury Claim:
• Sharon A. Trindade from alleged incident on September 29, 2022.
• Claude Chabot for alleged incident on December 14, 2022.

 

Council President Marino indicated that proposed Ordinance 2-23-01 has scrivener’s error, title should be Title 3 and Chapter should be 3.97.030.  She also indicated that the Tax Incentive Application for Miniature Casting is being withdrawn at this time and the Claims Committee date should be March 6^th. 

 

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Council Vice-President Vargas, it was voted to refer the above new business to the respective Committees except for the Tax Incentive Application for Miniature Casting.   Motion passed a vote of 7-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7.  

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 P.M.

 

 

                       

 Rosalba Zanni

 Assistant City Clerk/Clerk of Committees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(See Stenographic Notes of Sally Brassard, Stenotypist)