(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

 

-NOVEMBER 27, 2023-

 

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

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

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

 

II.        ROLL CALL

 

            Roll call showed the following members present:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan (left at 8:55 p.m.), Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas (appeared at 7:07 p.m.) and Council President Marino -9.

 

            Also Present:  Anthony Moretti, Chief of Staff; John Verdecchia, Assistant City Solicitor; Stephen Angell, City Council Legal Counsel; David DiMaio, City Council Budget Analyst.

 

 

III.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the body.

 

 

IV.       APPROVAL OF MINUTES   (votes may be taken)

 

• Approval of the minutes of the October 23, 2023 Regular Council Meeting       

 

            On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to approve the minutes of the October 23, 2023 regular meeting and they stand approved as recorded.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, and Council President Marino -8.  Council Vice-President Vargas was not present.

 

• Approval of the minutes of the October 23, 2023 Special Council Meeting       

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Donegan, it was voted to approve the minutes of the October 23, 2023 special meeting and they stand approved as recorded.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, and Council President Marino -8.  Council Vice-President Vargas was not present.

 

 

V.        PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS

 

            None

 

VI.       PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PUBLIC COMMENT  

           

Sarah Cody, 311 Doric Ave., Director of Cranston Health Equity Zone, appeared to speak in favor of  “Resolution proposing Recognition of the Community Builders Grant Program Funded by the OneCranston Health Equity Zone of Comprehensive Community Action, Inc. (CCAP) within each City Ward”.

 

Ellen Basso, Rhodes Elementary School Librarian and Student Council Mentor, appeared to speak in favor of  “Resolution proposing Recognition of the Community Builders Grant Program Funded by the OneCranston Health Equity Zone of Comprehensive Community Action, Inc. (CCAP) within each City Ward”.

 

Elaine Boucher, 43 Magnolia St., appeared to speak in favor of  “Resolution proposing Recognition of the Community Builders Grant Program Funded by the OneCranston Health Equity Zone of Comprehensive Community Action, Inc. (CCAP) within each City Ward”.

 

Elena Rios, 52 Valley St., Providence, Youth Services Librarian at Central Library, appeared to speak in favor of  “Resolution proposing Recognition of the Community Builders Grant Program Funded by the OneCranston Health Equity Zone of Comprehensive Community Action, Inc. (CCAP) within each City Ward”.

 

Annette Bourne, 51 Community Dr., appeared to speak via zoom in favor of  “Resolution proposing Recognition of the Community Builders Grant Program Funded by the OneCranston Health Equity Zone of Comprehensive Community Action, Inc. (CCAP) within each City Ward”.

 

Alana Deluty, 90 Sheffield Rd., appeared to speak in favor of proposed “Resolution Supporting ‘Complete Streets’ and stated that there are a lot of intersections that are really dangerous.

 

Daria Brashear, 1900 Broad St., appeared to speak in favor of proposed “Resolution Supporting ‘Complete Streets’.

 

 

VII.     RESOLUTIONS   

 

            None

 

 

VIII.    REPORTS OF COMMITTEES  

 

A.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Donegan, on the FINANCE COMMITTEE meeting held November 6, 2023

 

Consideration of Tax Interest Waiver Approvals for the month of October, 2023 as requested by the City Treasurer   

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, 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”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -9.

 

Consideration of Tax Interest Waiver Denials for the month of October, 2023 as requested by the City Treasurer  

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Council Vice-President Vargas, 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”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -9.

 

RESOLUTION Authorizing Real Estate Tax Abatements as recommended by the Tax Assessor  

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Wall, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -9.

 

RESOLUTION Authorizing Tangible Tax Abatements as requested by the Tax Assessor

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Council Vice-President Vargas, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -9.

 

RESOLUTION proposing Recognition of the Community Builders Grant Program Funded by the OneCranston Health Equity Zone of Comprehensive Community Action, Inc. (CCAP) within each City Ward; Sponsored by Councilman Ferri and Council President Marino; co-sponsored by Councilman Donegan, Councilwoman Renzulli, and Councilwoman Germain

 

            On motion by Councilwoman Renzulli, seconded by Councilman Wall, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -9.

 

Councilmen Campopiano, Paplauskas and Council Vice-President Vargas asked to be added as co-sponsors.

 

 

B.  Report from the Chair, Council Vice-President Vargas, on the PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE meeting held November 16, 2023

 

10-23-02   ORDINANCE in Amendment of Title 13 – Public Services, Chapter 13.08 of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled ‘Sewer Service System’; Sponsored by Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -9.

 

 

C.  Report from the Chair, Councilwoman Germain, on the CLAIMS COMMITTEE: 

      November 6, 2023 claims paid  

 

            No action needed.

 

 

IX.       PUBLIC COMMENT FOR UNDOCKETED ITEMS  

 

            Michael Hobin, 19 Plantation Dr., appeared to speak and requested a four-way stop sign in four crosswalks at the intersection of Plantation Dr., Elm Dr. and Magazine St.  Cars speed through the side streets and his concern is before and after schooltime.  There is a four-way stop sign at Poplar Dr. and Cypress Dr. not even close to the school.  There is a four-way stop sign at Plantation Dr. and Cypress Dr.  Magazine St. and Carney St. has a four-way stop sign.  Magazine and Capuano has a three-way stop sign.  He does not understand why there can’t be two more stop signs at that most busiest space of that new school.

 

 

X.        ELECTION/APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS    

 

APPOINTMENT of member of the City Council to serve on the Advisory Committee on Parks and Recreation through January 6, 2025; per Section 11.06 of the Cranston City

 

            On motion by Councilwoman Renzulli, seconded by Councilman Paplauskas, it was voted to appoint Councilman John Donegan as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -9.

 

APPOINTMENT of Robert Santurri, Jr. to the Tax Assessment Board of Review as Member 3, replacing Michael Saccoccio, for the term ending January 5, 2026; per Section 7.14 of the Cranston City Charter   

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Wall, it was voted to appoint Robert Santurri, Jr. as a member of the Tax Assessment Board of Review.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -9.

 

APPOINTMENT of Elisabeth Bettis as member of the Juvenile Hearing Board, replacing Stephen Quartino, for the term December 1, 2023 through December 1, 2026; per Ch. 2.72. of the Cranston Code of Ordinances  

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to appoint Elisabeth Bettis as a member of the Juvenile Hearing Board.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -9.

 

APPOINTMENT of Kathryn Crowley to the Juvenile Hearing Board as Alternate 1, replacing Elisabeth Bettis, for the term December 1, 2023 through December 1, 2024;

per Ch. 2.72. of the Cranston Code of Ordinances  

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to appoint Kathryn Crowley as Alternate #1 to the Juvenile Hearing Board.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -9.

 

RE-APPOINTMENT of Kristen Haroian to the Juvenile Hearing Board for the term December 1, 2023 through December 1, 2026; per Ch. 2.72. of the Cranston Code of Ordinances   

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to re-appoint Kristen Haroian as a member of the Juvenile Hearing Board.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -9.

 

 

XI.       REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS    

 

            None

 

 

XII.     EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS  

 

Legal Expense Analysis for the period of July 1, 2023 – November 21, 2023

 

            No discussion held.

 

From Planning Director Pezzullo, status report on the Comprehensive Plan  

 

            Director Pezzullo stated that plans are being worked on with consultant and staff and they are gathering data.  First elements are going to go live this month.  The first one they are starting with is the energy element and then they will be accelerating through the rest of the  new year.  First big public hearing on this is going to be late in January.  He will make sure everyone knows when that time comes.

 

 

XIII.    COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS  

RI Veterans Food Donation Drive sponsored by Council President Jessica Marino in support of Operation Stand Down RI from November 14 until November 30, 2023       

            Council President Marino reminded everyone of the RI Veterans Food Donation Drive to support Operation Standdown RI.  Food donations are still being collected at the Libraries, Police Department and Fire Stations.  Collections will be on December 1^st and delivered to Operation Standdown at that time.

XIV.    COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS  

 

From Councilwoman Renzulli:

   1.  Status of Open Grant Applications  (cont’d)

 

Director Moretti stated that outstanding grants would be four of them, three of which are federal funds.  $344,000 request for a new canine vehicle for the Police Department; $1,750,000 for further Knightsville infrastructure improvements; $1,500,000 for an expansion of Budlong Pool complex, Learn 365 Grant from what the State is executing with the use of their ARPA funds and Cranston now the allocation is just short of $7.2 million.

 

Councilwoman Renzulli asked Director Moretti when we should be hearing back on these and if there is anything we need to do in the meantime.  Director Moretti stated that the first three are in the federal hands.  Councilwoman Renzulli stated that in regards to the State grant, in terms of Center Grant, she asked if there is anything more on that.  Director Moretti stated that this, along with Councilwoman Germain’s discussion, as stated before, the deadlines are rapidly approaching.

 

From Council Vice President Vargas:

    1.  Property located at 1890 Broad Street

·      Who is the property owner?

·      Have they pulled any permits for demolition or construction?

·      Have they made any application to the planning or zoning board for renovation?

·      Has the building dept. or fire dept. inspected the property recently for health and safety; and if so, where are the reports?

·      Why is the property not secured?  It is next to a public school.

·      Has the state reached out to the city’s administration about possible development and use of the building?

 

Council Vice-President Marino stated that some of the questions she is asking have been brought to her attention by area residents.  Her concern is not to put a specific building or owner on the spot, but as everyone recalls, last year she believes, there was structural damage in that building and a lot of the residents from those units had to be evacuated immediately under a previous ownership.  Area residents have brought to her attention that there is a safety concern and it is next to a school.  She wants to make sure that the permits are up to Code.  Permits she had seen and posted on the building are from two years ago.  She questioned how long the permits that are being issued valued for and if there is an expiration date on the permits.  Director Moretti stated that the demo permit was pulled on January 11, 2022.  Subsequent to that, on July 21, 2022, rebuild and construction permit for the exterior staircase and balconies were pulled. Construction been reported that has been in process and per the Building Inspector, as long as they are progressing, the permit would still be active.

 

Solicitor stated that when permits are pulled in the City, work has to commence within six months, he believes, after that, the permit expires, but once you begin construction, the only requirement is that it be done in a reasonably speedy fashion.  Work just needs to begin within that allotted time period.

 

Council Vice-President Vargas asked that Director Moretti follow up with her via e-mail regarding the permit.

 

From Councilwoman Germain:

1.      Discussion on Park Theater proposal

·         Update on the 360 Learn grant.

·         Why isn’t the Park Theater considered?

 

Councilwoman Germain asked to  make a statement of why she is bringing this issue up for discussion this evening and started reading the statement.  Attorney Angell stated that we have stick to the agenda item and political statements cannot be made on the floor.  Councilwoman Germain stated that she is giving background for why she is bringing the item up for discussion.  She does not understand what is controversial in this why she is saying why she is bringing this discussion.

 

Council President Marino stated that Attorney Angell and she believes Solicitor Verdecchia was going to state the same, that it is not controversial, it is about compliance with Open Meetings Act and they just want to make certain that Councilwoman Germain complies with the agenda item and speak to that and not make broader statements relative to things that she has mentioned.

 

Solicitor stated that those comments simply do not comport to what is listed as Council Communication.  Statements being made by Councilwoman Germain, in his opinion, this is in clear violation of Open Meetings Act.  If Councilwoman Germain does not want to follow legal advice, that is one thing, but they have an obligation to protect the City.

 

Director Moretti stated that the question regarding Park Theatre proposal, there was never a proposal.  There was a meeting with the Mayor, Council President, Council Minority Leader, head of CCAP, President of School Committee, Superintendent as a brainstorming session.  One of the considerations or point of discussion or potential opportunity was the Park Theatre.  It never became a proposal.

 

Solicitor stated that we need to confine the discussion to Park Theatre only.  Talking about other proposals or other locations is going beyond what is listed on the docket.

 

Councilwoman Germain asked that the issue of Park Theatre proposal be continued to the Finance Committee meeting

 

Councilman Donegan stated that, as Chair of Finance Committee, he asked that Councilwoman Germain, if she has a list of questions, she send them in advance of the Finance meeting to him, Solicitor and Administration.  He also asked Solicitor to assist in crafting appropriate and refined language suitable for the agenda that will allow for appropriate and refined discussion on this matter.

 

Director Moretti stated that in speaking with the Governor’s Office, he believes the timeframe is that the application needs to be in by next Monday and it might be a moot point to have this heard subsequent to that.

 

   2.  Dangerous traffic at the intersection of Park Ave. and Pontiac and Rolfe Square

·         Would there be a change for a fix?

 

Councilwoman Germain stated that this issue came about out of observations and recent complaint of the danger at the intersection of Park Ave., Pontiac and Rolfe Square.  This intersection is very dangerous and there are many accidents that happened there and she asked what can be done, if there can be a change or a fix of possibly another light for left turn.  Director Moretti stated that he would be happy to speak to the Traffic Engineer and also run some accident reports and talk to the Police to get historical data.

 

 

XV.     COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS CARRIED OVER  

 

             None

 

 

XVI.    INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS  

 

New Business items are listed for reference and for a vote to be referred to the appropriate Council sub-committee for a public hearing.

 

11-23-01   ORDINANCE in Amendment of Title 10, Chapter 32, Section 225 of the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled ‘No Parking – Commercial Vehicles’; Sponsored by Councilman Campopiano; to be referred to the Ordinance Committee December 7, 2023   

 

11-23-02   ORDINANCE in Amendment of Title 5 – Business Licenses and Regulation, Chapter 16, of the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled ‘Amusement Machines and Pool Tables’; Sponsored by Councilman Ferri; to be referred to Safety Services & Licenses Committee December 4,

 

RESOLUTION   Supporting “Complete Streets”; Sponsored by Councilman Donegan and Councilman Ferri; referred to the Public Works Committee December 7, 2023

 

RESOLUTION   Transferring $242,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act Funds Allocated for the Purpose of Improving City of Cranston School Playgrounds; Sponsored by Council Vice-President Vargas and Councilwoman Renzulli; referred to the Finance Committee December 4, 2023  

 

RESOLUTION   Supporting a legislative act of the Rhode Island General Assembly that enables the City of Cranston to seek approval of its voters to issue bonds and notes for the construction, purchase, and/or acquisition of land and buildings, renovation, landscaping, rehabilitation, repair, improvements, furnishing, and equipping of and/or additions to Cranston Public School buildings; Sponsored by Council President Marino, Councilwoman Renzulli, and Councilman Donegan; Referred to the Finance Committee December 4, 2023  [Legislation]

 

CLAIMS to be referred to the Claims Committee meeting of November 6, * December 4, 2023 as follows:   

 

TYPE OF CLAIM                CLAIMANT             DATE OF ALLEGED INCIDENT

Prop. Damage & Injury         Roberto J. Perretta                 July 6, 2023

Property Damage                   Eugene Dybala                       September 25, 2023

Property Damage                   Wendy Zimman Smith           October 13, 2023

Property Damage                   Michael R. Hayden                October 21, 2023

Property Damage                   John Casey                             November 13, 2023

Bodily Injury                          Danny Rodriguez                   October 13, 2023

                                                (on behalf of minor child)

 

            On motion by Councilman Wall, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to take all the new business as a block.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8.  Councilman Paplauskas was not present for roll call vote.

 

            Council President Marino indicated a scrivener’s error – proposed Ordinance 11-23-02 should be referred to Safety Services and Licenses Committee on December 4^th.

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Wall, it was voted to refer the above new business to the respective Committees.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli,  Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino -8.  Councilman Paplauskas was not present for roll call vote.

 

 

XVII.  ITEMS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY    

 

Proposed 2024 City Council / Committee meeting schedule

 

Proposed 2024 Planning Commission calendar

 

Proposed 2024 Quarter 1 Municipal Court calendar  

  

            No action needed on above three items.

 

 

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT

 

 

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:15 P.M.

 

 

 

                       

Rosalba Zanni

Assistant City Clerk/Clerk of Committees

 

 

 

 

(See Stenographic Notes of Ron Ronzio, Stenotypist)

 

 

Minutes approved as written December 18, 2023

 

 

Attest:  ________________________________

                      Tracy A. Nelson, City Clerk