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(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).
SPECIAL MEETING – CITY COUNCIL
-MAY 1, 2023-
A Special meeting of the City Council was called held on Monday, May 1, 2023 in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 869 Park Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island.
The meeting was called to order at 7:15 P.M. by the Council President.
Roll call showed the following members present: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Reilly (left at 9:30 p.m.), Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -9.
Also Present: Anthony Moretti, Chief of Staff; Christopher Millea, City Solicitor; Tom Zidelis, Director of Finance; Michael Igoe, City Controller; David Dimaio, City Council Budget Analyst; Stephen Angell, City Council Legal Counsel.
Council President Marino acknowledged former Council Members Maria Bucci and Richard Santamaria, former Mayor Traficante and School Committee Members Frank Ritz, Tera Norberg and Domenic Fusco, who are in the audience.
Councilman Donegan presented a handout of amendments he will be proposing. Procedurally, he would like to go through the two sections, Expenditures and Revenues, and take that pool of money and then allocate that pool line item.
Councilwoman Renzulli stated that she does not believe we have done that in the past.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1901-52061 “Expenditure” Misc. Boards and Commission – Cranston Conservation Commission”, reduced to $1,000.
Under Discussion:
Councilman Donegan stated that the Commission has not spent any money through February and not spent anything in FY2022 and in FY21, they spent $20.99. Those savings will be funded to the Conservation Commission for planting of trees.
Councilman Paplauskas stated that Pre-Covid, the Conservation Commission has spent the money. He will be voting against this amendment.
Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 6-3. 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, Councilmen Paplauskas and Reilly -3.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1400-55001 “Expenditure - Parks & Recreation - Fertilization”, reduced to $40,000.
Under Discussion:
Councilman Donegan stated that based on five year average, this line item is $35,000.
Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 6-3. 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, Councilmen Paplauskas and Reilly -3.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1105-51101 “Expenditure – City Clerk - Overtime”, reduced to $15,000.
Under Discussion:
Councilman Donegan stated that based on five year average, this line item is $10,000.
Motion passed on a vote of 7-1. 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 following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilman Reilly -1. Councilman Paplauskas was not present for roll call vote.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1115-52007 “Expenditure – Div. of Contract & Purchasing - Advertising”, reduced to $2,000.
Under Discussion:
Councilman Donegan stated that based on five year average is $1,800.
Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 5-4. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Donegan, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Campopiano, Paplauskas and Reilly -4.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1110-51104 “Expenditure – Economic Development – Differential”, reduced to -0-. Motion passed on a vote of 6-3. 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, Councilmen Paplauskas and Reilly -3.
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Under Discussion:
Councilman Donegan stated that based on five year average, this line item is under $20,000.
Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 5-4. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Donegan, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Campopiano, Paplauskas and Reilly -4.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1304-54401 “Expenditure – Div. of Building Maintenance – Electrical Supplies”, reduced to $42,000.
Under Discussion:
Councilman Donegan stated that based on five year average, this line item is $36,000.
Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 6-3. 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, Councilmen
Paplauskas and Reilly -3.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1304-52005 “Expenditure – Div. of Building Maintenance – Departmental Expenses”, reduced to $74,500.
Under Discussion:
Councilman Donegan stated that based on five year average, this line item is under $74,400.
Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 5-4. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Donegan, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Campopiano, Paplauskas and Reilly -4.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1107-51200 “Expenditure – Municipal Court – Part-Time Help”, reduced to $-0-
Under Discussion:
Councilman Donegan stated that money would fund full-time position that starts January 1, 2024.
Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 5-4. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Donegan, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Campopiano, Paplauskas and Reilly -4.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1202-532097 “Expenditure – Police-Rent”, reduced to $1,413,298.11. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Reilly, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -9.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1117-42197 “Expenditure – Treasury – Tax Sale Redemption”, reduced to $12,000. . Motion passed on a vote of 8-1. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilman Reilly -1.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1108-49130 “Revenue – Canvassers – Other Income”, increased to $250.00. Motion passed on a vote of 7-2. 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 following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilmen Paplauskas and Reilly -2.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #111-1111-42165 “Revenue – Inspections – Zoning Permits, Sign Permit Fees”, increased to $12,250.00. Motion passed on a vote of 8-1. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilman Reilly -1.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #111-1111-42162 “Revenue – Inspections – Electrical Permits”, increased to $200,000. Motion passed on a vote of 6-3. 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, Councilmen Paplauskas and Reilly -3.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1115-42186 “Revenue – Contracts & Purchasing – Scrap Sales”, increased to $261,5000.00. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8. Councilman Reilly was not present for roll call vote.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1200-43107 “Revenue – Fire Department – Emergency Planning”, increased to $1,500.00. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8. Councilman Reilly was not present for roll call vote.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1200-43100 “Revenue – Fire Department –Gas Petroleum Permits”, increased to $11,000.00. Motion passed on a vote of 6-2. 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 and Council Paplauskas -2. Councilman Reilly was not present for roll call vote.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1202-49130 “Revenue – Police – Other Revenue”, increased to $54,000.00. Motion passed on a vote of 5-3. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Donegan, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Campopiano and Paplauskas -3. Councilman Reilly was not present for roll call vote.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1602-47110 “Revenue – Adult Day Care – Adult Day Care”, increased to $310,000.00. Motion passed on a vote of 5-3. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Donegan, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Campopiano and Paplauskas – 3. Councilman Reilly was not present for roll call vote.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1105-42124 “Revenue – City Clerk – Instrument Recording”, increased to $1,550,000.00. Motion passed on a vote of 5-4. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Donegan, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Campopiano, Paplauskas and Reilly -4.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-0000-49135 “Revenue – Taxes, State Aid & General Revenues – COVID-19 Stimulus”, increased to $4,707,621.00.
Under Discussion:
Solicitor stated that there is a question of whether this would be in violation of 6.17 of the Charter.
Attorney Angell disagreed with Solicitor’s opinion. By Ordinance the Mayor can proposed ARPA funds and this Council must approve.
Roll call was taken on above motion and Motion passed on a vote of 5-4. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Donegan, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Campopiano, Paplauskas and Reilly -4.
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Councilman Donegan asked Finance Director where we are at with the amendments. Director Zidelis stated $209,423
Councilman Donegan – appropriations to increase funding for Care of Trees; Budget Auditor’s salary increase to be more closer in line with Grant Writer and Council Legal Counsel; create a Senior Planner Position starting 1/1/2024; Translator and Clerk in Municipal Court; technology upgrade in Municipal Court and balance appropriated to the Schools.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1305-54301 “Expenditure – Care of Trees – Planting of Trees”, increased to $30,000.00. Motion passed on a vote of 7-2. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilmen Campopiano and Reilly -2.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1102-52211 “Expenditure – City Council – Council Auditor”, increased to $36,000.00.
Under Discussion:
Council Vice-President Vargas asked for background on this.
Chair stated that this would bring the Budget Auditor’ pay to closer in line with the Council Attorney and the Grant Writer. He can attest to how hard Mr. DiMaio has worked with him on this Budget and he thinks this is justified.
Councilman Ferri stated that Auditor DiMaio helped him reactivate the Audit Committee when he was Chair of Finance and he has continued to help Councilman Donegan, so he is in favor of this.
Councilwoman Renzulli agreed that Mr. DiMaio does a fantastic job but she would be in favor of less of a raise. As far as the Grant Writer, she brings in millions of dollars so you can’t compare the two. She would be amenable to $5-6,000 raise.
Council Vice-President Vargas stated that, no disrespect to Mr. DiMaio and it is not personal, but we are going through the budget and making criticism throughout the Budget. She is not able to support this this evening and the way it stands. Maybe she would be willing to reconsider this next year, but she can’t support it now.
Councilman Campopiano echoed Council Vice-President Vargas and Councilwoman Renzulli’s remarks.
Councilman Reilly agreed with Councilwoman Renzulli that perhaps these positions need to be evened out. Mr. DiMaio does a tremendous job, but that should be something to be considered to even out this position, Legal Counsel and Grant Writer’s position. He would support an amendment to even those out.
Council President Marino stated that Budget Analyst DiMaio brings institutional knowledge and is open to every single Council member. Everyone was on the Council when Mr. Strom left and we did not have a Finance Director and we welcomed the assistance of Mr. Igoe, but Mr. DiMaio stepped up as well and even recently with respect to the error in an advertising and thanks to him it was found and corrected. She is in favor of an increase in his salary given what she has heard from Council members this evening. Maybe there may be a different figure in mind that Councilman Donegan may want to reconsider his motion.
Motion and second were withdrawn.
On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to amend account #101-1102-52211 “Expenditure – City Council – Council Auditor”, increased to $29,720.00.
Under Discussion:
Chair stated that this is an increase of $5,000 from the current salary.
Councilman Paplauskas stated that Mr. DiMaio is a great asset and he is a master with the numbers and he will be supporting this amendment.
Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 7-2. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Reilly and Council President Marino -7. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilman Ferri and Council Vice-President Vargas -2.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1109-51100 “Expenditure – Department of Planning – Salary Schedule”, increased to $340,517.00. Motion passed on a vote of 6-3. 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, Councilmen Paplauskas and Reilly -3.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1109-51300 “Expenditure – Department of Planning – Payroll Taxes”, increased to $25,814.00. Motion passed on a vote of 6-3. 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, Councilmen Paplauskas and Reilly -3.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1109-51301 “Expenditure – Department of Planning – Pension Contribution”, increased to $37,359.00. Motion passed on a vote of 6-2. 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, Councilman Reilly -2. Councilman Paplauskas was not present for roll call vote.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1109-51302 “Expenditure – Department of Planning – Hospitalization”, increased to $96,942.00. Motion passed on a vote of 6-2. 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, Councilman Reilly -2. Councilman Paplauskas was not present for roll call vote.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1109-51304 “Expenditure – Department of Planning – Group Life”, increased to $864.00. Motion passed on a vote of 6-2. 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, Councilman Reilly -2. Councilman Paplauskas was not present for roll call vote.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1107-51100 “Expenditure – Municipal Court – Salary Schedule”, increased to $163,315.00. Motion failed on a vote of 4-5. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmen Ferri, Donegan, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -4. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Campopiano, Paplauskas and Reilly -5. .
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to reconsider vote taken on account #101-1107-51200 “Expenditure – Municipal Court – Part-Time Help”. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend account #101-1105-52004 “Expenditure – City Clerk – Departmental Expenses”, increased to $37,621. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to amend line item #51200 “Municipal Court” to $32,300. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend line item #41178 “Tax Revenue 2023 FY2024” to $186,655,485.
Under Discussion:
Councilman Donegan stated that this money would be transferred to the Schools.
Councilwoman Renzulli asked what the tax rate is or tax increase is at this point. Director Zidelis stated approximately 2.81% tax levy increase.
Councilman Reilly left meeting at 9:30 p.m.
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Councilman Ferri asked what the tax increase number is. Director Zidelis stated $5,149,000 difference year over year. The rate would be approximately 18.92 estimated residential rate and 28.40 estimated commercial rate and it would be a 2.37% increase.
Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 5-3. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Donegan, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Campopiano and Paplauskas -3.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to amend Fund #203 “Capital Budget – Parks and Recreation – Budlong Pool Project Engineering” to add “Paid for use of American Plan Rescue Fund Act”. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to amend “Capital Budget – Parks and Recreation – Infield Upgrade – Calise, Fay, and Infield Upgrades to Ricci and Spect Baseball Fields” and add “Using Eastern Recreation Impact Fees and/or ARPA funds”.
Under Discussion:
Attorney Angell stated that you have to provide directions in the Budget. You either are going to use ARPA Funds or Impact Fees. You have to give some direction.
Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8.
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On motion by Council Vice-President Vargas, seconded by Councilman Donegan, it was voted to amend line item #1901-52063 “Diversity Commission” to $8,000. Motion passed on a vote of 5-3. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain and Councilman Paplauskas -3.
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On motion by Councilwoman Renzulli, seconded by Councilman Paplauskas, it was voted to amend line item #7500-52312 “Legal Fees – Outside Services – Claims” by $10,000 and move those funds to Video Streaming under Council line item #52217 to be used to video stream other meetings, such as Planning Commission. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8.
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On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Donegan, it was voted to amend “Capital Improvement Fund”, line item #201 “Training Storage Facility” and remove $500,000 and place it into the next year’s budget. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8.
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On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to amend “Capital Improvement – City Wide Building Improvement” by reducing it to $250,000. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8.
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On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to amend “Capital Improvement Fund” #203 “Synthetic Turf at Cranston West” and remove $1.3 million. Motion passed on a vote of 7-1. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli -1.
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On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to amend Fund #204-205 “Two Six-Wheel Dumps” and reduce it by one for total reduction of $210,000. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8.
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On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to amend “Capital Improvement Fund - Crew Cabs Pickups” and move the $55,000 to next budget. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8.
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On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Donegan, it was voted to amend Fund #204-205 “Citywide Infrastructure” and reduce it to $3 million. Motion and motion failed on a vote of 1-7. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri -1. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7.
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On Councilman Ferri, seconded by Council Vice-President Vargas, it was voted to remove $2.5 million for the Knightsville Phase II.
Motion and second were withdrawn.
Council President Marino stated that Council Rules state that the meeting would have to be continued every half hour once it reaches 11 p.m. She asked for a motion to continue this meeting for half hour.
On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Donegan, it was voted to continue the meeting for half hour. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8.
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Councilman Ferri motioned to reduce Knightsville Phase II Project by $1,250,000. Council President Marino seconded the motion. Motion failed on a vote of 2-6. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri and Council President Marino -2. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas and Council Vice-President Vargas -6.
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On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Council Vice-President Vargas, it was voted to amend Fund #204-205 “Signal Upgrade” reducing it by $150,000. Motion failed on a vote of 3-5. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain and Council Vice-President Vargas -3. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas and Council President Marino -5.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to increase Revenue line item #49135 “COVID-19 Stimulus” to $4,717,621. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7. Councilwoman Germain was not present for roll call vote.
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On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to amend line item #52752 “Economic Development” to $12,000. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -7. Councilwoman Germain was not present for roll call vote.
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On motion by Councilman Paplauskas, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to increase Revenue in the ARPA COID-19 by $100,000 to allow for additional Fire vehicles for total of $4,817,621. Motion passed on a vote of 6-2. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -6. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilman Ferri and Councilwoman Germain -2.
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On motion by Councilman Paplauskas, seconded by Councilman Campopiano, it was voted to increase line item #52018 by $100,000 “Replacement of Fire Vehicles”. Motion passed on a vote of 6-2. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -6. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilman Ferri and Councilwoman Germain -2.
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RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET AND THE ATTACHED SALARY SCHEDULE FOR THE GENERAL FUND, THE SEWER FUND, ICE RINK FUND, THE INSURANCE FUND AND THE CAPITAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2023 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2024 AND ADOPTING THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE FOUR SUCCEEDING YEARS
On motion by Council Vice-President Vargas, seconded by Councilman Donegan, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 6-2. 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 and Councilman Paplauskas -2.
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ORDINANCE MAKING AN ANNUAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE CITY OF CRANSTON FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2023 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Donegan, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 6-2. 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 and Councilman Paplauskas -2.
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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ASSESSMENT OF VALUATIONS AND LEVY OF TAXES
On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 5-3. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Donegan, Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Campopiano and Councilman Paplauskas -3.
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ORDINANCE FIXING THE DATE WHEN TAXES ARE ASSESSSED, AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022 WILL BE DUE AND PAYABLE AND THE DATE WHEN UNPAID TAXES WILL CARRY A PENALTY
On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Council Vice-President Vargas, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 5-3. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Donegan, Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Campopiano and Councilman Paplauskas -3.
The meeting adjourned at 11:25 P.M.
Rosalba Zanni
Assistant City Clerk/Clerk of Committee